We start the Ghacks Christmas Giveaway with Kaspersky Pure, Kaspersky’s top of the line product that combines all features of Kaspersky Internet Security, Kaspersky Antivirus and then some. Security companies in recent years have improved their applications in many regards, and one of the more recent trends is the addition of modules that have ties to security, like data backups for instance. Kaspersky Pure delivers on that offering comprehensive computer security and data management to its users.
Kaspersky Pure information are available on the software’s main website at Kaspersky. Before we delve into the review it may be a good idea to compare the program to Kaspersky Antivirus and Kaspersky Internet Security.
The product comparison chart is available here. In short: Kaspersky Pure’s unique features are a password manager and disaster recovery backup. In addition, it offers feature enhanced versions of the home network security, PC security tuneup and digital identity protection modules:
- Digital Identity Protection: Ensures safe shopping and banking online; protects your personal data (e.g. credit card numbers, etc.) from online theft
- Password Manager: Stores and encrypts your personal usernames and passwords in one secure location; automatically logs you in to your favorite websites and auto-complete forms. Includes portable version that allows carrying your passwords with you on an USB stick.
- Disaster recovery (backup): Automatically backs up data, which can be restored in the event of a loss, and select backup media
- PC Security Tune-up: Scans your operating system and programs for vulnerabilities; tunes up system settings for better security; recovers and repairs a virus-damaged/infected system with the help of a Rescue Disc (CD)
- Home Network Security: Guards your home network with the help of a two-way firewall; blocks external security threats, such as malicious programs, files, scripts that can cause damage to your computer and data; increases security of your Wi-Fi connections
Kaspersky Pure Review
The main interface of Kaspersky Pure consists of three different areas. The top area links to the program settings and displays a security state assessment (e.g. your computer security is at risk) with a fix it now button. The main area that links to program modules and provides information about them and the footer with license information and help.
A click on Fix it now is probably the first thing that most users will do. This opens a new window listing all computer protection problems.
One interesting option here is to hide messages. This is for instance useful if a module is disabled that is not needed. The computer shows up as protected if all issues have been resolved or problems have been hidden.
A click on an entry in the main area leads directly to that modules page in Kaspersky Pure. The three main modules at the top offer Quick Tasks which display links to specific tasks directly in the main interface. The Computer Protection Quick Tasks for instance link to pausing the protection, running a full scan or running an update.
Backup and Restore is one of the options that is only available in Kaspersky Pure. The user can create backup tasks that backup selected data on the system. One interesting feature here is that it is possible to select folders and all files in that folder, or specific file categories like images, financial documents, documents or audio / video files with options to create custom categories so that specific file types or groups of files are backed up when that category is selected.
Kaspersky Pure supports backups on removable drives, local and network drives and ftp servers. Backups can be password protected for additional security. It is furthermore possible to save an unlimited number of file versions or restrict the number of file versions or storage period for file versions. Backups can be run according to a schedule or only on manual user request.
Kaspersky Pure offers other interesting features like encrypted storage containers to store data safely, a password manager that can be used with Pure or as a portable version. The authorization method can be a password, USB or Bluetooth device or no authorization at all (which is obviously not recommended).
Previously I have criticized security software companies who added extensions and plugins to web browsers during installation without asking the user to do so. Kaspersky has changed that behavior. The password manager for instance offers extensions for Chrome, Firefox and Thunderbird. These only get installed if the user activates and configures the password manager in the program.
The password manager recommends to disable the internal password manager of the application and offers extensive importing options from web browsers, Roboform or KeePass.
Many modules are only activated when the user initiates it. That’s excellent as it reduces the clutter in the application and impact on other programs on the computer.
Kaspersky Pure Verdict
The security program introduces several excellent changes to previous versions. Especially the ability to activate programs on demand only and the installation of extensions on request are features that need to be mentioned again.
Kaspersky Pure adds well thought out modules to the application, a powerful backup, password manager and data encryption. The program used roughly 70 Megabytes of ram while running on the computer, an acceptable figure, especially since it does not use lots of cpu cycles when it is running.
Kaspersky Pure is the right software for users who want an all in one security solution that includes data backup and disaster recovery. The only minor gripe that I have with it is the inability to remove modules from the main screen. Parental controls are for instance displayed prominently, even if they are not used at all.
Kaspersky Pure Installation
The installation of Kaspersky Pure offers options to customize the software program. Users who want to do that need to check the Custom Installation option on the welcome screen. Computer users who prefer the full package without customizing the security software can simply click next without checking the box.
The second decision that users have to make during installation of Pure is whether they want to join the Kaspersky Security Network. If they do Kaspersky Pure will automatically submit information and files / part of files to Kaspersky for further analysis.
Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) is an online service infrastructure that helps to protect the users, speeds up the product’s response to new malware, and minimizes false positives. Quality of these services depends on quantity of participants of KSN.
Users who have selected custom installation in the first screen can now remove modules from the installation. They may for instance want to remove parental controls from the software if they live without children or minors.
The installation does not take long and an activation screen is displayed in the end. Users with a Kaspersky Pure license can enter the license to fully activate the software, everyone else can opt for a trial of the software that offers all features of the product and expires after 30 days.
One interesting option is the ability to password protect Kaspersky Pure with a admin password. This can be helpful to prevent unauthorized attempts to disable or modify settings.
The installation wizard displays additional options to the user afterwards. Users need to select a protection mode. The options are to let Kaspersky Pure make most of the decisions (which means less prompts for user input), or make the decisions individually which means more control and prompts obviously.
Kaspersky Pure displays a prompt right after installation that reminds the user to update the program databases to install the latest virus definition files and modules.
A free trial version of Kaspersky Pure is available at the Kaspersky website.
Giveaway
Kaspersky donated ten licenses of Kaspersky Pure for the giveaway. The software retails at $99.95 and is good for installation on up to three PCs. For a chance to win a license you need to do the following:
Post your current security setup in the comments here at Ghacks.
We would like to know what you are currently using to protect your computer system. Winners will be randomly selected amongst all commenters who post their setup in the comments. This year we are going to announce the winners in the Ghacks forum, so make sure you check the forum, more specifically in this thread. You may also find information on next day’s software there. Good luck to all participants.
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Hoi Martin, i have a firewall in main router, Eset nod 32 antivirus, Trojan remover
currently using Norton IS 2011 on all PC’s.
I am running Microsoft Security Essentials on all my machines
No security solution, just my random instincts :-)…
I use the free AVG program.
I use AVG version which came with my laptop.
I am using Avast Pro on one machine, AVG on the other – but this Kaspersky offer is a very nice offer!
I use ESET NOD32 and Comodo Firewall. I run SUPERAntispyware every now and then to be safe.
Free Comodo Internet Security Suite
I depend on Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Firewall protecting both my laptop & desktop. Additionally I also use Spyware Blaster to secure against bad ActiveX/cookies/websites and Emsisoft Emergency Kit (portable) as a 2nd scanner.
I use AVG Pro. Just updated to 2011
It’s Internet Security now – not Pro
laptop: kis 11, other computer oupost + nod32 combo
Currently running Trend micro Titanium IS trial after jumping from Panda Cloud and Immunet. I did find some unusual lag from time to time though especially when using FF.
Great deal ! I use avira antivir premium & outpost security suite 7 free
Hi,
on my laptop i’m using Avira Premium Security Suite and Lavasoft Ad-Aware Freeware.
On my desktop i’m using Avira AntiVir Premium, Comodo Firewall and Lavasoft Ad-Aware Freeware.
I use KIS 2009, but an update to Pure would be nice ;)
i use Avira Freeware Antivirus protection
tnx very much for giveaway
i’ve got microsoft security essentials
thanks for this nice presentation.
I am currently using Avira Antivir Personal; PC Tools Firewall Pro; WOT for Firefox.
Would love it if I am lucky enough to win a copy of Kaspersky Pure.
choose me :D
I use norton internet security 2011
AVG Free, NoScript for FF and common sense ;)
zemani keylogger,zone alarm firewall,and microsoft essentials.
Currently I use Microsoft Security Essentials + Comodo Firewall.
Thanx for your Christmas givaways :)
I use Symantec EP & ASA firewall
Used Panda Cloud Pro, but it’s very simple for me…
Now I use Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 and SMADAV (Indonesian Antivirus), and its a good combination,
I am currently using Emsisoft Anti-Malware + Online Armor Free on my laptop, and AVG Free 2011 + Online Armor Free on my desktop.
Would be lovely if I am lucky enough to win a copy of Kaspersky Pure.
Thank you.
I’m using Panda Cloud Antivirus+Zonealarm free version+Sandboxie
My current setup is:
Antivirus: PC Tools AV (not pleased at all…)
Antimalware: Super Antispyware