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Editors' top productivity apps

Elsa Wenzel
Elsa Wenzel, Associate Editor
Updated April 04, 2008
There's plenty of software out there that cuts through the clutter and helps you work efficiently. You just need to know what it is, and CNET can help. Read on for our favorite small-business and personal productivity applications.
Related editors' top products lists:
Productivity apps | Tools for a new computer | Entertainment apps | Security apps | Graphics apps

 
Productivity apps
Product Editors' rating Price Summary
FeedDemon 2 
FeedDemon 2
8.0 out of 10 8.0
Excellent
Review date:
10/10/2006
Download this product from Download.com
FeedDemon is a terrific RSS reader that can handle hundreds of subscriptions faster and better than the many free Web-based readers available.
Specs:

Microsoft Office Standard 2007 
Microsoft Office Standard 2007
7.8 out of 10 7.8
Very good
Review date:
01/29/2007
$180-$400
from 27 stores
Check prices
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.
Specs: 1 PC, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP1 or later, 500 MHz, 500 MHz, CD-ROM, XGA monitor, 500 MHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 6.0 or later

Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 
Microsoft Office Outlook 2007
7.8 out of 10 7.8
Very good
Review date:
02/14/2007
$88-$118
from 16 stores
Check prices
If you work with Microsoft Outlook on a daily basis, this upgrade can make scheduling simpler and e-mailing more interesting. Still, we wish Instant Search and e-mail rendering were better.
Specs: 1 PC, Complete package, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later, 500 MHz, 500 MHz, CD-ROM, 500 MHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 6.0

Mozilla Thunderbird 2 
Mozilla Thunderbird 2
7.3 out of 10 7.3
Very good
Review date:
03/27/2008
Download for Windows.
Download for Mac.
Mozilla Thunderbird 2 is a fine, free, extensible e-mail client and a solid alternative to pricey Microsoft Outlook 2007 or the free Windows Live Mail.
Specs:

Apple iWork '08 
Apple iWork '08
7.3 out of 10 7.3
Very good
Review date:
08/22/2007
$57-$80
from 10 stores
Check prices
Although Microsoft Office 2007 offers deeper features, particularly for number crunchers, Apple iWork '08 is a strong Mac productivity package and a pleasure to use.
Specs: 1 user, Complete package, 500 MHz, CD-ROM, 500 MHz, MacOS

Google Docs & Spreadsheets 
Google Docs & Spreadsheets
7.3 out of 10 7.3
Very good
Review date:
10/18/2006
Access this free service from the vendor's Web site.
Google Docs & Spreadsheets beta gracefully merges word processing, spreadsheets and basic presentations within an online service that lets you collaborate with other users.
Specs:

Encyclopedia Britannica Ultimate Reference Suite 2007 
Encyclopedia Britannica Ultimate Reference Suite 2007
7.0 out of 10 7.0
Very good
Review date:
09/11/2006
Access this free service from the vendor's Web site.
The latest digital edition of this trusted reference source emphasizes information over infotainment and is much better than its predecessor.
Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP, DVD-ROM, XGA monitor, MacOS, Windows

Corel WordPerfect Office X3 Home Edition 
Corel WordPerfect Office  X3  Home Edition
7.0 out of 10 7.0
Very good
Review date:
01/17/2006
$91
from 1 store
Check prices
Corel WordPerfect Office X3 is a very good productivity suite with enough enhancements to warrant an upgrade. Microsoft Office users, though, should wait for Microsoft Office 12.
Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition, 466 MHz, CD-ROM, SVGA monitor, Mouse or compatible device, 466 MHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 5.5

StarOffice 8 
StarOffice 8
7.0 out of 10 7.0
Very good
Review date:
09/26/2005
StarOffice 8 is an impressive upgrade of Sun Microsystems' bargain productivity suite. It's a good buy for small and large businesses, but users needing an e-mail program and a photo editor should consider Corel WordPerfect Office 12 Small Business Edition.
Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows XP, SunSoft Solaris 8 or later, SuSE Linux Kernel 2.4.0 or later, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, Intel Pentium III, AMD Athlon, 8.0, CD-ROM, Intel Pentium III, AMD Athlon, Linux, Solaris, Windows

 




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