5 comments about Adobe Creative Suite CS3 Web Premium Upgrade [OLD VERSION].

1. I upgraded to Adobe CS3 Web Premium from Macromedia Studio MX recently. When I tried to install the new software on my Windows Vista Ultimate laptop, I got an error message with an error code number and a message to contact Adobe Tech Support. Instead of calling Tech Support, I went to Adobe's Knowledge Base on their website and fortunately, the solution to my installation problem was right there and it worked.
   
   Once I got the software installed, it works fine. I primarily use Bridge (it is great for orgainzing my large digital photo collection.), Photoshop and Dreamweaver. I sometimes use Fireworks and Illustrator and I want to do a few animations soon with Flash.
   
   An excellent product other than the installation issues. There is still a lot I want to learn!!



2. As everyone already knows, Adobe CS3 is a must-have for creative professionals. This version of Creative Suite lives up to its reputation, providing tons of great new tools. The only problem I have had is the installation of Illustrator - it fails to install successfully.



3. I recently upgraded to CS3 Web Premium on a WinXP machine with Studio MX 2004 installed and separate Photoshop CS2 and Illustrator CS2 installations. For me, the upgrade went very smoothly. This may have been due to my learning from the trials of those installing before me, because I took the advice of many in these reviews and elsewhere: before installing, I manually removed all versions of Adobe Reader and all Flash and Shockwave players and disabled pretty much everything running in the taskbar quicklaunch area, as well as disabling virus protection. I left my Photoshop, Illustrator and Studio MX installs alone, and even with those in place, I was asked to enter the product id number for Studio MX, which I still had. But with these fairly straightforward pre-installation steps, the install itself went well and only took an hour or two.
   
   I've only begun using the new features, but have so far seen the following:
   
   Photoshop CS3 - seems to open and run more quickly than my CS2 installation (on my 5 year old PC.) There is a new default desktop layout for tools and windows which took a little getting used to, but I like better now than previous versions...it makes it easier to get more usable graphic image working area. There is a new magic selection tool that provides a lot of control over selection edge (you drag the tool around and it dynamically builds the selection, then can apply changes to edge non-destructively until you get what you want...very cool!)
   
   Flash CS3 - so far, have explored only the video capabilities...it seems much easier to build integrated Flash video players from 'template-like' components than previous versions. They've also included an external Flash video encoder to convert other formats to Flash video...to test, I converted a WMV file to high quality Flash video...the resulting video file size was large, but the quality was fantastic.
   
   Dreamweaver CS3 - seems to handle CSS designs better than previous versions. This version also seems more stable than my MX 2004 version...that one crashed every once in awhile. Have had no stability issues with CS3. Dreamweaver CS3 also adds a new library of components for javascript and AJAX features like rollover pulldown menu support.
   
   I haven't opened Fireworks, Contribute or Illustrator yet, and have seen only a small part of CS3 so far, but from what I've seen CS3 seems to improve stability, and add features that, while maybe not earth-shaking, are useful and well implemented. Recommended.



4. This is a great package of wonderful programs in a convenient bundle. Powerful tools that will assist any web or graphics designer. It may be slightly complicated for someone who is not techo-savvy.
   I loved Studio 8, and I love this more.



5. Why would you not upgrade? The full MacroMedia suite plus the Adobe tools. Unlike other reviews, I had no problems installing the upgrade. It took me less than an hour to install the full suite.

No comments about Norton Internet Security 2008 / Ghost 14.0 / Partition Magic 8.0 Bundle.

5 comments about Adobe Creative Suite CS3 Web Premium Upgrade [Mac] [OLD VERSION].

1. Turns out I WAS able to upgrade from a Windows version of Studio MX to the Mac version of CS3. When I got to the serial number step, it would not accept my Windows serial number. However, a quick call to Adobe and the phone tech had me push some magic key combo, got a challenge/response key and I was able to get it authorized! Nice job Adobe.
   
   As for the actual software, Photoshop and Illustrator are fantastic tools and the latest versions are incrementally better. I haven't used Fireworks, Acrobat or Contribute yet.
   
   The downside is Dreamweaver. I'm a long time Windows Dreamweaver user (indeed FAN) but I'm pretty disappointed with this 'upgrade.' It's surprising how sloppy and out of it's element it feels running DW on a Mac. There are really no new features in the CS3 version (compared to v 8).
   
   I'm glad I was able to get all this software in one bundle and the upgrade price was great. It would be hard to justify this upgrade if I already had CS2 version of these programs because I don't feel there are any MUST HAVE new features. However, it was a sweet way to get all these fine programs for my shiny new Mac.



2. I didn't exactly buy the product....I had to return it because I made the mistake of purchasing the wrong software. I meant to get the Design Premium not the Adobe Web Premium. Anyhow I was pleased with the service I got from J&R. They were easy to talk to and made the return simple and easy.



3. i waited almost a year for an intel-native mac build of creative suite. declined the upgrade to cs2 as rosetta is only a barely passable solution. previously complained about cs1 - feature set was good, stability wasn't. this release has a number of nice new features & its stability has been good. there are still a number of unwanted bits & pieces, fireworks being one, the adobe stock photos being the most annoying (how do you stop its incessant upgrades if you haven't installed it in the first place?) but photoshop, dreamweaver, illustrator, & flash are all brilliant. i run the first two all the time, the latter two now&then. recommended for all web developers. a good effort from adobe (too bad about the naughty phone-home problem). still find bridge, contribute, device central, & other items of dubious value, however.



4. CS 3 does not disappoint! With the special new features in all programs, the products have become even more seamless.



5. This is a great upgrade and the creative suite applications keep getting better and faster.

4 comments about Microsoft Visual FoxPro 9.0 Professional Upgrade.

1. This is the most significant upgrade to Visual FoxPro since version 3.0. The Report Writer enhancements alone are worth the price of the upgrade, but there are also significant improvements in speed, expanded SQL syntax (very, very expanded!), better .NET interoperability, much easier use of GDI+ graphics, and more. VFP is still Microsoft's "stealth" app, but that's OK. It can be your "secret weapon" too--laugh while you get projects done in half the time it takes the poor souls stuck with .NET, and make them wonder how you do it.



2. Had a client that needed to upgrade and needed it fast. Amazon was right to the rescue.



3. I've finally upgraded to VFP 9 and it's just tough that Microsoft has announced this will be the final version... just really tough! Installation is quick along with product updates from Microsoft.



4. I've just upgraded from Visual FoxPro 6.0. I could stay developing using this old version, but I want a more easily approach to Internet applications with VFP, so I'm still exploring the new features in this 9.0 version. There is a lot to use in this new version, but the little I have explored till now seems to be outstanding. Express version of InstallShield software included makes VFP a complete tool for the developer.
   A printed summary guide about new features is missed in this upgrade package.

No comments about Anti-Virus Plus Anti-Spyware 2008.

5 comments about SiteSpinner V2.

1. This is much easier to use than Front Page & dramatcally easier than MS Web Expression for people who don't know HTML. I also tried CoffeeCup but it didn't seem as capable as SiteSpinner. SS is NOT nearly as easy and bullet-proof for beginners as some of the proprietary editors built in to the big web hosting sites like Network Solutions or Yahoo.
   
   My biggest complaint with SS is the text editor is not WYSIWG and doesn't perform like all microsoft apllications when is comes to CUT & PASTE.



2. I wanted to create a professional-looking website for my new business without having to learn any code and SiteSpinner allowed me to do exactly this. My choices were to use a program like SiteSpinner myself or to pay a website designer. I am completely satisfied with the results from SiteSpinner and thrilled that it allowed me to save so much money. I was making a site from scratch so it didn't matter to me that it couldn't import existing html.



3. There are so many glitches in this software, it'll make you go mad trying to get it to do what you're trying to get it to do. I've built many websites myself, writing them myself in HTML. I figured I'd take the easy way out and get a site building program to do it for me. I'll never make that mistake again. Either get a MUCH better product, or learn HTML yourself. It'll be easier in the long run. I've spent over 2 weeks just trying to get all of the website uploaded to the web because of irronious code this program has put in, so in reality, I'm back to trying to rewrite the site myself using HTML. ARGHHHHHHHHHHHH!



4. I have been doing websites since 1996. Back then we were all pretty much hand coding and the name of the game was tables, transparent GIFs, and all manner of tweaks and tricks you had along the way. I tried the early "no brainer" software and it came up short. I hate to think how much I spent on Front Page, GoLive, Dreamweaver, and the like. They just didn't give me the clean code that could be relied on, and they frankly were not that intuitive.
   
   Fast forward to 2008. Somebody finally got it right at an amazing price. I admit at first I thought it was far too cheap to be as good as reviewed, but I was wrong. This is superb software, and the output is reliable across all the browsers that I routinely test it on. I use both SiteSpinner, and the next generation Web Engine. Honestly I am astonished
   at the power, the intuitiveness and the results.
   
   At the Virtual Mechanics Website you can purchase the program and get a year of free web hosting. That makes this great piece of software absolutely risk free, cheaper than the hosting really. I bought the full package with Web Engine and I have to say this is the best $100 I have ever spent on software. No regrets, no hesitations, and only great results.
   
   Experienced veterans like me will appreciate doing site design without the headaches of running back and forth between code and output. Honestly I never expected to be so freed up. The program contains a very capable FTP publishing tool that is more than adequate. It is absolutely great to be able to design what I always imagined with such ease. This company has broken ground in this category with a superb product at an astonishing price point. Buy it, you will love it.
   
   Michael Dougherty
   Ozark Web Solutions



5. I bought this product after reviewing several similar products - and all the positive reviews are correct !
   It took me a little time to find my way around but the scope of this program
   is great for me.
   The service they give is 100% fast and to the point.
   
   This company and their staff are the best,
   Ralph Salinger
   Kfar Ruppin
   Israel

5 comments about Norton Internet Security 2008 5 User.

1. Norton Internet Security 2008 is a resource hog. It slowed my 2-year-old computer with 1GB RAM so much that it became unusable. My only option was to remove it. You cannot choose to install just part of it (like Antivirus) -- so I will return it to Amazon for a refund. I've used Norton products for more than 10 years, but I'll find an alternative for 2008. Don't buy it.



2. I have been using the Norton Internet Security suite for several years. Since I have several computers networked at home the multiple user edition is the only way to go. I have never had a situation where anything got past the software. Easy to set up and configure. Definitely worth the peace of mind when family members may not be as cautious where they surf.



3. As an IT Support person, it is mandatory for me to "keep abreast" of what security products are best for my clients' computers, considering the cost and level of protection accommodated.
   And, in my opinion, Norton Internet Security 2008 is "the best bang for the buck" as compared to alternative security packages.
   Norton has (in my opinion) ALWAYS been the "best of the best" (with the glaring exception of NIS2006 - God only knows how that got out of the Symantec Security labs and into distribution) - but there is a price to pay for this protection level, also...
   Yes, it DOES slow a computer down and you'd be better off with as much RAM as you can install with this product installed on either Windows XP or Vista (which already demand large "pools" of memory available for adequate operation anyway...).
   Of some significant note, tho, is NIS2008's tendency to "block" certain software operations that its predecessor (NIS2007) had no problem with.
   Case in point: my own Windows Media computer now can no longer operate the ATI Remote Wonder wireless remote control "applet" if NIS2008 is installed.
   Prior to "upgrading" to NIS2008, the installed version of NIS 2007 worked flawlessly with the ATI Remote Wonder, but NIS 2008 simply will not allow this "trusted application" to function (which, by the way I had to manually "allow" yet still will not work - and even Symantec's own support personnel cannot seem to get to work, either.. At least "so far"...).
   I appreciate the security, fellas, but I'd also like the same level of operability I enjoyed before I "upgraded" to NIS 2008.
   
   For a "normal" users point of view, no other security package compares to the level of protection that Norton Internet Security offers - just be prepared to find "a few issues" as regards "system performance" if you have a microprocessor with only a "single core" running at less than 2.4 GHz and less than 1 GB of RAM installed, and if something that is not on Norton's built-in "trusted application" list that once was working no longer functions, you may hve to "roll back" to NIS 2007 (by the way, if you already HAVE Norton Internet Security 2007 installed - stay there. Just "renew" your subscription. But if you have upgraded - like me - and if you need to 'roll-back' to NIS 2007, the license nubmer for NIS 2008 WILL work on an expired version of NIS 2007 and this will allow Symantec the time it obviously needs to "work the bugs out" of NIS 2008, in the meantime...).



4. Very good product, I have installed more than a doz copies. One mysterious aspect. Nowhere on the box does it mention anti-spam and you would conclude that anti spam is not featured. Wrong - there is an add-on included on the installation disk which, although neither the disk nor the flimsy manual mentions it, does include anti-spam and parental controls. The anti spam is well integrated with Outlook, Outlook Express, and Windows Mail in Vista.



5. This product was an absolute disaster. I previously used Norton Internet Security 2007, which worked fine. I live in China and use my computer for my job, which requires me to use USB flash drives and often connect to the internet, which are dangerous things to do in China because there are so many viruses on Chinese websites. Anyway, the 2007 program always did a fine job of keeping my VAIO running well.
   
   So I upgraded to 2008, and LiveUpdate (the part of the program that downloads the information about the new viruses, etc.) wouldn't work. I spent over 11 hours on the internet and the phone (long distance from China) trying to get some help. After 11 hours I still did not have a functioning anti-virus product.
   
   Avoid this program at all costs.

3 comments about ACT! By Sage 2008 10.0 Upgrade.

1. Save yourself time, money and a lot of frustration...don't buy or upgrade to any ACT! versions 2007 or greater. Sage has a terrible track record and doesn't deserve consideration--look at all the negative reviews of ACT 2007 Version 9! If you believe they've worked the bugs out, go ahead, but just be aware of what you're getting yourself into. For instance, here was my experience with ACT! 2007 Version 9.
   
   I've been using ACT! software for years and have enjoyed many of the older versions. I just upgraded from ACT! 2006 Version 8 to the newer version 9 because I was told it would integrate with Microsoft Outlook 2002. I was also told the newer version was 60% faster than the older one. WRONG! and WRONG! Sage..they all must be on glue.
   
   First, we spent hours trying to get ACT! to work with Microsoft 2002...we kept getting one error message after another and our computers kept locking up! Finally, we loaded Microsoft Outlook 2003 and it seems to be working better. But, still, a hassle. Just make sure your version of Microsoft Outlook is at least 2003.
   
   And, second, it's slow! The newer version of ACT! is slower than the older version! And we're all on brand new Dells! It's driving us all nuts.
   
   After hours of ACT! technical support calls (we have a 1 year contract that cost $199.00) and costly visits from our computer support person here locally, we've finally got it functioning. But, ACT! 2007 cost us over $400.00 for 3 users here at our company...that's not cheap. And when I think about all the additional time we've spent getting it to operate, it just isn't worth it.



2. I have used Act since the programs came on floppy disks and have loved it. However each new version seemed to bring new challenges. In March 2007 I bought an Acer notebook with the Vista operating system and tried to install ACT 2007 version 9 and was unable to do it. I called the help desk and ended up with a very helpful techie from India who told me that version 9 was not ready for Vista and she would have to help me though the install. So with her coaching me through registry changes and reboots after over an hour I finally had ACT installed and it appeared to work. Next step was to try to upgrade my file of contacts created in ACT 2000 but no go. So after hours of fooling around which I ended up exporting a flat file from my old ACT program and importing it into ACT 2007 I finally had a working system.
   
   Any new version of a program should be able to upgrade the data file with a few clicks. Hopefully the people at Sage have gotten their act together for the 2008 version.
   
   And is it ever slow getting going. It takes over 3 minutes to open up the program when I first start it up. Once it is open it is ok.
   
   If you buy ACT expect to have to spend a lot of time getting it right. Once right it works well.
   Richard



3. I'm Dave van Toor, the North American General Manager for the CRM Solutions group at Sage Software. I've been in this role since April this year. It is interesting to me that the first two reviews we have for our version 10 release (ACT! 2008) are from people who have not upgraded to the product.
   
   I love passionate customers. That's why I'm working with the ACT! group. The vast majority of our customers are passionately happy with their product (we know, because we talk to thousands of them each week). We are excited with the version 10, 2008 product, and the early responses form customers who have upgraded to it. Although we always strive for excellence, regrettably we don't please all our customers all the time. I'll happily speak directly with any customer who wishes to have a constructive conversation about our products or how we can help our customers be better at their jobs.
   
   I would invite those of you that are using an old version of ACT! to make an informed decision. Upgrade to version 10 - try it - after all you have 60 days to return it (though I don't think you will).
   
   Let me know how it goes, you can contact me via our web site.

No comments about Adobe Flash CS3 Professional [Mac].

4 comments about Adobe Creative Suite CS3 Master Collection [OLD VERSION].

1. Adobe CS3 is the most powerful seamlessly integrated creative suite EVER. There is nothing that even remotely compares to this suit. To list feature by feature would take volumes and would not do it justice.
   
   If you are SERIOUS about ALL aspects of web production including multimedia video and audio, special effects, animation, and authoring, this suite does it all.
   
   This is powerful software. You will need a solid system. Because this software is so integrated you will often want 2 to 4 hefty programs running for one project.
   
   For example, I often have Photoshop, Premier, and After Effects running as well as Adobe Bridge. Adobe Bridge is what brings the whole package together. Not only does it make file organization a breeze, it allows you to move a single project from application to application.
   
   I'm running CS3 on a Dell XPS 710 w/ twin 10k hard drives, a 2.4GHz Intel duo core, an NVIDIA 8800 GTX video card and 2GB ram. It handles it, but I will be upgrading to 4GB ram so it will handle it better.
   
   Bottom line, Adobe CS3 AMAZING.



2. This baby was required for my Graphic Arts class. My first thoughts were "What's wrong with my Abode Photoshop 7? & why do I NEED a $965 piece of software?" Well, it turns out that my school's supplier was charging less than half of the retail price, so I shut up.
   .......................................................................
   When it got here, I wasn't happy that I had to install 8 dics that wanted 32 gigs of RAM or that it had more system requirements than a high-end video game. But it does make sence, concidering you're getting InDesign, Illustrator (which I've been wanting), Acrobat 8, Flash (been wanting that too), Dreamweaver (heard good things about it), Fireworks, Contribute, After Effects, Premiere, Soundbooth (if it's like Sound Forge, it's a boon), * Encore as well as Photoshop, so I'll be exploring this stuff for months.
   ....................................................................
   On the plus side, there are Flash tutorials on how to use this stuff; great for people who learn best by watching, doing, & hearing & get distracted when reading. Who knows what kind of cool artistic things I can make, I can even learn to make webtoons!



3. We did discover that the installation of the DVD did not work properly and that the hacks published on Adobe's website did not apply to us. For us to install it we had to put a CS3 map into the root of the station with exactly the same name as on the CD. It is important to maintain exactly the names and all files of the first three application DVD's. You don't have to copy all the other data to that folder, just the application directory content. From there you can run it. All other tips and tricks simply didn't work but this one did. After the intial application install you can add the other components at will directly from the DVD's.
   
   The software itself, well what can you say. It delivers what it stands for and is the #1 in this area. We rather use this then the free ware or cheaper alternatives to save money at the end of the day.
   
   I hope this is helpful for others. GZ



4. If you have Production Studio Premium or other such suites this really is not worth the massive difference in price. Adobe CS3 Master Collection is more hype and fluff then substance. I might have upgraded to this suite from my modestly priced Production Premium $799.00 upgrade if Adobe had not slapped such an outrageous $1999.00 price tag onto it for doing so. Come on, $1999.00? I paid less then that for my original full version of CS Production Studio Premium! Seriously Adobe, $1200.00 more for 5 or 6 added programs of which 2 or 3 I will probably never use? Give me a break! No, I mean it, give us ALL a break! Save your money and just go with CS3 Production Studio Premium, minus Adobe Audition 3.0 of course, you'll have to pay extra for that one since Adobe felt compelled to replace it with Soundbooth, a lesser quality program (thanks a lot Adobe!). In the end I'll say this, Adobe makes some of the best software for film, animation, entertainment, graphics and web design, they just need to work a little bit on better customer service and work ethics and a good place to start would have been making the upgrade for CS3 Master Collection a lot more affordable.