Favorite Files

1. FreeCAD
2. Opera (v12.50 - 64bit)
3. Picasa for Windows
4. REAPER for Windows (x64)
5. Soluto
6. Sysinternals Suite

Recent Posts

1. 
   Review - Adobe Photoshop Lightroom for Windows

   3.4 (May 2, 2011)

   I recently tested LR with every inyention of buying it since it was recommended by a friend who is a setious photographer,
   
   No slick interface here, in fact if you're a fan of Windows Explorer's tree structure, you'll be lucky to find your photographs. I detest the way LR manages photos.
   
   LR has some great features if you're willing to spend the time learning the obtuse interface and spend hours going through all your work tagging, editing, etcetera.
   
   The single feature I found to be almost universally great was the Auto WB button. It seldom failed to improve my images.
   
   As many have previously noted, LR is too expensive for what it offers. At the end of my 30 day trial I uninstalled it and have no intention of purchasing.

2. 
   Review - Hugin

   2009.4.0 (Jan 31, 2010)

   For years I used AutoStitch to stitch photos together, and the simplicity of it made stitching a breeze. Compared to programs that cost hundreds of dollars and required ordering of photos to correctly stitch a panorama together, it was far superior.
   
   It's only negative was its inability to do different types of stitches. It couldn't do linear stitches, or anything other than photos taken from one location.
   
   Along came Microsoft's ICE, which may or may not be a product built by the author of AutoStitch since he interned with Microsoft that added additional stitch types, and was still easy to do without having to preorder photos.
   
   Hugin appears to have some enormous capabilities, but I tested it against a folder of photos that stitched well with both AutoStitch and ICE. It produced a very strange stitch that failed to use all the photos that it should, and the resulting image was very strange.
   
   Looking over the interface shows that there is a depth to the product that is way beyond my understanding or knowledge, so it may provide superior results for trained users. I on the other hand want a product that doesn't force me to learn the interface, lingo, and options to make a useable result.

3. 
   Review - Opera (32-bit) for Windows

   10.50 Build 3172 Pre-Alpha (Dec 26, 2009)

   I've been a beta tester for many years and understand the possible negative consequences of not for prime time software. It is not only exciting to see the latest developments and get your hands on them early, it provides the opportunity to help make constructive analysis for the developers.
   
   Alpha is a different story, and I almost always steer away from it, because alpha to me says that the interface doesn't function properly, it is prone to crash, and can take down your system on a bad day. That's why we back up.
   
   I've never knowingly (Windows ME!) run pre-alpha software until I reading the rave review of Pre-Alpha Opera 10.5. First, let me say that my browser of choice is Opera, and I had been successfully using the latest production version 10.10 since it was released. I truly enjoy Opera's feel, look, usability, synchronizing, and unite capabilities.
   
   I backed up my Opera files and while holding my breath installed Opera 10.5. I'm glad I backed up everything because now I need to try to revert to 10.10.
   
   Pre-Alpha 10.5 crashes nearly as fast as it can ask me if I want to submit the error report. I think I've had it up for maybe five minutes at one time. It killed Unite. The checkbox is there, but unusable. I can't run it from any of the menus. It's simply dead. Synchronization says it's working, but the icon is greyed out giving the impression that it isn't functioning. Bookmark duplicate removal results in server errors. Yes, I know it's only in beta.
   
   I've hunted all over the Opera site to look for possible daily builds that might fix the problems to no avail.
   
   I'm going to uninstall Opera Pre-Alpha 10.5 and hopefully not loose all my settings, something Opera does a lousy job of migrating, and then re-install version 10.10.
   
   Once again I'm reminded of why I stay away from Alphas. I look forward to a beta release that at least gives support to the wonderful options that help maky Opera the great browser it is.

4. 
   Review - MailSweep

   3.62 (Feb 27, 2009)

   This program is an absulute must for slow connections. If someone sent you a massive attachment, and your mail program insists on downloading it before you can get to the rest of your mail, this is your only option. Delete the offending messages from the mail server and your back in business.
   
   I've used it for many years, and version 3.62 has been available for nearly two years. Last I knew, it isn't even downloadable from Crystal Office anylonger.

5. 
   Review - Sysinternals Suite

   Build 10/30/08 (Oct 30, 2008)

   adamlau,
   
   Your personal animas towards Microsoft aside, does the software work, or not?
   
   Try to keep emotions out of beta testing reviews.

6. Comment - Microsoft Axes WinFS, Cancels Beta 2

   Build 10/30/08 (Jun 26, 2006 - 10:35 PM)

   There goes about the only thing to look forward to in Vista.

7. Comment - Microsoft Releases Public IE7 Preview

   Build 10/30/08 (Feb 1, 2006 - 11:35 PM)

   I just used it, and it worked as advertised. It has failed in the past though.

8. Comment - Windows Fix Brings Problems For Some

   Build 10/30/08 (Oct 18, 2005 - 5:09 PM)

   You are absolutely correct school1012. No one spends as much money and time testing their software against the limitless combinations of hardware and software as Microsoft does.
   
   Yes, Windows breaks, just like every other OS, but Microsoft's approach and low cost vs. value is unmatched in retail. Only open source can arguably give you a better value, but while free, it never quite meets all your needs and is in a perpetual beta state.

9. Comment - MS Switches Gay Rights Position, Again

   Build 10/30/08 (May 6, 2005 - 11:09 PM)

   Tolerance of individuals is entirely different than tolerance of an agenda driven lifestyle constantly being pushed on our society with demands of acceptance. I can and do treat g**s with respect as people, but I will never grant them the acceptance they demand for their choice in actions.
   
   I have been a loyal Microsoft user and promoter for many years; no more. I will now go open source whenever a viable choice is available.
   
   Sure, there are g** open source coders, but neither they nor Microsoft will be getting my money.
   
   I vote with my dollars when possible and I can no longer support Microsoft because of this stance.

10. Comment - I-Names a Spam-Free E-Mail Alternative?

    Build 10/30/08 (Oct 26, 2004 - 11:17 PM)

    I used to have a free lifetime account, but when I-Name went through some changes about two years ago they demanded payment. I wrote and told them they were in violation of the agreement and never heard a response other than more demands for payment or the service would be cancelled.
    
    I don't believe you'll ever see them honor their timeline claims.