Pros:n* Upgrading from Pro X6 on my Windows 7 machine went smoothlyn* A boatload of special effects/transitionsn* Allows easy manipulation of audio/video separately or in tandemn* Renders video very quickly (my videos average 15 min. apiece and will render within a few minutes if they aren’t heavy of the audio and extras–of course, this would vary based on the type of video you’re producing along with your hardware set up)nnNeutral:n* Doesn’t include a user manual–documentation must be downloaded from the Corel website (and it’s highly recommended to do so and read it because…learning curve)nnCons:n* Learning curve – I went through this with X6 Pro, but this upgrade moved a few things around and added a few features which sent me back to VideoStudion bootcamp, so it’s wise to plan accordinglyn* Ultra-strict licensing – this isn’t new, but still worth mentioning: If privacy is a major concern, you’ll want to read and re-read the license agreement because there’s a note in there about collecting potentially personally identifiable information, plus, you may only install this software on a single machine and should you wish to reinstall it on another machine, you’d need to contact Corel for permission.

I still prefer Kaspersky and recommend it to my friends and family. When I read a comparative analysis of the leading anti-virus software programs on the market a few years back, I made my switch and I’ve stuck with Kaspersky through its various iterations. But, I nearly chucked in the towel at KAV 10 when it slowed my computers down so much that I found myself disabling it more than often than not.

There are so few options in this space, Quicken ends up being the best choice. It works, but it is clunky to use. In the quest to add features, the easiest tasks become harder to use. For example, reconciling an account used to be easy. There was logic built in to identify errors. Not anymore; you have to manually search for errors.

2013 versionnnI have used both TurboTax and TaxCut through the years. Neither is substantially better than the other because ultimately they get you to the same place. I prefer the feel of TaxCut, but have no issues navigating TurboTax either. But - getting Deluxe with the State is the way to go if your state requires a return.

I found it to be bad. It doesn’t have state-specific language. And I couldn’t figure out how to have an estate as the beneficiary. So for that reason I give it a low rating.

Quicken Deluxe 2014nnI have had Microsoft Money, Quicken, Quicken for Mac … and frankly miss Microsoft Money. Intuit is not … inuitive. Unfortunately they have made it unnecessarily complicated. Although this is substantially better than the Mac version, some basic functions are difficult to find, such as: account reconciliation, printing checks. As there really are no other options for money management that banks support for downloading, we are stuck.

I purchased this software, hoping to experience the opportunity to design some slick personal calling cards. What I got instead was a migraine! The design backgrounds are GORGEOUS, but you have to have a PHD in graphic design to make this software work. I spent hours trying to make my chosen design fit within the print area of my standard Avery cardstock - I don’t claim to be the brightest crayon in the box, but I’m pretty intelligent and resourceful and I wasn’t able to do anything with it.

I purchased this software, hoping to experience the opportunity to design some slick personal calling cards. What I got instead was a migraine! The design backgrounds are GORGEOUS, but you have to have a PHD in graphic design to make this software work. I spent hours trying to make my chosen design fit within the print area of my standard Avery cardstock - I don’t claim to be the brightest crayon in the box, but I’m pretty intelligent and resourceful and I wasn’t able to do anything with it.

I purchased this software, hoping to experience the opportunity to design some slick personal calling cards. What I got instead was a migraine! The design backgrounds are GORGEOUS, but you have to have a PHD in graphic design to make this software work. I spent hours trying to make my chosen design fit within the print area of my standard Avery cardstock - I don’t claim to be the brightest crayon in the box, but I’m pretty intelligent and resourceful and I wasn’t able to do anything with it.

I purchased this software, hoping to experience the opportunity to design some slick personal calling cards. What I got instead was a migraine! The design backgrounds are GORGEOUS, but you have to have a PHD in graphic design to make this software work. I spent hours trying to make my chosen design fit within the print area of my standard Avery cardstock - I don’t claim to be the brightest crayon in the box, but I’m pretty intelligent and resourceful and I wasn’t able to do anything with it.