Microsoft Windows 7 (Professional)

Product summary

The good:Strong design and Microsoft don't always go together, but they do in Windows 7. Users might take a while to get used to the new taskbar and Aero Peek, but they're a pleasure to use.

The bad:Performance is still hit-or-miss in Windows 7. At the ripe age of seven, Windows XP still performs better in some categories.

The bottom line:Windows 7 is more than what Vista should have been, it's where Microsoft needed to go. How much damage Vista did and whether Windows 7 is enough for people to finally abandon Windows XP are questions that nobody has the answers to right now.

Specifications:License qty: 1 PC ; License type: Complete package ; Min hard drive space: 16 GB ; ; See full specs

Norton AntiVirus 2009

Product summary

The good:Norton AntiVirus 2009 has a leaner footprint, improved speed, white listing, and other technologies to mark clean files as trusted, and free technical support.

The bad:Despite its free telephone support, Norton AntiVirus 2009 lacks adequate online technical support and, intentional or not, it drives users to its paid technical support services.

The bottom line:Norton AntiVirus 2009 hits all the right security notes, and its superior protection technologies might even win back some jaded anti-Symantec folks, though for some, technical support may continue to frustrate.

Specifications:License qty: 1 user ; License type: Complete package ; Operating system: Microsoft Windows Vista Business , Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate , Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic , Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium , Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2 , Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 , Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition SP2 ; ; See full specs

Price range: $11.99 - $

iWork '09

Product summary

The good:Interface tweaks make commonly used features more accessible. Flashy, eye-catching presentations are even easier to make. iWork apps play well together with added interoperability across the suite.

The bad:Still no business-grade e-mail client. iWork.com Web component doesn't allow for true collaboration. The lack of an auto save feature is a particularly problematic omission we hope to see in future releases.

The bottom line:Intuitive interface design and easy access to useful features make iWork the best office suite choice on the Mac. Though it lacks some of Microsoft Office's advanced options, iWork '09 is an emerging powerhouse in its own right.

Specifications:License qty: 1 user ; License type: Complete package ; Operating system: Apple MacOS X 10.4.11 , Apple MacOS X 10.5.6 or later ; ; See full specs

Price range: $59.00 - $79.99 check prices