Panda Internet Security Platinum 2007 attempts to deliver a number of Internet security features, including web filtering, but its performance doesn't quite live up to its promise.

Platinum 2007 performs a pre-installation scan to look for and delete spyware. You have the option to anonymously send information to Panda Software about any attacks or viruses detected on your system, to help build a worldwide database of information.

We found the user interface to be so clean and straightforward it was almost confusing. The default Status screen has three main sections: Security protection, which displays the number of viruses, spyware, and unknown threats detected in the last month, as well as the date, time, and type of most recent incident; Unwanted content filters, which displays the number of spam messages received and web pages blocked in the past month; and Updates and subscription, which lets you know the date the program was last updated. Each section has a Settings link, so you can check and update the settings at any time.

The Parental Control feature isn't as all-encompassing or effective as dedicated web filtering programs. It includes preset profiles for various age groups, and allows you to block access to inappropriate web sites; you can also create custom profiles, as well as add sites to blacklists or whitelists. It lets you control or monitor chat or instant messaging software conversations. It can block personal information from being sent over a web page -- but not via chat or instant messaging. There are also no time management features, so you can't set time limits on Internet access.

Panda Internet Security Platinum 2007 isn't a bad solution for protecting your computer and your family, but its web-filtering tools aren't particularly impressive.


Pros: Easy to use, includes the option to search for and install updates automatically on at least a daily basis, provides broad protection against Internet threats, although not as deep protection as some other solutions
Cons: Web filtering feature isn't installed by default, a plus for households that don't need it; parental control features aren't as comprehensive as dedicated web filtering software programs; effectiveness of other features is middle of the road