****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Auto layout tools are incredibly unintelligent, to the point of being actively unhelpful. For example, create a new basic network diagram form a template, drag a few virtual server icons into a row beneath a firewall icon, use the connection tool to draw lines to them. It will do stupid things such as making the lines cross for no reason instead of performing an auto layout in which they do not cross. It will also place the connection ends on the white space at the edges of the virtual server icons instead of connecting to the solid part of the icon, so if the spacing you chose for those virtual server icons is at all close, it can be ambiguous as to which virtual server the connection line goes to.So you end up using the unwieldy tools that require endless clicking and fine mouse movements to eventually corral the connection lines into an arrangement where they don't overlap for no reason, and where they actually end on the device icon you intended. It would be much faster to not have the auto layout for the connection lines and just click for each 90 degree bend you wanted. When the automation makes the process take at least three times as long as the unassisted version, it is a flat out failure.I have used Visio since the 2003 version. After changing jobs I needed a new copy of the software, and the features of the Professional version. This was the least expensive way to get it, about the same as the retail price for the Standard version. Delivery was slower than expected, but I did receive the product as it was advertised. This is a "NO MEDIA" package - no CD or DVD, just a product key card.I went on-line and downloaded and installed the software without any major issues. You MUST have a stable, high-speed internet connection, because this is a large download.Don't bother with the key card if you have an Office 365 home subscription. Microsoft's activation is totally broken when you try to mix Pro and Home. I now have a usless keycard that refuses to activate. Basically it get stuck in a loop - I don't have a work account - so I can't use a Pro key. It is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen. I spent hours on tech support being bounced between India and the Philippines - finally being told I had to buy a support ticket. What a waste.The key feature I was needing, database modeling, has been removed from Visio. As a DB developer, I have used Visio at every job I have had, so I figured My new employer would benefit greatly with this purchase. With database modeling gone, was I ever wrong. And since Amazon does not refund download delivered purchases, it is now just a way to draw pretty pictures that I have no time to do. Thank you Microsoft and Amazon for making this a miserable experience.Between Amazon and Microsoft, I have yet to be able to successfully download the software that was purchased. Amazon provides a support key now---not a product key. When I contacted Microsoft to determine why I was having problems downloading the software, I was told that I needed a product key for them to be able to help me. Amazon couldn't provide me with the product key and said I needed to talk to Microsoft.I been using this for work for many years, it's a great tool for creating charts and diagrams. This version is very similar to 2010, even the menus. If you are familiar with that interface, you won't have much trouble navigating through this version.2013, I can't stress enough of a warning. You would think improving the experience would be Microsoft's mantra. Viso 2013 is closely tied into Windows search. Careful to never mess with the setting because you will never be able to search for shapes again or restore the Index Options. Then lets talk about the default shapes, Microsoft now globally makes connectors have an End Arrow without the option to configure. Stay with 2010!Was never able to install and activate the product.UPDATE: After conferring with Microsoft Technical Support, we determined that this product key was possibly FRAUDULENT and perhaps even COUNTERFEIT. The Microsoft support agent gave a description of what the key card is supposed to look like, and ours arrived WITHOUT the security features described, even though it was in a shrink-wrapped retail Microsoft box.£50 cheaper than the download version and you get in the box just the product key providing you the option of downloading, so ..2 days wait save £50...great item, fast deliveryPerfect exactly as described and quick shipping. Thanks
