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

Combines simplicity with more advanced backup features, but rival products offer more for less.

Nero's backup solution combines simplicity with more advanced features, though rival products offer more for less

A few disappointing extras make this an unappetising upsell from the standard ZoneAlarm suite

An irritating package without a future.

A solid, usable package with online backup to boot.

Our former champion loses its crown but remains a strong contender.

A do-it-all package that detects an exceptional range of malware

A capable package, but McAfee Total Protection 2009 is conspicuous and expensive.

See why this relatively unknown, but simple, efficient and affordable package holds its own against the likes of AVG, Norton, Kaspersky and McAfee.

A robust and very usable consumer-level backup service.

Cleverly extends Photoshop Elements’ appeal to both digital photo novices and the more experienced

Accurate speech recognition, a flexible control system and a good price – for those in need, Dragon delivers.

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

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

Modern and efficient conversion to WMV with ahead-of-the-curve Silverlight capabilities

Piranesi gets the major overhaul of interface and tools that its extraordinary creative power deserves

You still get a lot for your money, but HD optical burning only extends to data discs

Piranesi gets the major overhaul of interface and tools that its extraordinary creative power deserves