Nero's latest software package attempts to break the perception that they're just about burning.
Apple iTunes 8 is the industry standard for multimedia jukebox software and despite the need for a UI overhaul and some liposuction to remove the bloat, iTunes is a solid choice that most users will enjoy.
iTunes 7 includes some great updates, like gapless playback, games downloads and a better interface, but Australian users so far miss out on the movie downloads available to American users.
If your guitar and your chops are getting dusty, Guitar Rig 3 Kontrol Edition is an outstanding way to rekindle your delusions of rock stardom.
Nero 8 shows off a new interface for getting started that makes the many tools easier to find from the get-go. Some welcome new features include HD support - although this rich suite can still confuse.
Apple iLife '08 is a fine, affordable media-editing suite that should keep beginners and hobbyists happy when managing pictures, videos, songs and podcasts, but those seeking to fine-tune movies should look elsewhere.
Final Cut Studio 2 is a solid value and worthy upgrade for serious film editors who work on Macs. However, hobbyists should consider simpler software.
If you want good music — right now, with minimal effort, wherever you are (so long as you have an Internet connection) — there's no reason not to take the Slacker Web Player for a spin.
If you're a Vista user, you can't get rid of Windows Media Player -- it's all part of the package. Luckily, the multimedia jukebox is an excellent tool for managing your music and videos -- and even photos.
iPod owners with a gym membership and a hankering to get in shape will be well served by PumpOne's PumpedForLife fitness software.
SlySoft CloneDVD Mobile excels at copying and reformatting nonprotected DVD video for iPod use, although it can't touch commercial discs.
Talking Panda's iRocker won't turn you into a guitar-shredding virtuoso overnight, but it can teach you enough to start writing your own songs.
musikCube is a fine, reliable, all-in-one jukebox program for Windows users who dislike DRM and bloated software.
For Windows XP users, Windows Media Player 11 is a must-have upgrade. It's Microsoft's best jukebox effort to date, thanks to a thoughtful redesign, impressive performance, and a ton of useful features.
If you don't already have iLife and you deal with digital media, you should get iLife '06. If you have an older version, think carefully about whether the new features are worth the price.
Roxio Popcorn 2 is a simple and excellent solution for users who have lots of unencrypted DVDs that they want to copy or who have video files sitting on their hard drive that they wish could be on their video-friendly iPod.
Now that iPods have the ability to display cover art and lyrics, it's a shame not to take advantage of it. Get iPodSoft's iArt, and your tracks will always be complete.
If you'd like to play your iPod tracks through a second PC, the iPodSoft Pod Player freeware is an absolute must-have.
Mac users with even a minor interest in music or podcasting will be pleased with GarageBand 3's user-friendly interface and ample feature set, but the heavy app isn't ideal for most laptops.
Open usage policy and intelligent editorial content make eMusic a boon for fans of independent labels. But don't expect to download any popular commercial music.
Nero's latest software package attempts to break the perception that they're just about burning.
Apple iTunes 8 is the industry standard for multimedia jukebox software and despite the need for a UI overhaul and some liposuction to remove the bloat, iTunes is a solid choice that most users will enjoy.
iTunes 7 includes some great updates, like gapless playback, games downloads and a better interface, but Australian users so far miss out on the movie downloads available to American users.
If your guitar and your chops are getting dusty, Guitar Rig 3 Kontrol Edition is an outstanding way to rekindle your delusions of rock stardom.
Nero 8 shows off a new interface for getting started that makes the many tools easier to find from the get-go. Some welcome new features include HD support - although this rich suite can still confuse.
The future of... Mobile device chargers
2008/11/20 10:49:27
2008/11/20 10:29:31
2008/11/20 10:47:56
How to merge iTunes libraries between users
Here's how multiple users on a shared Windows computer can merge their iTunes libraries.
Windows 7: Official screenshots
Check out this photo gallery for the first official screenshots of Microsoft's successor to Vista, Windows 7. The software giant debuted Windows 7 to the world at its Professional Developers Conference (PDC) in the United States this week.
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