4 comments about Adobe Flash CS3 Professional Upgrade.

1. I tried to upgrade Flash MX to Flash CS3 - not possible. The software (all Adobe software) has new SUPER conservative & ridiculously restrictive licensing. BEWARE
   
   1) you cannot upgrade from a bundle, ie, Studio MX which includes Dreamweaver MX and Flash MX
   
   2) you cannot upgrade from Flash 4 or version that is prior to MX
   
   3) you cannot upgrade from a bootlegged or borrowed or otherwise non-registered version of MX. And you cannot register MX or older versions after the fact.
   
   4) if you are able to install it on one computer, you will only be able to install it one more time on one more computer. AND you cannot use the application on those two computers at the same time, so they say.
   
   5) if your computer craps out on you, you cannot reinstall it on your new computer, or your old computer once you get it fixed. And what happens if your computer craps out unexpectedly and you do not have the opportunity to de-activate and uninstall it? Well the Indians manning tech support don't have an answer for that. Their solution is to de-activate and uninstall it from the other computer it is on to reclaim your two activations.
   
   Isn't this software a bit too pricey to be that stingy with licensing and usage? As a designer, I feel forced to pay and pay and play by whatever rules they make up for tomorrow, as they have the market cornered.



2. Flash Professional 3 is for professional designers / developers. Why should adobe allow you to upgrade from a product that is 4 versions back? This is basically a new product since Flash MX. The previous review is therefore ridiculous. This offers a great set of tools to create anything from animations, games, to corporate rich internet applications.
   
   Considering the price, I believe this is a great value. Becoming fluent in ActionScript 3.0 can bring an investment return worth many times more its price tag. From creating a popular Flash game with ads, to obtaining a career as a Flash developer in a commercial or military corporation.
   
   This is one of adobe's greatest releases, and shows there ability to continue / improve the Flash series of applications.



3. I tried to use Flash CS3 upgrade which did not work. After I called Adobe CS and asked them why. They told me SORRY you can not upgrade one items from a package as Studio8 . You need to buy a full version. I could not return the package since it was opened software package. I sold it online but lost $60 . Thanks to Adobe.



4. I have both Flash 8 Pro and MX Pro 2004 as studio versions. But Adobe completely fails to tell you that this WILL NOT upgrade a studio version of Flash. Even their website's requirements page says all you need is a full copy of Flash for the upgrade but does not mention that it cannot be a studio version. Deceiving product requirements. Called up Adobe and got angry that I had already opened and tried to install the software so they are processing a refund if I can produce the proof of purchase receipt, which I have. I'm sure CS3 rocks and hope that one day I'll be able to try it out. My review is ONLY on the upgrade process of this cd and Adobe's poor customer service.
   
   *UPDATE* - Adobe has now thrice refused my refund request even though I've submitted the exact info they've requested every time. Horrible customer support that lies to you to get you off of the phone. DO NOT BUY THIS UPGRADE unless you are 100% positive you have a full standalone copy of one of the required versions of Flash.

5 comments about McAfee VirusScan Plus 2007.

1. I have used McAfee virus-scan for years.
   
   I am extremely irritated by them from time to time. Their program causes pop-up adds to periodically appear from my task-bar telling me that I can buy all sorts of upgrades and add-ons to their virusscan program for only $29.99. The pop ups ARE NOT browser windows. They come from the virusscan program itself. I do not want my computer to become an advertizing agent for them! Furthermore, I would like to be able to give powerpoint presentations to large audiences without having the pop-ups interrupting my talk.
   
   I have not been able to stop these pop-ups, and it pisses me off every time it happens. I just went to their customer support page, and they won't talk to me about this issue unless I pay them.



2. I have been a user of Norton for at least 10 years. However, when I got my new Vista desktop, I couldn't get my Norton Internet Security to work with Vista, despite long support sessions with Norton.
   I then came across a free copy McAffee VirusScan Plus 2007, so I thought I'd try it. Well, I must say I am now a McAffee fan. It works great with Vista and is very user friendly. I now will be protecting my Vista machine with McAffee going forward. I highly recommend this product.



3. This came installed on my new computer. I have been a Norton user for years but since McAfee was pre-installed I decided to go with it. What a mistake. It was the most slow and annoying thing I have ever encountered, filling my screen with ludicrus messages, pop-up and advertisements. It caused the broadband to act like dial up. It was so annoying that I removed the program and switched back to Norton (which isn't all that great but I'm used to it). Spyware and adware and viruses cause the computer to slow down, fill up with pop-ups and install unwanted garbage all over your computer. I can honestly say that McAfee was worse than having malware.



4. Save yourself and do not buy this product.
   
   I have had nothing but problems from the start. It says that I am not protected and when I click the fix button is says "One ore more problems require my response". Click Ok and nothing happens. Nowhere can I find what those problems might be. I have tried to uninstall and I get errors. I try to reinstall and nothing.
   
   McAfee's support is totally useless. I have opened two trouble tickets which their websites says they will respond usually within 12 hours. Two days later and still no response. Also the live chat with the support staff requires you to download another program and once installed all I get is "staff is busy try again later"
   
   I should have checked the comments before buying McAfee!



5. Folks I used Norton system works a couple of years ago, then I decided to switch to this McAfee stuff only to hate its anoying bell rings and some other things etc. Then somebody on a online chat room told me about AVG anti virus and the anti-virus is free to download and stays updated. If you think about it all you really need is the anti-virus, microsoft has you cover with a firewall and most spyware blocker tools, so all you really need is the anti-virus. Its been several months and I have had no virus, NONE, no problems NONE at all. Hands down, AVG anti virus has been the best thing that has ever happen to me, it doesnt bother you and it does the job extremly well and it updates when needed. And the best part, IT FREE... :D

5 comments about IBM VIAVOICE Standard v.10.

1. Takes forever to set up. About an hour to read a story so it gets use to your voice. Your suppose to be able to save the voice recognition. I had to do a complete system restore and it would not let me put the saved recognition back, so I had to read the story again.Terrible voice recognition,very frustrating to use.



2. I can't understand why everyone doesn't use it. It didn't make my keyboard obsolete but it was a close call!
   
   The delivery was quick and clean. The product comes with a headset which is the same price in my local store without the voice recognition system.
   
   Once I read an interesting story into the computer so it could get used to my voice, the recognition was extremely good. I will never type 90 words a minute. I don't need to now. I have been speaking that fast all my life and now my computer listens and puts my words on the screen.



3. I am a little disappointed in the product. When I reboot my computer then the program will not reload. In order to use it I have to reinstall the program and then I can use it. In other words it will not work if I shut down the computer for the night.



4. I prefer Via Voice to Naturally Speaking. It is easy to use, has features to scan docs that I did in the past, and dictate words that are new. I find it works well and is easy to dictate to. It writes to both word and its own program, which can then be pasted into a doc. Tech support was also great! I have 3 copies I like it so much.



5. I just purchased viavoice. I read what other users mentioned about usability. It is like any new program. It involves a learning curve. I had my program running on XP. I disabled security during installation and re- enabled after installation.. You just have to tweak it for your system. I called tech support and they told me I should have brought Dragon. I decided to stay with viavoice and after voice test the software recognizes your voice. It is a good program.

No comments about Microsoft Visual FoxPro 9.0 Professional Edition.

No comments about Microsoft Office SharePoint Designer 2007 Version Upgrade.

No comments about Intego ContentBarrier X4 - Macintosh.

5 comments about Norton Internet Security Suite 2007 - 3 User [OLD VERSION].

1. I finally took Norton Internet security 2007 off my computer, which is not an easy task. I kept getting errors that would turn automatic virus protection off! Once it is turned off, only by rebooting the computer could it be turned back on. Norton would say that they downloaded a fix for my error, but it would still randomly happen. It is also slow, large and really takes over your computer. I noticed that other spyware programs would discover spyware when Norton Internet Security did not. I could see that it is very particular of what software programs it will work with...I am a computer technician, I was in love with System Works, now I will avoid this program until they once again establish their customers trust. I know of others now that will not touch this program.



2. I'mnot a computer guy - I'm an outdoor guy but I do not like to have my computers screwed up with viruses and the like. This software was so easy to install, setup and run. A child could do it...ok a grandmother could do it. I have not had any problems with any of my computers since this software was installed.



3. I KEEP COMMING BACK TO NORTON,THEY NOW HAVE SIGN ON {AUTO}.THEY HAVE TAKEN CARE OF ME.



4. I have been a Norton user for several years. In 2005 and 2006 it became a resource hog and I switched. The 2007 and now the 2008 are great, light on the resources and they don't bother you with constant alerts. In my office we are all Norton, it works well at home and on a small business network.



5. There is not much to say.. I got my order on time and Norton Internet Security Suite 2007 is good program.

5 comments about Microsoft Expression Web [OLD VERSION].

1. I'm very disappointed in the new Expression Web from Microsoft. I've been using it for several months now, and thought I needed a book because I was having trouble finding things (like the list of templates Front Page provided). It turns out that they were never there in the first place! This program has less than Front Page (its predecessor) and is much more complex to use. I might as well get with the professional web designers and switch to Dream Weaver. Boooooooo Microsoft!



2. Hey, I test ran all the products, free and otherwise by downloading the full trial versions. Keep in mind, I have been limping along using Microsoft Publisher 2000 to create and maintain my website, seriously, this should tell you what a complete novice I am!! After attempting to use Adobe's Dreamweaver, and then using this product, I have to admit, this product is pretty much idiot proof. I still know nothing about html, or any other thing on this product as of yet (I have not even watched the tutorial video that came with it yet), and I have created a new website design from scratch for my site. This is definately worth the money. I have spent 7 years using Publisher 2000, so I figure for the money I spent on this, if I get that kind of longevity out of this product, it is money well spent.



3. I've been publishing websites since 1998, first using FrontPage1998, then switching to Yahoo's SiteBuilder. I bought Expression, feeling like I needed to step up to "standards-based" web design tool.
   
   After three weeks of work, including studying "Expression Web for Dummies" and "Using Microsoft Expression Web," I am NO closer to figuring out how to put up a decent looking web page. The tutorial CD that came with the package didn't work either, which should have been a clue.
   
   I have had no luck figuring out how to "float divs," or get CSS to lay out in columns, or any such things. The stuff I have been able to do is no more than I would have been able to do it SiteBuilder, which is free.
   
   I loved the old FrontPage because it was intuitive. You didn't have to dig and dig and risk spraining your brain to figure it out. SiteBuilder is a solid tool, though. If I could get my money back from this, I would.
   
   What a disappointment!



4. I spent the money and I am not stupid but this I was not able to master so I paid a professional. Doesn't mean I won't continue trying but not friendly like I thought.



5. 
   I was introduced to Microsoft Expression Web Professional Design Tool and have used it for almost a year at this point. While I have since stepped up to the much steeper learning curve and more archaic add-ons included in Microsoft Expression Studio, Expression Web is still the heart of this product and the best value out of all the components of Studio.
   
   Everybody talks about Expression Web in terms of Frontpage, Dreamweaver, GoLive and the like. Actually this is more of a bridge product between those WSIWIG web page layout tools and something more like Visual Studio. I am familiar with Visual Studio and .Net, have used it in several languages and different projects. And I also used Frontpage for a while, though I must admit I abandoned it quite a long time ago.
   
   If you just want to create webpages, Expression Web or one of the competing products by Adobe, Macromedia and the others should be your choice. I can honestly say that Expression Web has enough extras included in it to even create some light apps and easily achieve CSS type functionality. Plus, there are tons of cool templates and pre-built roll-overs that make nice features very easy to achieve, and easy to enhance with basic programming knowledge.
   
   Now if you need to build some front ends for web applications that require more in depth methods and detailed integration of components then Expression Studio is the program for you. In addition to Expression Web, Studio also includes Blend, Design and Media.
   Web - Design web pages and light apps
   Blend - Integrate your web pages with web tools and parts
   Design - Design graphic pieces easily to use on your pages / apps
   Media - Catalog and retrieve your web applets for easy use on different projects
   
   Of course the Silverlight aspect is still just in its early stages, but so far I have seen a lot of cool stuff made with it. As far as the integration stuff, easier to do basic stuff than Flash. And what's also cool is that you can drill down to the code level and change things very easily. So those who are not hardcore programmers will no longer need to also get Visual Studio to make web apps.
   
   Expression Web is priced right and is the meatiest of the 4 Studio tools. There are lots of cool templates included with it. Unless you really want to create completely new templates, you will probably think the Studio product is overkill. Truthfully, many people will get most of what the need with Expression Web. There's no real way to know without trying them out. For me, I wanted to have the full Studio because I saw a cool demo of how to use it and I knew I could save some time with the Blend and Design components.
   
   If you want to try this before you decide on one or the other, you can download an evaluation copy from Microsoft. Just take my advice and work on it for at least 1 or 2 weeks befoe you decide. There's a lot of stuff in here that you should test out.
   
   I love my Expression Web and now I'm loving Studio. And the best part is that if you get it before the end of June you get a free upgrade to version 2.0.
   
   Enjoy!

No comments about Adobe Dreamweaver CS3 Upgrade [Mac].

5 comments about Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Standard [OLD VERSION].

1. I didn't encounter any problems with this product infact it was much easier to use and it allows you to combine and orginaze text files, chart spreadsheets, drawings, PDF documents and more into a single compressed package with advanced security features it also has many tools, overall this product was fantastic and I cannot recommend this highly enough. The interface and toolbars might be annoying but that is just a slight problem since it can be taken down and become more user friendly. The other reviewers who complained about this being slower need to know that this is just the standard edition which I use, there is a better edition which is The Professional Full Product of Adobe Acrobat 7.0 that also includes an upgrade.....



2. I assumed, incorrectly, that Adobe's customer service would be professional and quick. I have called three times in the past two weeks and have had to wait, at a minimum, 23 MINUTES just to speak to someone.
   When I finally got my product, they sent the Mac verion rather than the PC version I purchased. I called again and waited approximately 30 MINUTES to get customer help. I had originally ordered the PC Standard version and asked to upgrade (and pay difference) for the Professional version -- since I still hadn't received the PC version. Customer service stated that they would ONLY ship me the Standard version to replace the incorrectly shipped Mac Version and then I would have to wait for the Standard verison to arrive at which point I could call again, and ask to exchange for the Professional verion - INSANE!!! Adobe's call center is easily the worst customer service I have dealt with -- and I've dealt with some bad customer service.



3. This will be my last Adobe software. Changed to a new laptop and deactivated and activated to my new new laptop. Now every time I start it needs reactivation. I have disabled outgoing internet access in my firewall from programs like Acrobat because Adobe's habit of doing push marketing into their software. But that screws up the reactivation and you cannot use the software. When I tried the phone automated reactivation, it refused the numbers that the program gave me to enter! The customer service will want an e-mail address to send you a patch to "fix" the reactivation problem and they asked me for phone number as well!
   
   The choice for Adobe is simple, stop doing your push marketing into your software that I pay money to acquire and I will forgive your problems with reactivation. You cannot have your cake and eat it too inconveniencing legitimate users of your software. Adobe has not learnt from Intuit obviously.



4. After buying Adobe Acrobat Std 7 and installing it (tediously I might add); I proceeded happily for ~1 year. Then it quit working!!.. After opening a .pdf file it qould simply stop and terminate!!, no amount of searching gave me any clue, reinstalling severtal times gave me no differnt result. My advice.. save your money. Use Adobe 5 until they have fixed all their glitches...



5. The software arrived in two days in the original packing. Fast response and delivery. 100% satisfied!