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.

DirecTV Now

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

$129.00 at Google Store

Google Stadia

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.

Parallels Desktop 10

Integration with Mac OS X Yosemite and a fair price make Parallels Desktop 10 the best Mac system virtualization option, despite a confusing installation process.

$149.00 MSRP

Adobe Lightroom 6

Adobe Lightroom 6/CC remains a fine photo-editing and organizing tool, but the new version doesn't rise much past its predecessor.

Editors' Choice

$79.99 MSRP

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

$69.95 MSRP

TurboTax 2005

Intuit TurboTax Premier 2005 is the best ease-of-use choice for filers with complex returns. If you have investment, rental, and small-business income--and you hate paying usurious accountant fees--buy this program.

$229.95 MSRP

Microsoft Word 2007

If you're ready to let go of old habits from previous versions of Word and want to make sleeker-looking documents, Microsoft Word 2007 is worth the upgrade. However, less-expensive alternatives handle its core features without the clutter.

Editors' Choice

$59.95 MSRP

TurboTax Deluxe 2008 Federal + State

TurboTax 2008 is the most expensive tax app on the market, but it's also fast, complete, and straightforward. If finishing quickly is your goal, the extra cost is worth it. If you anticipate wanting live help support, look into TaxCut.

$699.00 MSRP

Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5

$299.00 MSRP

Ulead MediaStudio Pro 7.0

This is a great tool for experimentalists who want to tweak under the hood for more power and better performance.

$69.99 MSRP

McAfee Internet Security Suite 2006

McAfee Internet Security Suite 2006 packs a powerful protection arsenal--but it's far too slow. Loyal McAfee users should upgrade for the automatic spyware and phishing blockers, but the rest of us should seek security elsewhere, such as ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 6.