The Vista version lacks many of the features of the XP suite, while slowing down the PC noticeably in usage

Protect your PC from itself and yourself

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

A best-of-breed approach to Internet security pays off. This flexible and resource-friendly suite returns to the A-List.

We knew that Outpost Personal Firewall Pro 2 would improve on its predecessor, but this version is a major upgrade. I'm not just talking about the superb revamped interface, which couples simplicity with power, but a quick look under the pretty skin confirms that this is a serious development.

A good concept, but the on-demand anti-virus scanner lacks real-time email and IM protection.

A truly silent firewall, reduced system impact and an improved interface finally make Norton attractive.

The perfect blend of price and performance for the average home or small business user.

Scanning, site blocking and alerts improved over version 6.

The ability to build a fully updatable, portable and offline personal web makes this a useful tool For home and Business users

We take mail filtering for granted today, but it was big news back in 1991. Pegasus was the first to do it and, 12 years later, its long history ensures lots of development time and a strong community of helpful users. The latest release is a major upgrade, and filtering is still at the forefront.

There are the odd occasions in this line of work when I’m presented with an application that causes me to exclaim ‘I don’t believe it’. Office Mail from Burrotech is one such example.

Copernic Agent 6 Professional

A software firewall has to really stand out to succeed in the crowded market, but ZoneAlarm Pro 3.5 with Web Filtering does just that.

With less hand-holding and a greater feeling of control and configuration, Norton is definitely geared more towards the advanced user than McAfee. Although the interface is quite different, it's undoubtedly a more professional product.

With less hand-holding and a greater feeling of control and configuration, Norton is definitely geared more towards the advanced user than McAfee. Although the interface is quite different, it's undoubtedly a more professional product.

At first glance, not much appears to have changed from version 3. A closer look, however, reveals that the engine in version 4 has been tweaked and optimised towards a more powerfully specified product.

Don't confuse Microsoft Works with a slimmed-down version of Office, because Works is for the home productivity market.

Optimize your broadband connection with this handy freeware application, even if you use Vista.

PreviewA good attempt at all-in-one system security, fully integrated into the OS.