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 Software Spotlight

QuickBooks is one of the biggest names in accounting software, and QuickBooks Online Plus is by far the most convenient QuickBooks option available today. An entirely online accounting solution, QuickBooks Online Plus allows home and business users to access and control their financial information from anywhere, all using the slick and user-friendly QuickBooks interface. Distributed with a 3-user license, QuickBooks Online Plus is an ultra-versatile, user-friendly accounting solution for small businesses, home users, and enterprises.

While QuickBooks has maintained an impressive share of the PC financial software market over the years, it's often been criticized as too difficult to use. From QuickBooks training courses to special QuickBooks-specializing contractors, an entire industry has been built around Quicken's apparent difficulty. Luckily, Intuit have been listening, and have provided an edition of QuickBooks that's not just ultra-convenient, but significantly more user-friendly than other financial applications.

International and internet-based business owners will enjoy the online nature of Quicken Online Plus. Rather than requiring a local PC installation, users purchase a 3-user license, granting them access to Quicken Online Plus from any location they need to work from. This location-independent functionality makes Quicken perfect for online businesses and entrepreneurs that are often traveling to industry events and business meetings.

With over 3 million United States-based businesses opting for the offline version of QuickBooks every year, it's no surprise that the software side of QuickBooks Online Plus is as reliable and powerful as ever. While QuickBooks Online boasts over 100,000 users, the ultra-convenient power of QuickBooks as a use-anywhere application is sure to increase its popularity over the coming years.

While QuickBooks Online Plus offers incredible convenience for business owners and remote workers, there are some small issues with it that might turn away financially demanding businesspeople. The offline version of QuickBooks still offers a wider range of features, although all high-use features are present in QuickBooks Online Plus. In addition, some businesses may feel uncomfortable storing financial data online, although Intuit provide detailed and ultra-protective encryption and security options.

QuickBooks Online Plus: What We Liked

  • Remote access is highly convenient for remote workers, on-the-go entrepreneurs, and contractor bookkeepers.
  • Quicken Online Plus is licensed for 3 users, allowing businesses to assign individual bookkeeping accounts to different divisions, clients, or contractors.

QuickBooks Online Plus: What We Didn't Like

  • Not all features are provided in Quicken Online Plus, which could be inconvenient for power users. However, all major QuickBooks features are provided as standard in Quickbooks Online Plus.

Intuit Support

Intuit provide online support for QuickBooks Online Plus users. Detailed software manuals, FAQs, knowledge base articles, and online forums are available via the Intuit website. Incident-based online and phone support is available, with some support forms attracting per-event fees.

About Intuit

One of Silicon Valley's most notable companies, Intuit was founded in 1983 and is currently based in Mountain View, California. Providing a range of finance, business, and office applications, this publicly traded company employs over 7,800 people and has repeatedly posted annual revenues exceeding $3 billion.

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QuickBooks Online Plus at Software.com

QuickBooks Online Plus

Intuit
  • Our Rating: 4 out of 5

Our Price: Free!

All Bitdefender downloads incl award-winning Bitdefender Antivirus 20% Off For a Limited Time Only

A lightweight antivirus application, BitDefender Antivirus 2010 provides ongoing protection against dangerous PC viruses, rootkits, malware applications, and other dangerous programs. Built from the ground up for performance and ultra-specific scanning power, BitDefender Antivirus 2010 is one of the most extensive and powerful antivirus suites available.

Designed to provide maximum antivirus protection, BitDefender Antivirus 2010 includes a range of security options. Instant virus scanning prevents recently downloaded files from carrying harmful applications and scripts, and long-term virus protection ensures that covert files can't suddenly take control of an infected system.

The system scanning features are much the same as the previous versions, although slightly faster. The scanning system has been significantly optimized - it now skips safe files rather than scanning them by default - and now uses less system resources. High-end PC users will be able to enjoy normal performance from their PC, even during an in-depth system scan.

For gamers and multimedia PC users, BitDefender Antivirus 2010 can operate in 'Gamer Mode' - a reduced operation mode that significantly reduces system load and resource usage. Even while running silently in the background, BitDefender Antivirus 2010 provides ongoing protection for gamers.

With a clear focus on depth and protective power, BitDefender seem to have glossed over the interface and usability aspects of the product. While Antivirus 2010 isn't overly complex, it isn't designed with optimum usability in mind. The large range of features creates a difficult interface to navigate, especially for new users and casual PC users.

Furthermore, some users have had problems with BitDefender's anti-malware browser toolbar, which is set to install automatically alongside the antivirus software. While the toolbar itself is a worthwhile addition - and for users that don't want it, is easy to uninstall - an opt-in installation should have been included.

BitDefender Antivirus: What We Liked

  • 'Gamer Mode' allows users to run Antivirus 2010 alongside their PC games, without having to worry about PC performance.
  • Hourly updates ensure that all viruses, no matter how modern, are eliminated and quarantined.
  • System scanning is slightly faster than in previous versions, and performance is dramatically increased thanks to the new scanning method.

BitDefender Antivirus: What We Didn't Like

  • The BitDefender browser toolbar is automatically installed - an addition that should have been opt-in only.
  • Despite (and partially because of) the range of features, Antivirus 2010's interface can be quite daunting for new users.

BitDefender Support

BitDefender offer online support for all of their software. Antivirus 2010 features online documentation and product manuals, a detailed knowledge base, and FAQs. For malware and viruses that aren't covered by the software, users can submit support requests to BitDefender.

About Bitdefender

With tens of millions of users worldwide, BitDefender are one of the most popular and highly regarded software companies in antivirus and PC security. Founded in 2001, they've received coverage and praise in PC Magazine, SC Magazine, and Personal Computer World.

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BitDefender Antivirus at Software.com

BitDefender Antivirus 2010

BitDefender
  • User Rating: 4.5 out of 5
  • Our Rating: 5 out of 5

MSRP: $29.95

Our Price: $23.96

All Bitdefender downloads incl award-winning Bitdefender Antivirus 20% Off For a Limited Time Only

One of the most comprehensive security suites available, BitDefender Internet Security 2010 offers advanced antivirus protection, anti-phishing and fraud security, and malware blocking and filtering. With a built-in automatic firewall and wifi security controls, BitDefender Internet Security 2010 could be one of the most impressive security suites on the market.

There are many security suite applications out there touting themselves as the 'best' on the market, and while many are highly powerful, few act effectively as a standalone PC security application. When it comes to online protection, there are several factors to take into account - antivirus, anti-spam, and security and anti-fraud protection.

Thankfully, BitDefender Internet Security 2010 covers all the major bases of web security effective. From wi-fi controls for local networks and small offices all the way up to high-level antivirus testing and anti-fraud protection, Internet Security 2010 offers powerful, easy-to-use solutions to common PC security problems.

For non-browser protection, BitDefender Internet Security 2010 gives users the ability to lock high-risk and confidential files into a private 'file vault', removing the risk of exposing important personal information to hackers. The built-in file shredder makes removing unwanted files incredible simple - all traces disappear with a single click in Internet Security 2010's simple interface.

Finally, personal messages and IM (instant message) conversations are encrypted and saved, allowing users to store and reference IM information when necessary. Parental control options allow users to block out unwanted websites, applications, and messaging tools, ensuring that PC use falls within their barriers.

While BitDefender Internet Security 2010 provides effective protection and security for PC users, it comes with a significant performance cost. While high-end PCs will have no problem running Internet Security 2010, users on dated hardware and low-end PC equipment may experience sluggish performance and heavy memory usage.

BitDefender Internet Security: What We Liked

  • Very comprehensive, so much so that Internet Security 2010 could operate as a total security suite on its own, without the need for extra security applications.
  • Built-in wi-fi protection and firewall saves time and prevents the need for configuring Windows' default firewall.
  • Internet filtering options are perfect for monitoring children's PC use or controlling office internet access.

BitDefender Internet Security: What We Didn't Like

  • Performance can be sluggish, particularly on low-end PCs. While gaming options are provided, the software still isn't ideal for use alongside resource-heavy applications.

Bitdefender Support

Users can access online support from BitDefender's website, which includes basic documentation and how-to guides, a knowledge base, and email customer support. Instruction is provided to help users fight against malware and potentially dangerous applications.

About BitDefender

Since 2001, BitDefender have been providing high quality PC security solutions to home users, small businesses, and enterprises. Having won awards from PC Mag, Virus Bulletin, and Laptop Magazine, their PC security suites are some of the most popular and acclaimed on the market.

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BitDefender Internet Security at Software.com

BitDefender Internet Security 2010

BitDefender
  • User Rating: 4.8333333333333 out of 5
  • Our Rating: 4.7 out of 5

MSRP: $49.95

Our Price: $29.97