CD-ROM Software

The Bottom Line: Quicken 2010 is a solid finance package, especially for novices, but offers little that's substantively new.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista, 400 MHz (Microsoft Windows XP), 1 GHz (Microsoft Windows Vista) 400 MHz, 1 GHz, 2x CD-ROM, XGA monitor, 400 MHz (Microsoft Windows XP), 1 GHz (Microsoft Windows Vista), 400 MHz, 1 GHz, Windows

The Bottom Line: 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.

Specs: 3 users, Complete package, 10

The Bottom Line: TaxCut 2008 is missing TurboTax's advanced importing engines and sophisticated tax tools, and it takes longer than TurboTax to fill out. However, its free session of live tax advice and free live audit support will win over taxpayers who value personalized customer service.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, Apple MacOS X 10.4 or later, 2x CD-ROM, SVGA monitor, MacOS, Windows, Safari 2.0, Internet Explorer 6.0 or later

The Bottom Line: TurboTax 2008 is the most expensive tax app on the market, but it's also fast, complete, and straightforward. If finishing quickly is your goal, the extra cost is worth it. If you anticipate wanting live help support, look into TaxCut.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, MacOS, Windows

The Bottom Line: Panda Internet Security 2009 is vastly improved in speed and effectiveness over last year, but could use a little more work on specific features and technical support.

Specs: 1 PC, Subscription package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows XP 64-bit Edition, Microsoft Windows Vista (64-bit versions), 300 MHz Intel Pentium, 300 MHz, CD-ROM, 300 MHz Intel Pentium, 300 MHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 6.0

The Bottom Line: Once it's up and running, McAfee Internet Security 2009 is competitive with Norton on speed, detection, and removal of malicious software.

Specs: 3 users, Complete package, Windows

The Bottom Line: Intuit QuickBooks Premier 2009 keeps the program's well-designed, intuitive interface, while adding a few new features. It's a worthy upgrade for people serious about online banking, and it remains the best accounting program for small business owners. However, Intuit should be more generous with customer support, particularly for setup issues.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista, 500 MHz Intel Pentium II (Microsoft Windows XP), 1.2 GHz Intel Pentium III (Microsoft Windows Vista) 500 MHz, 1.2 GHz, SVGA monitor, Internet connection 56k, 500 MHz Intel Pentium II (Microsoft Windows XP), 1.2 GHz Intel Pentium III (Microsoft Windows Vista), 500 MHz, 1.2 GHz, Windows

The Bottom Line: Intuit QuickBooks Premier 2009 keeps the program's well-designed, intuitive interface, while adding a few new features. It's a worthy upgrade for people serious about online banking, and it remains the best accounting program for small business owners. However, Intuit should be more generous with customer support, particularly for setup issues.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later, 1.8 GHz (Microsoft Windows XP), 2 GHz (Microsoft Windows Vista) 1.8 GHz, 2 GHz, 4x CD-ROM, SVGA monitor, Internet connection, 1.8 GHz (Microsoft Windows XP), 2 GHz (Microsoft Windows Vista), 1.8 GHz, 2 GHz, Windows, Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0

The Bottom Line: Intuit QuickBooks Premier 2009 keeps the program's well-designed, intuitive interface, while adding a few new features. It's a worthy upgrade for people serious about online banking, and it remains the best accounting program for small business owners. However, Intuit should be more generous with customer support, particularly for setup issues.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later, 1.8 GHz (Microsoft Windows XP), 2 GHz (Microsoft Windows Vista) 1.8 GHz, 2 GHz, 4x CD-ROM, SVGA monitor, Internet connection, 1.8 GHz (Microsoft Windows XP), 2 GHz (Microsoft Windows Vista), 1.8 GHz, 2 GHz, Windows, Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0

The Bottom Line: Intuit QuickBooks Premier 2009 keeps the program's well-designed, intuitive interface, while adding a few new features. It's a worthy upgrade for people serious about online banking, and it remains the best accounting program for small business owners. However, Intuit should be more generous with customer support, particularly for setup issues.

Specs: 2 users, Complete package, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later, 1.8 GHz (Microsoft Windows XP), 2 GHz (Microsoft Windows Vista) 1.8 GHz, 2 GHz, 4x CD-ROM, SVGA monitor, Internet connection, 1.8 GHz (Microsoft Windows XP), 2 GHz (Microsoft Windows Vista), 1.8 GHz, 2 GHz, Windows, Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0