No comments about Adobe Illustrator CS4 [Mac].

5 comments about Roxio Easy Media Creator Suite 9 [OLD VERSION].

1. Hard to install, enormous drain on system resources, key features never unlocked, hard to uninstall. Avoid this app.



2. The worst software I ever buy! Don't spend your money for something, that don't work. You will spend a lot more money for upgrades and spyware after you buy it!
   Zev



3. This purchase solved my problem with a much older version of CD creator which offered no support for my latest hardware purchases. But now an even more current version is also available at reasonable cost.
   
   I'm happy.



4. After buying this, it installed a lot of programs that I didn't want. When I tried to selectively install what I did want, none of the programs would work. So I had to do a full install. Video editing would lock up every 10 or 20 minutes, which was usable I just saved often. Then it started locking up every minute which wasn't enough time to get anything done. On their customer forums, every problems seems to be answered with "uninstall and do a clean reinstall." I had done that twice already so I gave up and uninstalled it to move on to something new. Now it has broken my codecs and won't play any video without asking for a file that I can't find. This software is nothing but a huge hassle and waste of money. Instead of making patches they just start selling suite 10 which is probably just as bad.



5. Un-usable. this product was mis-represented as an "old version", what I was sent was version 9.1XE which is an oem version with limited capabilities(my computer already came with a more usable oem). I hope Amazon and discount_software_4u will show more integrity in the future.

2 comments about Morpheus Photo Animation Suite.

1. You can not output files to AVI or MPEG format; also, the flash output files seem defective. You must basically output the morphs to a sequence of images and compile them in a seperate software. It feels like the makers of this product have purposely disabled it to make it extra cumbersome - it lacks many basic features that the average user would want.
   
   The majority of the software features appear to be enabled, but when you try to use them the software tells you that you must buy the professional software version to use that feature.
   
   The summary is this- you're better off buying the professional version IF you really want to use the features. If you are bent on saving the money, you can make due with this version IF you have other supporting software AND you don't mind a longer work flow (more steps, more time) to get what you want.



2. One may start out with Morpheus Photo Morpher and "graduate" to Morpheus Photo Animation Suite, or spend the few extra bucks and buy the Suite in the first place, as it does even more than Photo Morpher does.
   
   Both are easy to learn, easy to use and a whole lot of fun for adults as well as for children.
   
   I can only add to my comments on Photo Morpher--that program is really great, but this one is even better!

No comments about Quarkxpress 8 Upgrade for mac/win with int Designer Xpert Tools.

No comments about Adobe Creative Suite 4 Design Premium Upsell from Creative Suite 1 or 2 (intro price) [Mac].

5 comments about ACID Pro 6.

1. First I have to describe my work method for this review to make sense. I have a collection of hardware sound moduels and a nice controller keyboard and use no soft synths what so ever. I will sequence in basic melody and chord changes and then use loops to build drum and precussion parts. Then Ill sequence more MIDI stuff and record electric guitar parts on top of that. I own SONAR 2.0 and I tried demos of Live and the Mackie program, but for what ever reason I just couldn't get in to recording and editing MIDI on thoose and the upgrades to SONAR don't really impress me all that much. I have a friend that uses sony Vegas for audio recording and loves it who suggested that I try this program when version 6.0 shipped. So I downloaded the demo and then bought the product. Acid has excellent audio suport. I have a rather outdated audio workstation, an older AMD atholon runing at 1.7 ghz, 1.5 gb of ran and all IDE hard drives with a firewite connected audio interface. I only usally record 1 or 2 tracks at a time but just to see what it could do I routed synths to all 8 inputs on my interface and played back a sequence on a hardware sequencer. I was able to record all 8 tracks at once with no drop outs. I also created a big project by importing 24 3min. long wave files from a CD back up created on a hard disk recorder into a project and added a some audio efx plugins and could playback with no issues. Sync between MIDI and audio tracks seems to be very tight at least to my ears anyway. Editing MIDI is very fast if you are use to using a "Piano Roll" grid type approach. One Key stroke and you can edit a part in place with no window switching. You can set up a patch name list for hardware synths, but you will probally have to create your own list since there are only pre-built list for a few models included (and zero for any Waldorf synths witch is most of my collection). Like I said, I dont use software synths at all so I cant comment on how well thoose work. It does come with a sampler from Native Instruments, but I don't really use sampled sounds all that much. The MIDI editing and processing isn't as extensive as what I have in SONOR 2.0 I have discovered the stripted down user interface to be a boost to my productivity.
   



2. I looked at the Acid program several years ago and dismissed it because it was previously designed for loops only, and it wasn't as intuitive as I needed at that time.
   
   A month ago, I worked through an Acid tutorial from Computer Music Magazine using the Acid Express program that is given free of charge from Sony on their website. Within a half an hour, I KNEW this program was a WINNER and I ordered it immediately.
   
   I'm much more skilled at sequencing now than I was when I first looked at it. I couldn't believe how easy, useful, fast and fun it was to use. Now that Sony has taken some excellent steps toward making it a competitive DAW, I've switched from my linear DAW to Sony Acid Pro 6 for programming and sound design. The workflow in the program beats every single linear DAW by the sheer nature of it's design, and I've tried or used all of the major ones at one time or another.
   
   This is an excellent program for general sequencing. Everything constructed in it can be exported to more complex software for finishing. The beauty of it is how quickly songs can be constructed compared to most DAWS, and how easy it is to learn to use. I've wasted more time editing to perfection in my other DAW, when the same functions take a split second in Acid.
   
   It's a fine program and I highly recommend it. I'm looking forward to version 7 as I write this. This is NOT a full feature program that you can or should use to finish a commercial project. But it will take you to that moment of export faster and with less quirks and flaws than any linear DAW available today.
   
   



3. It's hard to describe this product without going into detail. Acid Pro 6 is so user-friendly that you can create a song within an hour or two of installing it. You also can create great, detailed compositions with clarity that you have to hear to believe. I was amazed and I am still learning the product. I don't have any musical experience, but that doesn't matter too much. I good book will help to get a minimal understanding, and also will help with creating your own original sound loops. The software comes with enough loops to keep you going for quite a while though, in case you are worried that you aren't able to create your own. It is well worth the cost. Do not hesitate. You will be glued to the computer for hours!!!



4. I am very happy with Acid Pro 6.0
   
   Midi Soft GM sounds and VST sampler work well with ASIO drivers.
   
   Recording audio tracks and adding FX is easy
   
   ACID looping of samples are an industry standard
   
   Exports (Renders) to multiple formats
   
   Cons: Media Manager's runs on an MS SQL engine that has problems with VISTA 32 at this time.
   
   Solution: I just did not install the Media Manager or SQL
   
   In All, I moved from Cakewalk-Sonar to Acid Pro 6 and have not looked back. I purchased a DVD Tutorial for ACID Pro 6, and was very familiar with Sound Forge, so the change from Sonar to Acid Pro was easy. I find that ACID Pro 6 has really helped me to be creative compared to the later versions of Cakewalk-Sonar which added a lot of features that started to get in the way of my production. I am not trying to beat up on Sonar for my possible writers block, but it is not happening with Acid Pro 6. I would have given Acid Pro 6 five stars if it had better Vista 32 support at this time.



5. First off, I use Vista on a NASA style computer.
   The Media Manager and "What's This?" Help program, doesn't operate using Vista.
   But let me tell you, Acid Pro 6 is everything you need. Combined with Acid Pro Power! (the official guide), and the manual that's supplied with the Acid program, there's no need for Help files. Granted, the Media Manager is missed, but you can create folders with windows explorer to sort your loop and save catagories. In other words, Media Manager doesn't even have anything to do with the artistic use of Acid Pro and the creative process. In NO WAY does it hinder any of the Acid programs powerful abilities!
   As a Home "recordist", I used to need to hook up a drum machine, keyboard, and many other tedius processes involving cables, living room "real estate" and clutter, just to separately record background tracks into my Roland digital recording console. Then into my computer to burn the CD. Now everything is in the computer! And this is one program you can play around with for hours, non-destructive 24 bit editing! Fooling around with different beats and modes, in seconds! EASY!
   Later after creating balanced background tracks, vocals and solo instrumentals can be recorded as easily as the ol' multitrack tape recorders! With as many "Takes" as it takes! Even mixing the best sections of each performance to perfection. Again in only seconds! No re-routing this and that. As easy as painting the music on the computer screen.
   I've been able to do all of this by just playing around and experimenting. That's how easy it is. Of course I've used multitrack tape recorders long ago, but the program just makes sense without alot of learning curve. Now, I got the Acid Pro 6 Power Book! What the future holds.....

1 comments about Turbocad Deluxe V14 Precision 2D Drafting 3D Modeling.

1. As a hobbyist who is interested in home design and construction I have been using CAD software since the days of DOS.
   
   For many years I had used QuickCAD from Autodesk, the makers of AutoCAD but when I moved to Vista (probably a mistake) I was forced to find an alternative CAD program as Autodesk apparently no longer offers low end drafting software.
   
   I first tried ViaCAD from Punch and found that it was simply not to my liking. Kudos to Punch for promptly honoring their 90 day money back guarantee.
   
   So I ordered TurboCAD with fairly low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. Kudos here also to Amazon. Somehow I accidentally ordered two copies. When I contacted Amazon, they said simply refuse shipment on the second order and we'll issue a refund. I did and they did.
   
   With any drafting software, it takes a while to get a sense of what you are trying to accomplish and how to best go about it. I had a bit of difficulty switching from the QuickCAD paradigm to TurboCAD's but I'm happy that I made the switch.
   
   The one frustration I have with TurboCAD Deluxe us that many of the features found in TurboCAD Pro are not available. Two that I have found missing that cause frustration are the inability to import an image and the inability to modify a line style or a cross hatch style.
   
   IMSI does give you several line and crosshatch styles but I find that I need more dense (closer together dashes etc) styles to accurately represent my ideas.
   
   In general, the ability to snap to a variety of objects or positions on objects is very good as is the ability to modify objects by trimming, etc.
   
   I've yet to learn how to position construction lines accurately and I miss the ability to trim to the extent of a non-adjoining line.
   
   I would like to see IMSI re-think their choice of what is and is not available in Turbo Cad Deluxe, or to offer Turbo-CAD pro at a more reasonable price for non-commercial use, but all in all I think that TurboCAD provides one heck of a lot for a very reasonable price.
   
   Highly recommended if you don't mind a fairly steep learning curve (as with any decent CAD pakage).

4 comments about Adobe Photoshop CS2 Plus CS3 14hr Video Training Course By Hometutorials.

1. I would recommend Home Tutorial's Photoshop CS2 to anyone starting out in Photoshop. It is a keeper-type of tutorial that you will refer to when doing something for the first time in Photoshop. ("Let's see - how'd he do that?")
   
   However, several of the lessons were, at times, disjointed and appeared to have not been rehearsed before the lesson was actually produced. And some of the example photos used in various lessons left a lot to be desired. Also the volume certainly needs to be increased as the tiny speakers in my monitor couldn't be tweaked loud enough to hear every word.
   
   I had the opportunity to look at a good portion of Magic Media's "Mastering Photoshop" tutorial that is used by a local on-line college in their Photoshop course. Even with the above-mentioned faults of the Home Tutorials Photoshop CS2 tutorial, I thought it was significantly better than the "Mastering Photoshop" tutorial. On the other hand, if you want to buy the absolute best CS2 tutorial, buy Total Training's CS2 tutorial. It is about 20 times more expensive than Home Tutorial's Photoshop CS2, but it is the best.
   
   Bottom line: Home Tutorials Photoshop CS2 is worth buying.



2. This dvd is geared toward the beginner to intermediate level. It covers the fundamentals but you need to supplement it with reading and possibly taking a class. It is about the same as taking a class in a community college for a fraction of the cost.



3. This is a very good tutorial for Photoshop CS3. It covers the subjects in a clear and understandable program.



4. Prompt delivery. I purchased this product as an aide in the classroom for my students. The college IT professionals had a difficult time accessing the material. I was worried that I would not be able to utilize the CD, nonetheless we finally realized that it was copied unusual and after several weeks of trying, we eventually retrieve the information and got the CD running. If you purchase this product, you must have a newer PC with DVD capatibility. It is formatted for windows, however it can be access on the MAC. The students were able to follow along very well.

1 comments about Nik Silver Efex Pro, CD Version.

1. Even though this product is quite pricey, if you love black and white, it is definitely worth it. Gives you amazing control over converting color images to b&w, using predefined templates, additional templates from their website, and also custom setting you can make, and save. Absolutely fantastic. I am running it on an intel Mac Pro w/ 8 Gig of Ram. It is very fast when launched from w/in photoshop. I only gave it 4 stars out of 5 because it is incredibly slow working w/ large 12 and 14 bit raw files when launched from Apple Aperture (but fine from w/in photoshop). A number of people on the web have complained about this and Nik has yet to acknowledge this as a problem. I even offered to help them trouble shoot it to find out where the memory/performance issue was coming from and they didn't respond to my offer. One solution seems to be to launch the plug-in in 8 bit photoshop mode instead of 16 bit but that is just a work around, not a real solution as other Nik software works fine w/ photoshop in 16 bit mode. Overall a great product, I highly recommend you download the 14 day demo and give it a try, and then buy it if you like it as much as I did. The Aperture slow performance was almost a deal-breaker for me but I purchased it anyway knowing that Nik would eventually have to fix that one problem area.
   
   UPDATE: 5 stars. Nik has released version 1.001 which addresses the Aperture slowness problem. Nice and fast now. Highly recommended.

4 comments about Ringtone Media Studio 3.

1. The software works very well in creating a cell phone ringtone. The company has been very helpful. I don't recommend buying this program or any other ringtone program if you are using VERIZON service. I have tried 3 diffent ringtone programs, they all created the ringtone, but I could not get any of them sent to my cell as a ringtone. I know all three companies are working on the problem, but it seems VERIZON has blocked the way for us to get any self-made ringtones loaded into our phones. This statement is based on the information I received at different websites, and my personal experiences.



2. I found a ringtone maker that works with my phone. It's great. It's easy to use, you can play around with different effects, you can mix 2 different songs with each other... it's just an overall awesome program. It has pic and video sections too. Not played with those that much. I connect my phone to my computer with a USB (I've got a memory card), then just click the ringtones I've saved, that I want and drag them to my phone. Worth every penny.



3. Software not user friendly. Accompanying users manual missing half of the pages, essentially useless. Returned to Amazon.



4. The support for this product is NOT what it should be ... DO NOT BUY this product OR Xingtone !!!!!
   I have tried BOTH - with NO luck !!!!!