Editorial Review

Microsoft Visual Studio Pro 2005 with MSDN Premium is one of the most significant developer tools available for building high-performance, multi-tier applications for Windows, the Web, and mobile devices. Designed for developers working alone or in small teams, Visual Studio Pro 2005 features integrated visual database tools for designing databases, tables, and stored procedures. You can also design, debug, and deploy multi-tier applications; and build a wide array of high-performance solutions faster than ever.Read more

Features

• CD-ROM
• DVD-ROM
• Complete development environment with comprehensive application development features, including improved visual designers, code editors, and programming languages for optimum productivity.
• Develop and debug mulitier server applications from with the unified development enviroment - even remotely.
• Build tools that extend the Visual Studio Integrated Development enviroment using the Visual Studio Software Developers Kit.
• MSDN Premium includes latest Microsoft operating systems and productivity applications.
• MSDN includes technical support and continuously updated technical content.

Features

• CD-ROM
• Utility software to use when selling, donating, returning, or recycling a PC
• Erases all types of hard drives including USB, Firewire, and memory sticks
• Protects identity; erases faster than conventional DOS sanitizing programs
• Removes viruses and spyware from PC prior to installing new OS
• Works for all PC-based operating systems, even if OS is unstable or missing

Reviews (4)

Wipe Capability
You can't wipe just the free space on a partition or drive with this.It will only wipe the entire partition or disk.

Software does the job and has great technical support
I purchased this software to purge the hard drives of several laptops. They were older model laptops with widely varying configurations, so I ran into some problems. I sent an e-mail to the support e-mail address and received a response almost immediately. The technical support that I received was absolutely first rate and the issues that I ran into were resolved in very quick order. I am very pleased with my purchase of this product.

Wow!
I purchased a similar product first and when my queries to support went unaswered over the period of a week, I simply returned it.
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Features

• Includes Norton AntiVirus, Norton Personal Firewall, Norton AntiSpam, and Norton Parental Control
• Includes 12 months of protection updates and new product features as available throughout the year; annual subscriptions available for subsequent renewal
• Enjoy your computer with confidence, knowing you have automatically updated protection against viruses, Trojan horses, and worms
• Surf the Web without being watched by dangerous spyware and without getting hijacked and redirected to spyware download sites
• Note: This is the 3-user version of Norton Internet Security 2006

Reviews (20)

Product configuration determines system speed.
In all fairness this product is pretty good. You just need to configure it properly for your needs. Out of the box, it will lock down your system so tight that you will not be able do get much done. So you will have to decide which filters you want to activate by default and which ones will be selective. This will take a day or two. The main thing to turn off is the automatic update. I also suggest not using the email plug-ins, just let it scan the messages. The plug-ins get loaded if you answer yes to the email linking question during installation.
Annoying
So I go home to New York to visit my mother with tech boyfriend in tow. She has a 3 year old notebook and it is running SLOW. We cleaned up the startup and did a bunch of other stuff,ran a little faster b ut still slow at startup, and kept getting annoying popups from Norton saying that her subscription was expiring IN A MONTH. When I tried to update it, the program would not download virus definitions without renewing the product... finally after about eight to ten times of waiting for Norton's excruciatingly slow liveupdate to connect and telling me I had to renew the subscription that wasn't even really near expiration and clicking no over and over again, the program FINALLY updated its virus definitions. That's RIDICULOUS. The update server should NOT be holding your liveupdate hostage when THE SUBSCRIPTION STILL HAD A MONTH LEFT. Because I use PC Cillin on my home pc in buffalo and have been meaning to get some more licences of it for my other pc's, I went out and purchased a 3 pack of PC Cillin licences at Best Buy (would have gotten it online for cheaper but I was only in town for a couple days for a funeral). Myself and my boyfriend then proceeded to uninstall Norton, clear out all the junk that it had left in the registry, and the computer worked great. The end.
Much smoother than I thought
I was looking for a good deal on this since my old version was out of date for a while and I was tired of the frequenct reminders. I have three computers at home, a bare bones Dell, an HP desktop with AMD Athlon and a Sony notebook. All with XP pre installed and well maintained. I do registry cleanup, disk cleanup, psyware check etc regularly. The Norton software installed easily on all of them, after telling me to remove earlier versions of NIS as well as Spybot. Since Norton has its own spyware detector I did not mind. One of computers actually crashed during the installation but that was because Microsoft simultaneously downloaded and installed one of its zillion security patches stealthily in the background and kept pestering me to reboot. After I changed the Windows update settings there were no other issues.
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Reviews (17)

Finally a Great Antivirus!
I used to have Norton for years.After all it was the industry standard, but after it let many a virus slip on through; I had enough.
I think some of the reviews here are unfair...
I work in IT, for a Cable ISP. I used to swear by Norton's products, until 2003. After the 2003 Antivirus, their products have been junk, however with the only other mainstream security software out there pretty much being McAfee (which is wretched, stinking garbage and I've never known anyone who had it to NOT get a virus), I considered it to be the lesser of two evils. At my work we frequently refer people to Trend Micro's Housecall, and the consensus amongst my colleagues seems to be that it does the best job of cleaning up infected systems for those of our customers whose service is suspended due to virus activity. I found that dozens of people were recommending the housecall scan over those of Norton, McAfee, and even the program that our company partners with to provide our free customer security suite. Upon finding out about Trend Micro's 30 day free trial, I decided to give it a shot.
So Far So Good!
Absolutely no trouble installing on 2 computers,(I use Windows XP)!! Total Protection, plus you can block many websites very easy, which is great for the computer the kids use. Came with 3 licenses. ... Read more

Features

• Using dial-up, broadband or wireless tracking, your wayward computer will be tracked from the minute it goes online
• Once your laptop has been located, the recovery team calls local law enforcement and tells them where to find the stolen device
• Money-back Guarantee! If you stolen laptop isn't recoveredwithin 30 days, Absolute Software will refund your purchase of the service
• Includes special 1-year subscription to the LoJack service

Features

• CD-ROM
• Exclusive $6500 Total Internet Protection Offer protecting you against Identity Theft and Virus and Spyware damage
• Includes Anti-Virus Anti-Spyware Firewall Anti-Spam and Parental Controls
• PC Magazine awarded CA Internet Security Suite 4 out of 5 stars in their December 2005 review
• Detects 100% of viruses 100% of the time
• CA provides software to 98% of Fortune 500® companies ¿ and millions of home users worldwide

Features

• CD-ROM
• Utility software bundle includes VirusScan and Personal Firewall Plus
• Prevents, detects, blocks, and removes viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware
• Threat-prevention technology prevents identity theft and poor PC performance
• Continuously monitors Internet connection and prevents unwanted traffic
• Easy-to-use protection from hacker-based identity theft; automatic updates

Reviews (12)

Disappointed Subscriber
I've been a McAfee subcriber for about 5 years.I switched from Norton because I felt it was too complicated and had too much control over my computer.I found McAfee to be user friendly.I can't say that I'm pleased with the 2006 version.The platform is a complete change.In the previous versions, I kept log of the Internet in/out bound access and the system processes. The new version only has the SystemGuard event log which is useless to me. My computer freezes often now. Because of the limited event log, I can't determinewhere the problem is. The previous version would have shown the details.I'm considering not renewing my subcription another year. Customer service could use some improvement.Though the few times I've needed their assistance, the representatives have been helpful.

dependable
I tried other firewalls and had all types of problems with updates. McCafee seems to update in the backround and so far I have had no problem. I have used Virus scan for about 5-6 yrs and never had a virus or any problems with updating- found a good company and aim to stay with them.

What's the fuss about?
My Mcafee seems to work perfectly fine. Never any problems updating or connecting to or downloading from !! Bad Sites !!, They're very responsive the few times I've downloaded a trojan or such, and promptly delete said nefarious program. Yeah, the customer service sucks!!!!! One time on a default viruscan I came up with no fewer than 10 ( suppposedly infected files ) viruses. The problem was due to an incompetent DAT update which misread certain files and lined them up for deletion. That was maybe 10 months ago. Alas, I never did get a reply. maybe auto telephone and fake e-mail correspondents are par for the course in Mcafeeland. But for a premier service I think it's kinda wonky. ... Read more

Features

• CD-ROM
• Saves old documents even after they've been sent to the Recycle Bin
• Get back documents lost after a reformatting, deletion, or crash
• Recovers documents that standard undeletes can never recover
• Compatible with all Windows file systems including FAT12, FAT16, FAT32 and NTFS

Features

• Using dial-up, broadband or wireless tracking, your wayward computer will be tracked from the minute it goes online
• Once your laptop has been located, the recovery team calls local law enforcement and tells them where to find the stolen device
• Money-back Guarantee! If you stolen laptop isn't recoveredwithin 30 days, Absolute Software will refund your purchase of the service
• Includes special 3-year subscription to the LoJack service

Features

• Transfer files, folders, emails, and settings from old to new computer
• Easy-to-understand wizard interface makes the process simple
• Permanently erase unwanted files and folders; keep private info private
• Wash away online and offline tracks and history
• Connect computers via Ethernet cable or migrate info offline to removable media

Reviews (3)

Stay away
Unlike the other reviewers, I tried the Real Time transfer. What a nightmare! It didn't work at all. Their packaging says you can get support at their web site. Yet at their site, not only is this product not even listed in the knowledge base or troubleshooting sections, but the site isn't even FINISHED. Most pages have a "coming soon" (with no specifics of whether "soon" is next week, next month, a year from now - or a year ago). At this late stage in the evolution of the World Wide Web, there's simply no excuse for sending your customers to the dead end of a site that's still under construction.
Should be 0 stars!!!
Boy, am I sorry I didn't read that last review
Just Terrible - what a disappointment
Based upon the good performance of Backup My PC by the same publisher, I purchased this product.What a waste of time and money.It offers no advantage over the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard in XP and, what is more, doesn't seem to work.I did the deferred transfer - which the user guide tells me to copy the data to a folder and then copy it to the destination machine.I did this three times- and it is painfully slow.Then each time the destination machine could not run the created .exe file (which it is supposed to do) and gave an error message that this was not a valid windows executable file.When I tried to reach Stompsoft for help, I was on hold for more than 45 minutes and finally gave up.I went back to the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard in XP which worked in about 1/3 the time and was just fine.I would ask StompSoft for my money back but I don't want to be on hold for another hour. ... Read more

Features

• CD-ROM
• Play custom greetings to known callers, based on their caller ID
• Automatically receive your voicemail by email
• Store all voice messages on your Mac
• Create multiple voice mailboxes
• Announce callers through the Mac's speakers

Reviews (3)

agree with last reviewer
I downloaded the software to see how set up was and found that, while it is powerful software, it is a nightmare to set up.I don't want to learn programming (applescript) in order to have a business phone system.I want to buy a car, not a kit car with assembly (and some fabrication!) required!If you want to make a career out of setting up a voicemail system this software/hardware this appears to be the product for you!I have ordered a competing product, Phonevalet, and plan to write a review on that product. (they do not offer a download to take a look at the software but they do offer a 30 day moneyback guarantee) I hope this helps you.

Solid product, great support, amazing depth of features
I've been using a Mac for my voicemail since my Performa 6320, and Phlink is the best Mac voicemail product ever. I have it running on an old 600MHz iBook and it works great. The basic functionality (like sending yourself emails of the recordings) is simple to set up, and for advanced users the AppleScript ability is awesome. By using a simple folder hierarchy, you can create unlimited mailboxes and voice trees for companies. The documentation is good and easy to understand.
this is hard
So I've been tinkering with this for a few hours now, and I have to say I was disappointed by how much of the cool functionality appears to be dependent on the user's knowledge of AppleScript. I'm a fairly technical person, but I don't have a lot of confidence when it comes to tweaking or merging applescripts. This is way over my head, and I've been using a Mac since 1984. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

What a Wretched Piece of Software
It works really good until you really need it -- then, kabloom!
Few good choices for home or small business user
Backing up is not fun, but it is crucial. For a business, the reasons are obvious. For a home user, consider that more and more of your information is moving from paper to bits. Your snapshots, your music, your bank records, the list keeps growing.
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Features

• CD-ROM
• Webroot continues to improve Spy Sweeper, and provides subscribers with regular enhancements to the application
• Detects, quarantines, and deletes harmful spyware
• Simple one-click spyware search
• Time-saving custom configuration options
• Protects against identity theft, browser hijackers, hackers, and more

Reviews (42)

- Spysweeper really saved me a headache.
No matter where you are with your PC, whether its brand new or a few years old get this if your using the internet.I had been previously dealing with spyware, viruses and other nasty stuff until I got Spysweeper. I used Mcaffe, Adaware, Spy Bot and a couple others. None of them could clean my system or find the root problem.I would still have a Utillities program to use and maybe another Antivirus program but for the hardcore stuff Spysweeper is the best. Thanks Spysweeper, A happy customer.

Unsatisfied Customer - Version 5.0.5
I bought the software some months ago.Noticed some problems with my PC in subsequent weeks. Didn't put 2 and 2 together.Last week however, I'd come home - no icons on screen - no ability to Ctrl-Alt_Del - each day this would happen. The machine had to be powered on and off to reboot. Pulled recent software off machine. Yes - you've guessed - without Spy Sweeper I have no problems. OK - it might be a conflict with other software - a quick Google confirmed my suspicions that others have problems. I was never impressed that it was picking up anything of substance either - but then maybe my machine is clean.

slow bloatware
I made the mistake of buying a two-year subscription.Every upgrade slows the product down.A scan that used to take 14 minutes now takes over one hour. Stay away from this junk--there are much better free products available. ... Read more

Features

• Recovery service that enables law enforcement to recover stolen laptops
• Locates stolen computer using hidden and virtually tamperproof software
• Location reported using any Internet connection
• Recovers stolen computer within 30 days, guaranteed
• Protects photos, files, and personal info; works on desktop computers too

Features

• Monitor your home or business locally from any location with internet access.
• Notification and viewing via internet, email or cell phones
• Record videos and images on local or network drives
• View and record multiple cameras simultaneously
• Single software license for unlimited number of cameras

Features

• Real-time packet authorization
• Works with any TCP/IP network
• Blocks Internet worms like MSBlast
• IP stealth technology
• Four modes provide varying security

Reviews (3)

Great added Protection from Hackers!
Alpha Shield is a great Product. I set mine to Auto-mode,which
Simple but powerful
Setting up and maintaining software firewalls on multiple computers can be a maintenance nightmare for someone that isn't interested in doing the work.Here's the solution!Simply connect this slick little device between your modem and computer(or router), and there's no more need for a software firewall!It took all of about 5 minutes to hook up and has been working like a charm since.I now only need to maintain antivirus software on each computer which saves me money on the yearly subscription update!Thank you AlphaShield!

AlphaShieldReview
I installed Norton Internet Security and within no time realised my machine was under continual attack, with warnings flashing up everywhere!But with holes and patches being issued regularly I decided that it would be pure folly to only rely on a software solution to protect my sensitive data.I finally found what I needed, AlphaShield.I plugged it in and calm descended - all warnings stopped immediately, my internet surfing is totally unaffected and no more alarms!Read more

Features

• Comprehensive spyware detection and removal solution designed for home users
• Thorough cleaning technology helps ensure proper removal of unwanted spyware
• Scans PC for known spyware threats against regularly updated database
• CWShredder tool removes many variants of CoolWebSearch browser hijack
• Automatic frequent updates; restore utility for quick restoration if needed

Reviews (3)

JUNK JUNK JUNK
It installed assorted other programs, slowed my system down BIG TIME, and caused many, many problems and conflicts.
Simply the best out there
Nothing tops it, it is simply the best out there.This thing even has a blacklist and whitelist so you can allow what type of threats you want coming through your computer, and what threats you don't.It does a very thorough scan and by far the best I have seen yet.The only con I would give it is that It does not have password protection, they should have known better than that, but besides that I see nothing wrong with this program.Even has a built in CW Shredder and can clear all your browsing history and temp folder.It's amazing, you've gotta get it, my definitions are updated about every other day.

Trend Micro Anti-Spyware V 3.12 a good application - but who is spying on whom?
I have tested Trend Micro Anti-spyware for both Desktop and SMB -There is a great deal of good things about this software and there are those that detract from this offering.
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Features

• CD-ROM
• Hides Your IP address
• Secure file deletion including browser history and typed URL's
• Guards against phishing attacks
• Secures data sent over Wi-Fi

Reviews (1)

Slow proxy servers and flawed wireless security feature
I bought this program for the wireless security feature that lets you encrypt the data sent via your laptop's wireless signal to Anonymizer's servers. I thought this would be a useful security feature when accessing bank accounts and other sensitive information from my laptop computer. Unfortunately, Anonymous Surfing does not work with banking websites since they are unable to place a valid security certificate (remember, the traffic is being routed via Anonymizer's proxy servers, so the website cannot place the certificate on your computer). For that reason, I can only access banking websites with Anonymous Surfing turned off, which in my eyes defeats one of the most important purposes for having a wireless security feature.
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Features

• CD-ROM
• Meets messaging and collaboration needs of small and medium corporations
• Flexible configuration; exceptional security and privacy features
• Integrated support for mobile devices
• Integration with Outlook 2003 offers optimum network performance, and more
• Recovery with minimal user impact, without separate recovery servers

Features

• CD-ROM
• Erase an entire hard drive or selectively shred individual files -- permanently
• Includes boot disc for 100% erasing
• Supports seven data instruction standards
• Compatible with all WIndows PC hard drives, regardless of size or interface
• Wipe multiple PCs as many times as you like

Reviews (2)

Don't Waste Your Money!
My experience with this product was COMPLETELY NEGATIVE. It did NOT erase the hard drive data- instead it erased the Windows operating system.The data was still on the hard drive, but the computer could not be started again.To dispose of the computer I had to remove the hard drive from the machine and destroy it with a sledge hammer.I did not need useless software to destroy the drive.this software does not work and causes additional damage to the computer.
That Safe Secure Feeling......ahhhh.....
I decided to donate my old computer to my son's high school. I began investigating software I could use to make sure all of my personal files were not recoverable even after I formatted the drive. I finally decided on this application. It was simple and effective! I put my trust in this software and it did not let me down!
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