So I was pretty excited to try this version of Pinnacle (the last version I have is 17). There are a few new features (actually more for me since I haven’t updated in a while) like stop motion animation capabilities and motion tracking. However, this one seems more buggy than I remember the last version to be when I installed it. First, I had to completely uninstall 17 (I thought I could just update but you have to start fresh) before installing this.

Family Tree Maker Essentials is a great tool. In theory. But in reality, the program does not function as it should. Start-up is very slow as well as the connection to ancestry.com. Whenever you make changes to the tree, the page reload is very slow like it has to think about it before doing it. I’m using this on a fairly new Windows 7, 64-bit computer so I know it’s not on my end when I get response failure messages.

I’ve always found Roxio the most straightforward digital media product, but Creator NXT 3 is a little buggy with installation. It does come with an installation DVD ROM but not any supporting or instructional inserts (I always wonder why they waste such a big box for one disc). Once you install the product, you can download the pdf user guide. By buggy on installation, I mean slow. Like 15 minutes worth of slow and areas of getting hung up it seemed.

This product is pretty innovative as it is installed via USB and not cd rom. Keep in mind, to try this product, you must uninstall all other security software. I tried it on a separate laptop in case I wasn’t happy with it. The one major thing I liked was that when it was scanning, it didn’t affect the other processes in the same way that macafee causes a slow down or momentary freezing of what you’re working on otherwise.

I haven’t had a chance to grab into all the features but it is immediately apparent that this is a highly functional product. For the hobbiest who just want to shoot a few family flicks, this product may be a little too challenging and not worth the price but for the individual who wants the feel of a professional operation, this is an ideal offering. It does have a rather steep learning curve and I would recommend using either the available tutorials or looking into a purchased instruction.

I have used both Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. I like them. They are great products but even Elements is a little challenging for the casual photographer. They are also a little pricey for the average snapshot picture taker. Photo Plus offers a more affordable and slightly more intuitive product for the home photographer. Many of the tools are presented in familiar shape so the user isn’t completely lost. A sometimes user will not be lost in layers of challenges and possibilities.

I haven’t had a chance to grab into all the features but it is immediately apparent that this is a highly functional product. For the hobbiest who just want to shoot a few family flicks, this product may be a little too challenging and not worth the price but for the individual who wants the feel of a professional operation, this is an ideal offering. It does have a rather steep learning curve and I would recommend using either the available tutorials or looking into a purchased instruction.

I love foreign languages. Whether or not I ever get to a foreign country, I delight in knowing other ways to say the same thing. Foreign languages are a brain stimulating way to entertain oneself. Unfortunately, many of the tools for learning are not affordable. Classes offered in the public schools often teach correct grammar but fall short of proving communication skills in a language. Along comes Instant Immersion and problems are solved!

We’ve been using TurboTax Deluxe for many years. We both have training as tax preparers but find this program as quick and as simple as taxes can be. We love that we can download much of the needed information and not have to type it in.

Not the easiest to figure out, even as an experienced computer person. A manual would help. But I had it up and running within a day. I’m just scratching the surface of the available items.