It may be costly, but if you need accurate OCR for mass document digitisation, this package fits the bill admirably.

A comprehensive package, but not the most usable or effective

Powerful and decent value, but ease of use could be better.

A flexible, high-speed backup service at a price that’s more than reasonable.

A complex but powerful tool that’s made simpler by its new Dashboard interface

Support for new file types and platforms plus improved 3D rendering, but director is yesterday’s tool – and it shows

A mixed performance undermines an otherwise good-value product.

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

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

New wizards make it easier to use, and the range of operations is impressive for such a reasonable price

Improved interface and drawing capabilities, new photo matching and hand-drawn effects – and it’s still free

Yet another leap forward for After Effects, which cements its status as the leading PC video compositing tool.

A new interface, drawing engine and programming language, but surprisingly little new power.

Camcorder, still camera and portable media player all in one sleek package.

Expensive but potentially very useful for those whose Wi-Fi has failed.

It’s business as usual, but this consummate all-rounder continues to grow in power and value.

Nero 7 Premium Reloaded adds mostly esoteric features to regular disc burning.

Excellent value for money, but a few performance glitches.

Excellent value for money, but a few performance glitches let BitDefender down.

With a fantastic new suite of plug-ins on top of an already hugely powerful production environment, it’s hard to imagine a musician for whom Sonar 5 isn’t perfect.