PowerDesk 8 FREE

[Curt]

PowerDesk version 8 from Avanquest. I expect it never will be updated, Avanquest doesn't believe in updates..., but it is free, thanks to dotTech.

Go to http://dottech.org/freebies/19401

PowerDesk gives one new item in Start: C:\Program Files\Avanquest\PowerDesk\PDHookServer.exe
Installation is a .msi, = huge installation, but (usually) perfect uninstall. It wants to restart pc.
PowerDesk will offer to replace Explorer.

PowerDesk 8 is a program that aims to be your go-to program for all your file management needs; it is a 137 MB bahamut that has many, many features ranging from FTP manager, archive manager, file finder and everything in between. In regards to functionality, PowerDesk 8 doesn't provide anything groundbreakingly unique; there are many other programs - often freeware - that provide the functionality of individual components of PowerDesk 8.

For example, 7-zip is an excellent archive manager; FileZilla is an excellent FTP client; there are many viable Windows Explorer replacements out there, such as QDir; Heidi's Eraser or East-Tec Eraser 2009 delete secure files well; AxCrypt and TrueCrypt are go-to programs for encryption; GFI Backup has a sync component to it; Disk Space Fan is a "Size Manager" alternative; IrfanView is an excellent file viewer; FormatFactory can convert images; for desktop search, the built-in Windows Search is actually an excellent tool, and there is Everything for people that desire more; etc. The main attraction of PowerDesk 8 is not unique or special features but rather the fact that it provides multiple features in one package; an all-in-one, if you want to call it that.

That said, PowerDesk 8 will be attractive to people that like all-in-one programs; everyone else can save yourselves the headache of downloading a 137 MB program. (On a personal level, I prefer specialized software over all-in-one utilities.)

-dotTech Quick Glance

[Midnight Rambler]

Thanks for the heads-up, Curt.  Have been using PowerDesk since v. 5.  Now regret having paid for versions up to 7.  Oh, well, daily use has justified cost.

And while at dottech.org, picked up jv16 PowerTools 2009 too.  As long as I can remember, this utility has been recommended by every top geek.  Will have to explore dottech.org more often.  Program installation instructions on site couldn't have been more clear.

Only downside of using these freebies is the chance of spam and incessant marketing offers.