Five stars
Potent, comprehensive suite that’s inconspicuous

Credible freeware tools exist to combat threats individually, but anybody seeking an effective one-stop shop should opt for ZoneAlarm. This comprehensive suite of security programs ranges from an excellent firewall, to keep hackers at bay, to powerful antivirus tools. Unfortunately, the clever identity-theft utility currently works only in America. Everything is neatly managed from one straightforward Mission Control screen that integrates smoothly with other software. Extra buttons appear in, say, Outlook, for you to train the anti-spam tool to differentiate between Viagra ads and messages from Gran. Best of all, ZoneAlarm stands guard without slowing down your computer, a serious flaw in most better-known security suites. Job done.

SPY CATCHER
Spyware Doctor, £24 downloaded from www.pctools.com

Four stars
Speedy protection against peeping Toms

Spyware describes insidious programs that slyly download themselves as you surf. They track your online habits, generate annoying pop-up adverts, and report back to their motherships. At best, spyware slows down your computer; at worst, it is a real security threat. Spyware Doctor is the fastest sleuth in town (a complete scan of your PC generally takes four minutes), and it is thorough. In tests, the good Doctor detected 98% of spyware, trouncing the downloadable Windows freebie, Defender (a meagre 82%), though it was only marginally better than ZoneAlarm’s built-in tool. Bona fide applications are occasionally targeted, but can easily be restored. A decent spyware weapon is a key part of any security regime, especially if children poke around the murkier corners of the web. If your arsenal lacks one, invest.

VIRTUAL VACCINATION
AVG Anti-virus Free Edition from www.grisoft.com

Four stars
Serious viral protection, free

Viruses are malign pieces of software that pass between computers, with symptoms of infection ranging from the innocuous to the critical. Last week, the British Computer Society reported that one in five Britons has lost data this way. This free antivirus program is just as good as the big-name brands at keeping unwanted guests away. Operation is ultra-simple: daily automatic updates arm you against new threats, and a scan can be paused if the marginal slowing of your computer irritates. Though AVG lacks fancy options such as scan scheduling, and the design is dated compared with the paid-for packages, it can’t be beaten for effectiveness or price.

PARENTAL ADVISER
McAfee Internet Security Suite 2006 — typically £50, or £25 from www.pyramid.com

Three stars
Decent-value suite, despite mixed performance

A firewall will prevent your computer from coughing up private info such as log-in details. The excellent firewall in McAfee’s suite is easy to set up, or adapt later, thanks to a built-in database of 4,000 known “good” applications, which are granted no-questions-asked internet access. Unrecognised programs trigger pop-up boxes that are simple and informative — other firewalls can bombard you with confusing questions. This suite includes all the essential security tools, but the highlight is the highly customisable parental-control feature. While the antivirus tool is effective, the spyware detector is only modestly so (66% detection) and the SpamKiller is poor. The suite will also slow down most computers. McAfee fans should probably upgrade, but others will find better performance elsewhere.

Revews adapted from PC Pro
Doors maxiumum rating Five stars
Prices include Vat and deliery

Explore Tech & Web

• Personal Tech

• The Web

• Gadgets & Gaming