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World Wide Soccer Manager 2009

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Software
from: Sega of America

November 18, 2008

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Kaspersky Internet Security 2009

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

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Far Cry 2

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Software
from: Ubisoft

October 21, 2008
This is another game where the publisher has decided to treat its customers like pirates. I thought that if I bought the game through Steam I wouldn't have to deal with Securom, after all Steam has its own DRM system. The thing I like about Steam is that I don't need to have a CD in the drive and if I loose my data I can always download another copy of the game. Trade off - No resale value or second hand market.

Now, WHY IS FARCRY2 BUNDLED WITH SECUROM AND 5 INSTALLS IF YOU BUY IT THRU STEAM???? WTF is this? How am I pirating the game after I bought it through Steam and why I can only get to install it 5 times??? Why am I being treated like a pirate? Since when you only get 5 installs when it comes to PC games. This is a lawsuit ... Read More:

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The Sims 2: Apartment Life

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Software
from: Electronic Arts

August 26, 2008
The "unofficial" word is that Apartment Life will be the final expansion pack for the Sims 2 line. I don't really know if that's true, but if so Apartment Life closes the series on an up note.

Along with Seasons and Nightlife, Apartment Life is one of my favorite expansions. I really like the apartment feature, it's been long overdue. It's so much easier now to start off a sim newly graduated from University by having them live in an apartment. It's so much easier to get them suitable living quarters.

I am so glad we finally have spiral stairs and playground equipment. They were both very much needed 4+ expansions ago.

The social townies can be kind of annoying in a way, but the reputation feature is nice. One thing ... Read More:

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Norton 360 Version 2.0

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

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Everquest II The Shadow Odyssey w/ Pewter Bear

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Software
from: Sony Online Entertainment

November 18, 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 ... Read More:

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Paint Shop Pro Photo X2

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

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Adobe Photoshop Elements & Premiere Elements 7

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Software
from: Adobe

October 13, 2008
This is the first time I've used a full-fledged photo editing program. In the past I merely used Paint to resize pics for my website. With Photoshop Elements I can do much more. But since I'm new to the program, I'm doing the equivalent of merely driving to the grocery store in a Lamborghini. Once I get familiar with the program, I'll hit top speed on the open road. I love the way Photoshop retrieves my pics from my iPhone and how it archives photos to their website. However, 2Gb of space is just not enough! I still haven't tried Premiere Elements yet, but I'm working on it!

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Fallout 3 Collector's Edition

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Software
from: Bethesda

October 28, 2008
I totally lost a weekend with this game. I had just relocated my copies of the first 2 so it was a breeze to get out and start the questing. Found ammo tough to come by especially for the Scoped 44 that was a huge early find for me. Lots of lock ups on exit even with patch with data loss on 2 occaisions that really hurt (save often).
Nothing new really the story line not very satisfying and end game too limited but as a way to kill time it is deadly to spare hours. If you liked the first two you will probably like this.