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A winner on the strength of its excellent protection, coming first or equal-first in our malware and firewall test.

Is it worth paying for the full version of AVG Internet Security?

A big improvement from Microsoft, but there’s still some way to go. OneCare can now call itself a serious security contender.

A fierce protector when it comes to web threats, but merely middling elsewhere

A quantum leap in usability over the previous version, although malware protection could still be better

Comprehensive, competent and configurable protection at a good price. This is the best security suite out there

A new behavioural analysis module only adds to AVG’s capabilities, although it isn’t the most elegant marriage

A comprehensive package, but not the most usable or effective

Clean, clear and light on its feet, but with few extras.

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A well-featured package with some unusual tricks that falls just short of a first-rate performance.

Breathtakingly lightweight, but detection rates could be better.

A credible contender, but F-Secure Internet Security 2009 is neither the lightest nor the most effective security suite for your PC

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

A simple package whose two detection engines ensure great malware detection, but it fails to inspire in other areas.

A powerful and capable suite with some excellent features, although it isn’t the easiest to use, nor the cheapest around.

A solid, usable package with online backup to boot.

Symantec’s latest offering is lighter than ever and an extremely effective security package. And get this, a RAM footprint smaller than Kaspersky