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

Lighter than ever, but its all-round performance isn’t quite first class.

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

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

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

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

A period of transition as Adobe deals with its Macromedia inheritance and the changing nature of the web.

Adobe significantly strengthens its print, web and production workflows – and the integration between them

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

With Web Standard/Premium, Design Premium AND Macromedia’s products now absorbed into CS3, choosing the right suite is EASY.

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

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

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.

With a complete overhaul of the plug-ins this is the biggest update in years, but it’s too expensive.

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

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