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You say no matter how much you tweak Windows 95, it's not quite the way you want it? Massage it to your liking with PowerDesk 1.0, a combination toolbar and file-management utility. PowerDesk's enhanced version of Explorer helps you customize your desktop in ways not available in Win95.
To extend Explorer, PowerDesk puts QuickLaunch, Start Menus, MultiView, Print Manager, System Access, a DOS Command Box, Clock, System Monitors and ExplorerPlus on its ToolBar.
PowerDesk grants immediate access to file-management functions not included in Explorer, speeds Copy To and Move commands, zips and unzips files faster, provides single-click access to any drive bar and opens DOS commands without using a dialog box. You can develop add-on components and plug them into the ToolBar.
$79.95.
MicroHelp
800-777-3322, 770-516-08995.
With the holiday season about to leave you broke, it's time to start thinking about how to keep the IRS from grabbing what little cash you have left. TurboTax, the most popular tax-preparation software program, is now easier to navigate and full of better advice. There are three versions for the 1995 tax year--TurboTax, TurboTax Deluxe on CD-ROM and TurboTax Business.
TurboTax's new My Tax Data shows what you've entered and lets you navigate backward to change data. Right mouse button support and a new status bar make it easier to move around.
Intuit has also improved TaxLink between TurboTax and its Quicken personal finance program and added a link from TurboTax to its QuickBooks bookkeeping program.
$37.50; Deluxe, $47.50; Business, $67.50.
Intuit
800-624-8742, 415-322-0573.
With the introduction of this 32-bit version, HotDocs 3.0 now has general business templates for the novice user and speed for all Windows 95 users.
The fast assembly option drastically reduces the time it takes to make a document from a template because HotDocs assembles documents through a built-in engine instead of via word-processor macros. The program also automates complex documents, thanks to its enhanced ability to handle repetition. HotDocs works with Microsoft Word, WordPerfect and Word Pro.
$99; upgrade, $39.95.
Capsoft
800-500-DOCS, 801-763-3900.
TaxTracker: The Consumer's Mutual Fund Portfolio Manager explains the tax consequences of mutual-fund investing. The program monitors current tax liabilities, actual historical returns and asset allocation of your mutual-fund portfolio. It recommends what to sell for your greatest tax benefit and helps file your Schedule D (gains/losses).
$48.
No-Load Fund Shareholders Association
800-Y-NO-LOAD, 612-456-0106.
With The Complete Home Suite, use your computer to organize everything from household bills to planning nuptials. The program is available on 3.5-inch diskette and CD-ROM. It has 11 modules: Home Budget, Mail List Manager, Home Inventory, Home Librarian, Home Repair, Party and Wedding Planner, Club Membership, Stock Portfolio, Contact Manager, Conversion Calculator and Phone Book.
$29.95 (includes both diskette and CD-ROM).
Alpha Software
800-451-1018, 617-229-2924.
Still trying to figure out what you want to be when you grow up? CareerPath 1.2 on CD-ROM can help. You create a comprehensive profile of your interests, experience, values and abilities. CareerPath compares your answers to a database of over 3,500 careers and gives you a list that matches your profile, along with detailed information about each type of career.
$49.95.
OnTrack Media Corp.
415-885-4920, fax 415-885-3074.