Favorite Files

1. DVD Flick
2. Image for Windows
3. ImgBurn
4. LanTopolog
5. Live Help 123
6. Nvu Portable
7. Server-Side Menus API
8. TrueCrypt
9. UltraVNC
10. VirtualBox

Recent Posts

1. 
   Review - TrueCrypt

   5.0 (Feb 6, 2008)

   An easier, more versatile, open source alternative to Cryptainer. Quick install, low resource requirements, fast, many encryption methods supported. Currently use it at the office and home with an encrypted memory stick containing sensitive data. Can use a password or key file.

2. 
   Review - CSVed

   1.4.4 (Feb 6, 2008)

   Used this program to help a customer migrate from Lotus Organizer 2.1 to M$ Outlook. The Lotus export was "rough" at best. Downloaded this tool, unzipped it (no install required) and started playing with the exported files. Was able to pretty easily manipulate them to facilitate a smooth import into Outlook. The editing options look deceptively simple, but are very powerful. The interface takes a little exploring to figure out. Has a multi-step undo feature. Can save output in many formats.

3. 
   Review - Bopup Scanner

   2.0.5 (Feb 1, 2008)

   I like the fact that no install is required, but after scanning it generates GPF and does not display any info. Try the SoftPerfect network scanner for one that works.

4. 
   Review - SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition

   4.0.1112 Beta (Jan 25, 2008)

   In the past we used Spybot and Adaware to get rid of spyware from customers computers. On more than one occasion updated version of SB and AA missed rather large amounts of spyware. We download this, update it, and let it loose. It finds and deletes ALL of the spyware (files, registry entries, etc).
   
   It is an on demand scanner, which I prefer. By default it wants to take over a little more than I like (guard home page, load on startup, etc), but a careful install and quick HiJackThis and all is good. Once installed the program can be copied to a USB drive or CD so no install is necessary to clean up other machines.

5. 
   Review - Time & Chaos

   7.0.2.6 (Dec 8, 2007)

   As a former Groupwise user, I tried Act (rigid and unfriendly), Goldmine, and a few others, but all of them left me wanting. Then I found Time & Chaos.
   
   This PIM is well thought out, easy to use, powerful, and mature. The ability to have all the data you want to see on one screen is liberating. The feature that sold me on this is the cross linking of all data. If you make an appointment or a note you can link it to a contact. As time goes on you can go to the contact and review all the notes or appointments for that contact, which forms a history. This is a feature that both Act and Goldmine teased at but made so difficult to use it was impossible. Brilliant.
   
   The use of colors in the To-Do list allows for a visual organization that adds an additional layer of ease of use. The contacts area has a plethora of fields that will satisfy even the most demanding users. Over 40 customizable fields allow T&C to fit to you, not you having to conform to a program.
   
   The only got-ya is you have to purchase a third party utility (CompanionLink - $50) to sync to a PPC or Palm, and there is a separate program ($30) to link to Outlook.
   
   From a usability standpoint T&C is a joy to use. The program is fast, has easy search functions, excellent reporting and exporting, and just plain works. The program uses standard .dbf files, which opens up more possibilities as well.
   
   At $45 this is a bargain as compared to the alternatives. Full network support built in.