Both cloud and physical storage backup, Unlimited backup and file versioning, Supports unlimited number of PCs, Three-tier data encryption

Slow uploads to the cloud, Lacks completion time indicator

If you're looking for a flexible backup solution that allows you to simultaneously store data to the cloud and physical media, has multilevel security, and offers the ability to share files, SOS Online Backup is a compelling choice. Backing up to the ...

Cleaner interface and new features will be pushed to current users in January, Inexpensive, Tune-up tools speed up your PC's boot time, Cleaner interface and new features will be pushed to current users in January

Long installation, Unattractive user interface, Relatively short list of utilities, Annoying pop-ups, Long installation

You can block certain keywords from the left-hand pane, as well as block or allow particular Web sites. The keywords are linked to certain age groups; for instance, we typed "porn" after configuring one of our user accounts for a "young teenager." ...

Hard drive encryption, Virtualization engine for Web surfing

Some features require a separate installation, Parental controls not as robust as its competitors, Program might frustrate more advanced users

On the identity protection front, Extreme Security also offers MyVault, for storing sensitive files, as well as free credit bureau monitoring, another unique addition

Simple interface, Plenty of manual settings, Lightweight

Lacks features many comparably priced security programs offer, Diagnostic tool doesn't give users solutions for fixing found problems, Phone support is not 24/7

Other features include a firewall that develops rules as it "observes" your usage habits; an improved spam filter; SysRescue, for creating a recovery disc; a mechanism that prevents strangers from uninstalling the program, and protection against ...

This software suite blocks viruses and spyware effectively, but it's a bit too aggressive when it comes to e-mail.

Very good virus and spyware protection, Comprehensive application and network filtering, Unobtrusive operation

Updates are slow, Anti-spam feature blocks too much clean mail

For $79.95 (for three computers), Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 is a first-rate virus and malware detector, and has the intelligence to do it largely under the radar. However, compared with league-leading Norton Internet Security 2009, it takes ...

Norton offers the most robust-and most nonintrusive-security software suite yet.

Speedy installation and performance, Frequent micro-updates, Extremely deep feature set, Minimal CPU usage, Free tech support via e-mail/chat, free phone support for a year

No setup wizard, Difficult to discover features

Norton Internet Security 2009 is far and away the best overall security suite. At $69.99 for three computers, it's neither the priciest nor the cheapest software suite, but it offers top-notch protection that is nearly invisible, the bottom line for ...

Microsoft's entry into the security software space is inexpensive and has some helpful features for Windows users.

Easy-to-use suite, Covers system housekeeping as well as security and backup, Integrates well with Windows, Low cost

Status colors too sensitive to nonsecurity issues, No spam filtering, Can run automatic malware scans only as part of full tune-up, Status colors too sensitive to nonsecurity issues

OneCare is a good suite for nontechnical users who want a simple, low-cost, do-it-all solution. Still, it's missing some important features, such as spam filtering and parental-control capabilities (though Windows Vista and XP SP2 users can download ...

An excellent browser-based instant messaging and communications tool.

No downloads or installation required, Robust chat options, OS agnostic

Closing browser ends chat session, Intrusive ads, Short compatibility list

One of the drawbacks of traditional instant messenger services is that you have to redownload your client of choice should you decide to use a different computer or upgrade your notebook. Meebo eschews the traditional instant messenger pattern of ...

The latest version of Internet Explorer doesn't just deliver improved speed, privacy measures, and ease of use. It evolves the Web-surfing experience.

Address bar autocompletes, Can reopen closed tabs, Enhanced search options, Innovative Web Slices feature, Improved speed, Ability to browse without leaving tracks

Still easy to close tabs by mistake

Like the address bar, the search bar now has an autocomplete feature and separates suggestions from items in your browser history. Another neat trick: By clicking the arrow next to the search bar, you can choose "Find on this Page" and IE 8 will ...

The latest version of our favorite browser offers the speed you need, along with better security, a smart address bar, and enough bells and whistles to push it ahead of the competition.

Easy add-on installation, Browser-specific design with customizable appearance, Revamped Address Bar, Enhanced security, Very stable

Still lacks window-merge feature, Still lacks window-merge feature

In previous iterations of Firefox, it was the norm for the browser to ask you to save a password when logging into a Web site, but in the latest version, Firefox 3 waits until after you log in to prompt you to save the password. This is a significant ...