Hot Products > Software

Roxio Easy Media Creator 2009 (PC)

Great for the home user, 2008-11-26
This is a fantastic all-in-one software product for the home user. I was amazed at all the features of the product covering music, photos & video. It is quite straight forward to navigate and user friendly if you are a little computer literate.

I especially liked the back-up features. The photo slide show was fun to play around with and is good for things like a wedding or holiday. I haven't had a great deal of time to explore the full capabilities of the software but the music features are excellent and you can export to an ipod.

This is obviously not a professional's software product but is excellent value for the home-user and offers the all in one package rather than having several different software programs for each application.

Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 3, English, 1 pack DSP OEI CD

Best version of Windows, Works fine with WiFi, 2008-09-01
Best version of Windows, Works fine with WiFi

I had an old Pentium III, 733Mhz PC with 256 MB RAM sat in a cupboard, decided to try loading XP but didn't want to spend a lot on the software. This OEM version is a good price and loaded without issue, also registered with Microsoft without a problem. Ok as it is OEM copy you are unlikely to get technical support from Microsoft.

Windows XP (in my opinion) is by far the best version of Windows, very easy to install, stable and uses a reasonable amount of system resources (unlike Vista). XP Runs well on my old PC, which is now being used to serf the web.

A previous reviewer stated they had problems getting XP to connect to the internet using a wireless network; I've had no issues connecting my old PC using a Netgear WG111T 108Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter key, worked straight away, setup so XP is managing the connection. I have two other newer PCs running XP (Service Pack 2) and they are also connected wirelessly to the internet using a BT Homehub, one has a built-in adapter the other with a D-Link USB key.

Buy Windows XP while you still can.

Acronis True Image Home 2009

Good but has major problems - Upgraders read first!, 2008-11-28
I've been using the previous Acronis True Image for 2 years now to back up over 40Gb of work data on a daily basis. I've always found it a real gem, so I decided to get the newer "better" version and upgrade to 2009. The manual states that you can just install 2009 straight over the top of previous versions, which sounded very useful.

After installation had completed (a hideous experience that I've described below) I was pleased to see that the interface had been overhauled, and presented lots of clear and easy-to-understand options with context-sensitive help at the bottom of each page.
The one-click backup solution is useful if you don't really understand the different types of backups available (full, differential, & incremental).

The pretty interface soon lost its novelty value though, as a rediculous number of issues took hold. I've detailed some of these annoyances:

- The software uses a 64 digit serial code. How much time do Acronis think we've got to waste?!
- Nearly all serial numbers are shipped as being faulty! This is an ACKNOWLEDGED PROBLEM on Acronis' web site and you should register online instead of through the software itself. Also note that the registration URL is case-sensitive! If you don't read the pamphlet in the box I'd hate to guess how long it would take you to figure all this out!
- Following installation the software would not update online. I got two errors each time and updating failed. This is just not acceptable in this day and age where online updates are critical to maintain performance.
- After installation a reboot is required. I forgot to take out the CD and so Acronis booted into rescue mode. It was then I found out my Wireless Microsoft keyboard and mouse DID NOT WORK in rescue mode! Thank goodness I still own my old wired hardware, but not many modern PC's are even shipped with wired devices. Another totally unacceptable problem.
- My main gripe is that 2009 removed ALL my previous backup schedules! I had to go and set each one up again which is absolutely rediculous when the manual claims to "simply update" the software
- The "Search" tool is a blatant advertisement for Google Desktop and Windows Desktop Search, demanding either is installed in order for it to work.
- The backup wizard only has a NEXT button, and no BACK button. Therefore you've got to use the side panel to navigate back a step if you need to change anything. A small issue but a bit weird!

So will I keep version 2009? Well, now I've gone to the trouble of setting up all the schedules again, yes I will. I'm not impressed with it however, and if you have the previous version then I recommend sticking with it, because the new options don't warrant either the money or time to upgrade it.

The Official DSA Guide to Hazard Perception

A must for all learner drivers, 2007-12-28
This dvd is the only official hazard perception test dvd on the market. Hazard Perception is a key part of today's driving tests and this high quality and interactive hazard perception DVD (formerly named the Roadsense dvd) will help boost your driving skills and prepare you for the tests and beyond. Essential for all learner drivers including lorry drivers, bus drivers and MOTORCYCLISTS, this official guide to hazard perception aims to improve the learner's perception of hazards and explains how todeal with them.

1000 Board and Puzzle Games (PC CD)

super value for money!!, 2008-08-06
1000 games on 2 discs-need i say more-hours of fun ahead-a great addition to a pc gamers collection!

Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 and Premiere Elements 7 Bundle (PC)

• Produkt Version: 7.0
• Sprache: E

Mr Site (PC/Mac)

Exceptional Value!, 2008-10-07
I was looking for a simple, efficient and easy to maintain website and I can really say I found it with this product! It's simple, quick and it takes minutes to update which is perfect for a small business! 100% recommended.

Dragon NaturallySpeaking Standard 10.0

• Create documents, emails,and instant messages-Entirely by voice
• Fun and easy to use
• Turn talk into type
• Say it naturally
• More than 3 times faster than typing

I am amazed, it's absolutely brilliant!!, 2008-09-27
This product came through today, and here I am typing this review out with, I can't believe it I've suffered with dyslexia all my life and this feels like I have just been released into a whole new world, if like me you've always been afraid to type a review, then fear no more.

Get it, try it and don't worry about the bad reviews, you want be disappointed.

Paint Shop Pro Photo X2

• Produkt Version: 12.0
• Sprache: E
• Format: CD

Excellent for A Level Photography, 2008-09-10
Calling all photography students. I have had this software no less than a month and it is a dream.

I am currently doing an A Level photography course at my local college which requires software like this to enhance and modify your work to create stunning pieces to show in the end of year exhibit.

It is so easy to use compared to previous versions and runs flawlessly on my computer. If you want something that is reasonably priced, easy to use and creates amazing pictures this is the software for you.

Fallout Collection (PC DVD)

Never had so much fun with a game ever, 2008-05-07
This genre is right up my street something I love highly its got steampunk+cyberpunk+gangstas! It has humour, mutants what more could you ask for!
yes it is a little old but its a classic World of Warcraft and other online games should take note of these two little gems!
Lets hope Stargate Worlds and the Fallout 3 are worthy of being sat besides these classics.