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Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Microsoft Windows
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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QuickBooks Pro 2009

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Microsoft Windows
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 > Microsoft Windows
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 > Microsoft Windows
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 > Microsoft Windows
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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Microsoft Outlook 2007

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Microsoft Windows
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 > Microsoft Windows
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 ... Read More:

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Norton 360 Version 2.0

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Microsoft Windows
from: Symantec

March 13, 2008
Norton has unilatterally determined that "they know best" and when you try to optimize your disk, it WILL NOT optimize them unless NORTON thinks they need to be optimized. Even 7% fragmentation does not reach the "magic threshold".

I chated for over 1 hour with Norton Support (an oxymoron) and was told that I should just use Windows Defrag because 360 would only defrag when IT wanted to.

Systemworks is a GREAT product - could run SpeedDisk and even at 7% fragmentation you could speedup your computer by running the utility.

I guess Norton thinks that every single computer user now-a-days is "computer illeteriate", and that they need to FULLY AUTOMATE EVERYTHING.

Bottom line - if you have Systemworks, stick with it and use one ... Read More:

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Paint Shop Pro Photo X2

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Microsoft Windows
from: Corel

September 20, 2007
After reading a lot of the reviews, I wasn't too sure about purchasing PSPP X2 at first. I decided to go ahead and take the chance and I AM SO GLAD I DID! I had no problems installing (hint: serial number is on back of CD envelope), and I was busy editing, exploring, etc. in no time. This software is capable of a lot and it will take some time to learn everything, but that's okay. The user guide that is included helps. Be adventurous and look around, experiment, let your imagination go...You won't regret buying.

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Rosetta Stone Version 3: Spanish (Latin America) Level 1, 2 & 3 Set with Audio Companion

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Microsoft Windows
from: Rosetta Stone

June 16, 2008
Apprehension finally put aside, I'm learning!

Runs perfectly on my Apple and takes a small commitment of about an hour a day to get up to speed. NO problems on updates, etc. and only wished that I'd have loaded it onto a laptop for daily "downtime" practicing, because I'd be miles ahead just working in public. ROSETTA STONE SPANISH is the best of the best!

An all-inclusive BOX of gear and lessons that teach very simply and clearly. Choose your level of learning options and wire yourself in: my nephew thinks it rocks and navigates through it with ease, so this is perfect for a wide range of ages and aptitude.

I practice on one of my friends at work, which always is a good thing and welcomed. The sign of respect anywhere on the planet is to try to speak ... Read More: