Strong design and Microsoft don't always go together, but they do in Windows 7. Users might take a while to get used to the new taskbar and Aero Peek, but they're a pleasure to use.
THE BAD
Performance is still hit-or-miss in Windows 7. At the ripe age of seven, Windows XP still performs better in some categories.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Windows 7 is more than what Vista should have been, it's where Microsoft needed to go. How much damage Vista did and whether Windows 7 is enough for people to finally abandon Windows XP are questions that nobody has the answers to right now.
Strong design and Microsoft don't always go together, but they do in Windows 7. Users might take a while to get used to the new taskbar and Aero Peek, but they're a pleasure to use.
THE BAD
Performance is still hit-or-miss in Windows 7. At the ripe age of seven, Windows XP still performs better in some categories.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Windows 7 is more than what Vista should have been, it's where Microsoft needed to go. How much damage Vista did and whether Windows 7 is enough for people to finally abandon Windows XP are questions that nobody has the answers to right now.
Strong design and Microsoft don't always go together, but they do in Windows 7. Users might take a while to get used to the new taskbar and Aero Peek, but they're a pleasure to use.
THE BAD
Performance is still hit-or-miss in Windows 7. At the ripe age of seven, Windows XP still performs better in some categories.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Windows 7 is more than what Vista should have been, it's where Microsoft needed to go. How much damage Vista did and whether Windows 7 is enough for people to finally abandon Windows XP are questions that nobody has the answers to right now.
1 user, Complete package, 300 MHz or higher, CD-ROM, DVD drive, 300 MHz or higher
THE GOOD
Norton Internet Security 2010 treads surprisingly lightly CPU power, while bolstering last year's reputation-based detection engine with a new behavioral-detection system.
THE BAD
Despite dramatic performance improvements during the past two years, Norton still doesn't leave the smallest footprint on your CPU, and new efficacy results show that while it continues to be in the top five apps at detecting malicious software, it still doesn't have the highest rate of detection.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Norton Internet Security 2010 builds on the immense progress it made in last year's version, maintaining a low system profile while strengthening its security framework. It's not perfect, but even Symantec's detractors should check it out.
Interface enhancements like Expose in the Dock and better file and folder viewing in Stacks make finding apps and files much easier. A completely overhauled QuickTime X now sports a cleaner interface and recording tools. The much-anticipated Exchange support across Mail, the Address Book, and iCal is huge for those who take their Macs to work.
THE BAD
Snow Leopard works with Intel Macs only; PowerPC users are out of luck; requires $29 upgrade fee.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Intel Mac users will like Snow Leopard's smartly designed interface enhancements, and its Exchange support is a must-have (especially with Outlook for Mac on the way). With a ton of technological improvements, Snow Leopard is worth the $29 upgrade fee.
1 user, Complete package, 300 MHz or higher, CD-ROM, DVD drive, 300 MHz or higher
THE GOOD
Norton AntiVirus 2010 treads lightly on your CPU, while bolstering last year's reputation-based detection engine with a new behavioral detection system.
THE BAD
Despite dramatic performance improvements in the past two years, Norton still doesn't leave the smallest footprint on your CPU, and new efficacy results show that while it continues to be in the top five at detecting malicious software, it still doesn't have the highest rate of detection.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Norton AntiVirus 2010 builds on the immense progress made in last year's version, maintaining a low system profile while strengthening its security framework. It's not perfect, but even Symantec's detractors should check it out.
Apple's iTunes 9 software is a multimedia powerhouse with tons of options for organizing your digital media library and an integrated download store with an unrivaled selection of music, movies, TV shows, and more.
THE BAD
iTunes 9 isn't a small or quick software install; it's a notorious hog of system resources; and the AAC music downloads are not as universally compatible as the MP3 files offered by most competitors.
THE BOTTOM LINE
iTunes 9 is a natural, yet relatively minor, evolution of Apple's popular media management software and is a required download for new iPod owners.
TurboTax 2008's ability to import W2 and investment income details dramatically saves time and typing; free federal e-file for up to five returns is a new perk.
THE BAD
Already pricier than rivals, TurboTax 2008's extra services can add up quickly. It offers no free live tax advice, and printing the state return takes more effort than it should.
THE BOTTOM LINE
TurboTax 2008 is the most expensive tax app on the market, but it's also fast, complete, and straightforward. If finishing quickly is your goal, the extra cost is worth it. If you anticipate wanting live help support, look into TaxCut.
1 user, Complete package, Apple MacOS X 10.5.6 or later, Intel PowerPC G4, PowerPC G5 (867MHz or faster) 867 MHz, Intel Power Mac G5 (dual 2.0GHz or faster), iMac G5 (1.9GHz or faster), DVD-ROM, Intel PowerPC G4, PowerPC G5 (867MHz or faster), Intel Power Mac G5 (dual 2.0GHz or faster), iMac G5 (1.9GHz or faster), 867 MHz, MacOS, QuickTime 7.5.5 or later
THE GOOD
Apple iLife '09 sees several improvements over iLife '08: iPhoto now has face recognition, geotagging, and social network integration; iMovie regains a few advanced tools; and music lessons come to GarageBand.
THE BAD
iPhoto's face detection isn't perfect, and the social network integration needs some work; iMovie's great for simple editing, but advanced users might find it lacking.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Apple iLife '09 is a great application suite for simple media organizing and editing, and the addition of features like face recognition, geotagging, and music lessons makes it worth the update.
Complete package, 400 MHz (Microsoft Windows XP), 1 GHz (Microsoft Windows Vista), CD-ROM, Modem, Printer, Sound card, Speakers, 400 MHz (Microsoft Windows XP), 1 GHz (Microsoft Windows Vista)
THE GOOD
The Quicken 2010 product family gets a fresh home page that makes setting up a personal home finance operation easy. Quicken now also automatically categorizes expenses.
THE BAD
Many second-tier tools are clunky and text-heavy; Quicken junks up the desktop with extra shortcuts.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Quicken 2010 is a solid finance package, especially for novices, but offers little that's substantively new.
Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 offers fast threat detection and removal based on virus definitions and system behavior, and includes a sandbox called Safe Run for isolating programs that need to run.
THE BAD
The interface is decent enough to navigate, but that most basic of security suite features--the scheduler--is inexplicably buried and unnecessarily hard to get to.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 is a full-featured security suite, and the 2009 version scored well on independent antivirus detection and removal tests. However, be prepared to pay a premium for what you're getting.
H&R Block TaxCut Premium Federal + State + E-file 2008 (1 User, Box Set, Download)
EDITORS RATING
7.8
SPECS
1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, Apple MacOS X 10.4 or later, 2x CD-ROM, SVGA monitor, MacOS, Windows, Safari 2.0, Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
THE GOOD
As part of H&R Block, TaxCut 2008 offers more avenues to one-on-one assistance, some useful convenience tools, and a new, free online version for simple federal returns.
THE BAD
TaxCut doesn't import W-2 and investment income information, resulting in a longer tax-prep process. Some wording remains confusing.
THE BOTTOM LINE
TaxCut 2008 is missing TurboTax's advanced importing engines and sophisticated tax tools, and it takes longer than TurboTax to fill out. However, its free session of live tax advice and free live audit support will win over taxpayers who value personalized customer service.
1 user, Complete package, Apple MacOS X 10.4.11, Apple MacOS X 10.5.6 or later, Intel Power PC G4, Intel Power PC G4 Power PC G5 500 MHz, DVD-ROM, Intel Power PC G4, Intel Power PC G4 Power PC G5, 500 MHz, MacOS, QuickTime 7.5.5 or later
THE GOOD
Interface tweaks make commonly used features more accessible. Flashy, eye-catching presentations are even easier to make. iWork apps play well together with added interoperability across the suite.
THE BAD
Still no business-grade e-mail client. iWork.com Web component doesn't allow for true collaboration. The lack of an auto save feature is a particularly problematic omission we hope to see in future releases.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Intuitive interface design and easy access to useful features make iWork the best office suite choice on the Mac. Though it lacks some of Microsoft Office's advanced options, iWork '09 is an emerging powerhouse in its own right.
5 PC in one household, Complete package, Apple MacOS X 10.4.11, Apple MacOS X 10.5.6 or later, 500 MHz, DVD-ROM, 500 MHz, MacOS, QuickTime 7.5.5 or later
THE GOOD
Interface tweaks make commonly used features more accessible. Flashy, eye-catching presentations are even easier to make. iWork apps play well together with added interoperability across the suite.
THE BAD
Still no business-grade e-mail client. iWork.com Web component doesn't allow for true collaboration. The lack of an auto save feature is a particularly problematic omission we hope to see in future releases.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Intuitive interface design and easy access to useful features make iWork the best office suite choice on the Mac. Though it lacks some of Microsoft Office's advanced options, iWork '09 is an emerging powerhouse in its own right.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 offers fast threat detection and removal based on virus definitions and system behavior.
THE BAD
The interface is decent enough to navigate with, but that most basic of security suite features--the scheduler--is inexplicably buried and unnecessarily hard to get to.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 offers pricey antivirus protection. The 2009 version scored well on independent antivirus detection and removal tests, but be prepared to pay a premium for what you're getting.
Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2010 is one of the most comprehensive security suites we've encountered, with everything covered from basic threat detection to a behavior-based prevention system to security for Symbian and Windows Mobile devices.
THE BAD
Virus detection and removal efficacy is hard to determine; the service is acceptable, but not stellar; and while Trend Micro Internet Security Pro offers browsing protection, launching a link from within the program feels sluggish and awkward.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Trend Micro Internet Security Pro's broad feature set combined with its look and feel make it a serious contender, but questionable efficacy and middling performance mean it's a program we're not recommending for this year.
1 PC, Subscription package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows XP 64-bit Edition, Microsoft Windows Vista (64-bit versions), 300 MHz Intel Pentium, 300 MHz, CD-ROM, 300 MHz Intel Pentium, 300 MHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 6.0
THE GOOD
Panda Internet Security 2009 is vastly improved in speed and effectiveness over last year's version.
THE BAD
Panda Internet Security 2009 drops the ball on technical-support options for users.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Panda Internet Security 2009 is vastly improved in speed and effectiveness over last year, but could use a little more work on specific features and technical support.
Consistent user interface promotes uninterrupted work flow; canned project templates jazz up slideshows and movies; includes a printing service for calendars and cards.
THE BAD
Software speed is mixed, depending on hardware; photo editor is short on effects; our tests showed problems uploading to Flickr; WinDVD 2010 software does not support Blu-ray.
THE BOTTOM LINE
A majority of home users will appreciate Corel Digital Studio's feature set, its interactive projects, and wide support for photo and video formats.
Small megabyte footprint, built-in PDF creation tools, and Flash installation work well on tiny Netbooks; Microsoft Office 2007-style interface; reads and saves documents in multiple file types, including Microsoft analogs; multilanguage support.
THE BAD
Often renders text differently than it should when pasting or importing content; lacks advanced features applicable to Netbooks users.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Despite some compatibility setbacks, Corel Home Office suite is useful for creating documents. Its conscientious size, small-screen optimizations, and attractive price make it a good buy for a Netbook office suite, or for saving space by shedding advanced features.
3 PCs, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 7, Microsoft Windows XP SP2, Microsoft Windows XP SP3, Microsoft Windows Vista SP1, Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Microsoft Windows Vista (32/64 bits)
THE GOOD
Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2010 has one of the most comprehensive security suites we've seen, with everything covered from basic threat detection to a behavior-based prevention system and security for Symbian and Windows Mobile devices.
THE BAD
Virus detection and removal efficacy is hard to determine, its service is acceptable but not stellar. While Trend Micro Internet Security Pro offers browsing protection, launching a link from within the program feels sluggish and awkward.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Trend Micro Internet Security Pro's broad feature set combined with its look and feel make it a serious contender, but its questionable efficacy and middling performance make it a program we're not recommending.
Complete package, 2 GHz or higher (Microsoft Windows 7, Microsoft Windows Vista Business, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate), 1 GHz or higher (Microsoft Windows XP SP2, Microsoft Windows XP SP3, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows Professional), 2 GHz or higher (Microsoft Windows 7, Microsoft Windows Vista Business, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate), 1 GHz or higher (Microsoft Windows XP SP2, Microsoft Windows XP SP3, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows Professional)
THE GOOD
ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 2010 is bursting with features and offers one of the most customizable firewalls we've encountered. It also installs very politely.
THE BAD
This isn't the security program for people who dislike small fonts. The design requires a lot of extra clicks to get to most of the options settings, and the trial is shorter than that of most of the competition.
THE BOTTOM LINE
ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 2010 isn't necessarily the best suite around, but it's definitely effective and should appeal to those who like making granular adjustments to their protection.
Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2010 offers basic antivirus and antispyware protection.
THE BAD
This stripped-down program from Trend Micro lacks many of the bells and whistles that made its siblings worth considering.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Going by older detection and removal numbers, Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware offers competent if basic security protection. However, so do many free competitors. This year, we recommend giving Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2010 a pass.
Trimble Outdoors provides navigation and lets you record trips, hikes, and walks from your cell phone. The Web component lets you download and upload trips to your phone.
THE BAD
The program didn't do the best job of tracking our exact movements. When uploading a trip to the PC, our trail went through buildings and didn't always accurately trace our steps.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Trimble Outdoors offers a number of navigation and tracking tools for Verizon phones, but the trouble with Trimble is the inconsistent performance and accuracy.
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