What does Google’s online office suite and core applications offer over the Microsoft alternative?

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

Still the best choice for speed and security, but most new additions are eye candy.

Kaspersky's first integrated security suite relies too much on the anti-virus component.

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

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.

This is another one of those doorstop Wrox titles in the Programmer to Programmer series. Its no surprise then that its not just another overview of the Internet business revolution, nor a business school primer for the would-be e-entrepreneur.

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.

Take control of your PC with some handy utilities to keep applications in check.

If you don’t fancy giving the Registry a health check yourself, plenty of tools will clean it up for you.

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.

Upgrading and Repairing PCs is now on its 11th Edition, and it just keeps growing.

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