Kept locking up on my commonly used web pages such as Google and Bing. I am not a technical computer geek but know basic computer skills and couldn’t get the firewall to work for anything, I don’t recommend this.

Sage 50 is a fairly easy to understand software accounting system and I recommend it. It was easy to use and as long as you’re familiar with these programs it helps with all your business record keeping.

I have been a TurboTax user for years; in fact, I just checked and I have TurboTax files from 1999!nThis, the Basic edition, does not come with a state editionwhich is a let-down for me since I live in a state which requires a state tax return.nThe installation is very straightforward and since I am already a TurboTax user from years past, it is very easy to import last year’s files and everything is filled out already.

This is a routine, run-of-the mill anti-virus that doesn’t have much going for it in the performance department. On my Windows 7 PC with 8GB RAM, it was a bear, a 300lb drunk NFL linesman with a hangover. Because I already had another a/v product installed, I installed Trend Micro on a virtual machine–installation was basically routine with enough features listed to protect most machine;s however, testing its actual performance at catching mild spyware was a failure–I visited some rather interesting sites–so I can’t saw what it’ll do in the big leagues of botnets, etc.

I have been a Corel VideoStudio user for quite a while, and this latest entry into the ring does not bring a massive set of differences other than that I have noticed it runs much better in Windows 8 and, after the free upgrade, Windows 10. The list of features is long enough that you will HAVE to take some time to read manuals (available only as a PDF) and view some rather good YouTube tutorials.

Corel continues its impressive series of high performing graphics suite with this version X7. As usual, the flagship product is the immensely powerful vector drawing program, CorelDraw. It is intuitive to use but comes with a comprehensive help file that does an excellent job of explaining the major topics. It is always available directly on the interface.nAdded to this are the (now) great number of videos and tutorials available online. Time was, a search on YouTube provided not many results (as compared to some other suites).

Corel’s Photo Express is a bear on system resources for not much in return.nIf you’re a basic user without the need for intensive photo editing, just a touch up here (red eye removal, etc.) then uploading this to the photo sharing sites, this is the tool for you. Not much else to recommend it except for perhaps the nice interface.nCorel’s other graphics editing packages are a much better deal functionally; skip this one.

The software was easy to install and I got right to using it.nI didn’t have as much of an easy time ramping up my skill level to using it well, and I’m happy for the included manual which you don’t see too often these days.nThe online help system is excellent, and Corel does a great job as usual of laying it out well. Importing video is easy and the filters and other tools are intuitive to use.

The sheer number of options available can be overwhelming but stay tuned, it gets better. After a straightforward installation and some time spent updating the software, you’re presented with an intuitive interface. There are a good number of resources for help in using it, starting with a free 30-day installation support with registration. The manual is a bit light and would have benefited from a competent technical writer. It wasn’t difficult to jump in and start modifying and editing clips, most of it is just drag and drop.

You name it, I’ve seen it in action. From Norton to McAfee, from the FreeAVG to the corporate editions of the various anti-malware/anti-virus suites, I’ve used them at one stage or another for that’s part of my job as a systems manager. Here’s a quick tip: I’ve found that McAfee’s products are better than not having any protection, but be prepared for hassles. My experiences with these anti-virus software has led to me looking at every piece of software with a jaundiced eye.