The bottom line:
The new Kaspersky Anti-Virus for 2012 introduces a dual cloud-and-local security system bundled under an overhauled interface that's both easy to use and familiar. The suite's scans aren't the fastest, but it definitely will protect you.

Review: 
Kaspersky Anti-Virus continues to provide users with a high level of protection that includes security tools not offered by many competitors. The 2012 version won't change the face of personal computer security, although this particular package of security options has attracted enough devotees to make it a best-selling program, both in and out of the security field. A one-user license for Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2011 retails for $39.95.

Editors' note: Portions of this review are based on CNET's review of Kaspersky Internet Security 2012.

Installation: 
Installing Kaspersky 2012 was not the chore that installing last year's version was. Kaspersky 2011 was plagued by a bug that would halt the installation process if even minor Registry keys from competing suites were detected. The 2012 version had a smooth and fuss-free install, and although it didn't demand a reboot once completed, we found that registering the program wouldn't take until after a system reboot was completed. Basically, you're on the hook for a reboot here. It's annoying, and there's nothing to be done about it because of the deep hooks into your system that security suites require.