One subset of the suite of plug-ins deals with Euphoria's sophisticated particle system that produces effects such as Fire, Rain Fall, Smoke, FogBank, Starfield, and Snow Storm. Another deals with media effects, such as AgedFilm and VideoLook; and yet another subset deals with photographic effects, such as Sabbatier and Grayscaler. The graphic elements creation tools enable the user to create effects that are often difficult, time-consuming, or beyond their technical capabilities. These include Thermograph, Selective Posterizer, Pearls, LightBlast, Specular Lighting, and ShadowType. A free demo version is available on the DigiEffects Web site. $195

Contact: DigiEffects, 2400 Water Well Lane, Austin, TX 78728, 888 DIGI-EFX, 512 306-0779, www://www.digieffects.com, fax: 512 306-1310.

The DropStuff desktop icon can be used to create StuffIt archives by dragging and dropping files and folders onto it. The way in which the compression is accomplished can be configured to suit particular needs. The archives can be encrypted with a password and made self-extracting.

Among the most useful features in the program are:

DropSegment: A drag and drop application that lets the user specify the size of segments that he or she would like to produce from a large file. This is useful when even a compressed file will not fit on a given piece of media. Although the program does not compress files before segmenting it, it can segment a file that has been compressed. A series of segmented files can be Joined when the file needs to be used.

Return Receipt: A return receipt can be added to a StuffIt archive. It will contain a message, the user's name and e-mail address. When the receiver unstuffs the archive they will see the message and can initiate the receipt.

DropZip: This drag and drop utility is used when the user wants to compress files into the Zip archive format, which is commonly used by Windows users. Although Zip compression is not at efficient as StuffIt, this version of Zip is about 5% more efficient than other implementations.

DropTar: DropTar creates the Tape Archive format, using a drap and drop method. This archive format is not compressed, and the processed file will be the same size as the original file.

ArchiveSearch: This application is similar to the Apple OS search, but is used specifically to locate files that are in StuffIt, Zip, and StuffIt X archives. It provides a very flexible search capability encompassing multiple criteria including name, size, compressed size, kind, label, date created, etc. After results have been gathered, the user can perform a number of operations, such as extracting the contents of the file, revealing the contents of the file, and more.

Archive Assistant: This application helps the user to make periodic back-ups of important files stored on the Macintosh. It leads the user through the process, and assists in the creation of a schedule for routinely saving mission-critical files.

StuffIt CM and Magic Menu: The StuffIt Contextual Menu provides direct access to the functionality of the StuffIt Deluxe application from the Finder. These functions can also be accessed from the Magic Menu which is located in the Finder's menubar.

StuffIt Plug-ins: Plug-ins are provided for compressing documents directly from Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Microsoft Word. In addition, the plug-ins enable the user to open stuffed files directly from these applications.

The StuffIt Deluxe application enables the user to browse and manipulate the contents of StuffIt archives, as well as create and unstuff them. Its handy Toolbar provides direct access to the functions necessary for creating a new archive, stuffing it, unstuffing a .sit archive or other type of archive, creating a new folder, deleting selected items from an open archive, getting info on selected items in an open archive, and launching the application of an associated file in a single step.

StuffIt Deluxe also supports the new StuffIt X file format, which not only produces a smaller archive size, but includes 512 bit encryption for exceptional security, (as compared to 40 bit encryption used in StuffIt and Zip file formats), as well as available error correction. $79.99

The DVD Xpress device contains the Cirrus Logic 2288 DVD Encoder chip, which is manufactured into many DVD recorders and players. It enables users to convert their analog or digital footage directly into an editable digital format through a simple USB connection to their properly equipped computer. Available digital video formats are MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 at resolutions up to 720 x 480.

The compact capture device provides RCA ports for Left and Right Audio In, Composite Video In, S-VHS In, and USB. Video, from a VCR, for example, is captured by connecting either the three appropriate RCA ports on each device (using the supplied cables), or the single S-video ports. The device connects to the computer using the supplied USB cable. While video is being captured, or previewed, the Capture light on the front of the device is illuminated.

Captured video, using the ADS Tech Capture Wizard, can be archived directly to disc. In addition, the raw video can be edited using the VideoStudio 7.0 DVD (SE) software, which is bundled with the capture device. Users can edit, enhance, title, and add special effects and background music to their clips, and then compose them into a final format for DVD or CD or the Internet. A standard 4.7 GB DVD will yield about two hours of playtime, while a SVCD, which will also play in many DVD players, will hold between 35-40 minutes of playtime on a 700 MB disc. The instruction manual provides complete details on set-up, operation, and use of the software. $145

The program functions on three levels. The first is a Personal Firewall, which provides filtering of data as it enters and leaves the computer. The second, the Antivandal feature, oversees computer activity and stops intrusive attempts. It creates a Stop List consisting of the Internet addresses of anyone who tries to access the computer and ensures that they can not come back. The third, the Filter function, enables the user to select what data that the user wishes to protect, such as passwords and personal identification numbers. The program includes an automatic Internet updater. $59.95 for Macintosh, $49.95 for Windows.

The albums can be distributed on CDs, sent as e-mail attachments, published on the Web, or utilized as custom screensavers. The recipients of these albums do not require special software.

A unique guide that presents clear instructions on accessing and using many Macintosh OS X features that are not intuitively obvious, and which have capabilities that casual users do not uncover. Chapters deal with the use of UNIX, the Aqua interface, OS customization, input and control, networking and communications, e-mail and the Web, the digital hub, server techniques, maintenance and automation, and more.