All Internet security and firewall

The Bottom Line: For home and student use, we think Norton 360 represents the best value for ease of use, tools offered, and overall system performance. We recommend it over McAfee Total Protection and Microsoft Windows Live OneCare.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, 300 MHz or higher, 300 MHz, 1.0, 300 MHz or higher, 300 MHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 6.0 or later

The Bottom Line: Norton Internet Security 2007 makes significant gains over last year, including cutting-edge rootkit and behavioral monitoring features found nowhere else, but the overall package could be serious overkill for the average desktop owner.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, 300 MHz or higher, 300 MHz, CD-ROM, 300 MHz or higher, 300 MHz, Windows

The Bottom Line: CA eTrust Internet Security Suite R2 may be packed with more PC protection tools than McAfee or Norton, and its revamped interface is easy to use, but its tech support is substandard for a major security vendor.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, 233 MHz, 300 MHz, 233 MHz, 300 MHz, Windows, Microsoft Outlook 2000, Microsoft Outlook 2002, Microsoft Outlook 2003, Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5

The Bottom Line: Spy Sweeper 4.5 is a good choice for protecting your PC against spyware and shielding it against future infections.

Specs: Microsoft Windows 98/ME/2000/XP, 25 MB, 300 MHz, 128 MB, 300 MHz

The Bottom Line: ZoneAlarm Pro 4.5 is a great firewall for security rookies, but you'll still need a separate antivirus program.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, 10 MB, Pentium II 300 MHz, 128 MB, 4, CD-ROM, Pentium II, 300 MHz, Windows

The Bottom Line: Norton Personal Firewall 2004 does the job, but free ZoneAlarm and the beefier Norton Internet Security 2004 are smarter buys.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, 35 MB, 300 MHz, 128 MB, CD-ROM, 300 MHz, Windows

Specs: 1 processor, License, Microsoft Windows 2000, UNIX, Linux

Specs: 250 agents, License

Specs: 50 agents, License, Microsoft Windows 2000

Specs: 1 router, License