All System utilities

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: Despite a few cosmetic negatives and a general lack of technical support, Norton Save & Restore is a decent backup app.

Specs: 1 PC, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition, 300 MHz, CD-ROM, 300 MHz, 300 MHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 5.5 or later

The Bottom Line: The core utilities in Norton SystemWorks 2006 Premier lack newer options found elsewhere; some older utilities are simply deficient; it leaves Windows 98 and Me users out in the cold.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, 300 MHz, 166 MHz, SVGA monitor, 300 MHz, 166 MHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 5.5 or later

The Bottom Line: System Mechanic 6 Professional offers the best package of utilities for optimizing and protecting your hard drive, but the software's lack of documentation makes it poorly suited for the average computer user.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, 6, CD-ROM, Windows

The Bottom Line: WordPerfect Mail is an inexpensive yet powerful e-mail app that's good for small businesses on tight budgets. While its IMAP support needs work, it's a fine alternative to Microsoft Outlook, Netscape, Eudora, and other competitors.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, 500 MHz, Internet connection, Mouse or compatible device, 500 MHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 4.0 or later

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

Specs: 1 server, License, 8.0, Windows

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

Specs: 1 node, License, SuSE Linux 8.2, Red Hat Linux 9, UnitedLinux 1.0, Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 3, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8, Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 2.1, Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS 2.1, 266 MHz, 266 MHz, Linux

Specs: 1 node, License, SuSE Linux 8.2, Red Hat Linux 9, UnitedLinux 1.0, Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 3, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8, Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 2.1, Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS 2.1, 266 MHz, 266 MHz, Linux