Security - security suite Internet security and firewall

The Bottom Line: Norton Internet Security 2009 hits all the right security notes and its superior protection technologies might even win back some jaded anti-Symantec folks, though for some technical support may continue to frustrate

Specs: 3 PC in one household, 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, CD-ROM, 300 MHz, Windows

The Bottom Line: While Symantec's protection is solid, the overall user experience within Norton Internet Security 2008 could be much, much better. Not all the features work together, and the program could use fewer system resources. We can also do without the addition of paid services within the technical support section.

Specs: 3 users, 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 1 user, Complete package, CD-ROM, Windows

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