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Recent Posts

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3226
General Software Discussion / Re: RSS Reader?
« Last post by zridling on May 10, 2005, 04:06 AM »
Jibz, have you looked at RSS Bandit? It's Open Source and has a pretty large and strong user community built around it now.
3227
General Software Discussion / Re: opensourceversus.com
« Last post by zridling on May 10, 2005, 04:03 AM »
As the free world; that is, first-order economies become poorer and poorer (or should I say, "stabilized downward"), you can't help but cheer for Open Source Software. As we all go through poorer and richer stages of our lives, we may not only want OSS apps but need them, e.g., as a student or a startup business, or the poor schlub in St. Louis or Bangladesh who just can't afford to drop $130/year to Apple for an OS X update or to Adobe for Photoshop or even Microsoft for whatever (although, at the present $99, it's hard to say one can't afford MS Office, rather one just chooses not to).

My own standard for OS apps is that I don't just want them to be "as good," but better than what I'm currently using. After all, isn't the whole purpose of the DCC community to aid in uncovering the best apps, no matter where they come from? Finally, the great thing about the open source versus site is that it provides an entire array of arguments — both practical and philosophical — in favor of Open Source. That's cool.
3228
Living Room / Re: Links page - suggestions wanted
« Last post by zridling on May 10, 2005, 02:24 AM »
I love how the DCC links page has filled out. Here's three more for perusal that may lead to other links:

Great site for OS apps for Windows (The OSSwin Project)
http://osswin.sourceforge.net/

Just the productivity OS apps, please (MozOO.org)
http://mozoo.org/wikicms.php

Windows Support Sites, NGs
http://aumha.org/support.htm
3229
Best FTP Server / Re: ASRT: Ftp Server Review Thread
« Last post by zridling on May 10, 2005, 01:52 AM »
Kudos to tenseiken and DCC on another great review. I've no need for an FTP server, but I know people who do, so it was nice to learn from it. Thanks for all the hard work!
3230
Best FTP Server / 15% Blackmoon discount at Shareware Plaza
« Last post by zridling on May 08, 2005, 01:57 AM »
Saw this 15% discount for the Pro version today at Shareware Plaza (never heard of them):
http://www.shareware...r-download_8546.html
3231
General Software Discussion / Re: Which app stays open on your desktop all day?
« Last post by zridling on May 06, 2005, 06:00 AM »
Wow, you guys load up! In the tray I've got PGP, AI RoboForm, and OutPost Firewall.
3232
General Software Discussion / Which app stays open on your desktop all day?
« Last post by zridling on May 05, 2005, 12:48 AM »
In a followup to "Software I Love," I'm wondering which software app stays open on your desktop all day?

I'll confess that besides the browser (NetCaptor) and ExplorerPlus, it's UltraEdit. I'm in and out of it all day so there's no need to ever close it.
3233
General Software Discussion / Re: Supercharge Your Software - PC World Article of little utils
« Last post by zridling on May 05, 2005, 12:40 AM »
Virtually every one of these apps are reviewed on The Office Letter website. Interesting, but they're not by the same author.
3234
General Software Discussion / Re: Software for Mindmapping etc
« Last post by zridling on May 02, 2005, 06:31 PM »
Hey, I love Visio man!  :) The biggest problem I have with mind mapping apps is that they're needlessly complex and too focused on formatting options over layout ease. I looked at both MindGenius and MindJet, but both seem the wrong approach — I want to get my ideas down quickly rather than focus on which button to push. I feel for you.
3235
General Software Discussion / Re: RSS Reader?
« Last post by zridling on May 02, 2005, 06:19 PM »
I've been using FeedDemon through a full version now and I've come to appreciate its clean interface, customizability, and features like podcasting and the ability to shut down scripts, ads, ActiveX, etc. Lots of different templates to allow you to read your feeds in any way you prefer.
3236
General Review Discussion / Re: What categories should we review next?
« Last post by zridling on April 30, 2005, 12:13 AM »
Best outlining/note-taking tool? Just in case, my Top 5 list is as follows:

__(1) Microsoft OneNote-SP1
__(2) TexNotes Pro
__(3) Jot+ Notes
__(4) AM-Notebook Pro
__(5) NoteMap

Unlike text editors, there are many good candidates in this class of software, and even some on the OS side. The three biggest factors for me tend to be interface design, outlining flexibility and ease, and import/export abilities. Coincidently, like text editors, most outlining tools rarely see major upgrades.
3237
Best Firewall / A thank you for the Best Firewall review
« Last post by zridling on April 30, 2005, 12:00 AM »
Wanted to thank mouser and the DCC crew for the Best Firewall review. I had heard of Outpost Firewall, but had never used it. I tried it, tested it, and bought it in large part because every part of your review proved true to my experience when using it for a week. Again, thanks!
3238
Best Text Editor / Re: Heard back from IDM - no discount
« Last post by zridling on April 28, 2005, 09:09 PM »
In IDM's defense, they have never offered a discount that I know of in the seven years I've been using UltraEdit. However, for twice the price of registration ($80 in all) they do offer a Lifetime License for UltraEdit, which has been a great bargain. I bought it as version 7 was turning into version 8 years ago and now they're at 11.10. Also, the price of UltraEdit hasn't risen in the past three versions. So while I have my own thoughts on shareware pricing which have challenged by some, I wouldn't be too harsh on IDM because, at the very least, they've been consistent with UltraEdit's pricing over a long time.
3239
General Review Discussion / Re: Years on awards?
« Last post by zridling on April 25, 2005, 09:31 PM »
I like the idea of a "year" award, but allow DCC the right to re-view the class when new versions are released. Some apps can quickly leapfrog others between versions. Also, there's been a terrible trend going around where one version is great; and the next just blows, followed by a version that fixes the previous bomb.
3240
Best Text Editor / Re: UltraEdit 11 - Best text editor?
« Last post by zridling on April 25, 2005, 05:46 PM »
Scott, thanks for the best laugh of the day! :)

You could almost label this review, "Part I." There are some categories of software — text editors is one, image editors/viewers and archiving apps being others — that there are so many products to review that it's easy to get lost in the alphabet soup of programs. Mouser, I liked how you explained little details, e.g., novices might not understand exactly what a project is or what code folding is, but you provide descriptions throughout. Starting and finishing with UltraEdit, and then comparing features against it is a sound approach. If users take the time to go through the list of apps and download a few to evaluate for themselves, they'll quickly see their shortcomings vis-a-vis UltraEdit.

Differentiating between what makes a good general text editor and programmer's editor is key to this review. Some misguided critiques arise solely out of either confusing the two or conflating them. For example, someone like me would disappointed with Zeus or PSPad as a text editor, but someone who codes would likely be delighted. Even the developer of Zeus admits that his is a programmer's editor and is not suitable for large files. It's courteous that he shares that up front, I believe. Like a lot of writers, I use a text editor to compose an article, monograph, or even book, so I need actual, practical "text" features more than coding. (I take the raw text and "drop it" into whatever container program the publisher wants, such as MS Word, InDesign, Quark, etc.) I do basic HTML/XML, and small bits of PHP with my text editor, so choices like UltraEdit, EmEditor, and EditPlus are good for me. But I'm not writing any variant of C code, and thus have no use for VIM, Emacs, SlickEdit, etc. As you say, that's a different category, much like the difference between a word processor and a desktop publishing program.

Next year, IDM will release its UEStudio IDE (Integrated Development Environment), and since UltraEdit will be the backbone of UEStudio, they will be upgraded in sync. That would be a good time to revisit this category, if not sooner.
3241
General Software Discussion / Re: software i love
« Last post by zridling on April 25, 2005, 02:12 AM »
Great recommendations, Scott, and Rockin, the URL for 2BrightSparks is http://www.2brightsparks.com/ — thanks for sharing SyncBack/SE/Pro Rockin!

DirSync isn't elegant by any means, but its synching (sp?) performance and accuracy is true. I'll try SyncBackSE this week. Btw, I've really come to rely on Total Uninstall. Would that all apps were that good.
3242
Best Text Editor / Re: UltraEdit 11 - Best text editor?
« Last post by zridling on April 25, 2005, 01:54 AM »
It may be something to think about whether the weekly reviews wouldn't be better suited if they were done more like guides, with a final recommendation of best app, but not so focused on the winner throughout.
-mouser (April 24, 2005, 06:15 PM)
Another great review, mouser. I'm impressed with how deep you dived into UltraEdit and was able to detect its weaknesses as well as strengths juxtaposed to the other editors. Regarding the quote above, I would allow that to be a different type of review, a "class/category" review rather than a "Best" award. No harm in taking that approach if their are many good choices and the field is unsettled. PSPad's performance really takes a hit when Word Wrap is on, and though it doesn't have many features, I wish every app had as elegant an interface as NotePad++. Like DNM, I have an affinity for EditPlus, and I think it stems from the fact that I can customize it to how I want to work.

Did anyone notice how many of the apps could almost be classified as abandonware? NoteTab, EditPlus, TextPad, Crimson Editor are a few that haven't had a major upgrade in years. If I had the brains for programming, I'd spend it building a better text editor, but I got looks instead. ;)
3243
General Software Discussion / Re: software i love
« Last post by zridling on April 23, 2005, 11:19 PM »
I depend a number of different apps daily, but the one I can't live without is DirSync. It works better than any other synching app I've come across.
3244
Best Text Editor / Re: Pre-review discussion of "BEST TEXT EDITOR"
« Last post by zridling on April 23, 2005, 09:12 PM »
TextPad and NoteTab Pro are essentially abandonware, not having been upgraded for over 2-4 years. I'd make sure to cover three not on your original list:
__EditPlus — well-liked, and highly customizable;
__PSPad — Many love it, in part because it's free, but has a weak engine; and
__EmEditor — highly efficient, small footprint, and super fast.

A few things I look for first in a text editor are:
(1) Customizability, most notably of keyboard shortcuts;
(2) Speed and Power; that is, startup speed, and ability to handle very large files;
(3) How does it handle file/document tabs? Can I move them above or below the window? Can I rearrange their order and have them tab next/previous in the new order? How good is its Find/Replace dialog?
(4) Actual text editing features — if I only wanted a programmer's editor, I'd use Emacs or SlickEdit.
3245
Official DonationCoder.com Reviews / Re: Reviews content suggestion
« Last post by zridling on April 21, 2005, 10:26 PM »
mouser: "...I don't think such comparison tables could be created without huge amounts of work."

Ricnaff, you make some excellent points, but understand the trade-off involved in what you're asking. While DCC's reviews are extensive and thorough, they are not written for print magazine publication. I think it's a nice idea, too, but trust me when I iterate how MUCH task-intensive work goes into each of these reviews. I want to be informed by the content of the review, and not rely on a bar chart or three-word quip to summarize a 4,000-word review. PCMag.com still relies on "meters" inside of gifs to give you their rating. For me, I'm not looking for 4, 5, or 10 stars. I want someone to tell me what makes an app good and why I should have it on my desktop. If one wants quick and easy, visit my site below to find one-paragraph capsule reviews. However, DCC is devoted to fleshing out what makes a program better than its peers and worthy of your consideration. And the work it takes to write that is well worth supporting as you have, Ricnaff, so thanks!
3246
Best FTP Server / Re: ASRT: What should we do for 4/23?
« Last post by zridling on April 21, 2005, 05:50 PM »
mouser: "I would have to make sure the reviews maintain a standard of quality + depth, and at last some continuity in terms of approach to reviewing and evaluating software."

That's the key — you'd need to serve as managing editor. If for no other reason to maintain consistency among reviews to meet the "DCC standard" with regard to looks, content, etc. When you consider that a review will have a half-life of 6-12 months before needing to revisit that category, quality and coverage is the key. As for physical exhaustion, I can testify! Even on my site, which has 6-10 capsule reviews and descriptions per update usually twice a month, it takes a minimum of 8-20 hours to complete an update between two versions of the site, the RSS feed, write and edit the reviews, compose the screenshots, notify and communicate with the developers, and that doesn't include the days or weeks spent testing the app itself within the window of its trial period. In other words, it's a labor of love!
3247
General Review Discussion / Re: What categories should we review next?
« Last post by zridling on April 21, 2005, 05:31 PM »
I'll add to Jibz' suggestions. He listed:
- Best Programmers Editor
- Best E-mail Client
- Best Process Explorer
- Best Archiver
- Best FTP Client
- Best Image Viewer/Browser

Over time, I'd also like to see Best:
__Outlining/Note-taking tool
__Calculator
__Image Editing tool
__File Renamer
__Photo Resizer
__Screen Recorder
__Duplicate File Finder
__Windows Tweaking tool/s
__Defrag, Disk Management
__Uninstall tool
__Synching tool
__Download Manager
__Privacy tool
__Blogging (blog-posting, not creation) tool
__Online Help/Resource sites
3248
Living Room / Re: Who are you & what do you do?
« Last post by zridling on April 20, 2005, 04:54 AM »
I'm 43, a professional writer, and am consumed by the pursuit of great software (see signature below). I spend my entire day and most of my night on the computer, usually writing books, articles or translating between Canadian and US English dialects — ha!— so hardware ergonomics, along with user interface and sound design are keys to what I favor in software. As a result of my sedentary lifestyle, I watch too much TV, eat too much chocolate, and fully intend to exercise again when I win the lottery. I have a PhD in philosophy and taught college undergraduates for ten years, though I did not enjoy the departmental politics and game-playing by too many faculty in modern academia. That came to an end in 2002 when I moved to St. Louis with Access Foundation and I haven't looked back. I've lived all over the place, but hope to move back to Nova Scotia someday.
3249
Living Room / Re: What screensize do you have? Should we reduce size of left sidebar
« Last post by zridling on April 20, 2005, 04:37 AM »
1280x1024 and the site is nice and clean on my end.
3250
Living Room / Re: I was thinking of making a hardware section, opinions?
« Last post by zridling on April 20, 2005, 04:34 AM »
I'll second that emotion. There are some support forums (and single application forums, for that matter) that have so many different categories that many are neglected. And right now there are some very good HW Review sites online, among them Tom's Hardware Guide and Reseller Ratings. However, I don't see why someone can't interject an endorsement for something that works particularly well — I've had my HP Laserjet4 for 13 years and it works like the day I bought it!
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