The latest version of Apple’s flagship iTunes software has been updated to version 10. The program includes a range of updated and new features, including a social networking tool known as Ping. The service enables you to follow your favourite artists and friends, much like Facebook and Twitter, so you can keep track of what other people are listening to an receive recommendations of music you may be interested in.

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Browse the extremely lengthy Roxio 2010 Creator feature list and it’s easy to assume the suite contains all the media-related features and functionality that you could ever need.

But that would be a mistake. The brand new Roxio Creator 2011 includes everything that went before – disc burning, video editing, music ripping, photo fixing, desktop publishing, file conversion and more – and yet still manages to cram in a host of interesting new capabilities.

The new suite has a powerful set of 3D features, for instance: it’s able to convert regular 2D images and movies into 3D, can play 3D movies on your PC, and is even able to create 3D DVDs for watching elsewhere. You’ll need 3D glasses for all of this, but the basic red/cyan cardboard type are fine, and if you don’t have any to hand then there’s a pair bundled in the boxed edition of the program.

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AVG Anti-Virus 9 Free is one of the most popular security tools, and for good reason. However, if you’ve been using Free for a while, you now have the option of grabbing the commercial version of AVG Anti-Virus 9 [1-PC, 1-Year], worth $34.99, completely free of charge.

There’s no catch. You can simply go to the V3.co.uk Software Store between midday CET 31st of August and midday CET 1st of September and, as a registered store member, grab the download and your unique serial code. Everyone can get a code, whilst stock remains.

AVG Anti-Virus 9 commercial version does differ from the Free version. It includes advanced anti-rootkit protection, a gaming mode so you can keep your computer protection without it affecting your gameplay, advanced phishing detection and much more.

V3.co.uk Software Store link.

Every version of Windows comes with its own set of internal modifications, tweaks and changes, that invariably break some existing software. And so if you’ve moved to Windows 7, say, then you shouldn’t be surprised if a few of your old programs no longer work as they should (or, maybe, at all).

Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate owners have access to Windows XP Mode, which provides a virtual machine that allows you to run Windows XP in a window on your desktop. Install your program here, instead, and you may be able to run it again. But if you have another Windows 7 edition – or another version of Windows entirely – then you were out of luck. Until now.

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Finding the right backup tool can be a lengthy process, as there are so many questions to consider. Do you want file, or image-based backups, for instance? Will you just run backup jobs daily, or do you require continuous real-time protection? Should the data be saved locally, or do you need an online backup tool? And the list goes on.

All these features can be useful on occasion, though – so why should you compromise, be forced to choose between one approach or another? Acronis claim it isn’t necessary at all. Install Acronis True Image Home 2011, they say, and you’ll find it provides all the backup features and functionality that you’ll ever need.

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Recordable media such as CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs can be put to countless uses. As well as providing a means of transporting files from one computer to another, such discs can also be used to house backups. But recordable media is far more versatile than this; there is also the option of creating photo slideshows, audio discs, video compilations, mixed media discs and much more.

This is something that CyberLink Power2Go 7 can help with and we intend to take a closer look.

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There’s no doubt that Windows 7 is the best incarnation of Windows yet, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be pushed, pulled and tweaked to make it that little bit better. To help you maximise your Windows 7 installation we’ve dug out 12 free tools that will help push the next generation of Windows to new heights.

Whether you’re looking for even better performance, the ability to tweak hidden settings, fix annoying problems or simply change the Windows logon screen to reflect the rest of your customisations, we’ve got just the tools for you. Better still, none will cost you a penny to use, and the vast bulk also work with both XP and Vista too, just in case you’re feeling a little left out.

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An antivirus package is no longer enough to keep you safe online, apparently.  Even regular internet security suites are supposedly inadequate.  This year’s security fashion is for uber-suites that provide every form of protection you could possibly imagine, and several that you really couldn’t – and BitDefender Total Security 2011 is the latest comprehensive contender.

The program name doesn’t include the word “Total” for nothing; features include an antivirus engine, firewall, spam filter, parental controls, identity theft protection, vulnerability scanner, online backup account, encryption for both files and instant messaging accounts, secure file deletion, network management, PC cleanup, optimisation and more.   It all sounded very promising, so we fired up the setup program to take a closer look.

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Backing up your most important data ought to be compulsory, with a course that includes listening to the horror stories of data loss from others. While data recovery might be possible on the cheap, it’s far better to protect your data now for peace of mind.

There are plenty of other advantages. By backing up and storing your data remotely, you can access this data from your laptop, on the road, by restoring your data back to another machine.

Best of all, it needn’t cost you anything, so read on and take action while you still can with the help of 10 unmissable – and completely free – backup tools for your PC.

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Google’s Street View caused excitement and controversy in almost equal measure as a camera car was sent around the streets of the world with a view to creating a fully interactive map of the countries of the world. History Pin is a new mapping services that makes use of Google Street View, coupled with historical photographs uploaded by users to enable you to take a step back in time.

Web sites that enable users to upload photos and place them on a map are nothing new, but History Pin’s neat integration with Google Street View really makes it stand out from the crowd. You can search for where you live and discover if anyone nearby has uploaded old photographs of your home town.

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Through August, we’re working hard with our partners to bring you some of the very best and exclusive full applications, often made available – at the request of the software developer – for either 24 or 48 hours. Miss the promo and you’ll lose the chance of downloading again for free.

Whilst we wait for our big 31st of August promo, which we hope to announce next week, we’re pleased to be able to offer you another exclusive, this Friday. For 48-hours-only, we’re giving you the full current version of Avanquest Fix-It 10 Essentials, worth $29.95/£19.99, which will enable you to optimise, maintain and keep your PC in top condition.

Hurry though as the promo is only live between midday CET Friday to midday CET Sunday, exclusively from the V3.co.uk Software Store.

Microsoft’s Windows Live Essentials is a collection of tools which have been designed to enhance not only Windows itself but also your general online experience. The second beta version of the 2011 suite has just been released and include a number of enhancements and additions that make it well worth taking a look at.

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