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Software Reviews
by Toulinwoek
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.
- Free Trial ($29.95)
98/ME/2000/XP/Vista
Very good, but not 'total' 
Total Uninstall version 3.70
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 2
- Overall:
This is a very good program, but it often does not actually remove EVERYTHING an installed app does. To test it, I used TU to install an app. Then I uninstalled it using TU (plus, I had to manually remove some folders). When I installed that same app again, it "remembered" such things as the install location and some other settings. How could this be if TU really 'TOTALLY' uninstalled it? Apparently, it left something behind. Also, as you have more programs, the scan time increases; at one point it was taking over 15 minutes to create the snapshot, which I found a serious barrier to continued use of TU. If you don't have a lot of programs, or if 100% removal of installed apps is not an issue, then TU is an excellent choice. But I install and test some 20-30 programs a month, and for me, it's only 'almost' total.
Review date: Jul 21, 2006
- Free Trial ($29.95)
- Win (All)
Highly recommended!!
SoftCAT version 2.01
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
OK, so it lacks a full auto-catalog feature, but it will let you browse to the executable of any program and it will pull all of the most relevant information for you (provided such info is included in the progam's assembly). Even without that, it's still the very best program of this type I have found yet. Perhaps the fact that I stopped looking after finding it means I have miss out on something better. Still, this is one of the few programs I have (I regularly download and test 30-40 programs a month) that has never crashed, failed to start, locked up, lost data or did anything even remotely quirky. Its customization is very deep and it has a field for just about everything one might need to track for installed software. I find the lack of automatic scanning/populating of its database to be very minor considering it's free. I have also not experienced any malware-like activity or any intrusive attempts to lure me to the paid version.
Review date: Nov 12, 2005
- Freeware
- 98/ME/2000/XP
Good, but check around first!
DVD Identifier version 3.6.3.1
- Interface: 2
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 2
- Value: 2
- Overall:
I have tried this software and found it to be inaccurate in its assessment of a disc perhaps one time out of five. In one case, it literally indicated that a particular parameter was only an estimate when other programs I have tried have accurately assessed that parameter. These might be minor issues, especially given that the software is free, but there may be other free programs that offer more accuracy. Might be a good idea to check around before settling on this one.
Review date: May 02, 2005
- Freeware
- 2000/XP
Not ready for prime-time
Money Manager version 2.3.0.0
- Interface: 4
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 1
- Value: 2
- Overall:
If you've never used a personal finance program before, you might like this program, especially at first glance. If you have, then you might look at it and think it's a really good program. But it's not. It does have a beautiful and well-laid out interface, but it has both bugs and some non-intuitive functions. For example, to create subcategories you should select a category, then start creating subcategories under that, but no, you must keep re-selecting the main category, and the list doesn't update until you refresh it. The inability to delete accounts, the cumbersome method of entering transactions, occasional lockups and other shortcomings make this program feel like a beta rather that a ready-for-production tool. It has great potential, but I recommend waiting until it improves or look elsewhere. Such things are inexcusable in an app that's helping you manage your money!
Review date: Apr 12, 2005
- Freeware
- Win (All)
Well done and highly recommended
ZipGenius version 6.0.1.1001
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
As I download and install 30 to 40 programs a month on a regular basis, a good, stable, feature-rich program that can handle archives is essential. Although I don't personally know anyone who has EVER paid for ..., this program, smokes it. The fact that it's free is just another awesome benefit. I have yet to run across anything I need to do that ZipGenius can't do. A program recommended by 80% of those who try it must be doing a lot right, and of those who don't recommend it, only a few have problems with it's features or performance; the rest complain of stability issues, which are obviously related to their configurations (I know people hate to admit that, but it's the realistic truth). With the huge number of strange apps I load my system with, I haven't had a single problem with ZipGenius, and don't expect any. While it may not (yet) support some rare, esoteric formats, it's still the best out there.
Review date: Apr 06, 2005
- Freeware
- 98/ME/2000/XP
A very worthwhile download
DBDesigner version 4.0.5.6
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Every now and then a program comes along that you really don't expect much from because it's free, but it surprises you and then you wonder how it can be free. This is one such program. I have literally seen programs costing over a hundred dollars, a HUNDRED dollars, that are either not as good or at least no better at all than dbDesigner. I have a strong aversion to paying for anything I can get free, so I have to wonder why anyone needing dbDesigner's functionality would pay some other company for it! dbDesigner is well laid out, it doesn't crash, it does exactly what it says and it's full of useful features. I'd seriously question the wisdom of anyone who would buy any of several similar programs that are out there for sale. If you are such a person, please call me; there are certain investments I'd like to talk to you about...
Review date: Mar 05, 2005
- Freeware
- 98/ME/2000/XP
Good, and almost great!
Fresh Download version 7.24
- Interface: 3
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
An all-around very good program. It would be great if it had just two more things: a list of folders for the various file type categories, and the ability to rename the downloaded file. Still, given that the program is, after all, free, and that it does what it's supposed to do and does it quite well, those are not complaints, only minor issues. I need the ability to add comments to each download (handy when you download 20-30 programs a month!). The clean, simple interface is nice too, although I prefer a bit more complexity. Overall, I'd recommend this program to anyone who realizes that thirty bucks is robbery to pay for a DLM, even if it had those other features.
Review date: Feb 24, 2005
- Free Trial ($29.95)
- Win (All)
Very good, buy why pay?
NetCaptor version 7.5.4
- Interface: 3
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 1
- Overall:
This is a very good browser, with a healthy set of popular features. The only thing I can't figure is, why would anyone pay for it? I doubt, but of course I'm not 100% certain, that no one uses ALL of its available features, which is probably true of any browser. The point is, there isn't a single feature or group of features that can't be found in one of the many solid, stable, free browsers. I'm a serious proponent of not paying for any software function if the same or better functionality can be had for free. Years ago, when NetCaptor was one of the few really worthy browsers available as alternatives to IE and Netscape, it might have made sense, but today too many of it's features have been implemented in free software.
Review date: Feb 21, 2005
- Freeware
- Win (All)
...and along comes a genuinely well-done app!
Weather Pulse version 2.04.3
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I have used this program for quite a while, and I can only remember one little bug, and I don't even remember what it was. The only minor glitch I have had lately is that I had a little trouble getting the desklet (an excellent idea, by the way) to stay where I wanted it, but I figured it out after about five minutes. Still a very minor issue, especially compared to how effective a program this is. Of all the free and paid (why?) weather monitors, I have enjoyed this one the most. I have found it bug-free, stable and that it provides very useful information. Easy recommendation!
Review date: Feb 02, 2005
- Freeware
- Win (All)
No longer top of the heap
Trillian version 3.0
- Interface: 2
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 1
- Overall:
Trillian, which used to be pretty well known in techie circles as a universal IM client, is actually a nice program, but there is a much better one, called QNext, that has all the features of Trillian, and it also offers video chat FREE, whereas Trillian wants to strangle you out of twenty five bucks for that. Why? Plus, Trillian has a few issues with some IM services, like being kicked off, not keeping buddy lists separate between services, locking up, etc., etc. It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever to pay for something you can get free, especially when the free product has more functionality. Of course, this review is for the free version of Trillian, right? Right. OK. It allows no video chat AT ALL.
Review date: Dec 18, 2004
- Free Trial ($34.99)
- 2000/XP
Save ink..save money
InkSaver version 2.0
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 3
- Overall:
I have been using this program for over a year, and it not only really works, but is one of the best written programs I have. Once set up, it just does it's job, period. If you like, you can have the interface appear each time you print so you can set the amount of ink you want the printer to put on the paper. For non-critical jobs, you can set it around 25%, and will be saving 75% of the ink that would normally be used! That's significant, especially considering the ridiculous cost of ink these days. This is also preferable to using off-brand ink, which, though cheaper, may damage your printer and void its warranty. To the dismay of the printer manufacturers (who merely break even on printers and make most of their profit on ink), this program does what it says very well, and can get you up to 3-4 times more printing per cartridge than they probably hope!
Review date: Nov 15, 2004
- Free Trial ($29.95)
- Win (All)
Getright is all wrong!
GetRight version 5.2
- Interface: 3
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 1
- Value: 1
- Overall:
With a name like "GetRight", you'd think the developers would Get IT Right, but you'd be wrong. This poorly written (but very nice interface) program did not speed up downloads at all, no matter what settings I used. I tried this program, and right away installed another program, and nothing I did to GetRight improved download performance at all, while the other one jumped right in with little or no tweaking and zoomed those same downloads. The help file offered no help, and contacting support was a waste of keystrokes. Maybe there is just something about my system this app didn't like, but I doubt it. This program is just as good as any other if you just want to track what you've downloaded, but if you want acceleration, there is another, far better one than this (not mentioning names, but the initials are I D M). And the biggest joke of all is not the ineptness of this app, but the price!
Review date: Nov 13, 2004
- Free Trial ($24.95)
- 98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista
Very, very nice, but costs too much
Internet Download Manager version 4.02
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 2
- Overall:
This is the only download manager I really feel comfortable recommending, IF you are going to actually pay for something like this. Every time I try another, I wind up thinking, "Wow, wish I had IDM for this." or something similar. Simple fact is, of those I have tried, this is the best. It's truly fast, has good cross-browser integration and doesn't do stupid things like trying to download every JPEG graphic on a page like some others! It's stable, and prompts for comments before downloading, which really helps when you download as much as I do. Also, it starts downloading even while you're entering comments, so it saves time. Only two minor issues: One, it doesn't remember window size/position without a little effort, and two, you can't rename the saved file before downloading. Other than that, it's great...EXCEPT... It costs too much. Even for its great convenience, it is at best a fair value. Should cost half as much.
Review date: Nov 13, 2004
- Freeware
- 98/ME/2000/XP
Interesting, once learned
Newzie version 0.9.6 Beta
- Interface: 3
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 2
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Hey, I like a learning curve just as much as the next techie, but sometimes it's a bit much. This program, while a really nice and great-looking program, comes off as being a little TOO different, resulting in what might be a fair amount of frustration for all but those who really like having to treat a new program like a game that has to be conquered. However, once you figure out the program's unique way of doing things, you'll find it actually quite good in a lot of ways. Perhaps a better help system and a decent tutorial might make this program more appealing to non-techies. For those willing to spend a little time with it though, I think it will not disappoint. Given the unique interface, skin functionality would be a real plus.
Review date: Nov 13, 2004
- Freeware
- 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista
Outstanding!
Thunderbird version 0.8
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I was using what I think is the best overall email client on the market (Poco Mail), but I have switched to Thunderbird after giving it a pretty detailed tryout. It only lacks a couple of Poco's cool features, and considering the forty-buck price difference, making the permanent switch was not hard at all. This program does everything most users would need, and if there's something it doesn't do for you, you can either write a plug-in yourself or suggest it to someone who can, and voila! The speed, junk filtering, blocking of HTML until you say it's OK, and overall ease of use make this a serious threat to ANY other client available today. Get it while it's free; I can't imagine a program this well done can stay free for very much longer (though it would be very nice if it did!).
Review date: Nov 10, 2004
- Free Trial ($49.95)
- 2000/XP/2003/Vista
Diminishing value
Diskeeper Pro version 9.0
- Interface: 3
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 1
- Overall:
While this is a very fine program, probably one of the best, it is sorely overpriced, as are all defrag programs. Ever since the early days of Norton Speedisk, many people have not fully understood fragmentation and what it actually costs in terms of stability and performance. The basic idea is that if the contents of a file are not stored in contiguous (connected) clusters on the disk, it will take longer for the system to read them, resulting in degraded performance and possibly timing-related errors. HOWEVER, if you have a drive of greater capacity than about 80GB, with a 7200 RPM rotation rate, not to mention access time down around 8ms, you are simply not going to get much of a performance or timing loss as with drives with lesser specs. This makes fifty bucks for a program that MIGHT get you a 2-3 percent performance gain a very poor value. Just a note: the "300-500 percent faster" refers to defrag time, NOT performance gain!
Review date: Oct 19, 2004
- Free Trial ($65.00)
- 98/ME/2000/XP
Overpriced, under-featured
Software Organizer Deluxe version 2.2
- Interface: 2
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 1
- Overall:
This is a nice enough little program, but don't be fooled by the title. The publisher has done nothing but create a custom database from its standalone program, db Organizer Deluxe. This is basically a sixty-five dollar data file! You'd be better off buying the standalone program and creating your own custom application. Even the standalone program is overpriced, being worth maybe a third of its asking price, but at least you can create your own applications with it. Although the program does a fair job at what it tries to do, it's just too overpriced and underfeatured for me to recommend it.
Review date: Oct 09, 2004
- Free Trial ($34.95)
- Win (All)
Finally about time at last!
PocoMail version 3.1
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 4
- Overall:
I evaluate 20-30 programs a month, and after searching for a really good email client for months, I was sold on PocoMail after a few hours of serious testing, no kidding. At first install I had no fewer than seven other email clients installed (under Windows XP), and not even the slightest burp from Poco. Importing mail and contacts was easy and the features, speed and versatility are really amazing. I stopped using Microsoft's security-challenged, buggy clients long ago, and have found that Poco easily whips such heavies as Eudora, Pegasus and The Bat, as well as others like Gemini, Foxmail and an overpriced, underdeveloped mess called Bloomba. All are nice, but none do it as well as Poco. Being impervious VB and Java scripting, and with its own HTML viewer and more, it's also the safest client around, not to mention it being very stable. All in all, I find it extremely easy to give PocoMail my strongest recommendation.
Review date: Sep 09, 2004
- Freeware
- 98/ME/2000/XP
When "free" out-does "paid"
w.bloggar version 3.02
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This program has some very simple tasks to perform, and it does them extremely well, better even than some paid programs, which goes to the utter shame of those other programs. The interface is clean and functional, you can manually configure for blog sites that aren't already listed in the program, and you can fully format your posts and even modify existing posts, even if you didn't create those posts within this program. Add the ability to preview the posts in a separate window that includes your theme elements, and you have to wonder (quietly, though) why this program is free! If you have multiple blogs on multiple sites, you should appreciate this program's ability to consolidate all the work of keeping them current into one program, right on your desktop. The only things I would like to see are a calendar in the interface and maybe an in-program preview function, but even lacking those don't keep me from enthusiastically recommending this program.
Review date: Jul 16, 2004
- Free Trial ($49.95)
- 2000/XP/Vista
The real defrag is back!
O&O Defrag Professional version 6.5 Pro
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 2
- Overall:
Remember when Windows' built-in defragmenter gave you such options as optimizing free space and organizing files based on access frequency? Well, it's back with this nice program. Just about anything beats the current Windows defragmenter, but this one even beats those, by providing options that actually let you optimize your drive(s) according to how you work. Easy to configure and the scheduler is nice in that it lets you schedule a session for multiple drives at once. It also pretty much eliminates the restarting whenever drive contents change, and has a built-in error check that actually runs, AND fixes errors before optimizing, making it a truly hands-off tool. Much like another popular tool, it also has the capability to run in the background. A little too costly, but a great tool nonetheless.
Review date: Jun 21, 2004
- Freeware
- 98/ME/2000/XP
Nice app, but for one small annoyance
TrayBar version 2.4
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This is a nice, small-footprint program that does what it says with no fluff. The only minor annoyance I've noticed is that sometimes, if I point to the icon in the system tray, but don't select anything, the menu that appears won't go away. I had to point to the icon again, then select something, anything, and it then went away. This doesn't happen every time either, so it's really nothing to keep me from recommending the program, though it would be nice if it had an installer that created icons to start the program. Once you copy the program's files to a folder, you'll need to create your own shortcut.
Review date: Jun 21, 2004
Create interactive Flash movies and tutorials to show how applications and systems work.
