Simple, automated interface is ideal for beginners, Rates Web sites in your browser and warns of unsafe ones, Fast installation, Quiet mode suppresses pop-ups

Users must download parental controls as a separate program, Not many customizable settings

The foolproof interface is clearly designed for users who would rather forget they even have security software running; people who want more control over the program, however, will be disappointed by their inability to tweak the settings

One-click scan and repair, Shows the amount that the registry has been reduced

One-click System Cleaner is buried under the Privacy header, Performance gain not as significant as with other maintenance tools

You won't suffer poor notebook performance with PowerTools 2009 running in the background; while it was scanning and repairing our notebook, we were able to go about our day-to-day activities without an obvious performance hit, unless several actions ...

With its fast speeds and multiple connectivity options, this is hands-down the best 1TB external hard drive.

Fast read and write speeds, eSATA, FireWire 400, and FireWire 800 ports, File-encryption software, Windows and Mac compatible

TurboUSB didn't improve write speeds

Although it sports an MSRP of $579, the Buffalo DriveStation Combo 4 is available for as little as $230 through online retailers. For the price, you get a one-year warranty (which is a bit skimpy compared to the Maxtor OneTouch 4 Plus' impressive five ...

Adobe hits another high note with its consumer-targeted video-editing software.

Functionality of Premiere Pro in novice-friendly format, Cross integration with Photoshop Elements, Straightforward design

Some editing functions too dumbed down, Applying themes and effects not intuitive in timeline view

There are a mere 17 audio effects, most of which serve to improve the quality of your audio rather than make your subject sound like he's been sucking helium. However, one of Premiere Elements 4's nicest features is the ability to mix audio during ...

A myriad of thorough back-up options sets this software apart from the pack.

Allows you to work on your PC while it restores files., Boots your PC even if your operating system fails.

Long set-up time., Too many options may be intimidating.

The software comes with a number of clever features. Acronis Recovery Manager lets you boot your PC even if your operating system failed (just hit the F11 key during boot-up) from data stored in the Acronis Secure Zone, which saves a password ...

Efficient security suite protects without interupting productivity.

Small hard drive footprint, Quick load time, Frequent anti-malware updates

Initial restart after installation, Interface requires slight learning curve

Although it's not as simple to use as Norton Internet Security 2008, we have little hesitation in recommending Kaspersky's Internet Security 7.0 for its multiple updates per day and resource-friendly scans.

Safes Eyes 5.0 offers an easy to use program with an impressive range of protection options.

Built-in social networking controls, Easy Interface

Supports limited IM clients

More good news: this is one of the only parental control solutions that can record when personal information, such as an address or phone number, is posted to a social networking site. Safe Eyes' instant-message monitor records and saves the full text ...

ForceField won't replace your security suite, but it does protect your identity while shielding your PC from harmful sites.

>• Easy and quick installation, • Virtualized browser leaves no history

>• Slows Web-browsing, • Provides no protection outside the browser, , , , , , , , when it was active. , , ForceField didn't get in the way of visiting safe sites, including Gmail, various blogs, and ones fed through StumbleUpon. But this tool did ...

The best solution for monitoring your PC.

Use this Object Desktop-pullout to tweak Vista or XP and breathe new life into your boring old desktop.