software recommendations?

[infinice]

"Hi- I'm a shut-in, limited to software, which i find either crude or complex, plus almost always ugly and clumsy.
The best freeware, Bringer plays like a machine :-). It always reacts the same in same positions, because it doesn't learn, is rigid. Also, its queen is so agressive that it's often trappable. (Nice interface tho.)
The best 'payware' [in my too-limited experience] is Chessmaster because it's cheap and certainly not much worse than its pricier peers. But it hogs cpu, which is unacceptable [for environment and productivity]. Fritz resembles a house of cards [shaky old code] and has a nerdy homely interface too; so i'll pass on it.
But all the others i haven't tried are demo'less [doh!] so they'd take mucho dinero to try out. So here i am, begging you for advice: what's the best [excepting Chessmaster and Fritz]?
My needs are:
1] attractive [i.e. uncluttered, simple] interface [or has #5]
2] defeatable time limits [and of course, Undo Move]. a kibbutz mode
3] up to 50% average cpu use [on 2.66 Ghz computer].
4] adapts to opponents style, so it doesn't get boring playing program.
5] true full ["clean"] screen mode. [and all elements color adjustable]
6] playing level *easily* switchable mid-game. [i love to go back to see what a stronger opponent would play in a given situation]
7] realistic play [makes different openings, exhibits range of responses]
8] state-of-the-art Coach/Hint function. [I guess this isn't vital as one can always switch sides & force program to play ones move.]
9] under $75 price, state of the art 3D boards and a great tutoring section would all be sweet, but i could live without them.
Can you recommend any program[s] filling the above bill? And, if you don't know, can you steer me to another forum i could try??
Thanks for your help!
infinice
PS: I'm a dull average player [1500 > 1750 ELO?], so bone-crushing +2000 ELO power is irrelevant to me.

[Chessleader]

Well my friend welcome to the forum first of all.

It's been known that Fritz is one of the best chess software solution due to its flexibelty ( you can place up an engine upon your hardware specifications). However, as of your rating & that you want to be better, i suggest you take chessbase ( Huge database + analyzing capabilities) or you can visit openingmaster to improve your chess as well.

Purley speaking from my experince, just play as much as games as you can & then analyze where you've done a mistake that caused you your loss using FRITZ or any other program that conduct anaylzing ( that will suggest you the best move instead). Though i'll be looking around for the best solution upon your request. Enjoy your stay .

[Angelically-Touched]

i agree

[Q Smith]

In my opinion the best free software is SCID, which can be downloaded for free off the Net. It contains most of the features of the major chess database programs ChessBase and Chess Assistant, but without the cost.

[Q Smith]

Free chess downloads

Really useful site, especially since most of the downloads are free. I recommend that you turn your firewall/Anti-Virus system to full strength before downloading them, just to be safe and secure.

[Chessleader]

Very handy , thanks Smith

[Q Smith]

You are welcome

[Antichrist]

The COW opening system thing is very good for building a repertoire, I recommend it very highly.

[Q Smith]

I haven't heard of that program before, can you give me a link to their website?

[Antichrist]

And all the Windows default settings are trash