These days, even a novice PC user is aware that a simple virus protection program isn't enough for a computer that's hooked up to the Internet. Gone are the days when a firewall was something that only business users would be employing, and in these times of shredded innocence, more and more programs are being released which focus on a whole range of security measures that the average home PC could benefit from.

This suite is a typical example and it consists of five separate programs which address a number of security issues, namely spyware, phishing, spam, ID theft and online privacy in general. Upon installation, you're offered the option of picking and choosing which programs you require, or simply installing the lot.

Internet Cleanup is the anti-spyware program in this box of tricks. It boasts a number of tools, including browser cache and cookie cleaning options, cleaning settings for all the popular instant messengers and options to automatically keep your e-mail client trim (by specifying, for example, the deletion of all mails older than a given date).

But most importantly, Internet Cleanup runs a scan to determine whether there's any spyware present on your system. During our test scan it detected three pieces of spyware, which the program removed successfully. There's also a one-click button to go online and download the latest spyware definitions, so the protection provided here is laudable.

Phishguard is, unsurprisingly, the anti-phishing arm of this suite. For the uninitiated, phishing is scamming people into revealing vital information such as online banking passwords or credit card details. This is done very cleverly, usually by sending out an official looking e-mail which links to a false banking or shopping Web site. Phishguard users report any such scam, which is then added to the program's database, so when you visit the scam site or receive a dodgy e-mail, Phishguard will warn you.

SpamCatcher is the anti-spam program which works with POP mail accounts and Hotmail (as well as IMAP and MS Exchange). It sets itself up neatly upon installation, detecting all your mail accounts and configuring itself with them. SpamCatcher employs a standard 'scoring' method to determine what it considers spam and the user can alter how lenient this measurement is using a slider. Specific domains or addresses can be blocked or allowed, plus there's a word learning feature which helps SpamCatcher to recognise key spam-related phrases so it can become more accurate with its pruning process.

The final two programs in the suite are Identity Theft Protector and Anonymizer Anonymous Surfing. The former is essentially a database of advice on how best to avoid the many identity theft scams in circulation, both online and offline. If you become a victim it also provides many printable forms which can help you take action, although it's an American program which hasn't been localised for the UK market (there are template letters to Congress, for example). That isn't too helpful, and overall this program doesn't add much to the suite.

The Anonymizer Anonymous Surfing program is a small affair which basically keeps your IP address private while you're online.

This is a worthwhile security suite. The strongest element is the anti-spyware program, which proved itself to be thorough and useful. SpamCatcher is also well featured and easy to set up. Phishguard is simple and effective, but the other two utilities are somewhat less useful.