Messages

76

General Software Discussion / Re: SUPER © updated, download from Major Geeks

« on: March 13, 2011, 01:26 PM »

Sounds like a super pita to deal with this program at this point. At least there are numerous alternatives nowadays.

Anyway, please let us know how you decide to resolve this mess.

77

Living Room / Re: Which cartoon character do you most relate to (and why)?

« on: March 13, 2011, 12:37 PM »

Charlie Brown

-because somebody keeps moving the football and I keep falling on my arse. 

78

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: Fresh PC Performance Optimizer(Freeware)

« on: March 13, 2011, 12:24 PM »

jeeff, thanks for telling us about your free software. There are many of these system optimizers which cost big $$ for the same or similar features.

Many folks (including myself to be honest) don't need such an "optimizer", but I'm sure some will be curious.

My only suggestion is this: Whenever possible make certain that you include a backup/restore function to all changes.
Why? Because system optimizers/tweakers can often be more destructive than constructive.

@fodder: you really offended Stan Lee. 

79

Mini-Reviews by Members / Re: mini(scule) review of "Fileminimizer Pictures" compression tool

« on: March 12, 2011, 06:08 PM »

Nice review Chris.

Just wanted to say Fileminimizer Pictures is a useful program, and those users who want such a graphics utility for compression would also be well served to check out RIOT.

As tomos has already mentioned , RIOT can batch process to size--a rare feature I've found incredibly useful and time-saving. 

On the other hand, I think Fileminimzer Pictures handles more file types, so I suppose it all depends on the task at hand.

Regards

80

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: JetDrive Defragmentation Suite

« on: March 12, 2011, 04:32 PM »

Glad to see I'm not the only one tired of some of these marketing language claims.

These defragger software vendors try very hard to convince us they have reinvented the wheel.  Lacelevels, irreversible entropy, proprietary intelligent clusters allocation, blah-blah-blah. It's getting real deep-- magic dust/snake-oil indeed.

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Found Deals and Discounts / Re: JetDrive Defragmentation Suite

« on: March 12, 2011, 01:16 PM »

Nice discount, but I'm content with my current defragger so probably won't try it.

Can anyone comment on this defragger? Thanks for any info. 

82

General Software Discussion / Re: Your most used SPECIAL programs

« on: March 10, 2011, 06:17 PM »

How does RIOT compare to the built-in XnView version? ...

-JavaJones (March 10, 2011, 05:02 PM)

IMO the killer feature of RIOT is its "Batch optimizer" which can compress large numbers of jpegs to a pre-determined file size. Since different images compress to varying degrees, I never got much satisfaction with compressing to a quality level of 80% (just for example). With "compress to size" in batch mode, I don't get the significant under-sizing that I used to get at a straight quality %.

Interestingly, XnView appears to do this type of batch optimizing for JPEG-2000, but not regular ole JPEG.

So for me, I guess my point is RIOT is a major time saver.

83

General Software Discussion / Re: Your most used SPECIAL programs

« on: March 10, 2011, 04:59 PM »

http://luci.criosweb...ro/riot/dll-version/

RIOT as IrfanView plug-in:
You can acces the RIOT plug-in from IrfanView by selecting File->Save for web.
Also, there is an option to set file size to use compress to size function in RIOT for JPEG images.

The DLL version of RIOT contains  an extended version of the plugin.

http://luci.criosweb.ro/riot/download/

RIOT's latest version is 0.4.6. IIRC this version is the first to include a help (.chm) file which explains the power of the program. For example, the chroma subsampling info. helps eliminate confusion created by the differing terminology commonly used. (ie. 4:4:4 = 1X1 etc.)

84

General Software Discussion / Re: Your most used SPECIAL programs

« on: March 10, 2011, 03:58 PM »

Hi Curt. In the case of the RIOT plugin for XnView (which I use), I click on an image, then go to Tools/Plugin/RIOT to activate RIOT. It displays as a large dual pane window with "Initial image" on the left and "Optimized image" on the right.

Not sure about Irfanview-- I would assume it's the same situation where RIOT steps up to the plate (ie. RIOT is visible). Hopefully another Irfanview user can indicate if it works differently.

btw I use RIOT primarily for batch compressing jpeg to size. It saves a ton of time, and usually the optimized images aren't noticeably different from the initial images. Of course, if you get carried away with too much compression the images will have noticeable artifacts. But at least you can preview to see how badly an image will deteriorate.

FWIW I prefer to use FastStone Photo Resizer (which is also a component of FastStone Image Viewer) for resizing because it has a "Conversion Preview" which allows me to have a sneak peek at the exact size prior to the actual resizing.

85

General Software Discussion / Re: SRWare Iron 5.0.380 beta browser

« on: March 10, 2011, 03:04 PM »

Hi, SRWare Iron version 10.0.650.0 was released on 3-9-2011.

I'll probably wait a few days to see if they release a small point (ie. bug fix) update. That seems to be the pattern-- every time I download the "new" version they release a newer version the very next day.  

86

General Software Discussion / Re: Your most used SPECIAL programs

« on: March 10, 2011, 01:29 PM »

If most used is the primary criteria, then I am compelled to mention the free (for private use) and portable RIOT (aka Radical Image Optimization Tool).

Perhaps old news to some, but I only recently discovered this tool which has saved me many hours processing images. One phrase explains it best: "compress to size". Factor in batch processing and manual control of chroma subsampling and we have a winner. 

RIOT is available as a standalone and/or plugin for Gimp, IrfanView, and XnView.

WARNING: As mentioned, I have the portable version of RIOT. The installer version now includes OpenCandy.

http://luci.criosweb.ro/riot/

87

General Software Discussion / Re: iResizer

« on: March 10, 2011, 12:52 PM »

Curt, iResizer looks like an interesting app. Thanks for telling.

88

General Software Discussion / Re: photo duplicate scanner

« on: March 10, 2011, 12:50 PM »

...both fast (a few seconds) and exact. This is a keeper!...

-Curt (March 09, 2011, 05:21 PM)

I agree. I've used Dup Detector for many years because it works great. The program has good cache management via the "Fast rebuild" command. Free, fast and accurate!

btw the last version of SimilarImages can be found at this site:  https://tn123.org/simimages
I don't use SimilarImages very often nowadays, but it seems many folks like the program.

AntiDupl.NET has also had some new releases lately, but I have chosen to stick with the older version 1.6.0.0.  I tested the newer versions and didn't much care for some of the supposed "improvements".

89

General Software Discussion / Re: photo duplicate scanner

« on: March 09, 2011, 01:53 PM »

Greetings,

The author of Prismatic Dup Detector has released version 3.30.
http://www.prismatic...tor/dupdetector.html

Wow, it's been six years since the last version of this great freeware.

90

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: IOBit Security 360 Pro at 50% discount

« on: November 17, 2010, 02:22 PM »

Oh, no doubt IOBit's stupid decision to take a competitor's work hurts their bottom line. Many software sites will not list or recommend IOBit software based on ethical grounds.

The financial reality is unfortunate for the company because (as you suggest) they have some quality software (ie. other than IOBit Security 360). But this sad situation is of their own making.

91

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: BrotherGiveaway

« on: November 17, 2010, 01:23 PM »

...I have the unprovable idea that they made their way to the top in a dodgy way, so to speak, but like the Corleone's they are now trying to become/stay clean....

-Curt (November 17, 2010, 01:03 PM)

Well crud...now I can't get that "horse's head in bed" image out of my head.

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Found Deals and Discounts / Re: IOBit Security 360 Pro at 50% discount

« on: November 17, 2010, 01:00 PM »

Thanks for posting, virgilGSD.

Some folks soured on IOBit when they were caught borrowing their database from a competitor (MBAM). It's difficult for many to overlook that kind of behavior. Not a great long-term sales strategy either.

93

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: BrotherGiveaway

« on: November 17, 2010, 12:46 PM »

I agree Curt. Given the size of the Brothersoft site, it's pretty much a given that somebody somewhere would encounter some type of problem.

But it's interesting how these web scanners (in the effort to help users) can cause major problems for sites. I mean, LinkScanner/Exploit Prevention Labs is going so far as to call Brothersoft a "Crack Server".

Description: XPL's Intelligence Network has identified this server as being a so-called 'Crack Server'. Crack Servers are servers that offer up tools and technologies that enable others to hack or crack into legitimate servers. Crack servers occasionally also serve up exploits. XPL recommends avoiding this web site.

Wow, that kind of characterization can be very damaging to a site. All this negative feedback from web scanners will cause some folks to avoid Brothersoft.

94

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: BrotherGiveaway

« on: November 16, 2010, 03:41 PM »

cthorpe, thanks for the heads up. Never hurts to be careful when downloading "freebies".

WOT Online reveals a mixed bag, with notable red indicators including "Malicious content, viruses".

95

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: BrotherGiveaway

« on: November 16, 2010, 01:27 PM »

Ah, looks interesting. But all these freebie sites are dangerous for a software junkie.

btw another site with freebies dottech hasn't been loading for me lately. 

96

General Software Discussion / Re: teracopy: copy your files faster

« on: November 15, 2010, 03:00 PM »

I've noticed a new copy tool named UltraCopier. I recall reading a favorable review a few months ago, but I haven't tried the software yet. UltraCopier is currently at version 0.2.0.16.

97

General Software Discussion / Re: What is best program to create a DVD from any video file?

« on: November 15, 2010, 02:17 PM »

@superboyac: have you tried AVStoDVD as well? And if so, what do you think about it? I ask because AVStoDVD and FAVC are the two I use.

Unlike FAVC, AVStoDVD still has an active developer who remains receptive to user comments. 

98

General Software Discussion / Re: SRWare Iron 5.0.380 beta browser

« on: November 13, 2010, 02:38 PM »

btw there's plenty of information and misinformation regarding Chrome/Chromium/Iron.

For a non-programmer such as myself, I have to admit confusion as to some of this stuff. For example, this unknown person has concluded Iron is a total scam.
http://chromium.hybr...ce.org/the-iron-scam

I don't buy into it, but it is interesting food for thought.

99

General Software Discussion / Re: SRWare Iron 5.0.380 beta browser

« on: November 13, 2010, 02:05 PM »

Latest Iron release is 7.0.520.1.
http://www.srware.ne...re_iron_download.php

Darn, why can't they go back to the infrequent updates?

100

General Software Discussion / Re: Download managers: Get your fingers out of my browser!!

« on: November 13, 2010, 01:07 PM »

I agree with 40hz, FlashGot is highly recommended!