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Stack your system full of software without paying a penny, with our guide to essential downloads

Still not sure whether it's worth upgrading to Vista? We put XP and Vista through the ultimate face-off.

After the disappointment - perceived or otherwise - of Windows Vista, many are pinning their hopes on a revival with Windows 7. And from our first impressions of the pre-beta code, that's exactly what they can expect.

A professional product, but it's a poor performer for the price.

A solid, usable package with online backup to boot.

A friendly suite for the less-experienced user, but technical types may find it limiting.

With peerless detection capabilities, this well-conceived package towers over its rivals.

With peerless detection capabilities, this well-conceived package is a joy to use.

A powerful and capable suite with some excellent features, although it isn’t the easiest to use, nor the cheapest around.

A new behavioural analysis module only adds to AVG’s capabilities, although it isn’t the most elegant marriage

An irritating package without a future.

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

Breathtakingly lightweight, but detection rates could be better.

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

A credible contender, but F-Secure Internet Security 2009 is neither the lightest nor the most effective security suite for your PC

Symantec’s latest offering is lighter than ever and an extremely effective security package. And get this, a RAM footprint smaller than Kaspersky

A modular scanning tool that catches most unwanted software – but not quite all

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

A free package that scores highly, beating almost all its big-name competition. It’s just a shame it’s such a nag