Favorite Files

1. Avi2Dvd
2. BitSpirit
3. EvilLyrics
4. FastStone Image Viewer
5. foobar2000
6. Halite
7. HashTab for Windows
8. Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE)
9. Mmm FREE
10. MyPixelVault
11. Online Armor Personal Firewall Free Edition
12. Opera for Windows
13. PeerBlock Interim Release
14. Pixel for Windows
15. Pixia
16. Screamer Radio
17. Smart Pix Manager
18. The KMPlayer
19. Tor for Windows
20. Vectir
21. Video Card Stability Test
22. WinFlip

Recent Posts

1. 
   Review - ConvertXtoDVD

   4.0.3.312 (Oct 20, 2009)

   Well, I understand that v.4.0 is in beta stage but the newest release has problems with controverting hi-res mkv files to DVDs even in two pass mode. The DVD iso files are terribly undersized (around 2.5 gigabytes). v.3.8 converts them very well in single pass mode (no other is available). On the other hand, v. 4.0 can use the Lanczos algorithms which is far better than the bicubic one.

2. 
   Review - Scott's Gmail Alert

   3.51 Beta (Oct 15, 2009)

   I have used V.3.51 & 3.60 and I have mixed emotions. As an application it does what it says. To some extend I have to say that I am very impressed.
   
   Unfortunately, when I install the app (Win XP SP3, ATI RAdeon 4850 with Catalyst 9.9) full screen overlay mixer video rendering does not work (please reboot the computer to check it). DirectDraw works, similar to Haali, etc. Tested with the KMPlayer, AverTV DVB-T software, etc.

3. 
   Review - ProgDVB

   6.20.4 (Sep 22, 2009)

   It used to be one of the best if not the best program for watching digital TV. Not anymore.
   1. it was written about problematic support for Twinhan cards. It is not limited to this company only, ProgDVB has severe problems with many tuners, esp. USB tuners
   2. DVB-T http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVB-T support is poor, almost nonexistent.
   3. the freeware status of the application is illusory since many countries utlilize MPEG-4 codec (both DVB-S and DVB-T) which in NOT supported in the freeware version of the program.It is supported in the paid version. The freeware version supports obsolete MPEG-2 only.
   
   If you want to watch H.264 DVB-T better use Mirillis Splash Player Lite http://www.mirillis.com/splash.html which supports both H.264 and DVB-T (will support American ATSC-T soon) out of the box.

4. 
   Review - avi.NET

   2.6.5.0 (Aug 8, 2009)

   Great tool! Definitely the simplest yet one of the most powerful. Forget all Dr. Divxes and Auto Gordian Knots!
   
   I miss two things:
   1. more audio options. Today I can copy the AC3 or encode it to cbr mp3 128 only.
   2. something what I can call "respect all the XviD encoder settings" like Quarter Pixel, Global Motion Compensation, etc. Now they are always ignored.
   
   PS Sometimes some automatic suggestions are wrong, e.g. Brideshead Revisited (2008) should be 720*304 pixels, not 720*416 as claimed by avi.NET.

5. 
   Review - Defraggler

   1.12.152 (Jul 23, 2009)

   Strange issue. I have two discs. The first one divided into two partitions. Defraggler reports that that there is not enough space in D: (less than 5% free space) for normal defrag, however, in fact almost 22% of the HDD is free. And I have no problem with the defragmentation. Cry wolf!

6. Comment - The Sidekick catastrophe: A curse for Microsoft, but a blessing for Motorola?

   1.12.152 (Oct 12, 2009 - 5:06 PM)

   What a perfect name - "Microsoft/Danger'"!
   
   And I do wonder where is the backup? No backup at all? Bad idea.

7. Comment - Opera 10 Final released, bringing back 'turbo' mode

   1.12.152 (Sep 2, 2009 - 2:20 AM)

   It does not depend on geography. The mode is mainly for WiFi and 3G connections. I have to say that I am using my Asus Eee and my SE 3G cell phone hooked via Bluetooth at the moment. Due to the mode Opera 10 is definately the fastest browser in such config.

8. Comment - DHS: Expect your computer to be seized without suspicion

   1.12.152 (Aug 30, 2009 - 2:52 AM)

   USA follows the example of North Korea?

9. Comment - Everyone's a server! Opera calls upon browsers to 'Unite'

   1.12.152 (Jun 16, 2009 - 12:52 PM)

   Ladies and gentlemen from Mozilla Foundation start your photocopiers!

10. Comment - French Socialists mount constitutional challenge to 'three strikes' net access bill

    1.12.152 (May 22, 2009 - 11:05 AM)

    From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.