Favorite Files

1. Google Chrome for Windows
2. IrfanView

Recent Posts

1. 
   Review - RealTemp

   3.70 (Jan 17, 2012)

   I am amazed at some of the low scores given this interesting and useful application. Evidently, those giving the low scores didn't read the first sentence in the description "Real Temp is a temperature monitoring program designed for all Intel single Core, Dual Core and Quad Core processors".
   
   It is for INTEL processors. It is not for AMD and should not be graded down for that. No, its not for the older Pentium processors, either. But the truth is, if it won't work on your machine but it will work on others, why should it be downgraded? Would you downgrade an Apple application if it will not work on your Wiindows machine?
   
   Additionally, the fact that it does not install on your machine, on any machine, means that it cannot do harm. Simply having the downloaded directory on your machine does not hurt much, it just takes up a small amount of space on your hard drive or flash drive or wherever you've placed it. Can't use it or don't want it anymore? Delete it, but don't downgrade it when it can help other people.

2. 
   Review - SUMo

   2.16.3.127 (Jan 14, 2012)

   File forum is a bit slow in posting new versions (actually they do not post much on weekends or holidays). On the SUMo website, a newer version is posted, 2.16.4.128.
   
   I have given the version downloaded from fileforum a 2. Actually, it is decent software, but the version that is downloaded on this page has several extra softwares (note the plural) added to it. I suggest you do not download from file forum directly, but go to the KCSoftware page directly and download the zip file version, which is SUMo alone with nothing added. That software rates a 5.
   
   Please note that the zip version does not have to be installed. All you have to do is click on the .exe file and it will run. Here is what you do ....
   
   1. Go to the KC Software Download Page
   2. Find the SUMo downloads and click on the Zip file for download
   3. Unzip the downloaded file and put it on your C: drive anywhere you want
   4. Open the SUMo directory and find the .exe file
   5. Right cliick on the .exe file and either pin it to your taskbar (or desktop) if in
   Vista or Win 7 or, for XP, create a shortcut and place that onto your desktop.
   
   To run SUMo, just click on the shortcut or the pinned Icon.

3. 
   Review - SUMo

   2.16.0.124 (Dec 20, 2011)

   This, in the past, has actually been a decent application --- and it still works well. However, the company that makes it has continually added bad or unwanted software to it. First, there was "Relevant Knowledge".Fortunately, there was and still is a version of SUMo without "RK", but you have to go to the special download page to get it. Then they started adding the "Super Software Package". next came the Babylon Toolbar, Complity, and now there is another, "Free Smiles, Winks, and Games".
   
   When installing this, I declined all and still got some of it installed. I have now unintalled this unwanted software, but what a pain it was.
   
   I do think I shall no longer use this application and will find another. Good Bye SUMo.

4. 
   Review - Waterfox

   8.0 (Nov 16, 2011)

   Wow ... a great 64 bit browser. I may make this my default browser very soon.
   
   But Firefox users beware. Many of the Firefox ad-ins don't work with this browser yet. However, if you have a 64 bit OS, you should download and install this browser, just to test it against Firefox in order to find out if your ad-ins work or not. For me, frankly, I'd rather use this browser without some of the ad-ins than use Firefox.

5. 
   Review - Waterfox

   7.0 (Sep 30, 2011)

   This browser is quick.
   
   However, going to several "video" sites, I found the 64 bit software evidently has not the codecs required to run the videos. One, for example, is foxnews.com. I would guess the problem is with "flash".
   
   Addendum: Adobe now has a flash player for 64 bit in beta ... look for flash player 11 for browsers other than Internet Explorer. They also have a version 11 for the 64 bit Internet Explorer if you wish to use it.

6. Comment - U.S. broadband speeds improved in 2010, still second rate against EU

   7.0 (Feb 16, 2011 - 1:47 PM)

   Verizon tells me they are topped out at 1.5 Mbps download in my community. I'm not real happy with that, but, unfortunately, there is not other alternative in my small mountain community.

7. Comment - Legislation would force all new US radios to include digital 'HD'

   7.0 (Sep 29, 2008 - 8:14 PM)

   Does that mean that I'll be able to get HD radio here in my mountain home? Heck, I can barely get AM and/or FM stations, and they fade in and out. Sometimes, to keep a radio signal readable, I have to hold the radio in my hand and turn it one way or another at different times. It appears the signal is coming from one direction one moment and another the next. Will HD radio do that, too?

8. Comment - Latest Winamp adds access to CBS Radio stations

   7.0 (Jul 17, 2008 - 2:02 PM)

   What to replace Winamp with? How about Spider? Try it. You'll like it!

9. Comment - Next Patch Tuesday has few security updates, big Vista reliability fix

   7.0 (Jul 4, 2008 - 2:45 AM)

   I'm running 3 Vista machines, a desktop I built myself (Athlon 64 X2 5000+), a "refurbished" Acer desktop (Athlon 64 X2 4200+), and an Acer Laptop (Core2Duo). I have installed SP1 without problems and all other updates on all three computers and have had none of the problems listed above. Please note that I am also running 3 GB RAM on each and have turned off UAC on each. I am happy with Vista.

10. Comment - One critical patch for Vista en route

    7.0 (Jan 4, 2008 - 8:07 PM)

    I run Vista on 5 machines and find it very good as long as UAC is turned off. 3 of the machines run 3 GB memory and the other two run 2 GB, which appears to be sufficient. I did try to run one of the machines with only 1 GB and it reminded me of an XP machine with only 256 MB, a bit slow.
    
    Vista seems very stable, but occasionally I find that older software may not run properly on it unless properties are modified.
    
    I recommend Vista. Be sure, however, to purchase a good book on Vista.