I’ve been using Photoshop for years including CS6 (last year’s version) and am proficient with it. I also use GIMP, Illustrator and Ink. What I like about Painter is that it is a nice middle ground between a program that adjusts pictures and a program that creates art. It is easy to use for anyone who has used any of the Adobe or open source art programs. The icons are similar to well known ones and the functionality is similar.

This review is for Cyberlink PowerDVD 11 ULTRA. My rating 4.25 out of 5, so far, since I have not tested every aspect. The playback of DVDs is excellent. I have a Triple-core processor PC with 8GB of RAM and an ATI 512MB DDR3 video card, so the playback is smooth, as well as the forwarding and reverse. The graphical user interface (GUI) lets you control the player. The PowerDVD player opens and begins playing DVD’s automatically when you close your optical drive.

This is an excellent Internet security suite. First off, this software is quick. The updates are quick and the scans are quick and can occur in the background. I am using an AMD Turion 64-bit X2 1.6 GHz processor with 2GB of Total RAM (memory) with the Microsoft Vista 32-bit Operating System. Installation only took a little under than 10 minutes. The main console (graphical interface) is neatly and cleanly organized, color-coded, easy on the eyes, and mainly, easy to understand.

Corel VideoStudio Pro X8 runs smoothly, is properly organized, and easy to learn. There is a trial available from Corel on their website so you can try it out. For additional information, visit the Corel site videostudiopro.com and click on FEATURES to see the new features in this Pro X8 version, and what features have been enhanced. Tools for learning how to use the software is also available.nI’ve worked with various video editing programs throughout the years including Windows Movie Maker, Sony Vegas, Premiere Elements, Premiere Pro, Premiere CC, and a few others that are no longer made.

Item: WordPerfect Office X7 Standard version.nThis software is a great alternative to Microsoft Office WORD. I’ve used versions of Corel’s WordPerfect many times in the past. I’ve mainly worked with MS Word the last few years because it’s commonly used in the workplace. But after using this new version of WordPerfect, I really enjoyed working with Corel’s new WordPerfect version. I’m running this software on a Windows 8.1 machine with 12 GB of RAM.

McAfee Internet Security is a quality product. It installs and updates easily. I installed the software on twondifferent computers. A $250 laptop with an AMD E-processor, and an expensive desktop with an AMD Quad-core processor. The time difference to install was 12 minutes for the laptop and 2 minutes for the desktop. The protection is quite good, and the simplicity of the program makes it easy to use for most general users to have control of their anitivirus/internet security program.

I’ve been using H&R Tax Software for the last three years. Before that I used Turbo Tax. I actually like both and have no issues with either. I’m able to get through all my entries easily, and file my taxes with ease. My situation is simple though, with main work income, interest from savings accounts, and a few dividends and stock sales. I don’t deduct much since I don’t own a home.

I’m been using all different kinds of software on my PC’s for ripping and burning CD’s. I make a lot of home movies of family and friend events and this program helps me rip my old home video DVDs and then edit them in a separate program. Of course it helps that I have a really good PC, built for photo and video editing. This program runs smoothly for me. But it all depends on what you want to use this software for, and the performance of the PC you will be installing the software on.

Paint Shop Pro X7 Ultimate is a great program that offers a lot of features. Comparable to Photoshop Full, it offers a wide range of creating, editing, adjusting, and manipulation tools. Even though I prefer Photoshop a slight bit more, especially since I’ve been using that for the past seven years, this program offers a similar experience to Photoshop. If you have experience working with past version of either, you know what you are getting.

Anything from Corel is pretty good and at a good price. I also have other products and love them all.