Reliable product reviews and buying advice from Consumer Reports

Failing to protect your computer from online threats can shorten your machine's life and lead to the theft or corruption of data, including sensitive personal information. But you don't have to spend a lot on security software. We found that free programs are fine for most people.

E-book readers are portable devices, usually with display screens optimized to show the electronic text of digital books. These electronic book readers are typically larger than cell phones and smaller than most tablet computers. Tablets with e-book apps, Web browsers and more robust processors typically offer more versatile than e-readers.

Who needs a humidifier? Anyone who has uncomfortably dry or itchy eyes, throat or skin, or whose asthma is a problem indoors during the heating season. In addition to the health benefits, a humidifier can also reduce static electricity, peeling wallpaper, and cracks in paint and furniture.

Electric shavers are popular on men's gift lists for several reasons: They let you shave without the muss and fuss of lather and water, a real plus when you're traveling or if you like an afternoon touch-up at the office. And unlike blade razors, they avoid nicks, since the blades don't touch your skin.

Like TV screens, computer monitors are continuing to go wider and bigger. The squarish 17-inch monitors are now almost obsolete, replaced by widescreen models. Their larger size allows for easier side-by-side page viewing or more spreadsheet columns with less scrolling.

When you're shopping for a dishwasher, there are a number of factors to consider. Besides determining how much you're able to spend, you'll need to decide how many and which options you want and really need, check the quietness and energy efficiency of the different dishwashers, and look at other aspects, including cycle time.

Now is a great time to buy a new refrigerator as more brands pile on high-end features such as LED temperature displays and "theater lighting" for less. Our tests also show that even relatively basic, $500 refrigerators now offer glass shelves with rims to catch spills and enough storage in the door to hold gallon milk jugs.

All the air conditioners in our latest tests do an excellent job of cooling and come with such convenient features as a digital display, a built-in timer, a remote control, or touchpad controls. But some models are noisy and others struggled to cool during brownouts. Find out which to buy for your home.

Inkjet and laser printers have become more affordable and increasingly full featured. Color inkjets, which can cost as little as $30, now turn out photos nearly indistinguishable from lab-processed photos. Once reserved for businesses, monochrome laser printers can now be had for less than $50.

Meaningful differences in speed between desktops and laptops have largely disappeared. But each design has its own advantages and trade-offs. We give you the essential information to find the computer that's right for you.

High-definition TVs come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you want a slim LCD or plasma TV, a 3D-capable set, or a front projector that can give you a cinema-like experience at home, you'll find the help you need here.

A digital photo frame could be a good idea for anyone who's tired of seeing the same old lineup of photos on the mantel. That's because you can make the pictures inside the frame change automatically.

Buying a digital camera can be disorienting. There are hundreds of cameras available at many different types of retail outlets (online and in traditional stores), with prices ranging from $75 to several thousand dollars. In this digital camera guide, we aim to help you overcome some of this confusion.

Even the most expensive digital TV can't convey the rich multichannel sound you'll find on most Blu-ray and DVD movies and high-definition television programs. There are two basic ways to upgrade the audio: Choose a home-theater-in-a-box system or build your own surround-sound system from separate components. In this report, we'll focus on the easier route, an HTIB system.

The digital music player continues to evolve from simple audio player to complex multimedia device. Most come with color displays, many with touch screens, and some can show digital photos. Many also play movies. Some can record directly from a TV or download and share their content over Wi-Fi. Use our MP3 player guide to help you pick the right one to meet your needs.

Home-entertainment options are expanding. High-definition Blu-ray players are steadily gaining favor, and new 3D-capable models are making a splash. Regular DVD players are still available as well. Portable players of both types let you take the show on the road. Digital recorders can capture HDTV content and standard-definition video.

The moment you decide to buy a camcorder, you're inundated with a dizzying array of jargon: HDD, HD, AVCHD, SDHC, HDV. You'll come across camcorders that cost as little as $100 and those that cost thousands. And the sales staff could even confuse you more. Our guide will help you to find the right camcorder for your needs.