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.

DirecTV Now

DirecTV Now delivers an impressive mix of channels for the money, but people who prioritize a cloud DVR should look elsewhere.

Editors' Choice

Adobe Flash CS3 Professional

Adobe has improved the speed of Flash and its integration with other CS3 apps, although flashy new features are few. Plus, Flash now works natively on Intel-based Macs.

$69.99 MSRP

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

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 7

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 7 continues to outshine its competition with its ease of use combined with thorough antivirus protection.

Kaspersky Internet Security 6

Kaspersky Internet Security 6 provides thorough protection against online threats, but ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 6 remains a better buy.

$59.95 MSRP

PowerDVD 16

The latest version of CyberLink's PowerDVD software now includes a dedicated TV mode and Chromecast streaming, in addition to future 4K Blu-ray support.

$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.

PayCycle

PayCycle serves businesses with an affordable, easy-to-learn online payroll system.

SurePayroll

SurePayroll is a convenient service for white-collar businesses--though it's pricier than PayCycle and slightly harder to use.

$99.95 MSRP

Intuit QuickBooks 2009

Intuit QuickBooks Premier 2009 keeps the program's well-designed, intuitive interface, while adding a few new features. It's a worthy upgrade for people serious about online banking, and it remains the best accounting program for small business owners. However, Intuit should be more generous with customer support, particularly for setup issues.

$99.99 MSRP

Nero 8

Nero 8 shows off a new interface for getting started that makes the many tools easier to find from the get-go. Some welcome new features include HD support, although this rich suite can still confuse.

Adobe Photoshop Elements 11

While there are a handful of new capabilities in the update to Adobe's entry-level image editor, the most noticeable is a more readable interface intended for middle-aged eyes.

$199.00 MSRP

Macromedia Dreamweaver 8.0

Faster, easier to use, and more powerful than the previous version, Dreamweaver 8 is a worthy upgrade for professionals, but amateurs should stick with a less complicated app, such as HomeSite.