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CNET Reviews - Most Popular Software

Rank Most Popular Titles
1 Microsoft Windows 7 (Professional)
Windows 7 is more than what Vista should have been, it's where Microsoft needed to go. How much damage Vista did and whether Windows 7 is enough for people to finally abandon Windows XP are questions that nobody has the answers to right now.
2 Norton Internet Security 2010 (1 User, 3 PCs)
Norton Internet Security 2010 builds on the immense progress it made in last year's version, maintaining a low system profile while strengthening its security framework. It's not perfect, but even Symantec's detractors should check it out.
3 Microsoft Windows 7 (Home Premium)
Windows 7 is more than what Vista should have been, it's where Microsoft needed to go. How much damage Vista did and whether Windows 7 is enough for people to finally abandon Windows XP are questions that nobody has the answers to right now.
4 Microsoft Windows 7 (Ultimate)
Windows 7 is more than what Vista should have been, it's where Microsoft needed to go. How much damage Vista did and whether Windows 7 is enough for people to finally abandon Windows XP are questions that nobody has the answers to right now.
5 Windows Vista Ultimate
Windows Vista is essentially warmed-over Windows XP. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use.
6 Norton 360
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.
7 Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 (1-Year License)
Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 is a full-featured security suite, and the 2009 version scored well on independent antivirus detection and removal tests. However, be prepared to pay a premium for what you're getting.
8 Apple Mac OS X Snow Leopard
Intel Mac users will like Snow Leopard's smartly designed interface enhancements, and its Exchange support is a must-have (especially with Outlook for Mac on the way). With a ton of technological improvements, Snow Leopard is worth the $29 upgrade fee.
9 Norton AntiVirus 2010 (1 User, 1 PC)
Norton AntiVirus 2010 builds on the immense progress made in last year's version, maintaining a low system profile while strengthening its security framework. It's not perfect, but even Symantec's detractors should check it out.
10 Vipre Antivirus + Antispyware
Vipre combines antivirus and antispyware technology in a fast and light application that also includes a worthy set of security tools.
11 Microsoft Office 2010
12 Dragon Naturally Speaking 10 Preferred
Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 isn't perfect, but it's the best dictation software available. We don't find this upgrade necessary for the most basic dictation, although new features may benefit heavily accented English speakers and those who rely heavily on voice commands.
13 Trend Micro Internet Security 2009
You can't beat the price. For a good, basic Internet Security suite, we recommend Trend Micro Internet Security 2009.
14 Norton AntiVirus 2009
Norton AntiVirus 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.
15 Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 (CD-ROM, 1-Year License)
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 offers pricey antivirus protection. The 2009 version scored well on independent antivirus detection and removal tests, but be prepared to pay a premium for what you're getting.
16 Windows Vista Home Premium
Windows Vista Home Premium is essentially warmed-over Windows XP Home Edition. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista Home Premium is stable enough for everyday use.
17 Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 - complete package (79G-00871)
Overall, Microsoft Office Standard 2007 is a worthy upgrade if you need to make sleeker-looking documents and presentations to share with others, and Outlook is better than ever, but you can stick to your current software if you don't feel that it lacks anything.
18 AVG Antivirus 8
AVG Anti-Virus 8 is solid at finding and removing viruses and spyware as well as blocking Web threats, but could be lighter on system resources and provide more technical support options.
19 Norton Internet Security 2009
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
20 Quicken Deluxe 2010
Quicken 2010 is a solid finance package, especially for novices, but offers little that's substantively new.
21 Chrome (beta)
22 Microsoft Office for Mac 2008
Office for Mac 2008 may be the best pick for business users, but most people can get by with less costly alternatives.
23 Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009 provides adequate protection, but the program itself could use some work in telling the user what's going on.
24 Microsoft Office Standard 2007
Overall, Microsoft Office Standard 2007 is a worthy upgrade if you need to make sleeker-looking documents and presentations to share with others, and Outlook is better than ever, but you can stick to your current software if you don't feel that it lacks anything.
25 Adobe Creative Suite 4 Master Collection
The CS4 Master Collection contains every application in the Adobe Creative Suite. Although priced for serious professionals, it's a relative bargain compared with buying each ingredient piecemeal.