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CNET Reviews - Top Rated Software

Rank Most Popular Titles
1 Word version 2002
This is the first version since Word 97 that's a gotta-get upgrade. With tons of new tools for the single user and a renewed attention to collaboration for those who work in groups, Word 2002 is the best writing tool on the planet.
2 Microsoft Publisher 2002: Win98/ME/NT4/2K
Publisher 2002 is better integrated with Word and easier to use than ever--even easier than FrontPage. It's worth the hunt to find a copy of Publisher 2002.
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 (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.
5 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.
6 Railroad Tycoon 3 (PC)
7 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.
8 Final Cut Express - complete package
Most video enthusiasts won't miss what Apple omitted from this pared-down, affordable incarnation of Final Cut Pro.
9 Painter 8
Version 8.0 of this versatile paint program gets an enthusiastic thumbs-up for its ease of use and powerful features.
10 Works Suite 2004
Microsoft Works Suite 2004 delivers quality productivity apps for families, but there's not enough new this year to make Suite 2003 users switch.
11 Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended (single user full package, Windows)
The professional's choice for image editing spawns Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended to appeal to select vertical markets, but it delivers mixed results.
12 Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended (complete package Academic pricing, Mac)
The professional's choice for image editing spawns Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended to appeal to select vertical markets, but it delivers mixed results.
13 Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended (single user full package, Mac)
The professional's choice for image editing spawns Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended to appeal to select vertical markets, but it delivers mixed results.
14 Adobe Photoshop CS3
With its streamlined tools, enhanced nondestructive editing capabilities, and better performance, Adobe Photoshop CS3 will look very attractive to almost any user.
15 Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended
The professional's choice for image editing spawns Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended to appeal to select vertical markets, but it delivers mixed results.
16 Adobe Photoshop CS3 (single user complete package, Mac)
With its streamlined tools, enhanced nondestructive editing capabilities, and better performance, Adobe Photoshop CS3 will look very attractive to almost any user.
17 TechTool Protogo - complete package
Even Macs need a little TLC now and then, and TechTool's reputation combined with mobile convenience makes this a great utility to have on hand.
18 Adobe Flash CS4 Professional
Flash becomes friendlier and more fun to explore as CS4 introduces a faster approach to animation, making this a worthwhile upgrade for both beginners and seasoned programmers.
19 Painter IX
If you're interested in digital artistry, you need Painter, though you'll pay a lot for this upgrade.
20 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.
21 Adobe Photoshop Elements 4
Adobe Photoshop Elements 4 adds even more power to an already top-flight image editor/organizer package. Equipped with a chic interface and a fantastic toolbox, Elements is the best choice for digital photographers who want to put their photo collection in order and share with others.
22 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.
23 Windows 2000 Professional Edition
Windows 2000 isn't for the gamer or the casual surfer, but if you have a yen for speed, stability, and some serious server tools, this business-class OS will do you right.
24 LiveMotion 1.0: Win98/NT4 SP4/2K
Great for anyone who wants to jump straight into Flash animation without becoming an expert in or needing the benefits of advanced scripting or complex interactivity.
25 Office XP Standard Edition
Microsoft Office XP's online and collaborative tool improvements make it a smart upgrade for businesses and groups, but it's not worth the cost, time, and effort for single or home users.