Amazon.com Review

Beginning with the release of Windows 95, Microsoft has made a habit of augmenting each new operating system with an add-on package of assorted enhancements and goodies. The latest such supplement to come to market is Microsoft Plus! for Windows XP, a collection of graphic and audio utilities, rudimentary games, screen savers, and desktop themes specifically designed for users of Microsoft's latest and most robust OS. But whereas the Windows 95 and Windows 98 Plus! editions blended several genuinely useful applications such as disk management tools and virus checkers with the usual stable of multimedia tweaks, Plus! for Windows XP offers more fluff than substance. Although newbies will undoubtedly find much of the collection quite compelling, veteran users may not be so impressed.

The program is divided into four distinct categories--Digital Media, Games, Screen Savers, and Themes--each of which may be accessed through a single, convenient graphical interface. Of these, the Digital Media component is clearly the deepest and most interesting. Its handy utilities include an MP3 audio converter for transforming disk-hogging WAV and MP3 files into space-efficient WMA format, a music playlist organizer known simply as Personal DJ, an exceedingly capable CD label maker, 20-plus Media Player skins, and three animated Media Player visualizations (including one culled from the Xbox game Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee).

Music and video fans in particular will immediately gravitate to the Voice Command for Windows Media Player module, which allows users to operate most Media Player functions by issuing verbal commands into their computer microphone. Even when faced with garbled enunciation and loud background music, Voice Command faithfully recognizes commands such as "Volume Up" and "Pause." Sadly, Microsoft's seemingly innovative Speaker Enhancement tool is ultimately little more than a glorified tone control that often hinders rather than improves the sound of your speakers.

Of the three games included in the package, the most intriguing is Russian Square, a deceptively addictive puzzle affair that plays like a one-dimensional offspring of Tetris and Rubik's Cube. Far less involving are the arcade bowling knock-off HyperBowl and the three-dimensional Labyrinth, a virtual take on the real-life game that involves a tilting table, metal ball, and lots of ball-gobbling holes. Eight animated screen savers and four desktop themes complete the package, the most notable of which is the stunningly lifelike and absolutely gorgeous underwater screen saver called "Aquarium." Otherwise, the program's themes and screen savers are no better than those that can be downloaded free of charge from various Web sites.

With Plus! for Windows XP, Microsoft has assembled a multipronged mixture of useful and not-so-useful multimedia tools and lighthearted amenities into one easily accessible compilation. If you aren't the type to scout around the Internet for individual components and feel the need to spruce up your XP audio-video environment, it may be for you. --Gordon Goble ... Read more

Reviews (124)

"A" Plus!?... Well.........................
If your computer meets the minimum specs, yes even those in tiny print, then you will most likely enjoy the enhancements this adds to your computer. Missing that 16 MB video card, don't bother with Plus!.

Like screensavers? What about 3-D? How about trying 3-D Screensavers! Plus! pack will add these new screensavers onto your computer and let the fun begin as you watch fish swim in a realistic aquarium or a circus type scene play before your eyes...

If you're a gamer, the bowling game is GREAT... The only problem is that it is a light edition, so to unlock its full functionality you'll have to pay! The labyrinth game is great and quite difficult to do, will keep you playing for hours!

The themes are good if you use themes... Remember that space theme from ME? Its back in a revamped fashion! Also there are themes for an aquarium and some other interesting ones... Personally I don't like the themes!

The new enhancements to Media Player are OK, but are not really worth the difficulty of configuring. Do you really want to give commands to your computer with your voice? Catch a cold, and this functionality won't work anyway...

Overall this is an OK package, but not one that I would spend the money on. After buying this, I was sorry... I won't make the same mistake again!

Non functional without downloads, Not worth the hassle
Just bought it not worth the hassle

Its not very functional without tonnes of MS downloads so dont buy it if you have a 56kb modem like me. I dont want to have to download a tonne of updates, I want functional out of the box.

Product Activation should not be on products this cheap, its a waste of my time. I have no problem with activation on Windows and Office because theyre high value products and at least you get to try them out before activating... This though is a hassle.

The digital music converion program only converts to WMA, I expect at least one alternative format such as WAV or MP3. Bad software in a pretty box.

Great program
I don't really use most of the programs in this package...except Photo Story. Photo Story is incredible! I have done video CDs for my parents' wedding anniversary, seniors graduating from high school (we have two seniors in our private school and will use the stories at graduation), a teacher appreciation banquet, etc. Just hook your DVD player to a projector, and voila! You're ready to go. The ability to add music really makes the stories moving. My only complaint is that you are limited to one music track, so if the story is long, the song just repeats itself over and over. Hopefully, with the next upgrade, they'll add the ability to use more than one music track. That's the only improvement I see that it needs. Great for creating memories for your family and friends!

Want more themes?
If you want lots of themes you can try TGT softs Style XP.
Style XP gave me lots of themes and can be found at http://www.tgtsoft.com/

not really a must...
Although many of its stuff are pretty fun to use and creative, but after all, it is not really a "must" have item. and though its only 18 bucks, still seems a bit expensive for its actual usage. ... Read more

Product Description

With over 410,000 full-color images, The Big Box of Art® 410,000 has an image for every project. Get an incredible variety of photos, clip art, animations, Web graphics and Photo Clip Art imagesfind and use them in seconds with an easy browser that works with a simple keyword! Best yet, we don't make you flip through reference catalogs or download images from the Web!

In one big box, get thousands of high-quality, royalty-free images on CD, ideal for every kind of project: Web pages, school projects, presentations, business documents, flyers, posters and more! You won't believe how easy and fun it is to useand every image is in full color, for maximum impact and appeal.

Features:

• Over 410,000 royalty-free images on CD!
• No downloadingall images are inside the box!
• Every image in full color!
• Find images fastno cumbersome reference catalog!
• Fast and easy image browser!
• Worry-free printing!
• Compatible with all popular Windows® applications!
• Designed for Windows® XP!
• 100,000 vector clip art images (WMF)
• 34,500 professional photographs (JPG)
• 10,000 Photo Clip Art images (HPI)
• 500 animations (GIF)
• 260,000 Web graphics (GIF)

Amazon.com Product Description

AppleWorks 6.2 combines six core capabilities--word processing, page layout, painting, spreadsheet, database, and presentation--in one easy application. By seamlessly integrating these capabilities with Apple's QuickTime digital technologies, AppleWorks 6.2 makes it easy to incorporate text, spreadsheets, digital photos, images, sounds, and movies into a single document.

Sharing documents is a breeze with AppleWorks 6.2. New translators for Microsoft Word and Excel files let you open and modify these files from within AppleWorks. You can even save AppleWorks documents in these formats to share with friends and colleagues.

If you're running AppleWorks 6.2 on Mac OS X you'll notice additional benefits. Preemptive multitasking means that you can work on AppleWorks projects while iTunes rips your CD collection in the background, and your system will still stay responsive. The advanced Quartz graphics system in Mac OS X lets you save your print previews of any AppleWorks document as a PDF file. Anyone with Adobe Acrobat Reader on any platform can view and print these PDF files.

An expanding library of templates--stored on the Internet--can be downloaded via AppleWorks 6.2 without launching a browser or decompressing files. Many of the templates are designed by affiliated organizations, such as the AppleWorks Users Group, and new templates are added regularly. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Very good software, well, the best for me.
It is amazing software, really smart and pleasure to use. There are some things to improve to my taste, but overall it is definitely worth the money. In two hours of the actual using it appears by far more convenient that notorious MS Office. Extremely rich applications fulfilled by right tools. It is not overwhelmed with unneeded garbage but with smart and well organized things.
As one reviewer has mentioned it isn't Word. it is better. You don't have a filling that some one staying and breathing into your neck.
BTW, MS Word brought wrong habits and misleading conceptions, but if you know how to work , this one is much more productive tool.
All pieces well coordinated and inter working.
Very recommend. The interface a bit different and a few things to learn, but since you started to use it there is no way to back to MS Office. MS Office has more features in the same way as track has more horsepower, but will you drive it on vacation rather than coupe ?
One more thing to say, there is no any issues with MS Office compatibility. I converted many different documents and had no difficulties at all.

It's not Word.
Let me make one thing clear: AppleWorks is not Microsoft Word. It is not Microsoft Office. And it is not a substitute for Word or Office, just as a Honda Civic isn't a substitute for a Hummer. It is, however, much easier to use, much less intrusive, and much less expensive. If you need Microsoft Office's features, by all means buy a copy. If you need to exchange files with Office users, it's probably a good idea to buy Office. But If you need to get work done quickly and easily, grab a copy of AppleWorks. All the modules (Word processor, graphics, spreadsheet, and presentation) are seamlessly integrated. Screen clutter is minimal (though the toolbars could be smaller.) Basic (and I stress basic) compatibility with Word and Excel files is included. But its strongest point is its ability to stay out of your way: it doesn't try to reformat your work to suit it's own ends, or make grammatical decisions for you, and the on-line help is helpful, not intrusive.

Easy to use with many good features.
A great application. If you don't want to spend the extra money and get Office X then this is the application for you. It's very easy to use and has a lot of great features like templates and clip art plus, you can make your own templates and clip art. It has many features that Office X has except it doesn't have grammar check. That is the only draw back but half the time I never paid attention to it when using Office 2000 for windows so this isn't a big deal for me. I have converted many documents from Office 2000 to AppleWorks with no problems. I also use it for college and I have yet to feel the need to get Office X. Some other features it has are spell check, a word counter, and it can read back your documents to you!! Try it out. You won't be sorry! I use this application on an iBook running Mac OS X 10.2.4

Great upgrade from office mac
I am a computer programmer and have been using MS Office since office 97 was released. I bought an Ibook 2 weeks ago in order to get away from the Wintel platform (and Linux too). The appleworks program is great it lets me create documents that MS Office can read and will also open MS documents. AppleWorks (as far as I can tell) has all the power of MS Office and is way easier to use. I have only been using it for a couple of weeks and can already create better documents faster using appleworks. I have not used the presentation part of AppleWorks yet but I assume its as good as the rest but, for presentations I reccommend keynote.

Well worth your money!
...Appleworks Office does everything I want an office program to do and it's stable and reliable. (I'm running system 9.2 on a G4). Another reviewer claims it isn't compatable with other programs, but fails to give any useful specifics, such as what programs and how it isn't compatable with them. I ignored that review and bought this software, and I'm glad I did. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Better than Before
I was very very pleased with the changes in the program. They made it a lot easier for people that do not have lots of space on their computer to download all of the artwork. In the Art Gallery and the different card catagories, there are somethings that are availiable on-line. The only draw-back is that while you are using the program, you may have to go back & forth-on & off the internet. I must say that really isn't that much of a problem. Although, someone who is not able to go on line-it could be a problem for. There are many many more pieces of art in the Gallery (different from ver.6 platinum). There are more selections of cards and you can actually change the color scheme of a card if you want to. They also give you more places to explore. The process of finializing a project is much easier. You can save, print, e-mail the project, have them print your card all from the same little pop-up window. I am very glad I made the decision to get version 7 Platinum. I guess the one piece of information that I should add is that my husband bought this program for me as an anniversary gift (since it's the program I love the best). Unknown to me he bought it directly from Broderbund. I received it on August 8th. I would recommend it to anyone. As with any program, it's got it's ins & outs. But even so, it always take time to get use to any program. If there weren't differences in the progressing versions, American Greetings wouldn't put out any newer versions. I have had programs from other companies but have always returned to American Greetings CreataCard.

P.S. I have a response to all of the reviews that reference complaints of not liking the part of having to download a tremendous amount of the art work, etc. People who have computers that don't have a lot of memory space, it makes it easier for them to work this version of Creatacard. Even if you don't install the full version, a lot of people do not have enough memory. Not everyone who owns a computer is able to afford to put added memory in their machines. At the same time, I realize that it costs money to have an internet connection but a lot of folks just plain don't have the extra money it takes to buy added memory (along with having to pay to have it placed in their computers). At least this program gives the little people the chance to experience how wonderful it is to have a program like this!

Avoid this
CreataCard Platinum 7 retains the same annoying user interface as the original 1997 version I got free with my greeting card paper, and then takes away the ability to view a group of cards (and their inside messages) as a group, but then adds the need for you to download most of the content from the Internet. Most annoying: the software did not ask (or check) to see if I had an existing Internet connection, but assumed I was on dialup and tried to dial my modem (I then had to use Task Manager to end the program.) I found the humor in the cards to be crass and insulting, with very few "sentimental" cards appropriate for an older person. After wrestling with the program, trying to find a card I could even modify to my liking (ArtStudio is even more difficult than it used to be to use), I gave up and wished I'd read the reviews on Amazon first.

Very nice
I upgraded from CreataCard Gold 4. All my old images in Version 4 were available online but it would have been nice if they could have been merged into V7 from my V4, since I owned 4. I am on a broadband Internet connection so I don't mind that much of the projects and images are online. I am concerned though at how long shall these images be available online? A year maybe 2, oh hey maybe 2 months! That always is the worry for me with storing things online.

The interface is still the same overly cutesy child like graphics that I dislike. I guess it does make it a bit easier for those that may be intimidated by a computer. I find it just plan annoying.

I do wish that more of the projects were not so over laden with graphics either. Sometimes the project just gets to jumbled with stuff. Mainly the business cards are what I am referring to. I printed up my own cards and had to design my own as all the templates they offered were just to darn graphical. I wanted a plan old card look.

Over all a good value for what you get and can do software.

I have it to
Check out the program and you will find a button to click on to turn off the go to the web sight thing. I did and I am much happier with the program.

displeased
lots of items to choose from ,,but almost everytime you are directed to the website,,,very annoying ... Read more

Product Description

Make a creative breakthrough! The Print Shop Deluxe 20 delivers thousands of irresistible project ideas including greeting cards, calendars, photo projects, crafts and so much more. Enliven your creations with a huge array of exciting design elements like premium artwork and photos, expressive fonts and eye-catching headlines. From enhanced search capabilities to expanded art and project galleries to improved print quality, every feature of The Print Shop Deluxe 20 reflects the enduring value and boundless inspiration of this legendary software brand. An exceptional creative resource you’ll return to again and again.

• Explore more than 16,000 brilliant project templates in hundreds of exciting categories.****
• Enhance your creations with more than 310,000 premium images including fine art, photos, and Web art to suit every theme and style.*****
• Improve and enhance photos using The Print Shop’s integrated Photo Workshop. Easily eliminate red-eye, correct color and fix flaws. Also experiment with special effects to transform your photos into works of art.
• Use groundbreaking ProPrint technology to take advantage of your printer’s optimal resolution. Photos, graphics, headlines and text have never looked better.
• Share projects more easily than ever with new Click-N-View capabilities. With a single click, any recipient can view your project, even if they don’t have The Print Shop.
• Launch the new Hot Shots viewer for quick, easy access to all of your favorite photos and other images. Ideal for easily creating slideshows or presentations, too.
• Instant Expressions! Instantly share projects with your buddies. While chatting online, send projects via your IM service, including AOL® Instant Messenger™, MSN® Messenger, and other popular IM Services.
• Burn your creations onto CD right from The Print Shopit’s all integrated. Also create Video CDs of your favorite slideshows and ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Now you can make any event into an unforgettable memory with the world's premier collection of premium-quality graphics for celebrations and holidays: Art Explosion Seasons, Events, and Holidays.

Choose from 15,000 sensational clip-art images and photographs, all conveniently arranged in a 150-page Printed Image Catalogue. Or view color previews of entire graphics categories, using onscreen image browsers, which are also included.

From birthdays to anniversaries, Christmas to Memorial Day, graduations to weddings, Art Explosion Seasons, Events, and Holidays is sure to have the right image for every event. Using Seasons, Events, and Holidays couldn't be easier. Just add graphics to any word processing, graphics, or desktop publishing program to instantly create unique personalized invitations, greeting cards, banners, party favors, and much more. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

It comes with a book of the images!
This product was much nicer than I ever thought it would be. It has great images and unlike most low priced clip art I buy, it actually comes with a book showing you all the images printed out! I did nto expect it but it's great! I did have a question about how to use a particular image but the call was answered quickly by Nova and they even showed me how to edit the image to make it work for me even better! Very very pleased, especially with the price!

Nova poor customer support
While I realize our experiences with a company's customer service varies, I just want to echo another user's complaints with Nova. I have Their Seasons, Events, etc. software in addition to their Greeting Card and Business Card packages and found their suport to be quite terrible. It took multiple emails and numerous excuses (operating system corrupted, OS not designed well, etc.) before admitting their software was at fault. But, the price is right at $0.00 - a penny more is a penny too much, IMHO

Great for Adobe Illustrator
This clip art collection is a great one. Tons of outstanding graphics for holidays, birthdays and other occasions. And it's good quality stuff, too. I have a small graphic design business, and I've put the illustrations to good use.

Also of note, the claim by another reviewer that it's incompatible with Adobe Illustrator is simply untrue. I use it with Illustrator v. 11.0, and it works like a charm. Illustrator does indeed import WMF files, though there's a strange bug in Illustrator whereby you have to select "WMF" from the dropdown list instead of "All Files." I hope this helps.

Great collection
This is a great collection of clip art. I read a prior review that it was not functional with other programs, which is incorrect. The images are .wmf, .jpg, .gif and .tif, so the reviewer looks like he/she has a problem with Nova and not the product itself.

I have called Nova for customer service in the past for a probelm I was having and they were very responsive and were able to solve my problem. It turns out I had created my own problem and they helped me fix it. Thanks Nova!

non functional product
NOVA Corp. lists system & programs that are compatable, i.e. Windows XP and Adobe Illustrator. Product will not open. NOVA's customer service is unwilling to address the problem, or offer any solutions, so BEWARE! The product apparently is not capable of working within the systems and programs listed, and as I have been told "It isn't thier problem" ... Read more

Features

• Easily create albums to share with family and friends
• 500+ scrapbook templates and customizable projects
• 5,300+ sensational graphics; spectacular special effects
• Captions, balloons, and creative borders; facing pages
• Spectacular custom lettering; powerful drawing tools

Reviews (13)

Not too bad (if bought used)
I purchased a "used" copy for about $9 since v20 is out and is almost $90.I'm not disappointed with it since it does just what I want it to do:Labels, Newsletter, envelopes.Things that were a challenge in Microsoft products like Word, etc.I was very pleased with it, but then I didn't spend a whole lot.I'll get v20 when I can get it for $9 but then maybe the current version at that time will have been improved enough to be worth it.

Access is "iffy"
I've owned previous versions of this product, and I enjoyed using them.I found switching CDs a little annoying though, and welcomed the idea of one disk, with most of the art stored online, without taking up space on my computer.

The art is wonderful; my real complaint with the program is the website access.All too often, I find myself in the middle of designing something when suddenly an object cannot download.There appears a blurb from the manufacturer telling you to try again later.Sometimes "later" is just a few moments later, other times it can be quite a while.Also, I find that the thumbnails are a little slow appearing, making scrolling through the art time consuming.I would give this product a much higher rating if it wasn't for this unreliability.I like the PrintShop, but I just bought Version 20 Deluxe, to be installed when I install my larger hard drive.I haven't installed it yet; I'm reading reviews here to see if anything else sounds more promising.

Experienced Print Shop user
I bought the print shop deluxe version 15 because I had been very pleased with its previous editions.Well not with this one. It installed only part of the program, I uninstalled the whole program and started installation again, but the program insists it is already installed. So here I sit with a new program that is useless.Have contacted Broderbund but have not had a reply.Have had the computer checked out and it is the program not the computer causing the problem.

Terrible Software - Does edit photos
This is terrible software.I gave it two stars because it does edit photos and I needed that feature, but, overall I am very sorry that I spent my money before looking at these reviews.

The interface is AWFUL!For example, if you want to add a rectangle you would think you would just click on a rectangle tool and draw it.Nope!Instead you click on "Insert Shape", then you get a dialog box of possible shapes.You have to select the shape you want and the color in this dialog box. Then you click OK.Now you have a rectangle that you can reshape.

The Wizards are OK, but the designs are very lame and unprofessional.The system creates some integrated letterhead and business cards, but you wouldn't want to use them.

I bought this ... figuring, ...how much worse can it be than Microsoft Publisher 2000?Afterall, this isn't rocket science.The answer was MUCH worse!

Is there an award for Worst Software Imaginable?
This is great if you want to send a note to your Aunt Helen. Anything more substantial and it is full of quirks and bugs. Huge Waste of Money----the programmers should be lined up and shown the door or preferably worse. ... Read more

Product Description

In the time it takes to dream up a project, you can complete one! Simply choose from the huge assortment of professionally designed templates, personalize with your favorite art, photos, and messages then print or share your masterpiece online. Creative self-expression has never been easier. Includes Patriotic Collection Art & Projects. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Poor quality artwork compared with older versions
I agree with the reviewer who advised: "don't bother to upgrade." Compared with version 8 (which unfortunately has some printing problems under Windows XP), the quality of the artwork in version 15 is poor. Gone are many of the cartoons and genuinely humorous pictures, gone are the victorian prints and original art collections, which made the older version a pleasure to use, and offered really unusual material.

It's still a decent program. It is easy to use and gives you access to many images on the DVD or CDs as well as online. But the quality of those images is so-so, especially compared with older versions of the program.

junk software
Wouldn't install, Print Master or 3D. In fact 3D registered me but did not complete the installation and when I e-mailed Broderbund about this problem, I got no response what so ever. Tried to return the junk software and store wouldn't take it back.

junk software
Wouldn't install, Print Master or 3D. In fact 3D registered me but did not complete the installation and when I e-mailed Broderbund about this problem, I got no response what so ever. Tried to return this junk software and store wouldn't take it back.

Makes a Pleasure out of creating cards
I have had two previous Printmaster programs but this one, especially being on DVD, is a dream.Acccess to and download of two free card program editions from the Broderbund site has been a most pleasant experience.This version is so much more in content than the other two I have used.

don't bother upgrading
I bought a new computer with windows XP and decided if i was going to be running the newest Windows I should run the newest Printmaster. I upgraded from Platinum 11 and I'm sending back Platinum 15 and re-installing 11. More than half the images are online now. You get three art discs and have to sort through online garbage to get the rest. It'sto get you to sign up for their Million image club for another $$. They took away some features and added nothing. Quality went down. Wait for them to bring it back up before upgrading. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Stomp's CD Stomper Pro Labeling System is CD-labeling software offering stand-alone design and print utilities, not just templates. Print alignment and registration are built in, so you are guaranteed quality labels every time. CD Stomper Pro provides 1270 predesigned artwork samples and enables you to create curved, angled, arched, and drop-angle text. This application supports multiple file formats for importing images, including JPEG, TIFF, BMP WMF, PCX, and EPS. CD Stomper Pro also supports both CD Label and Jewel Case Insert Design. It works with both PC and Macintosh platforms. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

If you like making creative CD labels this is it!
I have been using Stomp for my labeling needs for a long time now and though I have not tried other products I highly recomend this one. The interface is very easy to work with and allows you to import other JPEG or BTMP images to your labels to truly customize and create unique CD labels.

The more you play around with this the more ways you can find to transfer and manipulate your images. Lately I have been grabbing images off the net, manipulating them in Paint and copy/paste them to my Stomp template. It also comes with a fairly extensive library of images, but you will find that want to move beyond them soon. I did find it easier at first to print out all the images that come with the program so that I could look at my choices without opening and closing windows. The applicator that you use to get the label onto the CD is pretty much fool proof and one of the most imporatnt aspects of creating good functional CD labels. If they go on crooked you will have problems with playback.

Great for the CD hobbyist
For very low volume labeling of CDs there probably is no better solution than this system. With it, you will be able to label your CDs in a handicraft kind of way that will largely satisfy. Especially for the home hobbyist or giftmaker, it will be surprising how good the finished products from this system will look. Throw in the modest pricetag and you've got a genuine argument for buying this product.

There are difficulties, however.

First, the preferred kind of CD labels--those included with the package and made by CD Stomper--have adhesive not entirely harmonious with the Memorex brand of CD-R's. Long term, the instruction manual warns you, the adhesive may become less sticky on the Memorex CD-R's surface.

Second, the software is a memory hog. You've really gotta empty your system tray before you run it. Unless you have something over 40% of system resources free, you won't be able to preview graphical elements. Worse, you may think that the graphic element is going to print, but then it doesn't, making you waste labels. When system resources drop extremely low, merely attempting to use the "insert Graphics" command will make the software crash. Repeatedly. (By contrast Corel Draw had little difficulty functioning properly in a system resource-poor environment, despite being a much more fully-functioned editing package. Clearly, this is not the world's most robust program.)

Third, the software isn't so revolutionary that you care to try to re-run it after it crashes. While it makes the process of CD labeling more convenient, I'd rather just have a template to use in concert with more serious--and more stable--graphical software, like Illustrator or CorelDraw. Nothing this software does can't be done ten times better by full-featured graphic editors.

And fourth, should CDs labelled with this product come into contact with moisture, the label will be adversely affected. This isn't exactly the fault of the good people at Stomp--it's symptomatic of anything printed on an inkjet printer--but it's worth mentioning that people trying to make more professional labels would be advised to choose other solutions.

Now, having said all this, I would still definitely recommend the product for its intended audience. Home users will enjoy this software. Most people could probably make attractive labels within 30 minutes of installing the software. The interface *is* intuitive and convenient. The artwork included for backgrounds is in many cases actually stunning. As long as you give the software plenty of system resources to work with, and can accept the potential impermanence of your labels, you'll probably find little fault with this product.

CD Stomper (non)Pro
I tried for hours to get this back software to work. I have a G5 with OS X. The software install states that instillation was suckessful, but it doesn't come close to working!

The Website is totally useless.

If you buy this completely horrible product you deserve what you get.

Compusa owes me for carry such worthless junk.

Good program
I've been using this program for a couple months now and came to Amazon to look for label refils, and I happened across this page with some really bad reviews. I just wanted to add my two cents. I haven't had problem one since I used this program. I, too, am using Win XP. Photo browswer works fine. No crashes. Interfaces with XP with great awesominity.
I dunno what the deal is. They might have come up with a newer version of the software. I'm using 4.8.23 and it works just hunky dory. I import my own graphics after I make them, although 'import' makes it some complex. All I do is browse for it and it's there.
Anyway, works great.

The latest version still doesn't work
I downloaded the latest and "greatest" version (4.8.2) of Click'n Design 3D for the CD Stomper. The photo browser STILL doesn't work on my Windows XP Home Edition system.

Do they even bother to test their software before releasing it??

Stay away from CD Stomper! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Turn your font fantasies into realities with 500 Elegant Fonts 1.0, a font design resource for Windows. Designed for graphic artists, type designers, and technical professionals who want to modify their existing fonts or create new fonts from scratch, 500 Elegant Fonts's precision drawing tools make type design as easy or advanced as you need it to be. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Perfect for Elegant Wedding Invitations
I was having a hard time finding a font that was elegant but easy to read for addressing my daughter's wedding invitations. "Windsor Sword" was just what I was looking for and have used it for a second daughter's wedding invitations also. My niece has borrowed it for hers and we have all had numerous comments on how beautiful and elegant it was and is for this purpose. I recommend this CD to anyone looking for something elegant and unique. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Average quality
While this product does offer a large number of clipart images on only a few disks, I found less than half is better than average quality.

One of the four disks is exclusively web art. But I would not call it art! Not even a simple personal web page would benefit from this unimaginative and useless collection.

The catalog interface for the main clipart program is easy to use my only complaint is that if you find something you like and save it, the long scroll bar is reset to the top, losing the place where you were just browsing through the collection.

For [money] it is not a bad product I guess, but you should definately shop around and look at other titles before deciding on this one.

Very Disapointed
I purchased Clickart 400,000 and have never felt more taken advantage of by a software company. You see only 150,00 of the images are actually in the box I
bought. The rest I have to sit on my stinking 56K modem and wait for them to download. I could not believe this when I realized it. I went and looked at the box and
saw there was a tiny asterick saying that only some of the images are actually in the box and that you needed to go online for the rest. If I wanted to buy an internet

subscription I would have done that. I will never buy another Broderbund or Clickart product again. There are plenty of reputable clip art products out there that do not
try to fool their customers.

Easy to use, with more graphics than you will ever need!
I am so happy with this product. Very easy to use, on just a few discs (so not too much shifting around). You can do an easy search of what you are looking for, and I have never come up empty-handed. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

OLD IMAGES, WORTHLESS, WASTE OF MONEY.
I found it to be totally worthless with their outdated photos. Nothing new or current in the entire collection. I am looking specifically for business photos and technology photos - of which there are virtually none in the entire collection. I mean NONE.

I hope they will eventually make a collection that contains new stuff, like from the 20th century!!! And definitely cool, colorful images of space, technology, people, business people, buildings, offices, etc.

Spend your money elsewhere people. This collection is useful only if you're a historian and write on subjects from the early 1900's.

TWO THUMBS DOWN. WAY DOWN.

I'M SOLD
This is a great peice of software when you consider other clipart companies charge hundreds of dollars for only a few images. I love how the artwork is on a transparent backgroud, very easy to navigate - I'm on my way to purchase more of their products! ... Read more

Features

• Turn computer and printer into a home printing studio
• Work with fun Disney characters; easy for kids to use
• Packed with a powerful array of features for editing images
• Everything needed to create fun art projects
• For kids ages 6 and up

Amazon.com Product Description

Remembering special life events, such as weddings, births, graduations, and personal achievements, is what scrapbooks are all about, and Hallmark Scrapbook Studio makes scrapbooking fun. This flexible software suite delivers a rich and creative collection of scrapbook templates; just gather up your cherished photos and memorabilia, select from more than 4,000 Hallmark art images, and you'll have a one-of-a-kind electronic scrapbook that can even be e-mailed to family and friends. As a bonus, Scrapbook Studio also lets you create and send Hallmark's very special Memory Cards. Plus, this software's built-in photo editor allows you to retouch red eyes and enhance photos, so you can make your memories picture perfect. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Waste of Time & Money
I had the previous edition for Win98 and thought the new edition for WinXP would have fixed the previous problems but it has not. I was able to load the software fine and it runs well, and the pre-designed templates are great! But... it still won't allow you to import digital photos to shapes other than squares/rectangles. So, at least half of the templates are useless unless you enjoy printing the template and manually cutting out the design (star, oval or circle) and putting a hard copy photo behind the shape. Yes, it is more like real scrapbooking, but come on! I know the technology is out there and it is just a matter of layering. Wait until Hallmark wakes up and smells the Elmers and makes a top-knotch scrapbook program... which will hopefully come soon!

It's good for graphics but that's about it
It is so frustrating because you can't work a 2 page spread with the two pages side by side. I've only used this for printing out some clip art and/or sayings and such. And when I've used it for a full page layout, it always leaves a 1/2 inch boarder around the edges of white...I know that's a printer issue but it's still annoying. I would never use it for a full page layout.

Agree with waste of time and money
If you are planning to use with digital photos, don't get this one. You must actually do the cutting to place photos. Has a lot to it but most is useless if you plan to design and print with your pictures.

So disappointed...
I saw this in the store the other day and thought what a wonderful idea!! Considering the Hallmark name, I thought it had to be decent. I hate it. I put in the time to learn how to use it. I have a technical bachelors degree and work in the IT field, so you'd think I'd be computer savvy enough to use this. I have hundreds of digital photos and was quite upset to see the note in the instructions to only use the square or retangular templates with digital photos. What??!! That makes it useless to me. $20 down the toilet.

Not so good
I was very anxious to receive the Hallmark Scrapbook Studio. The day it came in the mail, I installed it on my computer only to find it did not work. Each time I tried to use a pre-designed template, my computer would crash. I was unable to use the software even after contacting Sierra for advice. My computer exceeds the operating requirements yet the software did not work. I would not recommend this software. ... Read more