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.
For composing long PDF packages at an office that requires security and wants to use the new digital forms, Acrobat 8's got the goods, but it's overkill if you only seek to make short PDF files.
With its streamlined tools, enhanced nondestructive editing capabilities, and better performance, Adobe Photoshop CS3 will look very attractive to almost any user.
If you're ready to let go of old habits from previous versions of Word and want to make sleeker-looking documents, Microsoft Word 2007 is worth the upgrade. However, less-expensive alternatives handle its core features without the clutter.
Word 2007's revamped interface and new file format are a big departure from earlier versions. These changes may demand big adjustments from users of Word 2003.
Adobe Systems' Mark Hamburg will work on the Windows' user experience. His recent Adobe work gives a clue about his design goals: 'elegance', 'personality'.