Others say...

"Mastercook"
works just as well as the 4.0 version but found some of the directions incomplete and confusing (ie. printing out a cookbook). And I'm unable to find out how to print more than one recipe on one page.

"Don't get download version!"
I got the download version 3 months ago, and have only just found out through an online discussion forum that all the problems I'm having using it are due to inherent defects in the download version. Apparently those who buy the CD will not experience these same issues (I don't know for certain though). Basically, the downloadable version functions more like a demo version; some features like export and import are limited or don't work at all (you can get recipes in one at a time, but can't select multiple recipes like the instructions tell you you can). A friend of mine and I have both had the same problems (we both bought it at the same time to swap recipes). Tech support is completely useless for these problems and customer service just keeps telling me to re-download it rather than deal with the problem of defective software (I would like them to just send the CD version that works).

I'm really disappointed, as it seems this could be nice software IF IT WORKED RIGHT.

So, if you're going to purchase this and are deciding between the download and CD version, get the CD. You'll have to wait a few extra days for delivery, but will avoid all the aggravation of the download version's bugs. They shouldn't even offer the download version, because it doesn't work right at all.

It's also worth noting that this software is not really very user-friendly for the beginner. Once you play with it a while, it has some nice features (buggy ones notwithstanding), such as being able to embed recipes (i.e., want to write a pie recipe? You can insert an ingredient as "Pie crust" and link to your pie crust recipe without typing it all out twice) but there is a steep learning curve. If you're adventurous and willing to randomly click ambiguous icons, you'll figure it out, but if you're someone who needs blatant, step-by-step instructions with really obvious menu options in software, you might struggle with this one.

However, even if you get nothing else out of it, the included recipes are worth the price of the software; you'd spend far more than that buying recipe books to get that many recipes. So at least I don't feel like I completely threw my money away getting defective software if I can't get it replaced with a functional version.

"Worth The Price"
I found this updated version of the old "cooking light" program worth the price. It quickly analyzed any new recipe that was entered, however it took some time to figure out how to put a new recipe in. Would have been a great help to come with a pamphlet with quick start instructions. Once figured out, it is a great tool

"Organize your cooking"
I've used various versions of this product for years, and it's great for storing and using your favorite recipes, creating shopping lists, etc. And now I've joined a Yahoo group of MC users who are extremely helpful in answering any questions you may have.

"MasterCook Deluxe"
This is a good program for the professional and the non pro. It offers many fun and interesting recipies as well as tips