ClamWin is a simple, powerful and most importantly, free antivirus checker for Microsoft Windows.

The program features an easy to use GUI and the developers claim high detection rates for viruses and spyware although it doesn't seem to find anything extra or beyond what other anti-virus scanners find. The full program is facilitated by regular virus database updates so that's its generally always updated with the latest threats to your system. Unfortunately ClamWin Portable has scheduled scans and updates disabled so that the program is not locked in huge updates every time you activate it on the move. The downside of this of course is that it's never up to date with the latest threats. The big advantage of this version of course is that you can take it pretty much anywhere on a USB stick. However, the program does not feature a real-time scanner which means that scanning for protection is down to you. You have to manually scan your system with the program every so often to see if you have been infected with anything.

Free, portable and easy to use, this is a decent anti virus solution let down by the fact that it doesn't scan in real time nor update itself automatically unless prompted.

Download ClamWin Portable 0.93.1 in Softonic

Morpheus is one of those age old P2P applications and, with support for Gnutella, eDonkey, Bittorrent and many others, probably the most versatile you can find on the market. The new version aims to turn the P2P client into the ultimate multimedia application. Does it succeed?

Morpheus has gone through a complete facelift and the new version brings a newer interface. The window is divided into 4 tabs: search results, my files, podcasts and Morpheus online, giving you an idea of what it considers important. A pane on the left side allows you to create playlists or keep track of searches and videos – although strangely not music. Morpheus lets you also sync all your downloaded files to import them automatically to iTunes. Oddly enough, the chat tool is now hidden at the top of the interface, next to help and preferences.

Morpheus wants to appear as a multifaceted app, not just a simple P2P program. It includes an embedded browser, Morpheus Online, from which you can check-out the internet or find new files to share while you’re downloading. This is particularly useful when you’re looking for new podcasts. By clicking on the podcast page button in the podcasts tab, you will be taken to Morpheus’ own podcast library. While it’s not as star studded as the iTunes library, it’s full of varied and original content. The podcast tab is wisely divided into podcast and episodes, so you can browse through what you’ve downloaded. However we were quite confused by the whole podcast downloading procedure. The progress bar is hidden in the file window of the My Files tab. Why didn’t Morpheus leave this in the podcast section?

Morpheus has also beefed-up its security. You can now select your antivirus application to automatically scan downloaded files. The program also includes solid parental control so you can enter hazardous terms into the block list to avoid your kids searching for violent or pornographic material. You can also add a password to make sure you control who has access to Morpheus. The application also introduces UDP technology to improve the performance of downloads and allow secure file sharing between 2 firewall protected PCs.

This new version comes with many interesting enhancements, but not enough to get us overexcited. Add to that the many drawbacks we found in the application. The interface for example is way too clunky, and it’s safe to say that lies in the two large ads at the top and the bottom of the program (which disappear if you buy the Pro version). The “My Files” tab has an additional file window at the bottom, which adds to the confusion in the interface. The one click burning function is something we were eager to try out but was nowhere to be seen.

However hard Morpheus tries at integrating cool features like web browsing or podcasting, we figure the application should only be used for what it’s good at i.e.P2P downloading. The program gives access to all the P2P networks, even Bittorrent, and the new version introduces safer and quicker transfer thanks to UDP technology. The other extra features in the application like the library structure or web browser felt a bit awkward, and therefore failed at turning the program into a true multimedia application. Let’s hope Morpheus gets it right in the future.

Download Morpheus Basic 5.5.1 in Softonic

Symantec is a company that has been subject to criticism for dropping the ball with recent versions of their anti-virus and internet security software, so does their backup solution show any proof that they are building on their vast experience and that their popularity and reputation is somewhat justified? At first sight, it’s clear that the interface has followed in the footsteps of every other Norton product, meaning that you get a user friendly tabbed based window with a healthy quantity of wizards thrown in for just about every operation.

Unfortunately the make-over seems to have just touched the surface and as a result, each tool you want to use will open a new window. Not only can this lead to a cluttered desktop with lingering dialog boxes but may also cause your system to slow significantly or at worst, crash. Used properly though, Norton Ghost will let you backup your entire hard-drive to another partition, an external, or a networked drive on a regular scheduled basis and also gives you a variety of ways to restore the reserve copies should the worst happen.

For anyone with huge amounts of data to backup, the option to compress everything will come as a blessing and for those with sensitive documents there is password protection and encryption. What’s more, the processes involved have been completely dumbed down, with less jargon and step by step instructions. While this benefits those who want a backup solution that they install and forget about, it strikes more advanced users right where it hurts. You can’t even select what folders to back up and instead must be satisfied that it’s all or nothing.

Although the program didn’t seem to be entirely stable, there was no obvious hit to system performance, which was one of the main problems with other Symantec software. Norton Ghost will put your mind at rest with a comprehensive copy of your hard drive, but if you prefer to be in complete control or to restrict your backup to only your essential files, then you should look elsewhere.

Download Norton Ghost 12.0 in Softonic

BitDefender is one of the most comprehensive protection packages out there for your PC. Covering everything from an anti-virus protector to Trojan blocker, it's a package for someone who doesn't want to install lots of separate ones.

The program is updated hourly which is both good and bad in equal measure. Good in that you're always protected but bad in that it can slow your system down a bit. The good thing is if your PC does crash at all, BitDefender automatically repairs and updates itself once you've restarted your PC. For those that upgrade to the full version, there's a 24/7 helpline via phone, email or chat at no additional cost. There's a NEWGamer Mode which temporarily modifies protection settings to minimize their impact on how your game performs so that you can play games with peace of mind. The anti virus is pretty powerful which blocks unknown viruses using what the developers call "advanced proactive detection techniques". In addition to all this, it includes a CD burning backup facility plus a tuneup utility to keep your PC operating at optimum performance.

An excellent all in one package although the updates a re a bit too regular and it takes your time to find your way around.

Download BitDefender Internet Security 2008 in Softonic

When protecting your PC from online threats, any weapon you come across is welcome, especially if they can take care of what other security applications don’t. McAfee AVERT Stinger is a small virus extractor specialised in hunting the viruses listed by McAfee.

Because it is lightweight, the program saves you the hassle of big and cumbersome antivirus applications and you can easily run it in the background while you carry out another task. Just launch McAfee AVERT Stinger, select your directory, press the scan now button, and wait for the results to come. The application runs relatively quickly depending on the size of the directory you have chosen to scan and if McAfee AVERT Stinger finds any malware it will pop up on the screen. The application is very basic but it can scan self-extracting executables and compressed files and will automatically remove viruses it comes across. To find out which viruses McAfee AVERT Stinger recognizes just click on the list button and scroll the names of all malware recognized by the antivirus manufacturer.

If there is one drawback to this application, it’s that you can not update the virus list, so you will need to reinstall the latest version of McAfee AVERT Stinger every time McAfee publishes a new list. A great advantage of most security suites is that they automatically update and incorporate new virus definitions without you having to worry about it. In this sense, and considering that new viruses pop up every day, McAfee AVERT Stinger has a very short life span. So if you don’t monitor the Mcafee website for a new version every now and then, your copy of the program might quickly be obsolete.

Despite McAfee AVERT Stinger’s obvious shortcoming, we believe that it is a good addition to your arsenal of security applications. It’s always good to have specialised software to hunt specific malware and the fact that this program works with McAfee’s very own list of viruses makes it a source to trust. If you remember to reinstall it every now and then you’ll have yourself a discreet yet effective addition to your PC protection.

Download McAfee AVERT Stinger 2.6.0 in Softonic