Microsoft Windows Live OneCare 2.0 is relatively inexpensive, particularly when you factor in its unique 24-hour free phone support. Those who demand best-of-breed protection will still scoff at OneCare, but other users who don't want to think very hard about security should consider it.

Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware and Firewall is very good value and offers a lot of first-rate protection for a very reasonable price. The real-time malware and virus protection work very well, and the quarantine service is easy to manage. We like how the various shields worked together to provide the overall security posture while still allowing a level of customisation. When shopping for an antivirus, antimalware product for your home office or small business, don't overlook Webroot's offering.

The firewall itself is extensive and would be a good purchase in its own right. As a complete suite, though, ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite is full of holes.

From a user perspective it's a clean, easy to use application that covers all the bases. However, if you want the absolute best cleaning service this software may not cover it quite as well.

A good, low-cost security solution, easily on a par with its rivals. Note that a free lite version of AntiVir is available – marry that with the free version of ZoneAlarm on the DVD and you have an effective but cheap security system.

Implementing high security on your PC doesn't have to be hard, and BullGuard's Internet Security Suite 8.0 proves it. It's an unobtrusive program that's simple to install and use, yet it has plenty of customisable features to keep advanced users happy, too.

Stealthy monitoring tool provides e-mail alerts of parental-control violations.

Solid watchdog tool gives a remote, over-the-shoulder view of the PC under surveillance.

Good in parts, CA Internet Security Suite Plus 2008 is a reasonable security bundle. It's certainly better than its predecessor, but variations in consistency make products like Norton or McAfee Total Protection a better bet.

Trend Micro Internet Security Pro ticks all the right boxes -- spam filtering is good, malware is competently blocked, it has network-management capability plus a slew of useful bonus features. In this regard, it's on a par with the market leaders. While it might be pipped at the post in terms of features and effectiveness by Norton Internet Security and McAfee Total Protection, its price advantage restores the balance.

The range of tools and the high level of protection offered by McAfee Total Protection 2008 is impressive -- it has powerful antivirus and very good spam protection. The parental controls and SiteAdvisor+ are excellent. It's also easy to use. However, at $129.95 it's a fairly expensive proposition, so you'll need to be sure you're going to use most of its features.

NIS remains as good as it ever was. The 2008 edition is a solid choice for family networks -- its antivirus and spyware protection is excellent. Add to this a top-quality firewall, Identity Safe and a simple help system and you have a winner.