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Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Refinements
from: Microsoft Software

January 30, 2007
The software was quite an improvement over the previous version I had. The Amazon process for purchase and delivery went smooth. They delivered ahead of schedule. The only flaw was that 3 weeks later they dropped the price almost $20. Who knew?! I would have waited! Oh well!!

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Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac Home & Student Edition

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Refinements
from: Microsoft Software

January 15, 2008
I'm particularly pleased with Microsoft Office 2008, because it enables me to download the Attachments I receive without any of the problems I had previously. It was a good investment for a 91-year-old woman who likes to keep in touch with family and friends.

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QuickBooks Pro 2009

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Refinements
from: Intuit

October 06, 2008
Quickbooks 2009 still fails miserably when it comes to interoperability with past versions. Also, the multiple ways to save, share, or backup a file are a throwback to software ala 1990. A related issue is that these files are probably much larger than they need to be. Furthermore, the software is always trying to impose Web access on the user, often for marketing purposes. Moreover, I tried the online banking feature, but my bank apparently was not ready for 2009. In my opinion, this product still does not meet modern standards for software quality. I wish there was a widely-used alternative.

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Norton Internet Security 2009 1User/3Pc

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Refinements
from: Symantec

October 01, 2008
I do computer training and light technical work for small offices and home users. I used to recommend Norton, but in recent years it had caused so many problems, from slowing down the machine to requiring daunting re-installs, that I advised many clients to just use a free anti-virus and the built-in firewalls and hope for the best. I was encouraged to try again based on good reviews and have not been disappointed. It is fast and does its work in the background without calling attention to itself. Norton always handled bugs about as well as anyone, it was just that the users got beat up too.

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Adobe Photoshop Elements 7

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Refinements
from: Adobe

October 13, 2008
I was seeking info on Elements 7 vs. 6--per posts last evening and in comment to Ms. Daneman's review, and any help would be most appreciated, but thought anyone thinking about first time purchase might want to check out a site called Top Ten Reviews (reliability unknown as first time seen)which has a piece and chart comparing several dozens of features/components between 10 different editing softwares (Top Ten reviews/software/photo editing software-- Corel, Serif, ULead, acdsee, phot suite, foto finish, photo explosion, picassa, and photo impression). True enuf that Elements comes out No. 1 but a few others are very close. I checked out the comments on Corel, which altho apparently not the Professional version still seems too difficult/time consuming. But a couple ... Read More:

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Microsoft Streets & Trips 2009

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Refinements
from: Microsoft Software

September 20, 2008
This is a very good mapping program. It is easy to install and register. Making a trip plan is very easy and there are a lot of options for length of day, speed, and extra stops. If anything could be improved, more hotel brands and restaurants could be included. I would recommend this program to anyone looking for a better than average mapping solution.

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Garmin Map Update of 2009 City Navigator North America NT

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Refinements
from: Garmin


I have owned my Garmin gps for over two years and have loved it. In addition, I use my gps both personally and professionally in home repair. One of the main reasons that I bought this update was that I couldn't find addresses in the newer subdivisions which are 2-5 years old. The update didn't improve that issue at all and for the first time the gps gave me wrong directions (told me to turn down a one way street in a old established neighborhood). To be quite honest, I haven't seen any benefit to buying the update, as a result I am very disappointed.

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Mac OS X Version 10.5.4 Leopard

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Refinements
from: Apple

June 12, 2007
Like Tiger before it, Leopard is worth every penny. Time machine works seamlessly (if you don't make the same mistake I did and use a LaCie drive for backup - it will fail sooner rather than later). Most new features are excellent. Unfortunately, the new X11 that ships with Leopard is badly messed up (at least when I installed it a while ago). Luckily, you can download the latest build from http://xquartz.macosforge.org is you need to use X11 professionally. Overall, Leopard is great and worth the upgrade!

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Microsoft Outlook 2007

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Refinements
from: Microsoft Software

January 30, 2007
there are a TON of options, almost too many. i've had this for a couple of weeks and am still running into things i didn't know it would do! being able to CATEGORIZE your emails is nice; if you flag them they pop up when you start Outlook as reminders. there is so much to say about it i could go on an on .. suffice it to say this is a really nice upgrade from the old outlook .. this was a real treat for me. PLUS .. AMAZON HAD THE BEST PRICE AROUND .. even CHEAPER THAN WAL MART!!! Don't think twice, just go ahead an buy it .. you won't regret it. Seriously.

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Kaspersky Internet Security 2009

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Refinements
from: Kaspersky Lab

August 13, 2008
Probably the most expensive of all - but also has the highest of ratings.

This is my second year using Kaspersky Internet Security (KIS) and I am more satisfied than last year. This version seems to create fewer confusing situations and also appears to be stealth in operation.

I have to admit, however, there is a lot to this program that I know little about - but try and learn as I use it.

There wasn't a User Manual with the shipped product, but there is an easily downloadable version that you can obtain from Kaspersky.com I am one that would have prefered a hardcopy at installation - but loading and launching was a breeze!

From my past experiences with this product it can be difficult getting through to Kaspersky's Tech department ... Read More: