Assessment takes into account the installation, configuration and normal day-to-day use of the product; the clarity and simplicity of the user interface; built-in and online user help such as guidance, help menu and options; and ease of keeping the software up to date.

Testing includes on-demand scanning, both connected to and disconnected from the internet; real-world protection, using known malicious websites including so-called drive-by websites, plus malware infections from connected media such as a USB flash drive; current malware detection, which includes the speed at which software is updated to address emerging threats; URL protection, which includes blocking online malware, especially phishing websites such as false banking and social media sites.

Assesses the software's use of disk space and memory, plus its effect on boot time and common tasks such as program launch and use, file copying and file compression and decompression.

Facilitates creation of a bootable USB key that can start up the computer to isolate it from malware while allowing complete scanning of the computer and operating system.

Password protection of settings to protect against changes by unauthorised users.

Does the software automatically check for updates for apps to help avoid security loopholes of older software.

A variety of features which allow setting restrictions on content.