The DealsGuy For
August 2006
by Bob (The Cheapskate) Click
Greater Orlando Computer Users Group
 Last month I published an announcement for a
product that could copy DVDs. We included what we found about downloading an
additional product that was necessary to accomplish certain tasks, and I was
accused of encouraging illegal activities. Maybe I should have worded it
differently, but the fact is, I simply published the announcement for a free
product, along with our findings, and made the information available so an
editor, or reader, could use it, or not use it, however they wished. I had
two complaints (from the same UG) and that group chose not to make the
column available to their members, which is their choice. This is not an
apology because there has been tremendous interest in these products; I
simply reported the facts and people are responsible for their own actions.
I have read a number of articles in UG newsletters containing opinions
concerning the law and the tactics of publishing companies. By the way,
since last month’s column, their product pricing and lineup has changed.
There are also those who would argue that a
gun shop encourages murder, and I could use other similar issues that might be
said to imply illegal activity. Recently I published an announcement for a
product that recovers passwords. That could also be used for an illegal activity
if used on a stolen computer. With all the write-ups and notoriety about new and
controversial copyright laws, I wouldn’t even try to explain the legalities of
anything. Is it legal, or illegal to make a backup copy? Do you know for sure?
Also, Shrink2Five has other uses and we did not include a link for
Machinist2.dll. My proof reader suggested that car companies must encourage a
long list of illegal activities, including manslaughter, since they sell cars
that can do such things.
Actually, I am not a fan of publishing
companies’ tactics and the UCITA or DCMA laws. If those officials have their
way, you would not be able to give, or even lend, anything published after you
have read or listened to it. From what I read, they want all used book stores
shut down as well as all libraries, and you would even be arrested if you were
caught lending a book or CD to a friend. Who knows where it all might end when
it comes to the pockets of some corporate bigwigs. However, I have no interest
in any of this copying stuff. I have no time and have not bought a music CD in
years, nor do I rent videos or go to a movie. The performers and executives
involved with that industry are grossly overpaid, but they don’t make any money
from me. I don’t watch much TV now, but if they keep adding commercials, I’ll
shut that off too. While I’m on my soapbox; if I am paying for cable TV, why
should I have to put up with all those commercials? People are much too tolerant
of being taken advantage of, and about what they are paying for.
*Do Your Homework
The announcements below have been edited to
shorten them so be sure to check their Web sites for better information.
Remember, I have not tried any of these so I have no knowledge about their
reliability.
*Check That Malware, And For Free!
Put an end to all types of Malware, at no
cost: The a-squared Web Malware Scanner 2.0 hunts undesired Spyware modules and
dangerous Trojans, Backdoors, Keyloggers, Worms, Dialers, Rootkits, Hacking
Tools, Riskware and TrackingCookies; all from within the Web browser and no
software must be installed. All users having Internet Explorer and a fast
Internet connection, such as DSL, can make optimum use of the scanner.
The a-squared Web Malware Scanner 2.0 uses
over 350,000 signatures and an ingenious heuristic algorithm for detecting pests
on the local computer and this scanner can be used directly from the Web
browser. The user can choose from four different scan functions depending on the
time available for a scan. The quick test provides rapid results, while a
detailed analysis of the entire computer can take a while. A Riskware
recognition system can also be enabled that informs the user of programs that
are usually harmless, but are often used by Malware for specific tasks. There is
also a paid version that they recommend as quicker and better with a 30-day free
trial.
a-squared Web Malware Scanner 2.0: <http://malwarescan.emsisoft.com>
a-squared Anti-Malware: <http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/personal>
Product details Malware-IDS: <http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/ids>
Order a-squared Anti-Malware: <http://www.emsisoft.com/en/order/homeuser>
Phone: +43-664-3446068 (German)
Fax: +43-6272-73083
Email: <info@emsisoft.com>
Web: <www.emsisoft.com>
*Let’s Compare Data
ZsCompare allows users to efficiently
synchronize computers, backup data, compare different versions of files, verify
that CDs have been copied correctly, manage Zip files, review changes to source
code, and more. Users can easily run comparisons on local directories, networked
computers, or removable media, such as CDs, DVDs, and flash drives. zsCompare is
highly customizable to meet a wide range of needs.
ZsCompare 3.0 adds many new file and freeform
text comparison features, including the ability to compare text from Microsoft
Word documents and PDF documents. Also, zsCompare provides additional control
over how the comparison is performed with predefined options for common
comparisons. Finally, the new version of zsCompare permits direct editing of
the contents of a file from the results. ZsCompare 3.0 operates on Windows, Mac
OS X, and Linux. It runs on the Java platform, a copy of which is included with
the zsCompare installation. ZsCompare 3.0 is available in three editions:
Professional ($199.95), Standard ($99.95), and Lite ($35.00). For a 20%
discount, my readers should enter the coupon code "DealsGuy" when purchasing a
license at <https://www.zizasoft.com/store/order.shtml>.
The Lite Edition contains basic comparison and synchronization functionality.
With the Lite Edition, users can compare directories, zip files, text files, and
freeform text. All versions include free lifetime upgrades and free technical
support.
More information, including a complete
list of enhancements and a fully functional 30 day trial version, is
available at <http://www.zizasoft.com/products/zsCompare/index.shtml>.
Sales: <sales@zizasoft.com>
Telephone: 1 (303) 638-9235
Fax: 1 (720) 862-2089
*The Arnold Schwarzenegger Of Windows?
Tame Windows with Actual Window Manager 4.01.
Microsoft Windows is the most widely used operating system today and its window
architecture is a brilliant invention. However, this architecture comes with a
bit of baggage and a degree of frustration, especially when you work with
several windows simultaneously. With many applications open at once Windows
becomes heavily cluttered, which in its turn cuts down on your computational
productivity. The more windows you open, the more time you spend to manage them
and less focus is on the job. Monotonous clicking, window clutter in the
taskbar, switching between windows, their positioning and resizing may double
and even triple the time you need to concentrate on your job.
Upon installation, Actual Window Manager adds
its buttons to each window in your system and allows you to navigate them in new
ways. Instead of the taskbar, you will be able to minimize windows to the task
tray or to the edge of the desktop or roll them up, or unroll, like blinds. If
you need to multitask in several applications at once, you can simply pin all
necessary windows on top without the need to bring up each one several times a
day. In fact, you have over 40 other controls to automate routines related to
windows. You can apply a predefined level of transparency to any window,
automate positioning of windows, resize them and change priory from the title
bar menu and more.
Over 450 suggestions were carefully considered
and reflected in a more intuitive user interface. The customization of options
has become much simpler, and the choice of options wider. In addition to subtle
customization abilities, the program has a list of presets for most popular
applications that allow you to use Actual Window Manager in the "install-and-go"
style.
Read the complete description of features
at <http://www.ActualTools.com/windowmanager/>
Download a no-cost evaluation copy from <http://www.ActualTools.com/files/aimsetup.exe>
Pricing and Availability
Actual Window Manager 4.0 runs under all
Windows platforms and costs $39.95 (USD) for a single-user license.
Registered customers are entitled to the unlimited functionality, free
updates and lifetime technical support. Additional information on Actual
Window Manager, a collection of tutorial articles and success stories, as
well as a 60-day evaluation copy is available from <http://www.ActualTools.com/>. UG members
should visit our User Groups Support page <http://www.actualtools.com/usergroups/>
and click the "Get 20% discount" Link, then follow the instructions.
E-mail: <info@actualtools.com>
That's it for this month. Meet me here again
next month if your editor permits.
This column is
written to make user group members aware of special offers or freebies I
have found or arranged, and my comments should not be interpreted to
encourage, or discourage, the purchase of any products, no matter how
enthused I might sound. Bob (The Cheapskate) Click <bobclick@mindspring.com>. Visit my
Web site at <http://www.dealsguy.com>
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