A broad and likeable package, but needs better malware detection.

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

A new focus on animation, better video support and deeper integration, but not the core authoring package it once was.

A shift of focus to advanced CSS and JavaScript handling, but Dreamweaver is beginning to look old-fashioned

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

A no frills site that does the job but doesn’t stand out in any way.

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

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

Without support for differential backups and with a light feature set, Norton Ghost feels cheap, nasty and dated.

A wide range of power, but too old-fashioned and confusing for most users.

Some reasonable hands-on editing power, but image management and sharing are disappointing.

Efficient photo management and sharing, but let down by some surprisingly underpowered editing.

Moving in the right direction, but it isn’t easy teaching an old dog new tricks.

Excellent support, but a confusing user interface and disappointing firewall let AVG down

A comprehensive set of audio-editing tools, but not enough to justify the high price.

Four powerful and long-serving Photoshop plug-ins at a cut-down price.

Encarta Premium Suite claims a base of 130,000+ articles, along with 25,300+ photos and illustrations and 1.8 million map locations. That's more than a bit of bedtime reading, although of course there are really only two reasons why people buy digital encyclopedias these days -- either they've got kids to educate, or they're after some verifiable and quotable facts for a research project. For almost anyone else, of course, there's Google.

The proliferation of cheap digital cameras and DVD burners means that consumers, with the help of programs like Ulead PictureShow, can now create their own professional-looking slideshows on DVD at little cost.

Sometimes people have good ideas but desperately need some advice on how to put them into action. This survivor's guide is a case in point.