I have been thinking of switching or trying Xara as I have read good reviews of the actual program BUT have delayed taking action as I have also heard of many problems where users get locked out as the software has to be reactivated at frequent intervals and even if no change to hardware results in a waiting period of up to 30 days before being able to use the software again. Also that it requires an internet connection at ALL times in order to keep working. This, at least for me, would override any benefits that the program may offer over the competition. I have looked at the latest features of the new version, but the activation issues is not one of them. Until Xara has only one activation required for a particular computer I would not waste my time downloading and learning the free trial as, what's the point?