System utilities

CA Anti-Virus Plus CA Anti-Spyware 2008
CA Anti-Virus Plus CA Anti-Spyware 2008 holds the middle ground this year, featuring faster code but lacking any compelling "must-have" features.
Specs: 3 PCs, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, 300 MHz, 800 MHz, CD-ROM, Internet connection, 300 MHz, 800 MHz, Windows

Panda Antivirus 2008
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

McAfee VirusScan Plus 2008
McAfee VirusScan Plus 2008's protection keeps up with the changing threats on the Internet, but the product itself doesn't excel.
Specs: 3 users, Complete package, Windows

Nero 8
Nero 8 shows off a new interface for getting started that makes the many tools easier to find from the get-go. Some welcome new features include HD support, although this rich suite can still confuse.
Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP SP1, Microsoft Windows Vista Business, Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP1, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 or later, Microsoft Windows Vista (64-bit versions), Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, 1 GHz, 8, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, HD-DVD, DVD-ROM, SVGA monitor, 16 bit sound card, 32 MB video memory, Internet connection, 1 GHz, Windows, DirectX 9.0c, Internet Explorer 6.0 or later

Trend Micro Antivirus plus Antispyware 2008
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

Norton AntiVirus 2008 with Spyware
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

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 7
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 7 continues to outshine its competition with its ease of use combined with thorough antivirus protection.
Specs: Complete package, Intel Pentium 300 MHz or higher (Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional SP 4 and higher), Intel Pentium 300 MHz or higher (Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP 2 and higher), Intel Pentium 300 MHz or higher (Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP 2 and higher), 7.0, CD-ROM, Intel Pentium 300 MHz or higher (Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional SP 4 and higher), Intel Pentium 300 MHz or higher (Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP 2 and higher), Intel Pentium 300 MHz or higher (Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP 2 and higher)

Norton PartitionMagic 8
If you need to partition your live hard drive, Norton PartitionMagic 8 is still the application to beat.
Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 95, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0, 150 MHz, 233 MHz, 8.0, CD-ROM, 150 MHz, 233 MHz, Windows

Norton 360
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

Roxio Toast Titanium 8 for Mac
Roxio continues to improve a strong suite and keep Toast current with the release of version 8. If the Mac OS and Apple's bundled apps don't meet your disc-creation needs, pick up Toast at once.
Specs: 1 user, Complete package, 8, CD-R, DVD-R, MacOS, QuickTime 7.1 or later