This combination antivirus software and firewall software package attempts to be a complete solution to the problem of protecting your computer against Internet-based threats. Like many all-in-one products, PC-cillin Internet Security 2006 is better at some things than others. The antivirus component delivers above average accuracy at detecting viruses, worms and other malicious programs, but the spyware and firewall components need a little work.

PC-cillin is easy to install. The installer performs a basic scan of your system before installing the program. If it finds any infected files, it will either clean them or delete them. Following the instructions in the user guide, you can visit a special web site and download test files to ensure that the program was installed correctly and is working properly.

The main screen is icon-based, and easy to navigate. Accessing any of the individual components is as easy as clicking an icon. The main screen also displays the date the program was last updated (manually or automatically), and the date of the last system scan (manual or automatic).

PC-cillin offers three virus scanning options: automatic, manual, and scheduled. Trend also has built in scanning options for vulnerability assessment, scanning for spyware, web based scanning and other options. PC-cillin automatically scans all incoming and outgoing mail and any attachments, as well as all files, regardless of source. It can also check web-based mail.

There are two basic program update options, manual and automatic. You can manually check for updates at any time. You can set PC-cillin to search for updates every three hours (the default and recommended setting) or every 12 hours.

A Privacy Protection feature can block personal information from being sent via email, instant message or web-based form.

Of particular interest to mobile (and some home) users, PC-cillin protects wireless networks as well as wired networks. It will immediately alert you if an unauthorized intruder attempts to access your wireless network.


Pro: Easy to install and configure. Above average accuracy at detecting viruses and other malicious programs. Supports wired and wireless networks. Can automatically search for updates as often as every three hours, as long as you maintain an Internet connection. Includes parental controls for blocking potentially offensive web site content.
Con: Does not automatically perform a full scan of your system after installation. Firewall component is less effective than dedicated firewall software. The spyware component is relatively effective, but intrusive. Limited configuration options for more advanced users.