Favorite Files

No favorite files added yet

Recent Posts

1. 
   Review - Trillian Astra

   4.0.0.103 Beta (Apr 17, 2009)

   Gorgeous IM app, now integrates MySpace IM & Facebook IM (Facebook IM is still experimental, but can be enabled through Preferences> Identities & Connections> Facebook> Settings).
   
   I don't have Skype anymore, but I seem to recall the plugin for the last version required Skype to be running for Trillian integration... Can any Skype users confirm if the plugin allows for stand-alone connection through Trillian?
   
   All in all, I'm very impressed so far!

2. 
   Review - Vize

   0.8 Beta (Nov 28, 2007)

   So long as nothing goes wrong during/after the install, and resources within *.exe & *.dll files are replaced and not the files themselves, I suppose it could be cool - I've used the XP product XPize with no trouble. I've also manually done that with several of my own system files with ResHacker to make my Vista wanna-be theme on XP a bit more complete, with no ill effects. Windows Update will occasionally replace an edited file when said file is part of an update, making it necessary to re-apply changes from time to time.
   
   If, however, such editing changes file size and checksum values of the system file(s), I can also see it given users problems.
   
   NOT recommended for someone who doesn't know how backup and undo what may go wrong!

3. 
   Review - Fresh Download

   7.88 (Oct 22, 2007)

   Ulmo:
   
   I know IE is ate up, which is why I "uninstalled" it from Windows and use Firefox as my default browser. Same for Outlook Express; Thunderbird is the bomb.
   
   However, "uninstalling" IE/OE from Windows via Windows Setup merely removes their shortcuts. One still needs IE to use Windows/Microsoft Update. And there is still the occasional site that refuses to work right with Firefox (though their numbers are fewer all the time). Not to mention the many applications that use IE to run their own interfaces... Most users are kinda stuck with it, even if indirectly.
   
   I use the IETab extension in Firefox, which loads those few problem sites using the un-removeable IE engine, (which breaks when FreshDownload's crapware is installed). I keep IE locked down for the most part, anyway, with strict custom settings that only allow a select set of custom sites to run with anything near "dangerous" privileges. That way, the few time I have to use it, or it is used by another software, I'll have a measure of protection.
   
   As for download managers... FDM Lite version all the way.

4. 
   Review - ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite

   7.1.044.000 Beta (May 3, 2007)

   Was my fav for a while, but starting giving me some headaches.
   
   Uses Computer Associates AV, not Kap, (see VET engine drivers in Device Manager after install)

5. 
   Review - Fresh Download

   7.72 (Feb 20, 2007)

   They STILL haven't fixed the IE bug?? I LOVED this app when I used to use it, but as I became more and more comfortable tweaking my system settings for security and performance, (particularly my custom HOSTS file that blocks ads and badware), that the dreaded IE Blank Page problem arose. No other apps affected. What am I left to believe about FreshDevices?

6. Comment - 'AutoPatcher' Service for Windows Ordered Shut Down by Microsoft

   7.72 (Aug 30, 2007 - 10:40 AM)

   Hear Hear!

7. Comment - 'AutoPatcher' Service for Windows Ordered Shut Down by Microsoft

   7.72 (Aug 30, 2007 - 10:35 AM)

   You left out AdBlock Plus... but I digress.

8. Comment - 'AutoPatcher' Service for Windows Ordered Shut Down by Microsoft

   7.72 (Aug 30, 2007 - 10:33 AM)

   What revenue did AutoPatcher cut into? Was the free Windows/Microsoft Update web interface reeling it in, or perhaps free Automatic Updates? Or the free update rollup ISOs they release? If so, how?
   
   If I'm not mistaken, AutoPatcher might actually have Saved them money in bandwidth costs... not like they're hurting for it!
   
   Maybe I'm still not awake enough yet to get what you're saying.
   
   Good point in another's comment earlier: MS couldn't really guarantee the safety of it's customers' machines without control over AP, and there are some 3rd party options in the AP installs that, if improperly configured, could cause some trouble.
   
   Personally, I'll miss it... Preferred it to slipstreaming updates immensely!

9. Comment - MySpace Officially Launches IM Client

   7.72 (Jun 20, 2007 - 9:37 PM)

   The messenger itself is fairly clean, with a little content/promotion window at the bottom of the contact list... not as obtrusive as other messengers' advertising windows, as it only offers links to videos and other MySpace content. Nothing really revolutionary about the app's features to speak of, but does notify you immediately when any messages/ comments/ subscribed content updates are received, which I find faster and more convenient that having a notification email to meander it's way through the servers, only to need deleted. One thing: As of this writing, the user doesn't have the option of turning off the "MySpaceIM Now" welcome window that pops up whenever you log in. All in all, if your friends have all migrated to MySpace, and you want a more rapid means of BS'ing than having to refresh your MySpace inbox page or wait for a notification email, you might find this at least a little useful.
   
   My two multi-network IM clients of choice, being Trillian for PC (with their forthcoming Trillian Astra release), and Shape Service's IM+ (currently available as a beta for Blackberry/S60 mobiles) both support the MySpace IM protocol. So I'll probably use my MySpace credentials and connect through them; since I'll be online anyway with one or the other of those two apps.
   
   *EDIT: I logged in just now, and whatever content the contact list was trying to load in it's bottom feature window was being blocked by my custom HOSTS file - which could only mean an ad server. However, such is to be expected now that it's going "live," and after all, it's a free app...

10. Comment - HBO: Stop Calling It 'DRM'

    7.72 (May 12, 2007 - 7:23 AM)

    What a crock of "Post-Digestive Cuisine!"