Internet security software usually includes all the protection of an anti-virus package combined with functionality to enable a safer web browsing and web transaction experience. A number of manufacturers have already released their 2012 edition - here we take a look at the best of them.

Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2012

R199 for one user, for one year

Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2012 offers an intuitive interface that is aimed at being easy to install, along with "set-and-forget security" which has cut down on alerts and pop-ups. Additional features include data theft protection, which prevents protected data from going into web pages, email messages or instant messaging, spam blocking and customisable parental controls to keep kids safe online. www.sahara.co.za

VIPRE Antivirus Premium lifetime edition

R450 for one user, for a lifetime version

VIPRE distinguishes itself by offering lifetime licenses, meaning you buy it once and it will keep on updating your software under that license. Others include a year long license, which means the software will keep on protecting the PC, but will no longer update its database. The Premium edition combines anti-virus and anti-spyware features into a single tool, while a web filter blocks annoying online ads and email scanning ensures clean and clear email. A firewall is included, which can be set up in either the Simple or Learning mode, depending on your tech-savviness. www.vipreantivirus.com

Kaspersky Internet Security 2012

R399 for one user, for one year

Kaspersky's 2012 edition includes their hybrid approach to PC security, which brings together the latest information about malware threats from the cloud with the security capabilities provided by KIS 2012 installed on the PC. Improvements to parental control ensures safe searches and can also restrict the amount of time kids spend online, while File Adviser checks the safety of a file with one click. www.kaspersky.co.za.

Read our full review: bit.ly/kasp12

Bitdefender Internet Security 2012

R399 for one user, for one year

The latest Bit-defender version keeps your conversations on Yahoo! and MSN Messenger private, while it also filters social-networking specific e-threats by scanning links you receive from your Facebook and Twitter stream. Also onboard is the new Rescue Mode that re-boots your PC in a trusted environment when e-threats can't be removed in the regular Windows environment. www.bitdefender.co.za

AVG Internet Security 2012

R299 for two users, for one year

AVG Internet Security 2012 offers new protection technologies, computer performance enhance-ments and content download acceleration. It boasts multi-layered protection, utilising signature-based antivirus, heuristics and behavior-based threats detection, while being the lightest, fastest and smallest AVG product to date. An internet-security package well worth considering. www.avg.com/za

ESET Smart Security 5

R538 for one user, for one year

ESET Smart Security 5 provides real-time protection against internet threats and social media exploits via Live Grid, advanced heuristic detection technology which flags never-before-seen malware, an improved firewall and antispam. The software also scans all USB flash drives, memory cards and CDs/DVDs for malware and features a gamer mode, which postpones all pop-up windows, updates or other activities to conserve resources. www.eset.co.za

Norton Internet Security 2012

R520 for three users, for one year

Key features and usability improvements in the new version include Norton Identity Safe in the Cloud, which protects personal and financial information from cybercriminals, a streamlined interface and a simplified login experience. New Norton Management functionality enables users to manage their Norton products from anywhere, and fix issues remotely, while Norton Insight automatically identifies and blocks never before seen malicious software. http://za.norton.com

This article first appeared in the October 2011 issue of TechSmart magazine.