Favorite Files

1. Database Editor
2. FeedDemon
3. OpenOffice.org for Windows
4. RSSOwl for Windows

Recent Posts

1. 
   Review - SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition

   4.30.1004 (Nov 12, 2009)

   One of the better tools for getting rid of malware. However, it probably isn't a good idea to have the program set to autostart on every run. I've noticed it bogs down the system startup quite a bit, and nothing much will respond until the splash screen for this program has appeared.
   
   So 4 stars overall, with the proviso mentioned above.
   
   craigun: If the stories are true about IOBit nicking other people's malware databases, then I guess there's every reason to expect their program to catch things.

2. 
   Review - AntiVir Personal Edition for Windows

   9.0.0.408 (Sep 9, 2009)

   Excellent program. I always recommend either the Premium version or this one.
   
   One point - as of right now, this is still downloading Build 407, not 408. I think there may be a glitch at the Avira end, as they're showing latest version as dated the 8th September, yet still the old 407 build.

3. 
   Review - Spyware Terminator

   2.6.0.110 (Aug 26, 2009)

   Just did a test install, and after ticking advanced install I did indeed see an option whether to install the toolbar. Tickbox is labelled 'Enable Web Security Guard Toolbar (Recommended)'. If this is unticked, you do not get the crawler toolbar. Obviously some of the posters below need to read what they're clicking 'next' to before saying they haven't been asked things.
   
   Protection is pretty good, but I've often seen the scan miss things I knew were on the machine. The resident shield is quite good, but not much use for the average user as it generates too many queries with very little provocation. Many average users end up either clicking yes or no all the time, both of which can be just as harmful. By average user I mean the majority I come across who immediately describe themselves as knowing very little about computers. To get the best out of this program requires quite a high skill level, but in the right hands should be very effective.

4. 
   Review - XdN Tweaker

   0.9.1.8 (Aug 10, 2009)

   Shows some promise, but a long way to go - so far it contains only a VERY limited number of tweeks. As for the comments about it needing .NET, that's no different from a Java app requiring a Java runtime to be installed. I'm not aware that installing .NET is going to put XP users out at all - other than it taking such a long time to install of course.
   
   Aegis69 seems to have completely misread what this program does. The SafeXP program they recommend is for tweeking security settings - which as far as I can tell this program doesn't touch.

5. 
   Review - FeedDemon

   3.0.0.24 RC3 (Jul 15, 2009)

   An excellent feed reader. Certainly one of the most, if not the most, stable and user-friendly readers I've tried. The program seems to have attracted a lot of bad reviews all of a sudden since going 'adware'. Even people saying it used to be their favourite reader but isn't any more because of this one change. Something that strikes me as ridiculous, since the only thing that's changed is a small area in one corner now displays an advert. On my machine it's VERY unobtrusive, and certainly doesn't reduce the functionality of the program 20%. Marking such an excellent program down 2 or 3 points for that one change seems to me INCREDIBLY small minded.
   
   I give this FIVE stars in recognition of its excellence.

6. Comment - Gmail is back up after two-hour outage

   3.0.0.24 RC3 (Sep 1, 2009 - 6:20 PM)

   I've been using it on and off all day. Like the other poster, I didn't know there was supposed to be a problem until I read it here.

7. Comment - Office Home and Student accounts for 85% of US Office retail share

   3.0.0.24 RC3 (Aug 7, 2009 - 7:01 PM)

   Incorrect. System Builder OEM packs are, strictly speaking, only intended to be sold with new hardware. We all know that anyone with sense to look for them instead of buying retail can find them in many places. Why MS choose not to take that up with places that do sell to end-users is up to them.

8. Comment - Now you can expect that 250% speed blast from Firefox 3.5 RC1

   3.0.0.24 RC3 (Jun 18, 2009 - 1:57 AM)

   This story was posted yesterday, but I see on the Mozilla forums that the RC1 even now still hasn't been released and everyone's jumped the gun.

9. Comment - Meet Bing: Microsoft's new search engine in pictures

   3.0.0.24 RC3 (May 28, 2009 - 3:34 PM)

   Actually I've never heard of Chandler Bing - but I *have* heard of Bing Crosby. Does seem a bizarre choice of name though - maybe it's supposed to make people think of this Chandler Bing I never heard of, I dunno. Certainly Bing Crosby makes me think 'White Christmas', not 'search engine'. But neither of those things will be a reason for me *not* to at least try it. Then I'll use or not use it based on whether it works well for me.

10. Comment - Microsoft used software activation without a license, jury finds

    3.0.0.24 RC3 (Apr 9, 2009 - 3:00 PM)

    You can't just patent a vague idea like 'let's make a phone that doesn't need wires'. You have to detail exactly how your idea is actually going to work. That's what you're patenting.