This latest version of NIS sees it firmly stay amongst the leading pack in all-in-one security packages.

A comprehensive security solution

Desktop users plagued by spam and phishing emails would be well served running the simple and effective Cloudmark 9 suite.

An invaluable tool for big companies that need an increased layer of security.

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

Panda Internet Security 2008 is being sold as a complete solution. With that in mind, we think a number of the components (parental control, backup, PC optimisation) are rather disappointing and, in most cases, are easily improved upon with software and Web services freely available over the Internet.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.