All Internet security and firewall

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: 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: 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: 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

The Bottom Line: ZoneAlarm Pro 4.5 is a great firewall for security rookies, but you'll still need a separate antivirus program.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, 10 MB, Pentium II 300 MHz, 128 MB, 4, CD-ROM, Pentium II, 300 MHz, Windows

The Bottom Line: Norton Personal Firewall 2004 does the job, but free ZoneAlarm and the beefier Norton Internet Security 2004 are smarter buys.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, 35 MB, 300 MHz, 128 MB, CD-ROM, 300 MHz, Windows

The Bottom Line: As an upgrade, Norton Internet Security 2003 is a solid package for the price. However, you can expect to pay a lot for technical support.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, 60 MB, Pentium II 300 MHz, 128 MB, CD-ROM, Pentium II, 300 MHz, Windows

Specs: 3 users, Complete package, CD-ROM, Windows

Specs: 3 PC in one household, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 7 Starter, Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic, Microsoft Windows Vista Starter, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, Microsoft Windows 7 Professional, Microsoft Windows Vista Business SP1, Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic SP1, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1, Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit Edition, Microsoft Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition, Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition SP2 or later, 300 MHz or faster, 300 MHz, 3.0, CD-ROM, VGA monitor, 300 MHz or faster, 300 MHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 6.0 or later

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, CD-ROM, Windows