Antivirus and filtering

Going by older detection and removal numbers, Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware offers competent if basic security protection. However, so do many free competitors. This year, we recommend giving Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2010 a pass.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 offers pricey antivirus protection. The 2009 version scored well on independent antivirus detection and removal tests, but be prepared to pay a premium for what you're getting.

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

McAfee VirusScan Plus 2008's protection keeps up with the changing threats on the Internet, but the product itself doesn't excel.

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.

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.

Despite a face-lift, the redesigned McAfee VirusScan Plus continues to consume system resources and leaves its customer support lacking.

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

With VirusScan 2006, McAfee greatly enhances user protection against spyware and adware threats but slows your system down in the process.

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

VirusScan Professional 8.0 sports a trimmer profile, a simpler interface, fast performance, and two user licenses, but support is more of a hassle than before.

VirusScan 8.0 sports a trimmer profile, a simpler interface, and fast performance, but support is more of a hassle than before.

Norton AntiVirus 9.0 for Macintosh stops Mac users from unwittingly spreading PC viruses.

McAfee VirusScan Professional 7.0 is a top-notch virus slayer for first-time users, but unless you use Outlook Express or Eudora, VirusScan Professional 6.0 users won't need to upgrade.