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Family Tree Maker 2009 Essentials

from: Encore Software

August 26, 2008
Speaking as a long-time user and very happy camper with my Family Tree Maker Software...In my humble opinion, the Family Tree Maker Software is where you want to go if you are considering a genealogy program. And if you already have the FTM software, the 2009 version is ESPECIALLY where you want to be. The step up to this version is very much worth the effort and is recommended.

The new software has an ease of use, maintains small and large databases with reliability and stability, is visually appealing in its' layout and design, and includes nearly every tool one could possibly hope for to aid in the development your tree. The reporting, charting, and mapping capabilities of the software are easy-to-use and the resulting queries ... Read More:

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Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing Deluxe 20

from: Encore Software

February 14, 2008
I purchased Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing for my 7 year old grandson. He loves it! He is now constantly using it and doesn't want to quit for anything. He is learning to type and having fun.

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SpongeBob Squarepants Typing 2008

from: Encore Software

March 20, 2007
The kids (ages 6 & 8) took right to it. no instructions necessary. they have a lot of fun with it and within the first few days had learned about half of the keys. Great way to get young kids properly introduced to proper typing.

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The Print Shop 23 Deluxe

from: Encore Software

August 26, 2008
I bought the new Print Shop and it's incredibly easy to use. It comes on two DVDs with a user manual to help you figure out how to get started. There are TONS of images and templates - so many you can always find something that works. I made the most adorable postcard announcements for my daughter Winnie. I can't wait to get started on stuff for the holidays. I give Print Shop 23 two thumbs up and 5 stars!

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Printmaster - Platinum Version 18

from: Encore Software

October 09, 2007
This software was purchased as an upgrade. I have been using PrintMaster for years. Since the format is similar it is easy to navigate. This new edition has so many great new graphics. It also has a scrapbooking option, although I found it somewhat limited.

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Hoyle Card Games 2009

from: Encore Software

August 19, 2008
There are no new players, some of the old favorite games are gone, and the new games are nothing special. The biggest issue is the cards. They are waaay too small and too close together. You can't move or sort them in your hand, and they are too hard to manipulate. This is a major problem considering these are all card games. Disappointing.

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Hoyle Card Games 2008 [OLD VERSION]

from: Encore Software

September 11, 2007
This is a pretty good game for the Mac; it's a card game, so you get pretty much what you expect. There is a nice selection of games, so you can switch around if you get tired of one. The downside to it is some of the cornball elements like cheesy characters that want to talk and give bad one liners during game play. Fortunately you can disable that. The graphics are also a little low grade, and the dealing of the cards is a little slow for my taste in some instances, like when playing spades or poker. Otherwise, a fun game and good distraction.

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Hoyle Puzzle & Board Games 2008 [OLD VERSION]

from: Encore Software

September 11, 2007
The "Tile Games" in this edition are a lot of fun. What's nice is there are several ways to play them. Our 19 year-old grandson enjoyed it so much, I had to order him one, too. What we liked the most was the "Slide Tiles." It's very addictive. Rummy Squares is also a good one. Any "Seniors" out there would enjoy this, but it's also fun for the teenagers. My recommendation is Go For It.!

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Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing Platinum 20

from: Encore Software

February 14, 2008
This version of Ms. Beacon's software makes typing even more enjoyable to learn. It is really adaptive to how well you can type - it picked up that I was an intermediate typist after a few lessons - you can't con Ms. Beacon it seems.
A few points are
1)It would be preferable if you could customize this software to eliminate some types of lessons - for example I want to touch type letters and numbers but not the minor punctuation keys like brackets -
2)The import facility is great up to a point but when you add the text from internet sources it tends to add weird hypertext characters which are annoying as you want just to type text.
3)The games are basic and not very challenging - I enjoyed a game called typing of the dead which pushes my touch ... Read More:

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Hoyle Casino 2009

from: Encore Software

August 19, 2008
Well two out of three titles are worth buying. Encore ecould have rebuilt the puzzle and board games. The casino title is built a lot like the card games title, except is the color is green, All inprovements make it worth buying the casino and card games, pass on puzzle and board game title