Just as in previous versions, Download Accelerator Plus 10 (free) boosts your download speeds by breaking files into smaller pieces, connecting to and downloading from multiple sources simultaneously, and even seeking out faster mirrors. What's different with this newest version, though, is the more streamlined engine that now offers features in the form of "add-ons." This means you can supplement your boosted download speeds (200 to 400 percent faster in many cases) with only the additional features that you want.

One of the most useful add-ons that you can enable in version 10 is DAPsters. If you download files from RapidShare.com or similar sites, this feature will come in handy. Basically, it minimizes the annoying pages that usually precede downloads on those popular file-transfer sites and fast-tracks you to the CAPTCHA step (if there is one).

Another great add-on is the Link Checker, which identifies valid and invalid download links before you actually hit the download button. It shows a small icon next to valid links on download pages, so you don't have to waste time trying out all of the different download sources.

Other add-ons include a Media Preview, Zip Preview, Internet Browser, and Video Downloader & Converter. I didn't see an FTP client, though, which was available in previous versions. Also available is a SPEEDbit Video Accelerator, which is offered as a bundled download during setup. Not only that, DAP 10 serves up quite a few annoying pop-up messages encouraging you to download and install it. I tried this feature and was less than impressed. I didn't notice much of a boost, and found the Video Acceleration status window intrusive.

Overall, I found DAP 10 to be extremely adept at performing its core function of accelerating downloads. I noticed the boosts consistently. It's also nice that version 10 lets you customize your experience by adding on only the features that you want. This add-on platform also bodes well for the future, as SPEEDbit is openly asking developers to create new offerings for their program.

Don't let the dull name fool you: Internet Download Manager is a full-featured package that handles downloading tasks with aplomb. It conveniently integrates into your browser, even if you use Mozilla or Opera.

It automatically sorts incoming files by file type and puts them in the appropriate folder. Most importantly, it supercharges download speeds (it doubled ours). Its windowed interface is clean and easy to understand. Power users can take advantage of the command line interface to resume file transfers, schedule downloads, connect through dial-up, or log on to password-protected sites. Experienced users also can limit the number of connections, the download speeds for specific sites, and even create an exception list to block specific, user-defined sites.

Other features include automatic virus checking and the ability to download all files linked to a page. The new version has a Web spider that can analyze a site and retrieve, for example, all the images on it.

Internet Download Manager strikes us as a natural choice for users in need of a trusty transfer tool. Version 5.11 build 5 added FLV grabber that can be used to download videos from YouTube, Google Video, MySpaceTV, and other popular sites.

The bottom line:
The new Kaspersky Anti-Virus for 2012 introduces a dual cloud-and-local security system bundled under an overhauled interface that's both easy to use and familiar. The suite's scans aren't the fastest, but it definitely will protect you.

Review: 
Kaspersky Anti-Virus continues to provide users with a high level of protection that includes security tools not offered by many competitors. The 2012 version won't change the face of personal computer security, although this particular package of security options has attracted enough devotees to make it a best-selling program, both in and out of the security field. A one-user license for Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2011 retails for $39.95.

Editors' note: Portions of this review are based on CNET's review of Kaspersky Internet Security 2012.

Installation: 
Installing Kaspersky 2012 was not the chore that installing last year's version was. Kaspersky 2011 was plagued by a bug that would halt the installation process if even minor Registry keys from competing suites were detected. The 2012 version had a smooth and fuss-free install, and although it didn't demand a reboot once completed, we found that registering the program wouldn't take until after a system reboot was completed. Basically, you're on the hook for a reboot here. It's annoying, and there's nothing to be done about it because of the deep hooks into your system that security suites require.