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.

Ulead VideoStudio 8.0

VideoStudio 8.0 is a good pick for beginners who want to create and customize videos and DVDs.

Editors' Choice

$559.49 MSRP

Adobe Premiere 6.0

Premiere 6.0 is easily the best, all-around midrange editing program for Windows. For complex Mac projects, however, choose Apple Final Cut Pro 2.0 instead.

$699.00 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.

Editors' Choice

$609.00 MSRP

Adobe Photoshop 7.0

If you're an advanced photographer and don't have Photoshop yet or if you need natural paint tools, version 7.0 is a must-have; otherwise, version 6.0 will do the trick.

$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.

T-Mobile HotSpot

If you're a Windows user with a taste for Starbucks lattes, you'll love T-Mobile's slick, safe, and easy-to-use HotSpot service, although you'll pay a premium to use it.

$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.