1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2, Microsoft Windows Vista Business (32/64 bits), Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate (32/64 bits), Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise (32/64 bits), Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic (32/64 bits), Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (32/64 bits), Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition SP2 or later, 1.3 GHz, 1.3 GHz, 9, DVD-ROM, XGA monitor, 1.3 GHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 6.0
THE GOOD
Adobe Acrobat 9 wraps video and animation into PDFs; supports geospatial mapping and 3D images; enhances 256-bit encryption; improves form management and redaction; takes Web page snapshots; PDF Portfolios better bundle complex packages; free online tie-ins extend the tools and allow remote collaboration.
THE BAD
Adobe Acrobat 9 isn't a cinch to master; tech support is pricey; PowerPoint tie-ins and geospatial mapping are only available in Pro Extended.
THE BOTTOM LINE
This update should be worthwhile for security-minded businesses and creative firms. With Acrobat 9, Adobe brings new Web relevance to print-ready PDFs by enabling embedded video and animation. Forms, security, and overall ease of use are also enhanced.
1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2, Microsoft Windows Vista Business (32/64 bits), Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate (32/64 bits), Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise (32/64 bits), Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic (32/64 bits), Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (32/64 bits), Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition SP2 or later, 1.3 GHz, 1.3 GHz, 9, DVD-ROM, XGA monitor, 1.3 GHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 6.0
THE GOOD
Adobe Acrobat 9 wraps video and animation into PDFs; supports geospatial mapping and 3D images; enhances 256-bit encryption; improves form management and redaction; takes Web page snapshots; PDF Portfolios better bundle complex packages; free online tie-ins extend the tools and allow remote collaboration.
THE BAD
Adobe Acrobat 9 isn't a cinch to master; tech support is pricey; PowerPoint tie-ins and geospatial mapping are only available in Pro Extended.
THE BOTTOM LINE
This update should be worthwhile for security-minded businesses and creative firms. With Acrobat 9, Adobe brings new Web relevance to print-ready PDFs by enabling embedded video and animation. Forms, security, and overall ease of use are also enhanced.
1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2, Microsoft Windows Vista Business (32/64 bits), Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate (32/64 bits), Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise (32/64 bits), Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic (32/64 bits), Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (32/64 bits), Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition SP2 or later, 1.3 GHz, 1.3 GHz, 9, DVD-ROM, XGA monitor, 1.3 GHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 6.0
THE GOOD
Adobe Acrobat 9 wraps video and animation into PDFs; supports geospatial mapping and 3D images; enhances 256-bit encryption; improves form management and redaction; takes Web page snapshots; PDF Portfolios better bundle complex packages; free online tie-ins extend the tools and allow remote collaboration.
THE BAD
Adobe Acrobat 9 isn't a cinch to master; tech support is pricey; PowerPoint tie-ins and geospatial mapping are only available in Pro Extended.
THE BOTTOM LINE
This update should be worthwhile for security-minded businesses and creative firms. With Acrobat 9, Adobe brings new Web relevance to print-ready PDFs by enabling embedded video and animation. Forms, security, and overall ease of use are also enhanced.
Firefox 3 touts faster rendering, vastly reduced use of system resources, clever new data-mining tools for your bookmarks and browser history, and more security features than any other browser.
THE BAD
Firefox 3 will no longer support Windows 95, 98, and Me; same with Mac OS X, versions 10.2 and earlier.
THE BOTTOM LINE
If only for the speed, lightness of being, and security alone, Firefox remains our Editors' Choice for best Internet browser.
Intuit TurboTax Online Deluxe 2007 uses the same excellent interface and thorough interview as the desktop version and has no software to install; Live Community peer support helps with unusual questions.
THE BAD
Intuit TurboTax Online Deluxe 2007 costs more than its online competition.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Intuit TurboTax Online Deluxe 2007 is a terrific tax-preparation service that's sure to please longtime TurboTax users tired of software installations.
Intuit TurboTax Online Deluxe 2007 uses the same excellent interface and thorough interview as the desktop version and has no software to install; Live Community peer support helps with unusual questions.
THE BAD
Intuit TurboTax Online Deluxe 2007 costs more than its online competition.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Intuit TurboTax Online Deluxe 2007 is a terrific tax-preparation service that's sure to please longtime TurboTax users tired of software installations.
Eset NOD32 3.0 offers a new interface, faster scanning, and thorough technical support
THE BAD
Eset NOD32 3.0 doesn't include firewall protection.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Eset NOD32 3.0 finally gets its interface right and, along with high-rated performance among independent testing labs, deserves consideration on your desktop.
H&R Block TaxCut Online adds help for those in the military; includes free audit support for electronic filing; adds weekend technical help to its free support; costs less than comparable TurboTax tools.
THE BAD
TaxCut didn't detect some data entry errors; its interview could be confusing; some investment tools could be better.
THE BOTTOM LINE
H&R Block TaxCut Online is a relatively affordable and well-designed Web-based tax-preparation software, although we found TurboTax more thorough.
H&R Block TaxCut Online adds help for those in the military; includes free audit support for electronic filing; adds weekend technical help to its free support; costs less than comparable TurboTax tools.
THE BAD
TaxCut didn't detect some data entry errors; its interview could be confusing; some investment tools could be better.
THE BOTTOM LINE
H&R Block TaxCut Online is a relatively affordable and well-designed Web-based tax-preparation software, although we found TurboTax more thorough.
H&R Block TaxCut Online adds help for those in the military; includes free audit support for electronic filing; adds weekend technical help to its free support; costs less than comparable TurboTax tools.
THE BAD
TaxCut didn't detect some data entry errors; its interview could be confusing; some investment tools could be better.
THE BOTTOM LINE
H&R Block TaxCut Online is a relatively affordable and well-designed Web-based tax-preparation software, although we found TurboTax more thorough.
1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows Vista, Apple MacOS X 10.3.9 or later, Printer, Speaker(s), 2x CD-ROM, Sound card, SVGA monitor, Internet connection, MacOS, Windows, Safari 1.3.2, Internet Explorer 6.0
THE GOOD
H&R Block TaxCut adds help for those in the military; includes free audit support for electronic filing; adds weekend technical help to its free support; costs less than Intuit's TurboTax Premier.
THE BAD
TaxCut didn't detect some data entry errors; its interview could be confusing; some investment tools could be better.
THE BOTTOM LINE
H&R Block TaxCut is relatively affordable and well-designed tax-prep software, although we found TurboTax's interview to be more direct and thorough.
1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows Vista, Apple MacOS X 10.3.9 or later, Printer, Speaker(s), 2x CD-ROM, Sound card, SVGA monitor, Internet connection, MacOS, Windows, Safari 1.3.2, Internet Explorer 6.0
THE GOOD
H&R Block TaxCut adds help for those in the military; includes free audit support for electronic filing; adds weekend technical help to its free support; costs less than Intuit's TurboTax Premier.
THE BAD
TaxCut didn't detect some data entry errors; its interview could be confusing; some investment tools could be better.
THE BOTTOM LINE
H&R Block TaxCut is relatively affordable and well-designed tax-prep software, although we found TurboTax's interview to be more direct and thorough.
3 PC in one household, Complete package, Microsoft Windows Vista Starter, Microsoft Windows Vista Business, Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition SP2 or later, 300 MHz, 300 MHz, 300 MHz, 300 MHz, 300 MHz, 300 MHz, 300 MHz, 300 MHz, 2.0, CD-ROM, 300 MHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
THE GOOD
Norton 360 v2 includes more native support for the Firefox browser; enhanced backup options; enhanced PC Tune Up; works great on clean, new machines running Windows Vista.
THE BAD
Norton 360 v2 can be hard to install on legacy machines; places a gadget in Windows Vista without asking; requires personal information for access to a technical support section that can be confusing; costly to use.
THE BOTTOM LINE
A near-perfect all-in-one solution for brand new PCs, Norton 360 v2 may be hard to install and run on legacy machines. However, don't count on Symantec's time-consuming and expensive technical support for help.
Mozilla Thunderbird 2 offers unobtrusive installation; speedy searches; built-in RSS feeds; well-considered security; hundreds of add-ons; and compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, as well as with Gmail and .Mac accounts.
THE BAD
Setting up Mozilla Thunderbird 2 may be dead simple for geeks, but steps could be explained better from the start. Built-in features are less extensive than in paid clients, such as Microsoft Outlook, although users with savvy can tack on many add-ons.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Mozilla Thunderbird 2 is a fine, free, extensible e-mail client and a solid alternative to pricey Microsoft Outlook 2007 or the free Windows Live Mail.
Slick, attractive interface; useful retouching tools and well-done interface for using them; most operations relatively fast.
THE BAD
Doesn't support photos from 12-megapixel or higher cameras; no filtering or keywording; no printing options.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Though there's a lot to like about Adobe's first stab at online photo editing and sharing, however, you probably want to wait until the company fixes a few problems with the beta before uploading scads of photographs to Adobe Photoshop Express.
TaxAct Deluxe Online 2007 is inexpensive, has added assistance with life events, automatically saves your work on its secure servers, guarantees accuracy, and includes help with student financial aid and the latest tax credits.
THE BAD
TaxAct Online's interview is hard to understand in sections and sometimes uses too much accounting jargon; lacks extensive help with investments, deductions and potential audits.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The low price and strong technical support of TaxAct Deluxe Online 2007 make it a solid choice for bargain hunters with relatively simple finances, although Intuit TurboTax and H&R Block TaxCut include more investment, deduction, and audit tools.
TaxAct Deluxe Online 2007 is inexpensive, has added assistance with life events, automatically saves your work on its secure servers, guarantees accuracy, and includes help with student financial aid and the latest tax credits.
THE BAD
TaxAct Online's interview is hard to understand in sections and sometimes uses too much accounting jargon; lacks extensive help with investments, deductions and potential audits.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The low price and strong technical support of TaxAct Deluxe Online 2007 make it a solid choice for bargain hunters with relatively simple finances, although Intuit TurboTax and H&R Block TaxCut include more investment, deduction, and audit tools.
TaxAct Deluxe Online 2007 is inexpensive, has added assistance with life events, automatically saves your work on its secure servers, guarantees accuracy, and includes help with student financial aid and the latest tax credits.
THE BAD
TaxAct Online's interview is hard to understand in sections and sometimes uses too much accounting jargon; lacks extensive help with investments, deductions and potential audits.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The low price and strong technical support of TaxAct Deluxe Online 2007 make it a solid choice for bargain hunters with relatively simple finances, although Intuit TurboTax and H&R Block TaxCut include more investment, deduction, and audit tools.
1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows Vista Business, Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition, 466 MHz, CD-ROM, SVGA monitor, Mouse or compatible device, 466 MHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
THE GOOD
Corel WordPerfect Office X4 includes word processing, spreadsheet, presentations, note-taking, e-mail, and graphics applications; supports more than 60 formats including ODF and files from Microsoft Office 2007 and earlier; handles PDF/A as well as OCR in PDFs; strong tools for legal and long documents; security features; upgrade doesn't change overall look and feel.
THE BAD
WordPerfect Office X4 can be clumsy to learn for those used to Microsoft Office 2007; integration among applications is limited; some functions are hard to find; and it costs a significant amount.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Corel WordPerfect Office X4 suite best fits those who prefer traditional interfaces for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. We found the features rich, but the execution sometimes clumsy.
AVG Anti-Virus 8 includes anti-drive-by download protection along with antirootkit, antivirus, and anstipyware protection.
THE BAD
AVG Anti-Virus 8 tested in the middle or even to the slow end for scanning and boot time performance.
THE BOTTOM LINE
AVG Anti-Virus 8 is solid at finding and removing viruses and spyware as well as blocking Web threats, but could be lighter on system resources and provide more technical support options.
AVG Internet Security 8.0 includes Linkscanner technology to block malicious Web sites
THE BAD
AVG Internet Security 8.0 is resource heavy; flags some legitimate programs as potentially harmful; doesn't provide additional information on malicious software beyond identification; doesn't provide adequate antiphishing protection; installs the Yahoo search engine
THE BOTTOM LINE
AVG Internet Security 8.0 provides strong protection against malicious Web sites, but its full-system scans sometimes tax system resources and produce false positives.
MobileMe is built to keep the same data up to date on a Mac, PC, iPhone, and iPod Touch; expands storage from .Mac; interfaces of Me.com are easy to learn and attractive.
THE BAD
MobileMe's rocky launch made us question its stability; Calendar lacks key features; free or cheaper services can fill the needs of many of MobileMe's features.
THE BOTTOM LINE
If Apple irons out the kinks, MobileMe could be worthwhile for iLife and iPhone users who want to keep data on their Macs, handset, iPod Touch, as well as Outlook mail and calendars on the same page.
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