Google's experimental game streaming service launches without many of its promised features and just a handful of games. It works, but there's not much incentive to buy in.

$6.99 at Disney Plus

Disney +

Thousands of popular movies and shows in a clean, easy-to-use interface, makes it well worth the $7 per month.

Aplus.Net

Aplus.Net's shared Web hosting plans offer a lot of value, but its entry-level plan lacks a few fundamentals.

EarthLink DSL

EarthLink DSL service is perfect for the home user who wants broadband speed without paying cable prices.

Net Nanny's default setting filters fewer naughty sites than any major blocking package, but it's by far the easiest to customize and use. Unless you need CyberSitter's strict site filtering, go with Net Nanny.

$44.00 at Amazon

Microsoft Works 8

Works 8.0 is ideal for technophobes and Luddites who need an extremely simple interface for their home-computing chores.

$99.99 MSRP

Sonic MyDVD Studio Deluxe 5.0

Home media buffs will find what they need in this versatile and stable suite for authoring and editing DVDs and CDs, but pros may want more.

$99.00 MSRP

Apple GarageBand Jam Pack

GarageBand users who want more sounds and instruments are better off with Apple/M-Audio's USB MIDI keyboard.

$69.95 MSRP

Microsoft Digital Image Pro 10.0

On the expensive side but easy to use and ideal for turning photos into creative projects.

Iolo System Mechanic 4.0 Professional

System Mechanic 4.0 Professional offers a better selection of tools and technical support than Norton SystemWorks Professional does.

$69.99 MSRP

Norton Internet Security 2009

Norton Internet Security 2009 hits all the right security notes and its superior protection technologies might even win back some jaded anti-Symantec folks, though for some technical support may continue to frustrate

Editors' Choice

$79.99 MSRP

Norton 360

For home and student use, we think Norton 360 represents the best value for ease of use, tools offered, and overall system performance. We recommend it over McAfee Total Protection and Microsoft Windows Live OneCare.

Editors' Choice

$65.99 at Amazon

WinFax Pro 10.0

You can't go wrong with WinFax Pro, a powerful faxing app that provides a mess of features and options. For cheaper faxing, check out Smith Micro's HotFax.