Trend Micro's suite fails at the most basic task of detecting and blocking malicious software. Not recommended.

Trend Micro likewise fell flat in heuristic tests using two-week-old signature files to simulate dealing with unknown threats, and at catching annoying adware. It was dead last in both categories

Who hasn't dreamed of traveling through space? Microsoft WorldWide Telescope takes you to exotic, unimaginable locations: constellations, planets, the San Francisco Bay Area. This slick, attractive program--now in beta--sets you free in the universe ...

Security suite covers all the bases in an easy-to-use package, but doesn't ace PC protection.

Kaspersky's top-tier Internet security suite scans slowly, but otherwise it performs well. It responds quickly to new outbreaks and has a nice design.

This product detected adware and spyware extremely well, but it fell short at identifying new threats on the basis of their behavior.

Symantec's solid program wins top marks for antivirus detection and cleanup, but its renewal and support costs are high. PCWorld.ca rating: 84, Very Good

This nicely priced utility software cleans and optimizes your PC at a reasonable price. PC World Canada rating: 85 Very Good.

Superior price, performance and design earn this software our Best Buy distinction. PC World Canada rating: 92 Superior.

The Panda security suite covers all the bases with its features, and it scans quickly, but it lags behind some rivals at malware detection.

At $50 for one license (U.S.), Panda's suite carries a roughly average cost. It successfully detected about 95 percent of the Trojan horses, bots, password stealers, and other malware in AV-Test.org's library. While that score isn't horrible, Panda ...