All Music and recording

The Bottom Line: The Zune software is a great complement to the Zune MP3 player, but there are few reasons to use it as a standalone media jukebox.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows XP SP2, Microsoft Windows XP SP3, Microsoft Windows Vista SP1, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Vista (64-bit versions), Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 SP2, 1 GHz Intel Pentium III, 2 GHz Intel Pentium IV 1 GHz, AMD, 9, DVD-ROM, SVGA monitor, 32 MB video memory, 1 GHz Intel Pentium III, 2 GHz Intel Pentium IV, AMD, 1 GHz, Windows, DirectX 9.0c or later, Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0, Internet Explorer 6.0 or later

The Bottom Line: Apple iTunes 8 is the industry standard for multimedia jukebox software and despite the need for a UI overhaul and some liposuction to remove the bloat, iTunes is a solid choice that most users will enjoy.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows Vista Business SP1, Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1, Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise SP1, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1, 1.4 GHz or faster for DV, 3.4 GHz for HDV 2 GHz, Dual 2.8 GHz for HD (Windows), Intel Multicore (Mac), DVD-ROM, Sound card, 1280 x 900 monitor resolution, 7200 RPM or faster hard drive, OpenGL compatible graphics card, 1.4 GHz or faster for DV, 3.4 GHz for HDV, Dual 2.8 GHz for HD (Windows), Intel Multicore (Mac), 2 GHz, Windows, QuickTime 7.x

The Bottom Line: The V Cast Music with Rhapsody experience is easy to use and understand, and, by combining both the mobile download and the Rhapsody subscription service in one monthly plan, delivers considerable bang for the buck .

The Bottom Line: Final Cut Studio 2 is a solid value and worthy upgrade for serious film editors who work on Macs. However, hobbyists should consider simpler software.

Specs: 1 seat, Complete package, Apple MacOS X 10.4.9, 1.25 GHz, 2, DVD-ROM, XGA monitor, 1.25 GHz, MacOS, QuickTime 7.1.6 or later

The Bottom Line: Roxio continues to improve a strong suite and keep Toast current with the release of version 8. If the Mac OS and Apple's bundled apps don't meet your disc-creation needs, pick up Toast at once.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, 8, CD-R, DVD-R, MacOS, QuickTime 7.1 or later

The Bottom Line: If you want to clean up noisy audio files or improve rough sounding camcorder footage, Bias SoundSoap 2.0 fits the bill.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Apple MacOS X 10.2, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, 400 MHz, 600 MHz, 2, CD-ROM, 400 MHz, 600 MHz, MacOS, Windows, QuickTime 6.5

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 95, Microsoft Windows 98, Apple MacOS 7.1 or later, 15 MB, 16 MB, 2x CD-ROM, Mouse or compatible device, MacOS, Windows