Scanning, site blocking and alerts improved over version 6.

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

I see therefore I can. Studies reveal that 7 percent of people learn best orally, 38 percent aurally and 55 percent visually, making the latest in maranGraphic's 'Read Less-Learn More' titles a good bet. Teach Yourself Visually offers almost 300 pages of pictorial guidance on how to use a variety of multimedia applications on Windows XP.

In this line of work, there's really nothing quite like the all-too-occasional experience of opening a box from Apple, and unveiling the shiny wonders squirreled away inside. In fact, it's the only event that never fails to draw all and sundry AJB staff from throughout the office into the Labs to catch a glimpse of what the tech company with only 3 percent market share worldwide has managed to innovate this time.

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

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

Windows virtualisation that really works: it isn’t without foibles, but it’s a great way of running Windows from OS X.

Spam! spam! spam! spam! . . . if it had not been for Monty Python nobody would ever have thought there was anything funny about it. With almost 50 percent of the world’s email now junk mail, offering everything from unwanted penis extensions to stockmarket tips, spam has become as big a problem as viruses.

Everything you need to know about AM2 -- without the headache.

Although falling slightly below par in our quality testing, the IntelliPro 4000GX managed to claw back points with a score 16 percent above the average for value, primarily due to its incredibly low initial purchase price.

If you are serious about converting paper documents to editable text then this is the way to go. A decade ago it would have cost close to $50,000 for a system that allowed you to rapidly scan multiple paper documents into editable, searchable and archivable electronic documents. Today it can be done for less than $1300 and the cost of a scanner with an automatic document feeder.

Some interesting new features, but they’re too niche to justify the price.

Still a half-decent choice if you opt for a 256mb version.

Excellent support for PDF files, an intuitive user interface and a low price make Readiris the best choice for the majority of people.

Dual-core and Windows Vista make it into our A-List’s Value PC category.

Fantastic quality, a flexible stand and a raft of features make the Philips worth every cent.

Feature-packed and good value, but it’s slow, has too many pop-ups and a less-than-perfect firewall.

Nvidia’s 8800 GTX graphics card is the crowning glory of this very-fast, great-value, PC.

Potentially Much faster than a X1900 XTX in games with large textures yet it costs the same. At over $100 less than Nvidia’s 7950 GX2, it’s a fine card.

We’ve had some great competitors knocking on the mid-range A-Listed door, but TI’s all-rounder wins through.