Microsoft Flight Simulator X Deluxe DVD Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a general aviation pilot, flying single engine fixed wing Cessna type aircraft (4 seater). Flight Simulator X gives the feeling of actually piloting a plane. The plane responds to the controls much like "the real thing".
Like other reviewers, I must agree that you must have a great computer. I have a dual processor Pentium D 940 running 3.2 Ghz, 4 gb RAM, 512 mb NVIDIA graphic card. On my system, with maxed out graphics and scenery, it runs very well, with only an occasional slight bump in frame-rates. I am somewhat disappointed with the scenery, which is good in major cities, but still basic in the country-side. The terrain is good everywhere, but the structures lack detail in other than the cities. The detail on airport runways and taxiways is terrific! Aircraft list is extensive. I recommend it.

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Shift 2 - Unleashed Review

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(More customer reviews)Just to give you some background on me (so you can take what I say with a grain of salt, depending on what you're looking for from this game) I mostly play racing games that lean far more toward the simulator side (modified versions of GTR2, GTR Evo/Race 07, rFactor, Richard Burns Rally). I have a G25 steering wheel and have my pedals & shifter mounted on stands to more accurately place them where they would be in a car. I'll spend hours trying to whittle away seconds from a lap time. So imagine how excited I was after seeing the technology video on Shift 2.
Out of the box, the game was nearly unplayable on the PC. What it feels like to me is that the game was probably ported to PC, then given a quick slap of force feedback (FFB) that isn't anywhere near being well tuned, in order to get the games released at the same time on all platforms. I say this because I don't believe the physics are entirely to blame here, but after playing other sims and then playing this one, you literally don't get any feedback about what the car is doing other than the resistance of a turn or hitting the wall & other cars (you can't tell what the tires are doing, nor the springs, or how the weight of the car is shifting). In a good racing sim, you can feel when your car starts losing traction in a turn, allowing you to make corrections (letting off the gas, etc). But in Shift 2 it is really hard for me to tell what the chassis is doing. The opening part of the game has you drive a Nissan GT-R (an advanced AWD vehicle) around a small course, and you pretty much can't drive it aggressively from the get-go because you can't feel what the car is doing. It misleads you into believing you're going to make a corner, and then the car slides out sideways without notice (you can't feel anything, you just see it happening). Anyone who has played GTR2/Evo/rFactor will know what I'm talking about. You can jump between various styles of cars in those sims and if you're an experienced driver you can adjust to the new car within a few turns just because you can feel what the car likes & doesn't like, the FFB programming in those sims is that good. It's not like that at all in Shift 2. Switching from the GT-R to the Alfa Romeo (first car you are awarded in the game) wasn't much of a difference in feel at all. Even after purchasing chassis parts & new tires, it felt the same and I never felt confident of what the car was capable or not capable of. You'll basically just end up learning your acceptable corner speeds and the best driving line without feeling what the car is doing, which entirely detracts from what a simulation is about. I make this distinction only because EA made such a huge deal about how realistic this game was going to be. And for someone who is all about the driving aspect of the game, you're going to feel like something is missing. That connection between man and machine. It's more like being a witness to some very pretty graphics.
Private parties (modders) have already made a couple of mods to fix some of the issues in this game. There's a fix to make the sidewalls of the tires stiffer so the reaction to turning is improved (feels less mushy), and I think there's a mod to remove some of the effects of colliding with other objects that cause the lag issue. But this game feels like it's unfinished, if only because of the sub-par FFB. The game looks brilliant with the graphics cranked (better have a fast rig) and the car selection is very nice and highly varied, without having too many cars that nobody will ever touch. Some of the new effects are nice, like the inside-helmet view, the look-to-apex function (which takes some getting used to, since I use TrackIR in other sims, and Shift 2 doesn't support TrackIR [but there is a mod for TrackIR support already too]). Hopefully EA patches this game soon. It really is a solid 4 or 5-star game, marred by very poor feedback support. Heck, if you're going to play it on PC with a gamepad you might really like this game. It is definitely fun (FFB issues aside) and looks great, it just needs some TLC from EA to make it more of a complete offering for people who drive with a steering wheel setup and take their racing games seriously (again, I only mention this because EA made much ado about how realistic this game was going to be).
EDIT - Okay, 1 week and a lot of forum research later, I'm starting to get this dialed in with my G25 wheel. First of all, you need the latest Logitech Profiler software, and you'll need to set the spring effect strength and damper effect strength to about 40% or so (more or less to suit your taste). Most sims don't use these effects, so we tend to set them both to 0%, but EA built their FFB around the use of these two effects, as well as the FFB strength (which I have at 113% currently). I am using 362 degrees of rotation in the Profiler software (not the full 900 like I have in my other sims), and I have the Profiler set up to launch off of the Shift 2 executable (you can do this under Edit -> Properties in the Profiler software). In-game, I have the wheel set to 50% sensitivity with 360 degrees of steering lock. You can widen these figures if you like (460-540 or so) but for some reason it feels really loose to do so in this particular game, and you may be turning the wheel excessively. Now, with these settings in a stock vehicle, it still probably won't feel quite right. That's because you still need to go into each and every car you own in-game and adjust the steering lock in the car's tuning settings itself. Each car will be at default 20 steering lock, and most need to be lowered (for instance, I'm using 18 on the Lotus Elise 111). Plus, the feel of the cars gets proportionally better if you buy better tires & suspension and adjust them halfway decent. It's a shame that EA didn't make it simpler to just hook up your wheel and go, but at least we are figuring this stuff out. I feel like it has seriously marred what could have been a great launch for this game on PC. Also, EA has confirmed that they are coming out with a patch that will eliminate some of the lag in steering response, but I'm not sure when that will be. But the way I have it set up now is miles better than it was when I first started playing it, and I'm really starting to enjoy it as much as I'd originally hoped...

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Shift 2 Unleashed is a multiplayer Simulation Racer for play on PC. Follow-up game to 2009's Need For Speed: Shift, Shift 2 Unleashed leaves the traditional arcade racing associations of the Need For Speed franchise far behind as it immerses the player in an unprecedented level of realistic racing scenarios and functionality. Features include: improved first person perspective via the all-new helmet cam; access to real-world drivers, tracks, and cars; a deep Career Mode; 1-12 online multiplayer support; extensive car customization; and Autolog social networking functionality.

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Quarkxpress 8 Upgrade for mac/win with int Designer Xpert Tools Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been using QuarkXPress since 1994 and I would not be able to do a good job as a graphic designer without it. It is part of my layout arsenal including Illustrator and Photoshop.
I know that InDesign is also a great program but since I started with Quark, I'm staying with Quark as long as they continue to deliver a great piece of software.
The truth is, I looked into getting an Adobe Suite but Adobe did not make it easy or inexpensive to do so. I own 5 other Adobe products that are already included in the suites but I would have had to pay full price (minus $100) to buy a suite. $100 was the only break Adobe would give me as a loyal customer. So for a minimum of $1300 I could buy the basic suite. It just wasn't worth it since the only thing I didn't have was InDesign.
So, getting back to Quark 8.0 upgrade. I upgraded from Quark 7 because I purchased a new computer running Windows 7 64 bit. I wasn't sure if Quark 7 would be compatible but I decided it was just easier to upgrade and be done with it. I've had no problems running on 64 bit Windows 7.
There are some great new features (that really should have been part of the program to begin with).
1.) When you import a picture into a picture box and that picture is larger than the picture box, you can see the rest of the picture faded back (when you unselect the picture box, it goes away). This really helps in positioning a picture. Additionally, you can rotate and scale by grabbing picture corners.
2.) The tools/measurements have more options. For example, the measurements box now gives shortcut access to just about anything like alignments, tabs, runarounds, drop shadows, etc.
3.) Font choices in the measurements box actually displays a sample of the font.
4.) You can create a plain box. Not a picture box, not a text box, just a box to be used for fill or whatever. That box can later be defined as either text or picture.
5.) The object alignment options are now the same as Illustrator, flush left, flush right, center, flush top, flush bottom, distribute evenly both horizontally or vertically, etc. and are easy to get to in the measurement box.
6.) You can import native Illustrator (.ai) and Photoshop (.PSD) files although I try not to do this since I eventually go back to make them flattened files before publishing.
7.) It is much easier to edit shapes with the expanded Bezier tool options.
8.) Just about every tool has been enhanced with more options or more common options and shortcuts from other programs.
There are really too many changes to keep listing but Quark's website has a lot of detail as well. I'll try to come back and update as I come across new things or crash issues.
I have had just a couple of crashes in the two months I've been using it. They seemed to be related to text reflow and table editing -- two things that I had trouble with in previous Quark versions.
Other than that, I have had no trouble in setting up new projects, editing previous versions, exporting for print or navigable PDF's for online posting.
The thing that keeps Quark as an industry leader in publishing is the ability to manipulate type so precisely. That and the detail and flexibility in style sheets, master pages and 'find and replace' options.
I really think that Quark has taken a good product and brought it well up to speed with competitors in the industry. It is worth every penny to upgrade.

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H&R Block At Home 2009 Deluxe Federal + State + eFile Review

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(More customer reviews)(Note: This review also shows up in the reviews for the download version. Don't ask me why Amazon doesn't show the reviews in both places for what's really the same product, with just different delivery mechanisms. I bought the box version, if you want to know.)
This part written Dec 9, 2009 (see updated comments below)
This is of course a preliminary review (written Dec 9 based on use in the last few days). At this time one can't do more than a rough cut estimate of the tax return -- the IRS forms aren't finalized, the state forms aren't available, and of course the various income reports (W2, 1099, etc.) aren't out yet.
I don't have a super complicated tax situation this year: it just requires some things that a good tax program should handle easily. So far this program seems to do just fine. I found it easy to use, and found that imports from Quicken and from TXF files worked without any problems. Schedules A, B, and D worked just fine, and the related screens were easy to use and understand. Excess FICA was calculated correctly, as was the child tax credit. The AMT calculation does of course remain weirdly complicated (once a year I mutter to myself about all politicians in DC), but the program does take care of it with no apparent problems.
I used TaxCut last year -- chose it over TurboTax just because of cost, and was quite satisfied. I'm not convinced this year either that you get value for the extra you pay for TT. (Incidentally, note that if you have investment income you probably need to get TT Premium, so the price would be nearly double that of HRB Deluxe.)
A warning I wrote in my review last year seems worth repeating: Don't expect a tax program to apply tax laws correctly in all circumstances; for anything at all out of the ordinary, make sure you double-check against an IRS guide or another guide like JK Lasser's. The folks who design and write and test the programs make mistakes, too. And for the same reason, give the calculations a sanity check, don't just use the program blindly, or you could get tripped up by a software bug that wasn't caught.
I will update this review in Jan/Feb when I've had a chance to do more with it.
Update Jan 29, 2010:
I have now done a first complete pass on my taxes, based on W2s, 1099s, and some projected 1099s. I also have had an opportunity to use TurboTax Deluxe (I got a free copy, legally), so have been able to compare the two products.
I continue to like HRB Deluxe. It's easy to use, and has been trouble-free. There are a couple of things I particularly like, that might be worth mentioning. (1) They show you when the next update is expected, so you don't waste your time running the update check until there is something. (2) Entering info from interest paying mutual funds that might have muni income (tax-free for Fed) is simple: HRB gives you a simple way to enter the amount that's tax-free in your state, and takes care of it without hassle. TT can also deal with this, but I don't like their way as much (they create a separate 1099 to split the income into two parts).
Interestingly, TTD is also noticeably slower starting up than HRBD. Don't know why.
The one advantage TT does have over HRB is on coverage of automated downloads: TT can download your 1099 info from a larger set of institutions than can HRB. W2 downloads look the same between the two. This does save some time, and could be sufficient to be a decider for some. Not for me.


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H&R Block At Home Deluxe includes everything you need to easily complete your federal and state taxes, plus five free federal e-files. With a new, easy-to-use interface, H&R Block At Home Deluxe searches for hundreds of deductions to get customers the biggest refund.
Ideal for homeowners and investors, the program includes personalized tax guidance and features available only from H&R Block, such as built-in expertise and audit support with guidance, plus an H&R Block enrolled agent to represent customers in the event of an audit.


At Home Deluxe Investors / Homeowners The right choice for customers with more complex tax situations to easily complete their federal and state returns. Includes five free federal e-files and built-in expertise available only from H&R Block!

Includes these features:
Customized interview process to help customers easily complete their federal and state taxes.
Five free federal e-files.
Personalized tax guidance for popular occupations and specific deductions, plus answers to FAQs.
Audit support with guidance, plus an H&R Block enrolled agent to represent you in the event of an audit. Included when you file a federal return.
Guidance for reporting investments, dividends, home sales, and retirement income.
Advice, tips, and planning tools for the upcoming year.
Easily import W-2, 1099, and data from last year's return.
Quickly import data from TaxCut, TurboTax, Quicken, Microsoft Money, and H&R Block DeductionPro software.
H&R Block DeductionPro software to maximize tax savings from donations.


Compare At Home Editions

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AVG Antivirus and Antispyware 3-User 2011 Review

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(More customer reviews)My daughter managed to download a virus on her computer while having McAfee anti-virus protection installed. I had to take it to a computer repair shop to remove it. Of course that was expensive. The repair shop advised me to switch to even the free version of AVG anti-virus protection. They told me they find it more effective than other more popular programs. I installed the free version on all our computers. I haven't had any problems since. However, when I had the chance to upgrade to the 2011 protection that includes social networking, I was excited being that teens are on facebook so much. The free version of AVG DO NOT include:
* Protection against hacker attacks
* Protection against downloading and sharing files
* Protection against infected instant message exchanges
* Protection against spam
* Protection for business computers, networks and servers
* Free support from AVG's expert technicians
This version does have all this added protection. I had no trouble installing it on my Windows 7 computer. It did not automatically load on my Vista computers so I had to download it from AVG's website. Not a big deal. The first scan run on my teen's computer indicated 2 suspicious files (not found on the free version apparently) and removed them. I feel much safer with this new version and the added protection and support. I highly recommend AVG from my past experience and will continue to use it on all our home computers.

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AVG Anti-Virus 2011 offers real-time protection against today's most sophisticated threats. You will be able to chat, download and exchange files with confidence. Play games and watch videos without worry or interruption.
It's important to use the right level of protection for your needs. See how AVG's layered protection products compare.

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Medieval II Total War Review

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(More customer reviews)When I first got this installed and running on my middle-of-the-road system I was expecting it to be a chugging, slow mess. I was happily surprised to find that except for battles against larger cities or against thousands of foes, it runs just fine. I have yet to have a crash, something which in this day and age of "shove it out the door broken and patch it later" game releases is to be commended.
The graphics are beautiful but are not the amazing leap forward like occurred from Medieval 1 to Rome. Think of it more as putting an extra coat of shiny polish on your car. The effects of firing flaming arrows and the pageantry of heraldric colors on the knights and other troops are beautiful to watch. The little movies showing events like weddings and your assassins' antics are often genuinely hilarious (until you've seen them all 100 times). But all that is also just eye candy, there's very little NEW here that wasn't in Rome. Also, the medieval setting has now been done to death in this game's predecessor and other games in the last few years and I'm praying that the next title WON'T be a remake of the original Shogun but will move the series squarely into the gunpowder age, culminating with Napoleon. Enough with the primitive and medieval weapons and tactics.
The AI has been improved marginally, but I am still attacked for ridiculously random reasons no matter the difficulty level I play on. As England I had developed into one of the largest powers on the map and Portugal inexplicably attacked me without provocation despite our neutral relations (not "poor" or "abysmal", mind you) and trade rights. Needless to say they were immediately squashed, but why would they even bother? This is not intelligent AI, it's just annoying AI. Alliances seem to be equally meaningless when they are made with the human and are difficult to achieve unless the AI brings it to you. I have yet to ever form one when I initiate the offer even when it would be a massive advantage to the comp.
Battle AI is more clever at using its archers as harassment and has no hesitation in squashing yours if you leave them unguarded. When outnumbered it does tend to sit there passively as one other reviewer wrote. I have nearly obliterated an entire force with archers while they just sat there in the corner before the general turned tail and withdrew.
Overall, it's a small step forward and the Rome engine is certainly beautiful to watch in action. The Total War series still is unparalleled in strategic enjoyment on both levels but the next offering in the series needs to be groundbreaking in both time period and AI complexity.

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Instant Immersion Japanese Levels 1, 2 & 3 Review

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(More customer reviews)For the money, this is a great product. I've never used Rosetta Stone or any other language learning products, but I think its fun & effective. The games are all so much fun & it does help you learn Japanese.

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Instant Immersion
The quickest way to learn -- guaranteed.
Instant Immersion uses natural image-association techniques to help you learn as easily as you learned your first language. With Instant Immersion, you will have more fun, save money and reach your goals faster -- guaranteed*!
Level 1 screenshot. View larger.

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