Apple Mac OS X Snow Leopard
Interface enhancements like Expose in the Dock and better file and folder viewing in Stacks make finding apps and files much easier. A completely overhauled QuickTime X now sports a cleaner interface and recording tools. The much-anticipated Exchange support across Mail, the Address Book, and iCal is huge for those who take their Macs to work.
8.2 Editors' Rating
Microsoft Windows 7 (Home Premium)
Strong design and Microsoft don't always go together, but they do in Windows 7. Users might take a while to get used to the new taskbar and Aero Peek, but they're a pleasure to use.
See also: Microsoft Corp., Operating systems
9 Editors' Rating
Microsoft Windows 7 (Professional)
Strong design and Microsoft don't always go together, but they do in Windows 7. Users might take a while to get used to the new taskbar and Aero Peek, but they're a pleasure to use.
See also: Microsoft Corp., Operating systems
9 Editors' Rating
Microsoft Windows 7 (Ultimate)
Strong design and Microsoft don't always go together, but they do in Windows 7. Users might take a while to get used to the new taskbar and Aero Peek, but they're a pleasure to use.
See also: Microsoft Corp., Operating systems
9 Editors' Rating
Windows Vista SP1
Windows Vista SP1 improves the overall upgrade process, fixes hundreds of tiny problems, and makes it easier for third-party vendors to write stable code for Vista.
See also: Microsoft Corp., Operating systems
7 Editors' Rating
Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
Elegant backup via Time Machine; Finder offers powerful navigation tweaks; novel workspace customization through Spaces' virtual desktops; integration with Web data and applications; Cover Flow visualizes file browsing; iChat Theater offers green-screen backgrounds and lets users access each others' desktops; Bootcamp included.
See also: Apple, Operating systems
8 Editors' Rating
Ubuntu 7.04
Ubuntu is free; will read Windows- or Mac-saved Office files; comes with Firefox and OpenOffice preinstalled; comes with several multimedia applications and a VoIP application preinstalled as well.
See also: Canonical Ltd., Operating systems
7.4 Editors' Rating
Windows Mobile 6
Windows Mobile 6 features new shortcuts to make performing tasks easier, and there is added functionality to the Calendar and Contact apps. E-mail improvements include a new search function and HTML support, and there's good Windows Live integration. In addition, the Standard Edition (formerly Smartphone Edition) now includes Microsoft Office Mobile with editing capabilities.
See also: Microsoft Corp., Operating systems
7 Editors' Rating
Apple Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger Family Pack
New Finder features; better interface responsiveness and overall speed, even on legacy hardware; Safari includes improved performance and RSS; QuickTime 7.0 offers higher-resolution video; new Automator allows systemwide scripting; Core Data and Core Image open up new opportunities to developers; better cross-platform compatibility.
See also: Apple, Operating systems
8 Editors' Rating
Apple Mac OS X v10.4.6 Tiger
New Finder features; better interface responsiveness and overall speed, even on legacy hardware; Safari includes improved performance and RSS; QuickTime 7.0 offers higher-resolution video; new Automator allows systemwide scripting; Core Data and Core Image open up new opportunities to developers; better cross-platform compatibility.
See also: Apple, Operating systems
8 Editors' Rating
Apple Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger (1000+ Volume Licenses)
New Finder features; better interface responsiveness and overall speed, even on legacy hardware; Safari includes improved performance and RSS; QuickTime 7.0 offers higher-resolution video; new Automator allows systemwide scripting; Core Data and Core Image open up new opportunities to developers; better cross-platform compatibility.
See also: Apple, Operating systems
8 Editors' Rating
Apple Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger (10-99 Volume Licenses)
New Finder features; better interface responsiveness and overall speed, even on legacy hardware; Safari includes improved performance and RSS; QuickTime 7.0 offers higher-resolution video; new Automator allows systemwide scripting; Core Data and Core Image open up new opportunities to developers; better cross-platform compatibility.
See also: Apple, Operating systems
8 Editors' Rating
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