A three-PC licence as standard, superb silent interface and effective security utilities make Norton 360 a tempting buy.

WhatsUp Gold ups the ante by providing all the tools to monitor network device status and performance.

AVCHD support and some useful new effects keep this as the leading entry-level video editor.

With its enhanced interface, support for transparency and new collaboration features, it’s the best release in years.

A highly usable all-round security suite, but ultimately a strong runner-up rather than a new champion.

Improved interface, object and layer handling, plus integrated 3D painting add greatly to power, usability and value

A highly polished, enthralling 3D guide to the universe, although it lacks convincing reasons to upgrade.

New multiple page support and improved text handling, but the program’s main strength remains its underlying speed.

New realism for bristled brushes and automatic painting that approaches manual quality give Painter X an edge.

A familiar face with a new name, and it offers support for a wider range of systems than before.

A comprehensive set of security tools in one package, with a convenient and easy-to-use interface.

Live’s standing as a general-purpose music-production environment continues to grow.

Refocusing on disc-related features makes Nero the top choice for optical disc authoring.

A useful, versatile partition-management tool that can cope with most current file and disk systems.

A tried-and-tested backup system that can easily cope with changing network environments.

True Image provides a simple but effective disaster-recovery system, with useful data backup facilities.

Easy to setup, easy to use, and very powerful - perfect for small business