Review: Webroot Internet Security Essentials

Webroot Internet Security Essentials (Wise), launched in the UK last month, is aimed squarely at home and home/office users, and adds an online backup service for extra security.

Installation of the 36MB package takes under 10 minutes, less if you defer downloading definition updates until after the base program is installed. Users can also opt for the Webroot 'Ask' toolbar and search assistant to be integrated with Internet Explorer.

Webroot licenses its anti-virus detection engine from enterprise vendor Sophos, and on first startup Wise steps through an initial setup wizard, which kicks off with a system memory scan to check for malware processes already running on the system.

The wizard then invites users to join Webroot's Automated Research Network, allowing information to be returned to Webroot's labs for processing and forensic analysis for incorporation into its threat definition updates. We are of the opinion that users signing up for this should get something in return, such as the ability to install Wise on an extra PC.

After this step, users can opt to schedule a computer 'clean-up' and the main threat sweep. Clean-up involves deleting internet, Windows and third-party application items, with the option to recover these files if required.

The final piece of configuration is to set up the online backup by selecting a standard username and password. The service comes with 2GB free, and the option to add more space if needed. However, on clicking the 'Increase Online Storage Space' URL, we were taken to a web page informing us that we were already using the 'maximum amount of backup space'. But on some installs of Wise on other systems we did get the option of upgrading our online storage space, albeit with prices quoted in dollars: $8.33 (£5.77) for 5GB up to $58.33 (£40.44) for 50GB.

The service initially backs up the logged on user's Desktop, Favourites, My Documents and My Pictures data. But subsequent backups can be used to store any data on the system, and users can schedule when backups occur.

We then downloaded the 34MB of security definitions, giving a total of more than 937,000, after which we were invited to register. The user interface is similar to Webroot's other malware products, such as its AntiVirus and Spy Sweeper packages, and is probably the easiest to use on the market.