Check Point's new ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 7.0 significantly improves on the previous 6.0 version and the result is a high-performance suite whose only weakness is its anti-phishing protection.

BitDefender 10.0 provides comprehensive protection from all of its tools. However, it doesn’t come close to its rivals in terms of user-friendliness. The interface is not intuitive and documentation is overly complex.

Kaspersky Internet Security 6.0 is a powerful security suite but the price tag and the interface may turn away some users.

F-Secure's suite provides thorough security protection in a clean interface with deep configuration options.

As the most powerful anti-spyware program available online HijackThis is also the most complicated. It is extremely useful for removing problems other programs just can’t crack.

If you are looking for an easy to use security program for your Internet browser, look no further than GhostSurf.

Panda Titanium 2006 Antivirus compares well with its main competitors. Some of the additions, such as antispyware, are merely an attempt to keep up with the competition as increasing numbers of rival programs include such functions. The bundling of a firewall and Wi-Fi intrusion detection make this good value for money.

Combine this with other free software and you’ll ensure your PC stays well protected and operating properly.

Probably the best free anti-spyware software currently available. Combine it with a few other freebies and you’ll never be troubled by pop-ups again.

A capable package that is perhaps let down by poor results in spyware and firewall features.

Recommended for the basic home user and doesn’t hog system resources, so it will be appreciated.

With a wide array of protections for your PC, Avast! works superbly to keep your computer safe, a rare thing in free software.