BitDefender Total Security 2012 v15.0.38

BitDefender Total Security 2012 is a very comprehensive security suite.

The lengthy feature list includes everything you'd expect, then: strong antivirus, an accurate spam filter, configurable firewall, browsing protection, and multiple layers of real-time protection to catch malware before it's able to cause any damage.

But that's just the start. You also get capable parental controls, solid file encryption, chat encryption to protect your conversations on Yahoo! and MSN Messenger, online backup and file sync tools, and even a tune-up module that will clear redundant files and Registry keys from your PC.

The latest 2012 edition of the suite includes many new features.

Scan Dispatcher ensures that antivirus scans are only run when your PC is idle, for instance, so they won't affect other tasks.

If the program finds it can't remove deeply embedded malware, like rootkits, then it's now able to reboot into Rescue Mode, a trusted environment where it's easier to detect threats, remove them and clean up your system.

Integrated cloud technologies now ensure faster responses to new threats. The Autopilot will automatically make the best security decisions on your behalf, which means no hassles from pop-ups or alerts (unless you want to see them). And the suite's remote management features allow you to maintain the security of your entire network from one central location.

More controversially, the 2012 range offers a brand new user-interface. This is quite a departure from the previous version. The jury is out on whether it's a positive move (to re-design the UI).

The 64-bit version version of Total Security 2012 is certainly light, fast and rather impressive. A brand new UI is going to be like marmite for some - you'll either love or hate it.