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Corel Paint Shop review

Corel Paint Shop occupies the first place in image editing in our top. Paint Shop Pro X2 may not be as complete and developed as other programs, but it has been preferred by many graphic designers to applications like Photoshop, Adobe’s Photoshop Elements or Serif’s PhotoPlus X3, mainly because it is cheaper but at the same time functional and efficient in terms of photo editing software.
The program Paint Shop Pro X2 has been recently launched by Corel and has a complete Help System and clear interface.

How to Use

It this this simple interface that makes Paint Shop Pro X2 a program easy to use. The standard toolbar has buttons that can be used to select, outline, drop, erase, fill, paint and entry texts. If you find it difficult process all this new information about photo editing software, Paint Shop Pro X2 offers help in the form of a Learning Center that is located on the left side of the window pane.

Paint Shop Pro X2 is able to import files and pictures from CDs/DVDs, hard drives, scanners, cameras and memory cards. With the help of the Express Lab, the user can work with entire imported folders, cropping, rotating or changing them. Photos can be edited with the help of Paint Shop Pro X2: red eyes can be removed; details referring to color, brightness and contrast can be adjusted or improved. The advantage is that the feature called Smart Photo Fix enables the user to adjust manually the details referring to color, brightness, sharpness, black and white levels and contrast until you get the effect you want. There are other features that help you get the result you want and the Enhance Photo tool set has a series of features that help you get the result you want: One Step Noise Removal eliminates the pixels that give the impression of image compression; the Color Balance editor enable the user to change the color temperature; the Clarify tool focuses on the image in order to adjusts brightness and bring out details in images and the High Pass Sharpen can increase the contrast of pixels so that images would lose the blur.

Corel Paint Shop - Additional Features

The photo organizer that comes with Paint Shop Pro X2 is places at the bottom of the window which means you need not keep the Internet browser software always open.
The photo editing software helps you transform pictures in almost any way you want: teeth can be whitened, tans can be added, backgrounds can be erased or changed so the various details would be brought out; you can be retro and use the Time Machine to make photos look really old.
The resulted photos can be also sent by email or uploaded to online photo sharing sites.
Paint Shop Pro X2 also has efficient organizing functions: keyword assignments can be dragged and dropped.
In terms of output, Paint Shop Pro X2 helps you if you want to slice images for html use. The software includes a JPG and PNG optimizer for web graphics.

Help and Support Team

The Learning Center located on the left side of the window pane gives you useful information on how to use the program. While you are working, this feature displays the information you need.
Online help in the forms of forums, emails for customer support and technical support by phone are offered to the user.

Corel Paint Shop Pro X2 - Conclusions

Paint Shop Pro X2 is one of the most efficient programs of photo editing software. It has professional and useful features that will help you transform pictures in a way that you have always dream about.

Safari Browser Review

Safari browser is no longer a program that applies only to Apple, it is also available for PCs. It has one pixel wide frame and tabbed browsing that includes save tabs features.
Although it claims to compete with other browsers because it has useful features like Top Sites and spell checking for various fields, Safari lacks a series of indispensable features like an intuitive toolbar, parental controls and anti-phishing or anti –malevolent software.

Features Set of Safari

Safari it has a unique remarkable feature called integration of Top Sites, that allows the user to have a look at his favorite websites.
Apart from the features that have already been mentioned, Safari is able to check the spelling and re-size text boxes.
Safari doesn’t include parental controls and anti-phishing features, which is a major drawback for Internet surfers.
Safari also leaves room for customization options.

How to Use

Safari browser used to apply only to Apple and it has kept Apple’s look, but once the user gets used to it, he’ll also find that in fact resembles famous browsers and is easy to use.

Security

Safari lacks anti-phishing features, but is able to block pop-ups and viruses. This browser it has developed a feature called Full History Search option which enable the user to view web locations that he has visited.

Speed & Compatibility

Safari browser is very fast and it is also compatible with most of the web applications.

Help/Support

Online help, FAQ, tutorials and forums are available in case the user has questions or wants additional information on Safari.

Safari Browser Conclusion

Safari is a fast consistent browser, but leaves room foe major improvements because it lacks a series of indispensable features like an intuitive toolbar, parental controls and anti-phishing features.

WinRar - tests & review

WinRar may not be the best software on the market, but it is very efficient and performs actions such as compressing RAR files and ZIP files easily and this is something that its major rival WinZip is not capable of doing.

However, WinRAR is not very easy to use and doesn’t get along well with Outlook Express. It is meant to be used by people who have acquired a certain experience in computers. But archive Wizard is user friendly and WinRAR also has a command line interface for MacOS X and Linux computers and a peculiar feature called PocketRAR, useful for Windows based cell phones.

Characteristics and Features

WinRAR is a good example of file compression programs, including the options to create self-extracting files and create multiple volumes after breaking archives. It has also the ability to repair damaged files. It get along well with Windows Explorer and when it comes to surfing the net, an advantage that computer users will certainly appreciate is the ability to scan archives for viruses before you extract the files. In fact, WinRAR is one of the few file compression programs that includes a built-in virus scanner. Moreover, folders can be compressed and emailed when using the internet browser previously mentioned.
When testing the Settings menu, the user is able to change which files WinRAR is associated with and show comments about default paths.
A very important feature refers to the ability to detect automatically the type of files the user is compressing and choosing the best compression rate.
WinRAR leaves room for improvements such as the ability to extract archives without using Windows Explorer and integrating with Outlook with the purpose of emailing archives within the application.

Compression and Formats Supported

WinRAR is able to compress Word DOCs and Excel XLS files into ZIP archives. Some WinRAR features are not as good as the its rival WinZip: the former cannot compress JPEGs as good as the latter.
WinRAR doesn’t offer too many possibilities when it comes to compression formats. In fact, the only thing that WinRAR does is compressing files into ZIP and RAR archives. Although it has been argued that these are relevant features for compression software, it is obvious that it leaves room for improvement.
WinRAR is able to extract using 13 extraction formats that include RAR, ZIP , 7Zip, TAR, ACE and CAB.
Extraction support is also offered to computer users.

How to Use

As we have said before, WinRAR’s interface seems to have been designed for users with specific knowledge. But it is only the first impression, once the user gets used to it, he can compress and extract files as he pleases. When doing so, WinRAR uses a rather old method for compression, that of displaying menu trees: if the user wants to compress and extract files in a certain folder, he goes to that folder then drags the files or folders into WinRAR. The compression software will automatically compress the archive to that folder.

Help and Technical Support

Email support is at hand with WinRAR, but probably the best help is offered in the form of an extensive built-in manual and FAQ.

WinRar Conclusions

To sum up, we can say that WinRAR is used at a very large scale and it is quite popular among those who compress and extract files. It may be a little more difficult to use at the beginning, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll see that it WinRAR is a very good compression program.

WinZip – our review

WinZip is one of the most popular software used in file compression the first place in our top with best file compression software was predictable. WinZip has a powerful suite of features which permits advanced settings for an advanced computer user. In the same time this compression software it rests very easy to use and intuitive. With a simple interface WinZip can make from zipping files a easy task
WinZip is software projected to work especially with ZIP archives. This type of file is one of the most popular archive file in the IT world. WinZip is still capable to work with multiple types of archive files like RAR archive, TAR, 7Zip files and ISO images.
A powerful feature of WinZip is the Wizard. This small program makes very intuitive and easy compressing or extracting of any archive file. This Wizard was impressive and makes from this compression software an intelligent choice for a file compressor.

Features and settings

WinZip has integrated many useful and powerful features. In this version you’ll find all the characteristics typical to any good file compression software. With WinZip you can create without problems self-extracting archive. WinZip can be used to split archives into micro-archives or can be used to repair destroyed archive files. All these processes  run automatically.
One of the best advantage of WinZip is called the ZIP Wizard. This feature makes from any inexperienced user a powerful user. This thing is happened because WinZip has the ability to archive a file or compress a folder without advanced settings or any difficulties.
Other advanced features of this program are available in Normal Mode. These features include powerful password generators at 128 and 256 bytes. Another feature available is the possibility to email compressed files directly from WinZip interface or to zip / unzip files in Windows Explorer.

Compression characteristics

WinZip is a type of compression software which gives very little control to the compression. When the archive is generated the user can change easily the compression report. In this version, the software defaults settings are called “Legacy”. With these settings the program is able to compress the file in the same way like old versions of WinZip. This thing is useful when you don’t want incompatibility problems with old versions of this software.
We performed many tests with WinZip in more ways. For example, we zipped the same files in “Legacy” mode and “Best” mode. The results are very interesting. With “Best” mode activated the results are impressive. For example a JPEG file in “Best” mode was almost four times smaller like in “Legacy” mode.

Compression Formats Available

Unfortunately WinZip software has the ability to compresses just a single format of file and this is ZIP format. Anyway, ZIP is one of the most used file format for an archive. WinZip is not capable to archive to a RAR, another very used type of archive file.

Extraction Formats Available

Anyway the most important thing about compression software is the capacity to extract the files from many popular archive files. WinZip is not able to compress in many archive formats but is the most powerful archive extractor. It is capable to extract files from archive like: RAR, TAR or 7Zip files. Is also capable to extract without problems ISO files from a CD or DVD image

Ease of Use

WinZip is very easy to use. This ability comes from the implementation of multiple features linked with a very intuitive design with Wizard Mode and other very useful capabilities.
If you use another file arhiver software you know that creating of a new archive file is a difficult process for many users. This thing disappears if you decide to use WinZip. With this amazing piece of program you just select the file you want to archive and the software makes the rest.

Help and Support

WinZip has a very impressive help module and a great support center for the customers. Anyway, many answers to your questions can be found in user manual, which is included in WinZip help section. In this place you can found some tutorials about how to open an archive or how to create or delete an archive file. The support team works great. You can found all the answers at the support team if you emailed the contact customer through mail.

Conclusion

WinZip arhivator is one of the most well known compression program. Is a great solution if you want to make a pleasure from archiving task. This software is an example for any producer of quality compression software and is another “must have” program. If you want a good program for compress files you must choose without risks WinZip.

AVG Internet Security review

AVG Internet Security is a software used to keep your personal data safe. This Web Security software is the perfect choice for a computer user that is not interested in parental controls or other backup features.

The Firewall

The configuration of AVG Internet Security Suite firewall is quite good and the firewall itself is strong and very pro-efficient.

Antivirus scanner

AVG AntiVirus scanner from Internet Security pack has passed test such as ICSA, W.C.L and VB100%. They have proven that the software offers a complete set of virus scanning options that protect the computer against malicious programs.

Antispyware component

The anti-spyware scanner of AVG Internet Security detects all kinds of spyware including adware, keyloggers, trojans, browser hijackers.
It includes an ADS scanner, namely an Alternate Data Stream that is able to filter files hidden into computer places that security scanners cannot access.

How to Use

AVG Internet Security has a well organized interface that helps the user to configure the firewall; the configuration is already done and using of AVG 2009 is a piece of cake.

Installation and Setup

The installation process on AVG Internet Security doesn’t pose significant problems, it is easy to do by a home computer user.

AVG - Help and Support

Online FAQ and email support are at hand. AVG Internet Security also offers support options to major business customers.

AVG Internet Security 2009 - Conclusion

AVG Internet Security offers everything you need in order to stay safe while surfing the internet, being able to catch viruses and stop spyware.  However, it is also the cause of significant computer slowdowns. It also lacks extra options, which is a major downfall when we compare it to other Web Security programs.

Free review McAfee Internet Security

Protect your PC against viruses, spyware and other malicious software with Internet Security software by McAfee.
The test that have been performed so far, including ICSA, West Coasts Labs Levels 1 & 2 and Virus Bulletin 100%, have concluded that McAfee Internet Security Suite is efficient and able to protect your computer and your personal information from the dangers that lurk on the web against internet threats.

Firewall

Your personal information is safe with McAfee firewall. It monitors your computer’s ports and all data that enters or leaves. The use can lock down the firewall, thus blocking all network traffic between the computer and the Internet. The user is also protected against remote connections that may try to access his computer. However, setting up custom firewall rules and changing the firewall configuration may pose real problems to the user.

Antivirus

McAfee Internet Security Suite offers a complete set of virus scanning options, enabling the user to scan files on demand, or schedule various system scans.
Access McAfee’s website and you’ll be informed on harmful viruses and virus hoaxes that may threat your computer.

Antispyware

McAfee Internet Security Suite detects all kinds of spyware including adware, keyloggers, trojans, browser hijackers.

Other Characteristics and Features

Moreover, McAfee Internet Security Suite protects your personal computer and personal information by scanning emails and instant message attachments. It is able to detect malicious spam and notify you of phishing attacks.
McAfee’s parental control set of features is able to analyze and filter web content by keyword or a simple blacklist.

How to Use

McAfee Internet Security Suite has a well organized interface that helps the user to configure the firewall and the antivirus. However, significant computer slowdowns are the effects of scanning and configurations.

Installation and Setup

Installation of this Internet Security Suite proves to be easy, but uninstalling it may pose real problems, as the program leaves behind a series of registry keys and directories.

McAfee Help and Support

Phone, online chat and email support are at hand. McAfee also offers tutorials, a user manual and FAQs.

McAfee Internet Security - Conclusions

McAfee Internet Security Suite offers everything you need in order to stay safe while surfing the internet, but poses problems after uninstall and causes significant computer slowdowns that no user wants to hear about.

Trend Micro Internet Security Pro

Latest version of Trend Micro Internet Security Pro offers a medium level of real security to usual home PC users. The 2009 version of this software is designed to to keep the system configuration safe with an efficient protection system. Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2009 offers different capabilities and features. You may clean problems from registries, you can restore some system previous states, wipe unwanted web cookies and clean your browsing history. The last capabilities are included just in Pro Section of the software.

Firewall’s capability

Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2009 version included in protection package a firewall module and a virus scanner. Other interesting feature are directly connected to the internet navigation system and wireless connection network. The firewall achieved in the package let the user to configure and choose different levels of hacker’s protection. If the environment is dangerous you may choose a high level of protection for your PC. You may choose from Home Network Connection, Office Network Protection, Direct Connection through the network and Wireless Connection. Anyway, the computer user is able to change the default protection configurations or can be make his own configuration profile. We think that default profiles covers most security issues. You must choose one of these settings an you are theoretical protected. The firewall is one of the best modules for usual home PC’s. The firewall is capable to stop with success a medium level hacker and to stop any threat to enter in computer through the gateway.

Antivirus Module Scanner

Trend Micro’s antivirus scanner module works at the medium level with medium efficiency. This antivirus module is capable to stop access of the viruses in the PC. The scanning speed is not very impressing and computer slowdown when you scan different files (big files are a problem). In this time, the computer will be difficult to use because the resources are consuming with the scanning. The updater is efficient and once at 3 hours the antivirus will be updated.

Antispyware Module

Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2009 it has included an antispyware module projected to keep the computer at the distance from the spyware infiltrations. This feature is used to search the unwanter spyware in incoming emails or when you navigate on the Internet. This module it has a weak part: is incapable to scan files already present on the computer, and this is not the best comportment for an antispyware.

Settings and Features

The 2009 version of Trend Micro Internet Security Pro it has useful features that should make from it one of the best internet security. It has included parental control module, automatic password protection for all your settings, transaction Protector module (integrated in the browser) and a system registry checker used for unwanted cookies removal.
Remote File Lock utility is another useful feature of Housecall Trend Micro. With this module you can protect an entire folder / partition with a password.

How to Use Trend Micro Internet Security

Latest version of Trend Micro Internet Security Pro is very easy to use if you are a beginner - medium computer user. The default configuration it offers good protection against web threats.

Installation, Setup & Settings

Installation of Trend Micro Internet Security Pro is very easy to perform, with just few clicks you’ll be able to have the computer protected against the threats. You must download a trial version of Trend Micro Internet Security from Housecall website or directly from our page. The installation took some time and requires a restart of the system at the end. After reboot, the antivirus will be updated with latest virus signatures. easy though it may take some time to complete.

Help and Online Support

Trend Micro Internet Security Pro offers few support options through the Housecall website and the main window. It has included help file with connections directly to possible problems. Online help is provided by Housecall Website and includes downloading of the latest advice to configure the software.

Conclusion of the review

Latest version of Trend Micro Web Security Pro offers a good level of internet protection, the firewall is powerful, very intuitive and easy to configure. The antivirus module is powerful and offers medium level of protection.

Norton Internet Security 2009 review

Symantec Norton is a great software producer well knowing by computer users because it producing top quality security software, and Norton Internet Security 2009 is one of them.

Norton Internet Security’s Firewall

Symantec decided to put some advanced settings into their new firewall on Norton Internet Security 2009. You can set up easily some new rules for package filtering or some other custom firewall rules. Anyway, if something goes wrong you can reset the firewall to default settings very easily. NIS 2009 is a good choice if you want a software easy to set and you want to profit by advanced settings of Norton’s firewall.

Antivirus component

In 2009, Norton Antivirus passed with success all our tests and is ISCA and VB 100% certified for very good virus detection antivirus. All these tests in laboratories are very difficult to passed and these certifications demonstrates that Norton Internet Security is a very powerful antivirus too.
NIS 2009 found and removed quickly all of the virus posted by us on our test system. With the realtime scanner activated all the new viruses are detected in very short time. Like a conclusion: the antivirus component from latest version of Norton Internet Security is a powerful and valuable antivirus and you can count on it.

Antispyware component

One of the powerful antispyware tested by us is included in Norton Internet Security 2009. This antispyware it was really impressing in detection of phishing and malware. This filter is easily integrated with Firefox and Internet Explorer browsers and works very well. Our tests revealed that this antispyware has powerful scanning and prevention features. All these characteristics are well integrated in this version of NIS 2009 and make from using the computer a great experience.

Other Features

Identity Safe is a useful feature of Norton Internet Security 2009 which helps keep your data (like usernames and passwords) secure and well protected. Idea that animate Identity Safe is using a database too keep encrypt your usernames and password. In this way all your privacy data are safe from using in some illegitimate websites.
A very big minus for Norton Internet Security 2009 is using of parental control. This version of NIS 2009 has not included that option. Maybe in next version, Symantec will decide to use a module for Parental Control.

How to Use ?

Norton Internet Security is a program made to install and forget. After installation all of Norton security features are running at defaults. If you want, you can keep all these settings at default level. Anyway, Norton Internet Security is customizable and you can change the default settings with just few clicks of mouse.
NIS 2009 has a well designed interface with easy to navigate menus and buttons. All these menus and buttons have detailed descriptions just before. In this way you can easily setup every feature you want.

Installation and Setup process

Norton Internet Security’s installation process is simple and the software will guide you through the entire. Installation and setup was easily and we didn’t have problems with it.
A strange thing at this software was the time for updating. First update took about 15 minutes. This first update was very long but the rest of updates was normally. Another unpleasant thing at Norton Internet Security was uninstalling process. The uninstall let in your computer some files in previous installation folder in condition when Symantec declare that no registry and no directories are left after uninstallation.

Help and Support

For this version of Norton Internet Security, the producer, Symantec offers a great support for all the customers. An unpleasant thing at this support is phone support which costs (yes, costs) about 10 USD / per intervention. This is not a good thing for a powerful software producer. Anyway, all other supports are free and you can easily use live chat support if you want. For this chat support you must have time because the support team makes you wait about 15-20 minutes before discuss with you.

Norton Internet Security 2009 - Conclusions

The 2009 version of NIS is powerful software and if you have installed this program you can make from your computer a safe place. If you want a good Security Software this version of Norton Internet Security is a good choice.