Publicidad

mardi 29 janvier 2013

Download HWiNFO32 Portable 4.00 Free

Download HWiNFO32 Portable 4.00 Free

How much RAM memory does my computer have? Which is the exact brand and model of my video card? How fast is my processor?

HWiNFO32 Portable can answer all these questions ? and many others ? relating to the hardware configuration of your computer. HWiNFO32 Portable, which is a standalone application, performs a thorough system analysis and displays a highly detailed report with information about all the components and devices installed on the PC.

HWiNFO32 Portable analyzes all common elements such as processor, memory, mother board, graphics card, hard drives, network devices and more. It also includes a basic benchmarking tool to test the power and speed of different elements on your system ? though nothing as detailed as other more popular benchmarking utilities.

In all, HWiNFO32 Portable is a handy tool that provides you with detailed information in just a couple of clicks, and also enables you to export those reports to several formats: XT, CSV, XML and HTML.

With HWiNFO32 Portable you'll have access to a fully detailed report about the hardware configuration of your computer.

Recent changes
  • Enhanced enumerating of SATA drives and respective SMART status reporting.
  • Improved sensor monitoring across Standby/Resume phases.
  • Enhanced sensor monitoring on ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX.
  • Fixed missing bottom menu in sensor window on some systems with lower screen resolution.
  • Improved enumeration of USB ports and devices.
  • USB device enumeration is now attached to PCI USB Host Controllers too.
  • Fixed changing of values in sensor config.
  • Improved sensor monitoring performance on systems with Sandy Bridge and later CPUs and added reporting of PCH temperature.
  • Added reporting of driver information for major devices (PCI, USB, GPU, Audio, Network).
  • Added support of SMSC LPC47M534 sensor.
  • Updated SMBIOS support to v2.7.1.
  • Updated reporting of shader count on AMD Southern Islands and London series GPUs.
  • Enhanced sensor monitoring on ASUS P8H61-I.
  • Improved reporting of parameters on several AMD GPUs.
  • Added AMD Bonaire and Oland.
Notes

This is the portable version of HWiNFO32.

Review last updated: 22/06/12

Pros
  • Very detailed reports
  • No installation required
  • Exports to several formats
Cons
  • Basic benchmarking tool

Download HWiNFO32 Portable 4.00

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Download Cubemen 1.1 Free

Download Cubemen 1.1 Free

Cubemen is a 3D Good v Evil tower defense style game when little blue men take on little red men in an effort to attack their respective areas.

It's fast and furious with various modes and levels plus a "Skirmish mode" which allows you to play against either the computer or another human opponent. This means you can play a human v human tower defense game in real time. However, there are no static towers like in a normal tower defense game - it's all about invading the opponents area with your little men.

You can move your Cubemen around the board at any time or click on an enemy to target them. There are a bewildering array of levels to choose from including 35 Defense Levels, 25 Skimish Levels, 6 Mayhem Levels and 6 Defense Gameplay modes. You can also play a Cubemen Multiplayer game across platforms, so you can play iPad v Steam etc.

Cubemen is a fun and challenging game that takes an original slant on the tower defense genre.

Review last updated: 04/07/12

Pros
  • Original tower defense game
  • Lots of levels and challenges
  • Fast and furious
  • Requires lots of strategic thinking
Cons
  • No developer site or support

Download Cubemen 1.1

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Download Filter Forge 3.0 Free

Download Filter Forge 3.0 Free

Filter Forge is designed to help you create stunning filters as a high-end plug-in for Adobe Photoshop. It allows you to build your own filters, textures, visual effects, distortions, patterns, backgrounds, and frames in a few clicks. The key features of Filter Forge include a visual filter editor and a free online library of 6000+ user-created filters to which anyone can contribute.

If you're a dab hand with Photoshop then creating filters is something you'll be familiar with but if you're not, you might need a helping hand which is what Filter Forge aims to do. Filter Forge's interface is simple enough to use even for beginners. You can use it either within Photoshop or as a standalone plugin.

What makes Filter Forge stand out from most average plugins are three main features. The obvious one is that via the simple editor, you can create your own filters. Although it is quite straightforward with an excellent user guide, Filter Forge still requires some knowledge of creating filters to be used effectively. Note that all filters support 16- and 32-bit modes only in Photoshop.

Additionally, Filter Forge is very much a user oriented application. There are thousands of free filters created by other users and if you become a contributor yourself, you receive the full version of Filter Forge absolutely free. It's not clear how good your filters have to be to qualify but it seems like generally anything goes.

Filter Forge is an excellent filter creation tool with a strong community spirit that will enhance your Photoshop creations.

Review last updated: 29/06/12

Pros
  • Works within Photoshop or as a standalone app
  • Lots of user generated filters
  • Full version free for those who contribute filters
Cons
  • Requires some knowledge of filter creation
  • No 64 bit support

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Download Disk Health Monitor 2.0.9 Free

Download Disk Health Monitor 2.0.9 Free

Disk Health Monitor is a diminutive application that sits in your system tray and helps you monitor any errors or problems your hard drives may be having.

Data loss is never fun so taking preventative measures can help you save your valuable data. Besides performing regular backups, you should also have an application that monitors any problems with your disks.

Disk Health Monitor not only monitors any problems with your hard drives but it can also send you alerts via e-mail if anything goes wrong. This assumes that Disk Health Monitor can still run on a failing hard drive or is detecting a failure on an external drive.

The application interface is simple and after you install it, you only need to configure it once and forget about it. Rest assured knowing that Disk Health Monitor is watching over your disks.

Overall, Disk Health Monitor is a lightweight application that is good at detecting basic problems with your hard drives.

Review last updated: 11/07/12

Pros
  • Sends email alerts
  • Simple interface
  • Lightweight app
Cons
  • Can't detect all hard drive problems
  • Lacks features to fix simple problems

Download Disk Health Monitor 2.0.9

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Download MicroVolts Free

Download MicroVolts Free

MicroVolts is a fast paced cartoon style third person shooter, where the goal is to beat your opponents online by collecting batteries and making kills.

You play toys with guns in MicroVolts, in a variety of colorful maps, like bedroom desks, gardens and wild west sets. It's totally cartoon violence, with players exploding into toy parts when they die.

MicroVolts is hardly original, with a style reminiscent of Team Fortress, but it's pulled off with fun and some nice arena design that make it enjoyable. The game modes too are pretty standard, but it's very acessible, with simple controls and an excellent tutorial.

Killed players leave battery energy or bullets for you to collect to boost your health and ammunition. There are seven weapons to use in game, which cover just about any play style you could imagine. The speed of MicroVolts is such that you'll always be rotating through the weapons as you need them.

MicroVolts looks good, and its frenetic pace make it an ideal game to jump into occasionally. It may not have the depth to keep your attention for too long, but it's definitely worth downloading and trying out.

Review last updated: 16/07/12

Pros
  • Easy to get into
  • Fast and fun
  • Good graphics and presentation
Cons
  • Lacks depth

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lundi 28 janvier 2013

Download Noise Ninja Photoshop plugin 2.4.2 Free

Download Noise Ninja Photoshop plugin 2.4.2 Free

Noise Ninja is an effective Photoshop plugin which enables you to remove noise and distortions from digital photographs and scanned film images.

It's particularly useful for those who shoot in low-light or fast-action footage such as news, sports and general event coverage where high ISO photography is used. The problem with such ISO photography is the resulting noise which Noise Ninja can significantly help in reducing.

Of course, Noise Ninja requires Photoshop and editing with Noise Ninja is what is known as "destructive" editing which means that it's not as kind on images as using Photoshop directly but most users report the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Noise Ninja is an excellent Photoshop plugin for all those that need to remove noise from high ISO images.

Recent changes
  • Fixes the "Could not complete the command because there is not enough memory (RAM)" Photoshop error. (this error occurred because of interaction with another 3rd party plug-in)
  • Certain key sequences could cause Noise Ninja to stop updating the preview window. This has been fixed.

Review last updated: 12/07/12

Pros
  • Removes noise from images in Photoshop
  • Sharpens Photoshop images
Cons
  • Requires Photoshop

Download Noise Ninja Photoshop plugin 2.4.2

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Download ACDSee Pro Photo Manager 5.3.168 Free

Download ACDSee Pro Photo Manager 5.3.168 Free

ACDSee Pro Photo Manager helps you organize and keep track of all of the photographs and other images you have on your PC.

ACDSee Pro Photo Manager includes a useful set of tools that allow you to classify images according to self-created categories, ratings and "auto categories" that are based on the image's EXIF data. A nice search tool is also included - simply enter the first few letters of the file's name and ACDSee Pro Photo Manager will find it in seconds. This is quite a useful feature, as is the ACDSee Pro Photo Manager Help system, which seems fairly complete.

Among some of ACDSee Pro Photo Manager's strong points are the ability to perform batch operations and an interesting develop option that allows you to safely tweak your photos' specifications. ACDSee Pro Photo Manager is also configured to make the most of internet functionality, with good email and online sharing options, including the ability to upload directly to Flickr.

The developers of ACDSee Pro Photo Manager have vastly improved the installation process in this newest version. Unfortunately, you still have to enter your email address to receive an unlock access code to the trial version, which might annoy some users. The interface is a bit cluttered too, and can be confusing when you first get started. The interface includes directory tree structure on the left, the selected folder's contents in the central pane and a handy options menu on the right to categorize, tag and rate your pictures.

ACDSee Pro Photo Manager may appear a bit overwhelming at first, but it is actually a very comprehensive photo management option.

Recent changes
  • Photo Developing:
  • Smarter Sharpening:
  • • A new user-controlled edge detection mask slider lets you focus the sharpening effect more to edges and textures than non-textured areas.
  • Split-toning:
  • • Take your photos to the edge in either Develop or Edit mode using split-toning to create sepia or tinted black & white, Or add a tinted color to highlights and another to shadows to create a dramatic toning effect.

  • Photo Editing:
  • Dodge and Burn:
  • • Target shadows, midtones or highlights for lightening or darkening with the Dodge and Burn tool, or selectively add vibrance, saturate or desaturate areas of interest.

  • Drawing Tools:
  • • Put your photos to work for you using drawing tools to add lines and shapes such as squares, circles and arrows to draw attention to certain elements in your image. You can also adjust the width, feathering and blending of your brush to create subtle or dramatic drawing effects.
  • Special Effects:
  • Apply and fine-tune a range of pre-set effects quickly and easily with the Special Effects palette, now including:
  • Lomo Effect:
  • • Apply the popular Lomo effect to give an edgy, retro feel to your photos.
  • Collage Effect:
  • • Creatively display your photo in a collage of prints.
  • Orton Effect:
  • • Give an ethereal, pastel-like touch to your portraits and landscapes.

  • Workflow:
  • Color Labels:
  • • Use color labels to quickly identify groups within a large number of photos for processing. As your review your photos, quickly mark ones for different stages of your workflow. For example, assign files to color labels you have named such as upload, print, reject, develop or edit and then click a color label in the Organize pane to quickly display all of the files assigned to that label. Or use them in combination with the Group by, or Filter By features to refine your list. Color labels, like tagging, categories and ratings, are a way to set aside, organize, and group your photos without moving them into different folders.
  • Batch Export Tool:
  • • Save a group of photos to your specifications faster than ever with the updated ACDSee Pro 5 Batch Export tool. The batch export tool allows you to create presets for easily exporting groups of files to specified folders, file names, formats, colour spaces and dimensions.
  • Remove Metadata:
  • • Use the Remove Metadata tool to keep your proprietary information private by stripping EXIF and IPTC metadata to protect the details of your locations, camera settings and equipment choices.

Review last updated: 12/07/12

Pros
  • Excellent range of editing and sorting functions
  • Good tagging options
  • RAW editing enabled
  • Advanced color options
Cons
  • Interface can appear cluttered
  • Registration process is lengthy

Download ACDSee Pro Photo Manager 5.3.168

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Download Timeline Remove 0.9.8 (Internet Explorer) Free

Download Timeline Remove 0.9.8 (Internet Explorer) Free

Timeline Remove is an extension for Internet Explorer that removes the Timeline view of your Facebook profile and restores the classic look.

Not everyone's a huge fan of the changes Facebook has introduced recently. Timeline is one of the latest alterations made to Facebook's user interface. It transforms all of your posts into an organized chronology based on the year posted. It also allows you to choose a large background picture to display at the top of your profile page and behind your profile picture.

If you're one of Facebook's users who isn't thrilled with this new change, give Timeline Remove a try. Once installed, this extension for Internet Explorer restore the classic profile appearance for you. Timeline Remove is easy to install and a great way to get back to the look you prefer on Facebook.

Unfortunately, Timeline Remove only changes the appearance of profile pages for those who have the extension. That means your friends and family who haven't installed this extension will still be able to see your Timeline while you're enjoying the classic look on your end.

Say good-bye to Facebook's Timeline interface in seconds thanks to Timeline Remove for Internet Explorer!

Pros
  • Works instantly
  • Eliminates your view of Timeline
Cons
  • Works on profiles, but not pages
  • Changes are only visible to you

Download Timeline Remove 0.9.8 (Internet Explorer)

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Download Muso 1.4.28 Free

Download Muso 1.4.28 Free

Muso is a tool that lets users browse and sort through their music library.

It's difficult to define a program like Muso. It's not a music player, nor is it a playlist manager. Instead, it can be viewed more as an alternative way to manage and organize your music collection.

First, import your music into Muso. Users can do this by either selecting individual files or folders on their hard drive or else by selecting their iTunes or Winamp library. This will ultimately allow you to manage your collection in a far more flexible way.

Muso lets you browse complete albums or individual songs, and also sort or filter music by artist, year, rating and more. There's also an advanced tagging system many users will appreciate. Muso not only has the ability to group albums under the same artists, despite any spelling differences, it also offers support for mood tags. Also included is album artwork and artist information downloaded from Last.fm, Wikipedia and Amazon.

Note that Muso itself is not a music player, although it can be linked to third party players like iTunes and Winamp. This in may be a downside for many users who won't like the idea of needing to use two programs to enjoy their music collection. There's also no real social features that would allow users to connect with other friends using Muso.

Overall, Muso works great as an alternative interface to browse and sort your music collection, if you're willing to use a third party player to actually listen to songs.

Pros
  • Support for iTunes and Winamp libraries
  • Excellent tagging system to organize and browse music
  • Extra information about artists from Last.fm, Wikipedia and Amazon
Cons
  • Lacks advanced playback functionality
  • No social features

Download Muso 1.4.28

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samedi 26 janvier 2013

Download K-Lite Codec Pack Update 9.5.5 Free

Download K-Lite Codec Pack Update 9.5.5 Free

The K-Lite Codec Pack 9.5.2 update will install updated drivers into the K-Lite Codec Pack 9.1 version of the program.

This update includes:

Updated Media Player Classic Home Cinema to version 1.6.5.6237
Updated LAV Filters to version 0.53.2-8-g7fd402c
Updated DirectVobSub to xy-VSFilter version 3.0.0.211
Fixed a problem that could result in subtitles failing to load

These new installations will ensure that any broken codecs are repaired and optimized for useability.

Recent changes
  • Updated Media Player Classic Home Cinema to version 1.6.5.6237
  • Updated LAV Filters to version 0.53.2-8-g7fd402c
  • Updated DirectVobSub to xy-VSFilter version 3.0.0.211
  • Fixed a problem that could result in subtitles failing to load

Review last updated: 21/11/12

Pros
  • Updates K-Lite Codec to 9.5.2
Cons

Download K-Lite Codec Pack Update 9.5.5

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Download PowerBK 2.4.8 Free

Download PowerBK 2.4.8 Free

PowerBK is an e-book reader that helps you organize your collection.

If you're an avid ebook reader, you probably know you don't have to have your e-reader handy in order to actually access and enjoy your ebook library.

Similar to Calibre, PowerBK lets you sort through your ebook library from your PC's desktop. It offers a lot of great ways to search and later sort your books. You can look for books in your collections by author, title, ISBN number and more. In addition, PowerBK can manage the information stored in your book's data fields, such as location, number of pages, publication year, plus its cover art.

PowerBK also offers Google Books integration and a password protection feature that allows you to keep your dara secure. There are also a variety of different file formats in which you can export your book's data with PowerBK, including .txt, .doc and .pdf.

Unfortunately, PowerBK's interface is quite confusing for first timers to navigate. It's also very plain looking, which might turn off other users who want a sleek looking interface during their reading experience.

PowerBK is a solid ebook organizer, if you can get past the cluttered, confusing and plain looking interface.

Review last updated: 23/07/12

Pros
  • Search for books in a variety of different ways
  • Integration with Google Books
Cons
  • Interface is pretty plain
  • Some sections in Italian on the English version
  • Lots of screens to go through on setup

Download PowerBK 2.4.8

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Download Roboscan Internet Security Free 2.5 Free

Download Roboscan Internet Security Free 2.5 Free

Roboscan Internet Security Free is an antivirus, anti-adware, and firewall all rolled in an easy to use program.

Roboscan Internet Security Free's interface is simple and easy to understand. The most important alerts are given to you immediately. If anything requires an action, an exclamation mark will appear. There are three options for scanning your system: 'Quick,' 'Basic,' and 'Advanced' scan. You can schedule scans so your computer won't be slowed down during a scan.

Performance of Roboscan Internet Security Free is good. Scans were fairly quick and the real time protection detected lots of adware and tracking cookies. Roboscan uses the robust BitDefender scanning engine. The real time protection of Roboscan Internet Security Free is a bit aggressive when detecting adware but there is an 'Excluded Items' list.

Users can specify what folders are to be scanned during an 'Advanced' scan or Roboscan Internet Security Free can scan the entire computer. Roboscan Internet Security Free also includes a basic Firewall, which will be more than enough for the average user. There's also a file shredder within the app to make deleted files unrecoverable.

Roboscan Internet Security Free is ad-supported but the ads are non-obtrusive. Paid versions get PC optimization features and no ads. The enterprise version has the ability to implement changes to security policies over the network.

Roboscan Internet Security Free features a great antivirus scanning engine and real time protection in this free, impressive app.

Review last updated: 24/07/12

Pros
  • Realtime protection
  • Effective finding viruses and adware
  • Speedy scans
Cons
  • Enormous download

Download Roboscan Internet Security Free 2.5

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Download Direct Folders 3.7 Free

Download Direct Folders 3.7 Free

Those of us who work with the PC on a daily basis usually waste too much time browsing through the file structure in Windows just to find a given file or select the appropriate location to save a document.

Fortunately now there's Direct Folders: a simple yet highly functional tool that works as a Windows Explorer enhancement and lets you access your more frequently used folders from any standard file dialog in the system, and also from Windows Explorer itself. You can launch Direct Folders in several ways: from the program's icon on the System Tray or simply by left double clicking on any empty area in the desktop, Windows Explorer or any open/save file dialog.

The folder menu is easily customizable with your favorite folders in the program's settings menu. Plus, this same menu enables you to take advantage of other Direct Folders functions, such as enlarging file dialogs to make them easier to use and customizing the folders that appear on the places bar along the left side of Windows open/save file dialogs.

On the downside, the program still keeps some of its goodies for a pro version. In any case, this free version doesn't feel crippled at all and helps a lot when browsing your system's file structure.

With Direct Folders you can improve the way you work with Windows File Explorer in several ways: quick access for folders, larger file dialogs and customizable places bars.

Recent changes
  • Added: Changing 'Load at Windows startup' option without admin rights.
  • Fixed: Auto set view modes under Windows Vista/7.
  • Fixed: Detecting currently open Explorer windows.
  • Fixed: Showing path of current executable for 64bit apps.
  • Added: Support for Total Commander 8.01rc4

Review last updated: 26/07/12

Pros
  • Several ways to open the program
  • Very intuitive, totally customizable
Cons
  • Some Explorer tweaks are reserved for a Pro version

Download Direct Folders 3.7

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Download Guild Wars 2 Free

Download Guild Wars 2 Free

Guild Wars 2 is one of the most anticipated game sequels of the year. The biggest questions about this MMORPG are: is it better than the first? will it be a real MMORPG?, and will it still be free online once purchased? The answer to all three is 'yes', and regarding being better than Guild Wars, we can happily report it is much better.

You begin your quest by choosing a race, from Sylvari, Norn, Asura and Charr. Like Star Wars The Old Republic, these choices are not just aesthetic, since your choice will affect much of the subsequent story too. The professions (classes), are the same as in Guild Wars, and offer the same variety, but they are much more tactical than before.

Guild Wars 2 stands out as being a challenging MMORPG. It's not as easy to climb the XP ladder as players are used to in World of Warcraft or The Old Republic. It takes time and skill to grow your character, and a great part of this is how Guild Wars 2 has removed the repetitive 'grind' missions that litter so many similar games. Missions in Guild Wars 2 make sense for the overall story, so you won't have to go and hunt 100 boars in the search for experience points.

Another innovation is how you can play together. No planning is needed - you can simply join in a battle or event as you see it. Early on you'll see how much more social Guild Wars 2 is, and how much more of the game you spend playing with other players.

Technically, Guild Wars 2 is excellent. The graphics and sound are fantastic throughout, although you'll need a powerful PC to get the most out of them.


Guild Wars 2 is an excellent MMORPG. It makes great innovations in the genre, which make it really accessible and fun to play. The story is great too, and really motivates you to keep playing. Finally we have a game that shakes off the traditions of World of Warcraft, and moves online fantasy role play forward. Essential.

Notes

The download link will take you to the Guild Wars 2 store, where you can purchase and download the game

Review last updated: 05/09/12

Pros
  • Original features that improve the MMO genre
  • Spectacular graphics
  • Dynamic events
  • Great story
Cons
  • Some problems with lag

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vendredi 25 janvier 2013

Download Prototype 2 Free

Download Prototype 2 Free

Prototype 2 is much better than we hoped. It has a strong story line and a protagonist you can empathize with, but more than that, the gameplay has improved in every way, making this perhaps the most solid sandbox game available. Prototype 2 is a great game.

You play Sgt James Heller, a soldier who has shape-shifting powers. A deadly virus has swept through New York, killing your family and leaving you nothing to live for, except to kill the man you blame for their death - Alex Mercer, the protagonist of the first Prototype.

Prototype 2's New York Zero is split into areas, depending on the level of viral infection. There's green, which should be safe, yellow, which is poor and full of shanty towns, where the virus can be found, and red, where the virus is rampant. You'll do missions in all of these areas, on your way to confront Alex Mercer. By consuming other people, Sgt James Heller can assume their identities and read their memories.

Heller's powers are what make Prototype 2 so much fun - leaping, climbing and flying around the city is excellent, and the combat is varied and never gets boring. As the challenge increases, you'll need better tactics and more variety to overcome the enemies and bosses you'll meet. Infiltration of enemy compounds is also enjoyable, as you try to consume and take on the appearance of different people out of view of others. Your available options increase as you progress, for example, turning a soldier into a biological bomb... don't forget that Prototype 2 is a game with an 18 rating for a reason!

Heller is an engaging character, with some excellent and often funny speech throughout the game. Prototype 2's sound in general is excellent, with some pretty gruesome sound effects. There are some nice graphic touches too. New York looks really good, and is filled with life and detail that makes it a convincing environment to navigate. Helicopters and tanks in Prototype 2 look fantastic, especially as you're tearing them to pieces!

Overall, Prototype 2 is a huge improvement over the enjoyable original. There are occasional moments of monotony in some missions, but in general, developer Radical Entertainment has learned from its mistakes. It's one of the most enjoyable sandboxes in recent years, fleshed out with a compelling storyline, charismatic characters and some really impressive graphics. Not to be missed.

Notes

The Steam app is required to purchase and play this game

Pros
  • Better in ever way than Prototype
  • Well developed story
  • Better organised powers
  • Huge amount to do in the game
Cons
  • Occasional missions are dull
  • Some boss fights are too tough

Download Prototype 2

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Download Bullet Run Free

Download Bullet Run Free

Bullet Run is a massive online multiplayer first person shooter.

The premise of Bullet Run is that in a dystopian future, contestants are put into a televised death match. The name of the game is fame. Increase your fame to unlock more weapons and customizations. Bullet Run is free to play but additional content is available for purchase in-game.

You begin Bullet Run by creating your character. There are limited customizations in the beginning but you can unlock more as you play more. After creating your character, you can hop onto a server and play with strangers or your friends.

Bullet Run puts you into an arena where you have to shoot your way to victory against the opposing team. There are tons of different weapons and load outs that you can customize. By default you have a pistol, fully automatic gun, and grenades.

Graphics are mediocre and the character models feel very robotic within the game. Bullet Run makes no attempt to differentiate itself from other generic first person shooters. There's campy voice acting and the weapons all don't have proper weight because of the tinny sound effects they make.

Overall, Bullet Run is nothing more than a generic first person shooter that lacks polish that would have made this game fun and compelling.

Review last updated: 02/08/12

Pros
  • Free to play
  • Tons of customization
  • Leveling system to unlock items
Cons
  • Lengthy install time
  • Guns have no weight to them
  • Generic plot

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Download LinkAssistant 4.5.1 Free

Download LinkAssistant 4.5.1 Free

LinkAssistant attempts to help you improve your search engine ranking by generating links for your site.

It's no big secret that in order to get a top search engine placement, you need other websites to link to your website. LinkAssistant works by finding and managing hundreds of what it calls "link partners" and helps you get linked back to by partners that share similar interests. LinkAssistant can help discover online link submission forms (it claims representing up to 25,000 sites to choose from) and can even fill in the forms for you.

In addition, LinkAssistant displays your Google PageRank, Alexa Rank, and link popularity of link partners so you can easily see which sites are worth your time and effort being associated with. LinkAssistant can also publish pages via FTP, create personalized emails and double check link partners. Of course, it also monitors your site's rankings in all the major search engines.

LinkAssistant is based on Java which can make it a bit unresponsive and slow but the advantage of this is that it works across platforms. Also be aware that if you want to use LinkAssistant for large sites or multiple sites, the licensing costs are considerably more than for ordinary users.

Users have reported varying degrees of success at driving traffic with LinkAssistant and if you're struggling for traffic, it's worth a shot.

Recent changes
  • The Dutch interface has been updated and improved
  • The number of supported search engines has been revised and is now 349
  • Several minor usability enhancements and bug fixes have been introduced to boost LinkAssistant's performance

Review last updated: 21/09/12

Pros
  • Automatically detects link partners
  • Can fill in link partner forms automatically
  • Monitors your site ranking across major search engines
Cons
  • Java interface can be slow
  • No guarantee of sustained traffic increase

Download LinkAssistant 4.5.1

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Download Awesome Password Generator 1.3.1 Free

Download Awesome Password Generator 1.3.1 Free

Awesome Password Generator is a light-weight password generator that will help you create secure, hard to crack passwords.

With so many of our personal information being stored in the "cloud," its frighting and frustrating to have to deal with getting an account compromised. One way to protect yourself is to use a random password generator like Awesome Password Generator.

Awesome Password Generator is a simple app to use. Choose how long you want password to be and whether you want capitalization, numbers, and symbols. You are then given a rating on how secure your password is. Users can even define a character set to make the password more memorable.

One thing that Awesome Password Generator is sorely missing is any type of database. While Awesome Password Generator can generate passwords in bulk, there's no way to keep track of which passwords you've used and for what. You'll have to make your own database with something like Microsoft Excel. If you do take this route, make sure to encrypt the file with something like TrueCrypt to prevent someone gaining access to all of your passwords.

While Awesome Password Generator is great at generating strong passwords and in bulk, its lack of any database features makes it hard to recommend over complete solutions like LastPass and 1Password.

Recent changes
  • Bugs fixed.

Review last updated: 07/08/12

Pros
  • Speedy performance
  • Bulk password generator
  • WPA passphrase generator
Cons
  • No database features
  • No option to create pronouceable passwords

Download Awesome Password Generator 1.3.1

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jeudi 24 janvier 2013

Download Utilu Mozilla Firefox Collection 1.0.8.7 Free

Download Utilu Mozilla Firefox Collection 1.0.8.7 Free

Testing a website in different browser versions is a must for all web designers and developers. This is where Utilu Mozilla Firefox Collection comes in handy.

Utilu Mozilla Firefox Collection is a pack that includes several versions of the Mozilla Firefox browser, ranging from version 2.0 up to the most recent one, version 3.6. It also includes a bunch of developer-oriented add-ons and plug-ins, such as Firebug and Web Developer. Even so, I still missed having version 1.5!

Thanks to this varied set of tools in Utilu Mozilla Firefox Collection, webmasters and developers can easily check the result of their work in different versions of Firefox and make the necessary changes to their design or code.

Utilu Mozilla Firefox Collection is very easy to install. You can pick exactly the Firefox versions you're interested in, and then launch the same site in all of them at the same time.

With Utilu Mozilla Firefox Collection you can check how your website looks in different versions of Firefox. Perfect for webmasters, developers and web designers!

Recent changes
  • Updated Mozilla Firefox 16.0.0.0 Aurora
  • Updated Mozilla Firefox 17.0.0.0 Nightly
  • Updated Firebug from 1.10.1 to 1.10.2
  • Updated Flash Player from 11.3.300.268 to 11.3.300.270
  • Minor changes and improvements
Notes

This installs Firefox in addition to the included plugins.

Review last updated: 07/08/12

Pros
  • Install several versions of Firefox in just one click
  • Includes special add-ons for webmasters and developers
  • Easy, straightforward installation
Cons
  • It doesn't include versions before 2.0

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Download TrustPort Antivirus 2012 12.0.0.4873 Free

Download TrustPort Antivirus 2012 12.0.0.4873 Free

TrustPort Antivirus is a two-in-one antivirus tool to help protect your PC from malware.

Despite the increasing presence of native security features in modern operating systems, an antivirus program is still a must-have for most computer users. In fact, the more the merrier when it comes to ensuring your computer is as protected as possible in this regard. TrustPort Antivirus is equipped with two powerful, well-known engines (AVG and BitDefender) that will keep your system safe while browsing the web, checking email, or downloading data. It's like using two antivirus programs in one, but without the usual hassle of having to install them separately.

The main drawback to such a high level of security is scanning speed. TrustPort Antivirus is heavier on resources than other antivirus apps. It takes longer to update and even more time to scan. If you're willing to sacrifice speed for the safety of your system (or if your PC's relatively powerful), however, TrustPort Antivirus is probably the safest tool you can use.

Other interesting features in TrustPort Antivirus include real-time web analysis, parental control, and email filters for viruses and spam. TrustPort Antivirus's interface has two different designs (Easy and Advanced) which makes it suitable for all users, regardless of their level of computer knowledge. The irony is that the Advanced design is actually easier to use than the Easy one though.

TrustPort Antivirus is a powerful antivirus system with two different engines for a nice extra layer of security.

Pros
  • Two antivirus engines in one
  • Generates HTML reports
  • Includes email filter and web protection
Cons
  • Slow when updating and scanning

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Download Max Payne 3 Free

Download Max Payne 3 Free

You can pre-order this game now, which is released on June 1st
Max Payne 3 is an action game, pure and simple. Rockstar's sequel to 2003's Max Payne 2 stays true to the series, while looking every bit the 2012 blockbuster we expect it to be.

Gameplay
Max Payne 3 sticks to its third person shooter heritage. Bullet time is an essential part once again, in your quest to survive tons of enemies and scenes full of bullets aimed squarely at you. There are three aim modes - Hard and soft lock, and free aim mode for the pros out there. Hard Lock sticks your reticule to targets and moves with them, while Soft Lock makes Max target the nearest enemy.

The intense shootouts are told through flashback, as Max recounts how his life has hit rock bottom in the city of São Paulo. Cut scenes flow flawlessly into the action, which makes Max Payne 3 really immersive. I hope we see more of this seamless action in GTA V too.

The various multiplayer modes include the excellent 'Gang Wars' that plays out like a mini saga between two gangs. Bullet time is well integrated into multiplayer too, so that anyone in your line of sight is also switched into bullet time when activated.

Graphics and Sound
Max Payne 3 looks great. It's full of visual effects that add to the downtrodden feel of Max's tale, and the environments are beautifully brought to life. Rockstar don't disappoint when it comes to acting and voices, and Max Payne 3 is no exception. Max himself is cynically hilarious, and the soundtrack fits perfectly with the sound of bullets rattling around the favelas of São Paulo.

The multiplayer in Max Payne 3 means you'll be playing the game for a long time to come, but the single player campaign too offers some significant challenge. Even with Hard Lock, this game gets tough, but makes it all the more satisfying when you succeed.

Overall
Max Payne 3 is a worthy sequel, with great acting, plot and atmosphere. The action is challenging and brutal, but always fun enough to make you want to try again. It may not be as original or revolutionary as LA Noire, but Max Payne 3 is a much more accomplished game and an essential title for 2012.

Pros
  • Techincally accomplished
  • Great multiplayer
  • Excellent character evolution
Cons
  • Tough

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Download Heroes & Generals Beta Free

Download Heroes & Generals Beta Free

Heroes & Generals is a free-to-play browser-based first person shooter. Combining strategy and shooter action, players can either work in teams to succeed as soldiers or command the battles as a General.

The game is playable in a browser and needs an active Internet connection. Heroes & Generals offers a lot of the period weapons, including rifles and pistols and even the different tanks and planes used by the United States and German forces.

Heroes & Generals? Beta has a good presentation of what the final game should provide, and the action is already intense. With tweaks from suggestions being implemented in the closed beta, there will be a lot to experience with the consistent war that will take place in Heroes & Generals.

Heroes & Generals is a game for World War II fans, first person shooter fans, and MMO players.

Notes

Heroes & Generals is in closed beta so bugs are present and do not represent the final product

Pros
  • Addictive
  • Lots of customization
  • Great gameplay
Cons
  • Beta version is a little buggy

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Download PixPlant (for Photoshop) 2.168 Free

Download PixPlant (for Photoshop) 2.168 Free

PixPlant is a 3D texturing tool plugin for Photoshop that can help make your 2D photos and images pop.

There are a lot of Photoshop plugins available right now like this PixPlant plugin. PixPlant is one of them that also has a standalone desktop app available for those who either can't afford Photoshop or prefer some autonomy when they're creating textures.

PixPlant allows users to create normal, displacement, and specular maps that can be used in other 3D modeling applications. You can create these 3D textures from almost any photo because PixPlant boasts advanced straightening and see pattern controls. Its claim to fame is that most basic textures can be created in the span of one to four easy steps.

For beginners, PixPlant will certainly take some getting used to and experimenting around with to get the desired result. You can create these images in high resolution to ensure the best quality possible of the texture. Most people will want to use these images as backgrounds in other images, but other uses include creating basic backgrounds, or even Photoshop brushes. You can start from scratch or use an existing image with PixPlant as well.

PixPlant is an advanced Photoshop plugin for creating high quality 3D textures from scratch or based on pre-existing images.

Pros
  • Create normal, displacement, and specular maps
  • Create textures from scratch or with a pre-existing image
Cons
  • Initially tricky to learn how to use

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mercredi 23 janvier 2013

Download Shopping Assistant (for Firefox) 3.2.8.2 Free

Download Shopping Assistant (for Firefox) 3.2.8.2 Free

Shopping Assistant is an add-on for the Firefox browser that helps you make informed online purchases.

When you're shopping for something online, there's nothing more frustrating than realizing you could've bought the same product for cheaper elsewhere on the web. Shopping Assistant aims to fix that potential problem for you.

Shopping Assistant is a simple add-on that will help you compare prices. When you search for a product on a retailer's site, Shopping Assistant will automatically show you similar products from other popular shopping websites to help you compare.

Shopping Assistant supports price comparisons on eBay, Best Buy, Walmart, Newegg, Buy.com, and Amazon. It also offers price histories for each product sold on Amazon, which is a nice added perk.

If you're big on browsing privacy though, note that Shopping Assistant collects usage data via Google Analytics. It also only supports merchant websites in Canada, China, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Shopping Assistant is a great way to compare product prices online before buying.

Notes

Clicking the 'Download' button will take you to Firefox's add-on site where you can install the app.

Review last updated: 16/08/12

Pros
  • Compare similar items before purchasing
  • Easy to use
  • Includes price history for Amazon products
Cons
  • Collects extension usage stats via Google Analytics

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Download Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) Free

Download Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) Free

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is not exactly a sequel, but rather a refinement of what is regarded by many people as the best competitive online FPS ever made. It's a fantastic update to a genuine classic, and essential gaming for Windows and Mac.

The basic idea of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is two teams, terrorists and counter-terrorists fighting each other in a variety of maps, with a secondary objective, such as hostage rescue. There are classic game modes, where you fight in rounds of short games. Death is permanent in each game, so if you die, you sit out until the next game. There is no XP (experience points) upgrading like in Battlefieldetc, making this a purely skill based game.

There are also two new modes, Arms Race and Demolition. The former introduces re-spawning to Counter-Strike, so loses the tension of classic modes, in favor of Call of Duty feeling fast-paced gaming. The permanent death modes are much better though, as the need to stay alive is what gives Counter-Strike: Global Offensive it's unique and highly addictive flavor.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is still a hardcore FPS. It's highly competitive, and the classic maps mean that experienced players have a big advantage. New players can expect lots of quick deaths, but being able to watch other players when you're dead means you can quickly pick up on tactics and learn the maps. Despite the toughness, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive feels much fairer than many modern games where you can feel out-gunned by players with more XP than you.

While the basic gameplay is the Counter-Strike we've been playing for 12 years, the graphics have had a welcome polish, there are some new maps, and the old ones have been slightly tweaked. Jumping into a game is really simple, and the new scoreboard is excellent, as is the improved HUD (Heads-up display).

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is a great update of a classic game. If you're willing to put the effort into building your skills, it's possibly the most rewarding multiplayer FPS game you can play.

Notes

This game require the Steam app

Review last updated: 28/08/12

Pros
  • Excellent, balanced gameplay
  • Permanent death
  • Updated graphics and maps
  • Extremely addictive
Cons
  • Arms Race mode is lightweight

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Download XYplorer 11.50.0000 Free

Download XYplorer 11.50.0000 Free

XYplorer is a simple to use file manager which replaces Windows Explorer with several enhanced functions and interface improvements.

What's more, XYplorer is completely portable so you can put it on a USB stick and use it wherever you want and whenever you need it. The biggest advantage this program has over Windows Explorer is undoubtabley the Move and Copy dialogues. XYplorer allows you to configure hotkeys to carry out the most common copying and moving operations that you require meaning less mouse movements and faster management of your files and folders. XYplorer also removes the need for multiple folder windows along your taskbar because it employs the use of tabbed file management much in the same way as Firefox does with internet browsing. These tabs are fully customizable too - you can drag them around, rename them, hide them, lock them and much much more. This tabbed feature does give XYplorer a distinct browser style feel especially the featuring of an address bar which accepts not just folders, but also files, URLs, and search terms. This latter function can save hours of time searching through files by allowing you to search directly in XYplorer - without any need to use Windows search tool - simply by placing a "?" between the location and search pattern.

A truly impressive replacement for Windows Explorer - once you've used it you may never go back.

Recent changes
  • Highlighted Groups. A revolutionary display style where every group of files is highlighted depending on the sorted column
  • Ignore Diacritics. Find Files, Visual Filters, Color Filters, Spot and Jump, Type Ahead Find now all optionally ignore diacritics (accents on letters: àçöñ...) and thus let you find or mark files with letters your keyboard cannot easily produce
  • Replace with File in Clipboard. New optional context menu command to replace the contents of the selected file with the contents of the file currently in the clipboard

Review last updated: 28/08/12

Pros
  • Much more advanced than Windows Explorer
  • Allows tabbed file management
  • Allows you to configure hotkeys for file movements
Cons
  • Can be prone to crashes if too many tabs open
  • A little heavy on CPU

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Download BearShare 10.0.970.48190 Free

Download BearShare 10.0.970.48190 Free

BearShare is a free, all-legal file sharing app, specializing in music and videos, and with a strong social component.

Unlike similar apps where you can find all sorts of stuff ? including adult material and viruses ? BearShare only allows video and music file formats to be shared, and has done an excellent job in protecting users from viruses and other possible threats.

The program's installation changes your browser homepage and installs a toolbar unless you select the custom installation option. On the upside, BearShare features a clean, easy-to-use interface that you?ll immediately get to grips with. There?s a top tab bar with access to the program?s main functions and a handy built-in player to preview the files you?re looking for. As an extra, BearShare is fully compatible with iPod and other MP3 devices.

But BearShare is not just about browsing audio and video files; you can also use the Discover tool to play music genres according to your mood, or discover new artists and bands you didn?t know. BearShare?s social side lets you make friends with other people who share similar musical tastes, and includes a personal profile page, a contacts list and even a built-in messaging system.

BearShare has become a powerful, reliable LimeWire alternative since its shutdown. Good proof of this is that all LimeWire users can easily import their music library into BearShare and continue sharing music and video files ? all legal, free and without risks.

BearShare is an excellent free application to legally share songs and videos, without the usual risks associated with such programs.

Notes

You are not required to share files to participate with BearShare

Pros
  • Clean, safe, legal downloads
  • Social elements: user profile page, messages, contact list
  • Attractive design
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Only saves one search at a time
  • Changes browser homepage unless you select the custom unstallation

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Download Twelve Sky 2 2.0 Free

Download Twelve Sky 2 2.0 Free

Twelve Sky 2 is a free-to-play, massively multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMORPG) set in ancient China.

In Twelve Sky 2, players are immediately thrown into a longstanding conflict between three clans at odds with one another. It all comes down to the recent reemergence of a new clan faction. Whether you fight for your current clan or opt to try to join the fourth is entirely your choice.

A faction versus faction gaming system is what Twelve Sky 2 offers. This includes a lot of player versus player combat (PvP). There's a lot more to the game than that though, as players can opt to play sollo as they develop their character's skills and obtain the armor and weapons necessary to battle against other clans. You can even go on quests and hunt for bosses to fight so you can obtain even more items that will allow you to strengthen your chances of defeating players from other clans.

Twelve Sky 2 has pretty impressive graphics for a free-to-play game, with great close-up character details and nice background art. Some of the settings can be a little dark, but it goes with the nature of the game in Twelve Sky 2. Combat is also fast-paced and presents a decent challenge.

Twelve Sky 2 has an Item Mall where you can make in-app purchases to increase your strength and weapons. Sometimes there aren't a lot of people online to play with, so it's a good thing that there's plenty to do on your own in this RPG.

If you're looking for an MMORPG with a unique martial arts storyline, give Twelve Sky 2 a try.

Review last updated: 30/08/12

Pros
  • Neat martial arts storyline
  • Detailed graphics
  • PvP combat system
Cons
  • Lengthy registration and installation process
  • Finding players for PvP combat is sometimes a challenge

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mardi 22 janvier 2013

Download FRAPS 3.5.9 Free

Download FRAPS 3.5.9 Free

FRAPS is a utility for taking screenshots and video of your PC. Run it in the background while you play games, and check the frame rate, make gameplay videos and take screenshots with ease.

In the unregistered version of FRAPS you can take 30 seconds of video, with a FRAPS watermark, and take screenshots in BMP format. In the full version there is no video watermark, and screenshots also come in JPG, PNG, and TGA format.

To use FRAPS, simply start the app before your game, and when the game starts, you will se a frame rate counter in the corner of the screen, great for benchmarking. Taking screenshots and video is hotkey activated. You can choose to take screenshots one at a time, or repeatedly with a given time gap.

For video, you can record with sound, and even with a microphone, so you can create your own walk throughs easily. Video production has the disadvantage of size - 3 minutes of video will be around 3GB, meaning you need a further application to change the format. However, FRAPS is very lightweight and shouldn't effect gameplay quality much.

As an all-in-one benchmarking, screenshot and video tool, FRAPS is hard to beat. It is lightweight and easy to use, with enough options to keep most users happy.

Recent changes
  • Fixed crash when initiating loop recording
  • Fixed periodic stutter for some users during loop recording

Review last updated: 31/08/12

Pros
  • Lightwieght
  • Easy to use
  • Good configuration settings
Cons
  • No video conversion options

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Download Pokki 0.260.0.520 Free

Download Pokki 0.260.0.520 Free

Pokki is a desktop app that lets you install and play various games, as well as lets you pin your favorite web apps like Facebook or Gmail to the taskbar in Windows 7.

Pokki is easy to install and launch. From there, you can search for and install a variety of different apps. Some fun games include Four Horsemen, Tweeki, and Mixtape. You can search for new apps to install directly from the app store on your desktop. App downloads and installs take no more than a few seconds usually.

Each app in Pokki has its own settings and must be individually configured and authorized in the correspondent web application. Although they don?t include all the functions offered by the original web app itself, they do display the number of unread items and show desktop notifications. This can be pretty useful when tracking email and social networks.

Pokki is ever increasing its app selection, and offers a variety of different apps for all ages and interests. The developer's website even includes a special area to encourage developers to create more app. Given time, Pokki will hopefully expand its app selection even more.

Pokki lets you pin websites, social networks and other utilities to the Windows 7 taskbar, as well as download challenging and fun games.

Review last updated: 31/08/12

Pros
  • Nice catalog of modules
  • Displays notifications and unread items
  • Very easy to install
  • Icons can be organized in the taskbar
Cons
  • Modules don't include all the options from the original website

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Download XnConvert 1.51 Beta Free

Download XnConvert 1.51 Beta Free

XnConvert is a handy batch processing image editor that enables you to apply changes to several photos at the same time with just a single mouse click.

The interface in XnConvert has a very simple design. It features a series of tabs on top where you can select files, pick the actions you want to apply to them, choose the output folder and tweak other options, and check the results log, respectively.

The best thing about XnConvert is that it can work with almost any image, as it has support for more than 500 graphic file formats. The program also features a preview window ? though a bit too small to be comfortable ? so that you can check the outcome before the changes are definitely applied in XnConvert.

Among the actions included in XnConvert you?ll find cropping, resizing, converting from one format to another, rotating, adding a text or a watermark, adjusting levels, contrast and shadows, and various filters and effects such as blur, emboss, sepia and oil painting, among others.

XnConvert lets you work with images in batches and apply different filters, effects and other editing actions to them with just one click.

Notes

Email, ZIP, Picasa and Flickr output
Outline size
Resize & ratio
Resize script
JPEG - rebuild thumbnail
Text size as percent

Pros
  • Support for hundreds of formats
  • Easy to use
  • Good selection of actions, filters and effects
Cons
  • Preview window is too small

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Download Panda Internet Security 2013 Free

Download Panda Internet Security 2013 Free

Panda Internet Security is the brand?s middle of the range computer security product: a powerful antivirus tool and cloud protection for your most important files.

New for 2013 is a completely redesigned interface with tons of additional features that make it a holistic security suite for your PC. Antivirus is still at the heart of Panda Internet Security but it also includes a firewall, USB 'vaccine,' multimedia/gaming mode, safe browser, identity protection, spam filter, and parental controls.

The interface of Panda Internet Security has been completely redesigned since the last version with a focus on making it easy to read and use. Functions are now big, colorful icons and the most vital information is presented at the top with charts and large text. Menus and their explanations have also been simplified so you know exactly what each feature does.

New in Panda Internet Security 2013 is the USB vaccine, which prevents malicious software from automatically running when connected to the computer. This is a pretty basic way to prevent infections from external devices but useful, nonetheless.

Performance of the application is good with quick scans and consumes minimal system resources. Panda Internet Security focuses on creating an unobtrusive security experience and it succeeds on the most part. You can set up Panda and just forget about it. It will run in the background and will only alert you if an infection is found or if you need to take action. The firewall replaces the Windows default firewall and has the ability to allow connections from common applications. You'll have to decide whether to give an app that hasn't been white listed internet access.

When tested against standardized virus attacks, Panda Internet Security stopped infected files immediately and without major interruption of our work. We especially liked the fact the Panda Internet Security doesn't fill up the screen with unnecessary warnings all the time.

Panda Internet Security is an unobtrusive, efficient and user-friendly security suite that protects your system and personal information without needless interruptions.

Recent changes
  • Secure browser
  • Multimedia/gaming mode
  • Home network manager
  • Remote PC access

Review last updated: 06/09/12

Pros
  • Entire suite of antivirus and information protection
  • Easy to use and understand interface
  • Automated protection
  • USB vaccine protects against infected drives
Cons
  • Not the most effective antivirus solution

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Download BitDefender Internet Security 2013 16.18.0 Free

Download BitDefender Internet Security 2013 16.18.0 Free

BitDefender Internet Security is a comprehensive security suite that protects your computer from even the latest viruses and spyware, keeps spam away from your email inbox and provides you with the necessary tools to keep your privacy safe.

Installing BitDefender Internet Security takes quite a long time and requires the usual system restart. Once you?re done, BitDefender Internet Security updates the database and performs an immediate check on your system for any possible threats. The program also features a built-in firewall, parental control tools to protect your kids when browsing the web and encryption utilities.

Two strong points in Internet Security are its special Game and Laptop modes. The first one opens the firewall to prevent connection issues and disables any resource-intensive processes, while maintaining a safe, fun gaming experience. The latter temporarily tweaks security settings to prevent the antivirus from draining the computer?s battery.

Besides the app?s functionality, Internet Security features a nicely designed interface with three different views (Basic, Intermediate and Expert) so that you can make the most of BitDefender Internet Security no matter what your level of expertise is.

BitDefender Internet Security is an excellent all-in-one security package that protects your system from all possible online threats.

Pros
  • Protects computer in different areas
  • Easy to use
  • Three different interface designs
  • Special Games and Laptop modes
Cons
  • Lengthy installation

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Download Grindstone 2.2.5598 Free

Download Grindstone 2.2.5598 Free

Grindstone is a free tool for time management that helps you keep track of all your tasks.

If you lead a busy life and often get overwhelmed by your to-do list, Grindstone can help you keep on task. It's a program that's well laid-out and has many smart features, making it more complete than most other utilities in its class.

Grindstone's main window is divided into two panels. The top panel lets you create and add tasks into columns that can be modified to suit your needs. When creating a task, Grindstone lets you specify the time and date it needs to be completed, which will show up in the lower panel.

When you're ready to get to work, just choose a task and press F5 to get started. Grindstone's timer is always visible, so you'll know how long you spent on it. The timer also has controls to stop and resume recording if you need to take a break. The nice thing is that if you do take a break, Grindstone will prompt you to let it know how much time away from your computer you spent so it can track that as well when you return.

The autopilot mode, on the other hand, detects the applications you use and adds to the overall statistics, which are available from the Reports menu.

There's also integration with Twitter to send updates about what you're doing, a nice timer (useful for applying certain time management methodologies), and a wizard to install the program on a USB stick so you can even take Grindstone and your tasks on the go.

Grindstone is a truly comprehensive time management app that many users will find useful to help them complete tasks.

Review last updated: 11/09/12

Pros
  • Excellent task management system
  • Timer and Stopwatch features
  • Includes reminders to resume paused sessions
  • Twitter integration
Cons
  • Timer is small and hard to read on some screens

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Download Pencil Project (for Firefox) 1.3.4 Free

Download Pencil Project (for Firefox) 1.3.4 Free

Pencil Project is a Firefox add-on that is free, open-source diagramming tool.

These days, design programs can cost a pretty penny. Luckily, there are free programs like Pencil Project that can let you learn for free.

The sketch design feature on Pencil Project allows you to create shapes and other hand-drawn sketches from scratch with relative ease. There's also a stencil generator that makes it possible for you to preserve any basic sketch mark-ups you might want to use again for future projects, as well as a few already available stencil templates to choose from.

In addition, Pencil Project can also be used as a website prototype tool. You can quickly build diagrams with it which can ultimately turn into website mockups. Just add images, text, links, or anything else you want to have on your webpage and you'll be able to see what things look like well in advance of actually coding it yourself.

Unfortunately, Pencil Project does take some time to learn how to use. Those familiar with sketching and design programs should pick it up fairly quickly, but beginners should expect a bit of a learning curve.

If you've ever wanted to learn to sketch basic designs or even see what a website might look like before actually coding it, Pencil Project is a great way to achieve that goal.

Notes

Pencil Project works on Firefox 4.0 and higher.

Pros
  • Sketch objects from scratch
  • Includes stencil templates
  • Website prototype creation capabilities
Cons
  • Learning curve exists

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lundi 21 janvier 2013

Download FreeOCR 4.2 Free

Download FreeOCR 4.2 Free

FreeOCR is a tool for Windows PCs that allows you to scan a document and convert it to editable text.

Remember the days of having to type out text verbatim if you had a hand-out from school or work that hadn't been sent electronically? What a pain. Fortunately, there are some programs that exist now that can make the job simpler. FreeOCR is one of them.

OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition and refers to software that converts scanned documents and PDFs into editable text. On top of PDFs, FreeOCR also works with multi-page TIFF images and various popular image formats like .JPG and .PNG. FreeOCR then outputs plain text, and you can even export it to Microsoft Word for further editing.

Your desktop document scanner will require Twain or WIZ compatible scanning drivers for FreeOCR to work, so take note.

While it doesn't always work perfectly, FreeOCR is simple to use and takes a lot of frustration out of converting many scanned documents to plain text.

Recent changes
  • Multi page Twain Scanning
  • OCR whole document in one go
  • Uses Tesseract V3 for higher accuracy and ability to recognize text columns
  • Windows 8 compatible
  • Automatic updater
  • Text post processing
Notes

FreeOCR requires the .Net Framework V2.0 to be installed for XP users. To enable scanning of images you will need a desktop document scanner that uses Twain or WIA compatible scanning drivers.

Review last updated: 13/09/12

Pros
  • Convert scanned-in text to editable text
  • Quick and easy to use
Cons
  • Limited scanner compatibility
  • Doesn't always convert perfectly

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Download Skype 5.11.0.102 Beta Free

Download Skype 5.11.0.102 Beta Free

Skype Beta is the newest version of this popular VoIP app, now more integrated with Facebook than ever.

Just bear in mind - as it is a beta, it's not final and could still be a little buggy. If you'd like to stick with the stable version, check out the standard Skype review instead!

Facebook integration has been improved in this version. Previously, you would have to create a Skype account and then log in with your Facebook account but now you can log in only using your Facebook account, which makes getting started with Skype much quicker.

Besides checking what your friends are up to on the Facebook Wall ? which you could already do in the previous version ? this new Skype lets you interact with their posts by liking or commenting on them, and more importantly, use Facebook chat right from Skype. In this way you can chat with your Facebook friends from a much more comfortable interface.

Skype Beta also offers a few details about your Facebook contacts, though if you want to check their complete profile you?ll need to open that up in the web browser. Also, if your friends have included their phone number in their Facebook profile, you?ll be able to call them via SkypeOut right away.

Besisdes Facebook integration, the new Skype Beta includes improved call controls, which are now larger, more elegant and easier to use, and the ability to share the screen in computers with more than one monitor. On the downside, this beta is quite heavy on system resources, and very unstable as well ? we had lots of problems while making video calls during our tests.

In this newest version of Skype, users can log in with their Microsoft IDs and will be able to send messages to friends using Windows Messenger, Xbox, Hotmail or the new Outlook.com.

The new beta of Skype offers better call controls and an almost perfect integration with Facebook ?but it?s still pretty unstable.

Review last updated: 14/09/12

Pros
  • Better integration with Facebook
  • Improved call controls
  • Share more than one screen
Cons
  • Heavy on system resources
  • Unstable

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Download Jet Set Radio Free

Download Jet Set Radio Free

Jet Set Radio is a re-release of the classic Sega Dreamcast game.

One of the first games to use cell-shaded graphics, Jet Set Radio combines action and platforming in a three dimensional environment, allowing you to use your in-line skates to grind around levels to collect spray paint cans so you can tag (spray signs) around the level.

Gameplay

Since the original Dreamcast controller has a lot less buttons than current generation controllers, you could consider Jet Set Radio a simple game to play. With buttons to jump, sprint, and tag with spray paint, combined with directional and camera controls, Jet Set Radio does not require a lot of button memorization.

The fictional city of Tokyo-to is broken up into individual levels, and you have to expand your gang?s territory by defending your turf and expanding into other rival group?s areas. This is accomplished by skating around levels and spraying your tag over theirs to claim the area.

Each level contains a time limit to completely tag the area. Tokyo-to?s police force is also out to stop you from tagging each area and send out SWAT police to stop you. You have a life bar in Jet Set Radio that falls each time you are hit by the police or vehicles that drive around each area. Also if you do not finish tagging an area by the time limit, you also fail the level.

The controls in Jet Set Radio still prove to be a challenge. Using a controller, you have to use the analog stick to perform patterns to complete tags. The larger the tag, the more patterns you have to complete. There was a problem with the controller recognizing the patterns that the game required, causing the loss of the combination for the score. Character movement is also really loose so changing directions in very easy, but try and use precise controls and you may have a problem.

Jet Set Radio?s core gameplay returns without any changes, but that also brought back the slightly annoying controls.

Graphics

If anything, Jet Set Radio?s graphics are bright. It features a new high definition resolution, causing the brightness to reach insane levels. The cell-shaded visuals allow for a cartoon and comic book effect, but the neon color palette can cause some eye strain. The characters are heavily stylized from the non-playable characters to the main characters that you can use.

Jet Set Radio's environments are detailed enough to give the world a real feeling in the game, but do not expect high levels of detail. It is an old game, but the cell-shading can hide the age of the game somewhat. It is surprising how well the game aged, considering newer games that use the cell-shaded technique, but Jet Set Radio?s visuals are also great.

A nice feature in Jet Set Radio is the ability to create your own tags to use in the game with the included editor. You can create almost anything you want based off the tools supplied, and it will not be long until players create very impressive tags that they created. It adds a level of customization to the game.

Audio

Jet Set Radio had one of the most incredible soundtracks and contains the majority of the original songs. The sound effects like spray painting are the same as the original and sound real. Other effects like the police officers are slightly cartoonish and there is a good amount of English voiceovers.

You will enjoy the soundtrack to Jet Set Radio, but most other sounds get lost because the soundtrack is just so good.

Worth the time?

Jet Set Radio is an excellent classic game. It is entirely worth playing if you have never experienced it before. Old school players who actually owned a Dreamcast will enjoy replaying it. It does have a different style than other action games because it actually meets quicker play gameplay. The timer in levels is slightly long and levels can get frustrating, but once you get past the learning curve it is a lot of fun.

Notes

Clicking the Download button will take you to Jet Set Radio's Steam page

Review last updated: 20/09/12

Pros
  • Amazing graphics
  • Outstanding soundtrack
Cons
  • Controls are still annoying
  • No new content

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vendredi 18 janvier 2013

Download Dream Aquarium Screensaver 1.52

Download Dream Aquarium Screensaver 1.52

Dream Aquarium Screensaver è quello che ci vuole per i nostri computer surriscaldati dalla torrida atmosfera estiva. Non emana freschezza come un ventilatore, ma trasforma il tuo monitor in una rilassante teca di pesci tropicali e piante acquatiche. Da provare

Se stai cercando un acquario virtuale il più realistico possibile che ti faccia da screensaver e ti permetta anche sessioni di rilassante contemplazione, Dream Aquarium Screensaver è la soluzione. Grafica, animazioni e colori sono veramente spettacolari. La fluidità di movimento dei pesci e la possibilità di personalizzare a piacimento sfondi, specie, quantità di bollicine, luci e suoni ti permettono di creare l'acquario che vuoi.

Certo, nella versione di prova di Dream Aquarium Screensaver non tutte le funzioni sono attive e solo 2 specie di amici pinnati, su 16, sono accessibili. Puoi comunque farti un'idea precisa del prodotto: potrai dare il mangime ai pesci, impostare la telecamera virtuale perché ne segua solo uno, cambiare lo sfondo e, se hai un computer a monitor multipli, scegliere se adattare una sola immagine a due schermi o visualizzare due acquari diversi.

Di Dream Aquarium Screensaver ci sono piaciuti molto gli effetti sonori, le sfumature di luce nell'ambiente acquatico e i rinfrescanti colori freddi. Ci è piaciuta meno la fastidiosa finestrella popup che ci invita all'acquisto della versione completa. Un po' di discrezione in più non guasterebbe. Se Dream Aquarium Screensaver ti è piaciuto, puoi anche scaricare un wallpaper gratuito per cellulari, dello stesso autore.

Pro
  • Acquario virtuale di sorprendente realismo
  • 16 specie di pesci nella versione completa
  • Colori e suoni rinfrescanti
Contro
  • Fastidiosi popup di invito all'acquisto
  • Dopo 10 minuti si spegne il monitor

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Download SpeedUpMyPC 2013

Download SpeedUpMyPC 2013

SpeedUpMyPC cerca di ottimizzare diversi aspetti del tuo PC per offrirti un'esperienza d'uso decisamente migliore.

SpeedUpMyPC velocizza il tuo PC in modo semplice. Cerca di migliorare vari elementi del sistema operativo, della connessione di rete, dell'accesso al disco rigido, dell'interfaccia di Windows e molto altro ancora. Come molte delle applicazioni di questo tipo, SpeedUpMyPC inizia con una bella scansione del sistema. Quasi sicuramente il risultato sarà una lista di errori più o meno incomprensibili. Selezionando l'opzione "Velocizza ora" il programma tenterà di risolverli.

Oltre alla correzione di errori SpeedUpMyPC offre tre strumenti di accelerazione: un gestore CPU, un sistema per esplorare i file più rapidamente e uno strumento di avvio rapido. Che cosa facciano nel dettaglio tutte queste opzioni è spiegato chiaramente: l'interfaccia del programma è ricca di testi esplicativi.

Nell'ultima versione, SpeedUpMyPC ha introdotto diverse migliorie tra le quali spiccano un manager della CPU, dei tweek per l'accensione e lo spegnimento del PC e per modificare la UI di Windows e la velocizzazione dell'avvio dei programmi.

Pro
  • Interfaccia chiara
  • Migliora diversi aspetti del sistema
  • Testi esplicativi in italiano
Contro
  • Non deframmenta il disco

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Download ClocX 1.5 Beta 1

Download ClocX 1.5 Beta 1

Con ClocX puoi mettere sul desktop del tuo PC un orologio, delle dimensioni che vuoi. Puoi scegliere tra tantissimi modelli diversi, impostare allarmi e altro ancora. Gratis e in italiano.

ClocX è molto più di più che un semplice sostituto per l'orologio standard di Windows. È dotato di funzionalità extra, come ad esempio un sistema di allarmi, e può essere personalizzato con centinaia di skin differenti.

ClocX può essere configurato per rimanere sempre in primo piano o per tenerlo appuntato al desktop. Se ami la personalizzazione, puoi sbizzarrirti con tantissime forme e skin diverse, impostare trasparenza e dimensione e scegliere se far comparire anche la data all'interno dell'orologio.

Molto comoda la funzione allarme, che ti permette di impostare reminder e promemoria. Ogni allarme è associato a un suono, personalizzabile, ed a una azione (spegnimento del PC, avvio di un determinato programma, e così via). Gratuito e in italiano, ClocX è una buona opzione per tenere d'occhio il tempo!

Ultimo aggiornamento: 22/11/12

Pro
  • Tantissimi orologi per il desktop
  • Molte skin tra cui scegliere
  • Funzione di allarme e promemoria
  • In italiano
Contro
  • Alcune skin meno belle

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Download SMPlayer 0.8.2

Download SMPlayer 0.8.2

SMPlayer è un lettore video dotato di funzionalità avanzate, ma che per la sua semplicità d'uso può essere utilizzato da chiunque. Non ha bisogno di codec da installare e riproduce tutti i formati principali

SMPlayer non è altro che una bella versione con interfaccia grafica di MPlayer, un lettore video nato in ambiente Linux e operabile solo attraverso la linea di comando. Un po' scomodo da utilizzare tutti i giorni. Con SMPlayer si risolve il problema senza rinunciare alle caratteristiche di questo apprezzato programma.

SMPlayer è la soluzione giusta se si sta cercando un riproduttore video autonomo e completo. Funziona in maniera indipendente da eventuali codec installati e include già tutto il necessario per riprodurre svariati formati. Tra gli altri sono supportati: DVD, AVI, WMV, MPEG, MOV, MKV, OGM, VOB, 3GP, ASF, MP3 e OGG VORBIS. Nonché tutti i tipi di sottotitoli.

SMPlayer offre diverse funzioni interessanti. Ad esempio conserva le informazioni sulla riproduzione di un video tra una sessione e l'altra. Per tanto se si interrompe la visione di un filmato, aprendolo di nuovo SMPlayer riprenderà dal punto in cui si è lasciato il video. Con le medesime impostazioni di configurazione.

Gli utenti più smaliziati saranno anche contenti di sapere che SMPlayer supporta tutte le opzioni più avanzate di MPlayer come l'utilizzo dei filtri con cui deinterlacciare un video, pulire l'immagine e altro ancora.

SMPlayer supporta i seguenti formati

DVD, AVI, WMV, MPEG, MOV, MKV, OGM, VOB, 3GP, ASF, MP3, OGG VORBIS

Note

Per motivi che non dipendono da Softonic, per eseguire il download gratuito verrai reindirizzato su un sito esterno.

Il file che scaricherai è un web-setup. Una volta avviato si collegherà automaticamente ai server di SMPlayer per fare il download dell'ultima versione disponibile.

Pro
  • Include tutto il necessario per la riproduzione
  • Interessanti funzioni avanzate
  • Gratuito e in italiano
Contro
  • Non adatto a computer poco potenti
  • Non riproduce Blu-ray Disc e HD DVD

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Download Skype for Windows 8 (Metro App) 1.2.0.129

Download Skype for Windows 8 (Metro App) 1.2.0.129

Skype per Windows 8 è l'app di chat e VoIP per rimanere in contatto con tutto il mondo via Internet anche sul tablet, risparmiando sulle telefonate e l'invio di messaggi.

Da quando è nato Skype per PC il mondo è un po' più piccolo. E la distanza fa meno paura. Le chiamate internazionali adesso si fanno con il computer e gratis. Grazie alla tecnologia VoIP, occorrono solo una connessione Wi-Fi o 3G, un paio di cuffie e un microfono. E gli stessi requisiti anche se hai un dispositivo mobile.

Con Skype per Windows 8 potrai chattare, videochiamare e chiamare gratuitamente i tuoi contatti, godendoti le videochiamate a tutto schermo e non perdendoti una sola chiamata, poiché l'app ti permette di rimanere sempre online, qualsiasi cosa tu stia facendo. Tutto quello che ti serve è una connessione Wi-Fi o 3G. Se vuoi telefonare a fissi e cellulari, invece, dovrai pagare una tariffa, sebbene molto invitante rispetto a quelle dei telefoni tradizionali.

Skype per Windows 8 è incredibilmente facile da usare grazie alla pratica interfaccia semplificata, ben adattata al nuovo design Modern di Windows 8. Si integra con i tuoi Contatti su Windows 8 e permette di avviare le chiamate in maniera semplice e rapida.

Inoltre, Skype si integra con l'interfaccia Modern attraverso una piastrella che oltre al collegamento all'app offre un colpo d'occhio sulle ultime novità (messaggi e status dei tuoi contatti). Altra funzione molto interessante di questa versione di Skype: la possibilità di navigare sul web, vedere mappe e foto mentre chatti o videochiami un amico. Peccato soltanto che per adesso non offra ancora le videochiamate di gruppo.

Ultimo aggiornamento: 26/10/12

Pro
  • Chatta, chiama e videochiama i tuoi amici
  • Interfaccia chiara e facile da usare
  • Telefonate a fissi e cellulari a prezzi competitivi
Contro
  • Non offre ancora le videochiamate di gruppo

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jeudi 17 janvier 2013

Download Countdown Alarm per Windows 8

Download Countdown Alarm per Windows 8

Countdown Alarm per Windows 8 è il conto alla rovescia per PC e tablet che girano sul nuovo OS Microsoft.

L'utilità di un'app del genere è evidente a chiunque usi un PC. Quando si è concentrati a lavorare, o ancor più a giocare, la cognizione del tempo si perde facilmente. Con Countdown Alarm per Windows 8 il rischio è scongiurato.

Come previsto dalla spartana interfaccia Modern di Microsoft, anche questo timer è essenziale. A disposizione, infatti, hai solo gli elementi base di un countdown: una casella dove inserire la durata del conto alla rovescia, un menu a tendina per scegliere il tipo di allarme sonoro e un altro in cui puoi personalizzare il messaggio di popup che compare alla fine del countdown.

In Countdown Alarm per Windows 8 puoi scegliere tra 10 allarmi diversi, piuttosto tradizionali. L'app è stata scritta con in mente l'accessibilità, ed è quindi fruibile anche da ipovedenti e sordi. È inoltre compatibile con processori a 32 e 64 bit.

Note

Per installare l'app devi accedere al Windows Store, da dove puoi scaricarla e installarla direttamente sul tuo PC.

Ultimo aggiornamento: 26/11/12

Pro
  • 10 allarmi diversi
  • Messaggio di popup custom
Contro
  • Eccessivamente spartano

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Download OneNote 2013 15.0.4420.1017

Download OneNote 2013 15.0.4420.1017

Microsoft OneNote 2013 è la soluzione migliore per organizzare le tue note. E non solo: puoi aggiungere immagini, audio e video

OneNote fa parte del pacchetto Office 2013, proposto in versione di prova per 60 giorni. I singoli programmi saranno disponibili a partire del 2013.

La Cenerentola del pacchetto Office, OneNote è invece uno strumento potente, e ben realizzato, per organizzare note, appunti e informazione e per lavorare in condivisione.

OneNote 2013 si caratterizza per un'interfaccia semplice e chiara, che ti permette di concentrarti sulle idee che vuoi appuntare. Perfetta l'integrazione con il cloud , per salvare e consultare le note e le informazioni ovunque ti trovi.

Fogli di lavoro Excel, link, audio, video, immagini, scrittura a mano.... con OneNote puoi scrivere e salvare tutto quello che ti passa per la testa. Un semplice click sulla pagina aperta e puoi iniziare a prendere appunti.

Le funzioni di condivisione non hanno nulla da invidiare a quelle di Evernote e di altri servizi simili.

Nella nuova versione 2013 le funzioni di sincronizzazione sono state migliorate: ora le note vengono automaticamente salvate su tutti i dispositivi dove hai installato OneNote, incluso iOS, Android o Windows Phone. OneNote è accessibile anche dal web se utilizzi un Mac. Perfetta anche l'integrazione di SkyDrive

Come installare la versione di prova

- Se usi Windows 8, basterà scaricare Office 2013, aprire l'archivio IMG e cliccare su setup.exe. Avvierai così l'installazione della suite Office, che include OneNote.

- Se usi Windows 7, dopo il download di Office 2013 dovrai procedere all'installazione usando un lettore virtuale che supporti i file IMG oppure masterizzare l'archivio scaricato su CD/DVD e avviare da questo supporto l'installazione del prodotto.

Il prodotto sarà acquistabile a partire dagli inizi del 2013.

Note

Per motivi che non dipendono da Softonic, il link di download rimanda al sito di Microsoft. Dovrai accedere con le tue credenziali per scaricare e installare la versione di prova di Office 2013 (durata 60 giorni), che include OneNote al suo interno.

Ultimo aggiornamento: 27/11/12

Pro
  • Interfaccia intuitiva e gradevole
  • Supporta tutti i tipi di media
  • Perfetta sincronizzazione pnline
Contro
  • Può disorientare ai primi utilizzi

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