Software Reviews

by gimpguy

The reviews and opinions below are posted by SnapFiles visitors. They do not necessarily reflect our opinion, and are solely based on the experience of individual users.

Freeware
2000/XP

Not so zippy

ExtractNow version 4.39

Interface: 2
Features: 2
Ease of use: 2
Value: 5
Overall:

First problem was trying to drag and drop files into the interface, kept getting some exception error. When unzipping a rar, it would stop before completely done and freeze.Also one other issue was even when a rar was done, it wouldn't have all files?? No issues with zip though. I wasn't too impressed. Aside from that, the author's answers don't do the software any justice and are simply RUDE. So all that combined, the only thing I found decent was the price. Although I must say, the FLU is free, but I don't want THAT either. Complaints help build on software, free or not and I think this attitude attributes to flaws that could otherwise be fixed and become a great little software. in other words, be a man and take the lumps to improve a software. Really , the interface itself is good, I didn't care for the functionality. Once again, it's free but I hate wasting time on something that is thrown out there.

Review date: Nov 29, 2008

Freeware
NT/2000/XP

Synced!

DSynchronize version 2.30.1

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

Well, after using syncback for a long time, I feel I have found something better. It's very easy to configure, more back up time options and does the job well. I love the real time backup, although "experimental" currently, it works very good. It does take a lot of resources though, more so than Halo or VM and slows my machine down drastically. Once again, back to the understanding it's just in it's early stages so no prob here. I am simply happy to have the real time when needed! If they need beta testers or anything, I'm in! This is going to be one of the best sync tools out there.

Review date: Nov 11, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista

Why buy others?

Glary Utilities Free version 2.8.0.366

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

Let's face it, there is only so much cleaning that can be done without risk of getting rid of needed registry and system files. Many dig too far in hoping to reel YOU in. Glary Utilities is FREE, excellent, does the job how it should be. Can't say enough about it!

Review date: Nov 10, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

Nothing special

MP3 CD Doctor Lite version 1.0

Interface: 3
Features: 3
Ease of use: 3
Value: 3
Overall:

I gave this a go since I have a car stereo that is picky. Well, this didn't and won't create one that will play in my car stereo so I have a few coasters. No big loss these days but still. Anyway, it's small, fast , easy to use, free. Other than that, I could find NO reason to keep this.

Review date: Nov 03, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

Good but not perfect

McAfee SiteAdvisor version 2.6.0.6261

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

While SA is decent, I would like to offer another opinion about NOT worrying about how you surf. SA is NOT fool proof, NOT 100% and is only a good tool up to a certain point. This is no different than any bad site protection software except that I do feel SA does a much better job than others. I found SA to be more thorough and updated than others. I would still not think yourself worry free when using it or ANY others and learning decent surfing habits is the best protection along with SA.

Review date: Oct 25, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Best so far

SpaceMonger version 1.40

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

While I was using another like this, I like SpaceMonger even better. It's not all blended together, easy to make heads or tails out of, little resources, FREE, can't beat it! It has plenty of options for display, nothing fancy but that's not what I wanted anyway. I wanted something that works well with a few decent options and that's exactly what I got. Great work on this!

Review date: Oct 25, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Worked good for me

Transmute version 1.02

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 4
Overall:

I wish it wasn't in a transmute folder when finally transferred but other than that it worked great. Firefox to IE, IE to Firefox, no issues. Haven't tried Google Chrome with this yet and likely won't but as per above, they worked nicely. No problems yet but if there are, I'll update my post. One last thing, it is much easier and VERY simple to use. You select source and destination and that's pretty much it.

Review date: Oct 24, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Two thumbs up

Easy Thumbnails version 3.0

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I always found this to be light, easy to use, works well and fast. It's just a simple thumb creator app but gets the job done. Does what it's supposed to do.

Review date: Oct 22, 2008

Freeware
2000/XP/2003/Vista

A nice way to diagram

Diagram Designer version 1.19

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

I have used this before and still do, it's not one I use all the time and other apps can do the same but it is very useful. It may be more useful to those who need to do this sort of thing all the time though. I am not basing my rating on that though, I think it's an awesome, easy to understand designer but could use a few interface changes. Other than that, it's great.

Review date: Oct 22, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista

Not so good in some areas

PIXresizer version 2.0.3

Interface: 2
Features: 2
Ease of use: 2
Value: 5
Overall:

After trying a few pics without squared edges, PIXresizer was a disappointment. The image was choppy, not a lot of features left in the pic. I scaled a clock pic, 256X256 png image down to 32X32 and it was fairly horrible. I did the same in Gimp and it came out excellent, smooth, nearly all features still in the pic. This may be good for squared images with a high res but forget working with icon images. You won't get a great result. So if you are looking for a basic resizer, free, it's OK.

Review date: Oct 22, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Saves a headache

WildPackets IP Subnet Calculator version 3.2.1.0

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

While I had to learn to do this manually, which I still recommend in some regard, this is something that will save you time and a major headache. If you have to do something like this, it's a must have tool.

Review date: Oct 22, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

I think it was terrible.

Free RAM Optimizer XP version 1.0

Interface: 1
Features: 1
Ease of use: 1
Value: 5
Overall:

I did 3 installsuninstalls with this just to test. It actually slows my pc down, not speed it up. I had issues running my firewall and many other apps. It sure didn't like Gimp and kept crashing most things I would attempt to do. I think it was terrible. I usually stay away from ram optimizers and such and this is another one that proves to me I was correct in doing so.

Review date: Oct 22, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Free, stable, hey, nothing to lose.

4t Tray Minimizer Free version 4.40

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

It's tough to rate this, seems more based on opinion for this type of app. It does minimize everything nicely and if you like this sort of function, it's all that. All in all it's a pretty cool app to have and right now I am deciding if it should stay or go but it's caught my interest so I may end up keeping this. It's a decent app either way and yeah, I would recommend it. Free, stable, hey, nothing to lose.

Review date: Oct 22, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista

Not bad

DocPad version 7.1

Interface: 3
Features: 3
Ease of use: 3
Value: 3
Overall:

While a very nice replacement for notepad, it seems to have enough to entice you but leaves out enough to not make this your default text editor. Skins are great, etc... but functionality is more useful. I really wish to see some things added and this would be a great all around text editor. It is sitting in a gray area and needs to break free. It has a lot of potential and hope to see it become better.

Review date: Oct 22, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Very nice

JDiskReport version 1.3.1

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

First of all, it gave me some trouble. There are many ways to do a scan but it simply wouldn't until I scanned one of my storage drives. Why? DK. Wouldn't scan a file set either. Then I did get it to scan partially, no graph charts.... It is now in working order and does great. A bit buggy off the get go but now I am very happy with it, it is not only a graphical chart, but you can click your way through the files and folders using the chart. How cool is that? Plus you can very easily print off the chart if need be. Very good software, very useful but could use a few improvements is all. Nothing to lose here, worth a try.

Review date: Oct 22, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Not too shabby

TPlayer version V1R10

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 4
Overall:

Not too shabby. I thought this was an all around good player but as others mentioned, bugs... I like the way it looks and such but needs a lot of work. Others are still a bit better performance wise. I had a few issues when trying to load straight MP3 files, they wouldn't load and everything would freeze. The files are fine, it's TPlayer since there are no issues with my ipod, WMP, Spider, or others. That said, this app needs some TLC to become a contender. It's on the way though and will be awesome in the near future if some work is done on it.

Review date: Oct 22, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

I`m cheating...or am I ?

Enersoft SiteGenWiz version 1.5

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

Ok, after using this, I felt like I was cheating, that's how easy it is. You simply type in, or throw an image in, that's it! Changing styles is a breeze. While I wouldn't use the defaults for my own page, this has taken away ANY issues with building so I could happily do any customizing without worry. Simply excellent! I found another that I thought was just about perfect, until I downloaded this. It would take 10 to 15 min for a quick page, that's it! You can quickly view the changes by the V button in the toolbar, no problem. Add links without a problem. Switch from web view to source in a split second for manual editing, how easy is this thing??? That easy! It's an editor with an attitude! Hats off and my thanks to the author or authors, excellent work!

Review date: Oct 22, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

Something wrong

PopTray version 3.03

Interface: 2
Features: 2
Ease of use: 2
Value: 5
Overall:

While this is a basis for pop mail, it still has plugins and other things to include for hotmail and such. I say that because it says to download the hotmail plugin, did that, went through the whole page of steps to install it "thinking I did something wrong" and I find I did it correctly, was constantly getting errors, connection errors, accessibility errors, the list goes on. Tried setting it for my outlook, ok, it accessed it but would bring up blank mail and then an error. So I then search the forum seeing how others have the SAME issue I have, no fix. There is some other proggy they suggest to install to aid in hotmail, yahoo, gmail, etc.... But I became tired of going through all the hassle, truly, people don't only use local mail, most use webmail and I feel this should be updated accordingly if they want people to use this. Plus, didn't work for my pop mail either!

Review date: Oct 22, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

It did the same...

Fast Defrag Standard version 2.3

Interface: 1
Features: 1
Ease of use: 1
Value: 5
Overall:

Much like others, your system ends up slowing down and not running correctly with it's usage. This is no exception. It doesn't like it when you use something like Gimp or a 3-d app, or something that uses extra resources. I guess another way to explain my experience is Fast Defrag was fighting for control, not actually working in harmony with my system. I ended up doing 3 restarts due to a non responsive OS. A noticeable difference when transferring large files over my home lan, they became slow or sluggish if you will. That said, what good is it? I have gotten rid of this plague and now my PC is healthy running again.

Review date: Oct 22, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

Changed review

BGInfo version 4.14

Interface: 3
Features: 3
Ease of use: 3
Value: 5
Overall:

While prior I had a bad review as it wouldn't work, I uninstalled some system tool software among many others and I think it was a clash as it's working now. That said, it's working OK but some custom settings still won't stick. I also found it hard to insert an image correctly, no matter the size, it won't save the setting to registry. The display is alright once working but can't get bullets closer to text. Also, it won't shut off unless I change my theme. That said, I rated it better but I'm still not happy with it completely.

Review date: Oct 22, 2008

Freeware
2000/XP/Vista

Good but not great

Winamp (Full) version 5.541

Interface: 2
Features: 2
Ease of use: 2
Value: 5
Overall:

Winamp is alright, not the most horrible player, however, it's become as bloated as a Hollywood movie star's ego. All the garbage floating around this gave me a headache. I wanted a good player and got a resource hog with useless features "to me that is". I recall when Winamp was just basically a player and it did it's job well, now, it takes forever to do what it used to do in seconds. I also noticed a higher error and crash rate than prior. No surprise though, more bloat, less stable. I will stick with Media Jukebox or even more basic and wonderful, Spiderplayer.

Review date: Oct 22, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Well, it zooms...

MouseZoom version 1.5

Interface: 2
Features: 2
Ease of use: 2
Value: 2
Overall:

It does magnify portions with the option of magnification X's. However, I didn't find it all too useful and more of a , "just there" scenario. The nag? Yeah, it's a bit annoying. I didn't feel this was something I would register for.

Review date: Oct 21, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

Easy to use, small, free...

Ping Plotter 1 version 1.20

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 4
Overall:

Easy to use, small, free, graph. That about sums it up. Either way, you can't lose having this. I'm not new to it, but I do use it from time to time and it's always been great.

Review date: Oct 21, 2008

Free Trial ($39.90)
2000/XP/2003/Vista

Great , but....

AconDigital Acoustica version 4.1

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 3
Overall:

It's a really great audio editing, etc.... software. However, the lack of MP3 among other things sort of bothers me. I popped in my ipod, it crashed when trying to read the files? Hmmmmm. Ok, less impressed now. I also worked the noise reduction and didn't find, unless you have super human ears, the difference between Audacity and this. That said, it has some things Audacity doesn't , BUT one that's not so good would be the price. Audacity is free, AconDigital Acoustica is not. Is it worth paying for? In my opinion, only if there is nothing else out there that compares and is free. It is a very nice audio editing utility though. I wish some things like mentioned above would get fixed, drop the price as well, maybe 19.99??? In my opinion, it's not worth much more.

Review date: Oct 19, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista

Excellent

ReNamer version 5.30

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

It may be extremely easy to use for those who have used renamers prior, but if not, still VERY easy to learn. It's very specific and has many options for renaming, does it with ease. This has now become my favorite renaming utility!

Review date: Oct 19, 2008

Freeware
2000/XP/2003/Vista

It's does what it says

System Protect version 1.0.0.83

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I used this for a bit and it was a very straight forward, easy to use interface that did in fact protect system folders or individual files. It even brings up question when you browse a folder to allow Explorer.exe or not to modify the files in any way. It would not let me delete files that were protected and such. I'm still not sure what it would do in a viral situation, I have to try that yet but in all other ways, it did it's job and was very effective. I give it a 5 for now, then i'll use my Virtual to test it while getting malware, etc... and see just what happens. If it at least prevents some file modification, it's worthy to me.

Review date: Oct 19, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista

Didn't find it overly exciting

Rainbow Folders version 2.05

Interface: 3
Features: 3
Ease of use: 3
Value: 4
Overall:

While I found this slightly OK, I found it tedious. I had to keep restarting the app to get settings to take effect plus noticed the icons were looking like Win98 icons, and of poor quality. I looked at the screenshot and did a double take and noticed how it looks up there, is not what I got from the download. I checked for update, no go. So why it shows a nice smooth icon in the screenshot but not what I get in mine, I have no idea. Over all if you want to color your folders, this will do it and is free which is good. I just found this a bit buggy.

Review date: Oct 17, 2008

Freeware
2000/XP/2003/Vista

Wasn't impressed

Desk Drive version 1.6.6

Interface: 1
Features: 1
Ease of use: 1
Value: 5
Overall:

First of all, it installed fine, nice little icon, etc... but when I tried to plug anything in, including 2 USB thumbs, 1 gig PNY, 4 gig Sandisk, and 256 Impact, one DVD Iomega, not a one of them were detected. Windows detected them, bypassed Desk Drive, nothing. I did a restart, I know how apps can be, still nothing so finally uninstalled, reinstalled, then finally, just uninstalled.

Review date: Oct 17, 2008

Freeware
2000/XP/2003/Vista

Nice but...

Secunia PSI version 0.9.0.4

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

as with any automated software, I wouldn't depend solely on it's opinion on software updates. Some manual thought is the best solution. What I like it for is the fact I have numerous downloads, I install a firewall, etc... and then have to do all the updates or to next version. This reminds me to replace my .exe files with updated versions after install or at least, I check for updated versions, so I don't install old next time. It is a hog on resources but just run it when you need it.

Review date: Oct 17, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista

Has a long way to go

Uranium Backup Free version 7.1.0.2878

Interface: 3
Features: 3
Ease of use: 3
Value: 3
Overall:

The interface was put together OK, wasn't hard to figure out settings. Downside, you have to pay for some features lacking, uh.. there are way to many GOOD FREE back up utilities or PAID versions for that matter, and this one has a long way to go before I would use it, let alone pay for it. Why does it take forever for this app to load? I have no idea but that was a pet peeve. So it's not the worst and hey, this part is free, you may like it. I didn't.

Review date: Oct 17, 2008

Freeware
2000/XP/Vista

Very good

Comodo Backup version 1.0.4.337

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

While I like this backup software, have used it enough in the past, I feel it has some compatibility issues. Had issue with it crashing. Not sure if due to using the C-firewall or what. Had one or two errors when it went to do a self run and it quit. Not often or anything but Syncback hasn't quit on me once in all the time I've used it so I think I'll stay with that for now. This is still an excellent bk tool though and worth a check. If my issue is due to firewall, then I keep the C-firewall over the other products by them and this is no exception. If I find why the crashes occurred, I will fix my rating.

Review date: Oct 17, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP/Vista

I call it MediaTunes

Media Jukebox version 12

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

It's a nice mix of Itunes and WMP, but BETTER. I don't like those darn web home pages though, very irritating! Seems so many have that now. Aside from that, it handled my ipod with no problems, skinnable, very easy to use. It plays very nicely, has oodles of options, I like it and it's now replaced all my media players and handles everything. Great work on this one! Oh, and if you are like me and DON'T like the web home pages when it opens, just set it to open to last page which is whatever you left off on in the options.

Review date: Oct 17, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Works

GSfx Wizard version 1.11

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

Well, it works as it should, had setup file in no time. Very fast and solid. Nice work.

Review date: Oct 17, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

Whatever

Homeland Security Threat Monitor version 1.0.5

Interface: 1
Features: 1
Ease of use: 1
Value: 1
Overall:

Of course a review wouldn't be honest with at least trying this, ***sigh*** even though I knew ahead of time what this would bring to my desktop. For one, I feel the threat level system is ridiculous and does nothing but cause people to over react but that's another story, so.... Ok, it's nothing personal of course. Seems like they did a good job with it regardless and perhaps would think of creating something else that we can use? But no, I don't recommend this for many reasons and as with anyone, is just my opinion.

Review date: Oct 16, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP/Vista

Finally!

FileAlyzer version 1.6.0.4

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

If you want a full fledged file viewer, this is it. It will tell you hex, etc... and likely a lot more than any typical or even advanced user could ask for. Nice to have if you don't want to install a file but check it's make up first. Excellent!

Review date: Oct 16, 2008

Freeware
2000/XP

Yikes, it got through

Naomi version 3.2.90

Interface: 2
Features: 2
Ease of use: 2
Value: 2
Overall:

I understand how TRICKY internet filtering can be, I really do, but when I install something and it blocks common sites but does nothing to stop porn images or porn itself, Huston, we have a problem! I found it worse to use than having nothing, why? My reasoning is this, if you trust in something, you are completely setting yourself up for disaster. I would not trust my kids on this as it would definitely let the baddies through. I would rather use a full kids browser or other ways to limit internet activity, not by using this.

Review date: Oct 16, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

This is VERY fast!

AnalogX HyperTrace version 2.0

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

This is VERY fast! I timed it through command line traceroute and it took seconds through this app, through the box, it took almost 45 seconds to trace yahoo. WOW. The other plus side, no cmd, no typing, except for the site in question or addy which alone saves a half a minute. Very nice job on this one.

Review date: Oct 16, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

Very helpful

AnalogX ListMaster Pro version 1.0

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

This is great for huge lists, however I don't have nearly what I thought I did, or at least this app made me realize it. It's not something I need obviously but I highly recommend it for others though!

Review date: Oct 16, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

Quite nice

AnalogX NetStat Live version 2.11

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

It isn't the fanciest out there but it's nicely tailored to the eye, not over done. It works well and is interesting to show statistics. I don't worry about transparency, etc... just minimize to tray and letter' go. Shows CPU too. Very nice.

Review date: Oct 16, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Cookie begone

AnalogX CookieWall version 1.01

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

Yep, definitely does the job, easy to use, fast. For cookie control, this is the app. No hyped up useless options, just does what you need! Very nice.

Review date: Oct 16, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Replaced

BK ReplaceEm version 2.0

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

As stated by others, it's not just a click and change like "find" in some apps. This is much more powerful and if into coding and such, will make an excellent tool. I can't say anything bad about it.

Review date: Oct 16, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Finally tried it

emailStripper version 2.2

Interface: 3
Features: 3
Ease of use: 3
Value: 3
Overall:

I really can't say much different than others, it's not something that can't be done easily in notepad or whatever text editor. Nothing special except it makes things slightly easier. So if you don't feel like using notepad, just use this. I have a couple of replace character scripts that will do the same too but it's free and already put together so you can't lose either.

Review date: Oct 14, 2008

Freeware
2000/XP/2003/Vista

You can`t do better

ERUNT version 1.1j

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

For registry backup, you won't do any better than erunt, been using it for a long time and it will always stay on my pc. If the registry ever gets botched, do a simple reg restore and it's all taken care of. One of the greatest utilities out there ppl, no joke. I suggest every pc owner get one. It's so easy to use too, easy to understand, no prob!

Review date: Oct 14, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Not so hot

SpyArsenal Internet Spy version 1.20

Interface: 2
Features: 1
Ease of use: 2
Value: 5
Overall:

Well, it did log IE activity, however, Firefox seems to be in the clear, this won't find what's going on there. A minor security side step, not logging one of the most popular browsers. That aside, One the PLUS side, it comes with a free family keylogger version which seems better than the "home keylogger" which I rated and drew me to look into more. The family keylogger is one you typically pay for so at least that's included as a Bonus! file. However, I'm not rating family keylogger here, I'm rating Spyarsenal so the rating is for that only.

Review date: Oct 14, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Works

Home Key Logger version 1.70

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

IT does a fairly nice job, basic, what I need. I have used it on and off, mainly when I need to. It's light, works well. It's not fancy but haven't had any issues with it.

Review date: Oct 14, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

What I use sometimes

Trillian version 3.1.11.0

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I don't use messengers too often but keep trillian around for just that. This way it's easy to connect to other clients and such and have everything right where I want it. It's simple enough for the average person to do what they need to do. I use it mainly to communicate with those who need icons for their software and such and it comes in handy, faster than email and supports numerous chat clients. 5 star from me.

Review date: Oct 14, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Works

CombiMovie

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

It's fast and joins the files. As another said, try to make sure you are working with the same types, else you get cut offs, skips, etc... as with one of my bk home movies, I backed it into mpeg split to edit so my kids could watch it wo bad parts, joined them without the bad parts, put back to DVD with other tools of course, worked like a charm. Around 3.7 gigs in total. I wish this could be extended with making some really cool effects, titles etc... it would be awesome.

Review date: Oct 14, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Works well

i.Disk version 1.91

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

It's not packed with features but it's good at what it does and the plus side, it was EXTREMELY fast for analyzing space usage, likely the fastest I've seen. Really, it breaks down to each file and such so it gives you all the info you need of what sizes are what. I rather enjoyed this one and think I'll keep it. I don't need anything fancy, just want to know what's taking up space and this shows me, plain and simple. The one thing I can say about all Memecode software, it installs fast, uninstalls fast, leaving no garbage behind. So even with the others, if you don't like the software, you must appreciate the install and uninstall keeping a system from clogging with junk.

Review date: Oct 14, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Fairly nice

i.Scribe version 1.88

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

Like others, it's not for me and maybe good for someone else. It is very feature rich and loads very quickly. I couldn't import any email settings, etc... , OE, Outlook, or Livemail, don't know why, stated it didn't exist when I know they do, I have all 3. With some time, I'm sure I could figure it out. If you are looking for a very handy email handler, this is it. It's not pretty but works like a charm.

Review date: Oct 14, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Good, but out of date now

i.Mage version 0.98

Interface: 2
Features: 2
Ease of use: 2
Value: 5
Overall:

It's one of those things that are good but out of date now. It may be ok for some quick touch ups but there have to be numerous others out there that do the same. It's not practical to use I suppose. I couldn't get it to save with alpha which was a bummer. It's a bit buggy anyway. It was "fun" to use for a bit but nothing I would keep. It's free though, make a good quick editor, like paint with some more options. It crashed on making a polygon, lol. Maybe it was too much for it, DK. Anyway, give it a try, at least you aren't losing anything.

Review date: Oct 14, 2008

Free Trial ($49.95)
98/ME/2000/XP

Good player

DVD X Player version 4.0.0.0

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 1
Overall:

This is no doubt a good player with many features, have used it prior and tried it again. I noticed I couldn't get .iso to work, so assume it's not supported. Opening VOB caused crash, not sure why. If not supported, fine but needs fixing I think. I think the price is WAY to high for this, I can use others for the same thing and no $. It would be worth buying if it was much cheaper but until then, I'll use VNC among others. I pay enough for DVD's , I'm not spending 80 bucks on software to watch them.

Review date: Oct 13, 2008

Free Trial ($29.95)
2000/XP/Vista

No better than others, maybe worse

Spy Sweeper version 5.8

Interface: 3
Features: 3
Ease of use: 3
Value: 2
Overall:

I tried this again, thinking it may have changed as many do. Unfortunately it hasn't. Not trying to re-hash what was said but yeah, it's slow, it's a resource hog and does no more than some free software. I uninstalled it today, goodbye. I feel if I wouldn't use something if it was free, then it sure isn't worth a price. It's still better than no protection of course so I would hate to NOT recommend it, especially with all the fakes out there so gave it 3.

Review date: Oct 13, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Not spectacular

Network Notepad version 4.6.3

Interface: 3
Features: 3
Ease of use: 3
Value: 5
Overall:

It's free. That's it's best point. The interface goes back a long way, plus I keep getting runtime errors when trying to link or undo an action. Finally managed to set up the whole network, recognized devices fine, then I got an orange question mark on one PC, before I knew it, another runtime error, the whole thing shut down and I wasn't trying it again. Even when holding the shift key, I kept getting that annoying pop up stating I should hold the shift key, uh.... ok. So it's alright for free if you are one who has no issues with it. Once again, it's free so can't complain too much.

Review date: Oct 13, 2008

Free Trial ($49.99)
2000/XP/Vista

Great

Ashampoo WinOptimizer version 5.5

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 1
Overall:

This is a very nice all in one tool for clean up and well, optimization. They had the giveaway of this one as well, which I have and I must say, it's very nice. It's quick, has a ton of features and won't cripple your pc. I don't think I would pay 50 bucks for it though, once again, there are too many options out there to pay that price for this. Tuneup utilities would be my choice if I had to pay unless AWO dropped in price. Luckily, they do give away many full free software which I commend them for. However, the full prices on some are too high. Otherwise it is a great all in one cleaner and such and works like a charm. The interface is easy to use and easy on the eyes. So I dropped it a star for the price.

Review date: Oct 13, 2008

Free Trial ($49.99)
XP/Vista

It`s ok

Ashampoo Photo Commander version 6.20

Interface: 3
Features: 3
Ease of use: 3
Value: 3
Overall:

I have a free giveaway version and well, it's ok, not something I would pay for and I didn't use it long. I went back to using others. It's not horrible but wouldn't buy it. Not when there are excellent free ones that will do MUCH better.

Review date: Oct 13, 2008

Freeware
2000/XP/Vista

I truly enjoyed this

Ashampoo ClipFinder version 1.47

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I truly enjoyed this even though I'm not a big video person. All clips are right there, not a lot of searching, has a great interface, doesn't slow things down. I still have it installed and find it so much easier than browsing around. Plus it's free after you register. I honestly like this better than any others I've used.

Review date: Oct 13, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

It does it

W32.Blaster.Worm Removal Tool version 1.0.6.1

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

If you need to remove the W32.Blaster worm, it works and have used it in the past. Does what it's meant to do.

Review date: Oct 13, 2008

Freeware
2000/XP/2003/Vista

Blah

Personal Video Database version 0.9.8.20

Interface: 3
Features: 3
Ease of use: 2
Value: 5
Overall:

First of all, if you have reinstalled windows or such, you may get a MSVCR71.DLL error when installing this. After a search through the forum I found "what I already figured" simply download the .dll file "which isn't recommended to do by some" and put it in the Windows/System32 folder. I have had to install .dll's this way a few times, just be careful where you get it. Also, I have gotten more errors trying to connect to the databases than I care to. The Terminator should be a fairly popular movie and easy to get, well, for me it was numerous tries before I actually got the file. For whatever reason, I cannot merge say T1, T3, with T2, why? I have no idea. So it has to remain a separate entity. I'll stick with EMDB over this. PVD isn't horrible but needs work.

Review date: Oct 12, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Probably the best freeware tool!

AutoIt version 3.2.12.1

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

This is probably the best freeware tool I've had, not to say it's for everyone, but was a blessing in disguise. I was attempting some C++ "something I never got into", so I could write a very simple proggy to "well, I won't say on here" but it's a new idea. Anyway, this is exactly what I needed since all it will take is a scripting ability to put my app together and make er' go! I didn't know that until now of course. Been at it for a couple of hours and already learning enough to get me started, no problem. I thank the authors of this freeware, it's awesome, light, GREAT tuts and GREAT help whenever you need it, doesn't treat new users like idiots and that is a MAJOR plus! If I could add another 5 stars, I would!

Review date: Oct 11, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

I wouldn`t bother

SimpleOCR version 3.5

Interface: 1
Features: 1
Ease of use: 1
Value: 5
Overall:

Yeah it's free and such but I scanned a perfect document with text, nothing more, very clear, dark, etc... first it told me the scanner wasn't working right, yah, 1 wk old and have used it numerous times, no issues. Got it working using another driver this app felt more appropriate, the document came out looking rough but not unreadable. This SimpleOCR didn't get anything right, perhaps 25% of the document, IF that. There are much better I'm sure and was using one and now forgot since it's been a while, so used MSoffice one note, converted everything to a T. The search continues for a decent OCR freeware....

Review date: Oct 09, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

Eh...

Screen Grab Pro version 1.2

Interface: 3
Features: 2
Ease of use: 3
Value: 5
Overall:

It's ok, but to call it pro, I don't know about that. It's not much different than hitting ctrl-c only with a twist, you can't time ctrl-c. It's free, it's OK, but not enough to make me use it.

Review date: Oct 08, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Done in a flash!

Wink version 2.0 build 1060

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

How cool is this software?? VERY! I quickly recorded my desktop actions, threw in some shapes, some text pointing out actions, rendered, saved as flash, opened in IE, and boom, that was IT! Had a very quick and excellent small but high quality file that plays! FREE?? Wow. I am keeping this without a doubt!

Review date: Oct 08, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Morphed off

WinMorph version 3.01

Interface: 1
Features: 2
Ease of use: 1
Value: 5
Overall:

For whatever reason, I could never get this to actually complete a morph. I had tried on other computers and mine, it simply wouldn't work. I recall contacting some support or emailed, to be told it was my computer, yah. Hopefully this works for others, however, after numerous tries on my computers, "assuming all bad due to ONLY WinMorph not running on them" I have given up on this. I never like the interface either and found this a bit buggy besides the fact I couldn't create a completed project even though I followed every step numerous times.

Review date: Oct 08, 2008

Freeware
Win (All)

Editpad excellence

EditPad Lite version 6.4.3

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

I must be a software junkie, I have so many editors now OTHERWISE I would keep this one. It's not up there with some in my opinion, like PSPad or others but it's very neat, has good features, runs well. I don't care for the interface as much as some but it's not terrible either. The tabs are easy to use for multiple instances of files, gotta like that. However, it's not enough to tear me away from my regulars.

Review date: Oct 08, 2008

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

Smart, very smart

Convert version 4.10

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

I began using this about a week ago, why? Because at my age, I decided to finish college and now have trig ech geometry and algebra. Not hard for some but the only thing I had was basic fractions in high school. That noted, I began needing to convert all sorts of things, I still don't understand it, don't care to, but this has helped me so much I felt I should rate it and say it's been a great homework tool. Km, m, mi, heh, I leave it to CTO. This old brain don't need it.

Review date: Oct 08, 2008