All Internet utilities

The Bottom Line: McAfee Internet Security 2008 trounces Norton Internet Security 2008, offering a better designed product with more security tools.

Specs: 3 users, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP SP1, 500 MHz, SVGA monitor, Internet connection, 500 MHz, Windows, Mozilla Firefox 1.5 or later, Internet Explorer 6.0 or later

The Bottom Line: Panda Antivirus 2008 is slower than the competition and lacks independent, third-party antivirus test results, and thus doesn't receive our recommendation.

Specs: 3 PCs, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows XP 64-bit Edition, Microsoft Windows Vista (64-bit versions), 150 MHz, CD-ROM, 150 MHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 6.0

The Bottom Line: Trend Micro Antivirus plus Antispyware 2008 offers a variety of features designed for the home and small office. However, lack of independent testing data keeps us from giving a final rating at this time.

Specs: Complete package

The Bottom Line: Norton AntiVirus 2008 didn't wow us this year. While the protection is solid, the user experience could be much, much better, and the product itself could be more streamlined. Also we can do without the addition of paid services in the technical support section.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows Vista Business, Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2, Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2, Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition SP2, 300 MHz or higher, 300 MHz, CD-ROM, 300 MHz or higher, 300 MHz, Windows

The Bottom Line: CA Internet Security Suite 2007 feels like a pasted-together trial version of what CA offers in terms of consumer protection. The suite fails to integrate and lacks antiphishing, antirootkit, and basic IM protection found elsewhere.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, 300 MHz Intel Pentium, CD-ROM, 300 MHz Intel Pentium

The Bottom Line: For home and student use, we think Norton 360 represents the best value for ease of use, tools offered, and overall system performance. We recommend it over McAfee Total Protection and Microsoft Windows Live OneCare.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, 300 MHz or higher, 300 MHz, 1.0, 300 MHz or higher, 300 MHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 6.0 or later

The Bottom Line: Norton Internet Security 2007 makes significant gains over last year, including cutting-edge rootkit and behavioral monitoring features found nowhere else, but the overall package could be serious overkill for the average desktop owner.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, 300 MHz or higher, 300 MHz, CD-ROM, 300 MHz or higher, 300 MHz, Windows

The Bottom Line: Though the quality of both its Internet and analog calls has improved by leaps and bounds, the updated Nero SIPPS Connect still has a ways to go in the videoconferencing and configuration departments.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, 400 MHz, 400 MHz, Windows

The Bottom Line: Norton AntiVirus 2006 improves its detection and removal of spyware and adware but lags behind the more proactive McAfee VirusScan 2006.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP3 or later, 300 MHz Intel Pentium, 300 MHz, 2006, CD-ROM, 300 MHz Intel Pentium, 300 MHz, Windows

The Bottom Line: McAfee Internet Security Suite 2006 packs a powerful protection arsenal--but it's far too slow. Loyal McAfee users should upgrade for the automatic spyware and phishing blockers, but the rest of us should seek security elsewhere, such as ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 6.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, 133 MHz, 150 MHz, 300 MHz, 8.0, CD-ROM, 133 MHz, 150 MHz, 300 MHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 5.5 or later