Home > User Reviews >
Software Reviews
by dirtnap
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
Win (All)
Still my favorite 
Hidden Menu version 2.2 R2
- Interface: 3
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I've been using Hidden Menu since their debut. I've tried out many other similar products but always chose to keep HM. It is a simple and effective solution that fits my need perfectly. Even the older versions are better than other similar products. Thanks, HM, for making my computer life easier.
Review date: Apr 24, 2007
- Freeware
- 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista
Outlook users... get a clue!
Thunderbird version 1.5.0.2
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
For the application-challenged... Get a clue! T'Bird is the current freebie champ in the e-mail category. If it's not working right on your computer it is most likely that YOU are the one who needs to clean up junk, config, and conflict problems on your system. A clean system will run this program Perfectly, and it will run rings around your beloved M.S. e-mail apps. Hundreds of experienced people in my user's group rank T'Bird as the premier mail app. If you're having a problem, go to the T'Bird forum and find out what it is that YOU are doing wrong which is causing such simple problems that even a novice should be able to figure out and correct. And T'Bird is FAR more secure than M.S. e-mail apps.
Review date: Jan 27, 2007
- Free Trial ($34.95)
- Win (All)
Easy to use -- works great!
Boilsoft Video Splitter version 4.28
- Interface: 4
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 3
- Overall:
I can't comment on another reviewer's complaint about being charged for upgrades because I have not tried to do that yet. The reason I bought this splitter instead of about a dozen others I tried is because it is "a splitter for dummies," i.e., ANYONE can use this software with virtually no learning curve -- I split my first video in less than 5 minutes without reading any help files or tutorial. It worked great with no problems. Even with help files I couldn't get the software from many other vendors to work for me -- they were very confusing to use -- not at all intuitive. Boilsoft's splitter isn't pretty, but it's simple to use and it works!
Review date: Dec 26, 2006
- Free Trial ($44.95)
- Win (All)
A superior backup application
DoubleSafety version 3.5
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 4
- Overall:
DoubleSafety deserves more than 3 stars. I've been using it for several months and it is easy to use, has good features, and is superior to most other backup apps in its price range. Download the trial version and give it a try.
Review date: Sep 11, 2006
- Free Trial ($35.00)
- Win (All)
Word without the bloat
Atlantis Word Processor version 1.6.1.3
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I have used Atlantis Pro version for years, since it's beginning. I've tried many word processor alternatives but never found any better for my needs. I use it at work and home. The only time I use MSWord is when I do heavy duty drawing or graphics work. Atlantis is amazing. I've never paid for an upgrade. Give it a try.
Review date: Aug 29, 2006
- Free Trial ($25.00)
- 98/ME/2000/XP
Sloppy uninstall routine
FileBack PC version 4.0
- Interface: 2
- Features: 1
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 3
- Overall:
I say there are better backup apps out there than this one, for the same price or less. I uninstalled it because it did not update the backup profile when I wanted to add or subtract files. The real mess came when I uninstalled it. Their uninstall routine deleted several config and dll files which belonged to other applications. I was not asked if I wanted to delete them. I had to either restore those files from an image backup or reinstall the other software apps. Be careful!
Review date: Aug 03, 2006
- Freeware
- Win (All)
Stay with free version if adequate
TreePad Lite version 3.0
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I upgraded to TreePad Safe at a reasonable cost, but a couple of months later they offered a new version number and wanted to charge me again for the new upgrade. I protested and one of their reps sent me a very rude and arrogant response. (How dare I question them for wanting more money.) I'm now using MyNotesCenter, also a premium tree-notes app, and upgrades are free forever. It's reasonably priced and even includes encryption without extra charge, unlike TreePad Safe.
Review date: Jul 15, 2006
- Freeware
- Win (All)
Ok, but not my favorite
Gadwin PrintScreen version 3.1.1052
- Interface: 2
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 3
- Overall:
This app is okay, but an old freeware program called PrintKey2000 is still my favorite for all-around features which allows for cropping, etc., before saving a graphic.
Review date: May 07, 2006
- Free Trial ($39.99)
- 98/ME/2000/XP
I changed my rating
Stomp PC Backup version 10.2
- Interface: 3
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 1
- Value: 2
- Overall:
I previously gave PC Backup a good rating. It worked ok until I installed 3 other software apps which also use my burner. Every time I ran one of these apps my XP OS would fatal crash. I did 1-by-1 uninstalls and reinstalls of all 4 apps and it turned out that PC Backup's CD-drivers were the offender. I tried for weeks to get Stompsoft tech support to help me resolve the conflict but they didn't even give me the courtesy of a single reply to any of my online tech requests. I keep my OS very clean and mean with top-rated utility software, so I am confident that PC Backup was the offender. I had to permanently uninstall it. No refund.
Review date: Mar 23, 2006
- Free Trial ($49.99)
- XP/Vista
Software conflicts
Ashampoo UnInstaller version 1.10
- Interface: 3
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 2
- Overall:
Previously I gave this app a good evaluation. After using it for several months I began to have problems with it. The primary problem was conflicts with my new spyware and antivirus programs. No conflict with my firewall. The secondary problem was that it would not fully track installs because of these conflicts; therefore, the monitored installs were incomplete or defective. I use other Ashampoo products that I am perfectly happy with, but not this one.
Review date: Jan 19, 2006
- Free Trial ($39.95)
- 98/2000/XP/2003/Vista/7
I was so impressed...
avast! Professional Edition version 4.6.691
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
After dumping the [..], I installed avast! home edition. I was so impressed that I eventually upgraded to the avast! PRO 4.6 edition to get the script blocking feature. You will NOT be disappointed with this app. If anyone is reporting a problem with avast! they probably need to simply clean up their registry of old entries that were left behind after uninstalling past applications. Left-behind registry entries can conflict with many new software installs.
Review date: Oct 13, 2005
- Free Trial ($29.95)
- Win (All)
Very under-rated
Absolute Backup version 2.3
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Version 2.3 is a fine upgrade. If you tried an earlier version you should take another look at 2.3. I have evaluated about a dozen mid-range backup apps and I rate Absolute one of the best in that range. There are more expensive apps that are not as good as Absolute 2.3.
Review date: Oct 13, 2005
- Free Trial ($19.95)
- 2000/XP/2003/Vista
Counterspy is outstanding
Counter Spy version 1.5.77
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Those reporting problems with CS probably need to clean up their registry, and if using a firewall set it to "play nice" with CS. I have used CS almost from its debut and it has not caused ANY problems or conflicts with software or hardware -- and I use many state-of-the-art applications. Their customer support is outstanding, so tell them if you have a conflict and they will fix it. Many problems with software are caused by old registry entries that no longer exist or old software drivers. CS is the best spyware app now in existence.
Review date: Oct 10, 2005
- Freeware
- XP/Vista
Have used it for 2 years - no problems
ZoneAlarm version 6.0
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Who are these people who have problems with ZA!? It is THE premium free firewall on the 'net. Perhaps those having problems need to clean their registry of old applications which can conflict. I use ZA with antivirus and spyware software without problems. If you'll clean up your registry you should not have any problems with ZA. Also review ZA's "Program Control" list to disable apps no longer on your computer. If you aren't using ZA you are not getting the BEST protection.
Review date: Oct 07, 2005
- Freeware
- 98/2000/XP/2003/Vista/7
Avast! is cutting edge technology
avast! Home Edition version 4.6.691
- Interface: 3
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I wanted to dump my ... that took over my system and disk and slowed Everything down (booting took Forever!). I tried several of the top-rated free virus apps and avast! was the hands-down winner for me. This virus program is awesome, efficient, small and fast with great features. Norton better pay attention because many others like me are dumping them. With an app like avast! you don't need Norton and their pricey upgrades, and it's FREE!
Review date: Sep 23, 2005
- Free Trial ($49.99)
- XP/Vista
May be the best...
Ashampoo Burning Studio version 5.20
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
In my opinion this is probably the BEST burner in this price range (free to $30), and I have tried 15 or more. And I have had zero install and user problems on my XP system. Free upgrades. Good tech support (but you probably won't need it). Has features found in much more expensive burners.
Review date: Sep 06, 2005
- Freeware
- 98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista
Still one of the best
Spybot - S&D version 1.4
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
S&D has apparently left Ad-Aware in the dust at this point in time, because they are updating definition files more often to keep up...
Review date: Jul 18, 2005
- Free Trial ($29.00)
- Win (All)
Excellent backup at this price
Back4WinXP version 5.0
- Interface: 4
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
If your backup needs are simple this is an excellent choice. The interface is not graphically fancy but it is very intuitive and quick to use. Has zip AES password feature but no archive encryption -- you may not need this. I use b4winxp as a secondary backup app and it is superb at doing the job it was designed to do. ***Best of all -- b4win is not buggy*** very few backup apps can make that claim. You will also like the tick-box approach to selecting files and folders. I do NOT recommend the freeware version because it does not save many of your configuration settings. Turn off the "verify" archive feature if you use a password or else you will have to re-enter it for the verify to run. This is not a bug -- just an annoyance, which I have asked them to fix.
Review date: Jun 16, 2005
- Free Trial ($49.95)
- 2000/XP/2003/Vista
Lacks two important features
Backup4all version 2.3.2 build 741
- Interface: 2
- Features: 1
- Ease of use: 2
- Value: 2
- Overall:
My primary complaint is that b4all does not automatically update the backup database when files or folders have been deleted from the hard drive; I have had to do this manually...a big hassle. Second, b4all does not offer encryption -- this may not matter to some but that is a deal killer for me.
Review date: Jun 15, 2005
- Free Trial ($49.95)
- 2000/XP/2003/Vista
One of the best of the top-rated backup apps
Genie Backup Manager Home Edition version 5.0
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I have been using Genie for about a year with no problems. The coders have done an excellent job and rarely have to fix bugs. I don't know what another evaluator is talking about who has problems with Genie not recognizing new subfolders or files in a directory. I am using version 5.0 and it detects the new data with no problem. I also use BackupMyPC and NovaBackup, also excellent apps. Genie is a bit less expensive for those on a tight budget.
Review date: Mar 08, 2005
- Freeware
- 98/ME/2000/XP
You will get hooked on keynote
Keynote version 1.6.5
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I used TreePad+ for several years until I discovered free KeyNote. TreePad is a worthy tree note program but I prefer the simplicity of Keynote, not because it is free but because it is so easy to learn and very intuitive. KeyNote is one of those apps that I use daily and couldn't get along without. Get hooked.
Review date: Feb 21, 2005
- Free Trial ($39.95)
- 98/ME/2000/XP
Clunky interface
Backup Plus version 7.6.0
- Interface: 1
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 2
- Value: 2
- Overall:
B+ seems to have most of the required functions but the interface is not user friendly -- the file and folder selection feature is not up to the standard of most newer backup apps in this class. The most positive thing I can say about B+ is that it is very stable on all windows platforms. However, it is a bit pricey compared to competitive programs.
Review date: Dec 03, 2004
- Freeware
- 98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista
Buggy
AceBackup version 2.1.1
- Interface: 2
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 1
- Overall:
Installed on an older computer, then installed on a new computer. Both times the backup ran about 3 times then just stopped working -- giving the error message "We are sorry, an error has occured and must shut down." I have used about a dozen backup programs and this is the only one that ever stopped functioning. Test this program for the full month before you buy it and run a LOT of backups before you buy it.
Review date: Nov 07, 2004
- Freeware
- 2000/XP/2003/Vista
Yes, it is better than IE, but....
Mozilla Firefox version 1.0 PR
- Interface: 3
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I still prefer the latest version of the Mozilla Browser Suite. I used FireFox for a couple of weeks then went back to Mozilla 1.73 suite. When FireFox grows up/evolves I may try it again.
Review date: Oct 18, 2004
- Freeware
- 2000/XP
This is an excellent application
CleanMOCache version 1.05
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I am using version 1.06 and it works beautifully. No problems. I can't imagine why a couple of users who have evaluated this program have given it a low rating. It does the job it was designed to do and it is very configurable. Mozilla and Firefox users will benefit from this application.
Review date: Oct 15, 2004
Create educational quizzes in Flash format that can be distributed online or as standalone .EXE file.
A powerful monitoring solution to record PC activity, including keystrokes, email and more.
Create interactive Flash movies and tutorials to show how applications and systems work.
