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Discovery360
All-In-One eDiscovery and Document Review, by
Taeho Lim.
Wouldn’t it be nice to tap into every type of document analysis or search tool available today? If you want to do that with your eDiscovery cases, you have two choices use multiple single function programs and hope you can get them to integrate with one another, or use a single multiple-function program that does everything.
Category: Electronic Discovery. Written:
2007. Added:
11-14-2008.
interlegis.com
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Best Authority
Turbo-Charge Your Table of Authorities, by
Tracey Baetzel.
Most users adopted the product in a very short time.
Lawyers preparing their own TOAs are finding Best Authority to be less work-intensive and unwieldy than previous methods, particularly when they are working under tight filing deadlines.
Category: Document Management. Written:
2007. Added:
11-14-2008.
law.lexisnexis.com
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Discovery 360
Discovery360 DataMapper, by
Brett Burney.
Not too many other tools in the industry can boast visual features like those built into Discovery360 and, earlier this year, InterLegis even announced a Mac version of its software — something that truly is unheard of in the legal software market. Pros: Customizable visual “peeks” into electronic data; visible timeline provides overview of relevant activity; ability to see relationships between e-mail authors and recipients.
Cons: Scant support documentation.
Verdict: I recommend this product for litigation support professionals who are looking for a comprehensive tool to inspect and process electronically stored information.
Category: Electronic Discovery. Written:
2008. Added:
11-11-2008.
Legal Assistant Today
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Acrobat.com, Buzzword, ConnectNow, Share, MyFiles and Create PDF
Acrobat.com (Beta), by
Kim Plonsky.
Innovative, clean and crisp user interface. Surprisingly fast for an online application. Backup of work occurs behind the scenes every few minutes, and every time a document is saved in Buzzword, the prior version automatically is saved. It’s easy to learn and support is plentiful. There are no spreadsheet or presentation programs. Oddly, Buzzword imports most common file formats, but not PDF. Navigation between Adobe .com’s modules is clumsy, which can lead to repeatedly being requested to sign in. Although still in beta and so too soon to recommend it to legal professionals for business use, I think it’s worth checking out, and I would not be surprised if others, like me, have at least one use in mind for it already.
Category: Document Management. Written:
2008. Added:
11-11-2008.
Legal Assistant Today
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Legal Files
Using Legal Files to Win Complex Trial and Appellate Cases, by
Todd M. Haley.
Through successful input capabilities, improved output capabilities and its centralized management, Legal Files is an effective application to help us control the litigation information associated with these complex cases so that we can manage our clients' litigation portfolios and win cases cost-effectively.
Category: Document Management. Written:
2006. Added:
11-10-2008.
Legal Tech Newsletter
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ZoneAlarm
ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 2009, by
Robert Vamosi.
ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 is faster and lighter than last year's release, has a modern interface, and provides real-world identity fraud protection. ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 provides top-notch security protection that is light on system resources, allowing you to work unencumbered.
Category: Anti-Virus and Firewall. Written:
2008. Added:
11-10-2008.
cnet.com
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Norton AntiVirus
Norton AntiVirus 2009, by
Robert Vamosi.
Norton AntiVirus 2009 hits all the right performance notes and its award-winning protection technologies should start to win back even jaded anti-Symantec folks. We love its sleek build, performance speed, and array of quality security tools.
Category: Anti-Virus and Firewall. Written:
2008. Added:
11-10-2008.
cnet.com
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Acrobat 9
Acrobat 9 Balances New With Tried-and-True, by
Brett Burney.
Adobe has improved the overall performance of Acrobat with version 9, although this will most certainly depend upon the horsepower of the computer you're using. While Acrobat 9 hardly boasts any brand new capabilities, the improvements on the features from Acrobat 8 are worth the price of an upgrade. Acrobat 9 is more efficient and mature, especially on features like Bates stamping, redaction and collaboration.
Category: Document Management. Written:
2008. Added:
10-18-2008.
law.com
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HP Scanjet N6010
HP's Uniquely Designed Scanner Zips Through Text Documents but Drags on Color Pages, by
Richard Jantz.
The reasonably priced HP Scanjet N6010 is somewhat bulky for a personal document scanner, but it's sturdy, it's capable, and it's fast at monochrome scans.
Category: Scanner. Written:
2007. Added:
10-17-2008.
PC World
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Chrome
Google Chrome: Where's the Shine?, by
Rod Kovel.
Chrome is a useful tool that does a handful of nice things around the flanks of the existing browsers, but does not provide full service to all comers.
Category: Browser. Written:
2008. Added:
10-17-2008.
law.com
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Practice-Specific Software
How Lawyers Practice Law and Serve Clients with Macs - Really!, by
Jeff Richardson and Ben Stevens.
Attorneys that specialize in a particular area of the law will undoubtedly have certain software programs aimed at their area of practice. However, through the use of virtualization programs noted above, Mac users can run any Windows program when necessary, all while still being able to enjoy all the benefits that Macs provide.
Category: Other. Written:
2008. Added:
10-17-2008.
abanet.org
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Scansnap S500
FUJITSU Fujitsu Scansnap S500, by
Richard Jantz.
The ScanSnap s500's compact design, easy operation, and impressive image quality make it an excellent choice for any small-office or home user--especially if your main goal is to create searchable PDFs.
Category: Scanner. Written:
2007. Added:
10-17-2008.
PC World
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Plustek Smartoffice PS252
This Ultracompact and Low-Priced Scanner Turns Out Good-Looking Images at a Fast Pace, by
Richard Jantz.
With its impressive image quality, low cost, and diminutive size, the Plustek SmartOffice PS252 is a good match for individual users or for small offices where both budget and desktop space are limited.
Category: Scanner. Written:
2007. Added:
10-17-2008.
PC World
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Microtek Artixscandi 2020
This Versatile Flatbed Scanner is Fast and Offers a High-Capacity Document Feeder, but it doesn't Create Searchable Pdf Files, by
Richard Jantz.
Nonetheless, the competitively priced Microtek ArtixScanDI 2020's impressive speed and large-capacity ADF make it an excellent choice for high-volume document imaging.
Category: Scanner. Written:
2007. Added:
10-17-2008.
PC World
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Visioneer Roadwarrior
Visioneer's RoadWarrior Mobile Scanner Makes Scanning Documents on the Road Easy., by
Richard Jantz.
For anyone who wants to leave paper behind when out on the road, the Visioneer RoadWarrior is a welcome traveling companion for uploading printed or handwritten items on the fly.
Category: Scanner. Written:
2007. Added:
10-17-2008.
pcworld.com
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Lexbe.com, iConect.com and lmageDepot.com
The Wave of the Future - SaaS Technology Makes its Mark on the Law Office, by
Kim Plonsky.
It seems obvious to me that the SaaS model is the wave of the future, and is here to stay. With the Internet having taken on the mantle of a utility, and software technology having soared to amazing heights, the timing could not be better.
Can it be long before physically installed software is a thing of the past? Only time will tell. But when and if it
happens, we all likely will be able to concentrate more on our expertise as legal professionals and less on becoming
computer gurus.
Category: Document Management. Written:
2008. Added:
10-09-2008.
Legal Assistant Today
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CounterSpy 2.0
Sunbelt CounterSpy 2.0, by
Robert Vamosi.
Sunbelt CounterSpy 2.0 has been distinguished itself in a crowded field, provides a clean, institutive interface and great test results.
Category: Anti-Virus and Firewall. Written:
2007. Added:
10-07-2008.
CNET
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RealPractice
Finding Work Product That Really Matters, by
Angie Turner.
The work product retrieval model posed above is certainly not right for every firm. A system like RealPractice would be overkill for smaller firms that have a more finite collection of documents and, presumably, more interpersonal connection thanks to closer physical proximity. For larger firms with a broader array of practice specialties and geographic locations, however, work product retrieval can make very good sense.
Category: Other. Written:
2006. Added:
10-07-2008.
LJN's Legal Tech Newsletter
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Steganos Secure Traveler
Steganos Secure Traveler, by
Robert Vamosi.
We have generally liked Steganos for its innovative take on encryption and security. Providing a VPN service to those without and combining it with their existing vault technologies and a means of tracking your lost laptop via the Internet make for a compelling package.
Category: VPN. Written:
2007. Added:
10-07-2008.
CNET
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Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro
Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro Extended, by
Elsa Wenzel.
As with Acrobat 8.1, Adobe Acrobat 9 offers myriad features that the average consumer seeking to create a basic, print-ready PDF won't need. The metadata removal, 256-bit encryption, and ease of redactions alone easily could justify the purchase for, say, a law firm. Those who specialize in making presentations with moving images and sounds will find plenty of options at their fingertips, especially given the integration with Adobe Creative Suite 3.3.
Category: Document Management. Written:
2008. Added:
10-03-2008.
CNET
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Microsoft Office Accounting Express 2007
Microsoft Office Accounting Express 2007, by
Jeff Bertolucci.
The good:
Microsoft Office Accounting Express 2007 is free; lets you manage eBay auction sales and purchases; has a clean interface; integrates with hundreds of online banks.
The bad:
Some of the features within Microsoft Office Accounting Express 2007 require the paid Microsoft Office 2007, which isn't available yet; requires Windows 2003 server, XP, or Vista; time-intensive installation; expensive tech support.
The bottom line:
The Professional version is impressive too, especially for eBay users--although not stellar enough to convert QuickBooks' legions of fans.
Category: Accounting. Written:
2006. Added:
10-03-2008.
CNET
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McAfee Internet Security 2008
McAfee Internet Security Suite 2008 - Complete Package, by
Robert Vamosi.
It's not perfect, but in a strictly Norton vs. McAfee universe, McAfee Internet Security 2008 is a much better deal than Norton Internet Security 2008. Not only does McAfee offer more security features than Norton, McAfee integrates them with an intuitive user interface, one that allows you to understand the specific feature as well as tweak its settings.
Category: Anti-Virus and Firewall. Written:
2007. Added:
10-03-2008.
CNET
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Adobe Acrobat 9
Adobe Acrobat 9 Standard, by
Elsa Wenzel .
As with Acrobat 8.1, Adobe Acrobat 9 offers myriad features that the average consumer seeking to create a basic, print-ready PDF won't need. The metadata removal, 256-bit encryption, and ease of redactions alone easily could justify the purchase for, say, a law firm. Those who specialize in making presentations with moving images and sounds will find plenty of options at their fingertips, especially given the integration with Adobe Creative Suite 3.3.
Category: Document Management. Written:
2008. Added:
10-03-2008.
CNET
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Predictive Pricing Estimator
Useful E-Discovery Cost Estimator, by
David Ferris.
With the Predictive Pricing Estimator ftom Orange Legal, you go online and plug in the volume of electronic information to be considered, in gigabytes. You also indicate the number of people who may be reviewing the material. The total cost of e-discovery is then estimated, using common industry estimates for such elements as cost of document processing, time taken to review each document, the cost of a reviewer’s time, and computer service or software charges.
Category: Electronic Discovery. Written:
2008. Added:
10-03-2008.
Ferris Research
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Chrome
Google Chrome: Where's the Shine?, by
Rod Kovel.
The much more interesting phenomenon, and Chrome's really best attribute for the typical computer user, is its reliability. IE and other browsers commonly hang and/or crash when any one tab becomes inoperable; Chrome does not permit this. Chrome is a useful tool that does a handful of nice things around the flanks of the existing browsers, but does not provide full service to all comers.
Category: Browser. Written:
2008. Added:
9-29-2008.
Law.com
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Legal Files 7.0
Case Management in More Ways Than One, by
Dennis Kennedy.
The new version also offers greater integration with other document management, accounting, and standard law office software, including Microsoft Office and Worldox GX. Larger firms will like the support of Microsoft SQL Server 2005 and Oracle 10g.
Category: Document Management. Written:
2007. Added:
9-29-2008.
TechnoLawyer
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Canon DR-2510C
DR-2510C Compact Color Scanner, by
Christel Burris.
Scan quality is outstanding. At 300dpi it’s far and away better than any other scanner I’ve used. The scans at 300dpi are so good that there is no need to scan at a higher resolution. While the “one touch” buttons on the front of the scanner are useful, one of my favorite things about the Xerox DocuMate is I can program a button to
launch Acrobat and immediately start scanning.
While you can program any one of the DR-2510C
buttons to “launch” a program, the only program it
works with on my machine is Microsoft Publisher.
Category: Scanner. Written:
2008. Added:
9-26-2008.
TechnoLawyer
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Outlook 2007
Microsoft Office Outlook 2007, by
Elsa Wenzel.
Light users of Outlook are unlikely to need the changes offered by the 2007 version, but they may still benefit from the improved scheduling, message composition, and security. If Outlook is the nerve center of your digital communications and scheduling and you've wished for more flexibility in its older versions, then we recommend this upgrade.
Category: Email. Written:
2007. Added:
9-22-2008.
CNET
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NTI Backup
NTI Backup Now 5 Advanced 5, by
TopTenReviews.
Because NTI Backup Now is simple to use yet effective; it's a perfect choice for computer novices. Seasoned professionals will also find NTI Backup Now! capable of meeting their backup needs.
Category: Backup. Written:
2008. Added:
9-22-2008.
TopTenReviews
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ZoneAlarm
ZoneAlarm Pro 6.5, by
Robert Vamosi.
In the boldest security software move we've seen, ZoneAlarm Pro 6.5 has partnered with an identity management solutions provider, providing both offline and online identity theft protection.
Category: Anti-Virus and Firewall. Written:
2006. Added:
9-22-2008.
CNET
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Chrome
Chrome (beta), by
Robert Vamosi.
Google has rethought the Internet browser--some of its basic underpinnings are quite novel--but users will recognize some features as they exist in other, open-source browsers on the market today.
Category: Browser. Written:
2008. Added:
9-22-2008.
CNET
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Apple iWork
Apple iWork '08, by
Elsa Wenzel .
The inclusion of Numbers in iWork '08 makes this software bundle a stronger alternative to Microsoft Office for the Mac, which hasn't been updated since 2004. The fledgling Numbers offers more than enough formulas for the majority of users.
Category: Office Productivity. Written:
2007. Added:
9-22-2008.
CNET
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QuickBooks
QuickBooks Pro 2007, by
TopTenReviews.
QuickBooks is excellent, intuitive accounting software. This program offers most of the features you need, but adjusting to its unique section names may take time.
Category: Accounting. Written:
2008. Added:
9-22-2008.
TopTenReviews
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Google Docs & Spreadsheet
Google Docs & Spreadsheets, by
Elsa Wenzel.
For now, Google's office apps make a great traveling companion to desktop productivity software. And despite the beta imperfections, the user experience is more seamless than it has been with Zoho or ThinkFree Online. We expect that Google will gradually add layers of new features to Google Docs & Spreadsheets beta.
Category: Office Productivity. Written:
2006. Added:
9-22-2008.
CNET
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RIM BlackBerry 8320
RIM BlackBerry Curve 8320 - pale gold (T-Mobile), by
Bonnie Cha.
The RIM BlackBerry Curve (aka BlackBerry 8320) for T-Mobile is the best BlackBerry we've seen to date as it offers Wi-Fi, best-of-breed design, and excellent performance.
Category: PDA. Written:
2007. Added:
9-21-2008.
CNET
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Quikscribe, Express Dictate, BigHand3, WinScribe, Verdatum, Philips Electronics, Olympus, VR+, Palm Dictate, Express Scribe
Legal Dictation Needs to Talk Digital, by
Enrico Schaefer.
Digital dictation technology helps lawyers dictate and immediately route the dictation to support staff 24/7 from any location in the world. While a portable minicassette recorder lets you dictate anywhere, using cassettes requires physically handing a cassette tape to support staff before transcription can occur.
Category: Dictation. Written:
2008. Added:
9-16-2008.
Law Technology News
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TimeMap 4
TimeMap 4: Timeline Graphing For Lawyers, by
David Narkiewicz.
TimeMap from CaseSoft (www.casesoft.com) has always been one of the best timeline-graphing tool available to lawyers. If you want to graphically show events that have occurred on several dates or at many different times on a particular date, I don’t believe there is a better tool than TimeMap 4.
Category: Trial Presentation. Written:
2006. Added:
9-13-2008.
LJN’s Legal Tech Newsletter
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Catalyst
Catalyst CR 7.1, by
Mary Girsch-Bock.
Catalyst CR provides an easy-to-use search capability, along with access to millions of online documents, and offers a great selection of customization features that allow you to retrieve and save previous search results for future use. However, it's .ore difficult to navigate when performing complicated searches. Catalyst CR receives my recommendation because it’s easily navigated, provides quick access to necessary documents, offers good report capabilities and helps keep large quantities of documents under control.
Category: Electronic Discovery. Written:
2008. Added:
9-13-2008.
Legal Assistant Today
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SpeedFiler
SpeedFiler Professional 2.0, by
Kim Plonsky.
SpeedFiler’s performance has been rock-solid, with no crashes (in either SpeedFiler or Outlook) and an amazing 96 percent accuracy of e-mail message filing suggestions. Increases productivity and efficiency by enhancing and improving management of Outlook e-mail. Streamlined design and excellent integration with Outlook 2007’s ribbon toolbar. Powerful features, and solid and reliable. I absolutely recommend this product. Within the first hour of using SpeedFiler, I was hooked, but apprehensive that Outlook would not cooperate, as has happened with other add-on programs. However, after about a month of heavy usage, SpeedFiler has never once failed to perform as expected or promised, which is no small feat for any software application. In my view, SpeedFiler is a gem of a find and a must-have for Outlook users.
Category: Email. Written:
2008. Added:
9-13-2008.
Legal Assistant Today
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MYOB
MYOB Business Essentials Pro, by
TopTenReviews.
MYOB accounting software is excellent. All the tools you need to manage your business finances are right at your fingertips, easy to find.
Category: Accounting. Written:
2008. Added:
9-11-2008.
TopTenReviews
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Paragon Drive Backup
Paragon Drive Backup 8.5, by
TopTenReviews.
Paragon Drive Backup is a complete disk imaging tool for backing up to another drive, network, or storage media. The novice, however, would require extra time to learn the advanced features.
Category: Backup. Written:
2008. Added:
9-11-2008.
TopTenReviews
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Kaspersky
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009, by
TopTenReviews.
Kaspersky is among the best antivirus software packages on the market today. It’s highly effective, has a great interface, and it’s easy on computer resources. Kaspersky is an excellent choice.
Category: Anti-Virus and Firewall. Written:
2008. Added:
9-11-2008.
TopTenReviews
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QuickBook
QuickBooks Premier 2008, by
Elsa Wenzel.
QuickBooks Premier 2008 remains the top small-business accounting program. Version 2008 isn't an essential upgrade for QuickBooks 2007 users, but it's a good buy for users of earlier versions, and for anyone new to accounting software.
Category: Accounting. Written:
2007. Added:
9-10-2008.
CNET
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NetSuite
NetSuite Small Business 9.5, by
TopTenReviews.
Netsuite is a good accounting service if your small business is starting to grow. With all the different roles available you can divide the software between key employees in your company easily.
Category: Accounting. Written:
2008. Added:
9-07-2008.
TopTenReviews
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ESET Nod32
ESET Nod32 3, by
TopTenReviews.
ESET's NOD32 offers the antivirus software buyer one more excellent choice. Its sets itself apart from the competition with its scanning speed and light footprint on your computer resources. Its proactive approach to virus and other malware detection is among the best in the world, its virus detection is excellent, and now with an easy to use interface, this software ranks among the best available.
Category: Anti-Virus and Firewall. Written:
2008. Added:
9-07-2008.
TopTenReviews
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AVG
AVG Anti-Virus 8, by
TopTenReviews.
Version 8 of AVG Antivirus is a definite improvement over version 7.5. The scanning features have been sped up and the new interface is a clean and modern take on a time-tested product. Beyond the slowdown issue, AVG Antivirus 8 is a complete product that will help keep your computer clean and safe.
Category: Anti-Virus and Firewall. Written:
2008. Added:
9-07-2008.
TopTenReviews
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Norton
Norton AntiVirus 2008, by
TopTenReviews.
Norton Antivirus 2008 is a good product for keeping your computer safe from viruses, but is not as effective as it should be against spyware. While it has a good track record of keeping viruses off of computers using it, it also has significant issues with slowing down computers that it is protecting.
Category: Anti-Virus and Firewall. Written:
2008. Added:
9-07-2008.
TopTenReviews
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Norton Ghost
Norton Ghost 12, by
TopTenReviews.
We recommend Symantec's Norton Ghost for those who want only full image backups as well as backup individual files. The program does an excellent job and is simple to use.
Category: Backup. Written:
2008. Added:
9-07-2008.
TopTenReviews
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Genie
Genie Backup Manager 8, by
TopTenReviews.
When it comes to backing up and restoring computer data, we found Genie Backup Manager to be the most flexible and secure to use. The protection offered by Genie made us feel that our data was completely safe and should disaster strike, we could restore all of our data without complications.
Category: Backup. Written:
2008. Added:
9-07-2008.
TopTenReviews
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Peachtree
Peachtree Complete 2009, by
TopTenReviews.
If you're looking for outstanding accounting software, this is it. Peachtree Accounting has everything you need to manage your small business finances smoothly and successfully.
Category: Accounting. Written:
2008. Added:
9-07-2008.
TopTenReviews
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