This number-locked USB drive promises incredibly secure lockdown of sensitive data. Being agnostic to computer type, and not requiring any software to be installed on a host computer, is a major bonus. Two-tier admin/user access ensures that the drive's data should always remain accessible by its owner even if a second user forgets their code or tries to reset the code. Compared to the same capacity in unencrypted storage, this is an expensive USB drive. But it's one that should earn its keep for those who need this level of security assurance. Given its better 256-bit security and improved keypad, we’d recommended the iStorage diskGenie over the Lenovo version.

Contrary to recent dire warnings from AV vendors, the Mac is an inherently more secure platform than Windows - but very far from being an impervious one. Some isolated signs of trojans and worms in the last two years may be a signal that more dangerous malware is on the way. For today, Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac should provide some protection from known Mac threats, as well as serve as a seek-and-destroy tool for the millions more Windows viruses in the field. However Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac is not fully mature at this stage and does not include many of the features found in its Windows counterpart, making it indisputably overpriced in comparison.

By making a serious attempt to match the web security needs of small businesses, Netgear has created a product that sits between the relatively spare feature set of the UTM firewall and the expensive depth of enterprise-class web security gateways. The Netgear ProSecure STM600 gives network managers an excellent option to add web security at a reasonable price with minimum risk.

If you don't want a central backup server or NAS device, the BlackArmor WS 110 external hard drive will give you tight reins over when, where and how you back up files from a computer.

Avast Professional Edition's inconsistent malware detection and frustrating interface make it a less-than-ideal choice for protecting your PC.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus 4 didn't fall down on the job, but it also failed to excel in any of our tests. If you're going to shell out for antivirus software, you can do better with your money.

Trend Micro Antivirus + Antispyware looks good, but in this unique software category looks take a distinct back seat to performance. And Trend's malware detection performance lags too far behind other antivirus programs to recommend.

Panda Antivirus Pro 2010 does a decent job at malware blocking but doesn’t stand out.

This is a worthwhile upgrade to the previous version of Spyware Doctor, with more options and even better capabilities. The new features of Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus 2010, while not earth-shaking, are welcome. Its AV credentials are unknown at present, but it’s still probably one of the better anti-spyware products on the market right now.

BitDefender Antivirus 2010 will get the job done, but it needs a better user interface.

Avira AntiVir Premium Edition needs more features and a face-lift before it can become a top choice.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus has plenty of features, but is inconsistent thanks to its below-average traditional malware detection and at-times frustrating user interface.

G Data swept almost all the malware detection tests, but using it means having to make more decisions than you do with other apps.

Norton Antivirus is a good choice for nontechies, but those willing to deal with a less-refined interface can get stronger protection.

Just as whitelisting may be finding a receptive audience, a number of whitelisting solutions are proving to be mature, capable, and manageable enough to provide significant protection while still giving trustworthy users room to breathe. McAfee's whitelisting protection for Windows, Linux, and Solaris is a good example of this: short on nothing but shortcomings.