There is no question that when Microsoft keeps the Windows operating system going, it has been mostly worthwhile. While there have been a lot of people whom have turned away from Windows 7 & Windows 8 in regards to some of the drawbacks, whether it is a more complex main menu, or with a lack of things to play like some of the computer games that came with Windows XP like Spider Solitaire.

Hard to believe, that Microsoft has been trying to go for a new generation of P.C. owners with the release of a new operating system. A few years ago, they had tried that with Windows Vista and it was a well-dedicated upgrade from Windows XP. Then, they also had a second operating system at hands with Windows 7. That worked very well at each hand and each level. But for the younger crowd, they definitely wanted to show that there is more for a Mac generation, or a Ipod era as well.

Years ago I used to boycott Norton Antivirus because it was slow and bloated. However, about five or six years ago, Norton re-wrote their product from the ground up, and ever since then I have been a big fan. Norton Antivirus 2014 offers fantastic protection for relatively little money, considering this contains three licenses, for use on three different PCs. Not only is Norton usually rated either the best or the second best by various PC magazines (including Maximum PC), it does not bog down the PC.

Streets & Trips 2009 is a good product. Printed maps can extend to cover the entire page (free equivalents don’t), and the printed maps are easier to read than the free competitors. Not to mention updated construction warnings along your route. The only negative is Microsoft’s Product Activation, which means I can’t install it on two PCs at home, everyone has to come down to my PC in order to use it.

Beware. I’ve used Norton Antivirus exclusively for about eight years now, but this year’s version has a big problem if you use encryption: It will cause hard stops, the blue-screen-of-death if you try to run either TrueCrypt or any other form of file or disk encryption. Until Symantec fixes this problem I would avoid Norton security products if there’s any chance you will use encryption software

Great antivirus. I never notice it except when needed (haven’t run into any malicious software yet). I highly recommend Kaspersky Labs Antivirus.

The best Internet security around. I love it. No U.S. government back-doors here.

I’ve been shooting high dynamic range (HDR) photos for about three years now. I’ve tried all the different programs for processing my images. I find that Photomatix gives me the most control. The program is deceptively simple. I do mean deceptive. Photomatix lets you convert multiple images into an HDR photo with a couple of clicks. That is if you like the default settings. I don’t. It’s taken me a lot of effort to learn how to process HDR images that don’t have that typical glowing edges HDR look.

I’ve used VMware Gusion for years to run Windows on my Macs. It works and makes the transition between operating systems painless and transparent. Start the program and I can use Windows at the the same time as OSX. When I upgraded to Mountain Lion my old version of Fusion wouldn’t run on the the new OSX. Fusion 5 does. I’m happy again.

I’m new to Painter and have had a bit of a go learning it enough to review the program. It’s worth it. While the software is close to Photoshop in complexity it is also comparable in what it can do, which is an amazing amount. I’ve been sketching for a few years and that’s what I tried first. Since I have a medium sized Wacom pad it’s easy to draw with the program.