Yahoo has launched an internet security software suite that offers antivirus and a firewall. 

The application is available online from Yahoo's home page at an introductory price of $49.99.

The suite's functionality is similar to Symantec's Norton Internet Security application which retails at $69.95.

The offering comes one month after Microsoft launched its Onecare consumer security suite.

Symantec is best known as an enterprise brand and the partnership deal with Yahoo aims to allow the firm to better reach consumers.

AOL meanwhile has teamed up with McAfee for its forthcoming 'Total Care' product.

Yahoo and Symantec also will cooperate to distribute additional security-related tools from both companies, including an anti-spyware scanner plug-in for the Yahoo desktop and a toolbar that Symantec will distribute with its consumer security products.

Symantec already supplies its virus scanning technology to users of the Yahoo Mail service.