No comments about Mastering Act 2000 (PC CD Jewel Case).

1 comments about Mastering QuickBooks Made Easy Training Tutorial v. 2007 through 2003 - Learn how to use QuickBooks e Book manual guide.

1. A really great product. So much easier than just reading from a book. I'm very impressed with the quality of the training material. Well thought-out lesson plan that makes learning simple. Love it.

No comments about Learn MS Word & Excel XP (Jewel Case).

No comments about Mastering Windows Servers 2003 - Windows 2003 Server Tutorial.

No comments about Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 Essential Training.

3 comments about Seminar Series - Professional Training for Vegas 6 Software.

1. The quality of video and screen captures was so poor that I could not follow the instructions. The instructional contents might be excellent but the poor quality of the captured video clips prevented me from continuing; so I cannot say anything about the contents. 1 star is for production quality.



2. I have used others and found this to be easier to follow and step by step.
   By the the people who wrote the software.



3. I've used the Vegas 6 software for about 1 1/2 years now, and purchased this series in hopes of honing my skills. As I'm not a professionally trained video editor (more like a serious hobbiest) I have some gaps in my knowledge of video editing techniques and conventions, and hoped this series could give me a leg up. Overall this is a well assembled and very useful set of instructional seminars. I actually found a site that hosted some sample clips, and tried one before purchasing this, so the preview was a definite bonus in convincing me to buy this. While this series is not absolutely comprehensive, it does touch every major feature aspect of the Vegas + DVD software package in such a way that you can quickly and easily assemble your first project, and get a lot of insight and ideas on how to further develop and enhance future projects.
   
   In response to the chap who found the production quality too terrible to continue on -- I will concur that the screen captures were a little weak -- but they're not so unbearable as he claims...sounds like a personal hang-up. The quality of the captures is reminiscent of some CBT software my company once tried using (Trainersoft v6) for our web-based training offerings - the compression basically killed your screen-shots to the point that we got better visuals using PowerPoint. But I digress. All that said, the Sony Seminar series frequently zooms in on these screen captures, and you then get a much better resolution and cleaner look at what the narrator is discussing. I think the previous reviewer perhaps just didn't spend enough time viewing the content.
   
   Once you get into the first couple sessions, the content is really quite rich and very useful. Within the first 11 lessons on disc one I had already picked up a number of tricks and enhancements that I'd not previously discovered on my own, which really sweetens the experience of using the software, and substantially reduces the amount of time spent trying to do some of these things (as with all software, there are numerous ways to do any one task - this series makes a point of showing off 'best practices').
   
   I've not yet gotten deep into the content on disc two, so this review is not definitive on my part. However, after scanning the remaining content, my only criticism (or just personal disappointment) with the series is that I'd hoped it would have more indepth techniques for video rendering and audio mixing (they have some great 5.1 mixing tools, but some of my efforts seem to have failed in my final DVD project, even though they looked well balanced in the software). For this, I imagine I will simply need to visit the forums.
   
   Assuming these are all bundled the same, you get 4 discs: disc 1 and 2 are the video DVDs with the actual seminars (intended to be watched from a TV while you follow along on your PC, but they run just fine on a DVD-ROM); disc 3 is the media and content you'll need to emulate the class sessions; and disc 4 was a bonus demo DVD-ROM, with all the (then) current Sony pro-series software titles in time-limited installs with a couple minor feature restrictions - nice if you want to try before you buy.
   
   The price actually jumped up $20 on this (from $69 to $89) before I bought it, so I was a bit reluctant, but I can honestly say after digging in to it, I don't regret it at all - I'm glad I purchased it!

2 comments about Smart Business Plan 8.0.

1. This review is mostly for those who have a formal business background and are looking for a business plan software to save them time in terms of formatting, design layout and financials. This is not the product for you.

   I was very disappointed at what I saw - particularly the incredibly simple text presentation design and layout options - which I could have easily done on a basic Word document. Bolds and indentations were about as fancy as it got. No bar headings or other accoutrements that give business plans an overall polished and professional look. I just didn't feel that the product was worth the money - contrary to a very positive review I found in one of the online PC mags - esp. on point about superior design layout. Not so.

   This product also did not have any kind of book or manual - as some other business plan programs such as Business Plan Pro 4.0 had. So, in this sense, perhaps it is not even the best product for beginniners - who would probably prefer a basic manual in addition to the program itself.

   This is a very simple business plan - as the name says. I just didn't realize how simple. It has all the basic parts, but is a starter kit for those who are new to writing business plan and who don't have a formal business educational background.

   Just a little warning. Good luck.




2. This review is mostly for those who have a formal business background and are looking for a business plan software to save them time in terms of formatting, design layout and financials. This is not the product for you.

   I was very disappointed at what I saw - particularly the incredibly simple text presentation design and layout options - which I could have easily done on a basic Word document. Bolds and indentations were about as fancy as it got. No bar headings or other accoutrements that give business plans an overall polished and professional look. I just didn't feel that the product was worth the money - contrary to a very positive review I found in one of the online PC mags - esp. on point about superior design layout. Not so.

   This product also did not have any kind of book or manual - as some other business plan programs such as Business Plan Pro 4.0 had. So, in this sense, perhaps it is not even the best product for beginniners - who would probably prefer a basic manual in addition to the program itself.

   This is a very simple business plan - as the name says. I just didn't realize how simple. It has all the basic parts, but is a starter kit for those who are new to writing business plan and who don't have a formal business educational background.

   Just a little warning. Good luck.

2 comments about Professor Teaches Office 2003 (Old Version).

1. After 10+ years at home with the kiddies, I needed to update my office software skills prior to re-entering the workforce. I found the interactive nature of this series to be very effective. A great value for the money!



2. I am very impressed with the Professor Teaches Office 2003, I have only started with the Excel but the manner in which the program is set up is great. You can really learn without attending classes with this product. I would recommend this for anyone trying to learn the ins&outs of such an important office suite.
   
   Gloria

No comments about Business Cards, Labels & Resumes.

No comments about Adobe Acrobat 8 Productivity Guide.