Software Reviews

by TerryP

The reviews and opinions below are posted by SnapFiles visitors. They do not necessarily reflect our opinion, and are solely based on the experience of individual users.

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

So simple and useful

FileNote version 1.1

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

This program makes creating an accompanying text file to describe your download files a breeze. It is extremely easy to use and saves a lot of time by helping to eliminate guesswork.

Review date: Feb 04, 2007

Freeware
Win (All)

A top-notch code editor

Crimson Editor version 3.70

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

This is a fast editor with great features for developing and testing code (I use it for Java, Javascript, and C++). For ease-of-use and quick setup, Crimson Editor is hard to beat.

Review date: Jan 27, 2007

Freeware
Win (All)

One of the best tag editors

The GodFather version 0.70

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

The GodFather is a "must have" audio utility, even if you use other tag editors.

Review date: Jan 27, 2007

Freeware
2000/XP

Excellent notepad replacement

xint version 4.3

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

This is a small, simple, but nicely designed and very fast editor with many useful features such as column select mode and encryption. It's much better than Nopepad and generally in the same class as Notepad++ and Metapad.

Review date: Jan 27, 2007

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

The best launcher

Free Launch Bar version 1.0

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

This program replaces the quick launch bar built into Windows and is therefore as non-obtrusive as it can get. Just "install it and forget it" as the author's Web site states. After you try this you will wonder how you ever got along without it.

Review date: Dec 11, 2006

Freeware
Win (All)

Probably the best sys tray program launcher

Kana Launcher version 3.0.0.29

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

Small, fast, and light on system resources. It's probably the best launcher that runs from the system tray.

Review date: Dec 11, 2006

Freeware
Win (All)

Probably the best music manager out there

MediaMonkey version 2.5.4

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

MediaMonkey does it all in a very effective way. I haven't found a freeware alternative yet that has so many useful features in such an easy to use package. Although there are some imitators out there, they don't come close to the number of features, clarity of function, or bug-free operation of MediaMonkey. This is high quality software and one of the few non-freeware programs that I highly recommend.

Review date: Dec 10, 2006

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP/Vista

Very thorough scans

SUPERAntiSpyware (Free Edition) version 3.3

Interface: 5
Features: 3
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

Impressive user-friendly interface and easy scanning setup. Real-time protection is not enabled in the free version.

Review date: Nov 11, 2006

Freeware
NT/2000/XP

Excellent

DSynchronize version 2.28

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

This is a very small, fast, and simple synchronizer. I highly recommend it.

Review date: Nov 06, 2006

Freeware
Win XP

Better interface than ie6

Internet Explorer 7 version 7.0

Interface: 5
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

The lack of tabs was primary reason I stopped using IE in favor of other browsers. When I learned that IE7 now included tabs, I decided to try it. Every release of IE has had problems and IE7 is likely to be no exception. So far I found that a language bar is installed along with the browser and that the menu bar is not located at the top of the browser window. A fix is available at Snapfiles that works nicely to place the menu bar on top. Also, for those using CCleaner, CCleaner will erase all your browser cookies unless you uncheck clean the index.dat files under IE settings. This is a compatibility problem between CCleaner and IE7. I'm sure many more problems will be identified and rectified, but in the end IE7 should end up being a decent browser.

Review date: Oct 27, 2006

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

Needs more work

Evil Player version 1.15

Interface: 1
Features: 2
Ease of use: 3
Value: 3
Overall:

Other than using little resources, I didn't find much to like about this player and quickly deleted it. Very few features, plain interface, no menus, no EQ, and no fun.

Review date: Oct 05, 2006

Freeware
Win (All)

Essential

WordWeb version 4.5a

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

This is a great program. Place a shortcut to WordWeb in the quick launch area to quickly lookup a word's definition, pronunciation, and synonyms. An even quicker method is to copy the word to the clipboard and then launch WordWeb. Works offline too.

Review date: Oct 03, 2006

Freeware
2000/XP/Vista

Couldn't be easier

AxCrypt version 1.6.2.3

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

AxCrypt is tiny, quick, and powerful. Most importantly, it's extremely easy to use. To encrypt a file, just right-click it and select from the AxCrypt menu. From the novice user to the expert, this is file encryption for everyone.

Review date: Sep 28, 2006

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

Awesome freeware audio editor

Audacity version 1.2.4

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

Very intuitive and works great. The first thing I grab when I need to make more complex edits to audio files. Possibly the best program of its type.

Review date: Sep 22, 2006

Freeware
Win (All)

The best audio editor for quick edits

mp3DirectCut version 2.02

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

This program is a work of genius. It's small, fast, and efficient. Perfect for fade-ins, fade-outs, getting rid of blank space, or noise spikes from MP3 files. Does everything except for the most complex tasks.

Review date: Sep 22, 2006

Freeware
2000/XP/Vista

Very impressive

Advanced WindowsCare Personal version Beta 3.7

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

This is a complex but well-designed program that found an unbelievable number of problems and suggested performance settings for my system. It allows you to backup and restore your original settings and to override any suggested changes. This is definitely worth using, even if you don't think you have any problems with your system.

Review date: Sep 21, 2006

Freeware
Win (All)

First utility to use when checking out a pc

SIW version 1.63

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

This is one of the first things I use to check out a PC's hardware, software, and drivers. It's a must-have utility.

Review date: Sep 17, 2006

Freeware
2000/XP/Vista

I like it

Spyware Terminator version 1.5.00.740

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

Real time protection, fast scanning, and easy to use. Wow!

Review date: Sep 17, 2006

Freeware
Win (All)

Great, but

FilZip version 3.01

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 2
Value: 5
Overall:

This was my default compression tool, but over the past year or so of testing it, I found that it had trouble extracting a few zip files. I tried other zip utilities and they extracted fine. Otherwise, this is a great product, but based on these observances, I have to lower my rating to a four.

Review date: Sep 14, 2006

Freeware
XP/Vista

Well designed utility

DriverMax version 1.2

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I downloaded and tried this program and it backed up and zipped all my drivers very quickly. It has a very clean and easy to use interface. As the previous interviewer mentioned, it's not as critical a utility for those using WinXP, but it's nice to know my drivers are backed up. This utility should be handy for those using Pre-WinXP systems. I asked for a registration code and received it in about 10 minutes, although the Web site indicated it could take up to 48 hours.

Review date: Sep 13, 2006

Freeware
Win (All)

Up there with the best!

XnView version 1.82.3

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

This is one of three great freeware graphics viewers available on Snapfiles, and I use all three. XNview is great for quickly viewing graphics and zooming in with the mouse wheel.

Review date: Sep 02, 2006

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

Good job

Win32Whois version 0.9.11

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

It's simple, small, portable, fast, and complete. This should be on everyone's PC.

Review date: Aug 31, 2006

Freeware
2000/XP/2003/Vista

Well designed and works great!

Mp3Tag version 2.36

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

Certainly one of the better MP3 Tag Editors available. Although not as fast loading as some, it's easy to use and stable.

Review date: Aug 22, 2006

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

Feature rich and useful

Keynote version 1.6.5

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

Once you try it, you will wonder how you ever managed to get along without it.

Review date: Aug 19, 2006

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP/Vista

What's not to like?

Opera

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I have used Opera for years and even paid for the ad-free version. Now that's it's free, there is no excuse for NOT using it! Although not compatible with 100% of web sites (maybe 99.99%), this browser is great! Smooth, fast, clean, and very intuitive.

Review date: Aug 19, 2006

Freeware
Win (All)

A winner!

Cathy version 2.24

Interface: 4
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I have used VisualCD for many years, but it tends to lock up so I tried Cathy after reading some of the reviews. This is only a 45kB download. It is super fast, accurate, stable, and uses little system resources. Let me emphasize this again - this is fast! Finally, like it's already been mentioned, the interface is not as pretty as other catalogers, but it still gets a 5 overall for simplicity, speed, and size.

Review date: Aug 19, 2006

Freeware
NT/2000/XP

Very nice, but.

SpeedMenus version 2.0

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 4
Overall:

This is a good program, but it's a bit heavy on Memory Usage (about 32MB on my system). It has nifty features including user-defined menu titles, transparency adjustment, notes, and scrolling text for the menus. Unlike some other toolbars, it appears to be no limit in the number of menu entries. This is a colorful and useful program that really cleans up the desktop and makes launching programs easier.

Review date: Aug 17, 2006

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista

Can't believe I overlooked this one

cam2pc - Freeware version 4.5.2

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I tried Cam2PC for the first time and I'm impressed. Don't be misled by the name, this program can be used for all your graphic files. Also, unlike some photo viewers, Cam2PC allows you to easily batch resize your photos.

Review date: Aug 17, 2006

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

Pretty good, but better alternatives

GreenBrowser version 3.4.0629

Interface: 4
Features: 3
Ease of use: 3
Value: 4
Overall:

I tried GB and was impressed at first. Two of its strengths are its interface and small download size. However, after using it for a few days, I noticed a serious problem - GB tended to freeze. If you are looking for a stable browser, I think Avant and Maxthon are better alternatives at this time.

Review date: Jul 05, 2006

Freeware
Win (All)

A good replacement for PINs

KeePass Password Safe version 1.05

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I tried this password manager to see how it compared to PINs and I think it's a good alternative. PINs, however, has a much smaller footprint, is quicker to launch, and it's a smaller download. That said, I think this password manager is great for those who need additional features that PINs doesn't have.

Review date: Jun 23, 2006

Freeware
2000/XP/Vista

Download it, try it, and you will keep it

Foxit PDF Reader version 1.3 Build 1621

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

If you care about stability, speed, and using minimal resources, then this is for you. Once I tested this little PDF reader, Adobe was history.

Review date: Jun 23, 2006

Freeware
2000/XP/Vista

A very good player

Spider Player version 1.58

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

Nice player with good features in a small footprint. Worthwhile.

Review date: Jun 23, 2006

Freeware
2000/XP/2003/Vista

Outstanding

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition version 7.1.394

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

AVG is updated regularly and works flawlessly. I've used it for several years and highly recommend it. For most users, the basic freeware version works so well you wouldn't think it's limited in any way. This is top notch freeware and it doesn't get any better than this.

Review date: Jun 21, 2006

Free Trial ($19.95)
98/ME/2000/XP/2003

Worth the price

MightyFax version 3.32

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 4
Overall:

This is one program I regularly use (for over 6 years now) that isn't freeware. I haven't found a freeware alternative that works as well as MightyFax. When someone asks about what FAX program to use, I always recommend MightyFax. Simply put, there is nothing out there that compares to it in terms of support, features, and ease of use. Many FAX programs have come and went, but MightyFax is still going and for good reason.

Review date: Jun 19, 2006

Freeware
XP/Vista

Useful

Teen Spirit version 0.9.427

Interface: 4
Features: 5
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

A very useful program for obtaining lyrics and graphics associated with MP3 audio files. Somewhat of a clunky interface and some limitations to organizing mp3's, but highly recommended. Hopefully, it will keep improving.

Review date: Jun 12, 2006

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

Better than windows calculator

Moffsoft FreeCalc version 1.2.06

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I have used this calculator for about a year now for simple calculations. For more complex calculations, I recommend Allercalc.

Review date: Apr 08, 2006

Freeware
Win (All)

Excellent - but there are competitors

Maxthon version 1.5.2 build 21

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

A good tabbed browser using the IE engine. Other similar browsers are Avant, Crazy Browser, and Slim Browser. Most of these are similar in function, but Maxthon has something the others don't - the ability to open links by dragging them with the mouse. I use this feature on a regular basis and find it very handy.

Review date: Apr 07, 2006

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista

There when you need it

ieSpell version 2.1.1.325

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

If you post to forums or do any writing with a PC, you need this tool. Just right click and select to spell check your online post or document. Couldn't be any simpler or unobtrusive.

Review date: Apr 03, 2006

Freeware
Win (All)

Good if you need this much power

ZipGenius version 6.0.2.1060

Interface: 3
Features: 5
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

It's good if you need all of its features, but for everyday use it's overkill and unnecessarily large. For regular home use I recommend Filzip for freeware and Winzip or WinRAR for shareware.

Review date: Apr 03, 2006

Freeware
Win (All)

Best graphics snap tool

MWSnap version 3.0.0.74

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I tried many snap tools, but keep going back to MWsnap. It's simple to use, small, and effective. A classic that should be on every PC.

Review date: Apr 03, 2006

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

It's amazing....

PhotoFiltre version 6.2.3

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

... that Freeware can be this good. Who needs Paint Shop Pro? This app is small, fast, reliable and with more features than I will ever use. PhotoFiltre provides a complete graphics editing package for the home user.

Review date: Apr 02, 2006

Freeware
Win (All)

The best backup utility and free to boot

SyncBack version 3.2.10

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I have used many sync and backup utilities, including shareware and pay, but SyncBack beats them all in terms of reliability, ease of use, and speed. Definitely a must have!

Review date: Feb 28, 2006

Freeware
Win (All)

If updated, would be the best

Mp3 Tag Tools version 1.2.008

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

This was my favorite Tag Tool but unfortunately, it has not been updated in over 2 years. It's small, fast, configurable, and has the best display of any tag tool I ever used. It is truly one of a kind.

Review date: Jan 16, 2006

Freeware
2000/XP/2003/Vista

Excellent

FreeCommander version 2005.09

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

Best freeware file manager out there. All that's missing is a help menu, although it's easy to use and understand without one.

Review date: Sep 28, 2005