Product Description

Intuit QuickBooks Premier 2005 Professional Services Edition - Complete Product - Financial - 1 User(s) Complete Product - Standard - PCDesigned specifically for professional services providers, QuickBooks: Premier Professional Services Edition 2005 is customized for the way you do business. Nice electronics is your source for everyday low prices on theIntuit 284220 - QUICKBOOKS PREMIER PROFESSIONAL SERVICE 2005 WIN and all other Intuit Software - Misc ... Read more

Features

• Set billing rates by employee, as well as by client or service
• 16 reports; 5 new project costing reports; new Reports Navigator
• Financial software for professional services providers
• Track time and bill clients more efficiently with flexible options
• Invoice and proposal templates; payment settings and reminders

Amazon.com Product Description

Learn a new language with the award-winning method used by the U.S. State Department to train diplomats. Proven effective by NASA astronauts, Peace Corps volunteers, and millions of students worldwide, the Rosetta Stone Language Library teaches new languages faster and easier than ever before.

We all learn our childhood language by associating new words and phrases with the world around us. The Rosetta Stone method replicates this process by presenting vivid, real-life images to convey the meaning of each new phrase. Instead of translating, memorizing, and studying rules of grammar, you actually learn to think in the new language. Vocabulary and grammar are integrated systematically, leading to everyday proficiency.

This comprehensive program provides up to 550 hours of mastery instruction in listening comprehension, reading, writing, and speaking. Systematic structure teaches vocabulary and grammar naturally, without lists or drills. Previews, exercises, and tests accompany every lesson, and there are automated tutorials throughout the program. Graphical speech recognition displays your voiceprint and compares it with the native speaker to help improve your pronunciation. (Ages 6 and older) ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Excellent for learning languages before going abroad.
The Rosetta Stone software was used by NASA Astronauts to learn Russian, and is currently used by the US Department of State.This is up to snuff.It has everything you could want, provided that you have the microphone, time, speakers, and keyboard.(duh).Does it have everything you need?Well, this is definetely a much better approach to learning foreign languages than to just memorize a foreign dictionary.You learn propper pronounciations, but don't exactly learn everything you could learn from an experienced, personal, instructor, such as culture, etiquite, and such.Highly reccommended, and well worth the money.

Decent progam, lousy online support.
This would definitely be the way to go with this company. I used the online version of this program for over a year and found it to be very helpful. When I ran into technical problems, however, the technical support was virtually non-existing. I had to cancel.

The price is a bit steep, but the structure of the lessons and the features are very good. Get the CD and don't suffer the incompetent "support."

Learn vocabulary fast
The Rosetta stone teaches by 'complete immersion'.Using picture context the student asborbs vocabulary with ease.Immediate rewards for correct answers help motivate the learner to keep working.However, there are some weaknesses.First, you need to have a reliable dictionary on hand.There are times that you come to wrong conclusions about word meaning and you must double check with a dictionary.Second, this course is weak in grammar.I recommend a text to demonstrate basic grammatical structures.Last, this software does not give separate phonetic information.you are expected to learn by listening.Certain individuals, based on learning style may want to see phonetic information in print.

The ONLY worthwhile language learning software!
The Rosetta Stone series of language instruction software is "Pimsleur" level of effectiveness and unfortunately, Pimsleur level cost as well.

The programs work on a total immersion basis, with no English used at all. There are several types of drills, ones where you hear a word or sentence and pick it out of a group of pictures, another where you read the text of the word and pick out the pictures, etc. There are also typing drills in your language to help you spell (without having to download special fonts), pronounciation drills that allow you to hear a word, speak it to your computer and hear your voice in comparison to the native speaker played back to you.

This is the first program of it's type I've found where this feature actually works!

I own both German and Russian 1 and 2. There is a LOT to learn here, especially if you do all the types of drills for each lesson. You learn grammar from inference, such as word endings when the subject is "in" something rather than "on" or "under" it. You see the same endings used, compare them with the pictures and you start to recognize patterns.

But one of the best things about this software is the user interface. Since it's an immersion program, there's no English used and by it's very nature needs to be intuitive. This is how it should be done. I've used other types of language software that had a klunky, confusing interface with features that didn't work, etc. None of that is the case with the Rosetta Stone software.

On another note, I switched to Mac about nine months ago and Fairfield Language Technologies sent me out a new Mac OS X systems disc for free, no questions asked. At this price level you'd think this would be commonplace, but it's not. Adobe allowed me to change from PC to OS X when I upgraded from Photoshop 6 to 7, but Macromedia wouldn't and expected me to buy all new software (I didn't). So kudos to FLT for their stellar customer service!

Is it too expensive? I'd say yes, but this is a serious language learning tool for serious self students, and it's a lot cheaper than classes at the U. The axiom is true with both this and the Pimsleur method tapes; you get what you pay for.

Fantastic learning tool for the beginner to intermediate stu
I would have given the product a 5 star review if it could have found the contents of the Lesson CD I copied to my laptop hard drive.You are forced to use the Lesson CD in the CD drive to work the program.

The program is a very good learing tool.You learn to hear, read, speak and write in the language.The early lessons at first seem too easy, until you get to the unit that has you type in the words or phrases for the image you are viewing.That's when the learning starts.The advanced lessons will have you typing whole paragraphs.

Better by far than any Berlitz programs etc. that you commonly find at a computer store.

You won't truly learn a language until you can write in it.This one gives you a really good start! ... Read more

Product Description

Microsoft Office Small Business Edition 2003 is a personal and business productivity solution that enables small-business employees to:

• More effectively manage customers and sales opportunities
• Create impressive sales and marketing materials
• Manage e-mail and share information efficiently and securely

• Word 2003
• Excel 2003
• Outlook 2003
• PowerPoint 2003
• Publisher 2003
• Outlook 2003 with Business Contact Manager

Features

• Free access to business templates, clip art, and multimedia content
• Junk e-mail filtering and blocking of unsafe attachments
• Centralized management of customer and prospect information
• More than 20 preformatted business reports
• Easy-to-use wizards to create e-mail news-letters and printed marketing materials

Reviews (1)

Great Software for Business or Home!
As the owner of a quickly growing business I need a software that will provide all of the word processing capabilities with the graphics capabilities and Microsoft Office SMALL BUSINESS 2003 does all those jobs very well with Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Business Contact Manager AND Publisher which allows me to do my communications, my record keeping, my client contact management, my presentations AND my own business cards and letterhead and brochures and flyers that look GREAT!I am very happy with this since I do not need Access as a database it saves me money. ... Read more

Product Description

MANUFACTURER WARRANTY: 90 DAYS ... Read more

Features

• Convenient Excel page-layout view and PowerPoint presenter tools
• Improved junk e-mail protection
• A productivity suite with a host of ground-breaking new features
• Access e-mail, documents, contacts, and more from one central location
• Take notes, flag information, and record audio directly into documents

Reviews (9)

Cleaning up some confusion
In Office 2004, Microsoft continues to support most Palm handheld devices. However, one common situation Microsoft has seen is that people upgrading from Office X to Office 2004 do not install the Office 2004 Handheld Sync software (which is found in the Additional Tools folder). Failure to do so results in sync failure.

That said, Office 2004 Handheld Sync does not fully support the Palm Tungsten T3 or E [it is incorrect to say that it does not support any Tungsten T - it does!]. To enable sync with those devices, the user needs to go to the Conduit Settings and enable syncing capability with those devices. There are possible issues when this capability is enabled - and all of this is clearly documented in the read me that is installed when you install the Office 2004 Handheld Sync.

Better than Office v.X
This new version of MS Office for Mac OS X is definitely a big improvement over the original version.
As a student I had the option of getting the full version for a reasonable price, so I did, mostly because several other students I know had problems with the upgrade version. I can't really comment on their experiences other than hearing their complaints and frustrations persuaded me to go with the full version.
I had no problems with the installation or the use of the Office 2004 full version.
Yes there are some (relatively) minor annoyances, but most of the major problems (text formatting, printing alignment issues-- the old version was definitely NOT WYSIWYG) are gone. Admittedly I have fairly low expectations after the disappointing original version. The new one has not crashed or lost data yet.
Although I find the Project Center (or whatever it is called) awkward to use, it is definitely a good idea. Hopefully it will become easier and more intuitive to use in future versions.

It is a big disappointment that it does not work with my Palm. I still have to use Mail.app and iCal because I rely on my Palm. It would be nice to have everything integrated into one environment.

Visually Office 2004 seems less clunky and more sleek than OpenOffice, which is surprising because it runs noticeably slower than OpenOffice.

MS: I'd like to clear something up...
My friend worked with the MS team on this product. So reading some of the reviews, I've noticed quite a few inaccuracies. I personally have no direct connection with Microsoft and not interested in defending its interests much, but I'm against spreading bogus information.
First of all, there is no "3 strikes you are out" rule with the new Office 2004.
Some people seem to claim that Office 2004 can only be installed 3 times, after which user would have to do a clean re-install of the system. This is completely not true. Student and Teacher, Standard and Professional versions of Office 2004 do not have any special write protection and do not count how many times you install the program on your computer. However, license agreement for Standard and Pro versions states that you can only use one copy of software on one (1) desktop and one (1) laptop computer connected to the same network. Program does indeed check computers connected to the same network for opened Office 2004. If any Office 2004 program is opened on a desktop computer that is connected to the local network, it will refuse to launch until program on other computer is closed.
This is a security measure that doesn't affect regular consumers at all most of the time. The only reason for this is to make sure that small and even big businesses do not use one copy of a program on many computers. There is nothing new here either. Many companies have been utilizing similar security features for quite some time.
Student and Teacher edition which retails for a low price has ALL the features of Standard edition and can even be installed on three (3) computers at the same time.
The down side to it is that Student & Teacher edition cannot be upgraded in the future. But again, is not a big deal since upgrade for Standard version still costs more than full S&T edition. And of course, one must be a student or a teacher to purchase it.

I would recommend upgrading to the Office 2004 for many reasons. Not only you get a more stable programs now but also many new features like advanced Power Point timers, advanced printing themes and previews, audio note taking, a better option grouping and support for long file names, and many more. Most operations now also work faster and smoother.

Just like any new program, of course, Office 2004 will have a fair share of bugs, but they will be taken care of in a timely manner.

My Recommendation: Professional edition is a great buy for those who want to get Virtual PC 7.0 (included), as a VPC7 will retail for over half the price of the Office 2004.

If you are not sure about Office 2004 and would like to take it for a test drive, go to microsoft.com and download a "test drive" version. Try it out for yourself.

Hope this helps.

Entourage is flawed
If you use a Palm Tungsten T or E, and other PDA's, the Entourage conduit is not compatible and will not allow you to sych your handheld with Entourage.This is a serious flaw if you use Entourage as your primary address, emal, calendar and to do list application.Microsoft is completely aware of this and offers no excuse.They simply state that the Entourage conduit will not work and they have no solution for it.

In Office X the Entourage conduit worked flawlessly.

Mixed Review
The Project Manageris a nicefeature, but 2004 is full of bugs and problems.Some examples: when trying to save in Word, you have to use the "Column Browser" which lists your top tier folders and destinations, and recent folders, but you can't access subfolders.Very annoying.Entourage rules that worked in Office X don't work, and when I redo, they still don't work other thanmanually.Send and Receive schedule works occasionally, no pattern to its failure I can see.Mail view listings in outbox show sender (me!) not recepient.Really, some of the problems are just plain careless or thoughtless, and online support worthless at this stage.I would wait until problems fixed. ... Read more

Product Description

INDESIGN CS V4 WIN CD ... Read more

Product Description

Microsoft Access 2003.Access 2003 provides a powerful set of tools that are sophisticated enough for professional developers, yet easy to learn for new users. Now everyone in your organization can create or use powerful database solutions that make organizing, accessing, and sharing information easier than ever. Access and Use Information from Multiple SourcesUse information from a variety of formats and programs all in a familiar interface.Incorporate a wide range of data sources. Access 2003 supports a variety of data formats, including Extensible Markup Language (XML), OLE, Open Database Connectivity (ODBC), and Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services. Link business systems. Link tables so that you can access data from multiple databases at one time in Access 2003 forms, reports, and data access pages. Link tables from other Access databases, Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, ODBC data sources, Microsoft SQL Server databases, and other data sources. Get the most from your enterprise data. Incorporate Microsoft SQL Server-based data into your Access solutions. Use the Stored Procedure Designer to create and modify simple procedures stored in SQL Server without having to learn Transact-SQL. Depend on Access 2003Reduce errors and get help when you need it.Give your forms a new look. Access 2003 supports themes from Microsoft Windows XP to give your forms a consistent design. View dependency information. Quickly find tables, queries, forms, or reports that depend on a particular database object. Help eliminate errors. The new error checking feature flags common errors in forms and reports, making testing and fixing errors faster. After errors are flagged, you are given options to correct the errors, saving time and helping you to create more accurate forms and reports. Update properties automatically. Change a field property in a table and all the forms or reports that have controls bound to it can be updd automatically. Analyze your informa... ... Read more

Features

• Quickly find tables, queries, forms or reports that depend on a particular database object
• Update properties automatically
• Supports a variety of data formats, including Extensible Markup Language ( XML ), OLE, Open Database Connectivity ( ODBC ), and Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services
• Access data from multiple databases in forms, reports, and data access pages, linking tables from other Access databases, Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, ODBC data sources, Microsoft SQL Server databases & other sources
• Stored Procedure Designer creates & modifies procedures stored in SQL Server, without requiring you to learn Transact-SQL

Reviews (7)

Caveat Emptor
If you're thinking of buying MS Access 2003 there are a few things you need to consider:

1) Microsoft's new licensing/activation requirement for Office products. Office is a serious cash cow and Microsoft are tired of letting people copy it and use it illegally/for free. Access 2003 has a few new features that Access 2000 and 2002 didn't offer, but for most of us they are not worth it - unless web services, xml, smart tags and wizards turn your crank. If you're anything but a developer, most of Access 2003's new features will not be relevant to you.

2) Access is in some respects a powerful database and client-server front-end program and it may be too much for your needs. Using Access can be as simple or complicated as you let it - and it can get very complicated. If you are a small-business owner trying to get organized, you should probably consider another tool like Filemaker. If, on the other hand, you really want to get a handle on things and are prepared to invest some significant time to learn Access and your business and your database needs are growing, then Access might be for you. It is not an easy tool to use, but it is pretty powerful and a lot more usable than middle-market desktop database development tools like FoxPro and Paradox.

3) If you are a small/mid business user and have heard that Access is a great front-end for the free MySQL server-based database engine, also caveat emptor. Access uses ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) to work with MySQL and the implementation is not great so you'll quickly run into some (though solvable) strange problems... and though you could never argue with the price, MySQL itself is a bit on the not-user-friendly side - and finding support when you have a problem is tough.

4) If you are a SQLServer user, or plan to be at some point and intend to use Access as a starter database that you'll eventually migrate to SQLServer (2000 or 2005) or SQLServer Express (2005), then caveat emptor. Microsoft is punting SQLServer Express as their new low-end database - a free version of the bigger SQLServer to compete with MySQL and replace the somewhat clunkily-named and clunkily-implemented MSDE (Microsoft Desktop Database Engine). The new versions of SQLServer are fully committed to Microsoft's .Net platform - essentially a new common platform for new Microsoft products and development tools - which Access/Office is not a part of. Traditionally, many have used Access as a front-end for SQLServer or MSDE databases. Access has provided a great front-end capability for the more grown-up and complicated back-end database servers. The only doubt on the horizon is whether Microsoft are committed to supporting Access properly with future versions of SQLServer. Access Data Projects (an access database front-end for SQLServer 2000) appear to be on the chopping block. You may still be able to use Access files with "linked tables" to access newer SQLServer versions but they can be more difficult to develop and are less than optimal for anything but small database applications. And if you do fit in this category, why would you consider developing a database application at considerable expense when it might not be completely supported by Microsoft in future?

My very personal feeling is that Access is not long for this world. Access as a database application is caught between trying to be a serious database development tool with support for upstream Microsoft products and being a usable database application for small businesses. It appears that increasingly it is not effectively addressing either role. It started life as a serious database tool and then was opted into the Office product lineup where it has pretty much floundered ever since, while SQLServer has been the focus of Microsoft's attention. Sadly, Microsoft seem to have missed the opportunity to develop Access as the stand-alone database and front-end to SQLServer that it could have been.

Ironically, I have been using Access since the first version came out about 10 years ago and, having taken the time to learn it, find it to be an incredible tool for databse front-end development. But it appears that this product is nearing the end of its useful life mostly because Microsoft seem content to not invest much in the product. I certainly hope that Microsoft are just keeping their plans for an Access .Net version that will again integrate with SQLServer quiet, but indications are that there are no such plans.

If you are a database programmer, Access is simple, easy
I use Visual Foxpro and found Microsoft Access a breeze after I have struggled with VFP for so many years.No object classes, form sets, etc..Can anyone ever really "know" Foxpro?If you are a database programmer, you will find Access simple and easy to use.Create your switchboard and run only macros from it to launch forms, which in turn, can launch another macro from a button on the form that will run the action queries and the reports.It helps to know some Visual Basic but its not mandatory.It doesn't get any easier than this but I say this as a database programmer.If you are not a DB programmer already, get a little help in the beginning from someone who develops applications with Access.Before you know it, you will be rolling out applications with ease.

their is something much better
After trying access (xp version) and reading several books I still wasnt able to create much of a usable database. Now that I tried Filemaker Pro 7 I will never ever attempt to use access again. Save yourself and your sanity; get Filemaker Pro

Access may or may not be for you...
To answer the one reviewer's question, yes -- you need to activate this product (and all products in the Office 2003 suite).Does that suck?Yes.Is it real life and will all the companies who haven't done it in the past start to do it?Damn straight.So that issue, although being one at this point will be all but commonplace a few years from now except for smaller vendors (shareware, etc.) but sooner or later they'll all do it because it's the only way to stop people from copying, copying, copying -- I personally think they should at least give you 2 licenses at a minimum, because you know that's for individual users and small biz owners, but not in this case.

As far as usability and feature-comparison to Access 2000, for a novice user or someone who doesn't "code" (program using computer code) in Access -- I don't recommend the upgrade -- you won't find much of an advantage.There are some nice templates and samples, but they never seem to get you where you want to go for an actual project -- so I recommend sticking w/ 2000 in that case.If you're a programmer and you deploy web sites with Access on Win2K Svr and/or Svr2003 then there are some nice add'l features that make it worth purchasing (which you'll probably get as an upgrade because you already have 2000 and/or complete Office Pro) and it's more stable and reliable than ever before (which isn't saying a lot going back to the older versions), but you've got to upgrade if you fit that category.Quite honestly, if you're building a front-end app in Access then you're going "old school" because it's much more efficient to use a web-based app with Access as the back-end (or SQL, Oracle, etc. for higher-end solutions) -- MySQL is another good option and also runs on different platforms, but you think Access' interface is lousy, don't even bother w/ MySQL then.

If you're a novice looking for a simple database, try some web-based solutions -- chances are the database you're looking for may be out there already.There's completely customizable QuickBase (Intuit product -- makers of Quicken, QBooks, etc.), contact management such as SalesForce.com, among others -- again, not low-end solutions but still options for small biz.

To summarize, if you're a developer or experience with programming in Access, get 2003 (chances are, you already have it) -- if you're a novice or not familiar w/ Access and have 2000 -- not much of a need to upgrade.If you want a version and have a choice between 2003 and 2000, 2003 does have a more polished interface, better wizards, etc. -- it's not easy and intuitive, but still an improvement over 2000 (they have a ways to go).If you're in no rush, just wait until you buy your next PC (probably through Dell, like most of us), and get the Office Pro or Small Biz version with the machine and you'll save hundreds over buying it new -- and don't buy it individually or they really get you with a high cost.

Hope that helps.

Access to Hell
I've never had the misfortune to use a less-user-friendly, less-intuitive, more complex, more erratic, more frustrating, more aggravating and ultimately less-useful program in my life. It may be great for database programmers and software engineers, but if you're just a person running a small business and you want to set up a simple database, Access is a sure way to lose hair, turn your neck muscles into steel cables, and reduce your mind to mush while you stay up all night trying to figure out (with the help of multiple books on Access, Microsoft's Online Support, and several forums) how to do the simplest thing to fill in a single blank on an individual form. If you can possibly arrange your life in a manner that will let you avoid Microsoft Access, do it. Run from Access as you would run from a Tyrannosaurus Rex. ... Read more

Product Description

Features:

• EasyPlan Wizard:The EasyPlan Wizard provides step-by-step guidance and asks you simple questions to guide you through the process of producing a complete business plan. Based on your answers, the EasyPlan Wizard selects the plan outline that is right for your business.
• Develop a Strategy:Business Plan Pro helps you identify keys to success and define your market. Expert guidance at every step provides the tools you need to make critical business decisions.
• Detailed Instructions and Examples:Every step includes in-depth instructions and multiple examples from real business plans.
• Wizard-driven Financials:Make sure your numbers work. Every financial table includes a built-in wizard to guide you through the process of creating solid business numbers.
• Row-by-Row Spreadsheet Help:You can't get stuck with the automatic row-by-row help system. It provides advice, information, and answers for every step of every spreadsheet. No template can give you that level of assistance.
• Tim Berry, the Wizard Behind the EasyPlan Wizard:Business planning expert Tim Berry is the author of Business Plan Pro. Use his experience to your advantage.
• 400+ Complete Sample Business Plans:Avoid writer's block with over 400 sample business plans. Use them for inspiration and research. Import sample plans directly into your own plan.
• 2 Business Books Included:Learn the fundamentals of business planning and marketing planning with the two books by Tim Berry, included with your software.
• Legal Tools & Business Reference Library:Get the ins and outs of small business legal issues and learn how to choose a legal structure for your business.

Features

• 2 expert business and marketing planning books included
• Software for professional and customizable business plans
• 400+ sample plans; instructions and examples at every step
• Easily exports to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe PDF
• Built-in Plan Review ensures bullet-proof financials

Reviews (2)

Won't even install without manual hack
So, I wanted some software help in writing my very first ever business plan. This one came highly recommended from reviews here, and elsewhere. So I bought a copy.
Guess what? Won't install. Get "Error 1935". I click on 'Contact Us' from the installer. Tech Support? It's a toll call-- no 800 number. So I go to the web page. Track down an article on this problem. The Fix? About an hour's worth of manual labor on my part that *might* fix it-- Palo Alto Software would really like to hear from me if it works.
Not likely. This is being returned today.
1 star for putting a product on the floor that won't install, and then offering a fix that requires 21 manual steps, including a diagnostic boot in Windows XP.
I'll just write up my business plan in Word, thank you very much.

Perfect for me...
It has everything that I need, easy to understand it complicate and not complicate business plans (as I wish). Also one of the features I loved it is sample business plans they cover almost all kind of business. It is perfect... I strongly recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description

Intuit QuickBooks Premier 2005 Nonprofit Edition - Complete Product - Financial - 1 User(s) Complete Product - Standard - PCDesigned specifically for nonprofits, QuickBooks: Premier Nonprofit Edition 2005 offers the customized tools you need to manage your organization's finances more effectively, efficiently and easily. Nice electronics is your source for everyday low prices on theIntuit 284216 - QUICKBOOKS PREMIER NONPROFIT 2005 WIN and all other Intuit Software - Misc ... Read more

Features

• Produce thank-you letters, pledge forms, and receipts automatically
• Get a snapshot of any donor or vendor; share local area network
• Customized finance-management tools for nonprofit organizations
• Generate reports instantly; transfer expense totals directly to IRS forms
• Create a budget with one click; check budget against actual spending

Reviews (1)

Nonprofit edition isn't really different.
I had the, uhm, privilege of setting this up for a nonprofit organization. QuickBooks Premier Non-Profit Edition 2005 was chosen because everyone collectively went, "We need accounting software. And gasp! Quickbooks is catering to nonprofits! And we're a nonprofit! So this has got to be great!" However, it's all the same with an extra name on it. Therefore I recommend taking the the reviews of QuickBooks Premier 2005 (regular edition) into consideration for your purchasing decision. The reviews are bad but apparently they're bad for every single accounting software product on Amazon (really, you'll see).

It is very, very smart marketing on Intuit's part to make such specialized niche versions of their software. They don't seem to have any competitors in "nonprofit accounting" at the office stores. They must be barnstorming marketshare coming up with specialized versions.

I don't know the Quickbooks software well enough to give you an accurate rating. I gave it four stars. I was tempted to give it three, a fair mediocre rating... Quickbooks was not easy or wonderful, or pleasant. But does it do its job? Yes. I think Quickbooks or something like it is necessary, and will pay off big time in the long run. It comes with (a rather good, included) how-to book. If you have the money, go to Intuit's website and look up a QuickBooks Consultant in your area... I'd imagine this genuinely valuable.

Kudos to Intuit for honoring their rebate.

Make sure you check the reviews for the regular edition, as these two are basically the same thing. ... Read more

Product Description

Microsoft Office PowerPoint® 2003 includes new tools to help you create, present, and collaborate on presentations that have more impact.

Features:

• Work Together and Share Presentations with Confidence Now it's easier to collaborate on compelling presentations and share them with others.
• Impress Your Audience Use PowerPoint 2003 to create exciting slide shows with graphics, animations, and multimediaand make them easier to present.
• Access Information at Your Fingertips Find the information you need without having to leave PowerPoint 2003.

Features

• Advanced multimedia support makes it easier to transfer Powerpoint files to a CD
• Cross-platform compatibility with support for Macintosh and Netscape users
• Create rich-media presentations that deliver better communications -- whether you're doing marketing presentations, online learning or executive broadcasts
• Improved audio and video options give you a wealth of backgrounds, templates and special effects to include in tyour presentation
• Enhanced SMart Tags make it easier to manage and track different aspects of your presentation or project

Reviews (1)

Not Wallet Compatible
Let me start by saying that I'm no computer expert (far from it) and that Power Point 2003 is a good program that is already reaping rewards for me. BUT I have to say that this version is too high for me and that one should buy this in a package deal (Microsoft Student Edition) if you don't need all the "extra" features that are basically useless for someone using this stuff at home. Through a series of events (or calamity, as my wallet put it) I ended up buying Microsoft Office Basics 2003 that came with (a) Word 2003 (b) Excel 2003 and (c) Outlook but that didn't have Powerpoint included. So, I thought that I'd be able to get an Upgrade addition to work on my computer because the box lists a series of Office editions that would be upgradeable. When I got it home, however, I found that it didn't work with Office 2003 and that I'd have to get the extended version. It would work if I had an older computer with older software, but newer stuff required a stand alone piece of software if it isn't included in the bundle.

When I went back with this quandary, the price of this program cost more than my bundle pack of software and I found myself a bit unhappy because I could either (a) buy this overpriced thing by forking out almost two hundred bucks or (b) buy a student addition that basically meant repurchasing all the programs I had and forking out hundred + dollars. I opted for the second, not really happy with the choice but needing the presentation power in my hands and not wanting to pay too much, and I kept thinking that this piece of software is wayyy too expensive for the average laptop.

The moral of the story: If you need the extended pack, then you have a specific reason brought to the table. If you don't know a reason you'd have to have a stand-alone version then you probably don't need it, and should buy the compact versions and SHOP WISELY - avoiding oversight.


... Read more

Product Description

Superior protection for your PC and home networkTrend Micro™ PC-cillin™ Internet Security 2005 protects your PC and home network against all types of viruses, worms, Trojans, and blended threatsincluding network viruses, like MYDOOM and SASSER. It also blocks hackers, detects and removes spyware, guards against phishing attacks, filters unwanted content, and minimizes spam. New features include Home Network Control and Wi-Fi Intrusion Detectionextending desktop security to your home and wireless networks.

Features:

• Comprehensive Virus Security
• Enhanced Spyware Detection and Removal
• Anti-Phishing Home Network Control
• Wi-Fi Intrusion Detection
• Improved Spam Filtering
• Personal Firewall

Features

• Comprehensive virus security and integrated protection; easy to use
• PC and home-network protection against viruses and blended threats
• Personal firewall; privacy protection; W-Fi intrusion detection
• New anti-phishing, home-network control, and vulnerability assessment
• Improved spam filtering; enhanced spyware detection and removal

Reviews (106)

SOOO much better than NOrton
I've been using Norton for two years and it permits adware and viruses galore. PC-cillin updates automatically every day. I rarely get any adware and get no viruses. When I bought it I was using Norton yet PC cillin found 17 viruses when I loaded it on.
With Norton, my adware program removed between 6 and 31 viruses per day. With PC Cillin, ADWARE found only 4 over two weeks. Like other reviewers stated, it works automatically, unlike NOrton's annoying messages that pop up several times for the same thing. PC- Cillin is a GREAT program! Debbi

The best of this type of bundle
It seems to work well, updates frequently, has all the major types of protection, sells for a good price and reading reviews seems to be more compatible with most systems over Norton or McAfee.I recomend it.Installed it on 2 desktops and 2 laptops with no problems whatsoever.Save some money and buy it on Ebay for $25 brand new.

Agree...an excellent replacement for Norton
I grew tired of Norton SLOWING DOWN my computer...their Security software works pretty good, but hogs resources. And doesn't block all the adware.

Pc-cillin installed without a hitch. Cleaned up my hard drive, even removed that pesky elitebar adware...which had drive me nuts for months. No other "removal" program had been able to remove all of it.

I do wish Trend Micro's software could block banner ads...maybe in an upgrade?

In a word, I highly recommend the PC-cillin program. My computer now runs MUCH faster than with Norton, and no more elitebar problem! Thank God!

Great product, easy to install, and easy to use
After reading one horror story after another about Norton Internet Security 2005, I made the switch to Trend Micro PC-cillin.I am delighted with this product.It was easy to install and customize.I am not a technical wizard, but I can read and follow instructions.That's all that's needed to have a perfect installation.Product performance also gets and A+.It does everything the write-up says it does.I had a question about customizing for a wireless setup, and called the Customer Support number.Within 3 minutes, I was speaking to a live, knowledgeable technician, who answered my question.At this point I knew there was no way I would return this product, and cut out the UPC to apply for my rebate.Receiving the check took about 8 weeks, but that's O.K.I did get it, and I am one satisfied customer.

Good product
Previously used MacAfee, Norton and AVG. This is a superior product. Was running Zonealarm too previously, but couldn't ZA and PC-Cillin to work together. So took ZA off, and used PC-Cillin's firewall. Works fine now, but doesn't have as many features as ZA.

Web content filter is great, to stop kids looking at inappropriate pages.

User interface could be better laid out, but one gets used to it.

Updates come almost daily now, but that's just life!

Overall, I am extremely confident that my system is secure now. Good product, at a good price. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Learn a new language with the award-winning method used by the U.S. State Department to train diplomats. Proven effective by NASA astronauts, Peace Corps volunteers, and millions of students worldwide, the Rosetta Stone Language Library teaches new languages faster and easier than ever before.

We all learn our childhood language by associating new words and phrases with the world around us. The Rosetta Stone method replicates this process by presenting vivid, real-life images to convey the meaning of each new phrase. Instead of translating, memorizing, and studying rules of grammar, you actually learn to think in the new language. Vocabulary and grammar are integrated systematically, leading to everyday proficiency.

This comprehensive program provides up to 550 hours of mastery instruction in listening comprehension, reading, writing, and speaking. Systematic structure teaches vocabulary and grammar naturally, without lists or drills. Previews, exercises, and tests accompany every lesson, and there are automated tutorials throughout the program. Graphical speech recognition displays your voiceprint and compares it with the native speaker to help improve your pronunciation. (Ages 6 and older) ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great but will not stand alone
I haven't gotten that far in it but I'm far enough to see the strengths and weaknesses. On the plus side, what I did learn is really well ingrained. The picture/word association really works - I find when I see something in my daily life that I have seen in the rosetta stone program, the italian word just pops into my head on it's own. There is no "translation" process like you ordinarily go through with language tapes. On the downside, anything that does not show well in a photograph doesn't fit the mechanics of the course. Words like "who, what, where, why, how" greetings "hello, goodbye" abstract nouns like "love, wisdom, pain, happiness, etc) subjective adjectives like "pretty, kind, cold, risky, etc.)and many verbs like "to know, think, want, wish, prefer, etc" and relative modifiers (more, most, least, -er, -est) are important parts of daily conversation and just don't fit the image/word association method. I think this is barrier to total fluency by the rosetta stone method. However, it's a great vocabulary builder, boasting 40,000 words by completion of the course. Not all the words will be useful in coversation, for example the word given for a car is L'autimobile when the common usage word is maccina. Both are correct, but it's like saying automobile instead of car in america. It's also great for reading skills, which is something not everyone is interested in but most cd courses are weak in if you want that. Language mechanics are not explained at all at any time. It's worth the money and an excellent supplement to other courses but will not stand alone, especially if you want tourist italian. If you actually want a full command of the language it's indispensible.

As to other courses to use this along with, Pimsleur is also expensive but worth every penny. The two go great together and each succeeds where the other fails. Pimsleur is entirely verbal, with almost no written material (brief reading exercises, nothing to write home about) and is better suited to tourists. It works much harder on accent and speaking skills, and an english speaker explains nuances of the language in english, so you can understand it. It has a limited vocabulary but succeeds at giving you a grasp of how to form sentences and actually use the language creatively.

Both Pimsleur and Rosetta Stone suffer from the lack of explanatory text and for this I'd recommend Ultimate Italian by living language. Each of the two volumes contain a 450 page textbook to fill in whatever gaps you have left after Pimsleur and Rosetta Stone get done with you. The included CD's can't hurt, but if you bought the whole pimsleur and both rosetta stones like I did, you're now into it for over 1000 dollars, and can save about 80 bucks by buying just the books. You really wont need the CD's if you already have Pimlseur and Rosetta stone. That money is better spent on a good dictionary, phrasebook and guide to slang and colloquialisms. I recommend Street Italian and webster's.

If you buy all this, expect to drop about 1200 bucks on everything. That's about the tuition and textbook for two semesters at community college but you'll have alot more to work with if you do it this way. You get out of it what you put into it, but don't expect to actually be speaking italian from a 101/102 class. Unless you're applying those credits towards a degree college classes are basically a waste of time and money for purposes of learning to speak the language.

Helpful for Learing Italian
This will not work for you as the first or only program for learning Italian.It is great as a supplement to other methods of learning Italian.The method is entirely intuitive - there is no English anywhere, so you may also want to have a dictionary and a grammar book.

I have found Rosetta Stone language programs most useful for reviewing the information I have learned elsewhere, for brushing up on languages I haven't used for a while, and for expanding vocabulary.

It may not be the best choice for total beginners, but you can learn a lot by associating words and expressions with the images and occasional mini videos.I do consider it definitely a worthwhile purchase.

This is a good start
I have completed both level 1 and level 2 and I have learned quite alot, but, I cannot yet claim that I speak or write the Italian language fluently. This is a good course, and worth the money if you are very serious about learning Italian, but it is only a good beginning. It will not teach you much about verb conjugation or how to build a proper Italian sentence. Italian is a tough language to learn for the English speaker and it requires a huge amount of study, and many different types of study sources. This course is probably the best of its type available, but as with all of them it can only take you so far.

Awesome Learning Tool!
I have had some knowledge of the Italian language so I am not a total beginner, but pretty close to it. The reason I purchased this software is that I found myself loosing the little knowledge I had. How this program works is through picture recognition along with coinciding speech. For an example they will show you a picture of a bird in different sequences such as: flying, swimming, and the color of the bird etc... They also show people doing similar actions. By picture recognition, repetitive patterns, and hearing the words, you do learn the language. The pictures do build in a methodical way and eventually you do learn to form the words, and then into sentences. But, there is no explanation in the how and why the grammar works. The word "the" is different in Italian with respect to masculine, feminine, plural, and the program does not explain this aspect of the language. You learn merely by rote imitation. This indeed is how a child learns to speak a language. A nice feature to this software is that the native speaker does speak in a slow pronunciation, in some parts of the program you can really slow the speakers voice down and hear every syllable. The program allows you to record your voice so you can hear your progress. Learning in this way is fun and I do not find my mind wandering. ... Read more

Product Description

iWork '05 ... Read more

Features

• Integrated iLife media browser and photo masking
• Create, present, and publish work quickly and easily
• Cinema-quality slide presentations; streamlined, yet powerful word processing
• 40+ professionally designed templates with multiple page designs
• Freeform graphics canvas; easy-to-use text styles, charts, and tables

Reviews (17)

Great package for work and efficiency.
I bought this product about a month ago and iWork made my life more efficient with all the easy functionality and integration that Apple has created. It is fully integrated with .Mac and your on-going web\work sites. The main application I use is Keynote which is an easy to use presentation sofware that places all the needed functionality for a quick presentation. Keynote has a very easy to use interface and similar functions to Pages which makes the transition from app to app very easy. The only downside I thought was the ramp up time to understand and get use to the apps.
Recommend it for all Mac users new and veteran.

Don't Underestimate This Program.
A number of reviewers have commented upon how easy this program is and, I suppose, in one sense it is, especially if you stick to using the templates.However, as one who has had occasion to work with "Adobe Pagemaker," this program can do sophisticated page layout and, as such, there will be a learning curve for the inexperienced.

But, the User Manual is good and there are good books coming out, like one from Visual Start in July, that will help people learn.

It is wrong to think of this program as a word processor "in competition with" Word."MS Word" is a robust word processor; "Pages," as its name implies, is a page layout program.Having also worked with "MS Publisher," the real point of comparison and not "MS Word," "Pages" far exceeds "Publisher" in capabilities and yet for relatively simple layouts is as easy as "Publisher" to use.

I have not as yet put any real strain on the program, but at first blush, on my Powerbook G4 1.5, speed of operations is just fine.Yes, as a few reviewers have pointed out, some of the palettes could be more elegantly combined.One tends to get a clutter of open palettes.But, these are refinements that will be made in future editions, I am sure.

Bottom line: If you want to layout pages with a lot of the sophistication possible in the more expensive "Quark" and "PageMaker" programs; if you want to be able to export your documents to universal portable PDF file format and print out beautiful documents; if you want to pay, basically, only about $40 for these benefits ["Keynotes," the other half of iwork represents another $40], then buy "Pages."

And, if you are a novice with respect to not only page layout programs but also to very robust word programs like "Word," don't expect that everything will be simple.You will have to learn, but you will be rewarded relatively quickly.

I almost didn't buy it....
I thought, "I have MS Office for the Mac, why do I need iWork?" Was I wrong!

Okay fine I suppose I don't really NEED it. But it is a great program, and worth the price. The ability to export my work as a .pdf file is worth the price by itself. The Pages interface is much better, cleaner than Word. And the templates are suprisingly useful. I created a web page by costomizing a template and exporting it as HTML. I twas easy and quick and the result looked great. Most of the people I work with are PC users and because they were unfamiliar with pages the web Page looked fresh, not like a modified copy of someone elses work.

I use my Mac for research mostly and the ability to save documents as .pdf files is very valuable as they are searchable. With Tigers ability to search the text within a .pdf I can now save my work as a .pdf and later find everytime a particular work appears in the fines I've created. This has made cross-refrecing very easy and fast. I now use a program called Pyramid to create a "mind map" of my work and create links from the "map" to refrences in the .pdfs.

I don't use Keynote as much. I t more visially appealing than Powerpoint and pretty easy to use. The ability to use Quicktime movies in the presentation is helpful and the ability to export as a Powerpoint file is nice.

Great program if Microsoft can develop an imitation
Keynote and Pages, the two applications included in iWork, were flawless under the Panther operating system. The Keynote app has always suffered from its inability to share with PC users. Oh yeah, I know I can convert a Keynote file to Powerpoint, .swf, QuickTime, or PDF, but the problem is that, especially when converting to PowerPoint, Keynote loses all its buttery-rich goodness. It's a PowerPoint problem, I realize, but without a Keynote viewer, there's no way around it. Thus, Mac folks must rely on Microsoft for slide presentations if they don't want to lug around their Mac laptop.

Also, installing Tiger will mess up the purchased Keynote templates you have saved. Even reinstalling them won't help.

My humble advice is to wait a couple of years until Apple fixes the bugs in Tiger, then MAYBE think about using a Mac. Until then, I'm switching back from a Mac to a PC.

Big time winner!
iWork comes with two programs, Pages (a word processor) and Keynote (Apple's version of PowerPoint).Both of these programs are very simple to use and very effective.Without a doubt, there are better programs available, but their cost several hundred dollars more and for the average user don't provided more bank for the buck.

When I first turned on Pages I thought "How cheesey!"But as I got to using it I found my first impression was totally wrong.It's simple appearance is very deceptive.This is a word processing program that can do everything that is needed for ordinary personal documents and beyond.You have to be willing to explore the program to discover its gems, but once you learn were things are you will find it a very fast and easy to use.The real value of the program is its desk top publishing.The 40 some templates let you create profession grade newsletters, journals, resumes, invitations, marketing brochures, and many other kinds of documents.This is worth the price of the software alone.It seamlessly works with your iPhoto, iTunes and iMovies.This is one powerful piece of software.With it you can produce commercial grade color brochures or newsletters at an entry level price.

Keynote makes wonderful multimedia presentations, and like Pages is seamlessly integrated with iPhoto, iTunes and iMovies.If you are using graphics or want to import photos into your presentation, Keynote is significantly easier, quicker, and simpler to use that PowerPoint.You can't miss with this program.You can even save you presentation as a PowerPoint, Quicktime, or PDF file or post it on the internet for all to see with the easy of a single click.

I have used both Microsoft Word and PowerPoint and keep them on my hard drive but rarely use them.As my skill with Pages and Keynote has grown I have found them to be more than sufficient in producing quality documents from personal letters, teaching handouts, to professional grade overhead presentations.
For the cost, iWorks cannot be beat!And you will not be disappointed.

iWork `05 System Requirements
- Macintosh computer with a 500 mhz or faster Power PC G3, G4 or G5 (G4 for PowerBook); G4 or G5 recommended
- 128 MB of physical RAM (512MB recommended)
- 8 MB of video memory (32MB recommended)
- Mac OS X v10.3.6 or later
- QuickTime 6.5 or later ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Review

None of us really wants to face the tasks of our own estate planning or writing out our living wills, but sooner or later we all should. If something should happen unexpectedly before we address these issues, our families could be forced to endure serious financial, emotional and even legal hardships.

For years Nolo has been providing top-notch "do-it-yourself" legal solutions for consumers on virtually every legal matter imaginable, and in the process they have saved consumers literally millions of dollars in legal fees. The Quicken WillMaker Plus 2005 with Free eBook, designed by Nolo, is the most comprehensive, user-friendly, stress-free, do-it-yourself software available on the market. This is the perfect software for anyone who wants to take care of their estate issues now.

What sets Nolo products apart from other legal do-it-yourself publishers is the legal breadth of their research and the ease-of-use of their products. WillMaker 2005 extends that reputation by assembling, in one software package, over 40,000 document possibilities for you to consider, and an interface that's intuitive and easy to use. In fact, if you are so determined, your will can be completed quickly in just a matter of minutes.

For most of us, however, we'll want to take our time to consider the weighty issues that estate planning and living wills involve. With that in mind, Nolo has provided extensive online help for you to access. With each step along the way, you can turn to www.nolo.com to access legal dictionaries and get answers to complex legal questions in plain English. (Anyone who's ever worked with lawyers will tell you that the "plain English" by itself will be worth the price of the ticket!) On a monthly basis Nolo also posts changes in state laws that affect any WillMaker 2005 documents on its Web site. With Nolo behind you, you'll always be in sync with the latest legal changes that affect your will.

In addition to saving you hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars by allowing you to create your own legal will, living trust, financial powers of attorney, health care directive (living will), and documents for your executor, WillMaker 2005 also provides you with invaluable estate-planning documents such as promissory notes, notices to terminate credit cards, pet-care agreements, and dozens of others. Nolo has thought of every possible need you'll encounter as you begin your planning process, making it as easy as possible for you to plan your will. Take the time and save your family from the burden of having to resolve your various financial and legal issues.

For each document, WillMaker Plus takes you through a step-by-step interview, and your documents will automatically reflect the laws of your state. Once you've completed your forms, you can print them directly, or export them to an RTF file which can be opened in any word processor. In addition to the online legal support that's available, Nolo also offers any expert technical help you might need.

For years WillMaker has been providing Americans with the power to take estate planning into their own hands, and this software has been consistently rated by leading consumer magazines and reviewers as the best estate software on the market. WillMaker 2005 Plus continues that legacy.

As an added bonus, once you register your new software, you can download the $24.99, 384-page e-book, Get a Life: You Don't Need a Million to Retire Well by Attorney Ralph Warner, for free. In its fifth edition, Warner's guide can show you how to beat the anxiety surrounding retirement by developing a plan to make your golden years the best of your life. ... Read more

Features

• Comprehensive onscreen legal manual; expert tech support available
• Choose from 40,000 legal documents; protect family and assets
• Create a legal will, living trust, financial power of attorney, and more
• Comprehensive and easy to use with step-by-step interviews
• Automatically reflects specific state laws; cuts legal fees

Reviews (1)

Easy to use, saves money, but beyond 2006?
The recent heart-breaking Terri Schiavo case in Florida highlights the importance for everyone to have a living will as well as a regular will.You can go to a lawyer, buy a standard form from a legal stationery store, or use Willmaker Plus 2005.

This latest estate planning and family law software from Nolo Press is distributed by Quicken.Nolo is a company that has been publishing self-help legal books for many years, and their website provides a wealth of information.(Since I'm not a lawyer, I can't comment if their information is always accurate, but it's at least accessible to laypeople like me.)

Willmaker 2005 is for more than just writing your own will.It has many other legal documents which you can fill in, print out, and sign (in front of a notary public in some cases) to make them legally binding.The estate planning section is pretty comprehensive and works in every state except Louisiana.(I wonder why.)Setting up your legal will and living trust is pretty much a hassle-free, expense-free and lawyer-free process.The other types of documents you can create with this program include responses to those dreaded debt collection notices and filing consumer complaints.This is really a "family lawyer" package.(Quicken used to publish their own family lawyer program but has since replaced it with Nolo's more superior Willmaker.)

The software takes an interview approach.You pick a document you want to work on.It asks you a few questions and then drafts the document for you.You review the document and then print it out and follow the simple steps to make it legally binding.The "simple steps" often just involve you and two witnesses (including a notary public in some cases) signing the document; for simple letters such as a reply to a debt collection letter, you don't need witnesses.

While it would have been a lot nicer if the program could automate things a bit more, e.g., asking who you are and then choosing the documents for you, I guess writing a will or any legal document should not be a totally brainless thing; you have to understand what it's all about and what's involved, since we are talking legally binding documents here.(Of course, you must be mentally valid in order to create a will.)

The program comes with a printed user manual.While the manual is a little confusing and makes using the program look more complex than it actually is, it's nice to have printed documentation which you can refer to readily.

I like the software and, being a paranoid that I am, like doing my will and doing it for free.I can also do the wills for my family.

My only concern about using the software stems from this passage from the second page of the manual:

"Product support (including Web update) for Quicken WillMaker Plus 2005 ends on January 1, 2006. ... Please note that legal documents created and signed before January 1, 2006 will remain legally valid and enforceable if you have used Web Update regularly. You will need to upgrade your software only if you want to create new documents or update existing documents."

Does this mean I'll need to buy a new version each and every year from now on?(I fancy my financial and family situation will change over time and thus require additions and/or amendments.)While upgrading the software still beats a trip to the attorney, it would nonetheless be quite an annoyance.

(In all fairness, both Quicken and Microsoft are moving to a subscription-like model for their financial software, so I guess that's the inevitable trend.)

Happy estate planning!
... Read more

Reviews (62)

Eh... Version 5 was fine.
I've been a fan (and user) of Acrobat for many years, and am continually amazed by the number of organizations that *don't* circulate their documents in PDF format. I don't even *read* Word attachments anymore, for fear of viruses and because I *know* they won't look like the author intended.

However, earlier versions have each added great new features, and the differences of v6 over v5 just don't seem substantial enough to warrant the price or effort of upgrading. For most users, I'd recommend saving dough by finding a copy of version 5, a vast improvement over versions 1 thru 4, and of course a conceptual and practical leap (or three) beyond sharing documents in native formats such as Word.

Really a mess
It's obvious that Adobe feels safe and entrenched as THE maker of PDF creation software, because Acrobat installs like a herd of elephants moving in to your computer. It completely re-worked my MS Word toolbars and would not allow me to restore them the way I want them. (Even after un-installation, there is still something at work against my normal.dot template.) Other applications felt the impact, too. All I want is a way to make PDF files, not a new lifestyle.

Unfortunately, Acrobat 6 could not deliver the PDF files for me. On a P4, 1.8 Ghz system, I allowed it to process my Word document for 5 hours before I gave up and had to get some real work done. I went and found activePDF Composer, which handled the same Word file and delivered my PDF file in just 10 minutes.

Get over yourself, Adobe.

Like 6.0 Professional BUT it's causing system problems.
I have only installed the 6.0 Professional and have the proper support structure and space.6.0 Professional works fine but I have a brand new batch of glitches in the rest of my system.

Misrepresentation of Security Features
I spoke with Adobe today and they confirmed my conclusions regarding their "security" features. While they state in their advertising and by phone through customer support that you can disable unauthorized people from saving, using "save as", and emailing files made secure by you, the originator, it is indeed UNTRUE. Confirmed today by phone, after close to a dozen calls, readers of "secure" documents, can indeed use the aforementioned commands to commandeer your proprietary documents and drawings. You can, however, get the features they claim to be included in version 6.0 (and upcoming 7.0) through Adobe Solutions, but to the expense of roughly $2000. As if this wasn't enough, once you get the software and start to use it, Adobe adds a disclaimer that users of some third-party, non-Adobe pdf viewers, can access your "secure" documents. Undoubtedly, the remaining features of their product are of great value, but these misrepresentations and untruths in advertising noteworthily deserve 1 star and a place in the hall of software shame. P.S. Version 7.0, soon to be released, has the same misrepresentations.

Best Acrobat Yet!
This is absolutely the best version of Acrobat that Adobe has released! Whether you are a professional, intermediate or novice, this is the PDF software package for you! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Review

Your yard has always been good to you, giving you space to play with your kids, barbecue, and even sun-bathe on those lazy summer days. But now you're ready to bring some creative elegance and flair to your outdoor living. And you don't want to spend a mint just to have a landscape designer or consultant tell you what you want. If you know what you want, but you just need a little help turning that vision into reality, the Better Homes and Gardens Landscaping and Deck Designer software package is just for you.

Better Homes and Gardens, the number one home and garden publisher, has partnered with leading software designer Chief Architect to bring you the Landscaping and Deck Designer. This program can help you transform your yard space into the landscape of your dreams, at a fraction of the cost of what a professional would charge. Using the software's fun, intuitive, and easy-to-use tools, you'll quickly be on the way toward becoming the envy of your neighborhood as your backyard barbecues in the sun turn into elegant moon-lit affairs on your new deck.

With the Landscaping and Deck Designer, you don't need any design experience to plan your new landscaping, deck or patio areas. In a few easy steps, you'll be able to take care of site planning and cost estimating. The software will give you everything you need, from conception to planning to pricing.

With a huge library of over 1,200 plants at your disposal, you won't have to be stuck with the same old options the local home and garden shop offers. You can create beautiful landscaping with trees, shrubs, water features, and flowers of your own choosing. You can even import your digital photos and add your own custom landscaping features to your plans. To keep those plants thriving, you'll want to install a sprinkler system. The "sprinkler designer" feature can help you lay out sprinkler zones for optimal watering. A "furniture" feature allows you to project a wide variety of backdrops, objects, images, and textures onto your designs. It's never been easier to select the right patio furniture for your new deck or out by the swimming pool.

As you plan your new outdoor living area, the software can project 3D models of your plot and perimeter designs, giving you realistic images of what your designs will look like. A "terrain" feature can help you build fences and driveways, and the software will help you choose the best materials for the pathways you design through your gardens. You'll even have a special "fence tool" at your fingertips that will help you to choose from several different custom fence and gate styles.

In short, with the Landscaping and Deck Designer software at your fingertips, you can say good-bye to all those cookie-cutter yards that populate new developments. You can finally say hello to an outdoor living area that not only reflects your dreams and visions, but that also reflects how your outdoor area should be experienced, day in and day out, for years to come.

Features:

• Landscaping templates designed by Better Homes and Gardens help you to quickly place your landscaping beds
• Use the Better Homes and Gardens Design Planning Center to guide your designs with tips and advice
• Choose from a library of more than 4,000 items for your designs, including over 1,200 plants
• Plant Hardiness Zone reference maps helps you choose the most appropriate plants, and a Plant Chooser feature helps you search for plants based on climate, drought tolerance, deer resistance, and much more
• Layout sprinkler zones quickly and efficiently
• Design single or multi-level decks with Deck Designer
• Assign the materials you want for your new patio design
• Quickly lay out your deck, add stairs, then place and arrange furniture
• Deck foundations automatically generate to match sloped lots
• Design and visualize your areas in 3D
• Import your own photos of houses, plants, people, and more
• Produce realistic images of your outdoor projects
• Easily create hills and valleys for custom landscapes
• Automatically generate materials list to estimate costs
• Includes free How-To Tutorial CD

Reviews (4)

Not what I was hoping for
From the on-line reviews, I decided to purchase this.It is very difficult to use and not as helpful as I was hoping.I live in a very arid climate and prefer to use xeric landscaping.The landscape options were limited for this type of habitat.
ALso the plant palatte was pretty ho-hum.Basically, I could have gone to my local home-depot and found the same plant pallette.
THe training video went really fast and if you aren't 100% focused, you'll miss alot.I had to try things over and over before I finally figured certain things out.

Basically, I could have done the same thing with a piece of paper and a pencil, but it is still fun to play around with.
I would recommend this to a professional who needs to show clients visuals, but for your average do-it-yourselfer, it is just too time consuming.I would rather be out playing in the dirt!