Get Cyberlink PhotoDirector 3 (Win) for free
Designed for casual photographers but stocked with some Lightroom-style power, this photo-editing and -organization program normally runs $150. CNET exclusive!
Need a way to organize your photo library? Even better, do you need tools for tweaking your photos, tools that go beyond what the typical entry-level image editor (I'm looking at you, Picasa) has to offer?
Through tomorrow, our very own CNET is offering Cyberlink PhotoDirector 3 (Windows) absolutely free. It normally sells for $149.95.
That's a mighty big freebie, so you're no doubt wondering what the catch is. No catch! You'll need to supply your e-mail address so you can receive your license key, and then you'll need to enter that license key when you first run the program. But that's as complicated as this offer gets.
CNET's Catherine Hwang provides a basic overview of PhotoDirector 3 on the giveaway page, so I won't rehash the features and benefits here. I will refer you to CNET's PhotoDirector 3 review, which notes that although it's not as powerful as Adobe Photoshop, it's "a great choice for beginners and intermediate users."
Also, over at PC World, reviewer Dave Johnson called it "more approachable than [Adobe] Lightroom, [with] some delightful editing tools." However, he did find fault with its lack of a plug-in system and limited export options. His rating: 3.5 stars out of 5.
I mention that only because, attractive though this freebie may be, it's always a good idea to make sure a program will suit your needs before you go to the trouble of installing it.
On the other hand, a $150 photo-editing suite for free? Gimme gimme gimme!
Bonus deal: Speaking of freebies, every computer user needs to decide between free and commercial security software. Or maybe not: For a limited time, Newegg has Trend Micro Maximum Security 2013 3-user for $60 shipped -- but a $60 mail-in rebate (PDF) gives you a final price of zero. PC Magazine rated it four stars and noted that "you definitely get the maximum as far as features go. Every Trend Micro security product is included, even Android and Mac protection."
Bonus deal No. 2: I still love magazines. And Popular Science ranks among my favorites. (Nepotism alert: I'm an occasional contributor -- though I'd read it even if I wasn't.) For a limited time, DiscountMags has a 1-year Popular Science subscription for $4.99 when you apply coupon code DEALNEWS at checkout. Regular price: $12. You can get up to three years at $4.99 per year. Your brain will thank you.
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