I would recommend waiting if you do want to install this. 11 is based on Ubuntu 15 which is not an LTS release. When Ubuntu 16LTS drops here soon Zorin should follow.
This is very handy to have when you have unapproved USB devices turned on in group policy. I use it to get the ID of the device to add it to the allow list.
There are so many distributions that are way better than this one. I don't know why anyone would bother unless they were teaching kids to use a Pi and were short on them.
I deleted my FB account back in October of last year. I have not missed it at all. I also have set Privacy Badger to block all facebook based trackers.
Thank you for the article. There aren't that many articles explaining how to customize a Linux Mint Cinnamon Desktop, this is very helpful in that respect. Can you explain how to install and change new window borders, icons and controls for a customized look of the desktop?
Hi there, I am the developper of qtPad. Please report any error on github! If it is really a bug I will fix it, else I will help you to find the problem. Thanks!
Like with another post 2 years back, I think you should state if each utility Verifies the destination matches the source bit-by-bit 100% ! The only reason I look for a Copy Utility, is I am not happy with the Copy cmd in Windows, as it does not report copy errors when copying bulk data/drives. Therefore a primary feature I seek is Verification. BTW, when I perused your link for Ultracopier I could not even find a reference to Verification, so I guess it may not do that all-important function. Your review would benefit from including a at-a-glance table of vital Copy features for each Utility.
What version/versions of Firefox does this work with? Never mind; figured it out. I tried to install it on FF 15, but the current version requires a minimum of FF 19. I tried installing an older version (0.24), which is "Collusion", and it's in the Add-ons - Extensions list dialog, but it installed -disabled- and will not allow me to -enable- it. It did not offer me the traditional -Restart- and I'm guessing that when I close the browser and restart it "Collusion" will no longer be there. I'm very apprehensive about updating FF to anything above 15. I fiddled with FF 24 on my wife's computer; what a piece of junk.
Any time you have a tool like this with the collection of utilities it has you are going to get to get false positives. I've been using Nirsoft (NirSofer) utilities for many years and used to quite often get false positives with some of their utilities. I been using NirLauncher for a couple years now (something like that), also known as the Nirsoft or NirSofer Package, and if you scan it with just about anything like VirusTotal you will get false positives with it because of the utilities it contains.
I'm confused; you mention "Game Jolt" (GameJolt) "gamejolt.com", which your link does lead to, but then the links you display for the Pokeman Home page is "pokeman3d.net", but the link takes one to "kayin.pyoko.org/iwbtg" which is not Pokeman, at all, but "I Wanna Be The Guy" which is described as a nail-rippingly difficult platform adventure. The link displayed for the Pokeman Download is "pokeman3d.net/dowloads" which takes one instead to "http://gamejolt.com/games/action/i-wanna-be-the-guy-gaiden/8598" which is indeed on "GameJolt", but not the download for Pokeman, but for "I Want To Be The Guy"
I don't usually care for cloud applications, but this doesn't require any personal information and unlike Picasa and Chrome, this is not a Google program. The only other company I trust less than Google is Microsoft. And I don't have to install it and use up drive space.
I tried it on my XP system and it didn't work out so well. I'll stick with System Information for Windows (SIW) and the old AIDA 32; I'd buy the newest version if I could afford it, but I can't right now, so I'll stick with the old FREE version.
Sure! I don't have a problem elaborating. I downloaded "Speccy Portable 1.29.714" from Softpedia. I installed it on my hard drive where I install stand alone programs; I need to buy a bigger, better Flash Drive, which I just may do Friday. In any case it wasn't until after I deleted it from my system that I realized that it may not have worked properly because I didn't place it on a portable storage device.
When I opened the program it would not update my CPU, Motherboard, or Storage devices either optical or logical (SATA); there were a few other things it would not update, but I don't remember what those things were.
I downloaded the portable version because Softpedia told me that the regular download of the current version was ad supported. I could have download version 1.25.674, but the portable version was the latest version and did not appear to be ad supported.
I have to admit that the version of "SIW" I use is an older version, about 4 - 6 years old; I'm financially handicapped and cannot afford it at this time.
I stay real busy because I take care of handicapped/disabled adults and that consumes huge amounts of my time. When I have some time I will go back and download version 1.25.674 and give that a go. After I get the new Flash Drive I will download and install the portable version and give it another go.
Thanks, for that; it gives me more confidence in downloading and installing the current version - I'll go do that right now and will still give the portable version another shot when I get a bigger Flash Drive. And I'll come back with an update on how both the regular and portable versions work, for me.
Everyone has an opinion about these kinds of things; as for me I don't trust all software authors sites. I do trust Softpedia; they guarantee their downloads to be free of malware and I've never had a problem with them. The times I have had a problem it has always been with an External Download and been the fault of the authors site. I will ad that I do trust the Pinform site, to a point, but I just default to Softpedia for all my downloads. I've tried countless download sites and Softpedia, in my opinion, is the best. On top of that they let me know when my installed software is updated: one of the biggest reasons I use Softpedia. I would consider myself a techie to the point that I know just enough to keep myself from getting in trouble, but when I get myself in trouble, not always enough to get myself out without having to ask for help. With that said I know a lot of Advanced Techies that swear by Softpedia, but everyone has their own opinion about these sorts of things.
I did download and install "Speccy 1.29.714"; it updated everything except my storage devices and audio. It does give me a pretty in depth look at my computer, except for Audio and Storage Devices.
Personally, I got rid of "Dropbox" a long time ago, for the same reasons I ditched "facebook". But the main reason I came in here is to comment on "Rob's" contributions to what was once known as "Support Alert", now known as "Gizmo's Freeware" which is misleading because it is so much more than that.
I came in here to read "Rob's" article and after reading it the first thing I noticed is some nit wit's "one rating" of the article. I mean com'on; his articles at least rate a "three" for the time and effort he puts into them, and in many cases the research that goes into them before he writes them. Have I seen anyone else contributing? NO! But, time after time I come in here to see someone giving his articles the thumbs down.
I've found most of his articles informative, even if I'm not really interested in the program or topic he's writing about. I believe his effort deserves at least a three to start with. As for this article I believe we all need to be reminded from time to time about our passwords. And "Passwords" are something that do concern a large cross section of all the people who read these articles. While other articles may not be something that interests everyone that's no reason for a low rating. I think many of us lose track of what the rating system is for, not only here,. but across the NET.
If I wasn't a caretaker of handicapped/disabled, which consumes large chunks of my time, honestly just about all of my time, I'd be in here writing about different subjects of my limited knowledge so someone could give me a "one" rating. I'm sure my comment will get low ratings. Oh well. . . . . .
I can see how this could and can be useful to some, maybe many, but that's not my beef with it. My problem with this software is how it cements itself into the start menu without any way to get it out. This is not something I expect from a Software Vendor like Paragon. Uninstalled.
Com'On Dude, because listing system requirements is SOP and that not only includes Windows OS, but also MAC & LINUX. This site used to mention system requirements not only in their "Best Freeware" lists, but with every article. I visit "Giveaway of the Day" almost every day; they list system requirements for every giveaway they offer. I use Softpedia almost exclusively for downloads and update/upgrade notifications; they list system requirements for every program on their servers. System Requirements is SOP.
As for XP; the last time I checked nearly fifty percent (50%) of Windows OS users where still using XP. Why? Because XP is hands down the best all around OS Microsoft ever developed. Why haven't I upgraded? Because I'm Financially Handicapped and I not only need a new OS, but a new computer which I have not been able to afford up to this point. And when I can afford it (put enough money aside to pay cash for it) I will upgrade to "Windows 7", but will also keep XP; you can keep Windows 8 & 10. If I want a mobile OS I'll get a Smart Phone or Tablet. You guessed it; I do not own a mobile device. As such I want an OS for my computer, not a mobile OS that I can use on my computer. Nuff said. My Considered Opinion.
Rob; I personally always find your articles/posts useful; not always the software, because if nothing else it motivates me to look for something better. I'll give "Greenshot" a try, but I also need to give a positive, thumbs up to "PicPick", been on my computer for a long, long time now. Also "IrfanView, not only for screen capture, but for so much more; "IrfanView" has been on my computer for way longer than most programs on my computer and through all the fancy Image Viewers that have succeeded it I keep going back to "Irfanview" the Swiss Knife of Image Viewers - my opinion of course.
"Gizmo's Freeware" has been active for more than a decade; add to that all the years of "Support Alert" and that is certainly a lot of change, not all for the good I might add. But through it all you've been there to help us through it; thank you so much for being there to help us through it and so a Thank You from you? No Gizmo, Thank You!
Rob, I read a review some time ago, from someone, that suggested you provide system requirements. I have to echo that suggestion; many of us, for whatever reason, still use XP and unfortunately more and more software companies, just like Microsoft, are no longer supporting XP. That would be nice to know information, upfront, before we jump through all the hoops just to find out we can't use it.
System Requirements would be nice, especially if XP or any other OS is not supported.
I could have replied to many of the comments I read. I didn't run this through Virus Total or any of my Malware or Virus Scanners; there was just something very suspicious about that .msi installer. No Thank You!
I can see the usefulness of "https://www.whatismyip.com", both for those, as you stated, that use a VPN and because many ISP's change their customers IP, from time to time, to protect their anonymity, but "http://www.whatismyscreenresolution.com" not so much because most experienced computer users, which I assume is the large percentage of your user base, already know their native screen resolution. I can see it for new computer users and most wallpaper sites automatically inform the user, up front, what size wallpaper they need.
It's a good site if you know how to draw. I learned that I'm no better at drawing on a computer than I am on paper with pencil or pen. In fact, on the computer, I'm worse. And I saw no Clippy and the suggestions I got were nowhere near what I was trying to draw; not a ladder.
Thanks, Rob; it wasn't until after I made the post and reread your article a third time, to see if I missed something, which I kinda did, that I realized what the bar at the top of the page was for. As I stated I received no suggestion that closely resembled what I was trying to draw, but that could possibly be because I'm a terrible artist. Not an artistic bone in my body; some creative bones, but no artistic.
I don't know, but if you have active security software running, perhaps you security software is blocking it. If you have automatic update enabled then you're already protected; if not then go to the updates page for Windows 10 and have the updates installed, but make sure your security software will let it pass through - it should automatically, but if not you will have to adjust your settings.
I'm always going to give you a five just for the time you spent researching and writing the article, but I sometimes wonder where you find these, so called jewels/gems? I put no Trust in "Web of Trust" and I could find very little information about this offering. And the little I did find gave me no confidence in it. I do trust "VirusTotal", for that most part, but I'm not going to download and install a program just based on that.
Thanks for the heads up; I'll stick with "Team Viewer".
The only problem I see with "DaVinci Resolve" is that it's not compatible with "XP" or "7"; only "8" and "10". I currently use "XP" and plan on upgrading to "7" at the earliest opportunity. I am not a fan of "8" or "10" and so I will have to default to "VirtualDub" and use "Davinci Resolve" on my wife's Windows 10 machine. She had "7", but let it upgrade to "10" against my advice.
Ever since CCleaner was bought by Avast and it started to track ones usage CCleaner has had to go bye bye. This is not a good thing as CCleaner was very popular.
Always,
Wildman
Wish you had left your article until tomorrow as feel quite depressed now for the start of the new year. Happy New Year to all that run this site and many thanks.
Please note that your License Type of Unrestricted freeware for Kingsoft Office Suite is false.
Please read their EULA:
the "Product" is a personal edition software, it shall be used only in personal computers, and shall not be used in the computers of legal persons or other organizations (including but not limited to government agencies, companies, enterprises, other organizations, etc.; regardless of the organization is an economic organization or not; regardless of the organization's usage is for profitable purpose or not).
Therefore, if you run a company from home, and are looking for a free office suite, it can't be used. Unfortunately, it can only be used in your personal capacity.
Subsequently, I don't think it deserves your Top Pick award.
Not sure if it's been pointed out yet or not, but you can "watermark" in PDFTK Builder. It's more cumbersome than toolkits that come with watermarking standard.
What I did to watermark was create a Word doc with the watermark I wanted and formatted it appropriately with line weights, font size, location on the document. Save it as a pdf.
Open up PDFTK Builder and select the Background/Stamp tab. Choose the Source PDF Document (the one to put the watermark in) then choose the Background or Stamp PDF Page (the watermark created in Word). Choose background or stamp then save it.
Like I said, more cumbersome than it has to be, but it can be done.
Bitdefender is not what flagged it. The web filtering flagged it as shown by my post. You were the one who came in to denigrate the report from a well known security appliance vendor as if you knew more than they did.
You attacked my original warning first by saying I didnt post enough evidence and when evidence is posted you say you are attacked. Clearly you are incapable of having a conversation online. Im sure there are safe corners available.
This worked, and your help is greatly appreciated. But you know what else? Having to do this is insanely stupid, especially because Microsoft wants you to use the default (high) level of security. Every malware program I use allows for program exceptions. But of course, Microsoft has no clue when it comes to user ease-of-use.
I cannot find a way to get a serial number for Paragon Backup 16. I registered an account at their home page but I don't see anywhere to obtain the serial number?
This is to by Anonymous on 31. May 2010 - 2:51 (50675) and all the other Nay Sayers
It WAS STATED that this is a older program and it will/might be detected by newer av or anti malware programs.
I have been in IT for 20 years building repairing cleaning viruses etc out of computers and Network Security.
The program IE Passview is completely safe all it does is read the registry entries for saved passwords and decrypts them so you can read them in plain text aka understandable stuff not letters and number jumbled together.
Before you complain especially when using a Microsoft product to scan with try reading everything fully.
Btw MS Security Essentials is junk just saying it never has been and never will be a reliable means of security just from my basic knowledge I could code something that would get past it try [commercial reference removed].
As for IE passview I have been working on a clients laptop and never have I run into a issue like this shes running windows vista home (i know pos OS) and IE 8 the registry entries are there for the saved passwords but IE passview does not show them I am stumped first time since I started doing this when I was 12, I am looking for other options
would it be possible for for me to set up a temp key logger that would capture it?
The way her laptop is setup as soon as you load the websites gmail or hotmail it instantly takes you to the clients inbox she is a older person and has many medical conditions thats making it hard for her to even try and remember the recovery information.
I am looking for any and all possible venues for me to retrieve her passwords so I can setup her new laptop for her.
Any and all help is appreciated (if you have negative thoughts keep them to yourself)
It is interesting that you recommend Microsoft Security Essentials for average users.
Windows Secrets, the website that Gizmo used to be a senior editor of, says that it is really only suitable for 'geeks' and those who use safe surfing practices. For average users they recommend other antivirus.
I got Windows 8 a couple of months ago and (with the use of third party programs) got my start button and dvd playing back.
Now I want to find a replacement for the new Ribbon like File Explorer. I've tried to make it my friend but I yearn for the good old Windows 7 or earlier days.
Which of these free file managers are most like that of Windows Explorer in Windows 7 please?
I'm old and I do things automatically which is why I "fixed" Office as well :-)
I have around a dozen home DVD's that were converted via dubbing from VHS tapes about 5 years ago. The VHS tapes no longer exist.
They are in reasonable quality. I probably could have done a better job with one of those VHS to Digital devices you can buy. However a few jittery bits from a 30 year old tape is quite acceptable (and retro) :-)
I want to convert these DVDs now to mp4. I tried using Format Factory which I use for all my Video conversions but the resultant mp4 was awful. Kind of out of focus???
Anyhow I tried installing Freemake and both my antivirus and antispyware programs went into hyperdrive. I know that technically this product doesn't contain malware (ones definition of malware may be important here) but I gave up when both my security programs asked me to make an exception for it.
So basically I want to create an exact copy of whatever is on a DVD to an mp4 file (if that is possible). I want minimal to no loss during the conversion process and I want it to be a painless if not joyful experience :-)
Has anyone else done this with good results from DVD to mp4?
I persevered without a start button for a month before deciding to either get one or upgrade to Windows 7 :-)
I got one (a paid one albeit less than a cup of coffee for a lifetime of updates - can't list it here as it wasn't free)
If I had a touchscreen computer then maybe it would be ok.
My thought is that as all this functionality is there (but just hidden underneath) then MS could pop up a question during install asking the customer if they have a touch screen or if they use a traditional mouse and keyboard mostly.
The ability to switch back and forth would be great.
Another thing is that by default it is the Apps that open photos etc. Not the software programs I've gotten used to over the years and that work great e.g. Windows Photo Viewer. But in that case it is easy to set them how you want.
Agree with you totally re RT mode. I do like the weather 'app' though.
Other than that I do everything on the desktop albeit constantly getting popups on the top right saying something like "you have new apps that can do this" I just ignore them :-)
I was going to say that Recuva does not support EXT 4 or other Linux file systems but apparently as of 3 months ago it does. Not sure about Apple formatted portable drives etc. I keep all my recovery software on a Windows 7 (actually Windows 10 as of yesterday) computer and being able to work with different formats is great. Cheers, Paul.
"The site will tell you if your details have been leaked. If they have, you'll need to change your passwords."
Hello, so what you are saying is if I have been 'pwned' then somebody somewhere has both my email address AND my password is that correct?
If it is just my email address that has somehow gotten out there then why should I change my password? Of course I know regularly changing a password is a good idea anyhow.
I already have a fake PayPal account for those times a website demands it (even sometimes for free software that was advertised on this site a couple of years ago).
That account is associated with a fake email address using a name that is difficult to tell if the person is male or female. I did that just for fun.
I just installed Foxit Reader 611 and got a free cloud connection. It was installed without questions or options. Then I could find no way of removing it or turning it off.
I had used Notesholder under Windows 7, and have gone to Windows 10. After going Windows 10, it seemed Notesholder still worked. Then I had to reset, and consequently reinstall Notesholder. While reinstallation went off without a hitch, the software no longer launches upon startup curiously. Any ideas why this is the case?
I downloaded the program you recommended but with the cd in, it detects no files. Yet I am viewing the "Track01.cda" file in my explorer window. I refresh the list and reinstall the cd in the player but no files appear in the list. Is there something wrong with my initiation of this application? When I put the cd in it begins to play automatically.
This is a list of the most recently posted comments on the site sorted so that the most recent comments appear first.
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The only editor I use as well. Solarized theme is the best.
Many great plugins.
A little dark but nice!
Here is one I ran for a while this week. http://imgur.com/LCoNMa4
Songza has been gone for quite a while now. They were rolled into google music.
I would recommend waiting if you do want to install this. 11 is based on Ubuntu 15 which is not an LTS release. When Ubuntu 16LTS drops here soon Zorin should follow.
This is very handy to have when you have unapproved USB devices turned on in group policy. I use it to get the ID of the device to add it to the allow list.
YouTube-dl is the only way to go. Runs on everything and reliable.
https://rg3.github.io/youtube-dl/
Same. Simple and it's already there.
There are so many distributions that are way better than this one. I don't know why anyone would bother unless they were teaching kids to use a Pi and were short on them.
I deleted my FB account back in October of last year. I have not missed it at all. I also have set Privacy Badger to block all facebook based trackers.
Just get youtube-dl on github. Done for all purposes. That tool is the swiss army knife of doing anything with a youtube download.
Been using Ditto for years http://ditto-cp.sourceforge.net/#Change History
How about draw.io
make a shortcut to:
ms-settings:windowsupdate
Takes you right to it.
What am I missing? I can't find the toolbar option.
I want to make sure that it is very important to see whether or not his is something that is going to improve in many way.
CLEANMEM also increases overall system performance.
Read this:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/windows-7-memory-usage-whats-the-best-way...
Thank you for the article. There aren't that many articles explaining how to customize a Linux Mint Cinnamon Desktop, this is very helpful in that respect. Can you explain how to install and change new window borders, icons and controls for a customized look of the desktop?
Hi there, I am the developper of qtPad. Please report any error on github! If it is really a bug I will fix it, else I will help you to find the problem. Thanks!
Like with another post 2 years back, I think you should state if each utility Verifies the destination matches the source bit-by-bit 100% ! The only reason I look for a Copy Utility, is I am not happy with the Copy cmd in Windows, as it does not report copy errors when copying bulk data/drives. Therefore a primary feature I seek is Verification. BTW, when I perused your link for Ultracopier I could not even find a reference to Verification, so I guess it may not do that all-important function. Your review would benefit from including a at-a-glance table of vital Copy features for each Utility.
What version/versions of Firefox does this work with? Never mind; figured it out. I tried to install it on FF 15, but the current version requires a minimum of FF 19. I tried installing an older version (0.24), which is "Collusion", and it's in the Add-ons - Extensions list dialog, but it installed -disabled- and will not allow me to -enable- it. It did not offer me the traditional -Restart- and I'm guessing that when I close the browser and restart it "Collusion" will no longer be there. I'm very apprehensive about updating FF to anything above 15. I fiddled with FF 24 on my wife's computer; what a piece of junk.
Thank you v.laurie, very much, for the info.
I use a Firefox Add-on Extension simply named "Print Edit"; https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/print-edit/?src=ss. Just install and go.
It works great, especially on those receipts that want to add everything else on the page to the print document.
Try it; you'll like it. I especially like that you don't have to download or install anything on your computer.
Any time you have a tool like this with the collection of utilities it has you are going to get to get false positives. I've been using Nirsoft (NirSofer) utilities for many years and used to quite often get false positives with some of their utilities. I been using NirLauncher for a couple years now (something like that), also known as the Nirsoft or NirSofer Package, and if you scan it with just about anything like VirusTotal you will get false positives with it because of the utilities it contains.
Anyone know how FalconFour's Ultimate Boot CD compares with another one of the same name, (but not FalconFour's) found on this site: http://www.ultimatebootcd.com? Also found on SourceForge: http://sourceforge.net/projects/ubcd/?source=navbar and also listed on Softpedia (as a Pick): http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/Back-Up-and-Recovery/Ultimate-Boot-C....
Just wondering if anyone is familiar with both? I will download both, when I have time, and see what differences there might be.
Thank You! In advance to anyone who may know about this.
Thank you Rob, for this post.
I'm confused; you mention "Game Jolt" (GameJolt) "gamejolt.com", which your link does lead to, but then the links you display for the Pokeman Home page is "pokeman3d.net", but the link takes one to "kayin.pyoko.org/iwbtg" which is not Pokeman, at all, but "I Wanna Be The Guy" which is described as a nail-rippingly difficult platform adventure. The link displayed for the Pokeman Download is "pokeman3d.net/dowloads" which takes one instead to "http://gamejolt.com/games/action/i-wanna-be-the-guy-gaiden/8598" which is indeed on "GameJolt", but not the download for Pokeman, but for "I Want To Be The Guy"
After looking around on "GameJolt" I did indeed find the page for "Pokeman3D" with a download link "http://gamejolt.com/games/adventure/pok-mon3d/10545/#"
And I researched the addresses you displayed and they do indeed lead to a "Pokeman3D" site: http://pokemon3d.net and also the downloads page: http://pokemon3d.net/downloads.
Will the real "Pokeman3D" please stand up! Thank you, for the post.
I second that; my question exactly.
I tried flux; it sux. It's way too bossy.
I don't usually care for cloud applications, but this doesn't require any personal information and unlike Picasa and Chrome, this is not a Google program. The only other company I trust less than Google is Microsoft. And I don't have to install it and use up drive space.
I kinda like this befunky program.
Yeah, too bad. I didn't know that, but that's why I like Gizmo's so much; I learn something every time I visit the site.
Thanks for the Heads Up!
I tried it on my XP system and it didn't work out so well. I'll stick with System Information for Windows (SIW) and the old AIDA 32; I'd buy the newest version if I could afford it, but I can't right now, so I'll stick with the old FREE version.
Sure! I don't have a problem elaborating. I downloaded "Speccy Portable 1.29.714" from Softpedia. I installed it on my hard drive where I install stand alone programs; I need to buy a bigger, better Flash Drive, which I just may do Friday. In any case it wasn't until after I deleted it from my system that I realized that it may not have worked properly because I didn't place it on a portable storage device.
When I opened the program it would not update my CPU, Motherboard, or Storage devices either optical or logical (SATA); there were a few other things it would not update, but I don't remember what those things were.
I downloaded the portable version because Softpedia told me that the regular download of the current version was ad supported. I could have download version 1.25.674, but the portable version was the latest version and did not appear to be ad supported.
I have to admit that the version of "SIW" I use is an older version, about 4 - 6 years old; I'm financially handicapped and cannot afford it at this time.
I stay real busy because I take care of handicapped/disabled adults and that consumes huge amounts of my time. When I have some time I will go back and download version 1.25.674 and give that a go. After I get the new Flash Drive I will download and install the portable version and give it another go.
Thanks, for that; it gives me more confidence in downloading and installing the current version - I'll go do that right now and will still give the portable version another shot when I get a bigger Flash Drive. And I'll come back with an update on how both the regular and portable versions work, for me.
Everyone has an opinion about these kinds of things; as for me I don't trust all software authors sites. I do trust Softpedia; they guarantee their downloads to be free of malware and I've never had a problem with them. The times I have had a problem it has always been with an External Download and been the fault of the authors site. I will ad that I do trust the Pinform site, to a point, but I just default to Softpedia for all my downloads. I've tried countless download sites and Softpedia, in my opinion, is the best. On top of that they let me know when my installed software is updated: one of the biggest reasons I use Softpedia. I would consider myself a techie to the point that I know just enough to keep myself from getting in trouble, but when I get myself in trouble, not always enough to get myself out without having to ask for help. With that said I know a lot of Advanced Techies that swear by Softpedia, but everyone has their own opinion about these sorts of things.
I did download and install "Speccy 1.29.714"; it updated everything except my storage devices and audio. It does give me a pretty in depth look at my computer, except for Audio and Storage Devices.
Personally, I got rid of "Dropbox" a long time ago, for the same reasons I ditched "facebook". But the main reason I came in here is to comment on "Rob's" contributions to what was once known as "Support Alert", now known as "Gizmo's Freeware" which is misleading because it is so much more than that.
I came in here to read "Rob's" article and after reading it the first thing I noticed is some nit wit's "one rating" of the article. I mean com'on; his articles at least rate a "three" for the time and effort he puts into them, and in many cases the research that goes into them before he writes them. Have I seen anyone else contributing? NO! But, time after time I come in here to see someone giving his articles the thumbs down.
I've found most of his articles informative, even if I'm not really interested in the program or topic he's writing about. I believe his effort deserves at least a three to start with. As for this article I believe we all need to be reminded from time to time about our passwords. And "Passwords" are something that do concern a large cross section of all the people who read these articles. While other articles may not be something that interests everyone that's no reason for a low rating. I think many of us lose track of what the rating system is for, not only here,. but across the NET.
If I wasn't a caretaker of handicapped/disabled, which consumes large chunks of my time, honestly just about all of my time, I'd be in here writing about different subjects of my limited knowledge so someone could give me a "one" rating. I'm sure my comment will get low ratings. Oh well. . . . . .
I can see how this could and can be useful to some, maybe many, but that's not my beef with it. My problem with this software is how it cements itself into the start menu without any way to get it out. This is not something I expect from a Software Vendor like Paragon. Uninstalled.
you forgot to mention system requirements; it would have been nice to know that XP is not supported.
Com'On Dude, because listing system requirements is SOP and that not only includes Windows OS, but also MAC & LINUX. This site used to mention system requirements not only in their "Best Freeware" lists, but with every article. I visit "Giveaway of the Day" almost every day; they list system requirements for every giveaway they offer. I use Softpedia almost exclusively for downloads and update/upgrade notifications; they list system requirements for every program on their servers. System Requirements is SOP.
As for XP; the last time I checked nearly fifty percent (50%) of Windows OS users where still using XP. Why? Because XP is hands down the best all around OS Microsoft ever developed. Why haven't I upgraded? Because I'm Financially Handicapped and I not only need a new OS, but a new computer which I have not been able to afford up to this point. And when I can afford it (put enough money aside to pay cash for it) I will upgrade to "Windows 7", but will also keep XP; you can keep Windows 8 & 10. If I want a mobile OS I'll get a Smart Phone or Tablet. You guessed it; I do not own a mobile device. As such I want an OS for my computer, not a mobile OS that I can use on my computer. Nuff said. My Considered Opinion.
Rob; I personally always find your articles/posts useful; not always the software, because if nothing else it motivates me to look for something better. I'll give "Greenshot" a try, but I also need to give a positive, thumbs up to "PicPick", been on my computer for a long, long time now. Also "IrfanView, not only for screen capture, but for so much more; "IrfanView" has been on my computer for way longer than most programs on my computer and through all the fancy Image Viewers that have succeeded it I keep going back to "Irfanview" the Swiss Knife of Image Viewers - my opinion of course.
"Gizmo's Freeware" has been active for more than a decade; add to that all the years of "Support Alert" and that is certainly a lot of change, not all for the good I might add. But through it all you've been there to help us through it; thank you so much for being there to help us through it and so a Thank You from you? No Gizmo, Thank You!
Rob, I read a review some time ago, from someone, that suggested you provide system requirements. I have to echo that suggestion; many of us, for whatever reason, still use XP and unfortunately more and more software companies, just like Microsoft, are no longer supporting XP. That would be nice to know information, upfront, before we jump through all the hoops just to find out we can't use it.
System Requirements would be nice, especially if XP or any other OS is not supported.
Thank You!
I could have replied to many of the comments I read. I didn't run this through Virus Total or any of my Malware or Virus Scanners; there was just something very suspicious about that .msi installer. No Thank You!
I can see the usefulness of "https://www.whatismyip.com", both for those, as you stated, that use a VPN and because many ISP's change their customers IP, from time to time, to protect their anonymity, but "http://www.whatismyscreenresolution.com" not so much because most experienced computer users, which I assume is the large percentage of your user base, already know their native screen resolution. I can see it for new computer users and most wallpaper sites automatically inform the user, up front, what size wallpaper they need.
It's a good site if you know how to draw. I learned that I'm no better at drawing on a computer than I am on paper with pencil or pen. In fact, on the computer, I'm worse. And I saw no Clippy and the suggestions I got were nowhere near what I was trying to draw; not a ladder.
Thanks, Rob; it wasn't until after I made the post and reread your article a third time, to see if I missed something, which I kinda did, that I realized what the bar at the top of the page was for. As I stated I received no suggestion that closely resembled what I was trying to draw, but that could possibly be because I'm a terrible artist. Not an artistic bone in my body; some creative bones, but no artistic.
Most Useful and Appreciated, at least for me; Thank You!
I don't know, but if you have active security software running, perhaps you security software is blocking it. If you have automatic update enabled then you're already protected; if not then go to the updates page for Windows 10 and have the updates installed, but make sure your security software will let it pass through - it should automatically, but if not you will have to adjust your settings.
I agree; a must have in your arsenal of what I consider security software.
I'm always going to give you a five just for the time you spent researching and writing the article, but I sometimes wonder where you find these, so called jewels/gems? I put no Trust in "Web of Trust" and I could find very little information about this offering. And the little I did find gave me no confidence in it. I do trust "VirusTotal", for that most part, but I'm not going to download and install a program just based on that.
Thanks for the heads up; I'll stick with "Team Viewer".
The only problem I see with "DaVinci Resolve" is that it's not compatible with "XP" or "7"; only "8" and "10". I currently use "XP" and plan on upgrading to "7" at the earliest opportunity. I am not a fan of "8" or "10" and so I will have to default to "VirtualDub" and use "Davinci Resolve" on my wife's Windows 10 machine. She had "7", but let it upgrade to "10" against my advice.
Please let people know that BitDefender is no longer compatible with Windows7.
Thanks,
Wildman
Ever since CCleaner was bought by Avast and it started to track ones usage CCleaner has had to go bye bye. This is not a good thing as CCleaner was very popular.
Always,
Wildman
Wish you had left your article until tomorrow as feel quite depressed now for the start of the new year. Happy New Year to all that run this site and many thanks.
Please note that your License Type of Unrestricted freeware for Kingsoft Office Suite is false.
Please read their EULA:
the "Product" is a personal edition software, it shall be used only in personal computers, and shall not be used in the computers of legal persons or other organizations (including but not limited to government agencies, companies, enterprises, other organizations, etc.; regardless of the organization is an economic organization or not; regardless of the organization's usage is for profitable purpose or not).
Therefore, if you run a company from home, and are looking for a free office suite, it can't be used. Unfortunately, it can only be used in your personal capacity.
Subsequently, I don't think it deserves your Top Pick award.
My new PC came with Windows 8 - are there any recommended free antivirus/antispyware programs I can use with it?
Thank you so much, Rob. Always appreciate what you do for us. :)
Excellent review!
Not sure if it's been pointed out yet or not, but you can "watermark" in PDFTK Builder. It's more cumbersome than toolkits that come with watermarking standard.
What I did to watermark was create a Word doc with the watermark I wanted and formatted it appropriately with line weights, font size, location on the document. Save it as a pdf.
Open up PDFTK Builder and select the Background/Stamp tab. Choose the Source PDF Document (the one to put the watermark in) then choose the Background or Stamp PDF Page (the watermark created in Word). Choose background or stamp then save it.
Like I said, more cumbersome than it has to be, but it can be done.
Enjoy!
Untangle UTM marks this as malware. Be careful.
Do you know what Untangle is? Its an enterprise level firewall and threat management appliance.
Untangle uses more than just Bitdefender. It also does web filtering based on heuristics and categories similar to OpenDNS.
Flagged as:
Host: www.stablauncher.com
URL: http://www.stablauncher.com/
Reason: Spyware & Questionable Software
Bitdefender is not what flagged it. The web filtering flagged it as shown by my post. You were the one who came in to denigrate the report from a well known security appliance vendor as if you knew more than they did.
You attacked my original warning first by saying I didnt post enough evidence and when evidence is posted you say you are attacked. Clearly you are incapable of having a conversation online. Im sure there are safe corners available.
And again. DarkWave Studio and LMMS are licensed under GPLv3, so it is free not only for private use, but also for commercial use.
This worked, and your help is greatly appreciated. But you know what else? Having to do this is insanely stupid, especially because Microsoft wants you to use the default (high) level of security. Every malware program I use allows for program exceptions. But of course, Microsoft has no clue when it comes to user ease-of-use.
Does this just apply to their desktops and laptops, what about tablets?
Comix cannot possibly be best comic book reader as its development stopped years ago. MComix for example is a fork with several fixes implemented. But the best one is ACBF Viewer.
Project: https://launchpad.net/acbf
Wiki: http://acbf.wikia.com/
Screenshots: https://plus.google.com/photos/110989843476988874482/albums/569203509770...
Which acceptable av uses the fewest resources, especially memory?
Does this application also serve as a virtual printer for files, converting them to pdf in process?
Is it portable? Can I install it on a flash drive for use when I need it?
I cannot find a way to get a serial number for Paragon Backup 16. I registered an account at their home page but I don't see anywhere to obtain the serial number?
This is to by Anonymous on 31. May 2010 - 2:51 (50675) and all the other Nay Sayers
It WAS STATED that this is a older program and it will/might be detected by newer av or anti malware programs.
I have been in IT for 20 years building repairing cleaning viruses etc out of computers and Network Security.
The program IE Passview is completely safe all it does is read the registry entries for saved passwords and decrypts them so you can read them in plain text aka understandable stuff not letters and number jumbled together.
Before you complain especially when using a Microsoft product to scan with try reading everything fully.
Btw MS Security Essentials is junk just saying it never has been and never will be a reliable means of security just from my basic knowledge I could code something that would get past it try [commercial reference removed].
As for IE passview I have been working on a clients laptop and never have I run into a issue like this shes running windows vista home (i know pos OS) and IE 8 the registry entries are there for the saved passwords but IE passview does not show them I am stumped first time since I started doing this when I was 12, I am looking for other options
would it be possible for for me to set up a temp key logger that would capture it?
The way her laptop is setup as soon as you load the websites gmail or hotmail it instantly takes you to the clients inbox she is a older person and has many medical conditions thats making it hard for her to even try and remember the recovery information.
I am looking for any and all possible venues for me to retrieve her passwords so I can setup her new laptop for her.
Any and all help is appreciated (if you have negative thoughts keep them to yourself)
Hello,
It is interesting that you recommend Microsoft Security Essentials for average users.
Windows Secrets, the website that Gizmo used to be a senior editor of, says that it is really only suitable for 'geeks' and those who use safe surfing practices. For average users they recommend other antivirus.
http://windowssecrets.com/langalist-plus/questions-about-ms-security-ess...
Oh yeah, I'm not saying you or they are wrong, just pointing out that even experts differ in their opinions :-)
I for one use Avast. I make sure to change all the settings so that it asks me first before deleting or repairing or quarantining infected files etc.
Cheers,
Paul
Hello,
What do you think of the inbuilt backup and restore in Windows?
I've got Windows 7 and it seems fairly easy to use.
Regards,
Paul
Hi,
I got Windows 8 a couple of months ago and (with the use of third party programs) got my start button and dvd playing back.
Now I want to find a replacement for the new Ribbon like File Explorer. I've tried to make it my friend but I yearn for the good old Windows 7 or earlier days.
Which of these free file managers are most like that of Windows Explorer in Windows 7 please?
I'm old and I do things automatically which is why I "fixed" Office as well :-)
Ta very much.
Paul
Actually, if I could just get the Windows 7 Windows Explorer to work in Windows 8 that would be the nicest option :-)
Thanks for that. Will give it a try.
Pity there isn't a registry fix or batch file around that can do it :-)
Is it free? I could only see some trials.
Whoops I meant that as a response to the Free Commander recommendation :-)
Thanks for that :-)
That sounds like a good idea.
Hello,
I have around a dozen home DVD's that were converted via dubbing from VHS tapes about 5 years ago. The VHS tapes no longer exist.
They are in reasonable quality. I probably could have done a better job with one of those VHS to Digital devices you can buy. However a few jittery bits from a 30 year old tape is quite acceptable (and retro) :-)
I want to convert these DVDs now to mp4. I tried using Format Factory which I use for all my Video conversions but the resultant mp4 was awful. Kind of out of focus???
Anyhow I tried installing Freemake and both my antivirus and antispyware programs went into hyperdrive. I know that technically this product doesn't contain malware (ones definition of malware may be important here) but I gave up when both my security programs asked me to make an exception for it.
So basically I want to create an exact copy of whatever is on a DVD to an mp4 file (if that is possible). I want minimal to no loss during the conversion process and I want it to be a painless if not joyful experience :-)
Has anyone else done this with good results from DVD to mp4?
Cheers,
Paul
Anyhow
And the answer is - - - - - Handbrake.
Awesome results :-)
Hello,
I am setting up an old laptop (Pentium m) with Windows 7
It runs fine even with only 1Gb of memory which it has.
However, Office (the Microsoft Variety) is quite slow.
All the person needs is to be able to open word, excel and powerpoint formats e.g. .doc and .docx
Which of these reviewed office suites would use the least memory, cpu etc in your opinion?
Regards,
Paul
Awesome. Thank you :-)
Hello,
I am trying to fix an issue with a Sony Tablet S
Fortunately it has been rooted as I need to recover some deleted files from it.
My friends partner decided to 'play' with it.
Can you recommend a Freeware program to recover photos, contacts, messages, videos etc?
There are paid versions but I would rather not fork out any cash :-)
Regards,
Paul
Hello,
Does anyone know if VOB Merge re encodes the Vob files?
I successfully merged 4 of them into a single file then used another program DVD2MPG to make an mpg file.
At this point (I believe) I haven't done anything that could lose data.
Regards,
Paul
Hi Rick
I would have to disagree with you.
I persevered without a start button for a month before deciding to either get one or upgrade to Windows 7 :-)
I got one (a paid one albeit less than a cup of coffee for a lifetime of updates - can't list it here as it wasn't free)
If I had a touchscreen computer then maybe it would be ok.
My thought is that as all this functionality is there (but just hidden underneath) then MS could pop up a question during install asking the customer if they have a touch screen or if they use a traditional mouse and keyboard mostly.
The ability to switch back and forth would be great.
Another thing is that by default it is the Apps that open photos etc. Not the software programs I've gotten used to over the years and that work great e.g. Windows Photo Viewer. But in that case it is easy to set them how you want.
Regards,
Paul
Hi Rick,
Agree with you totally re RT mode. I do like the weather 'app' though.
Other than that I do everything on the desktop albeit constantly getting popups on the top right saying something like "you have new apps that can do this" I just ignore them :-)
Cheers from rainy Perth, Australia.
Paul
Hello,
Firstly, thank you for this find which will be of use to many people I am sure.
I also think many people (including myself) will prefer the regular style without all the eye candy stuff.
But then again I kicked up a stink when the free fastmail service got taken over by Opera and they tried to 'modernise' the look and feel.
We won. They reverted back to having a 'classic' interface option.
Cheers,
An old bloke who thinks if it aint broke then don't fix it :-)
I was going to say that Recuva does not support EXT 4 or other Linux file systems but apparently as of 3 months ago it does. Not sure about Apple formatted portable drives etc. I keep all my recovery software on a Windows 7 (actually Windows 10 as of yesterday) computer and being able to work with different formats is great. Cheers, Paul.
Hi George,
Are all these games freeware?
I assume they are but just thought I would check.
Regards,
Paul
Hi Rick,
Can you please elaborate on what the "lite" OS Microsoft is going to release is?
I have a lot of old computers and an OS with similar system requirements to XP or even a bit higher would be a great thing.
Cheers,
Paul
Howdy,
Does it have a traditional menu bar?
I don't mean the 'gear' or anything like that.
I mean the bar that has "edit, view, History, Bookmarks, Tools" etc.
As an old fart I need this.
Cheers,
Paul
"The site will tell you if your details have been leaked. If they have, you'll need to change your passwords."
Hello, so what you are saying is if I have been 'pwned' then somebody somewhere has both my email address AND my password is that correct?
If it is just my email address that has somehow gotten out there then why should I change my password? Of course I know regularly changing a password is a good idea anyhow.
Cheers,
Paul
Hello.
I think I confused you sorry.
I didn't understand if being on this list (which I am) meant that somebody had JUST my email address or if they had my email address AND my password.
I of course have already changed my password just in case they had it as well as my email address.
Now if I start receiving lots of spam myself I will know my email address has been sold and change it. I'm sure my 12 contacts wouldn't mind :-)
Thanks again,
Paul
Thank you from another Aussie :-)
I already have a fake PayPal account for those times a website demands it (even sometimes for free software that was advertised on this site a couple of years ago).
That account is associated with a fake email address using a name that is difficult to tell if the person is male or female. I did that just for fun.
Cheers mate,
Paul (from rainy W.A.)
All good. I have an 'email' and 'details' just for situations like this.
No problems with PUPs or the like here. Panda and Malwarebytes show the file to be clean.
There is a sponsored offer which nearly got me. Just click 'decline' and you will be right.
Cheers,
Paul
Be warned Foxit will install a cloud connection
I just installed Foxit Reader 611 and got a free cloud connection. It was installed without questions or options. Then I could find no way of removing it or turning it off.
Thank you mr6n8, your suggestion works. I have used Foxit reader for many years for its quick loading and snappy performance.
Actually I didn't have a uninstall entry for it in my control panel but installing Foxit a second time created one so I could do as you link suggests.
It would be nice if Cinta Notes had the feature of storing images. After all, as they say, a picture is worth a million words.
I had used Notesholder under Windows 7, and have gone to Windows 10. After going Windows 10, it seemed Notesholder still worked. Then I had to reset, and consequently reinstall Notesholder. While reinstallation went off without a hitch, the software no longer launches upon startup curiously. Any ideas why this is the case?
From the link, it also appears Sophos calls for access to personal files. Maybe somewhat of an issue for some gents.
Cheerio!
I downloaded the program you recommended but with the cd in, it detects no files. Yet I am viewing the "Track01.cda" file in my explorer window. I refresh the list and reinstall the cd in the player but no files appear in the list. Is there something wrong with my initiation of this application? When I put the cd in it begins to play automatically.
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