Verizon Internet Security Suite Review

VISS runs on 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista with the exception of the starter edition, as well as on 32-bit versions of Windows XP Home, Professional and Media Center. Windows XP users of VISS Wi-Fi Security need SP2 at the least.

Minimum hardware computer requirements are 350 MB of hard disk space, 256 MB of RAM, a Pentium II 300 MHz or faster CPU as well as a display which supports a resolution of 800 x 600 at the least.

The installation of VISS couldn’t be easier. The first screen lets you decide whether or not you will help making the product better by submitting information to Verizon. The setup wizard then displays the install path, which unfortunately seems to be hard coded, and the installation then proceeds. After restarting your systems, the software checks for applications known to conflict with VSS. A preliminary scan for malware concludes the setup. The entire process is speedy and extremely straightforward.

The very nice, compact GUI displays all services and their status in My Services. The on/off menu lets you easily disable or enable an item, and a click on the name opens pertinent configuration options. They can alternatively be accessed in the left pane menu bar. The interface makes navigation extremely easy and the My Services view is so good that it almost renders the menu buttons redundant.

Verizon Internet Security Suite has the standard configuration items you would expect but, by cutting out some options that many people would not use, the interface is kept clean and uncluttered. For example, there is no option to set an update schedule - the program simply updates itself once every 3 hours. While some people may not like this loss of control, it does keep the program easy to use. The VISS Firewall is equally streamlined: it's easy to use and to configure. A helpful taskbar notification pop ups when an application has been blocked.

What has been said for the anti-virus part is also true for the anti-spyware module of VISS with the exception that programs can be trusted if you want. Advanced Protection is a service which constantly monitors your computer for suspicious activity of malware. VISS Fraud Protection is the synonym for anti-phishing by means of checking Browser URLs with an online database of scam sites.

Wi-Fi Security monitors your wireless connections and tightens security settings in appropriate situations - for example, when you're connecting through a wireless hotspit. Ad-hoc wireless networks are automatically disconnected unless trusted. An additional service is the Parental Control feature which offers a service exceeding that of Microsoft Vista’s integrated child protection and Internet safety software.

PC Tune-Up is a performance optimization service which lets you defragment your system’s hard disk and clean up unused files and temporary objects.

Should you be the victim of nagging pop-ups, just enable the VISS Pop-up blocker.

Privacy Manager lets you configure cookies and automatically remove tracking information from your computer. It also helps prevent certain protected information from leaving your computer. This feature performed great during my tests, so I really recommended that it be turned on (it's disabled by default).

Online backup as well as online sharing can be enabled for an additional service charge.

As a non-Verizon subscriber I was skeptical whether VISS would be useful for me and up to expectations. After analyzing and testing the product I have come to the conclusion that Verizon Internet Security Suite version 8 can be recommend as a managed end-to-end solution for Verizon customers as well as for other any user with an Internet connection looking for a set and forget Internet Safety solution. Yet, it is recommended taking into account the updates in the articles as well as the feedback from our readers found in the comments section on the last page.

The help menu is perfectly integrated into the interface and context sensitive. VISS help information is well structured, readable and understandable. The online help including the knowledge base does a great job, too! Technical phone is support available but comments indicate Verizon could perhaps improve there; easy to find email contact information would be an asset, too.

The Verizon Internet Security Suite costs only $5.99 a month for three computers, and the first 30 days are free. That puts its pricing roughly on par with products such as Trend Micro Internet Security Pro ($69.95) and Norton Internet Security ($69.99).