Security vendor Trend Micro is looking to launch an anti-virus suite designed to keep computers running smoothly while still protecting them from malware.

The company said that Internet Security 2010 will reduce the footprint of anti-virus software, allowing systems to run faster and with fewer interruptions.

Erik Hutslar, director of consumer product management at Trend Micro, explained that the move addresses a common complaint that anti-virus software hogs resources and slows performance.

"They consider it a necessary evil, but they want to get back use of their computers," he said.

To this end, Trend Micro claims to have slimmed down the consumer anti-virus line without hampering performance, cutting the download size and disk performance, and reducing memory usage.

Part of the improvement is due to the company's Smart Protection Network. The platform uses cloud computing and peer-to-peer concepts to allow home and enterprise users to report new malware activity, and receive updates without the need for large signature updates or extended periods when users remain vulnerable.

Hutslar believes that these efforts have begun to pay off. Internet Security 2010 features a 20 per cent smaller hard drive requirement, and uses 30 per cent less memory when running than previous editions. Download size and scan speeds have also been significantly reduced.

He added that, while policy restrictions may stop some IT departments running Internet Security 2010 packages on corporate networks, the offerings should still provide excellent protection for home office and remote workers.

Trend Micro is offering Internet Security 2010 in three packages: a basic AntiVirus+AntiSpyware edition, a mid-range Internet Security edition and a Premium Internet Security Pro bundle. The packages are priced at $39.95, $49.95 and $69.95 (£24.25, £30.30 and £42.45) respectively.