By far the biggest releases of the past week comes from Microsoft. The up-coming Windows 8 is now really not too far away and you can check to see whether your computer is going to be able to run it by downloading yourself a copy of Microsoft Windows 8 Release Preview Setup. This simple little tool can also be used to obtain a product key that can be used to install Microsoft Windows 8 Release Preview (32-bit) or Microsoft Windows 8 Release Preview (64-bit).

Whether you are using the very latest version of Windows or a slightly older one, security is of the utmost importance, and ZoneAlarm Free 10.2.47.0 is a free firewall that helps to protect your internet connection, while IObit Advanced SystemCare 5.3.0.246 is a complete security suite with added optimization options. From the same stables, there is also IObit Advanced SystemCare with Antivirus 2012 (v5.5.2) Beta 2 add virus protection in this preview release.

CyberLink PowerDirector 10

Cyberlink has upgraded its product line with the release of CyberLink PowerDirector 10 Deluxe (build 1703) which has been updated with improved processor support – third generation Intel Core i5/i7 and second generation AMD APU 4000 and 5000 series – along with improved stability and performance. Also available is CyberLink PowerDirector 10 Ultra (build 1703) which also includes native 64-bit support, 3D options and more. As well as video editing, Cyblerlink also produces video and DVD playback software. CyberLink PowerDVD 12.0.9380.1620 Pro can be used to play DVDs, Blu-rays, as well as a wide range of online content; CyberLink PowerDVD 12.0.9380.1620 Ultra is also available and includes DLNA Digital Media Controller and Renderer. If you have photos to work with rather than videos, the updated Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4.1 may be what you’re looking for. The latest release adds new Color Fringing corrections, the ability to work with HDR TIFF files as well as support for Adobe Revel.

EmailTray

Struggling to keep on top of your inboxes? EmailTray 4.0 is an email prioritization tool that ensures that you are only notified about the most important emails that hit your inbox while lower priority messages and spam are filtered out. If you’re looking to kit out your computer with software to enables you to get to work, you could do much worse than installing LibreOffice Productivity Suite 3.5.4, and TED Notepad 6.0.2 is a great replacement tool for Notepad completed with nine built in clipboards for easy copying and pasting of text. In a similar vein, Notepad++ 6.1.3 plugs the gap that exists between the likes of Notepad and fully fledged word processors, with support for large files, recognition of various coding languages and much more – there’s even a portable version available in the form of Notepad++ Portable 6.1.3.

Dexpot

Anyone looking to benchmark their system or just find out more about hardware and software should take a look at the updated AIDA64 2.50 which now features SensorPanel graphs and gauges, and support for Intel 330 and OCZ Vertex 4 SSD. This week there have also been a few releases that help you to make better use of your monitors. DisplayFusion 4.0.1 is a great tool if you have two or more monitors in place, providing you with shortcuts for moving programs and windows between screens. Dexpot 1.5.17 and Dexpot 1.5.17 Portable are more suitable if you only have one monitor, as it gives you virtual desktop to work with – up to twenty, in fact! If you’re reading this article, you undoubtedly have an interest in software, and Sandboxie 3.70 is a great way to ensure that new software doesn’t affect the rest of your system by giving you the option of sandboxing apps. The penultimate app for this week, BlueStacks App Player 0.7.0 (beta) can be used to run Android apps on your PC. If you need a break from working with apps, why not play a game? Space Invaders OpenGL 0.6.1 is a great way to relive your youth by returning to the virtual arcade.

That’s it for this week’s roundup. There’ll be another one in seven days.