Norton Internet Security 2009 hits all the right security notes and its superior protection technologies might even win back some jaded anti-Symantec folks, though the lack of adequate technical support may continue to frustrate.
Google Docs is a fantastic free online application that offers some exciting features. However, by virtue of being an online application, users with a slow connection will experience lag, and Docs still doesn't contain enough functionality to be a replacement for today's mainstay office suites in most businesses.
ThinApp, previously known as Thinstall, offers a more streamlined and portable approach to new software roll-outs and development. Software developers and administrators of large numbers of workstations and or mobile workers are bound to benefit greatly from this software.
ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 provides top-notch security protection that is light on system resources, allowing you to work unencumbered.
Toshiba's updated R500 is a remarkably compact and complete machine, making it ideal for business travellers. However, at $3,300 you are paying extra for the privilege of a lighter load, and the screen is a little flimsy.
As a tool for cleaning an untidy Windows registry, PC Tools Desktop Maestro seems to do a good job, and combines this ability with excellent privacy tools. However, users of Windows Vista may find Desktop Maestro being blocked by User Account Control.
OpenOffice.org 2.4.0 is a free, open source alternative to Microsoft's Office application suite. It is fantastic if you need basic office applications such as a word processor or spreadsheet at no cost. However, large organisations and power users may be disappointed by its lack of features and support.
Adobe's latest incarnation of Acrobat is top of the line, highly featured software. Just make sure you need all the bells and whistles before you pay the AU$999 price tag.
The second generation TouchSmart as just a panel PC is gorgeous. The AU$1,999 price is fantastic as well " but we can't help but feel that there's so much more potential in the touchscreen aspect being left, ahem, untapped.
Not the flashiest phone around, but its jaw-dropping price, ease of use and vast software ecosystem, make it a good choice for first time smartphone buyers and Palm OS aficionados alike.
While a solid machine and a capable media centre, we're still trying to work out who the target market for the highly expensive LT VAIO is. Design-crazed multimillionaires, perhaps.
The Lenovo A57 is a well-priced office desktop with a strong performance. While very similar to its smaller sibling, the M57e, the A57 offers better performance and upgrade options for a small price increase.
Eset NOD32 3.0 delivers an easy-to-use version of its award-winning antivirus engine. Although our performance testing was mixed, NOD32 continues to rank among the best-rated antivirus products by independent antivirus testing labs.
Many free and inexpensive office suites are available for download or for use in a web browser. So what's the advantage of paying a pretty penny for a desktop office suite? Corel's WordPerfect Office X4 offers a strong software package that comes closest to the breadth and depth of features found in Microsoft Office.
Zoho Show is an online-only presentation application. Not only is it relatively powerful, but it's completely free to use. Whether you're a businessperson, teacher, student, sales rep, or anyone looking to create a cool presentation, Zoho Show is well worth a try.
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