Note: I received “Internet Security Barrier X5: Backup Edition” and “Internet Security Barrier X5: Antispam Edition” to install and review. Both packages include NetBarrier X5 and VirusBarrier X5. The Backup Edition also includes Personal Backup X5, while the Antispam Edition includes Personal Antispam X5. I chose to install the Antispam Edition.
The Internet Security Barrier package promises “a variety of tools to keep your Mac secure.” In fact, the sheer number of features and options in each module might intimidate a novice user (like me!). For example, the NetBarrier module alone allows eight detailed configuration menus for firewall, privacy, and antivandal defense. Here is the “Antivandal Policy” menu
Very comforting to see “Number of detected attacks: 0 Since: First NetBarrier launch”!
The Personal Antispam module offers a whole range of properties you can use for filtering email, including attachment type:
Personal Antispam also adds a convenient menu to your mailbox, allowing you to “teach” the program on the fly:
Internet Security Barrier was easy to install and does its thing quietly, reminding you of its presence only when there are new virus definitions and other updates available. (If you need an incentive to install the updates, you merely need to peek at the list of Trojan Horses, with names like “Portal of Doom.”)
The interface is attractive and uses plain English for labeling selections (such as “Send cookies only to these sites”).
Intego has just released Internet Security Barrier X6, which now rolls all these modules into one and adds parental controls. A standard license protects up to two Macs for $79.95. Based on my experience with the X5 version, I’d say that’s a deal.
Do I recommend it?
Based on my experience with the X5 version, I would definitely recommend purchasing the just-released Internet Security Barrier X6, which now rolls all the available modules into one and adds parental controls. A standard license protects up to two Macs for $79.95. I'd say that's a deal.