Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2010
Going by older detection and removal numbers, Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware offers competent if basic security protection. However, so do many free competitors. This year, we recommend giving Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2010 a pass.

Quicken Deluxe 2010
Quicken 2010 is a solid finance package, especially for novices, but offers little that's substantively new.

Trend Micro Internet Security 2010
Trend Micro Internet Security Pro's broad feature set combined with its look and feel make it a serious contender, but its questionable efficacy and middling performance make it a program we're not recommending.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 (CD-ROM, 1-Year License)
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 offers pricey antivirus protection. The 2009 version scored well on independent antivirus detection and removal tests, but be prepared to pay a premium for what you're getting.

Apple iTunes 9
iTunes 9 is a natural, yet relatively minor, evolution of Apple's popular media management software and is a required download for new iPod owners.

Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2010
Trend Micro Internet Security Pro's broad feature set combined with its look and feel make it a serious contender, but questionable efficacy and middling performance mean it's a program we're not recommending for this year.

Apple Mac OS X Snow Leopard
Intel Mac users will like Snow Leopard's smartly designed interface enhancements, and its Exchange support is a must-have (especially with Outlook for Mac on the way). With a ton of technological improvements, Snow Leopard is worth the $29 upgrade fee.

H&R Block TaxCut Premium Federal + State + E-file 2008 (1 User, Box Set, Downl...
TaxCut 2008 is missing TurboTax's advanced importing engines and sophisticated tax tools, and it takes longer than TurboTax to fill out. However, its free session of live tax advice and free live audit support will win over taxpayers who value personalized customer service.

Corel Home Office
Despite some compatibility setbacks, Corel Home Office suite is useful for creating documents. Its conscientious size, small-screen optimizations, and attractive price make it a good buy for a Netbook office suite, or for saving space by shedding advanced features.

McAfee Total Protection 2010 (1 User)
McAfee Total Protection 2010 hits many of the right notes. It's easy to use and it's effective, but years of below-average releases will likely leave many users unwilling to give it a try.