The feature-rich versions of popular security program AVG have been updated, with AVG Technologies claiming faster scan times, faster boot times and other under-the-hood improvements.

Trend Micro Internet Security Pro's broad feature set combined with its look and feel make it a serious contender, but questionable efficacy and middling performance mean it's a program we're not recommending for this year.

One of the most comprehensive security suites we've encountered, Behaviour-based prevention system, Security for Symbian and Windows Mobile devices

Virus detection and removal efficacy is hard to determine, Service is acceptable, but not stellar, Launching a link from within the program feels sluggish and awkward

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.

Basic antivirus and anti-spyware protection

Stripped-down program lacks many of the bells and whistles that made its siblings worth considering

Fast malicious software engine, Secunia vulnerability database, Built-in system restore capabilities

Results messages were unclear, Bumpy installation, Leaves behind registry file after uninstall, Needs more security tools to justify the price

Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 provides adequate protection, but the program itself could use some work in telling the user what's going on.

Leaner footprint, Improved speed, Whitelisting and other technologies to mark clean files as trusted, Free technical support

Lacks adequate online technical support, Drives users to its paid technical support services

Norton Internet Security 2009 hits all the right security notes and its superior protection technologies might even win back some jaded anti-Symantec folks, though the lack of adequate technical support may continue to frustrate.

Faster and lighter than last year's release, Modern interface, Provides real-world identity fraud protection

Lacks Web 2.0 safe-surfing tools, utilities to backup data and shred deleted files

ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 provides top-notch security protection that is light on system resources, allowing you to work unencumbered.

Google has rethought the Internet browser — some of its basic underpinnings are quite novel — but users will recognise some features as they exist in other, open-source browsers on the market today.

Faster rendering, Vastly reduced use of system resources, Clever new data-mining tools for bookmarks and browser history, More security features than any other browser

No support for Windows 95, 98 and Me, No support for Mac OS X versions 10.2 and earlier

If only for the speed, lightness of being and security alone, Firefox remains our Editors' Choice for best internet browser.

Eset NOD32 3.0 delivers an easy-to-use version of its award-winning antivirus engine. Although our performance testing was mixed, NOD32 continues to rank among the best-rated antivirus products by independent antivirus testing labs.

Eset NOD32 3.0 offers a new interface., faster scanning., thorough technical support.

Eset NOD32 3.0 doesn't include firewall protection.

Eset NOD32 3.0 finally gets its interface right and, along with high-rated performance among independent testing labs, deserves consideration on your desktop.

The Thunderbird 2 e-mail application comes from Mozilla, the same organisation responsible for releasing Firefox, the popular open source Web browser. Firefox has become the preferred tool for many people who reject Microsoft's Internet Explorer. ...

Unobtrusive installation, Speedy searches, Built-in RSS feeds, Well-considered security, Hundreds of add-ons, Compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux, as well as with Gmail and .Mac accounts

Initial setup procedure could be explained better, Fewer built-in features than in paid-for clients such as Microsoft Outlook

Thunderbird 2 provides a compelling option for users looking for an open source e-mail client.