Recent Posts

626

General Software Discussion / Re: photo duplicate scanner

« Last post by sajman99 on July 14, 2009, 03:12 PM »

Recently I discovered the following...

(1) The previously mentioned ImgSearch is a small and rather plain-looking freeware which works very effectively as a similar images finder if configured properly. If anybody tried ImgSearch and received poor results, I encourage you to take another look.

(2) Michael Vinther's small freeware file manager Commander at http://meesoft.logicnet.dk has been mentioned in the DC forum before, but I didn't see where anybody noted a special ability of Commander relevant to this thread.

Good day, sajman99

627

General Software Discussion / Re: Text-To-Speech Freeware?

« Last post by sajman99 on July 03, 2009, 04:12 PM »

Long ago I used a freeware named ReadPlease. Looks like it's now taken the commercial route at http://www.readplease.com but maybe an older free version is still out there.

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General Software Discussion / Re: Photology - Photo collection filtering

« Last post by sajman99 on July 03, 2009, 03:59 PM »

Yes, well I guess what I'm saying is that Photology still seems a little too basic in its early form. For sorting through an image collection, I would rather use a software like ImageSorter at http://www.pixolution.de . In any event, these types of image sorting softwares are likely to get much more sophisticated in the next few years.

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General Software Discussion / Re: need help sorting my photos

« Last post by sajman99 on July 03, 2009, 03:57 PM »

@Mr.G:
Perhaps you should check out https://www.donation...ex.php?topic=11829.0 - the DC thread on photo duplicate scanners. Those tools in that thread are specifically designed to find duplicate and/or similar images.

Regarding image sorting apps, the only ones I know of are Photology at http://www.getphotology.com/index.html and ImageSorter at http://www.pixolution.de. Both mentioned softwares are freeware, but I cannot say if either software supports RAW formats.

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General Software Discussion / Re: Detecting RootKits

« Last post by sajman99 on July 01, 2009, 01:27 PM »

Thanks for the ARK information, folks.

I checked out the ARK RootRepeal at http://rootrepeal.googlepages.com, and it's a nice tool which can quickly display stealth objects, hidden services, etc.
I'll be keeping it in my ARK collection FWIW. But that's all I've been able to find so far.

Surely somebody has some specific ARK tools which they use and recommend? Maybe some ARKS that are newer and not well-known to the average user?
As suggested by Curt, I've read Gizmo's page at http://www.techsuppo...-scanner-remover.htm , but (as noted by one of the first comments on that page) some of those ARK recommendations haven't changed in a long time while rootkits have continued development.

Look forward to any suggestions, sajman99

631

General Software Discussion / Re: Photology - Photo collection filtering

« Last post by sajman99 on June 30, 2009, 10:51 PM »

Just heard about Photology, searched the forum and saw this thread. I checked out the free software which requires .NET 3.0 and well, ermm...about all I can say is Photology shows potential. It should be interesting to watch its development, but I found it generally underwhelming in its present form. Maybe I've somehow overlooked the app's brilliance, but there was nothing there that made me think "wow, I must have this advanced image sorting tool".

If somebody tried Photology and thinks its great software, don't hesitate to let me know if I've overlooked some special feature.

632

General Software Discussion / Re: What is your prefered source of registry tweaks?

« Last post by sajman99 on June 30, 2009, 04:21 PM »

Those users without extensive computer experience should not go fiddling around in the registry like it's some theme park of thrills. Rather than taking unnecessary risk, those folks (admittedly like myself) are well advised to use established tools like CCleaner and tools which are specifically designed to fine-tune/tweak their systems. For a couple examples:

TweakUI etc. at http://www.microsoft...oys/xppowertoys.mspx  
Tweak N' Tune etc. at http://www.acelogix.com/freeware.html  

tinjaw: Sorry if this isn't the sites/books you were actually seeking, but like they always say "safety first".

Edit: XP user here- perhaps not "modern", but stable and solid as a rock.

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General Software Discussion / Re: Is There Anyway????

« Last post by sajman99 on June 30, 2009, 03:36 PM »

@moranacus:
Bottom line: You bought it, they still own it! IMHO DRM has nothing whatsoever to do with logic. If you've decided to go the iTunes route, just take the time to learn their rules, and then play their game.

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General Software Discussion / Re: free scaled down word replacment

« Last post by sajman99 on June 28, 2009, 04:12 PM »

@techidave:
Perhaps you should also try Atlantis Nova, the freeware version of the Atlantis Word Processor mentioned by lanux128.
http://www.atlantisw...ssor.com/en/nova.htm
http://web.archive.o...ml/download/nova.htm

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General Software Discussion / Re: Detecting RootKits

« Last post by sajman99 on June 28, 2009, 03:37 PM »

Lots can change in two years, particularly in a security-related field like anti-rootkits (ARKs). I readily admit I'm not an "expert" in this security area, but I've searched in the effort to find some newer ARKs.

One of the most recommended ARKs out there is GMER at http://www.gmer.net . It's been updated several times lately and is well regarded.

In addition, I really like this ARK I had not previously heard about- GamingMaster's Kernel Detective (latest version 1.30). It runs fast, stable, and provides a wealth of information.

The development details and Kernel Detective download link is available here: http://www.at4re.com...hp?p=51875#post51875  
Relevant Sysinterals forum thread for those interested can be found here: http://forum.sysinte...p?TID=19056&PN=1

If somebody has some more ARK recommendations, I am definitely interested. 

636

General Software Discussion / Re: Duplicate Finder 2009

« Last post by sajman99 on June 27, 2009, 05:22 PM »

To be honest, I'm not a hardcore audiophile who can't sleep at night unless my music collection is perfectly organized and categorized. I mean, a few duplicate songs is not really of monumental consequence to me. For that reason, I have decided to sit tight with Mindgems' Audio Dedupe for the time being, and hope they continue to develop their software.

Just in case Curt (or other music nut ) can't get enough of these music analysis tools, I searched around a bit to see what else is available. I found generally positive comments about a software named Phelix- a java-based shareware at http://www.pekarna.si which is described as a "music duplicates tool with acoustical audio matcher. Goal of the application is to find duplicated audio files inside selected folders. Duplicates with bad or missing music-tags but same or similar sound will be detected by audio matcher. Audio matcher will detect duplicates even if audio signals are shifted; started at different moments; if audio signals are ripped with different bit rates; if audio signals are ripped with different volumes."

Phelix's setup file is around 17.38 MB, and it costs $19 for the full version. In case anyone decides to take it for a spin, please let me know if it's a serious contender.
Good Luck, sajman99

637

General Software Discussion / Re: Alt-tab replacement ?

« Last post by sajman99 on June 27, 2009, 12:21 PM »

Preview would be nice.

Winflip at http://tokyodownstai...2007/11/winflip.html could be regarded as too basic for advanced users, but I can easily and quickly cycle through all my XP windows in a Vista-like 3D effect. On my widescreen monitor, large real-time previews are displayed with amazing clarity via Win+Tab (customizable).

The combination of TaskSwitchXP and Winflip could be a potent 1-2 punch. Winflip's site is rather sparse, so I'll leave to others to comment on xp64 support.

kartal, I also look forward to other recommendations which might fulfill more of your requirements.

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General Software Discussion / Re: Space Management : there is a new competitor - SpaceSniffer

« Last post by sajman99 on June 26, 2009, 10:19 PM »

@bigbigball: There's an old saying "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery", so thanks for posting.  If you hang around the DC forum a bit, you are sure to learn lots- I know I have. Good Luck.

Edit: In the event bigbigball's post gets deleted, please regard these comments as extraneous. Thanks.

@PhilB66: Thanks for taking the time to check on Scanner's registry entries. When I used to run registry cleaners, I would occasionally remove needed registry entries. Now I very rarely use registry cleaners- lesson learned.

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General Software Discussion / Re: Space Management : there is a new competitor - SpaceSniffer

« Last post by sajman99 on June 26, 2009, 05:15 PM »

@PhilB66: I have the latest version of Steffen Gerlach's Scanner (v2.10) and I see a registry entry at
 HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Steffen Gerlach\Scanner, but HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\FSOnlineScanner throws me for a loop.
Not that it's of any great significance, but could somebody confirm this registry entry for Scanner. Curiosity killed the cat, as they say.

@Umberto: Great work, SpaceSniffer is a keeper.

640

General Software Discussion / Re: What is the Best Movie Collection Organizer Program

« Last post by sajman99 on June 26, 2009, 03:11 PM »

@40hz: Some kids today act like they don't recognize pen and paper. That's old school, man! 

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Found Deals and Discounts / Re: Bolide rebate for 1 person only!

« Last post by sajman99 on June 26, 2009, 02:46 PM »

Thanks for the notice, but I'll have to think it over.   

642

General Software Discussion / Re: Duplicate Finder 2009

« Last post by sajman99 on June 26, 2009, 01:32 PM »

It's fortunate for us that others like Mindgems are also listening- the competition between Bolidesoft and Mindgems forces continued development of their softwares. If Bolidesoft now supports lossless audio and tag editing, then it's a very good bet Mindgems will incorporate those features soon. Looks like Bolidesoft's Audio Comparer was first released in January 2009 and Mindgems only recently had their first public release of Audio Dedupe, so I'm guessing Bolidesoft had a bit of a head start.

I realize I'm entirely too picky, but Bolidesoft's Audio Comparer has several little issues that annoy me.
(1) I know it's trial software, but do they have to start with the incessant "Do you want to buy now" on day one? Bolidesoft, let me test your software for several days before you begin pestering. Mindgems' Audio Dedupe has a much more low-key approach-- a demo with feature limitations.

(2) AFAIK I must store database files in Audio Comparer; in Mindgems' software you have a "no cache" option. Bolidesoft, I would like the choice.

(3) I would prefer to keep my database files somewhere other than My Documents; Bolidesoft allows me, but nonetheless an empty Audio Comparer folder resides in My Documents. I can delete it, but rest assured it returns upon relaunching the app. Likewise, Audio Comparer has no memory of where I last stored database files; the only location it remembers is My Documents. Therefore, every time I create another database I have to click around like I've never used the app before. Carpal Tunnel, anyone?

(4) Whether it's Bolidesoft's Image Comparer or Audio Comparer, their software seems to suffer from short term memory loss regarding the user-selected similarity %. If my preference is for a 60% tolerance (ie. non-default value) in Audio Comparer, the software should remember it the next time I use the app. From my experience, it's hit or miss- sometimes Bolidesoft remembers but sometimes not.

(5) Bolidesoft's software protection scheme (Obsidium http://www.obsidium.de/show/home/en for Image Comparer and something? quite similar for Audio Comparer) resides in the registry and in my XP win.ini. Bolidesoft, stay the heck out of my win.ini file. I like to labor under the delusion I control my computer rather than it controlling me.

Yes, I know- picky, picky, picky. But darned if I don't feel better now.

643

General Software Discussion / Re: What is the Best Movie Collection Organizer Program

« Last post by sajman99 on June 25, 2009, 02:21 PM »

Another vote for Movienizer here. I've used it for the last couple of years, and it suits my limited needs. With the new version 2.0, it now inserts a newly added movie in the correct chronological order. It used to place an added movie at the top of the list (ie. out of order) for no apparent reason, and that really annoyed me. Presently, it puts TV appearances at the top of the list in the wrong chronological order, but I suppose I can live with it. For example, the fact that Adam Sandler played a drug dealer in an ABC Afterschool Special in 1990 is a fascinating tidbit, but Movienizer places that role at #3 in the list above Bedtime Stories (2008) and other recent Sandler films. That's not logical to me, but as I say, I can live with it.

I suppose if I were a huge movie buff I would switch to the free version of DVD Profiler at http://www.invelos.com/ because it is all about details, details, details. Admittedly, it's a bit much for my needs.

Another movie organizer worthy of consideration is Griffith at http://www.griffith.cc/ . As I recall, it is easy to use and has a very clean interface, but for reasons which escape me at the moment, I decided to stick with Movienizer.

644

General Software Discussion / Re: How to configure Website-Watcher for DC forums?

« Last post by sajman99 on June 24, 2009, 04:01 PM »

I have a business associate who uses and likes the Firefox extension Update Scanner at https://addons.mozil...S/firefox/addon/3362 although I myself haven't used Firefox over the last several releases. Update Scanner supposedly displays a popup notification when a monitored site changes. Just a possible (and hopefully not too inane) alternative to your Website Watcher woes, superboyac.

645

General Software Discussion / Re: Duplicate Finder 2009

« Last post by sajman99 on June 24, 2009, 12:41 PM »

@Dormouse: The lack of support for lossless audio is a valid point which didn't occur to me (MP3 & OGG collection here). It should be emphasized that Audio Dedupe is a new software (version 1.0.0.1 currently) which will only get better. If Mindgems' Visual Similarity Duplicate Image Finder's (VSDIF) development history is any indication, then Audio Dedupe will likely have a steady development with more supported file types, more refined interface, etc. Also, FWIW the few times I have contacted their support team they have responded in a timely and professional manner.

@Curt: Indeed, VSDIF is a very good software- accurate, speedy, easily navigable. Based on VSDIF and Audio Dedupe, I really like the MindGems software. Just a few years ago, VSDIF was so unbearably slow it wasn't worth the effort waiting for its results. Presently, I can only offer congratulations to MindGems for "getting over the hump" and overcoming whatever speed obstacles they once faced.

Have you processed your entire music collection of 40,000 files yet? Just curious.

@tinjaw: Look forward to your results/impressions.

646

General Software Discussion / Re: Duplicate Finder 2009

« Last post by sajman99 on June 24, 2009, 10:56 AM »

After exploring these music analysis tools a bit further, I can now declare my preference for Mindgems' Audio Dedupe. Its results were spot-on accurate, illuminating multiple duplicate songs I didn't know existed in my collection of approximately 10,000 songs. For example, it seems Sheryl Crow and Kid Rock had the same song entitled "Picture" on each of their respective albums. Who knew? Apparently not me because I have two copies of the same song, albeit at different bitrates.

In accordance with MindGems' policy at http://www.mindgems....dio-Dedupe-About.htm :
The Demo version of Audio Dedupe is not trial, but with the following limitations:
You cannot delete or move the selected duplicate files using Move or Delete Selected buttons.
You cannot use Open with Associated Program and Locate in Explorer popup menu items.
You cannot Save/Load projects.

I also tried the two freeware tools noted above, and I can only give my opinion: they're still too beta-ish to be useful. Since Similarity is updated fairly regularly and really looks promising, I intend to watch its development carefully.  

@Curt: 40,000 songs? Wow, that's a substantial music collection. Audio Dedupe analyzed 10,000 songs in roughly 45 minutes on XP, 32-bits, 4 GB, E6850. Unless Audio Dedupe unpredictably grinds to a halt, I would expect it to easily complete 40,000 files over the course of one day/night, certainly not an entire week.

Also, the freeware Duplicate Cleaner at http://www.digitalvo...nt/duplicate-cleaner cites the ability to "Deep scan music formats - mp3, wma, flac, ogg, ape, etc", but all it does for me is crash when I attempt to scan music files on an external HD.  Without actually testing the program, I cannot say what "deep scanning" really means (ie. how advanced is this software?). In any event, others may have better luck with Duplicate Cleaner so I'll pass along the info FWIW.   

647

General Software Discussion / Re: easy saving text

« Last post by sajman99 on June 23, 2009, 08:24 PM »

kalos, I haven't yet tried this freeware myself, but it looks like it might be what you are seeking:
Quotepad at http://quotepad.info/
I also look forward to other recommendations.

648

General Software Discussion / Re: Duplicate Finder 2009

« Last post by sajman99 on June 23, 2009, 02:21 PM »

Curt, I finally looked at this program to see what is so "advanced" about it. Leaving aside Ashisoft's business practices which I know nothing about, the program is a decent software with aesthetic appeal. It has a logical layout, skinnable interface, and accurately detects Byte by Byte or CRC32 duplicates. But I have several freeware tools that do just as well finding duplicates, though they may not be packaged as nicely. If Duplicate Finder 2009 would incorporate visual similarity analysis (like Dup Detector, VisiPics, etc), then I would be more impressed. Binary duplicate detection in a commercial product doesn't inspire me (and other freeware junkies) to run for the credit card.

However, as you suggested Curt, the Music Duplicates (MP3/WMA) analysis is a whole different ball game. It is much more "advanced", or at least new territory. These music duplicate analysis tools seem to be gaining popularity, as they are emerging in both the commercial and freeware landscape. I just recently noticed that two commercial sites which have done well with image duplicate/similarity software now have music duplicate/similarity software for offer:  
Audio Dedupe at http://www.mindgems....dio-Dedupe-About.htm, from the developers of Visual Similarity Duplicate Image Finder &
Audio Comparer at http://audiocomparer.com from the developers of Image Comparer http://www.bolidesoft.com.

Likewise, new freeware offerings include Similarity 0.9 at http://www.music-similarity.com and Music Content Inspector 1.0 beta at http://www.sloud.com...ic_content_inspector. These tools are rather raw and undeveloped at this early stage, yet they typically cover more file types than Duplicate Finder 2009 which only appears to cover MP3 and WMA.
EDIT: DF2009's documentation indicates it supports .ogg files. I ran several tests on my .ogg files, and the program didn't find files that the freeware Similarity did find. But if DF2009 supports .ogg, then I stand corrected on this issue.

Curt, your urging to test a program before drawing conclusions turns out to be solid advice. When I saw this thread months ago, I thought "another binary duplicate detector, who cares?" Well, turns out I do because of the music content analysis feature. I won't be purchasing this particular software, but your posting opened up a new avenue of software exploration. All of which is to say- thanks for posting.

649

General Software Discussion / Re: List of the best available software

« Last post by sajman99 on June 22, 2009, 04:23 PM »

@muntealb: Congratulations on this list. Any software list is by definition limited and subject to criticism because you left off software XYZ, but this list has lots to check out. I have no problem learning from the experience of others, so thanks very much for your efforts.

650

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

« Last post by sajman99 on June 22, 2009, 04:10 PM »

I definitely agree with comments about the HC Encoder being a quality freeware encoder. For ease of use, I suppose something like DVD Flick http://www.dvdflick.net/ is good because it supports many file types, but for quality DVD Flick's encoder (ffmpeg) cannot match a HC based tool like AVStoDVD http://sourceforge.n...t/projects/avstodvd/, FAVC http://favcfavc.googlepages.com/, or FilmMachine http://members.home.nl/thefilmmachine/, (and DVD Rebuilder as Innuendo has recommended for DVD to DVD).

Along with other improvements, the latest version of the HC Encoder (.24 beta as I write this) has a "1 pass VBR" parameter which really saves lots of time.

@MilesAhead: I hate to hear about FAVC's possible demise. Maybe I've just been lucky, but I've used FAVC with HC encoder for the last year and never had any issue with it whatsoever.