All Graphics and publishing

The Bottom Line: For composing long PDF packages at an office that requires security and wants to use the new digital forms, Acrobat's got the goods, but it's overkill if you only seek to make short PDF files.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2, Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2, Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition SP2, 8.0, CD-ROM, XGA monitor, Windows, Internet Explorer 6.0

The Bottom Line: If you don't already have iLife and you deal with digital media, you should get iLife '06. If you have an older version, think carefully about whether the new features are worth the price.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Apple MacOS X 10.3.9, Apple MacOS X 10.4.3, 733 MHz, DVD-ROM, 733 MHz, MacOS, iTunes 6.0.2, QuickTime 7.0.4

The Bottom Line: If you need a midlevel Web site design app, Microsoft FrontPage 2003 is a good choice, but professionals should use Macromedia Dreamweaver instead.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP or later, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP3 or later, 180 MB, Intel Pentium 233 MHz, 128 MB, CD-ROM, SVGA monitor, Intel Pentium, 233 MHz, Windows

The Bottom Line: Roxio Easy Media Creator 8 builds on past success by offering a huge range of features and unparalleled ease of use, making it the right suite for most people.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP, 1 GB, 500 MHz, 128 MB, 8, CD-ROM, DirectX 9.0 compatible graphics card, 500 MHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 5.01 or later, Windows Media Player 7.1 or later

The Bottom Line: Adobe Photoshop Elements 4 adds even more power to an already top-flight image editor/organizer package. Equipped with a chic interface and a fantastic toolbox, Elements is the best choice for digital photographers who want to put their photo collection in order and share with others.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, 800 MHz, 4.0, CD-ROM, XGA monitor, DirectX 9.0 compatible sound card, DirectX 9.0 compatible graphics card, 800 MHz, Windows

The Bottom Line: Adobe Premiere Elements 2 is a great video editor for those willing to take the time and effort to learn it.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP1, Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP1, 800 MHz, 2.0, CD-ROM, XGA monitor, DirectX 9.0 compatible sound card, 800 MHz, Windows

The Bottom Line: Corel Paint Shop Pro X is a good investment for digital photographers at any level.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, Intel Pentium 500 MHz, 500 MHz, XGA monitor, Intel Pentium 500 MHz, 500 MHz, Windows

The Bottom Line: This light version of Premiere Pro successfully brings that package's power to home users.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Intel Pentium, 800 MHz, 1.0, CD-ROM, XGA monitor, IEEE 1394 FireWire port, Intel Pentium, 800 MHz, Windows

The Bottom Line: Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Professional is a comprehensive application that's necessary for publishing documents that can be read on any platform.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP2, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, 7.0, CD-ROM, XGA monitor, Windows, Internet Explorer 5.5 or later

The Bottom Line: Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Professional is a comprehensive application that's necessary for publishing documents that can be read on any platform.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Apple MacOS X 10.3, Apple MacOS X 10.2.8, 7.0, CD-ROM, XGA monitor, MacOS