As you can see, a security suite can include a huge variety of protective software modules. Everybody, naturally, needs an antivirus, antispyware, and a firewall. But not everyone needs spam filtering or parental control.

In choosing a security suite, you'll want to review all the features that you do need and select one that excels in those areas. Our current overall Editors' Choice, Norton Internet Security 2008, is strong on the essentials but weaker in secondary areas such as spam fighting and parental control. If your needs skew a different way, though, you'll find plenty of other good suites to choose from.