Office Software

Microsoft Office 2010 beta: First take

The beta for Microsoft Office 2010 is here and we've had a chance to check out the latest version. Though the changes are more incremental than they are major, there are some useful new enhancements worth noting in this revision.

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  Corel Home Office

  Despite some compatibility setbacks, Corel Home Office suite is useful for creating documents. Its conscientious size, small-screen optimisations, and attractive price make it a good buy for a Netbook office suite, or for saving space by shedding advanced features.

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  Microsoft Office 2010 Technical Preview

  The next Microsoft Office may not be hitting computer screens until 2010, but we got to test drive the invite-only Technical Preview. See what Redmond has in store for its powerhouse suite.

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  Apple iWork '09

  Intuitive interface design and easy access to useful features make iWork the best office suite choice on the Mac. Though it lacks some of Microsoft Office's advanced options, iWork '09 is an emerging powerhouse in its own right.

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  Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Preferred

  Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 isn't perfect, but it's the best dictation software available. We don't find this upgrade necessary for the most basic dictation, although new features may benefit heavily-accented English speakers and those who rely heavily on voice commands.

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  Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro Extended

  Adobe Acrobat 9 document-creation software is adding dynamic features such as integration of animation, dynamic maps, 256-bit encryption, and improved forms. We've been playing with the beta edition of Acrobat 9 Pro Extended.

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  Quickbooks QBi 2008/2009

  Existing users of Reckon's line of accounting packages have the best reason in years to upgrade with the QBi series. New users should find the attractive pricing of the entry-level versions pretty compelling too.

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  Mozilla Thunderbird 2

  Thunderbird 2 provides a compelling option for users looking for an open source e-mail client.

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  Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac (Special Media Edition)

  Office 2008 for Mac may be the best pick for business users, but most people can get by with less expensive alternatives.