Best Cross Platform Utilities
Easily copy and paste and drag and drop text and files between Windows and Mac.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It does run Windows 10 with all the functions and I love the cross OS folder access which is very convenient."
"This version of Parallels 11 Key code ONLY , no software included."
"Lately, I needed to run Windows 10 in order to review manuscripts about Windows programming, and to run a Windows-only desktop utility. The product has a geek bonus: I have Ubuntu Linux, Android OS, Chrome OS, and even another Mac OS, running under Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac!"
"I upgraded last Friday to Parallels 11 (necessitated by upgrade of Mac OS) and all of my shared files can no longer be reached. I'm probably getting too technical here but the point is - I can not access my files and can therefore not function in my professional role. There is no phone number to call for support, only support tickets where they determine in 24-48 if you are worthy of technical support."
"Overall, I am pleasantly surprised (shocked, really) how easy and cheap it is to run Windows software on my Mac now."
"One issue that seems troublesome is printing from windows....seems that everything is converted to a postscript file or something like that from a windows file which results in very slow printing from the USB printers I have connected to an iMac."
"In the past, Parallels would allow a limited number of activations on one license, such that you could install it on your desktop and laptop."
![Parallels Desktop 12 Pro [Download]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51KCgr1QrzL._SS600_.jpg)
Mac Minimum System Requirements: Mac Recommended System Requirements: Processor: none specified RAM: 4 GB Hard Disk: 850 MB Video Card: none specified Supported OS: Mac El Capitan 10.11, Mac Yosemite 10.10. Easiest and most powerful solution for developers, power users, and other demanding pros looking to increase productivity.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I continue to utilize Apple Macs as my primary computing platform and Parallels continues to provide me with the freedom to do so even when, occasionally (less and less every year) there's some Windows-only program I need to run."
"I was a long-time user of VMWare Fusion, which I knew and trusted, after beating on it endlessly from multiple machines using dozens of client environments. I love that it will automatically download, install and configure VMs for a variety of open-source operating systems like Ubuntu, CentOS and Android, simply grabbing the latest LTS stable release by default."
"I've worked with many different virtual machine products over the years, and this is the easiest to set up, has the best integration features, and the performance is great."
"I've been using this for more than 7 years now."
"I am really amazed how well this works."
"works good, keep updated, also need to purchase windows 10 OEM license, as well as antivirus/malware software."
"I installed it on my iMac."
"But since the computer companies are forcing everyone to downgrade to a newer OS I eventually had to get a newer computer to run the latest OS or risk not having any ability to run my business since systematically each web browser and software program was being forcibly retired to where it would not work, or not work with websites needed (changing the OS on my existing hardware was not an option). So slow that Windows boots but you can't run any Windows programs and while Parallels is running the Mac works so slow that you get constant "spinning beach balls." So I am going to have to keep my old Mac running the old Parallels so I can access the 2 Windows programs I have to run, and just run the new Mac for Mac stuff."
Parallels Desktop 9 even brings Mac OS X features like Launchpad and Dictation to Windows apps and is compatible with OS X Mavericks(10.9), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4), OS X Lion (10.7.5), OS X Lion (10.6.4), and OS X Snow Leopard(10.6.8). Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac seamlessly runs Windows applications on a Mac without rebooting. Powerful performance lets you run day-to-day Windows productivity applications -- and even the most-demanding graphical apps -- without compromise. Either way, run Windows and Mac applications side-by-side without compromising performance. Parallels Desktop 9 even brings Mac OS X features like Launchpad and Dictation to Windows apps, and is compatible with OS X Mavericks (10.9), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4), OS X Lion (10.7.5), OS X Lion (10.6.4) and OS X Snow Leopard (10.6.8). Parallels Desktop 9 is the fastest way to run the most graphic-intensive Windows programs and the most powerful cross-platform Windows development tools side-by-side. Run the PC programs your work or school requires and the Mac applications you love. Ease of use, performance, reliability and stability Seamlessly run Windows and its applications side by side with Mac OS X and its applications on a single Mac. Full Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 support including Aero and Flip 3D support. The Parallels Wizard protects your investment in Windows applications and files, moving everything quickly and easily. Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac is the world's most powerful solution for running Windows and Mac OS X applications on a Mac, side-by-side- without rebooting.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"There are still programs that only run on Windows (my Glucose Meter database is one). - A Parallels VM can have complete access to the MAC's file system. - The MAC can have complete access to the Windows File system. - If you have an Office 365 Home subscription, you can have MS Office installed on both OS X and Windows - Offce 2011 on MAC and Office 2013 on Windows. If you try to open (using "Open with") an Office file within the VM you will be asked if you want to use the MAC or Windows version of Office. - When you plug in a USB device you are asked if you want OS X or Windows to have it. - If Windows has access to the OS X filesystem, then a full NORTON Antivirus scan will check both filesystems for viruses, trojans, spyware, etc. Cons: - If you give OS X and Windows access to each other's filesystems, you need to install a Windows antivirus program (such as NORTON) to keep a Windows virus from trashing your OS X filesystem. - You have to buy your own copy of Windows ($99-$299 depending on version) as Parallels Desktop is merely a host for a foreign OS on MAC."
"There was no documentation with it, I didn't understand what was happening with the download, I've had nothing but trouble with the program, my Windows programs take forever to load and the issues just seem to grow in number. I am really disappointed with this program."
"The new version does not support my MAC and will not work with XP."
"I'll tell you what sucks - spending $70+ dollars for a boxed copy, only to open it and no disc. Nope, instead a paper with the serial number pops out and directs you to download it. Nope, just a serial number in a fancy box with directions to download it. So I finally upgrade to Mavericks, and buy what I thought was a packaged copy. Pretty crappy experience so far making me question why I bought off of Amazon vs Parallels directly. About ready to throw my Mac through the window while cursing Parallels for wasting a tree to package up an incomplete product I try an alternative. While Parallels gets the job done, the latest hoops you have to go though for paying $80 is quite frankly, BS."
Best Internet Utilities
![Norton Security Premium - 10 Devices [Download Code]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61lXTnc22AL._SS600_.jpg)
Safeguard account numbers and photos on your PCs and Macs, contacts on your smartphones and private data on your tablets from criminals trying to gain access to them. Instantly download and receive your activation code to be protected in minutes - Antivirus is included, and your protection is always up-to-date to defend against ransomware, spyware, malware, and unsafe websites, while safeguarding your identity and online transactions.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I (like many others) did not want to pay the retail price through Norton to renew (which was $79.99 until the last day of my subscription, in which they sent an offer for $59.99). Here are your super easy steps to follow; As soon as I made the download purchase, I received an email from Amazon that said "Order details". Within that email, It will say "Product Key". When you click on that, you will see your standard "Norton 360" screen that gives you the options; "Security - Identity - Backup - Performance - More Norton". Look just below that and you will see "Subscription Status" (with the days remaining) and followed by "RENEW". That being said, I would follow the recommendations of the previous reviewers and assume that it will NOT give you any remaining days on your current subscription and will reset it to just 365 for the new one. I will also update the review with any issues with the product, but by all appearances it simply continues my Norton protection that I was already pleased with. If you're renewing your Norton 360, I assume that you were satisfied with that product too, so reviewing it's features in this review might be redundant. Just go back to Norton.com and sign in again), simply click on the "install on another device", then just enter your email address in the box provided). Norton will email the link directly to your phone (assuming that you have your email set up on your phone, of course). Update 5/15/2016 - One feature that I have been displeased with on the mobile app, is that the app settings do not allow me to scan or updates when I am on Wi-Fi only."
"Norton Security Premium is the next generation of Norton Security with Backup for 10 devices. Norton Security Deluxe is like the older Norton Security for 5 devices. Norton Security Premium comes with licensing for 10 devices: Windows, Mac, IOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android. IF you followed the activation directions this will be installed as a separate product subscription and you will need to do the following: **NOTE** If you have Norton Security (with or without backup) installed and you get this new subscription you may need to remove your device from the Norton control panel. AFTER I removed old versions I was able to install Norton Security Premium very easily and without problems. I registered the product in my existing Norton account to activate 10 devices I could install. The download went smoothly and installation on my Windows 7 desktop was faster than with older CD based Norton products and similar to Norton Security with Backup. I found it interesting that the installation branding and the control panel branding is still Norton Security with Backup reinforcing my perception of a simple evolution and mostly branding changes. Conclusions: If you have last years (or older versions) of Norton installed and want this to be a renewal, DON'T FOLLOW THE ACTIVATION DIRECTIONS! If you have gone through norton.com/setup, be sure to remove your device from the Norton control panel and device before installing the new version. That's annoying. Because it's a great product for home users, having to reinstall if you buy a new subscription (vs renewing) and the IOS app remains quite limited I'm giving Norton Security Premium 4 stars."
"Norton has become extremely intrusive."
"OK (third time now) Norton is telling my my TRIAL SUBSCRIPTION is over. You only loose the remaining subscription days (according to Norton) if you buy the new subscription from anyone other than Norton/Symantec."
Best Handheld Utilities
Included Software and Tools: Boots up any PC or Laptop Computer, Repair and/or Format Hard Drive, Create new Partitions Easily Install Windows, CD & DVD Copying and Burning, Recovery Windows Passwords, Recover Lost Files from FAT and NTFS, Virus Detection and Cleaning Spyware Detection and Cleaning, Registry Repair & Restoration, File Manager, Backup Hard Drive, Securely Wipe Data from Hard Drive, Network access using an easy interface, ISO Image creator, Hardware Diagnostics, CPU Benchmarking Software, Putty for Telnet or SSH connectivity, Memory Tester, Windows Registry Analyzer, FTP Server Included, Dead Pixel Tester, Remote access other computers. The DVD has some Free, Open Source & GPL licensed programs. Boots up ANY PC or Laptop Computer - Ultimate Boot Disk CD that contains an array of useful tools such as analyzing, recovering and fixing your computer even if the operating system can not be booted.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Not bad does what it is supposed to do."
"EXCELLENT PRODUCT AND FREE TECHNICAL CUSTOMER SUPPORT ***** 5 STAR *****."
"THE BEST PRODUCT AND SERVICE!"
"GREAT PRODUCT!"
"Works as advertised!"
Best Computer Disk Partitioning
![Norton Ghost 9.0 [OLD VERSION]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41JSZPAGJ9L._SS600_.jpg)
Protect your data by making a backup of the contents of your hard drive - without restarting Windows. Restores data from images created with PowerQuest Drive Image 7.0 and previous versions of Norton Ghost. * Symantec Recovery Disk lets you restore data from a backup image even when the computer cant start up into Windows. Norton Ghost 2003 is included to back up and restore data to: Windows 9x, Me, NT; Linux; and DOS systems. Advanced backup and recovery for the PC.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"You MUST run CHKDSK /F before trying to made an image- one bad file and the program gives you a message that you have a cyclic redunancy check error. From the words of Norton tech support: After performing LiveUpdate you will receive a prompt that will ask you to restart the computer."
"I only bought Ghost because I know Drive Image is a. good product."
"Having previous experience with this backup program, I was happy to use it."
"When I complained to Microsoft about my computer's hanging up, I got the reply that it was GHOST; that Symantec knew of the "GHOST" problem but had no fix for it."
"The online support is totally worthless, and otherwise you pay big bucks."
"Using Ghost 2003 I could back up my entire hard drive to one blank DVD, whereas Ghost 9 insists on using two DVDs."
Best Computer Screen Savers
Customize your aquarium with a wide variety of fish and be captivated by their life-like behavior as they swim through a 3D reef. Stunning 3D Tank with Dozens of Realistic Fish.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Beautiful and calming but wont' run on latest Macs (2017)."
"there is a better one called Dream Aquarium but this one was on sale."
"This looks great on my TV - I'm sitting in my living room listening to sounds of the ocean through iTunes while watching the beautiful fish swim around."
"love this great ot watch."
"GR8 product & very speedy!"
"Getting in touch with Nova was difficult as phone options all divert the caller to various tech support websites, which never led to a satisfactory result."
"Would not install on my windows 10 computer."
"I am outraged that is have to pay for an authorization code IN addition to having paid for the software!"
Best PC Maintenance
Norton Utilities fixes common PC problems, frees up memory, speeds startup time, and boosts program and overall system speed to help keep your PC running fast and error-free. Unneeded files, outdated registry entries, and hard disk problems can slow down your PC and even crash it. Norton Utilities 16.0 Norton Utilities fixes common problems, frees up memory, speeds startup time, and boosts program and overall system speed to help keep your PC running fast and error-free. Speeds PC startup Fixes common PC problems Improves overall PC performance Frees up memory and disk space Lets you restore mistakenly deleted files Improves Windows stability Helps your PC run like new Securely deletes sensitive files Removes duplicate files Recovers lost photos, music, and other Stuff Removes programs you don’t use. Lets you turn off services and programs Windows automatically loads at startup, so your PC gets up and running faster. Duplicate File Finder: Finds all of the duplicate files scattered across your computer’s hard drive, so you can remove them and free up disk space for more of your stuff. Registry Cleaner: Helps eliminate Windows Registry problems that can slow down your PC, trigger error messages, and cause Windows to crash. Registry Defragmenter: Removes gaps, free space, and corrupt files in your registry and compacts it to free up system memory and make your PC start up faster. Startup Manager: Lets you choose what programs load automatically when Windows starts to free up memory and improve PC startup time. Registry Cleaner: Helps eliminate Windows Registry problems that can slow down your PC, trigger error messages, and cause Windows to crash.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I used to have a standalone program that had more options that you could set than this Norton product."
"I've been using Norton utilities for over 10 years and I've never been disappointed."
"I had some escapades with PCs that tried my patience and tempted me to throw them in the lake, but I persevered. Considering it for a week or so, I weighed the cost of what I already had versus going to Norton, and the fact that the other software had permeated all of my hard drive, likely, I finally made the decision and purchased Norton again."
"The functionality is questionable; in other words, when operating the performance program, the performance indicator does not reflect correction input - I believe the limits of the program to correct given errors is restricted by the operating system aggressive programs, such as Internet Security program protects its files."
"I've used Norton's products since Norton's Systemworks and I wanted the same program that was compatable with Window's 8.1 Norton Utilities does what Systemworks did and more."
"One click optimization or selective options wwere in the previous version but it appears to work faster."
"Norton 15 was heads and shoulders above this one...can never get the meter to green area...spent hours on it and with their tech support people on my desk top too... one of them actually sort of gave up, said would look into it, after a few hours and get back to me...that was 4 weeks ago...waiting... Norton this year has fallen down."
"If you run your machine in a manner which allows a single computer to boot from multiple disks this product is not for you."
Best File Conversion
Only PDF Converter Professional allows you to make changes to PDF files with the fluidity, flexibility and interactivity of real word processing. You get all the PDF tools necessary to annotate, markup, secure and compress PDF plus additional features only available from Nuance for document conversion, search, connectivity and more. Create PDF files from any PC application Instantly create 100% industry-standard PDF files with security options that are fully compatible with all PDF viewers. You can even add bookmarks and transfer hyperlinks when creating PDF documents from Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Take advantage of powerful word processing capabilities – in your PDF Advanced editing functionality converts PDF files into fluid and dynamic PDF documents complete with full word processing capabilities – all at the click of a button. Don’t retype your documents If you must work with PDF documents in other applications, don’t waste valuable time recreating them – convert them. Turn paper into PDF more productively Create PDF files directly from your scanner with time-saving one-click scanning to PDF. Combine any type of file and/or folder into striking PDF Portfolios—with attractive cover pages that guide your audience—that can be viewed with any popular PDF reader. Enhance document security Add passwords with secure 128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption and permission controls to PDF files to control document viewing, printing, and modifications. Effortlessly create 100% industry-standard PDF files.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"YET ANOTHER UPDATE. After waiting for a response from Nuance, no luck there, I decided that I had to try to fix the problem with broken PDF creation (see below). I did get it to work by uninstalling PDF Converter Professional 8, deleting the Program folders and reinstalling the software. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~. UPDATE ON THIS REVIEW. Following comments on the Nuance self-support forum, I have just carried out a few quick experiments. It turns out that this version of PDF Converter Pro is, for some people at least, seriously broken. The problem area is in scanning to create searchable PDF files. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~. If you look at the reviews of PDF Converter Professional 7.0 you will see lots of tales of woe, especially around the issue of activation, Nuance's mechanism to prevent piracy. Apart from that, PDF Converter Professional 8.0 is a reasonable step forward from its predecessor. "Reduce File" gets some space back, but it does not seem to shrink images and generally achieves a pathetic level of shrinkage. Finally, Nuance has quietly beefed up its support area by relaunching its forums where users can share problems and experiences. Or visit the Google PaperPort Group, which also covers Nuance's PDF products."
"So, for example, let's say you're marking up pdf's using the "rectangle tool.""
"We get a watermark with this product that says: PDF Create 8 Trial. [...]. First, we tried working with Nuance online support. My computer is an administrator but the fix will not stick when the program is reinstalled. Unfortunately, support is very difficult to understand and repeats the same thing. Stay on the line, hold on... On April 1, I was online for more than 1 hour and the person eventually told me it was my provider (Morningstar, Ned Davis Research...) that was the problem Of course, this is Nuance Software's watermark and Adobe worked fine so that was not a good answer. But this time, the rep (Benjamin) told me there was nothing they could do and they would put my question into their research department. But, this support method speaks a lot about the culture of this company. So, today my 70 pages of downloads have the Nuance watermark on them and I guess they expect me to just live with it. We'll live with it for another 2-3 days, then we will ask to return all boxes to Amazon."
"The serial number provided with this product worked for the first year."
Best Memory Management
Protect your data by making a backup of the contents of your hard drive - without restarting Windows. Restores data from images created with PowerQuest Drive Image 7.0 and previous versions of Norton Ghost. * Symantec Recovery Disk lets you restore data from a backup image even when the computer cant start up into Windows. Norton Ghost 2003 is included to back up and restore data to: Windows 9x, Me, NT; Linux; and DOS systems. Advanced backup and recovery for the PC.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"You MUST run CHKDSK /F before trying to made an image- one bad file and the program gives you a message that you have a cyclic redunancy check error. From the words of Norton tech support: After performing LiveUpdate you will receive a prompt that will ask you to restart the computer."
"I only bought Ghost because I know Drive Image is a. good product."
"Having previous experience with this backup program, I was happy to use it."
"When I complained to Microsoft about my computer's hanging up, I got the reply that it was GHOST; that Symantec knew of the "GHOST" problem but had no fix for it."
"The online support is totally worthless, and otherwise you pay big bucks."
"Using Ghost 2003 I could back up my entire hard drive to one blank DVD, whereas Ghost 9 insists on using two DVDs."
Best File Compression & Decompression
Safeguard account numbers and photos on your PCs and Macs, contacts on your smartphones and private data on your tablets from criminals trying to gain access to them. Instantly download and receive your activation code to be protected in minutes - Antivirus is included, and your protection is always up-to-date to defend against ransomware, spyware, malware, and unsafe websites, while safeguarding your identity and online transactions.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I (like many others) did not want to pay the retail price through Norton to renew (which was $79.99 until the last day of my subscription, in which they sent an offer for $59.99). Here are your super easy steps to follow; As soon as I made the download purchase, I received an email from Amazon that said "Order details". Within that email, It will say "Product Key". When you click on that, you will see your standard "Norton 360" screen that gives you the options; "Security - Identity - Backup - Performance - More Norton". Look just below that and you will see "Subscription Status" (with the days remaining) and followed by "RENEW". That being said, I would follow the recommendations of the previous reviewers and assume that it will NOT give you any remaining days on your current subscription and will reset it to just 365 for the new one. I will also update the review with any issues with the product, but by all appearances it simply continues my Norton protection that I was already pleased with. If you're renewing your Norton 360, I assume that you were satisfied with that product too, so reviewing it's features in this review might be redundant. Just go back to Norton.com and sign in again), simply click on the "install on another device", then just enter your email address in the box provided). Norton will email the link directly to your phone (assuming that you have your email set up on your phone, of course). Update 5/15/2016 - One feature that I have been displeased with on the mobile app, is that the app settings do not allow me to scan or updates when I am on Wi-Fi only."
"Norton Security Premium is the next generation of Norton Security with Backup for 10 devices. Norton Security Deluxe is like the older Norton Security for 5 devices. Norton Security Premium comes with licensing for 10 devices: Windows, Mac, IOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android. IF you followed the activation directions this will be installed as a separate product subscription and you will need to do the following: **NOTE** If you have Norton Security (with or without backup) installed and you get this new subscription you may need to remove your device from the Norton control panel. AFTER I removed old versions I was able to install Norton Security Premium very easily and without problems. I registered the product in my existing Norton account to activate 10 devices I could install. The download went smoothly and installation on my Windows 7 desktop was faster than with older CD based Norton products and similar to Norton Security with Backup. I found it interesting that the installation branding and the control panel branding is still Norton Security with Backup reinforcing my perception of a simple evolution and mostly branding changes. Conclusions: If you have last years (or older versions) of Norton installed and want this to be a renewal, DON'T FOLLOW THE ACTIVATION DIRECTIONS! If you have gone through norton.com/setup, be sure to remove your device from the Norton control panel and device before installing the new version. That's annoying. Because it's a great product for home users, having to reinstall if you buy a new subscription (vs renewing) and the IOS app remains quite limited I'm giving Norton Security Premium 4 stars."
"Norton has become extremely intrusive."
"OK (third time now) Norton is telling my my TRIAL SUBSCRIPTION is over. You only loose the remaining subscription days (according to Norton) if you buy the new subscription from anyone other than Norton/Symantec."
Best Drivers & Driver Recovery
Just insert the PC Wizard disc in your computer's drive and select Driver Wizard from the start-up menu. Automatic Hardware Drivers Detection and Installation for Acer Computers (Desktops and Laptops) - Latest Version.
Find Best Price at AmazonBest Backup & Recovery
PCmover Professional 10 is the ONLY software product that automatically transfers all selected files, folders, setting, user profiles and applications from an old PC to a new one (or from an old operating system to a new one). Because most applications transferred are installed ready-to-use on the new PC, there’s usually no need to find the old CD’ for previously downloaded programs, serial numbers, or licensing codes. Easy-to-Use- Install PCmover on both of your computers and follow the simple wizard to update to the latest version of PCmover and then start transferring everything you select to your new Windows 10 PC - all versions of PCmover 10 fully support Microsoft Windows 10.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I have switched to new computers many times in my life. Once I uninstalled that and re-ran PC Mover (it can be run multiple times between the same 2 computers, each time only transferring what didn't come across before), my Word, Excel, Outlook etc."
"This product does not work as advertised."
"It transferred a lot of stuff I didn't want to transfer; and yes I followed all the instructions and "selected" what I wanted to transfer."
"I selected Pictures, Documents, Videos and Music for my files to be transferred and a few selected programs. None of the programs transferred in a working condition, yet a lot of the program system files transferred, but not the application themselves."
"With the included crossover cable, this should have been an easy, if time consuming, process except for relicensing some of the software. My wife is an accountant and uses MS Office and IE for work and shopping, all mainstream stuff and nothing unusual. I've been programming mainframe and PC applications for over 30 years and built my own computer from components when the 286 chip first appeared. I know I could be completely wrong but that's life, reap what you sow and judge a tree by its fruit."