Software

Why did they not have cartoon Dogs like Clifford when I was at School? Don’t worry I know the answer, and before someone says they didn’t have TV, they did!!!

I’m still not sure why I was sent this software, but it looked interesting and as I was sent an activation code I had access to the full package.

One way to help speed-up hard disk activity is to use a defrag tool. A leading contender is Diskeeper.

While DVD burners come with copying software, this is generally not the latest and feature-rich version. InterVideo believes its product can add power to your burning capabilities.

You will recently have seen my review of the 2006 version on DVD, now Focus have acquired the rights to the 2005 version on CD and that means £9.99.

Although not as high-profile as it used to be, Corel still has some powerful products in both the fields of graphics and office applications.

If you want a completely legal copy of Microsoft Word then this is probably – for most – the cheapest way of getting it, you also get four 2006 products and the latest copy of Works thrown in.

Do you need to work with different languages? Then maybe ScanSoft has a tool that could help.

Normally I look at the two main encyclopaedias head to head, this year the latest Encyclopaedia Britannica version was rather late in arriving.

Instead of painting on traditional canvas, you could use your computer display. One product that could help in this respect is Painter Essentials.

Protection should be a requirement not an option so check out this solution from CA.

Sounds Classical? It could be, but equally this score writing software, could be used for Pop, Jazz, Funk or any other musical type you care to think of.

Are you protected from Spyware infestations? If not then perhaps you should consider a solution from CA.

Annoyed with the amount of spam you receive? Then you fall into the category that is offered help by CA.

If Adobe Photoshop and Premiere titles are beyond your budget then alternatives are still available from Adobe.

Looking for a way to improve your system’s performance then perhaps you should consider a set of utilities from VCOM.

How many products do you know that contains versions for four different operating systems in the same box? Just for good measure it includes on a separate CD an email client and a web browser.

Keeping your computer running smoothly is the designated task of Fix-It Utilities 6 Professional.

One way to protect your computer from prying eyes is to indulge in some Windows washing.

What do you do when you need that special Christmas Card, what do you do when that photo needs attention, this and lots more are covered by the Christmas Creativity Pack at a very small price.

Viruses are not the only threat waiting to affect the unwary. Spyware also needs to be taken into consideration.

Xara is well-known for creating fast, excellent graphics software. Its latest offering is put to the test.

Organising your digital photos need not cause too much trouble. One method could be to use Corel Photo Album 6.

This is probably the most mature mapping package for the PC, now it even allows you to link yourself via GPS, just one of the new features for 2006.

Digital photos can easily take over your hard disk unless you take precautions by using software designed for the purpose.

A product that came out of Corel’s purchase of Paint Shop Pro around a year ago. Corel have enhanced it and - being Corel - have added extra value.

Assuming you cannot afford PhotoShop then your choice is possibly Paint Shop Pro or perhaps Adobe PhotoShop Elements will do all you require.

Fancy your own virtual pet? Your computer could act as an on-screen aquarium.

The latest version of an old favourite returns under new management. This should please the many Paint Shop Pro fans.

I know I have looked at one or more previous versions of this product and this seems to have a lot more than earlier versions.