Kaspersky Total Security

An all-round antivirus for discerning users

Kaspersky Total Security is the antivirus giant's latest offering; an amazingly complete anti-virus solution that aims to protect almost every aspect of the user's online and offline life.

The Kaspersky Total Security interface isn't very slick, but it is easy-to-use and very accessible. It's divided into 7 areas. My Computer Protection (the antivirus), My Backup and My Parental Control make up the main three, with My System Tune-Up, My Encryption, My Virtual Keyboard and My Password Manager bringing up the rear.

There is an awful lot to Kaspersky Total Security, but all of it is well-explained and simple to figure out. Almost all of the features have a wizard, and there are two levels of control available, one for people who would prefer minimal interaction and another for those who want more control.

The Kaspersky Total Security settings menu is ample and has some great features that make using the program a pleasure. The best of them include a gaming mode, folder encryption and some of the most comprehensive parental control elements I have ever seen.

Unfortunately, there is a price to pay for this excellence. Kaspersky Total Security is extremely resource-hungry, and will all but paralyze a less powerful computer. The installation process is long and drawn-out, and the scans take a very long time. Ultimately, prospective users will need to take a long look at Kaspersky Total Security before deciding if their computer - and patience - has what it takes to make the most of an excellent security program.

Kaspersky Total Security is an impressive program, but recommended only for users with high spec machines.