4 comments about Visual Communicator 3.0.

1. Adobe Visual Communicator 3 freezes and shuts down all the time on me. Adobe customer support takes roughly 2 hours to get on the phone. I wasted $400



2. What a waste of money! I was really excited to get this software and use it with my students, but I WILL NEVER LET THEM NEAR IT!!! Why? Because it freezes up roughly every 30-45 minutes, some of the features don't work as expected, and it's SO DIFFICULT to learn! This product is not intuitive or user-friendly at all. I would get so extremely frustrated using it that I can't even imagine letting my students try. Adobe bought this product from it's developers (Serious Magic) and tried to pass it on to the greater public way too soon - better product development PLEASE, guys!



3. I have used this product on Windows XP with no freezing problems at all. I suspect that the freezing problems previously mentioned are due to a Vista issue. I used to have a Vista laptop and quickly got rid of it due to numerous problems. Visual Communicator allows my students to record a news show using the included teleprompter and look very professional. This program even allows for some "green-screen" effects. I am very impressed with its capabilities given that you can find the full version for about $300 (sometimes less). For that price, and for the amount of effects this program has, one would normally have to purchase quite a bit of costly equipment. This is the economic way to go if producing in a classroom! You can even up-load your projects to the web (TeacherTube)!



4. I produce videos for clients and for the web. This is a very easy to use program with lots of media included. I am running Vista Home Premium, 3.2 Core 2 Duo processor and 4 gigs of ram. The program needs a powerful computer. I have not had any crashes and it runs flawlessly.

No comments about Adobe Creative Suite 4 Master Collection Upsell from any 1 Creative Suite.

5 comments about Adobe Acrobat 6.0 Professional [OLD VERSION].

1. It's obvious that Adobe feels safe and entrenched as THE maker of PDF creation software, because Acrobat installs like a herd of elephants moving in to your computer. It completely re-worked my MS Word toolbars and would not allow me to restore them the way I want them. (Even after un-installation, there is still something at work against my normal.dot template.) Other applications felt the impact, too. All I want is a way to make PDF files, not a new lifestyle.
   
   Unfortunately, Acrobat 6 could not deliver the PDF files for me. On a P4, 1.8 Ghz system, I allowed it to process my Word document for 5 hours before I gave up and had to get some real work done. I went and found activePDF Composer, which handled the same Word file and delivered my PDF file in just 10 minutes.
   
   Get over yourself, Adobe.



2. I've been a fan (and user) of Acrobat for many years, and am continually amazed by the number of organizations that *don't* circulate their documents in PDF format. I don't even *read* Word attachments anymore, for fear of viruses and because I *know* they won't look like the author intended.
   
   However, earlier versions have each added great new features, and the differences of v6 over v5 just don't seem substantial enough to warrant the price or effort of upgrading. For most users, I'd recommend saving dough by finding a copy of version 5, a vast improvement over versions 1 thru 4, and of course a conceptual and practical leap (or three) beyond sharing documents in native formats such as Word.



3. At my business we are required to scan things to PDF documents to send to our clients. I love the PDF format. It is a great way to easily condense documents into small file sizes while still maintaining quality. It's unfortunate that I haven't found a way to create PDF without going through Adobe first. As the IT guy in our office, Acrobat problems is the biggest thing I get called about. This is the most bloated invasive software I have ever used, even more so than some spyware I've seen. It installs itself EVERYWHERE.
   
   I have an Acrobat icon in Microsoft Word, which seems convenient for converting documents from Word to PDF, but it places the toolbar below all the other toolbars, when it only contains three buttons, taking up valuable screen space. It took me hours to find a way to remove it because it kept coming back when I would try to disable it manually. Acrobat will install toolbars everywhere that are difficult to remove, it will add "convenient" convert to pdf options on all your right click boxes, it will reside itself in your system memory and keep itself always on, it will add itself to your quick tray icons, and then it will come to your house, eat your food, and hit on your wife.
   
   Acrobat created problems on our computers that could only be resolved by reinstalling Acrobat. That is fine I guess, however uninstalling Acrobat does not completely remove it. I used their uninstall program, and still found over 100 instances of Acrobat left in my system registry. Acrobat still had a program left in my memory that was causing problems after I uninstalled it. This program installed over 300 keys in my system registry! Lastly, this program constantly has trouble detecting our scanners. We use Acrobat to scan on over 15 computers and we constantly have to unplug our scanners and have plug and plug reinstall them so Acrobat can find them.
   
   I love PDF documents, and their "Print to PDF" feature is very useful for converting things to PDF, but as a whole, the Acrobat software is the worst software I've ever used from a large company, and I eagerly await the day when another company makes an easier to use PDF program that can be used for scanning.



4. I am not a business user... been wanting this program for years, but couldn't justify the expense. Finally saw the price on E-bay drop drastically, so I took the plunge. Program loaded in a snap. To date, I have used .Outlook, Web, and Word as source to create about 300 PDF documents. All has gone seamlessly. Never having had previous versions, I do not notice any lag or other problems others have noted. All in all, I am highly impressed. Now, to read that used book I got on the program to see what other neat things I can do.
   
   Any comments on whether it is advisable to upgrade to current version (and why) would be greatly appreciated.
   
   All the best,
   
   Jay



5. I purchased this software in 2003 and have used it for five years without any problems. I only had Acrobat Reader before and since I've had Adobe Acrobat Professional I've used it constantly. I wouldn't be without it.

5 comments about Video Vault for the iPod.

1. It does everything it's meant to do. If you record movies from cable, like I do, this is THE software for moving those non copy protected DVD's to a Video iPod. Adding a ripper to Video Vault enables it to work on protected disks too.
   
   The program is being supported by Bamboo Technology. Clicking on the "Upgrade" button takes you to their web site, where you can download the latest version of Video Vault at no charge. This is important, since the latest generation Video iPod's only work with the newest version of the software.
   
   In all probability, if the two reviewers who panned this program had been a little more computer literate, they would have been able to get it to do whatever they required.



2. Good product. I have had no problems with it. I only rated it 4 stars because it can be a little tricky at times.



3. DOESN'T READ EVERY DVD, ONLY THE UNLOCKED ONES. THE AVI'S DOWNLOADED FROM THE WEB CANNOT BE CONVERTED.



4. I bought this thinking it would be similar to a cucusoft dvd to ipod converter suite that I had on and old computer...NO WAY! Everything is protected so I can't put any of the movies I own on my ipod. I have 135 movies, I tried EVERYONE of them!! yes I really did.....none worked, they are all protected, ever tv series dvd..nope. So dont waste you 25 or 30 bucks on something you are never going to use.



5. I have to get your box number reset every times. by sending them an email. can be a hassle. reboot your computer. then download video and type your number on the box. every 2 times u do that u have to get it reset. or it will say u ran out of activations on your box number. hassle in witch getting it reset. but other wise it been a good software. needs to be updated from website because the old version on disc dosent recog the Ipod. this software if ok. but can make me pissy. because I erase my my computer a lot. resetig can be a hassle. I bot 40.00. but it will do the job. for what ever hassle it maybee. I sold my ipod so I wont use it now. after so many months of not using it your box number will expire. and it no good any more. there are ways of complaining by email & getting that fixed

4 comments about Adobe Photoshop 7.0 (Mac) [OLD VERSION].

1. Adobe did it again. Not only did they make a product that runs great in OS X but they inhanced it and made it better with new features like the heal tool. If you have been waiting to upgrade to OS X because of Photoshop order both right now.



2. Photoshop 7.0 is incredible. The new paint enhancement are mindblowing. Everyone should learn how to use this program. I have been able to do so many things, Edit and enhance my own artwork and comics, make custom t-shirts, make beutiful portaits and photo collages, just let my artistic mind run wild. This program has opened a world of opportunity, and it should for you to. BUY IT, worth every penny.



3. I never had access to many Adobe products, with exception for Pagemaker, because of the high price. But at my high school we have what we they called an Academy of Graphic Arts and Design. There, with the financial help of a well known college, the academy was given a full copy of Adobe Photoshop 7.0!

   I really enjoyed learning how to use Adobe Photoshop 7.0. I'm not one to read manuals or help menus and just like to play around. Learning how to use everything is fairly easy.

   One feature I LOVED is what is called "layers". You can have a photo in the background and then open other files and drag and drop onto the first picture. Then you can choose to erase part of the pictures you placed on top. But not everything is erased...each layer underneath the one you are erasing is still visible! There are various erasers (shape-wise) too, so it can look blended or have neat edges.

   I also liked the variety of "filters". These filters help change the picture. You can add texture to the picture, distort it, add light to a certain area, make the picture look like it on a stamp (as in rubber stamp)...the list goes on.

   The one bad thing about this is you can't do "Undo except for the change you just did (meaning if you made a mistake and decided to try something to "cover it up", if you didn't like the outcome of the "fix" you can't go back and change the mistake) EXCEPT if you are layering, you go to the box where it shows each layer and go to the history where you can delete (or "undo") up until the mistake you had made is gone.

   My point is, this program is Top Class. The best I have used (and I have tried a few) Although I'd like to try the Windows version, for those who have a Mac (this is the version I used and have experience with) GET THIS if you love photoediting. The possiblities are endless.

   Now if only I could save up enough money...




4. Adobe Photoshop 7.0 was a significant leap over 6.0. One great new tool is the Liquify filter, which lets you directly manipulate images. Obviously, Photoshop is the De Facto standard for image editing, and likely always will be. Since this is the last version that works with OS 9 anyways, it's not like I could use CS (though I've tried CS, and don't particularly like it).
   
   Version 7.0.1 is very often faster than Photoshop CS is, so it's a good thing to have for very large files.
   
   Invaluable... nothing beats it. Nothing.

5 comments about Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 Plus Premiere Elements 2.0 [DVD].

1. I have used Pinnacle products for years and the last one was Studio 9. Pinnacle Studio seemed to always have problems, and I almost lost interest with video editing all together. Knowing Adobe's reputation, I decited to try Premiere Elements 2.0 and Photoshop Elements 4.0. I loaded them in my computer and they worked without at any problems. I have ued Premiere quite a bit, but haven't used the photoshop at all. If photoshop works as well as Premiere, I will be very pleased with my purchase.



2. Even though a newer version is out, this is probably the best choice for the multimedia hobbiest. PSE4 has a lot of great features and I'm always impressed with how much depth there is in the program. I've created many great movies with Premiere Elements, and though it lacks a lot of fancy features, it has just about everything you need to put together a solid film. Playback is choppy with MOV files, but who really cares. Overall this is a wonderful buy and cheap bundle.



3. The two programs interact nicely. I was able to easily send pictures from Photoshop Elements to Premiere Elements to make a slide show movie. Both my teenagers have been using Photoshop Elements to cut and paste my mug shot in to other pictures. Permiere Elements is easy to use for movies. The bundled package saved me a few dollars.



4. Wish I had bought this one earlier. Great manipulation of photos and pretty easy once you get some things figured out. This is more of an experienced users software, than for a beginner, but both will be very happy with it.



5. I recently scanned several ancestral photos that had damage to them. With Photoshop Elements, I was able to clean up damaged,faded and unclear areas. The results were great. The photos were clear, color was in the correct tone and damage to the photos was reduced. I would only suggest a user guide to answer questions when they arise. I still consider it a great software.

1 comments about Print Perfect Fonts Deluxe.

1. I love this product. I found so many cool fonts. I was looking for one used years ago but couldn't find it, but I did find one that resembles what I needed. There are so many to choose from, picture fonts, elegent, artistic. If you love new fonts like me this is the product for you.

4 comments about Tune Transfer (Win/Mac) (Jewel Case).

1. Product shipped would not even install on an Intel Mac Pro. I wrote the company and after exchaning several email, they agreeded there was a problem and send me a newer disk that was upgraded to work with the Intel Mac Pro's.



2. I bought this product spontaneously at a local store. I knew I should have done my research before! This program does not recognize my iPod - mind you , this computer is less than a month old and far surpasses the minimum system requirements. The only way to get hold of the company is to write them a letter (some of you may not remember how to do that anymore), Wait that means I have to buy one of those small sticky papers that you have to lick and stick on an envelope. What's that called?
   
   This was a waste of my 10 bucks.
   
   ******UPDATE******
   August 10, 2008
   
   After reading another review I decided to go back and try the update (something I had done several times when I first bought the program). Now it works alright but I honestly don't remember why I bought the program and what I'm suppose to do with it. I guess I didn't need it after all because I'm really not compelled to use it. I'll update as necessary.



3. I wish I had done more research and read more reviews before buying. I'm sure it works if you can get it to recognize your iPod, turns out there seems to be a general problem with this program NOT recognizing iPods (ummmm...isn't that the main point?) Don't waste your money.
   
   At least I'll save my money on Tune Tools, which apparently is ValueSoft's next attempt to steal your money.
   
   Tune Tools for iPod (Win/Mac)



4. Okay, i bought this product w/out reading the reviews. I recieved the item and was pissed off at first because it was not detecting my ipod. I went through the help at apple in order to enable the disk on my computer options and when I did it still did not recongnize my ipod. I was about to destroy the software but i read online that there is an update thats free that syncs the ipod with the newer version of itunes because the software deals with the older version like 4.1 or something. The website to download the patch is simple and all you do is click next and agree to terms and concepts. I will give you the site to make it easier...
   http://www.valusoftsupport.com/KBArticle.asp?kbid=5740
   i hope this helps you all because i know the reviews before me were negative so i am actually the first to write a positive. But its cheap and easy to use program.

4 comments about Macware MacFonts.

1. It's about time someone gave Mac users a reasonably priced font collection!

   MacFonts has over 1000 TrueType fonts in three categories: classic, refined and designer fonts. You can even use the included font manager to activate your font selections temporarily or permanently; very cool!




2. Was pretty excited when I saw the fonts package. The box said "Over 1000 TrueType fonts" I figured that it meant just subtle variations of the same. While this was true for the majority of the fonts, the "BN" set of fonts had the most variety.

   The little quick reference guide book was very helpful with letting you get a peek at what the fonts look like to see if you
   even want to load it on your system. The book however was at times a little confusing, the names of the fonts would be on top of the fonts for some and then under the fonts for others. You had to kind of double check that the one that you wanted was the one that you installed.

   Played with some of the fonts in LiveType and I had a blast. Since I kind of wanted to see the fonts in action I would look through the book then choose a font to load. For it to take effect I had to keep restarting LiveType for the font to show up. So after a while just loaded a bunch of them and then made some scrolling text. Had lots of fun with the "Xmas Lights BRK" & "New Year Dingbats". Being able to take just the dingbats and alter them on screen give rise to lots of new and creative ways for me to make my designs a bit more fun and have very different appeal. There were also some more down to earth fonts like
   "Boron" & "Teen Bold" that gives a bit more punch than "Times New Roman" but still not be to off putting. Also previewed the fonts in TextEdit to get a feel for the differences quickly.

   All in all really liked what the package had to offer even with the limited font manager and having to load each individual font. The variety of new fonts is worth it.




3. SUPER EASY TO "INSTALL" AND USE. THE BOOKLET OF FONT SAMPLES IS GREAT. THE VARIETY IS GOOD. I GIVE IT AN "A".



4. MacFonts basically collects a bunch of freeware fonts on CD and gives you a printed guide. There is also a PDF guide on the CD that you can grab. The software covers the same ground as FontBook, so I didn't explore it much. The CD has a wide variety of fonts, but they're mostly the same ones that you can pull off free font websites. All of them loaded without a glitch. The majority are display fonts, but it also has a handful of serif and sans serif fonts, scripts, dingbats and a bunch of black letter and unical fonts. Nothing on this disk is as well-crafted or fussed over as the fonts you can buy from a type house. However, for less than the price of most professional fonts, MacFonts gives you an instant collection of more fonts than you'll actually use.

5 comments about CD/DVD Labeler Kit.

1. and I'm still happy! We initially had to get used to the software and the printer setup and yes, you do need some patience during the learning curve of this creative process - it's not the normal daily routine of most people. We never encountered any errors when creating the actual labels or printing them. We also have not had any problems upon using the labelled CDs or DVDs. We're happy with the product.



2. This software is a mess. I bought it for the "fingerprint" capability which is suppossed to be abel to identify audio tracks and supply title and artist info. It is not good. It identified about 85% of the tracks I tried, but the information is supplied field by field. That is, track number, title, artist, duration, etc. are each supplied separately and have to be placed on the label separately, with minimal formatting options. Is some cases I couldn't even get them all on the label.
   I would recommend that you look at other packages.



3. Calibration software is a little confusing and they will curl in your car player after a while (heat) as all labels do. Otherwise, the capabilities are very good, overall quite happy with it. I also bought a bunch of the Memorex labels which are decent quality but not all that satisfied - their software is useless.



4. No where near as easy to use as my old system ,But with trial and error can have a decent amount of control over your Projects.But one interesting thing someone mentioned earlier
   is that regardless of with system you use these labels can alter
   the way DVDs play making them stick and freeze and wondering if its the disks,burner or what..after some experimenting I did
   confirm that it was actually the labels I was having so much fun making...It might be the weight but i think its possibly the way the beam shines through the disc and reflects off the white label backing..Dunno but if you all of a sudden start having problems go back to the "Sharpie" like I did ;-)



5. I've been using NEATO and the 'MediaFace' software for years. I LOVE the ability to calibrate the output so I can create 2 sided CD booklets that line up perfectly! Sure you have to do a little test printing but that's what gives YOU the control. This is definitely not for the Dumb and Dumber set. If you want software and label materials that are 'designed with your mind in mind' and don't want creative control, then this is not for you. I use it for CD booklets, CD labels, and jewel case inserts all on glossy paper and folks think the results are professionally done. If you don't want to put in the effort, the get something else. But if you like the freedom to express your creativity, this will give you the room you need.