A basic, but affordable, photo-retouching program
Serif's new Digital Photo Suite 2009 doesn't have the powerful editing tools of more expensive rivals such as Photoshop Elements, but it provides a good basic set of photo-editing tools at a very affordable price.
The suite consists of two programs, Album Plus and Panorama Plus, although it's the first of these two that provides the main organising and editing features When you launch Album Plus for the first time, it asks if you want to import a set of photos from a specific folder, or simply let the program search your entire hard disk.
Like most photo organisers, Album Plus allows you to browse and search for pictures using settings such as date, rating, or keywords, and you can switch from thumbnail previews of large groups to zoomed-in views of individual images simply by double-clicking on any picture. There's nothing particularly innovative here, but the program's photo-management features are straightforward and simple to use.
In addition, Album Plus includes three 'studios' that can be activated simply by clicking on the Fix And Enhance button at the top of the screen. The Quick Fix Studio allows you to perform simple editing tasks such as adjusting brightness and contrast, colour saturation, cropping an image, or removing red-eye Each tool is represented by a large icon in the toolbar that runs across the top of the screen, and when you click on any tool a second panel on the left-hand edge of the screen displays tips that explain how it works.
There's also a useful split-screen option that displays 'before' and 'after' versions of your photo so that you can see how your changes will work. And, as well as the standard 'Undo' command, there's a 'revert' option. The Makeover Studio works in a similar fashion, but provides tools designed specifically for working with portrait photographs. There are options for whitening teeth, removing dark circles from under eyes, smoothing out wrinkles, and even a 'fake tan' option.
Instant Artist Studio allows you to create effects such as a pencil sketch, oil paints and watercolours and impressionist or expressionist paintings. These filters produce mixed results though — sometimes they can be quite effective, while you can just as easily end up with a big blotchy mess of colour.
The three studios are all easy to use, so even complete beginners will be able to tidy up their photos quickly. Our only real complaint is that the program can be a little sluggish when working with very large, high-resolution images (we tested it on a 1.8GHz Pentium 4 laptop).
When you've finished editing, the final option is the Create And Share button This allows you to upload
photos to Facebook or Flickr, or save them as a Flash video file that can be uploaded to sites such as Youtube. You can print a variety of documents such as calendars and greetings cards, or the Panorama Plus program can be used to 'stitch' together a series of overlapping landscape photos.
Admittedly, Digital Photo Suite doesn't provide the precise editing tools or the wide range of special effects filters that you can find in programs such as Photoshop Elements or Corel's Paint Shop Pro. This means you're essentially limited to fixing flaws in your photos. Rather than being able to creatively modify or combine photos to create new images. However, it is a good tool for newcomers who don't want to spend a lot of money on more advanced editing program. Cliff Joseph.
Contact www.serif.com
System requirements 500MHz processor, with Windows XP or Vista • 512Mb Ram • 650MB hard disk • Internet access for file-sharing options
Personal Computer World February 2009
Visit my other blogs:
All of Pics, Business Things, Cellphones Info, Fun Gadgets, Fun of IT, Handphone News, Laptop Review, Laptops Reviews,
Motherboard World, More IT News, More of ITs, More Techs, Netbook News, Software Review.
Serif Digital Photo Suite 2009
Far Cry 2
Battle through 50 square kilometres of African war
Brand power is the only reason Far Cry 2 is called what it is, since it has a different development team, a different environment, a completely different set of characters and a different storyline to the original game.
Far Cry 2 does, however, build on the original Far Cry's lush graphics and large free-roam environment, for which the original game received high praise. Graphics aren't as crisp or detailed as those found in Crysis, but the sheer size of the open world makes this the biggest first-person shooter environment we've ever encountered.
You play a mercenary who is sent into an unnamed war-torn African country, tasked with killing an arms dealer known as The Jackal But things quickly go pear-shaped when you get malaria and your target disappears. With the mission on hold, your focus is to get anti-malarial pills and collect diamonds - the currency in African wars – to buy new weapons.
After a brief introduction, you can roam free and complete any mission you please. Soldiers on both sides of the conflict take shots at you wherever you go. so building relationships with other mercenaries is very important. Encounters with the mercenaries, enemy soldiers and a journalist arc all sprinkled in with some excellent voice acting.
The biggest innovation in Far Cry 2, however, is the long flammable grass present across the entire environment. Throwing Molotov cocktails near enemy bases means you can fry adversaries without even pulling a trigger.
Realism is one of Far Cry 2's main goals and the sheer size of the open world certainly cements it, since
going from one point to the next regularly takes 20 minutes by car (with a few gun battles along the way, of course). Guns jam as they age, so you need to buy new ones, and cars regularly need fixing.
Instead of health packs that magically make you better, you have to perform gruesome battlefield surgery on yourself. Alternatively, you can inject yourself with some mystery healing fluid, although that barely seems more realistic than the old system.
There are serious flaws in Far Cry 2's realism in other areas too. Although the world is massive, the scenery is simply repeated all over. This includes the same shop owner copied and pasted into every gun shop across the country. It's also not clear how you've managed to come by a useful map showing where every enemy outpost is. Combative outposts are packed too closely together and there's an eerie lack of civilians – apparently they've all fled, but you'd expect a handful of poor sods to be left behind.
If you manage to complete the single-player mode (there's over 50 hours game play). then there's also a
relatively poor multiplayer option. Our biggest complaint with Far Cry 2, however, is that it crashed to desktop every 30 minutes to an hour on one test system, but not on anothcr. A 64-bit copy of Vista appeared to be one potential problem, but the internet is rife with users experiencing similar problems in other versions of Windows. 
Far Cry 2 is an ambitious game where the developers have overstretched themselves. With a bigger budget and an emphasis on quality rather than quantity, Far Cry 2 would have been an excellent game, instead of an average one. Emil Larsen.
Contact Ubisoft Far Cry 2
System requirements Pentium 4 3.2GHz or Pentium D 2.66GHz or AMD Athlon 64 3500+ or better • 1GB Ram • Nvidia Geforce 6800 or ATI Radeon 1650 with 256MB Ram • 12GB hard drive space
Personal Computer World February 2009
Visit my other blogs:
All of Pics, Business Things, Cellphones Info, Fun Gadgets, Fun of IT, Handphone News, Laptop Review, Laptops Reviews,
Motherboard World, More IT News, More of ITs, More Techs, Netbook News, Software Review.
Tune Up Utilities 2009
A collection of tools to clean and optimise your PC
Thanks to the relatively high performance on offer from even basic PCs in the modern market, tuning and optimising a machine isn't nearly as essential as it used to be. But for those who do like to keep a clean house, Tune Up Utilities has been one of the most effective all-in-one solutions in the past and has recently been updated for 2009.
In truth there's very little on offer here in terms of new features, with most changes focusing on a tweaked interface and tools that are already a fundamental part of the package.
For a quick clean-up solution the software installs a one-click maintenance application that can be used
periodically to fix the Registry, free up disk space, remove invalid shortcuts and defragment the hard disk.
The bulk of control is found through the main interface however, with the wide range of tools available split into performance, clean-up, problem-solving and Windows tune-up While quite a few of these are
supplied with Windows if you know where to look, there arc some distinctly useful components here such as the Registry cleaner/defragmenter, undelete functions to recover lost files and a shredder to permanently delete data.
Many of the other tools, such as the uninstall and startup manager, process manager and system defragmenter arc simply revised versions of the took supplied with Windows, though each of them does
offer a greater degree of control. For those with older machines the speed optimiser and performance adviser, which can tell you which software can be disabled if it is rarely used, will be beneficial and even though there's nothing particularly radical here, we liked the fact that the components are well integrated, easily accessible and could make a real difference to how your operating system runs. Paul Lester.
Contact Tune Up
www.tuneup-software.co.uk
System requirements Windows Vista (all versions) • Windows XP SP2,300MHz CPU • 800x600 display • 256M8 memory • 80MB free hard drive space
Personal Computer World February 2009
Visit my other blogs:
All of Pics, Business Things, Cellphones Info, Fun Gadgets, Fun of IT, Handphone News, Laptop Review, Laptops Reviews,
Motherboard World, More IT News, More of ITs, More Techs, Netbook News, Software Review.
Managing Money in Troubled Times
These four accounting packages can help you keep a closer eye on your bottom line. By Gary Berline and Kathy Yakal
Anyone running a small business knows that new money is hard to come by these days. Chances are, your revenue stream is not going to see much growth, so you'll have to make do with what you've got for a while. That means keeping a very close eye on your accounts and cash flow. Whether your staff consists of just you or an entire crew, you can't afford to keep doing your bookkeeping on Post-it notes.
Powerful, inexpensive, and easy-to-use accounting packages abound, and we've reviewed four of the best to help you pick the right one.
Microsoft Office Accounting Professional 2008 
When Microsoft first stepped into the small-business accounting ring a few years ago, it took a beating at the hands of nimbler competitors. But since then it has developed a product with a fluid Microsoft Outlook style and integration with eBay, PayPal, Equifax, and Outlook with Business Contact Manager. 
The 2008 version doesn't have as many updates as Peachtree's and QuickBooks' new offerings, but you do get pluses like scheduled documents, the ability to convert sales orders into purchase orders, and additional reports, making Microsoft a respectable contender in this category.
This suite's setup is quick and easy, though you should take the time to fill in the Set Company Preferences area, where you establish defaults, such as interest rates, system accounts, and using jobs for multistep projects, which will be useful later. Although setup isn't painful, QuickBooks and Peachtree both offer an approach to setup that's more thorough and automated.
The overall interface is easy to use, including a dashboard with reminders, cash-flow graph, accounts payable, and overdue-customer tools. This suite's strongest suit is its sturdy integration with Word, Excel, Outlook, and eBay/PayPal. Ultimately, Office Accounting is not as good across the board as QuickBooks, but it's none- theless a solid, creative small-business accounting program that's worth considering.
MYOB Premier Accounting 2008
MYOB may not be the name that comes to mind when you think of small-business accounting software, but it was one of the first for Windows. MYOB offers a very capable set of tools, and the application's Mac-based beginnings give it one of the cleanest, most easily navigable interfaces. The current version doesn't add an enormous amount, but the core capabilities are strong.
Unfortunately, MYOB hasn't kept up with the online capabilities of its rivals. The setup of MYOB is about as straightforward as those of the others here. The Command Center navigation is simple and clean, and only Microsoft's Office Accounting offers an interface with a lower barrier to entry. The lack of comprehensive online banking, however, is a huge drawback. You can send payments directly into vendors' accounts electronically, but you can't have the program mail out checks. 
MYOB is flexible but somewhat out-of-date. It's a good product, and existing users should be happy continuing with it. Still, QuickBooks Pro will serve you better overall at roughly the same price.
Peachtree by Sage Complete Accounting 2009
Peachtree's accounting roots in the small-business market reach back to the early nineties, and the company's experience shows in the 2009 version. The software competes well against the others here, though it can't beat QuickBooks at simplicity and usability. New features include real-time error reporting, multiyear reporting within general ledger reports and financial statements, and improvements to time and expense tracking.
Peachtree Complete has always had a good setup procedure, and this latest edition is no exception. The app has you select a matching business type from a list of dozens, then it builds a set of accounts that will work best with your choice. The Company Center contains an eclectic mix of tools that give you access to key reports and financial statements, links to data maintenance tools, and a list of miscellaneous company information. I like this dual approach; it's similar to the tack QuickBooks takes with its company snapshot and Company home page. You also get good online banking features. Hi ther, Peachtree's payroll solutions are impressive, trailing QuickBooks only in the sheer number of options. 
Aside from one gripe with Peachtree—its excessive use of new windows—it is a good package that will continue to serve its existing users well.
OuickBooks Accounting Pro Edition 2009
Quick Books has been a crowd-pleaser since it was introduced in the early nineties, and it will continue to he so with the 2009 edition. QuickBooks has made more enhancements and added more features than rivals Microsoft Accounting Professional, MYOB, and Peachtree.
Simply put, it's just a better overall package. Improvements include the ability to run reports even while others are working in QuickBooks, and a new Company Snapshot feature that gives you an overview of key financial data. This version also supports over 100 foreign currencies. And to promote your business, you can even build a professional-looking Web site. Intuit will host three-page sites free for 12 months, and $4.99 monthly after that.
The setup process for QuickBooks is somewhat involved, but that's so it can tailor itself to your needs. During the interview, the setup routine makes many program configuration settings for you, but not all of them. For payroll, you can opt for one of the two DIY solutions or the QuickBooks Assisted Payroll—all involve an extra fee.
QuickBooks is a perennial favorite, and we don't hesitate to recommend it for the lion's share of small businesses. It's flexible, friendly, and the best this year, earning our Editors' Choice for small-business accounting.
Norton Antivirus 2009
The latest version of Symantec's award-winning virus and spyware scanner
If you're happy using the Windows firewall or have another dedicated solution you're sticking to, anti-virus and anti-malware software is a must to shore up system security. Symantec has been at the forefront of this technology for some time and Norton Antivirus 2009 (NAV2009) adds a range of new features to address criticisms of both its own software and rivals in the same market.
First up is Norton Insight, an intelligence-driven technology that aims to save time by targeting high-risk files, which not only speeds up scans but means they aren't required as often. Automatic updates have been improved with the new rapid pulse system to ensure that your definitions are never more than 15 minutes old. The software has also been generally tweaked to give a better defence against web-based attacks and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of deep-clean scans.
All these updates (and there are more, which we'll highlight below) are welcome additions to an already impressive package whose interface now shows real-time CPU usage to underline the improved efficiency of the software. The main interface displays a reassuring green tick if all is well and allows you to switch each of the components on or off, run a scan or view recent activity and quarantined files. Custom scans can be created using a wizard-based approach and can now be configured to run when the computer is idle, and a silent mode prevents the software interrupting movies or games.
The comprehensive range of security on offer includes advanced heuristic protection, rootkit and stealthed item scanning and sonar protection which detects threats based on application behaviour without the need for a specific definition from an update.
Along with email, instant messaging, browser and intrusion protection it's a very reassuring collection of tools to guard against the latest threats. For those running a network in the home, the software will also monitor your wireless connection and provide remote monitoring for other computers on the network.
Scan results offer plenty of information on exactly what's been detected and why. and the security history dialogue offers further details for those who want to know more. Along with impressive usability and a nicely streamlined interface, Symantec offers both phone and online support if you get stuck or encounter a technical issue.
In terms of performance we did notice an improvement in both scan times and the load the software puts on your CPU when it's running. Though there were still some occasions when applications started to chug during a scan, the progress should make the software more appealing to those with older machines. The anti-virus tools are predictably top-of-the-line and have been certified by independent bodies VB100, W.C.L 1 and 2, and ICSA.
The rapid pulse feature also seemed to work well — rarely straying over 10 minutes and never past the quoted 15 minutes during our tests.
Overall, it's difficult to criticise any particular area of the software. While there are a few minor holes, such as the lack of parental control, it covers all the main requirements. However, it's the price that may put off those who prioritise value for money. While it is one of the best solutions of this type, NAV2009 costs around the same as some of the cheaper all-in-one suites out there. Paul Lester.
Contact Symantec
System requirements Vista Home Basic/Home Premium/Business/Ultimate • XP with Service Pack 2 Home/XP Pro/XP Media Center Edition • 300MHz or faster processor • 256MB of Ram • 150MB of available hard disk space
Personal Computer World February 2009
This article is published on Software Review, More Techs, and More of ITs.
Magix Musicmaker 15
Create your own songs with this easy-to-use music program
The success of Apple's Garageband on the Mac has proved there's a demand for easy-to-use music software that will allow budding young musicians to create their own songs on their home computer. Musicmaker from Magix attempts to provide a similar set of music tools for the PC, and this latest version includes features aimed at beginners.
The program's welcome screen allows you to start a new project from scratch, but you can also ask it to
play a tutorial video or load one of several demo songs, to give you an idea how the program works. When you enter the main program interface, you see a series of tracks running across the top half of the
screen. This is where you arrange the pre-programmed loops' and other sounds that will make up your song arrangement. The lower half of the screen is occupied by the Media Pool, which contains the program's built-in collection of loops and sounds.
The program now allows you to switch into 'Easy' mode by pressing a button at the top of the screen. This hides some of the more advanced tools that might confuse new users and displays a large 'Infobox' in the bottom-right corner of the screen When you place the mouse over any tool or button, the Infobox provides a quick explanation of how that tool works.
To make things really easy, there's a 'Songmaker' option that can automatically create a song for you When you click the Songmaker button in the toolbar it asks you to select a musical style, as well as a selection of instruments to include in the song — you can even ask it to add one of its prerecorded vocal tracks too. 
The manual has a tendency to throw around jargon such as 'Midi' without explaining it clearly, so there's some room for improvement However, features such as the Songmaker and Infobox provide a nice, simple introduction to the music-making process. Cliff Joseph.
Contact Magix
System requirements Windows 2000, XP or Vista • 1GHz processor • DVD-Rom drive • 3GB hard disk space
Personal Computer World February 2009
This article is published on More Techs, Fun of IT, and Software Review.
