Nothing revolutionary, but this simple and affordable music-production program feels both mature and modern

Another big improvement, but this time it’s enough to make PowerDirector a worthy alternative to its mainstream rivals

Plenty of features and strong security complemented by a clean interface.

A well thought out site with plenty of features, including SMS alerts.

A new interface, smart albums, guided editing and photo merging keep Photoshop Elements ahead of the pack

A highly usable all-round security suite, but ultimately a strong runner-up rather than a new champion.

Refocusing on disc-related features makes Nero the top choice for optical disc authoring.

AVCHD support and some useful new effects keep this as the leading entry-level video editor.

A three-PC licence as standard, superb silent interface and effective security utilities make Norton 360 a tempting buy.

A highly polished, enthralling 3D guide to the universe, although it lacks convincing reasons to upgrade.

New multiple page support and improved text handling, but the program’s main strength remains its underlying speed.

New realism for bristled brushes and automatic painting that approaches manual quality give Painter X an edge.

A disappointingly modest number of improvements, although they’re well integrated into the complete suite.

A comprehensive set of security tools in one package, with a convenient and easy-to-use interface.

This version sees a new maturity, with more server integration and easier-to-use controls online forms.

Live’s standing as a general-purpose music-production environment continues to grow.

Added features and fixed bugs mean that Firefox remains our browser of choice

With its enhanced interface, support for transparency and new collaboration features, it’s the best release in years.

PowerPoint’s ease of use, The efficient web delivery of Flash, and a truly professional player.