Favorite Files

1. GMail Drive
2. K-Lite Codec Pack Full
3. Mozilla Firefox for Windows (v2)
4. Mozilla Thunderbird for Windows
5. QuickTime Alternative (QT7)
6. Real Alternative Regular

Recent Posts

1. 
   Review - Paint Shop Pro

   Ultimate X2 (Oct 7, 2008)

   Some good reasons to upgrade from the X2 version, some nice bundled features. Shame I won't be upgrading because Corel's upgrade (and indeed buy as new) policy is so stupid.
   The boxed version has disks, manuals, a USB key. The download version doesn't - so why is the boxed version the same price as the download? Mind you, if you do try to buy the upgrade box you do have to pay £10.50 postage to Corel (inside UK, 3-5 day service) - this is just blatant profiteering.

2. 
   Review - PearPC

   0.40 (Dec 28, 2005)

   Fairly good app, but still a lot of work to do. If only one of the main coders hadn't died.
   
   For those that are saying that they will wait for the Intel version of OSX - it's only going to run on Apple hardware with Apple's security chip in it.

3. 
   Review - Screenshot Captor

   2.05.02 Beta (Nov 15, 2005)

   Nice software. The website to sign up needs to be clearer and more obvious how to proceed though. It appears a frustrating mess at the moment.

4. 
   Review - Nero

   7.0.1.2 (Nov 1, 2005)

   "Hmmmm, they should release an 'update only' version for those of us that only install the burning rom."
   
   I believe there is an updater function within the software that updates on a component basis - I haven't got it in front of me to check though.

5. 
   Review - ATI Catalyst Drivers for Windows XP

   5.10 (Oct 13, 2005)

   The Catalyst drivers are the tuned edge part of ATI's driver range. If you have no reason to upgrade just make do with the standard drivers.
   
   The release number is related to the month number of release - so 5.1(0) follows 5.9.
   
   Works flawlessly here on multiple machines (though the CCC is still a pile of garbage - just use the straight control panel version).

6. Comment - Apple to Pay Bloggers' Legal Fees

   5.10 (Jan 31, 2007 - 2:58 AM)

   "So basically what this means is that bloggers can say what they want to and not be held liable for defamation, yet they have the same immunity that the press has!"
   
   No it doesn't, they are still legally accountable for their words, just as journalists are - the press do not have any immunity from prosecution or legal action as a result of what they publish. They just do not have to name their source. If their source is wrong, but they don't want to name them, then they face the full consequence of their words.

7. Comment - Zune Reviews: It's OK, But No iPod

   5.10 (Nov 14, 2006 - 2:56 AM)

   It's so that they'll be the same "price" in points around the world - all that changes is the exchange rate to local currency.

8. Comment - Microsoft to Lock Pirates Out of Vista

   5.10 (Oct 5, 2006 - 4:51 AM)

   "If Microsoft was smart, they would drastically reduce the price of their operating systems, and concentrate on marketing it to a wider customer base.
   Hey Bill, stop trying to charge so much per copy, and focus on volume! Hello!"
   
   How much wider a customer base do they actually want? Linux+Mac doesn't even make 10% in the installed desktop space. The people that don't pay for it now (either OEM or boxed) aren't likely to pay for it no matter how much it costs.
   Your grasp of business is pretty poor I think.

9. Comment - Microsoft to Lock Pirates Out of Vista

   5.10 (Oct 5, 2006 - 4:42 AM)

   "so, I am left wondering how will this work in corporate environments where admins ghost hundreds of machines off of the same image?"
   
   They already have deployment tools in test for corporates. Won't have any significant impact for those set up correctly.

10. Comment - Microsoft: We Did Everything EU Asked

    5.10 (Jul 3, 2006 - 2:35 AM)

    "why do you think they'd be so forthcoming this time?"
    
    er...because they are being threatened with multi-million euro fines possibly.