For Disney's legions of Star Wars, Marvel and Pixar fans who want to enjoy those movies, and their extra features, the service is easily worth the relatively low monthly fee.

Editors' Choice

$8.99 at Netflix

Netflix

Netflix remains the top TV and movie streaming service, thanks to its ease of use, lack of commercials and original content.

ClassPass Live

It's a reasonable option if you want a wide selection of classes at a relatively low price.

Editors' Choice

This update should be worthwhile for security-minded businesses and creative firms. With Acrobat 9, Adobe brings new Web relevance to print-ready PDFs by enabling embedded video and animation. Forms, security, and overall ease of use are also enhanced.

$19.95 MSRP

Microsoft Plus for Windows XP

Why pay for a collection of second-rate audio add-ons and desktop decorations when you can find better junk for free on the Web? Skip Plus, unless you're looking for a silly holiday gift for a tech newbie.

$79.95 MSRP

Kaspersky Internet Security 2009

Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 provides adequate protection, but the program itself could use some work in telling the user what's going on.

Adobe Dreamweaver CS4

Best for coding and design pros, Adobe Dreamweaver CS4 is perhaps the sharpest, swiftest tool for developing and editing dynamic Web sites.

System Mechanic 6 Professional

System Mechanic 6 Professional offers the best package of utilities for optimizing and protecting your hard drive, but the software's lack of documentation makes it poorly suited for the average computer user.

Editors' Choice

$399.95 MSRP

QuickBooks 2006

QuickBooks Premier 2006 is the best upgrade in years. Its slick new interface is the best in small-business accounting, and its accounting toolkit is easy to learn. Small but growing businesses should buy it.