The season of security

The year 2010 may still officially be some months away, but that's not stopping security vendors from releasing major 2010 software upgrades to their antivirus apps and security suites. Just this week, Check Point Software released ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2010 and ZoneAlarm Extreme Security. What's the difference? The former is a complete suite with the familiar ZoneAlarm firewall, plus antivirus, antispyware, and parental controls. It costs $50. The latter lays on extra padding with Web browsing protection, antiphishing technology, and backup and system tune-up tools. It costs $70 for the complete set. How did the apps do? Read more in this hands-on review.

ZoneAlarm's offering is hot on the heels of Trend Micro, which itself unveiled its three new security products, ranging in price from $40 to the $70 pro suite.

Don't overlook Kaspersky when contemplating your antivirus needs for the coming year. Two new security apps have come out of the company's labs. As with competitors, one is the more customary antivirus armor and the other has many more robust tools and features. Read an in-depth review here.