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Too often we choose a security program based on the reputation of the vendor. That's why I was happy to learn that the results of recent tests of antivirus software conducted by AV-Test.org found several with near-perfect virus-detection rates, including Avira's free AntiVir Personal.

The tests didn't distinguish between antivirus programs that reside on your PC and virus scanners that run in a browser. I wasn't able to find any test results specifically for online virus-scanning services, though the same handful of names popped up repeatedly: Secunia Software Inspector, Trend Micro HouseCall, Kapersky Online Scanner, … Read more

Exceedingly popular, AVG Free offers rock-solid protection, but only the bare necessities. The security features include a real-time shield to prevent infections, antivirus and antimalware wrapped up in one engine, and a link scanner for Web surfing with care.

By default, AVG is set to search for new virus definitions daily, but you can always use the scheduling tool to change this. Should a virus create serious system problems, AVG creates a rescue disk to scan your computer in MS-DOS mode. The program doesn't tax your system when scanning or when running in the background, and it always proved … Read more

AVG Technologies, formerly Grisoft, has updated AVG Free to Version 8.0. The other antivirus programs the company publishes updated in March, following AVG's pattern of updating the free version about a month after the paid editions get their new coats of paint.

As before, AVG Free 8.0 features all the essential functions of AVG Internet Security, but none of the bells and whistles. So the new engine is intact, with combined antivirus, antispyware, and the formerly independent LinkScanner technologies rolled into one. However, there's no antirootkit protection, and other features included in AVG Anti-Virus such as … Read more

If you thought the $34 HP DeskJet F2110 printer/scanner/copier was a good deal, try this on for size: Wal-Mart has the Lexmark X3430 printer/scanner/copier for a mere $27.88.

The X3430 combines a tri-color inkjet printer with a flatbed scanner and copier. It can churn out documents at up to 17 pages per minute (according to Lexmark) and scan to PDF or OCR. It prints 4x6-inch borderless photos and includes slots for most kinds of memory cards. It also has a basic control panel, something the HP lacks.

The printer relies solely on tri-color ink cartridges (… Read more

I've long been a fan of Casio's Exilim line of digital cameras, as I think they offer mucho bang for the buck. Buy.com has the 7-megapixel Exilim EX-Z75 on sale for $109.99, shipped, after a $20 mail-in rebate.

But wait, there's more! When you buy the Exilim (or any digital camera), you're also eligible for a $70 mail-in rebate on various Epson printers, including the Epson Stylus CX7400 multifunction. It's a color printer, copier, and scanner. And for all intents and purposes, it's free (okay, $4) when you buy the camera. Free … Read more

If this isn't an argument to ditch paper and read exclusively online, we don't know what is. The Korean-made "Dixau" is a gadget that scans text and then displays it on a computer screen, adding supplemental information provided by Google searches, Wikipedia references, and any dictionary of choice. But if the only reason for using it is to get the definition of unfamiliar words, this is a depressing example of both laziness and illiteracy. It's not clear if the device works in English or other languages, according to Dvice, but it would make more sense … Read more

With spring just around the corner, it's time to clean up your workspace. To help you clean up your clutter, Brother is releasing two multifunction printers: the MFC-7440N ($249) and the MFC-7840W ($299). Both are significant upgrades to their predecessors, with the MFC-7840W living up to its prefix multifunction name.

The MFC-7840W is the standout product here, it includes all the features you would expect from a high end all-in-one printer, such as a speedy 23 page per minute output, 2400x600 dots per inch resolution, and a 35 sheet auto feeder. We're excited to take a look at … Read more

HP is poised and ready to send a barrage of printers to our office, and to that we say, "Bring it on!" This won't be the first time we've been deluged with printers from HP, and we're eager to get back in the ring. Need proof? Just last August, we became a storage shed for HP's massive photo printer rollout. This time around, it's the small and medium business side that gets a product boost with 11 new inkjet and laserjet printers that HP claims will increase flexibility and grab attention at a … Read more

To paraphrase Arthur Clarke, printing without wires is indistinguishable from magic. I mean, remember when you needed a big fat parallel cable to send documents from PC to printer? Now all you need is air (and a Wi-Fi router).

JR.com has the Brother MFC-685cw, a seriously well-equipped multifunction printer, for $129.99 shipped. Among the highlights: compact design, a built-in phone with answering machine, and both wired and Wi-Fi network compatibility.

You can read CNET's full review here, but I'll summarize in case you're in a hurry: It's packed with features, but it's also … Read more