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Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro

EDITORS CHOICE
1
EDITORS RATING
8.0
SPECS

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.

REVIEWED: 25-Jun-2008 12:01 PM PDT
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Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro Extended

EDITORS CHOICE
1
EDITORS RATING
8.0
SPECS

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.

REVIEWED: 25-Jun-2008 12:01 PM PDT
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Adobe Acrobat 9 Standard

EDITORS CHOICE
1
EDITORS RATING
8.0
SPECS

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.

REVIEWED: 25-Jun-2008 12:01 PM PDT
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Firefox 3

EDITORS CHOICE
1
EDITORS RATING
8.0
SPECS
THE GOOD

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.

REVIEWED: 17-Jun-2008 09:30 AM PDT
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Intuit TurboTax Online 2007

EDITORS RATING
8.0
SPECS

Complete package

THE GOOD

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.

REVIEWED: 22-Feb-2008 01:02 PM PST
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Intuit TurboTax Online Home & Business 2007

EDITORS RATING
8.0
SPECS

Complete package

THE GOOD

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.

REVIEWED: 22-Feb-2008 01:02 PM PST
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ESET NOD32 3.0 Antivirus System (Windows)

EDITORS RATING
7.8
SPECS
THE GOOD

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.

REVIEWED: 28-Apr-2008 02:25 PM PDT
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H&R Block TaxCut Online Basc + E-file

EDITORS RATING
7.8
SPECS

Complete package, Monitor

THE GOOD

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.

REVIEWED: 22-Feb-2008 12:19 PM PST
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H&R Block TaxCut Online Premium + State + E-file

EDITORS RATING
7.8
SPECS

Complete package

THE GOOD

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.

REVIEWED: 22-Feb-2008 12:19 PM PST
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H&R Block TaxCut Online Premium + e-file

EDITORS RATING
7.8
SPECS

Complete package, Monitor

THE GOOD

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.

REVIEWED: 22-Feb-2008 12:19 PM PST
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H&R Block TaxCut Premium Federal 2007

EDITORS RATING
7.8
SPECS

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.

REVIEWED: 13-Feb-2008 04:21 PM PST
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H&R Block TaxCut Premium Federal + State 2007

EDITORS RATING
7.8
SPECS

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.

REVIEWED: 13-Feb-2008 04:21 PM PST
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Norton 360 2.0

EDITORS RATING
7.5
SPECS

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.

REVIEWED: 03-Mar-2008 10:36 AM PST
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Mozilla Thunderbird 2

EDITORS RATING
7.3
SPECS
THE GOOD

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.

REVIEWED: 27-Mar-2008 09:51 AM PDT
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Adobe Photoshop Express

EDITORS RATING
7.3
SPECS
THE GOOD

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.

REVIEWED: 27-Mar-2008 09:15 AM PDT
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TaxAct Deluxe Online 2007

EDITORS RATING
7.3
SPECS
THE GOOD

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.

REVIEWED: 25-Feb-2008 09:29 AM PST
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TaxAct Standard Online 2007

EDITORS RATING
7.3
SPECS
THE GOOD

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.

REVIEWED: 25-Feb-2008 09:29 AM PST
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TaxAct Ultimate Online 2007

EDITORS RATING
7.3
SPECS
THE GOOD

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.

REVIEWED: 25-Feb-2008 09:29 AM PST
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Corel WordPerfect X4

EDITORS RATING
7.0
SPECS

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.

REVIEWED: 16-Apr-2008 12:00 AM PDT
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AVG Antivirus 8

EDITORS RATING
7.0
SPECS
THE GOOD

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.

REVIEWED: 11-Mar-2008 02:16 PM PDT
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Haute Secure 2.0

EDITORS RATING
7.0
SPECS
THE GOOD

Haute Secure 2.0 blocks malicious content on Web sites.

THE BAD

Haute Secure 2.0 missed a few newly active phishing sites; the program doesn't provide much technical support.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Haute Secure 2.0 blocks malicious content on the Web and is a worthy alternative to Linkscanner and Finjan SecureBrowsing.

REVIEWED: 10-Mar-2008 11:57 AM PDT
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AVG Internet Security 8.0

EDITORS RATING
6.5
SPECS

Complete package, 1 GHz Intel Pentium, 2 GHz Intel Pentium, 8, 1 GHz Intel Pentium, 2 GHz Intel Pentium

THE GOOD

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.

REVIEWED: 05-Mar-2008 09:38 AM PST
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MobileMe

EDITORS RATING
5.8
SPECS
THE GOOD

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.

REVIEWED: 14-Jul-2008 04:15 PM PDT
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Vipre Antivirus Antispyware (beta)

SPECS
THE GOOD

THE BAD

THE BOTTOM LINE

REVIEWED: 11-Mar-2008 03:31 PM PDT
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Internet Explorer 8 beta

SPECS
THE GOOD

THE BAD

THE BOTTOM LINE

REVIEWED: 06-Mar-2008 11:04 AM PST
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