All Education and reference

The Bottom Line: The latest digital edition of this trusted reference source emphasizes information over infotainment and is much better than its predecessor.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP, DVD-ROM, XGA monitor, MacOS, Windows

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: Microsoft Streets and Trips 2006 is an easy-to-learn mapping program with lots of extras for GPS users. But for more points of interest, choose DeLorme Street Atlas USA 2006 instead.

Specs: 1 PC, Complete package, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, Intel Pentium II, 2006, 4x CD-ROM, SVGA monitor, Intel Pentium II, Windows

The Bottom Line: Student 2006 is an excellent homework helper for late-elementary, middle, and high-school kids. If you already use Microsoft Office, it's a good buy. If you don't, it's too expensive.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional SP3, 333 MHz, DVD-ROM, Speaker(s), SVGA monitor, 4MB video memory, 16 bit sound card, Mouse or compatible device, 333 MHz, Windows

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 95, Microsoft Windows 98, Apple MacOS 7.6 or later, Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, 12 MB, 16 MB, 4x CD-ROM, Microphone, Sound card, MacOS, Windows

Specs: 1 user, Complete package

Specs: 1 user, Complete package

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, CD-ROM, MacOS, Windows

The Bottom Line: There are sequencing programs that kind of resemble it, but Live is in a category of its own.

The Bottom Line: Streets & Trips 2005 is useful for backseat navigators on long road trips, but for most, online map sites cost less and are just as accurate.

Specs: 1 PC, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, 4x CD-ROM, SVGA monitor, Mouse or compatible device, Windows