The Sid Meier’s Civilization V Special Edition is a robust retail package that contains collectable items and access to behind-the scenes content. In development at 2K’s world-renowned Firaxis Games studio, Sid Meier’s Civilization V is the next entry to the original turn-based strategy franchise that reinvents the addictive “just one more turn” formula with a plethora of exciting new additions and enhancements.

Revisit and relive your favorite Archie comic books from the Bronze Age. A total of 120 comic books covering a span from February 1970 through December 1979, including annuals, all articles, and every single advertisement.

Join Arthur on a Reading Adventure! Product InformationArthur learns to read at school and now he reads everything he sees. Butwhen he tells D.W. that he’ll teach her to read D.W. says she already knows howto read. To prove it Arthur and D.W. go around town playing a game of who canread more words. Arthur promises to buy ice cream for his little sister D.W.if she can read ten words.  The twosome race to the park where D.W.is quick to recognize signs such as zoo don’t walk police and ice cream.  Whenshe reads wet paint before her big brother does Arthur is in for a colorfulsurprise!   More than just an animated storybook this interactive creation includesthree educational games that develop word recognition and other basic readingskills. What’s more since the games are actually fun they provide anexperience that everyone can truly enjoy – which is more than we can sayabout piano lessons.  Kids can read along with the story. Words arehighlighted as the story is read and children can click on a particular word tohear it reread. Arthur doesn’t think D. W. can read. Follow them as Arthur putsher to the test. Find out who gets the reward. There are fun surprises andhundreds of clickables along the way.Fun Activities IncludeThe I Spy gameI see something that teaches children to love reading. Can you spot it?Reading Race gameMatch a word to the picture and help Arthur and D.W. race to the Ice CreamStore.Let Me Write!Drag pictures of items up to the paper tablet to form sentences to help teachnew words.Windows Requirements Windows 98 Me XP 486SX or higher processor 8 MB of RAM 640×480 monitor 256 colors Windows compatible sound card & speakers 2X CD-ROM driveMacintosh Requirements Mac OS 7.5–9.2 OS X Classic mode PowerMac or higher processor 8 MB of RAM 640×480 monitor 256 colors 2X CD-ROM drive   

Microsoft typically supplements its operating systems with a retail grab bag of utilities and entertainment-oriented applications called Microsoft Plus. For Windows XP, it has released not one but two such packages. The latest, Microsoft Plus Digital Media Edition, sports nearly a dozen perks, toys and tools for those who use their PC as a multimedia companion. Though some will find the program packs its fair share of incidental “fluff”, anyone into photos, video or music will undoubtedly find several components both useful and enjoyable.

Digital camera buffs will quickly take to Photo Story, wherein they can organize their favorite pictures in slideshow format, add narration, and create a dynamic sense of motion by manually or automatically zooming or panning across each shot. The end result is flowing and compelling and far less stagnant than a standard still presentation.

The program also has plenty of goodies for music fans, including Analog Recorder, a clever utility that transcribes audio in real time from traditional sources such as cassettes and 8-tracks (cables not included), organizes them into playlists, and efficiently removes pops and hiss via technology licensed from respected pro audio veteran Syntrillium Corp. Slightly less impressive is CD Label Maker, which offers a standard selection of CD labels and templates but unfortunately emblazons a Microsoft Plus logo onto each one. Party Mode stretches your Windows Media Player to fill the entire screen and displays customizable marquee announcements and animations, and the aptly named Audio Converter converts MP3 and WAV files to space-efficient WMA files.

Arguably Digital Media Edition’s most disposable feature is Plus Dancer, a selection of minuscule live action pop-up dancers who cavort on command across the desktop. Conversely, the practical Sync & Go allows users of pocket PCs to enjoy their favorite PC content on their portable. Microsoft rounds out this eclectic package with several tidbits and novelties, including a variable interval alarm clock, eight mediocre Windows Media Player skins, and fifty additional transitions and visual effects for Microsoft’s free downloadable video editor, Windows Movie Maker. –Gord Goble

Adobe Photoshop CS2, DVD-ROM; Adobe Illustrator CS2, DVD-ROM, Bundle

Do you know Linux? Are you new to it? Have you always wanted to try but were afraid, wondering if it was too geeky? Are you using it now but looking for a better installation? Are you looking for Linux books and clear instructions? Or maybe your Windows-based computer has caught another virus and you’ve had enough of that?

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Ubuntu 10.04 LTS and Kubuntu 10.04 LTS, 6-disks DVD Set, Includes “Introduction to Linux” Video-DVD, Linux Training Library and Printed Quick Reference Card of Linux Commands, Contains Both 32-bit and 64-bit Versions, includes Complimentary Evaluation Exam