Antivirus and filtering

Norton 360 2.0
A near-perfect all-in-one solution for brand new PCs, Norton 360 v2 may be hard to install and run on legacy machines. However, don't count on Symantec's time-consuming and expensive technical support for help.
Specs: 3 PC in one household, Complete package, Microsoft Windows Vista Starter, Microsoft Windows Vista Business, Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition SP2 or later, 300 MHz, 2.0, CD-ROM, 300 MHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 6.0 or later

Windows Defender (version 1593)
Windows Defender is free and therefore should be a part of your desktop antispyware collection.

Sunbelt CounterSpy 2.0
Sunbelt CounterSpy 2.0 distinguished itself in a crowded field by providing a clean, institutive interface and great test results.
Specs: 1 user, License, Windows

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

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

Norton AntiVirus 2007
By rewriting much of the code, Symantec made Norton AntiVirus 2007 faster and lighter than its 2006 version, but a few glitches here and there keep us from granting it our Editors' Choice award.
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

McAfee VirusScan Plus 2007
Despite a face-lift, the redesigned McAfee VirusScan Plus continues to consume system resources and leaves its customer support lacking.
Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Intel Pentium, 300 MHz, Intel Pentium, 300 MHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 6.0 or later