General 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: DeLorme Street Atlas USA 2006 isn't as easy to use as Microsoft Streets and Trips 2006, but it displays far more restaurants and other attractions. Its comprehensiveness makes it a solid buy.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, 300 MHz Intel Pentium, 2006, 32x CD-ROM drive, 300 MHz Intel Pentium

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, CD-ROM, MacOS, Windows

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista, 500 MHz, Keyboard, 2x CD-ROM, SVGA monitor, Mouse or compatible device, 500 MHz, Windows

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows Vista, 7.0, CD-ROM, SVGA monitor, Windows

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows Vista SP1, Apple MacOS X 10.3.9 - 10.5.2, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP3, Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP3, 266 MHz, 800 MHz, 867 MHz, Printer, Keyboard, 8x DVD-ROM, SVGA monitor, Mouse or compatible device, Internet connection 33.6 Kbps, DirectX 10.0 compatible graphics card, 266 MHz, 800 MHz, 867 MHz, MacOS, Windows, Firefox 1.5, Firefox 2.0, Safari 3.0.4, QuickTime 7.4, Internet Explorer 5.0 or later

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Apple MacOS 7.1, Microsoft Windows 95, Microsoft Windows 98, 15 MB, 16 MB, Speaker(s), 2x CD-ROM, Sound card, MacOS, Windows