Favorite Files

1. AllMyNotes Organizer
2. Amaya for Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista
3. AnyDVD HD
4. Batch Replacer
5. BonkEnc
6. doPDF
7. DVDFab HD Decrypter
8. Excelsior Installer
9. Image Tuner
10. LameXP
11. MediaInfo
12. Microsoft Network Monitor
13. nVIDIA ForceWare Drivers for Windows 2000/XP (32-bit)
14. Paint Shop Pro
15. Partition Logic
16. Realtek High Definition Audio Codecs for Windows
17. Total Commander
18. Website-Watcher

Recent Posts

1. 
   Review - BonkEnc

   1.0.14 (Oct 29, 2009)

   This version is much more stable than 1013, though it does still have bugs, even a glaring one in the interface involving the Total Time computation.
   
   That said, many of the MP3 files that used to make BonkEnc choke and crash do not do this with 1014. Perhaps they updated the Decoder to a newer version or something that fixed that. Regardless, it looks like it does a better job than before with those troubled MP3 headers.
   
   It's not keyboard friendly in the main "Job List" interface, and that's a pain. I don't like how it forces a pop-up "Info Box" when you move the cursor over an entry in that list - it's distracting and should be allowed to be toggled off.
   
   A more detailed Change Log would be welcome as well.
   
   Converting of some actual MP3's seems agonizingly slow, but I can't pin down what that's all about yet. I'll need to do more testing.
   
   Still, it is a step up over 1013 and the interface feels fast like it used to be in 1012. I hope the positive trend continues.

2. 
   Review - Realtek High Definition Audio Codecs for Windows

   2.35 (Oct 12, 2009)

   234 was a more stable product, and 235 seems to be so as well. But still, neither version should cause a total RESET of the EQ settings after installation over an existing configuration.
   
   235 appears to be v5953 according to DXDIAG on my rig. Wish they would just stick to one or the other (2xx or 5xxx)
   
   Overall, good but could be better. I'd give it a 3.5 if that was an option, but it's closer to 4 than not, so 4 it is.

3. 
   Review - InfraRecorder

   0.50.0.0 (Oct 5, 2009)

   It doesn't seem to be able to format DVD+RW's and does not reliably burn BIN / CUE images. Tested on 2 machines and other apps did the work without issues.
   
   Free is great, but working is better.

4. 
   Review - Paint Shop Pro

   12.50 (Oct 2, 2009)

   Isn't this the exact same version that has been available for months and months, even in the retail channel?
   
   That said it's bloated, slow and not as user friendly as previous versions.
   
   I have found 7.04 to be my "Go To" version. I own XI and X2 Ultimate, but in almost every instance, I just end up using 7.04 instead.
   
   Since Corel bought it, it just doesn't feel like the same snappy program. The interface changes are just a pain. All that time learning and they just throw that out of the window. Bummer.

5. 
   Review - DVDFab HD Decrypter

   6.0.6.8 Beta (Sep 14, 2009)

   This version does seem to have improved stability, and also is better at ripping disc's that version 5 had no trouble with.
   
   Yes, it's free, but version 6 is still bigger and slower than the 5.x series, and even with more updated decrypting, I'd still recommend trying 5.x over the 6.x series first. If a rip did not work with 5.x then try 6.x
   
   It should not require a reboot after installation and some of the default settings are not to my liking, such as the "Run report program when DVDFab crashes" and setting the rip to fit on DVD-5 instead of DVD-9 for those discs that are dual-layered, but still - it does function better than than earlier 6.x versions have, and given that, I feel a rating of 4 is warranted.

6. Comment - Amazon launches a sleeker, spookier Kindle 2

   6.0.6.8 Beta (Feb 9, 2009 - 6:05 PM)

   I'm not terribly fond of the price (I would think $99 USD would be a much nicer price, for example), but I do indeed like the re-design.
   
   I'd very much like to be able to walk into a Brick and Mortar store and give it a look and perhaps get hands-on with a display model, just so I can see what all of the buzz is about.
   
   I'm glad that the product is an apparent success. Perhaps producing it in quantity will help lower the price for consumers in a few months.

7. Comment - Microsoft on Win7 UAC: 'Take the emotions out of the discussion'

   6.0.6.8 Beta (Feb 6, 2009 - 12:02 AM)

   I don't know, man. Why harsh on them for trying to get rid of the annoyances? That UAC settings screen with the drag bar says it all - you set it to what you prefer and you are good to go.
   
   Everybody was upset that the UAC was TOO intrusive by default, so they just changed the default. There is nothing stopping people from changing it to the right setting for them.
   
   Home users and gamers may not want ANY of those prompts, while corporations might want it all locked down tight.
   
   If there are two distinct markets - the home consumer and the corporate client - maybe have the home version set at a more tolerant default.
   
   As long as Microsoft gives users the OPTION to configure it the way they want, and they make it pretty much idiot proof on HOW to configure it, then I don't understand why folks would be all upset.
   
   I do sort of wish that they would be more Modular in their approach to added features and functionality.
   
   Have a nice base level and let folks download and install the pieces that best meet there needs. Maybe you have the "I need to be protected from myself" kit that totally ramps up security big time and a "Hey, I'm an old-school hacker that can handle it by myself" option where they may install a less intrusive package, if they do at all.
   
   On this one, I think Microsoft is just trying to do what people have whined about - get rid of the annoying prompts.
   
   It's only the DEFAULT setting here - they give you the tools to adjust it pretty easily, right? So why get all freaky about it?
   
   It's when the DON'T give you the choice that folks should be angry about.

8. Comment - Microsoft offers clarifications on Windows 7 SKU issues

   6.0.6.8 Beta (Feb 5, 2009 - 1:53 PM)

   Drats. :-(
   
   Instead, how about only 2?
   
   Windows 7 Home
   
   Windows 7 Business
   
   Home has all the multimedia goodies, but none of the "host web pages / connect to huge corporate networks" type of stuff.
   
   Business has a lean, clean install that is locked down by default and can be extended modularly to include any features available, but as a separate install.
   
   That might be okay...

9. Comment - Windows 7's ability to selectively elevate privileges is under scrutiny

   6.0.6.8 Beta (Feb 5, 2009 - 1:36 PM)

   This is more thoughts about why you need TWO versions of Windows 7.
   
   Windows 7 Home
   
   Windows 7 Business
   
   Home has all the multimedia goodies, but none of the "host web pages / connect to huge corporate networks" type of stuff. Option right at the install asking "How secure do you want to be today?":
   
   - Option 1: Simple file and printer sharing, no passwords required, fully functional internet / ftp access enabled, no in-network firewall blocking, choice of single user or multi user configuration.
   
   - Option 2: Protect me from the world, I have no idea of the horrors facing me out there in the IntarWebZ, Blockade and Panic Room me please.
   
   Business has a lean, clean install that is locked down by default and can be extended modularly to include any features available, but as a separate install. You have a Media Player 6.4 kind of thing with limited codec support - No DirectX, no gaming features, and Media Center, DVD Maker and all the "fluff" is not included by default.
   
   There ya go. How freakin' cool would THAT be?
   
   :-)

10. Comment - Steve Jobs takes leave for a medical sabbatical

    6.0.6.8 Beta (Jan 15, 2009 - 11:11 PM)

    He's an incredibly inspiring figure. He may even be a visionary. He's also an innovator. Taking some concepts that are out there and improving on them and even coming up with original products like the iPod, iPhone, etc. Seems that when he was pushed out by that gnarly Ex-Pepsi exec, he rebounded by founding Next, which was WAY before its time (no floppy - just optical drives) and the Next interface, dock, etc. Then he takes Pixar and does his magic there. Then he gets asked back to Apple and again, he does his magic there.
    
    He is an incredible talent and as I mentioned, a true inspiration to many. Not just his employees but to an entire industry, I believe.
    
    Minds with that level of talent and dedication are few and far between, and I think he really deserves mad props for his incredible journey and the successes he has had.
    
    Maybe he was brash and hasty as a younger man, but he still had that drive and that vision, and now as he has matured, he has humility and experience to help balance all of that out.
    
    Get well soon, Mr. Jobs. A lot of folks are pullin' for ya.