Genie Backup Manager by Genie-Soft. This software is a powerful, versatile backup tool capable of just about any backup task you can dream up. This program has more custom backup options available than any other backup software package we reviewed.
The program does require some basic technical experience to maneuver quickly through its navigation and custom installs.
Feature Set:
Genie Backup Manager offers several excellent features, including the ability to backup emails, the registry (your computer's index), Internet Explorer settings, MSN, Windows settings, all of your Favorites settings and more. Genie Backup Manager backs up more types of data than any other consumer data backup software on the market. Also, you can schedule custom backups any time, attach a timestamp and add an encrypted password for security.
Genie Backup Manager can also backup data to a remote FTP location (so you can access your backup over the Internet), to DVD or CD, or to a set of media with disk spanning (convenient for unmonitored backups). You have tremendous data storage versatility with Genie Backup, including the ability to pick a new location for any backup. (Some programs don't allow you to alter the backup location without reinstalling.)
You can specify exactly what you want to backup with Genie Backup Manager but if you want to backup everything at once you must select the sections individually; this is time-consuming.
Other features that would add convenience include a one-click, system-wide backup button and system recovery tools. If Genie Backup Manager offered these we'd give their software top marks for features.
Ease of Use:
Genie Backup Manager was simple to install and setup; we had no errors or long waits.
The Genie Backup Manager opening screen is clear, easy to understand. After you leave the startup page, however, the program becomes a little more complicated. You'll have to sift through some of the technical choices to customize your backup. The process is more technical but you can still figure it out. Some of the advantage—Genie Backup Manager has more customization choices than most backup software.
Backup/Restore:
Our backup ran smoothly and the restored data worked perfectly.
To restore data, we simply copied the backup file back to the hard drive after reinstalling the operating system, double clicked the backup icon, selected "Backup to Restore" then pressed the Restore button.
Spy Sweeper
Defend your computer and your identity from prying spyware with Spy Sweeper. This anti–spyware program is equipped to beat off malicious, information seeking applications to keep your data private and safe.
This program offers three different scans, including a quick scan that can promptly quarantine and access levels of risk in less than a minute. It can also run selective scans if you want to exclude specific file types. This program is so simple to use that computer novices can configure their settings, yet it offers the kind of protection that computer pros demand.
Now you can explore the Internet, download files and share files without worries, this program can protect your computer no matter what you do online. Additionally, all updates are free and technical support is free.
Spy Sweeper works with Windows Vista with an upgrade from Webroot's website.
Feature Set:
Spy Sweeper is continually evolving and the newest version 5.5 is better than ever. It runs without bogging down your system and can run quick, custom or full sweeps in record time.
This program has fifteen shields, which include shields that protect from tracking cookies, explorer hijacks, keyloggers, ad sites and much more. If you don’t know what kind of protection you want, the program will run 12 recommended shields.
After a scan, Spy Sweeper provides easy–to–understand reports. When items are detected the report assigns a level of risk and description for each item. You can then quarantine, delete or restore the discovered items. Spy Sweeper can also keep you informed of immediate threats by warning you if an application is trying to install on your computer.
Effectiveness:
Spy Sweeper stays one step ahead of spyware with adaptive technology that anticipates spyware mutations before they have an accepted defense definition. This program found and removed virtually 100 percent of the spyware and adware we tested it against. This program also utilizes rootkit technology to dig out malicious programs that try to conceal themselves deep within your computer.
Ease of Use:
Spy Sweeper is extremely easy to use and has a well–organized interface with tabs for all major functions. This program takes the guess work out of configuring your security with easy–to–understand recommended settings and alerts for when you need to update.
Customization:
Spy Sweeper offers the ability to support multiple users on a single computer, giving each user the ability to customize the program to their security preferences.
Other valuable customization options include the ability to choose when and which portions of your computer are to be scanned and you can exclude specific file types. With this ability, you can safeguard your desired setting and speed up scan times.
Ease of Setup:
Spy Sweeper installs quickly and easily and upgrades install with similar ease.
Evidence Eliminator
Evidence Eliminator has more features than any other product in the marketplace, some of which can be attributed with being in the marketplace longer than most competitors.
Ease of Use:
While Evidence Eliminator is not as easy to configure as some of the other competitors products, it leads the competitors in what it can do. Evidence Eliminator is so complete; that it may wash or clean more than you think. If you have a technical background, you will be in great shape. If you are a non-techie, make sure you understand the options you are setting before you perform any of the wash/cleaning functions. Definitely read the help document to understand all of the terminology. The help and documentation is outstanding. You can learn a lot about the internal workings of your computer and what information is stored on your computer after surfing the Internet or running applications.
Ease of Installation/Setup:
Evidence Eliminator was an easy application to install. Even though it wasn't the easiest application to use, it is by far the most advanced application in the marketplace.
Privacy Effectiveness:
One word of caution, if you are not careful, you could accidentally delete all of the folders you have created in Outlook Express. By default it will delete all non-standard folders in Outlook Express. There is a nice safety check for beginners using the Evidence Eliminator application that allows you to be notified before a large number of files are deleted. This prevents you from accidentally deleting your entire hard-drive. Evidence Eliminator is the only product that claims to have magnetic resonance to evade the detection of files from an electron microscope, which are used by certain law enforcement agencies when conducting thorough investigations.
Feature Set:
Evidence Eliminator has by far the biggest variety of options than all the other products reviewed.
BitDefender 2008
This latest version of BitDefender has a new Gamer Mode feature that minimizes impact on gaming performance so you can play safe. The software still has all of the reliable features for which Bitdefender is known such as “Privacy Protection” for outgoing personal information, “Web Scanning” while you’re using the Internet and “Rootkit Detection and Removal,” which detects then removes hidden virus programs.
BitDefender has also improved their existing B–HAVE feature that runs pieces of software on a virtual computer to detect code that could be an unknown virus. In addition, a setup wizard makes it easy to customize security settings.
Ease of Use:
Softwin has covered all of the bases with BitDefender. This comprehensive product has an attractive, easy–to–use design that is consistent throughout the software and the manufacturer’s website. Because it is simple to use and updates itself automatically, you can install it on your system, then practically forget it’s there—an ideal solution for any user.
BitDefender creates a small window called the “File Zone” on your desktop that indicates how many files the program has scanned in the past few minutes. You can also drag and drop files into the File Zone for an immediate scan. The program prepares a report of each completed scan so you know exactly what your files do or do not contain and you can instruct BitDefender to disinfect or remove any infected files or messages.
You can also customize BitDefender’s security settings for features such as AntiVirus, Firewall, Antispam, Antispyware and Parental Control.
Effectiveness:
BitDefender’s customizable settings make the program effective for a variety of users. For example, if you receive legitimate commercial email, you can set BitDefender’s spam filters to allow specific or all emails.
Virus Bulletin rated BitDefender a VB100%, the highest honor for anti–virus software.
The VB 100% logo is awarded to anti–virus products that detect all current “in the wild” viruses during both on–demand and on–access scanning in Virus Bulletin’s comparative tests.
Additionally, BitDefender passed the ICSA 2007—a similar test that certifies the software can detect viruses, prevent virus replication, and doesn’t generate false positives.
Updates:
The live update feature checks for product and virus definition updates at either a user–defined interval, manually or default (every hour). When you do a manual check for updates, you can decide which updates to install. When the software automatically checks for updates, it can update the files immediately or at a specified time that you can determine during setup.
Feature Set:
BitDefender uses the ICSA Labs certified scanning engines, so you can feel secure about their virus protection.
The program creates a summary log of events that shows the last definitions updates, details on any virus the software encounters, the last time you ran a scan, definitions number and more. And new in 2008, Bitdefender has added a Gamer Feature so it won't tax your memory during intense gaming.
BitDefender’s startup guard will tell you if a program is trying to load itself upon start up so you can choose to allow it or not. This software suite also comes with adware and spyware detectors. Though we recommend using an antispyware scanner, as they are designed specifically for this purpose, it is nice to have two programs working towards a common goal, to keep your computer clean.
Ease of Installation:
This product is easy to download from their website.
Advanced System Optimizer 2.2
Advanced System Optimizer contains a powerful set of utilities and diagnostic tools that will help you boost your PC’s performance. The navigation style for Advance System Optimizer compliments Windows XP, making the program user–friendly for the registry novice.
Why do you need registry repair software? If you want to make your computer faster, fix a recurring error, repair broken links or catch early signs of severe problems, you need to use registry repair software. This software makes the complex task of cleaning and optimizing your computer registry smooth and simple.
Ease of Use:
Advanced System Optimizer is extremely simple. The navigation is divided into categories, so if you want to clean your system, you can go to the section devoted to system cleaning. If you are familiar with the look of Windows XP, you will love the design of Advanced System Optimizer.
Feature Set:
Advanced System Optimizer combines an excellent registry cleaner with an outstanding utilities package. The package applications include System Cleaners, System Optimizers, System Tools, Privacy and Security, Internet and Email, Organizers, Backup and Restore, Safe Execution, Files and Folders, and a Beautify Windows Section.
The Auto-Start manager lets you have instant access to programs that start automatically when you logon to your computer. This feature will show you exactly what is running on your machine at logon and allows you the option to delete or disable troublesome startup items.
With this program, you can easily customize areas you want the registry cleaner to avoid. Another useful feature is the System Analyzer and Advisor—you’ll receive expert advice on how to optimize your computer; you may choose to either implement or ignore the advice. If you adopt the recommendations, the program automatically adjusts your computer settings using the advice specifications—you don’t have to implement changes yourself.
This utility pack also comes with a spyware detector. While there are more powerful spyware removal tools on the market, experience shows that two spyware nets are better than one.
Advanced System Optimizer also comes with a cool little posting notes application. This program allows you to create little sticky notes, but these notes don’t clutter the border of your monitor. You can quickly access notes on the bottom icon panel.
Ease of Installation:
There were no complications during the installation of Advanced System Optimizer.
Help/Support:
The help and documentation segment for this program is excellent. The package comes with a manual that is easily accessed through the Help button. FAQs and email support can be accessed from the SysTweak homepage and from the program.
Safety:
Advanced System Optimizer does a great job identifying potential problems. The program makes you place a system restore point before you are permitted to delete any material—this precaution makes it simple to restore your machine to its original state if there are problems booting up again. You can also restore changes you made during previous scans.
The program breaks errors into groups identified by familiar Windows XP Icons and gives a brief description on why the file was marked as an error. Another safety feature–can double click on an error and it will take you directly to the error in the registry.
Advanced System Optimizer does not rate the severity of each error, so it’s challenging sometimes to make an informed choice about which items to fix and which items to delete.
PowerDirector 6
This video editing software even has a YouTube wizard that can quickly post your video in a few easy steps.
You have total creative control over your video creations. With PowerDirector, you can add music, menus and correct errors easily. In addition, this software makes smooth transitions with over 140 transition choices and unique effects using nearly 60 special effect filters.
Whether you want to create an art film, capture a family memory or create a "most viewed" video clip for your favorite video sharing site, PowerDirector has the Magic Tools to get you from raw footage to a finished piece faster than you can yell, "CUT!"
Editing Tools/Options:
Among PowerDirector’s standout and most powerful editing tools are the Magic Tools. These automated editors allow you to perform complex edits, like creating pan effects or matching the soundtrack to the video length, in one simple step.
The Magic Tools include:
Magic Movie Wizard, a new feature in PowerDirector 6, allows you to take raw footage and turn it into a professional-looking movie in four easy steps. Simply choose the video, photos, theme and sound—PowerDirector does the rest.
Magic Motion enables you to select part of a still image or a face in a video clip and zoom in and out or create a pan effect.
Magic Clean removes common flaws, like shaky video, blurriness and red-eye, in videos and photos to turn amateur-looking footage into a clean-looking cut. The side-by-side comparison tool makes it easy to compare the original version with the new version.
Magic Music makes it easy to import audio, use one of the 30 provided songs or purchase a song from their vast library of background selections.
Other Magic tools include: Magic Cut, which turns hours of video into a high-quality, condensed version; Magic Style, which takes your video and inserts it into an edible, pre-designed theme; and Magic Fix, which smoothes shaky video and clarifies blurry footage.
Video Capture/Playback:
We did not experience installation or set up problems with PowerDirector. We installed this software on a Pentium 4 HT with a GB of RAM and this system ran the program and worked with video files easily. Keep in mind the system requirements for this program before installing; you need at least 512 MB of RAM and a Pentium 4 for newer formats. These kind of system requirements are common for video editing programs, since they require multitasking, usually with large files.
Ease of Use:
Video editing software is, by nature, complicated with many functions and features. Be prepared to spend a few hours playing and experimenting so you can enjoy everything the software offers. Nonetheless, we found PowerDirector to be user-friendly. We only had to refer to the manual a few times to create a short clip with a lot of special effects, transitions and audio editing.
Ease of Installation:
We didn’t encounter any problems installing or uninstalling PowerDirector 6.
Help/Support:
Cyberlink provides ample help and support. We found the integrated help section to be the most useful. This is an electronic version of the manual, except it doesn’t have any diagrams. Additional help can be found on their website including a FAQs page, searchable knowledge base and tutorials.
Net Nanny Parental Controls 5.5
This web-filtering program combines cutting-edge technology with non-technical settings and reports—perfect for informed, proactive parents who may not be computer or Internet savvy.
Net Nanny 5.5 emerged when ContentWatch, the industry leader in web filter technology and 4 year TopTenREVIEWS Gold award winner, acquired Net Nanny. ContentWatch pooled Dynamic Contextual Analysis, remote administration, an innovative, user-friendly interface and a trusted name into the best filtering product available on the market today.
If you’re a former Net Nanny user, you will notice a few features that aren’t included in the new 5.5 version. These features include email filtering and the ability to create a customized blocked list of applications.
In August 2004, the Walt Disney company chose ContentProtect as the Internet Filter to be used on the new Disney Dream Desk PC. Net Nanny has also received high ratings from PC Magazine.
Feature Set:
Standout features in the new Net Nanny include the remote management and remote reporting functions. ContentWatch was the only product to offer these convenient features and now they are available under the Net Nanny brand. The remote function allows you, as the administrator, to be anywhere in the world with a computer and Internet connection and access activity logs and make configuration changes. You can stay current on the Internet use in your home while at wok or on vacation.
Net Nanny 5.5 uses Dynamic Contextual Analysis to filter web content. In other words, CNN.com might be blocked in the morning because of a very violent news story. However, an hour later, when the website content changes, the site will again be allowed. This software also has the option of a “warning” function as opposed to a “blocking” function. The user receives a warning of objectionable material, but then is permitted to proceed without interruption or restriction.
Net Nanny can instantly notify parents via email if children attempt to access objectionable material. Another practical feature is the ability to override blocked websites quickly with a password.
Ease of Use:
This product is designed with people who are “technologically challenged” in mind. In the Administration Tools interface are well-labeled categories under two headings—User Settings and Family Settings. The Categories include Profile Settings, Time Controls, Reports and Email Notifications. The remote access interface is similar and just as easy to use.
Ease of Installation:
The download and installation were quick and easy. If you need to install the product on multiple computers, the software allows you to carry over customized settings to each of your computers. Thus saving time and producing consistency.
Filtering Effectiveness:
We tested the software for overblocking (websites that should not have been blocked) and underblocking (websites that should have been blocked, but were not). Net Nanny passed our tests successfully but not perfectly. Overblocking occurred from time to time, but with the immediate override function, it wasn’t a big inconvenience. Very few instances of underblocking occurred, even with foreign language websites. We were pleasantly surprised because most Internet filtering programs have problems detecting pornography on foreign language websites.
Tell Me More Spanish
This software is an outstanding solution for your Spanish learning needs. The program is well designed, easy to use and offers the most extensive set of features of any Spanish software product available, including powerful speech recognition technology. Speech recognition technology software allows the computer to recognize what you say, assess your pronunciation and correct your mistakes.
Tell Me More is specifically designed to grow with you as you learn Spanish. They not only have a great beginner Spanish program, but their intermediate and advanced programs are unbeatable. No matter what your current level of Spanish-speaking ability, Tell Me More is an adaptable, fun solution.
Feature Set:
The best way to begin learning Spanish is in Guided Mode. You can select lesson paths then view your progress. This mode includes a diary where you can set realistic goals concerning study time and habits-helpful, because setting and tracking realistic goals will help you remain committed to learning. Each time you log on, you can track how closely your progress matches your goals. No other language program offers this type of goal-setting ability.
Next you have Free-to-Roam Mode. In this mode you can choose from a list of different work shops, including: lessons, oral or written practice, vocabulary, grammar and cultural studies. Within each of these workshops you can customize your learning experience and progress at your own pace.
Dynamic Mode, the final type, offers a truly intelligent way of managing your learning. The software analyses your progress as you work then adjusts the next activities in your course according to your results in each exercise. Dynamic mode also allows you to build a personal profile that includes your own learning preferences and your progress in those areas.
Tell Me More is leaps and bounds ahead of the competition-particularly in speech recognition-a technology essential to correct pronunciation. We were surprised to find that Tell Me More is the only package that included its own headset. Other products offer you this technology, but the package they deliver is not nearly as sophisticated or as complete as Tell Me More. In fact, 10 of the 15 products we reviewed claim to have speech recognition capabilities, but the program in Tell Me More actually works well. Tell Me More software evaluated our tester's pronunciation and automatically detected and corrected any errors. The program even includes 3D animation to illustrate the movements of the lips and mouth to help you pronounce each word. Tell Me More is rich with features that are not only interesting, but useful. When we tried to record our tester's speech to compare it to a native speaker in most of the other language learning programs, the software would either not work, crashed our machines, or lacked accuracy offering both false praise and weak criticism.
One of the main concerns a potential buyer may have when considering this product is price. At $265.50 dollars, this software is more than double most other programs. But if you are a serious student of Spanish, Tell Me More is a superior package worth the extra cost-here's why: the speech recognition is more accurate than that of other programs, the software offers more learning and tracking options and Tell Me More Spanish includes three learning packages in one box: beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Many other products in this review offer you the beginning package; if you want advanced levels you must buy them separately.
Ease of Use:
The simplicity of the new Tell Me More screen instructions devastates the competition. Auralog takes advantage of Macromedia Flash technology, which makes the program visually appealing. The screens are simple, the controls intuitive and the program offers multiple on-screen demonstrations if you ever need them.
Ease of Installation:
There was no problem during the installation process. The package includes four discs-one installation disk and three other disks-one each for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Help/Support:
The Help section for this software is excellent. Auralog did a suburb job; every screen has a help button that covers any number of concerns. The help is content-sensitive-the help you receive is relevant to where you are in the program. Tell Me More offers a guided tutorial on each page that walks you through all of the functions available to you in that area. There is also an Internet access button that instantly takes you to the Auralog website where you can view an online user manual, FAQs and the latest updates. They also offer a Spanish club and tutoring services. Their technical support telephone number is (888) 388-3535.
Fundamentals:
This software covers all of the core curriculum areas for learning the Spanish language thoroughly. Beyond fundamentals, Tell Me More Spanish offers students an unsurpassed cultural learning experience, including geography. Fun activities in their map section help you learn the names and locations of rivers, cities, and capitals.
Effectiveness:
Tell Me More Spanish is the most effective product on the market for learning Spanish. The software is built with a great combination of games and structured lessons to give you the varied learning environment you need to learn a foreign language.
WinWay Resume Deluxe 11
This software allows you to customize your resume and cover letter to match the job you want. WinWay Resume Deluxe will also teach you interviewing skills, manage your contact information and help you search online for jobs.
WinWay Resume Deluxe will help you create error-free, professional resumes. The program's features include a resume auditor that checks resumes for common errors and writing tips to help you sharpen and fine–tune your resume.
This program shows you how to create a chronological resume, a functional resume or how to incorporate a nice combination of both styles. You can also easily customize your resume to fit your specific job level—entry level, recent graduate, management level, and more.
WinWay Resume Deluxe includes a job interviewer that allows you to practice responding to common interview questions. The program also offers links to popular job search engines. We liked the Contact Manager feature—a quick index tool that kept our names, phone numbers and addresses organized and easy to access.
Ease of Use/Installation:
WinWay Resume Deluxe is easy to use. We had no problems installing and using the software.
The opening screen has a resume wizard that walks you through resume creation step-by-step (see screenshot one, below). In the resume wizard, you can also create a resume cover letter and view videos that offer pointers on presenting yourself at job interviews. WinWay even offers further videos to help you learn how to negotiate your salary and other job-related skills. You may also search for jobs, view resources, and manage your contact information.
If you opt to close the wizard, the program still offers easy access to all the program features. Clearly marked tabs are used to help you navigate to the right place in the program (see screenshot two, below).
Edit/Organization Tools:
WinWay Resume Deluxe has a toolbox chock full of editing and organization tools to help you create the perfect resume. And to further polish the look of your resume, this program offers you borders, headers, images, themes and more than 200 professional fonts to choose from.
The resume auditor performs several vital functions, including: evaluating your content, searching for missing information, searching for gaps in employment history, checking page layout for readability, and more.
The resume auditor will also tally your action verbs so you can be certain that your resume is active, not passive. In short, the resume auditor analyzes and verifies that your resume is at its best.
The only editing feature that we didn't find in WinWay was a thesaurus; this would have been useful to help with word selection.
Customer Service:
We contacted WinWay and received a prompt response to all our questions. Their customer service is excellent.
Microsoft Student with Encarta Premium 2008
Teamed with MSN Encarta and Hotmath.com, this product covers all geometry topics including the history of geometry, quotes, graphs, math articles, formulas and more. One of the best features of this product is its online homework tutor through Hotmath.com. It includes fourteen popular geometry textbooks. Students simply choose their book, and then go to the page and problem number to get step-by-step instructions on how to solve a similar problem with hints and drawings.
Not only does Microsoft Student with Hotmath.com, offer the best geometry homework help we could find, but it also covers every school subject, so students only need one program to help them succeed in all of their coursework. Microsoft Student even has its own easy-to-use search that can locate trusted sources of information including articles, photos, web links, dictionary entries, maps, quotes and more.
Teaching Tools:
Inside the program there is a fully-functional graphing calculator, an equation solver, explanations of concepts and tutorials. The graphing calculator includes trigonometry, statistics, linear algebra and calculus keys and storage ability.
The math section also includes an expression evaluator, a unit conversion tool, useful formulas and equations, a triangle solver, a graph analyzer, math articles and links, as well as access to online math assistance. Additionally, math topics are searchable. For example, we entered “right angle” into the search toolbar and this program responded with 25 best matches, 175 articles, 19 photos and six dictionary entries.
This product is primarily designed to help students with their coursework; it does not include drills designed at improving skills. However, it does include a few games and quizzes, though not on math related subjects. Online, MSN Encarta offers a long list of games and quizzes that are updated often.
This product can help with all school subjects, not just geometry. It includes excellent resources for writing papers, foreign language tools, articles, maps, virtual tours, multimedia material, book summaries and much more.
Topics Covered:
Microsoft Student offers four sources of information, the first is the student program itself, the second is its online math homework helper Hotmath.com, the third is the Encarta Kids program and the fourth is MSN Encarta. These four sources cover every geometry topic as well as every other school subject.
Inside the Microsoft Student program, it has useful equations and full explanations of common geometry topics including angles, areas, vectors, translations and many others. The explanations are comprehensive and include text and drawings, in total 150 math topics are covered.
The homework helper is provided through Hotmath.com. Hotmath offers homework help for fourteen textbooks with full explanations of problems, including hints, rules and complete solutions. In addition to the textbooks, you can choose Hotmath Geometry practice problems and search for help by topic. This online source also covers algebra, trigonometry, pre-calculus, college algebra and calculus and includes games and instruction on how to use TI graphing calculators.
The Encarta Kids program provides educational games and multimedia presentations. MSN Encarta is a comprehensive online source that covers every subject. It includes an encyclopedia, dictionary, thesaurus, world atlas, multimedia instruction, quizzes, news, college information and much more.
Through these four sources all coursework is covered from junior high through the first couple years of college. An additional benefit to using these programs is that it eliminates the need to perform random, broad Internet searches, which in the long run reduces study time and protects kids from landing on irrelevant or adult oriented webpages.
Ease of Use/Homework Help:
This product is extremely easy to use. Nevertheless, in order to utilize this program to its fullest potential you need Internet access to be able to access Hotmath.com and MSN Encarta.
Hotmath.com is the best geometry homework helper we could find and it can quickly be accessed through Microsoft Student. On this site you can choose from fourteen popular geometry textbooks including books by Glencoe/McGraw Hill, McDougal Littel, Prentice Hall and Key Curriculum Press. After finding your textbook, you can select a page and a problem number and get a fully explained answer to a question similar to what is in the textbook. If your textbook is not included, you can search Hotmath Geometry by topic and find sample problems with explanations.
We selected the Geometry textbook Geometry: Concepts and Applications published by Glencoe. We selected page 299, problem number 13 and were prompted to recall the Triangle Inequality Theorem, when we clicked on the down arrow it related this theorem, next it offered a hint, then it explained the hint and offered a full solution. We could not find any other product that offers this kind of comprehensive, relevant and immediate math homework assistance.
Help/Documentation:
These products come with incomparable support including instantaneous help through Microsoft's chat service or contact them by email or telephone. They post useful help pages online and inside the program. The help section explains how to use the program, includes a troubleshooting section and searches for updates.
The program does require some basic technical experience to maneuver quickly through its navigation and custom installs.
Feature Set:
Genie Backup Manager offers several excellent features, including the ability to backup emails, the registry (your computer's index), Internet Explorer settings, MSN, Windows settings, all of your Favorites settings and more. Genie Backup Manager backs up more types of data than any other consumer data backup software on the market. Also, you can schedule custom backups any time, attach a timestamp and add an encrypted password for security.
Genie Backup Manager can also backup data to a remote FTP location (so you can access your backup over the Internet), to DVD or CD, or to a set of media with disk spanning (convenient for unmonitored backups). You have tremendous data storage versatility with Genie Backup, including the ability to pick a new location for any backup. (Some programs don't allow you to alter the backup location without reinstalling.)
You can specify exactly what you want to backup with Genie Backup Manager but if you want to backup everything at once you must select the sections individually; this is time-consuming.
Other features that would add convenience include a one-click, system-wide backup button and system recovery tools. If Genie Backup Manager offered these we'd give their software top marks for features.
Ease of Use:
Genie Backup Manager was simple to install and setup; we had no errors or long waits.
The Genie Backup Manager opening screen is clear, easy to understand. After you leave the startup page, however, the program becomes a little more complicated. You'll have to sift through some of the technical choices to customize your backup. The process is more technical but you can still figure it out. Some of the advantage—Genie Backup Manager has more customization choices than most backup software.
Backup/Restore:
Our backup ran smoothly and the restored data worked perfectly.
To restore data, we simply copied the backup file back to the hard drive after reinstalling the operating system, double clicked the backup icon, selected "Backup to Restore" then pressed the Restore button.
Spy Sweeper
Defend your computer and your identity from prying spyware with Spy Sweeper. This anti–spyware program is equipped to beat off malicious, information seeking applications to keep your data private and safe.
This program offers three different scans, including a quick scan that can promptly quarantine and access levels of risk in less than a minute. It can also run selective scans if you want to exclude specific file types. This program is so simple to use that computer novices can configure their settings, yet it offers the kind of protection that computer pros demand.
Now you can explore the Internet, download files and share files without worries, this program can protect your computer no matter what you do online. Additionally, all updates are free and technical support is free.
Spy Sweeper works with Windows Vista with an upgrade from Webroot's website.
Feature Set:
Spy Sweeper is continually evolving and the newest version 5.5 is better than ever. It runs without bogging down your system and can run quick, custom or full sweeps in record time.
This program has fifteen shields, which include shields that protect from tracking cookies, explorer hijacks, keyloggers, ad sites and much more. If you don’t know what kind of protection you want, the program will run 12 recommended shields.
After a scan, Spy Sweeper provides easy–to–understand reports. When items are detected the report assigns a level of risk and description for each item. You can then quarantine, delete or restore the discovered items. Spy Sweeper can also keep you informed of immediate threats by warning you if an application is trying to install on your computer.
Effectiveness:
Spy Sweeper stays one step ahead of spyware with adaptive technology that anticipates spyware mutations before they have an accepted defense definition. This program found and removed virtually 100 percent of the spyware and adware we tested it against. This program also utilizes rootkit technology to dig out malicious programs that try to conceal themselves deep within your computer.
Ease of Use:
Spy Sweeper is extremely easy to use and has a well–organized interface with tabs for all major functions. This program takes the guess work out of configuring your security with easy–to–understand recommended settings and alerts for when you need to update.
Customization:
Spy Sweeper offers the ability to support multiple users on a single computer, giving each user the ability to customize the program to their security preferences.
Other valuable customization options include the ability to choose when and which portions of your computer are to be scanned and you can exclude specific file types. With this ability, you can safeguard your desired setting and speed up scan times.
Ease of Setup:
Spy Sweeper installs quickly and easily and upgrades install with similar ease.
Evidence Eliminator
Evidence Eliminator has more features than any other product in the marketplace, some of which can be attributed with being in the marketplace longer than most competitors.
Ease of Use:
While Evidence Eliminator is not as easy to configure as some of the other competitors products, it leads the competitors in what it can do. Evidence Eliminator is so complete; that it may wash or clean more than you think. If you have a technical background, you will be in great shape. If you are a non-techie, make sure you understand the options you are setting before you perform any of the wash/cleaning functions. Definitely read the help document to understand all of the terminology. The help and documentation is outstanding. You can learn a lot about the internal workings of your computer and what information is stored on your computer after surfing the Internet or running applications.
Ease of Installation/Setup:
Evidence Eliminator was an easy application to install. Even though it wasn't the easiest application to use, it is by far the most advanced application in the marketplace.
Privacy Effectiveness:
One word of caution, if you are not careful, you could accidentally delete all of the folders you have created in Outlook Express. By default it will delete all non-standard folders in Outlook Express. There is a nice safety check for beginners using the Evidence Eliminator application that allows you to be notified before a large number of files are deleted. This prevents you from accidentally deleting your entire hard-drive. Evidence Eliminator is the only product that claims to have magnetic resonance to evade the detection of files from an electron microscope, which are used by certain law enforcement agencies when conducting thorough investigations.
Feature Set:
Evidence Eliminator has by far the biggest variety of options than all the other products reviewed.
BitDefender 2008
This latest version of BitDefender has a new Gamer Mode feature that minimizes impact on gaming performance so you can play safe. The software still has all of the reliable features for which Bitdefender is known such as “Privacy Protection” for outgoing personal information, “Web Scanning” while you’re using the Internet and “Rootkit Detection and Removal,” which detects then removes hidden virus programs.
BitDefender has also improved their existing B–HAVE feature that runs pieces of software on a virtual computer to detect code that could be an unknown virus. In addition, a setup wizard makes it easy to customize security settings.
Ease of Use:
Softwin has covered all of the bases with BitDefender. This comprehensive product has an attractive, easy–to–use design that is consistent throughout the software and the manufacturer’s website. Because it is simple to use and updates itself automatically, you can install it on your system, then practically forget it’s there—an ideal solution for any user.
BitDefender creates a small window called the “File Zone” on your desktop that indicates how many files the program has scanned in the past few minutes. You can also drag and drop files into the File Zone for an immediate scan. The program prepares a report of each completed scan so you know exactly what your files do or do not contain and you can instruct BitDefender to disinfect or remove any infected files or messages.
You can also customize BitDefender’s security settings for features such as AntiVirus, Firewall, Antispam, Antispyware and Parental Control.
Effectiveness:
BitDefender’s customizable settings make the program effective for a variety of users. For example, if you receive legitimate commercial email, you can set BitDefender’s spam filters to allow specific or all emails.
Virus Bulletin rated BitDefender a VB100%, the highest honor for anti–virus software.
The VB 100% logo is awarded to anti–virus products that detect all current “in the wild” viruses during both on–demand and on–access scanning in Virus Bulletin’s comparative tests.
Additionally, BitDefender passed the ICSA 2007—a similar test that certifies the software can detect viruses, prevent virus replication, and doesn’t generate false positives.
Updates:
The live update feature checks for product and virus definition updates at either a user–defined interval, manually or default (every hour). When you do a manual check for updates, you can decide which updates to install. When the software automatically checks for updates, it can update the files immediately or at a specified time that you can determine during setup.
Feature Set:
BitDefender uses the ICSA Labs certified scanning engines, so you can feel secure about their virus protection.
The program creates a summary log of events that shows the last definitions updates, details on any virus the software encounters, the last time you ran a scan, definitions number and more. And new in 2008, Bitdefender has added a Gamer Feature so it won't tax your memory during intense gaming.
BitDefender’s startup guard will tell you if a program is trying to load itself upon start up so you can choose to allow it or not. This software suite also comes with adware and spyware detectors. Though we recommend using an antispyware scanner, as they are designed specifically for this purpose, it is nice to have two programs working towards a common goal, to keep your computer clean.
Ease of Installation:
This product is easy to download from their website.
Advanced System Optimizer 2.2
Advanced System Optimizer contains a powerful set of utilities and diagnostic tools that will help you boost your PC’s performance. The navigation style for Advance System Optimizer compliments Windows XP, making the program user–friendly for the registry novice.
Why do you need registry repair software? If you want to make your computer faster, fix a recurring error, repair broken links or catch early signs of severe problems, you need to use registry repair software. This software makes the complex task of cleaning and optimizing your computer registry smooth and simple.
Ease of Use:
Advanced System Optimizer is extremely simple. The navigation is divided into categories, so if you want to clean your system, you can go to the section devoted to system cleaning. If you are familiar with the look of Windows XP, you will love the design of Advanced System Optimizer.
Feature Set:
Advanced System Optimizer combines an excellent registry cleaner with an outstanding utilities package. The package applications include System Cleaners, System Optimizers, System Tools, Privacy and Security, Internet and Email, Organizers, Backup and Restore, Safe Execution, Files and Folders, and a Beautify Windows Section.
The Auto-Start manager lets you have instant access to programs that start automatically when you logon to your computer. This feature will show you exactly what is running on your machine at logon and allows you the option to delete or disable troublesome startup items.
With this program, you can easily customize areas you want the registry cleaner to avoid. Another useful feature is the System Analyzer and Advisor—you’ll receive expert advice on how to optimize your computer; you may choose to either implement or ignore the advice. If you adopt the recommendations, the program automatically adjusts your computer settings using the advice specifications—you don’t have to implement changes yourself.
This utility pack also comes with a spyware detector. While there are more powerful spyware removal tools on the market, experience shows that two spyware nets are better than one.
Advanced System Optimizer also comes with a cool little posting notes application. This program allows you to create little sticky notes, but these notes don’t clutter the border of your monitor. You can quickly access notes on the bottom icon panel.
Ease of Installation:
There were no complications during the installation of Advanced System Optimizer.
Help/Support:
The help and documentation segment for this program is excellent. The package comes with a manual that is easily accessed through the Help button. FAQs and email support can be accessed from the SysTweak homepage and from the program.
Safety:
Advanced System Optimizer does a great job identifying potential problems. The program makes you place a system restore point before you are permitted to delete any material—this precaution makes it simple to restore your machine to its original state if there are problems booting up again. You can also restore changes you made during previous scans.
The program breaks errors into groups identified by familiar Windows XP Icons and gives a brief description on why the file was marked as an error. Another safety feature–can double click on an error and it will take you directly to the error in the registry.
Advanced System Optimizer does not rate the severity of each error, so it’s challenging sometimes to make an informed choice about which items to fix and which items to delete.
PowerDirector 6
This video editing software even has a YouTube wizard that can quickly post your video in a few easy steps.
You have total creative control over your video creations. With PowerDirector, you can add music, menus and correct errors easily. In addition, this software makes smooth transitions with over 140 transition choices and unique effects using nearly 60 special effect filters.
Whether you want to create an art film, capture a family memory or create a "most viewed" video clip for your favorite video sharing site, PowerDirector has the Magic Tools to get you from raw footage to a finished piece faster than you can yell, "CUT!"
Editing Tools/Options:
Among PowerDirector’s standout and most powerful editing tools are the Magic Tools. These automated editors allow you to perform complex edits, like creating pan effects or matching the soundtrack to the video length, in one simple step.
The Magic Tools include:
Magic Movie Wizard, a new feature in PowerDirector 6, allows you to take raw footage and turn it into a professional-looking movie in four easy steps. Simply choose the video, photos, theme and sound—PowerDirector does the rest.
Magic Motion enables you to select part of a still image or a face in a video clip and zoom in and out or create a pan effect.
Magic Clean removes common flaws, like shaky video, blurriness and red-eye, in videos and photos to turn amateur-looking footage into a clean-looking cut. The side-by-side comparison tool makes it easy to compare the original version with the new version.
Magic Music makes it easy to import audio, use one of the 30 provided songs or purchase a song from their vast library of background selections.
Other Magic tools include: Magic Cut, which turns hours of video into a high-quality, condensed version; Magic Style, which takes your video and inserts it into an edible, pre-designed theme; and Magic Fix, which smoothes shaky video and clarifies blurry footage.
Video Capture/Playback:
We did not experience installation or set up problems with PowerDirector. We installed this software on a Pentium 4 HT with a GB of RAM and this system ran the program and worked with video files easily. Keep in mind the system requirements for this program before installing; you need at least 512 MB of RAM and a Pentium 4 for newer formats. These kind of system requirements are common for video editing programs, since they require multitasking, usually with large files.
Ease of Use:
Video editing software is, by nature, complicated with many functions and features. Be prepared to spend a few hours playing and experimenting so you can enjoy everything the software offers. Nonetheless, we found PowerDirector to be user-friendly. We only had to refer to the manual a few times to create a short clip with a lot of special effects, transitions and audio editing.
Ease of Installation:
We didn’t encounter any problems installing or uninstalling PowerDirector 6.
Help/Support:
Cyberlink provides ample help and support. We found the integrated help section to be the most useful. This is an electronic version of the manual, except it doesn’t have any diagrams. Additional help can be found on their website including a FAQs page, searchable knowledge base and tutorials.
Net Nanny Parental Controls 5.5
This web-filtering program combines cutting-edge technology with non-technical settings and reports—perfect for informed, proactive parents who may not be computer or Internet savvy.
Net Nanny 5.5 emerged when ContentWatch, the industry leader in web filter technology and 4 year TopTenREVIEWS Gold award winner, acquired Net Nanny. ContentWatch pooled Dynamic Contextual Analysis, remote administration, an innovative, user-friendly interface and a trusted name into the best filtering product available on the market today.
If you’re a former Net Nanny user, you will notice a few features that aren’t included in the new 5.5 version. These features include email filtering and the ability to create a customized blocked list of applications.
In August 2004, the Walt Disney company chose ContentProtect as the Internet Filter to be used on the new Disney Dream Desk PC. Net Nanny has also received high ratings from PC Magazine.
Feature Set:
Standout features in the new Net Nanny include the remote management and remote reporting functions. ContentWatch was the only product to offer these convenient features and now they are available under the Net Nanny brand. The remote function allows you, as the administrator, to be anywhere in the world with a computer and Internet connection and access activity logs and make configuration changes. You can stay current on the Internet use in your home while at wok or on vacation.
Net Nanny 5.5 uses Dynamic Contextual Analysis to filter web content. In other words, CNN.com might be blocked in the morning because of a very violent news story. However, an hour later, when the website content changes, the site will again be allowed. This software also has the option of a “warning” function as opposed to a “blocking” function. The user receives a warning of objectionable material, but then is permitted to proceed without interruption or restriction.
Net Nanny can instantly notify parents via email if children attempt to access objectionable material. Another practical feature is the ability to override blocked websites quickly with a password.
Ease of Use:
This product is designed with people who are “technologically challenged” in mind. In the Administration Tools interface are well-labeled categories under two headings—User Settings and Family Settings. The Categories include Profile Settings, Time Controls, Reports and Email Notifications. The remote access interface is similar and just as easy to use.
Ease of Installation:
The download and installation were quick and easy. If you need to install the product on multiple computers, the software allows you to carry over customized settings to each of your computers. Thus saving time and producing consistency.
Filtering Effectiveness:
We tested the software for overblocking (websites that should not have been blocked) and underblocking (websites that should have been blocked, but were not). Net Nanny passed our tests successfully but not perfectly. Overblocking occurred from time to time, but with the immediate override function, it wasn’t a big inconvenience. Very few instances of underblocking occurred, even with foreign language websites. We were pleasantly surprised because most Internet filtering programs have problems detecting pornography on foreign language websites.
Tell Me More Spanish
This software is an outstanding solution for your Spanish learning needs. The program is well designed, easy to use and offers the most extensive set of features of any Spanish software product available, including powerful speech recognition technology. Speech recognition technology software allows the computer to recognize what you say, assess your pronunciation and correct your mistakes.
Tell Me More is specifically designed to grow with you as you learn Spanish. They not only have a great beginner Spanish program, but their intermediate and advanced programs are unbeatable. No matter what your current level of Spanish-speaking ability, Tell Me More is an adaptable, fun solution.
Feature Set:
The best way to begin learning Spanish is in Guided Mode. You can select lesson paths then view your progress. This mode includes a diary where you can set realistic goals concerning study time and habits-helpful, because setting and tracking realistic goals will help you remain committed to learning. Each time you log on, you can track how closely your progress matches your goals. No other language program offers this type of goal-setting ability.
Next you have Free-to-Roam Mode. In this mode you can choose from a list of different work shops, including: lessons, oral or written practice, vocabulary, grammar and cultural studies. Within each of these workshops you can customize your learning experience and progress at your own pace.
Dynamic Mode, the final type, offers a truly intelligent way of managing your learning. The software analyses your progress as you work then adjusts the next activities in your course according to your results in each exercise. Dynamic mode also allows you to build a personal profile that includes your own learning preferences and your progress in those areas.
Tell Me More is leaps and bounds ahead of the competition-particularly in speech recognition-a technology essential to correct pronunciation. We were surprised to find that Tell Me More is the only package that included its own headset. Other products offer you this technology, but the package they deliver is not nearly as sophisticated or as complete as Tell Me More. In fact, 10 of the 15 products we reviewed claim to have speech recognition capabilities, but the program in Tell Me More actually works well. Tell Me More software evaluated our tester's pronunciation and automatically detected and corrected any errors. The program even includes 3D animation to illustrate the movements of the lips and mouth to help you pronounce each word. Tell Me More is rich with features that are not only interesting, but useful. When we tried to record our tester's speech to compare it to a native speaker in most of the other language learning programs, the software would either not work, crashed our machines, or lacked accuracy offering both false praise and weak criticism.
One of the main concerns a potential buyer may have when considering this product is price. At $265.50 dollars, this software is more than double most other programs. But if you are a serious student of Spanish, Tell Me More is a superior package worth the extra cost-here's why: the speech recognition is more accurate than that of other programs, the software offers more learning and tracking options and Tell Me More Spanish includes three learning packages in one box: beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Many other products in this review offer you the beginning package; if you want advanced levels you must buy them separately.
Ease of Use:
The simplicity of the new Tell Me More screen instructions devastates the competition. Auralog takes advantage of Macromedia Flash technology, which makes the program visually appealing. The screens are simple, the controls intuitive and the program offers multiple on-screen demonstrations if you ever need them.
Ease of Installation:
There was no problem during the installation process. The package includes four discs-one installation disk and three other disks-one each for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Help/Support:
The Help section for this software is excellent. Auralog did a suburb job; every screen has a help button that covers any number of concerns. The help is content-sensitive-the help you receive is relevant to where you are in the program. Tell Me More offers a guided tutorial on each page that walks you through all of the functions available to you in that area. There is also an Internet access button that instantly takes you to the Auralog website where you can view an online user manual, FAQs and the latest updates. They also offer a Spanish club and tutoring services. Their technical support telephone number is (888) 388-3535.
Fundamentals:
This software covers all of the core curriculum areas for learning the Spanish language thoroughly. Beyond fundamentals, Tell Me More Spanish offers students an unsurpassed cultural learning experience, including geography. Fun activities in their map section help you learn the names and locations of rivers, cities, and capitals.
Effectiveness:
Tell Me More Spanish is the most effective product on the market for learning Spanish. The software is built with a great combination of games and structured lessons to give you the varied learning environment you need to learn a foreign language.
WinWay Resume Deluxe 11
This software allows you to customize your resume and cover letter to match the job you want. WinWay Resume Deluxe will also teach you interviewing skills, manage your contact information and help you search online for jobs.
WinWay Resume Deluxe will help you create error-free, professional resumes. The program's features include a resume auditor that checks resumes for common errors and writing tips to help you sharpen and fine–tune your resume.
This program shows you how to create a chronological resume, a functional resume or how to incorporate a nice combination of both styles. You can also easily customize your resume to fit your specific job level—entry level, recent graduate, management level, and more.
WinWay Resume Deluxe includes a job interviewer that allows you to practice responding to common interview questions. The program also offers links to popular job search engines. We liked the Contact Manager feature—a quick index tool that kept our names, phone numbers and addresses organized and easy to access.
Ease of Use/Installation:
WinWay Resume Deluxe is easy to use. We had no problems installing and using the software.
The opening screen has a resume wizard that walks you through resume creation step-by-step (see screenshot one, below). In the resume wizard, you can also create a resume cover letter and view videos that offer pointers on presenting yourself at job interviews. WinWay even offers further videos to help you learn how to negotiate your salary and other job-related skills. You may also search for jobs, view resources, and manage your contact information.
If you opt to close the wizard, the program still offers easy access to all the program features. Clearly marked tabs are used to help you navigate to the right place in the program (see screenshot two, below).
Edit/Organization Tools:
WinWay Resume Deluxe has a toolbox chock full of editing and organization tools to help you create the perfect resume. And to further polish the look of your resume, this program offers you borders, headers, images, themes and more than 200 professional fonts to choose from.
The resume auditor performs several vital functions, including: evaluating your content, searching for missing information, searching for gaps in employment history, checking page layout for readability, and more.
The resume auditor will also tally your action verbs so you can be certain that your resume is active, not passive. In short, the resume auditor analyzes and verifies that your resume is at its best.
The only editing feature that we didn't find in WinWay was a thesaurus; this would have been useful to help with word selection.
Customer Service:
We contacted WinWay and received a prompt response to all our questions. Their customer service is excellent.
Microsoft Student with Encarta Premium 2008
Teamed with MSN Encarta and Hotmath.com, this product covers all geometry topics including the history of geometry, quotes, graphs, math articles, formulas and more. One of the best features of this product is its online homework tutor through Hotmath.com. It includes fourteen popular geometry textbooks. Students simply choose their book, and then go to the page and problem number to get step-by-step instructions on how to solve a similar problem with hints and drawings.
Not only does Microsoft Student with Hotmath.com, offer the best geometry homework help we could find, but it also covers every school subject, so students only need one program to help them succeed in all of their coursework. Microsoft Student even has its own easy-to-use search that can locate trusted sources of information including articles, photos, web links, dictionary entries, maps, quotes and more.
Teaching Tools:
Inside the program there is a fully-functional graphing calculator, an equation solver, explanations of concepts and tutorials. The graphing calculator includes trigonometry, statistics, linear algebra and calculus keys and storage ability.
The math section also includes an expression evaluator, a unit conversion tool, useful formulas and equations, a triangle solver, a graph analyzer, math articles and links, as well as access to online math assistance. Additionally, math topics are searchable. For example, we entered “right angle” into the search toolbar and this program responded with 25 best matches, 175 articles, 19 photos and six dictionary entries.
This product is primarily designed to help students with their coursework; it does not include drills designed at improving skills. However, it does include a few games and quizzes, though not on math related subjects. Online, MSN Encarta offers a long list of games and quizzes that are updated often.
This product can help with all school subjects, not just geometry. It includes excellent resources for writing papers, foreign language tools, articles, maps, virtual tours, multimedia material, book summaries and much more.
Topics Covered:
Microsoft Student offers four sources of information, the first is the student program itself, the second is its online math homework helper Hotmath.com, the third is the Encarta Kids program and the fourth is MSN Encarta. These four sources cover every geometry topic as well as every other school subject.
Inside the Microsoft Student program, it has useful equations and full explanations of common geometry topics including angles, areas, vectors, translations and many others. The explanations are comprehensive and include text and drawings, in total 150 math topics are covered.
The homework helper is provided through Hotmath.com. Hotmath offers homework help for fourteen textbooks with full explanations of problems, including hints, rules and complete solutions. In addition to the textbooks, you can choose Hotmath Geometry practice problems and search for help by topic. This online source also covers algebra, trigonometry, pre-calculus, college algebra and calculus and includes games and instruction on how to use TI graphing calculators.
The Encarta Kids program provides educational games and multimedia presentations. MSN Encarta is a comprehensive online source that covers every subject. It includes an encyclopedia, dictionary, thesaurus, world atlas, multimedia instruction, quizzes, news, college information and much more.
Through these four sources all coursework is covered from junior high through the first couple years of college. An additional benefit to using these programs is that it eliminates the need to perform random, broad Internet searches, which in the long run reduces study time and protects kids from landing on irrelevant or adult oriented webpages.
Ease of Use/Homework Help:
This product is extremely easy to use. Nevertheless, in order to utilize this program to its fullest potential you need Internet access to be able to access Hotmath.com and MSN Encarta.
Hotmath.com is the best geometry homework helper we could find and it can quickly be accessed through Microsoft Student. On this site you can choose from fourteen popular geometry textbooks including books by Glencoe/McGraw Hill, McDougal Littel, Prentice Hall and Key Curriculum Press. After finding your textbook, you can select a page and a problem number and get a fully explained answer to a question similar to what is in the textbook. If your textbook is not included, you can search Hotmath Geometry by topic and find sample problems with explanations.
We selected the Geometry textbook Geometry: Concepts and Applications published by Glencoe. We selected page 299, problem number 13 and were prompted to recall the Triangle Inequality Theorem, when we clicked on the down arrow it related this theorem, next it offered a hint, then it explained the hint and offered a full solution. We could not find any other product that offers this kind of comprehensive, relevant and immediate math homework assistance.
Help/Documentation:
These products come with incomparable support including instantaneous help through Microsoft's chat service or contact them by email or telephone. They post useful help pages online and inside the program. The help section explains how to use the program, includes a troubleshooting section and searches for updates.
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