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Details a survey that shows how severe the problem of defects in computer software is as of late 1998, and which companies give consumers the most help. Reaction from users that problems are on the rise and software vendors are to blame; Tips to work around problem software; Web sites to get relief from problem software. INSET: The Ugly Bug Hall of Shame.

The article reviews several computer software, including the Greased Lightbox script, Greasemonkey Firefox add-on, and Inline Google MP3 Player script. INSET: Install Greasemonkey and Its Scripts for Your Firefox Browser.

This article discusses the move of software vendors to subscription pricing models. Valid concerns about a subscription software world remain. For starters, users are likely to pay more in the long run, since payments are regular and ongoing. And some analysts predict that a subscription-based consumer software market could squelch innovation because small startup companies may not be able to afford the tools needed to develop and maintain such services. To avoid pricey forced upgrades, users should research the product's life cycle.

Reviews the AskSam Professional 6 software from AskSam Systems.

Reviews the LiveCycle Designer 7 business software from Adobe.

Reviews the Easy Media Creator 7.5 DVD software suite from Roxio.

Reviews the Virtual PC 7 emulation software from Microsoft.

Reviews the Steganos Internet Anonym Pro 7 privacy software from Steganos.

Reviews the ShareDirect file sharing application from Laplink.

Reviews the AutoSketch 9 drawing software from Autodesk.

Evaluates the MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player from Microsoft. Features; Pros and cons; Cost.

Reviews the computer software Ad-Aware SE Plus from Lavasoft.

Focuses on the discovery of a bug in the Microsoft Excel 2003 computer software, which involves the random number generation (RAND) function. Effect of the repeated use of RAND; Response of the company to the problem.

Discusses an aggressive breed of application software called stealthware, including MemoryMeter and Rapidblaster. Covert entry of stealthware applications; Web sites in which stealthware is found; Bill introduced to prevent the prevalence of stealthware; Details of adware and spyware removers, Spybot Search & Destroy and Ad-aware 6.

Reviews the Mandrake Linux 9.1 computer software from MandrakeSoft.

Discusses computer software defects or bugs. Excuses generated by the software industry for the bugs; Challenge to Bill Gates of Microsoft.

Discusses a proposed model law for governing software as well as contracts in the digital domain in the United States as of September 1998. Details about Article 2B, an extension of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC); The UCC being a joint project of the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws and the American Law Institute; Web addresses for further information.