Script triggering and interface changes headline an upgrade that’s good for developers and users alike

Excellent value for so many features, though BitDefender Small Office Security could be easier to use

Easy to use, logical and powerful. This is a security solution that will work for most small businesses

Easy to setup, easy to use, and very powerful - perfect for small business

Nothing revolutionary, but this simple and affordable music-production program feels both mature and modern

Another big improvement, but this time it’s enough to make PowerDirector a worthy alternative to its mainstream rivals

Plenty of features and strong security complemented by a clean interface.

A well thought out site with plenty of features, including SMS alerts.

A new interface, smart albums, guided editing and photo merging keep Photoshop Elements ahead of the pack

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

Refocusing on disc-related features makes Nero the top choice for optical disc authoring.

AVCHD support and some useful new effects keep this as the leading entry-level video editor.

A three-PC licence as standard, superb silent interface and effective security utilities make Norton 360 a tempting buy.

A highly polished, enthralling 3D guide to the universe, although it lacks convincing reasons to upgrade.

New multiple page support and improved text handling, but the program’s main strength remains its underlying speed.

New realism for bristled brushes and automatic painting that approaches manual quality give Painter X an edge.

True Image provides a simple but effective disaster-recovery system, with useful data backup facilities.

WhatsUp Gold ups the ante by providing all the tools to monitor network device status and performance.

A familiar face with a new name, and it offers support for a wider range of systems than before.

A useful, versatile partition-management tool that can cope with most current file and disk systems.