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.

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.

Nvidia GeForce Now

Nvidia's cloud-gaming service is beginning to hit its stride, but it's still missing many games.

AT&T CallVantage

Though its plans cost a bit more than those of competing VoIP services, AT&T CallVantage stands out for its consistently strong call quality and long list of features.

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.

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.

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.

$229.00 MSRP

Microsoft Office Excel 2003

$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.

Microsoft Money 2007

If you're using an earlier version of Microsoft Money, the 2007 updates may not tempt you to upgrade, unless the latest version's new budgeting abilities fit your needs.