Software Reviews

by fair_is_fair

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)

Has saved my butt.

Dariks Boot and Nuke (DBAN) version 1.0.5

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

This is a mighty handy program to have on hand. It can be on floppy or cd. Eraser uses it and Ultimate Boot Cd has it. Sometimes an install attempt will go bad and the install will recycle not giving you options to reformat the partition. Just pop in Nuke and Boot and wipe it all clean. Then you can start over. Nice if you want to permanently delete data or a hard drive you wish to garbage or recycle. Boot and Nuke is not something new. Its been around for years and has finally been recognized for its excellence. Free open source software.

Review date: May 20, 2005

Ad Supported (Free)
2000/XP/Vista

This is terrific

Foxit PDF Reader version 1.2 Build 0114

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

1/16 the size of Acrobat Reader. Opens pdf FAST unlike AR. I uninstalled AR and use Foxit only. Does everything I need to do with pdf. A lovely, free tool. Thanks Foxit.

Review date: Mar 04, 2005

Freeware
Win (All)

The best browser, bar none

Opera version 7.54u2

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

Snapfiles only gives Opera 4 stars! It deserves 5 stars easily. I will not use anything else. Opera has it all. A great email program, auto-login, tabbed browsing, top notch security, speed, etc., etc. I have tried all the alternatives and Mozilla suite is the only other one I would use. I also keep Faststone 4in1 browser for its terrific and simple http server and ftp client. What does turn people off about Opera is the big ad in the toolbar. Why don't they lose that?

Review date: Feb 14, 2005

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

Wow!

Dexpot version 1.3

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

After reading the others reviews, I needed to try dexpot. I was not disappointed. It reminds me of the multiple desktops available in linux's kde. I love being able to password protect desktops. Very handy for another user as well. I hav'nt even scratched the surface yet of what this program is capable of. It has many features. Very well done!

Review date: Jan 07, 2005

Freeware
NT/2000/XP

Handy little program

SaveIt! version 2.2

Interface: 3
Features: 2
Ease of use: 3
Value: 5
Overall:

I've been looking for something like this for ages. Simple password protection for programs and applications. Easy and quick to use. Ideal for families. Ideal for security. You can protect documents, as Snap says, but in doing so you protect the application itself not individual documents. So you will have all documents of the same type password protected - not handy. The help files are not in english yet so a couple aspects of the program remain puzzling. If this program was capable of protecting individual files, it would be awesome. I would give it a better rating if there were english help files.

Review date: Jan 07, 2005

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

Nag screens

FxFoto (Free version) version 2.1.046

Interface: 3
Features: 4
Ease of use: 2
Value: 1
Overall:

Fxfoto has some nice features if you can live with the nag screens to upgrade and buy. I couldn't so uninstalled before I really tested it out. Sorry fxfoto. I've no patience for those kind of tactics. I have bought, and donated to, several free programs in my own good time.

Review date: Dec 05, 2004

Ad Supported (Free)
98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista

Not worth 5 stars

Copernic Desktop Search version 1.1

Interface: 4
Features: 2
Ease of use: 3
Value: 5
Overall:

This is a handy tool for those using Internet Explorer and Outlook Express exclusively. There are no search engine options, email client options, or default browser options. I found it unstable and prone to freeze ups on my system.

Review date: Dec 02, 2004

Freeware
2000/XP/Vista

Doesn't work for me

Rainlendar Lite version 0.19.3

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

Because of the high reviews, I've downloaded and installed this twice over the last few months to no avail. The first time it failed to install properly. It worked the last time but failed on machine restart saying a dll was missing. It seemed ok while I had the chance to play with it. I rarely have this trouble and am disappointed with this software.

Review date: Nov 12, 2004

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP/2003

Goodbye Easy CD Creator

DeepBurner version 1.1.5.149

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

This is FREE? Wow! What a bargain. I've used Easy CD Creator for years so I was used to its flaws and aggravations but the last time it froze my cd tray was enough. I uninstalled it and hunted for a new cd program and found this. Of course, I read all the user reviews. This program is small and amazingly simple. I had three ISO images to burn - bang, bang, bang, and I was done. No fuss - no problem, and fast. This is the way burning CDs was supposed to be.

Review date: Nov 12, 2004

Freeware
2000/XP/Vista

Faststone products are great

FastStone Photo Resizer version 1.3

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

This is good and the viewer is good but have you tried Faststone's 4 - 1 browser? It's so simple and functional it makes me want to cry. What a thrill to find such user-friendly programs. It only took me seconds to setup my ftp and http server. And you can surf the net too. You could spend an hour with some of the bloatware out there trying to accomplish something simple.

Review date: Nov 07, 2004

Freeware
98/2000/XP/2003/Vista/7

Excellent

FastStone Image Viewer version 1.3

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

This is a very nice image viewer. Easy to use with good editing tools. If it had the same email features with resizing that Picasa has, it would be hard to beat. I also like 11view which is very comparable to this but with its own emailer. It's hard to pick a favourite between Faststone, 11view, and Picasa. They all have unique features. Install all three and enjoy them.

Review date: Nov 04, 2004

Freeware
Win (All)

Nice download manager

LeechGet 2007 version 1.1

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

I've tried all the popular download managers before including DAP which really sucks. I gave up on them all. I decided to try leechget. I'm impressed and happy. Everything works and there are NO nag screens or ads. I don't know about speed increase and I don't care. I just want "resume" and no timeouts. Leechget does the job.

Review date: Aug 27, 2004

Freeware
Win (All)

Excellent full screen viewer

11view version 2.01

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

This is the best full screen viewer I have found thus far. It has some nice editing tools. It has its own 'email pic' feature that works well. It has gif and icon tools. Batch resizing. A very easy program to use for beginners with enough features for advanced users. I have it set as default viewer for all my pics with its "open with" button set for more editing program choices. The only bug I have found is the print tool will not come up. The developer gave me a quick reply about the problem and they are investigating. I would give it 5 stars but for the print bug. Excellent, easy to use software.

Review date: Aug 23, 2004

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

Tremendous

Convert version 4.10

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

My hat is off to the people/person responsible for this program. No install necessary and free. Simple and quick. This is a must-have tool for every computer user. Especially for those of us in Canada who are eternally converting metric to good old standard miles and pounds. Totally Awesome! If any program deserved to make a few bucks - its this one.

Review date: Aug 08, 2004

Freeware
XP/Vista/7

Good program

Picasa version 1.6

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

I've used a few different programs to handle my digital pics, the last being Photosuite. Picasa beats out others in a couple of categories. The email feature is excellent. You can use your own client or Picasa itself. You can set the resize option to a number of choices. Printing is easy with great results. Exporting an album to webpage is pretty cool. Picasa will also monitor folders or drives for changes and will watch for duplicates. All in all, Pic is better than most for organizing, deleting, renaming, and VIEWING photos. Editing abilities are limited to red eye and cropping. The enhance feature is useless. I'm keeping Photosuite for editing purposes but using Picasa for the hard work. A lot of thought has went into this program with all the right options. I guarantee you will like this one.

Review date: Jul 18, 2004

Freeware
Win (All)

Not bad

XoloX version 1.20

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

I used Xolox in its early days. The early versions were great but later versions suffered from instability and crashing. This could have been related to Windows ME. I am pleased to say Xolox has revived and revamped everything. It has some nice features including easy bandwidth control. Good work Xolox and welcome back. Shareaza look out!

Review date: May 24, 2004

Freeware
2000/XP/Vista

5 stars!

Ad-Aware Free version 6.181

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

I've been using adaware forever and I even bought the adwatch version in the old days. I really hate the new pay-for version with all the extra(frustrating features) so I use the free one.

Review date: May 24, 2004

Freeware
2000/XP/Vista/7

Very good

Spybot - S&D version 1.3

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

Every computer needs this and Adaware. Spybots does not keep up with the spyware updates that fast. Spywareblaster is also a nice free addition to your arsenal.

Review date: May 24, 2004

Freeware
2000/XP/2003/Vista/7

Really not necessary

MyUninstaller version 1.20

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

Most of these uninstallers programs are unnecessary and really do little more than the program's own uninstaller. But they are pretty and convenient. If you want a true monitoring installer/uninstaller that works, get TotalUninstall.

Review date: May 24, 2004

Freeware
2000/XP/2003/Vista

Good stuff

NTRegOpt version 1.1.c

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

Will work with xp sp2. I use this and erunt both from the same maker and both excellent.

Review date: May 24, 2004

Freeware
2000/XP/Vista

Easy and effective

AxCrypt version 1.5.1

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

I have tried HideFolders, Cryptainer, Abi-coder, and more. This is the easiest of the lot. Everything is available on the right click menu. No searching, no windows, no dragging and dropping. Another fine example of simple, straight forward, effective, and free software.

Review date: May 24, 2004

Freeware
Win (All)

Snap gives this 5 stars?

Winuscon version 1.56

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

This program sucks. It is ugly, unstable, and hard to uninstall. Back up your data if you try this thing. Use at your own risk. I have no idea why snap gives it 5 stars. I found it primitive.

Review date: May 24, 2004

Freeware
2000/XP/Vista

Nice

FileZilla version 2.2.4f

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

Easy to use. Been using it for a year or two with no problems.

Review date: May 24, 2004

Free Trial ($29.95)
Win (All)

Cute program

EXEmp3 version 2.21

Interface: 3
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 2
Overall:

It is a little pricey but it is kind of neat to send music and a player to contacts. Works well.

Review date: May 23, 2004

Free Trial ($24.95)
Win (All)

Pretty good

Kirby Alarm version 2.1

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

I have been trying these stickynote, alarm, reminder, etc. programs forever. Most were too complicated and time consuming to do anything with. Some were unstable and resource hogs. This one is the easiest to use with all the features you need. Remember when hotmail had the email reminder feature? This program has it and it works awesome. It can use your email client or it has its own smtp server. You can also use Kirby to run programs at set times. Try this one - I think you will like it. You have to love these guys who offer nifty little programs for free. I have acquaintances who say if it is free then it is no good. I also use and test shareware stuff. Most times the freebies are as good if not better.

Review date: May 23, 2004

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

Early versions were better

cam2pc - Freeware version 4.3.3

Interface: 3
Features: 3
Ease of use: 1
Value: 5
Overall:

I loved the early versions of this program. Simple and easy. I was never able to figure out this new one(I honestly did not spend a lot of time). I'm sure it is fine but I prefer something a little less complicated. One thing I really do like is the auto disconnect feature which is very important for xp users. If you unplug your camera improperly after downloading the photos you can damage the media card.

Review date: May 23, 2004

Freeware
Win (All)

Resize digital photos fast and easy

Easy Thumbnails version 2.8

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

This is a terrific little freeware program for resizing photos. The name is deceiving, although it is great for making thumbnails it is awesome at resizing digital pictures. I can resize a folder of 6 mega pixel pictures very quickly with this program and the results are very nice. The best feature being "easy".

Review date: May 22, 2004

Freeware
Win (All)

Does not get any better than this

RoboForm version 5.6.6

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

Form filling, logons, password generator, and my fave is safenotes. I love being able to save and transfer my Roboform data. Very handy if your machine crashes or you install robo on another machine.

Review date: May 16, 2004

Freeware
Win (All)

The best one

MWSnap version 3.0.0.74

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

Lovely program.

Review date: May 16, 2004

Freeware
2000/XP/Vista/7

Best all round media player by far

Winamp (Full) version 5.02

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

You cannot beat Winamp. Will play pretty well anything and there are loads of codecs available. Forget Quicktime, Real, and Windows MediaPlayer. Winamp does it all in one package.

Review date: May 16, 2004

Freeware
XP/Vista/7

Good protection but hard to use.

ZoneAlarm version 4.5.538.001

Interface: 1
Features: 2
Ease of use: 1
Value: 5
Overall:

Zonealarm has a good reputation for a firewall but my experience with it was poor. I found the interface hokey. I allowed programs access and found later they were denied access.

Review date: May 16, 2004

Freeware
2000/XP/2003/Vista

Turn off system restore

ERUNT version 1.1.c

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

This is the ideal replacement for the the bloated and resource hogging system restore feature in Windows. And Erunt always works. It also works with xp service pack 2. Fast and so easy.

Review date: May 16, 2004

Freeware
98/ME/2000/XP

The best file sharing program

Shareaza version 1.8.11.2

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

I have tried them all and I keep coming back to Shareaza. No ads. No spyware. Good results.

Review date: May 16, 2004

Freeware
2000/XP/2003/Vista

Good tool

IZArc version 3.4.1.6

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

There are quite a few good, free zip tools around. This one is my current favourite. Handles 7zip and will open most anything. Simple to use with right-click options. It would be stupid to pay for something like Winz*p or Winr*r when something like this is FREE.

Review date: May 16, 2004

Free Trial ($14.00)
Win (All)

Super!

dBpowerAMP Music Converter version R9a

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

I am confused with Jim`s review. The download is free and nothing is crippled. In fact this program is amazing. No learning curve. And it will convert most anything to anything. You even get right-click menu options for faster and easier converting. All the codec plugins are available at Poweramp`s site. I rip my cds directly to monkey audio file type for the best quality and the best compression. Oh yes, db rips cds faster than lightning. db s music player is great too. 6 stars in my book.

Review date: May 16, 2004

Freeware
Win (All)

Nice

Yankee-Clipper version 1.0

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

Look no further. The ultimate clipboard. This program will make your life so much easier. It is not complicated. I ve used it for at least 2 years and would not consider being without it.

Review date: May 16, 2004

Freeware
98/2000/XP/2003/Vista/7

Best antivirus protection

avast! Home Edition version 4.1.396

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

You Norton users should listen up. Avast is free and it works. I received updates (automatically) 3 days in a row when the Sasser virus surfaced. One update came on Sunday. The people at Avast are on top of things. I`ve never had an infection and I`ve used Avast since their early days. The key to protection is getting the updates quick and Avast excels at this. Thank you Avast for the fine service you offer.

Review date: May 16, 2004

Freeware
Win (All)

Very good

Vallen e-Mailer version R2004.0510

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

The easiest program I have found to send mail to large numbers of people including some pay-for programs.

Review date: May 16, 2004

Freeware
98/2000/XP/2003/Vista/7

Indispensable

WordWeb version 3.01

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

This program should be on every computer especially those used by children. Simply highlight the word and click on the taskbar icon and, viola, you have the information. Very easy to use. Snap only gives this 4 stars but it should get 5. To top it all off - it is FREE.

Review date: May 16, 2004

Spytech SpyAgent

A powerful monitoring solution to record PC activity, including keystrokes, email and more.

Demo Builder

Create interactive Flash movies and tutorials to show how applications and systems work.

Remote Desktop Manager

Manage all your remote connections and virtual machines from a single application interface.