janvier 2013

mardi 29 janvier 2013

Download Onslaught! Arena Free

Onslaught! Arena is a desktop action game app that runs on the Pokki platform.

If you yearn for the good old days of 8-bit video game goodness, Onslaught! Arena can give you a nice dose of nostalgia. With its pixelated graphics, it won't be winning any awards or competing with some of the big-name action games on the market today, but it is pretty addictive to play.

Tagged as an arcade-style medieval fantasy shooter, Onslaught! Arena offers non-stop action, which even old hat gamers will find challenging. Battle bosses and other baddies with a great assortment of weapons to take them down with.

Unfortunately, the sound seems to work only sometimes upon launch. Other times, you end up playing in silence, which can be a little frustrating. Some other Pokki apps have had similar issues, so it may be more an issue with the platform rather than the game itself.

Onslaught! Arena is a fun shoot 'em up game for the Nintendo generation of gamers.

Notes

Clicking the 'Download' button will take you to theOnslaught! Arena program's download page where you can run the game.

Review last updated: 26/06/12

Pros

Fun, old school graphics
Challenging
Good assortment of weapons

Cons

Audio only works sporadically

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Download Messenger Reviver 1.2 Free

Messenger Reviver is a simple tool written to allow users to circumvent the forced upgrade to Windows Live Messenger.

Sometimes older software is better than the most up to date version. Windows Live Messenger 2011 is a case in point. When the update was released, many users had problems connecting and using its Facebook integration. Unfortunately Microsoft recently forced users of Windows Live Messenger 2009 to upgrade to continue using the chat program, leaving many users unhappy.

While you can revert to Windows Live Messenger 2009 after updating, Messenger Reviver does more by stopping the program from checking for updates and forcing users to upgrade again. Messenger Reviver is a simple application. Unzip the .exe and run it. Click the next button and it'll restart Windows Live Messenger. That's it! You'll be free of the annoying nag to upgrade to Windows Live Messenger 2012.

Windows XP users should be aware that Messenger Reviver requires .NET Framework 2.0 or higher. Other than that, Messenger Reviver is a simple to use and effective application to stop forced updates of Windows Live Messenger.

It's a shame that Microsoft still hasn't addressed the problems in Windows Live Messenger, but Messenger Reviver will help users keep their stable installs of the older version.

Review last updated: 22/06/12

Pros

Easy to install and use
Prevents Messenger from checking for updates
Free

Cons

Requires .NET Framework update on XP

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Download Quick PC Startup 1.0.4.4 Free

Automatic Fix Scrap Programs
Quick PC Startup Provides the Strong feature for fixing all unwanted/Scrap Programs by ?Automatic Fix?. It detects all scrap programs and fixes them automatically. Scrap programs are those programs which load on windows startup when a user starts windows. These startup programs are the reason of slow windows startup & shutdown.
Boost PC Startup & Shutdown Speed
By fixing all unwanted/scrap startup programs, the PC get boosted its startup and shutdown speed.
Manage Un-optimized System Tray Programs
Quick PC Startup get optimized Tray programs and Manage them in proper Manner. Only necessary programs are running on system tray and all scrap programs are disabled successfully.
Experience a fast & Healthy PC

GIve Notification message at time to time when a new software program added in system trey. User can manage that new software entry and Control over the system trey

The Software Provide Automatic Fix Startup option. Quick PC Startup Provides the Strong feature for fixing all unwanted/Scrap Programs by ?Automatic Fix?. It detects all scrap programs and fixes them automatically. Scrap programs are those programs which load on windows startup when a user starts windows. These startup programs are the reason of slow windows startup & shutdown.

Automatic and Manually Fix all Startup Programs and Bring down Windows Startup and Shutdown speed

Review last updated: 02/07/12

Pros

Automatic Fix option

Cons

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Download sleepyTunes 1.0.0 Free

sleepyTunes is a simple application that allows you to control the volume of your music over a period of time, letting you create an soothing period to help you sleep or a gradual alarm clock.

When first opening sleepyTunes, you would probably expect it to be some sort of graphing program as it presents you with a simple line graph. 'Volume %' is located on the Y axis and 'Elapsed Time' on the X axis. Users can drag the points around on the graph or create new points by right clicking on the graph. This allows sleepyTunes to schedule what to do with the volume as time passes.

While this concept is simple, we wish sleepyTunes came with a couple of presets for alarm and gradual sleep to get the user started. sleepyTunes also has the ability to perform an action after the time limit is reached. You can set sleepyTunes to sleep your computer, shut down, or even execute a command.

Unfortunately, sleepyTunes doesn't integrate with your music library nor does it support scheduling. These would be nice features that could turn sleepyTunes into a full alarm clock solution.

Overall, sleepyTunes is great for those who want absolute control of their system volume over time but we wish it had more configurations for those who just want to set it and forget it.

Notes

This software requires Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 or higher to be installed.

Review last updated: 02/07/12

Pros

Extremely customizable
Set a timed action or event
Lulls you to sleep or wakes you up

Cons

Doesn't integrate your iTunes library
No scheduling

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Download Glitterato 1.62 Free

Glitterato is a plugin for Photoshop that gives you the ability to design starry effects for your digital photos.

Photoshop users have come to expect a powerful graphic design experience with Photoshop. Many users choose to enhance the experience even further by installing supplemental plugins like Glitterato.

From Flaming Pear Software, developers of other plugins like Flexify and LunarCell, Glitterato is a great way to add some impressive colors and effects to your digital photos.

You can either create unique star constellations or nebulas in Photoshop with Glitterato. Everything from scale to texture to opacity and color can be controlled with a simple dragging of your mouse right or left on a sliding scale. Glitterato also offers a preview window so you can see what your creation looks like before finalizing and saving it, which is convenient.

If you want to create lovely interstellar effects in Photoshop, Glitterato is a great plugin to try.

Review last updated: 10/07/12

Pros

Easy to use
Lots of options for nebual and star customization
Creates gorgeous, starry effects

Cons

Can be tricky to install

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Download The Hobbit Theme for Windows 7 Free

The Hobbit Theme for Windows 7 is a pack of desktop wallpapers for Windows 7 PC users.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the long-awaited prequel to the highly popular Lord of the Rings trilogy, is set to hit US theaters this December. Diehard fans can already enjoy some beautiful imagery from the film with The Hobbit Theme for Windows 7 though.

The Hobbit Theme for Windows 7 includes seven gorgeous and high quality desktop wallpapers with characters from the upcoming movie. These are official wallpapers, many of which incorporate the movie's title within the design. The theme automatically changes your desktop background to a new image every 30 minutes as well.

The only features that would make this theme truly shine are customized desktop icons or sound effects, neither of which are included, unfortunately.

The Hobbit Theme for Windows 7 includes some really lovely and detailed scenes and characters from Peter Jackson's The Hobbit movie.

Pros

Includes seven high quality movie images
Alternates between wallpapers every 30 minutes

Cons

Doesn't include customized desktop icons

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lundi 28 janvier 2013

Download VSLogonScreenCustomizer 1.4.3.237 Free

VSLogonScreenCustomizer (say that three times quickly) is a simple app that allows you to customize your Windows log in screen.

If you're sick of looking at the same blue background when logging in and out of your computer, VSLogonScreenCustomizer will allow you to customize that screen's picture to your heart's content. Unfortunately this app's features are pretty basic.

Users can change the background photo and that's about it. VSLogonScreenCustomizer supports TIFF, JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP and WMPhoto and shouldn't have any trouble using photos you've downloaded from the web.

In the settings, there are a few tweaks that you can apply to the interface of VSLogonScreenCustomizer itself, but not the log in screen. This is very strange as this should be a feature that's built in to give users more customization of the look. You can't even change your user icon. You'll have to do it the old fashion way in the Control Panel.

Overall, VSLogonScreenCustomizer is a very basic app that's really only good for changing the background for your Windows log on screen.

VSLogonScreenCustomizer supports the following formats

TIFF, JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, WMPhoto

Review last updated: 12/07/12

Pros

Changes log on image instantly
Simple interface

Cons

Very basic features

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Download NoScript Firefox add-on 2.1.2.3 Free

NoScript is a security add-on for Firefox that aims to prevent auto-executing plugins that could put you at risk of malicious scripts, clickjacking and attacks.

NoScript works by automatically preventing scripts from executing on the websites you visit. If you click on the little NoScript icon in the lower right corner, you?ll be able to see what scripts are being prevented and decide which you want to allow and which you want to exclude for security reasons.

The culprits that NoScript avoids are JavaScript, Java and Flash and other plugins. If you know a site to be safe, you can allow the scripts, either temporarily or globally. You can also permit just some of the scripts that are in place, or you can allow everything on a given page, rather than a whole site.

The NoScript configuration options are extensive and to get the most out of it, you?ll need to put some effort in. Even so, there is plenty of help available on the developer?s website and around the web. You can add safe websites to the NoScript whitelist, configure what appears in the context menu, as well as specifying more technical details.

If this is too much for you, however, don?t worry. Using NoScript is actually very easy ? allow the add-on to block what it deems appropriate and only unblock if you really trust the website you?re visiting.

NoScript ? staying safe online couldn?t be easier.

Recent changes

Fixed X-Do-Not-Track after a DNS cache miss causing some embedded content requests to fail

Pros

Appropriate for beginners and experts alike
Very flexible according to website security
Import/export settings

Cons

None so far

Download NoScript Firefox add-on 2.1.2.3

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Download E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy Free

E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy is a first person role-playing shooter set in a strange cyberpunk world.

The influence of Deus X is clear in this indie game, which combines action with a great deal of player choice. It also has conspiracies and a dark tone, but the comparisons don't go much further.

Your character is a member of 'Secreta Secretorum'; samurai monks with advanced technology, cybernetics and psyonics. Humanity is threatened by strange forces that are turning civilizations against each other. When the game starts, you are thrown into this scenario, and have to work out the rest for yourself.

E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy is one of the toughest games to get into you will play. The menus and interfaces are a mess, while there are some unusual choices with the mouse and keyboard control layout. The story is complex, and not very well explained. There is lots of detail, but the broad points about what's going on are missing.

E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy does feature tutorials, but they are in videos you have to watch, not in-game, as players are used to today. This is a game for people with patience, and the desire to understand a confusing, yet detailed world. For the rest of us, E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy may be too complicated.

On the plus side, E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy is atmospheric, and it's strange setting and story make it pretty unique. It's a shame that it's so inaccessible.

Notes

This demo will be downloaded via the Steam app, which is free to install and use.

Review last updated: 18/07/12

Pros

Atmospheric
Unique
Deep gameplay and options

Cons

Confusing
Poor translation
Bad tutorials

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Download Golden Ratio 3.0 Free

Golden Ratio is a graphic design tool that helps you crop photos and accurately measure ratios.

So much emphasis is placed on adding showy effects and filters to your images on graphic design programs like Photoshop. You also need to make sure the finer aspects of your images are perfect as well.

Golden Ratio can help you do that by letting you properly compose the elements in your images, as well as measure proportions to ensure all elements in your photo look correct.

As a measurement tool, Golden Ratio has two main windows to work with. The first is translucent and remains in the foreground. It can be placed above any image on the screen you want to edit. This window contains a grid and measuring axises.

The other window is your control panel that lets you alter the transparency of each element, see different angles and lengths, change the appearance of lines, and define the type of composition rule (think: the golden ratio or the rule of thirds).

Golden Ratio also include two different tools: the Stencil and Measure tools. Golden Ratio's Stencil tool is used to create template patterns, which you can use along with any other sort of graphic design software. The Measure tool defines two lines on your screen and will display the angle and the ratio of them for your convenience.

Unfortunately, the control panel in Golden Ratio can look a little cluttered and be a little complicated initially to figure out how to use. It'd also be nice if there were an option to be able to minimize the program to your desktop tray when you're using multiple photo editing programs.

As a stand-alone photo editing and image optimization, Golden Ratio really shines.

Notes

If the display is maximized, you can return to a normal size by right clicking and choosing 'Normal' in the options that appear.

Review last updated: 18/07/12

Pros

Translucent foreground workspace
Includes various proportions and rulers
Template offers minimum interference
Very small memory footprint

Cons

Not able to minimize the app to the desktop tray
Cluttered control panel

Download Golden Ratio 3.0

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samedi 26 janvier 2013

Download Avira AntiVir Personal 10.0.0.611 Free

Years ago, a free antivirus was often a synonym of poor protection. Nowadays, thanks to programs like Avira AntiVir Personal, this perception of free antivirus has improved a lot.

Avira AntiVir Personal is the free ? for personal use ? version of Avira Antivir Premium; this means there are a few advanced features unavailable, like the virus filter for email or for web browsing, but the program is as powerful and efficient as its big brother.

Avira AntiVir Personal installs in a few seconds and starts protecting your system in real time right away. It includes all the tools and options you would expect from an antivirus these days, such as different types of scan, support for scheduling, automatic updates, and a quarantine area for suspicious files.

On the downside, Avira AntiVir Personal is let down by a somewhat rough interface that feels like it was designed ten years ago and never restyled: simple to use, but too plain.

Looking for an efficient, uncomplicated antivirus tool? Avira AntiVir Personal may be a good choice.

Pros

Light on resources
Support for scheduled scans
Updates automatically
Really fast

Cons

No virus filter for email or web browsing
Boring interface
Frequent false alarms

Download Avira AntiVir Personal 10.0.0.611

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Download Icon Craft 4.61 Free

Ever get bored with unimaginative icons? Icon Craft can change all that.

Icon Craft is a full-featured icon creation and editing tool. It allows you to design and modify icons and cursors, both animated and static. You can also create icon libraries, download existing icons to modify and even make icons from photos and images.

Icon Craft starts by asking you to choose what task you want to perform. If you choose to create a new icon (rather than modifying an existing one), you?ll be able to select the precise measurements and color depth you need, ranging from 16x16 to 256x256 pixels, and from monochrome to True Color + Alpha (32 bits).

You will then be taken to an editing screen that allows you to control almost every aspect of icon creation. There is an extensive toolbar with drawing and text tools, effects, color options and pre-made shapes, among many other options. The editing window is nice and large for ease of use, and there are hotkeys available for almost every option.

Unfortunately, the Icon Craft trial version allows you to save only seven icons and irritatingly urges you to register at every opportunity.

Icon Craft is a comprehensive and fun tool for creating your own icons; it?s just a pity its trial version limitations are so obvious.

Icon Craft supports the following formats

ANI, CUR, ICC, ICL, ICO, ICPR, EXE, DLL, NIL, CPL, OCX, VBX, BMP, JPEG, PNG, PSD, WBMP, GIF, XPM, PDD, TGA, TIF, WMF, EMF, XBM, ICNS, RSRC, ZIP, RAR, DCR, RES

Pros

Easy to use
Support for many formats
Extensive range of tools
Good help file
Converts images to icons

Cons

Limited trial version
Irritating reminders to register

Download Icon Craft 4.61

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Download Freemake Music Box 0.9.6.1 Free

Freemake Music Box is a music streaming application that aims to provide you with free, legal music that's not restricted by geographical boundaries.

There are lots of music apps out there, and although some of them are really good, there are definite drawbacks. Spotify's free version is limited, Pandora's not available outside the US...the list goes on.

The good

Not so with Freemake Music Box. This application uses a powerful search engine to seek out free, legal music for you. It doesn't specify where it finds this music, exactly, but it does guarantee that you won't get into trouble for listening to it. Freemake Music Box doesn't require any kind of sign up, which is another plus to this music streaming app.

When you search for music with Freemake Music Box, you'll get a list of results in the main interface. You can filter results by artist, track and album. When you play a track, a video will appear in the lower left-hand corner - you can hide this video if you want. Freemake Music Box also supports playlists - just add a track to a playlist by right clicking on a song and picking Add track to playlist.

The bad

Free music is always good, and Freemake Music Box is a great attempt, but it's still in the early stages of development and has some definite weak spots. The main issue is the quality and availability of music. Loading tracks can be very slow, and although all tracks are well labeled, you sometimes click on one, only to find that a completely unrelated track plays.

Of course, this is generally related to imperfect tagging of uploaded videos and tracks, and isn't Freemake Music Box's fault, but it still interrupts the listening experience. If you pick a track only to find that something else plays, you can right-click to skip to the next version of the song - but there's still no guarantee that it will be the right one.

Freemake Music Box is an interesting proposal and worth a download if you want free music. Just be aware that it has some serious limitations.

Recent changes

Added the possibility to import local playlists in the formats: M3U, M3U8, ASX, TPL, KPL, WPL, AIMPPL, PLC, PLS, RLC, ZPL, XSPT, SMI, SMIL.
Added the automatic usage of local audio tracks as an additional music source
Improved the quality of audio stream playback
Improved the algorithm of music search
Enhanced the software stability
Minor GUI changes

Review last updated: 23/07/12

Pros

All music is legal
Great choice of genres/music
Playlist creation
Results filtering

Cons

Can be slow
Results vary wildly
Lacks features

Download Freemake Music Box 0.9.6.1

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Download BitDefender Total Security 2013 16.18.0 Free

BitDefender Total Security 2012 Beta lets you have an early look at the new features included in the upcoming version of this powerful security suite.

The interface in BitDefender Total Security 2012 Beta has been completely redesigned. The program has evolved from an almost childish design with blue clouds in the background to a more elegant dark interface that features boxes for each one of the modules included in the program.

Besides the usual antivirus, firewall and antispam filters, BitDefender Total Security 2012 Beta also includes parental controls for kids, privacy tools with which to encrypt data or shred files beyond any possible recovery, a safebox for sensitive data and a bunch of tune-up utilities to clean up the system, clean the Registry and find duplicate files, among others. BitDefender Total Security 2012 also includes the so-called Auto-Pilot, that enables and configures the suite without user intervention.

That said, be aware that BitDefender Total Security 2012 is still a beta version that?s still under development. For that reason it should be used with precaution. Also, note that you?ll need to uninstall any other security app on your system.

With BitDefender Total Security 2012 Beta you can test all the new features in the upcoming version of this complete security suite.

Review last updated: 24/07/12

Pros

Auto-Pilot mode
Parental controls for kids
Privacy tools to protect your data
Utilities to clean up and optimize the system

Cons

Lenghty installation

Download BitDefender Total Security 2013 16.18.0

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Download WebReader 0.8.80 Free

WebReader is a desktop app that lets you read your Google Reader RSS feeds.

Let's face it. Sometimes you just can't be bothered to open up your browser, log into your Google account, and pull up Google Reader to sort through your RSS feeds. Good thing WebReader is around to simplify the process for you.

WebReader is a easy to use application that lets you read your RSS feeds directly from your desktop. All you need to do is have a Google account and some feeds already set up in Google Reader, and you'll be good to go. WebReader is easy to use and lightweight, since it requires Adobe Air to run. Once installed and launched, you'll be prompted to enter your Google information and give WebReader permission to pull your Google Reader feeds.

It works like a charm from there on out. WebReader has two columns. The left column lists your various RSS feed folders and can be expanded and minimized with a few simple clicks. The right column holds the actual content from each feed. You can opt to make the text larger, as well as change the way your feeds are viewed to read content either as full posts, summaries or just titles.

You can also share content read via WebReader on Facebook or Twitter, plus star favorite articles.

WebReader is a really sleek desktop client that makes reading Google Reader RSS feeds completely enjoyable.

Notes

Requires Adobe Air to run.

Review last updated: 26/07/12

Pros

Read your Google Reader RSS feeds from your desktop
Easy to install
Simple, sleek interface
Multiple ways to view your feed

Cons

Requires Adobe Air to work

Download WebReader 0.8.80

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vendredi 25 janvier 2013

Download Olwimpics Firefox 1.0.3 Free

Olwimpics is a browser extension that will wipe out of mention of the Olympics from your browser by replacing them with blocks of Olympic colors.

If you're sick of the never ending onslaught of Olympic news coverage, Olwimpics will help you to block out all mention of the Olympics from your browser. After installing Olwimpics, there are no options to configure.

You won't notice the effects of Olwimpics until you start browsing and come across something Olympic related. Olwimpics will block out the word "Olympics" with yellow, black, red, blue, and green (the Olympic colors). Images and other keywords are blocked as well. Unfortunately, the articles themselves nor their videos are hidden from view.

Olwimpics is a fun gimmick of a browser extension that doesn't really help to block out coverage of the Olympics. It will just make your web pages and search results look like a ransom note.

Recent changes

Spanish words now translated! (Thanks anonymous!)

Olwimpics supports the following formats

Windows, Safari, and Chrome.

Review last updated: 31/07/12

Pros

Blocks out keywords and images
Turns web pages into a color mosaic

Cons

Doesn't block all keywords or videos
Gimmicky

Download Olwimpics Firefox 1.0.3

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Download The Book of Unwritten Tales Free

The Book of Unwritten Tales is a classic point-and-click adventure game that features witty writing, beautiful graphics, and an engaging story.

Although point-and-click adventure games have fallen out of favor for more popular shooters, strategy, and RPG games, they can still be great fun. The Book of Unwritten Tales is a prime example of a game that fits perfectly into the genre but doesn't do more to transcend it.

The main story of The Book of Unwritten Tales features a vague war and a ring that supposedly can change the "fate of the war." All of this is a bit cliché but the characters, writing, and puzzles in The Book of Unwritten Tales more than makes up for it.

The puzzles in The Book of Unwritten Tales are creative and challenging. You really have to explore level thoroughly if you want to find all the hidden items and if you want to solve a puzzle. While the game remains fun for the most part, The Book of Unwritten Tales should have included multiple solutions for a puzzle.

Performance of the game is smooth and runs well, even on older hardware. There are plenty of pre-rendered cut scenes that look great but the in game graphics are beautiful as well. Controls are simple; you only need your mouse to point on items you want to interact with.

Overall, The Book of Unwritten Tales doesn't reinvent the point-and-click genre but remains faithful with a solid story and challenging puzzles.

Notes

Clicking the 'Download' button will take you to a page in the Steam Store, where you can purchase or download a demo of the game.

Review last updated: 26/07/12

Pros

Funny, quirky writing
Beautiful graphics, even on older hardware
Great voice acting

Cons

Story could be more original

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Download Immersive Explorer 0.1.1 Alpha Free

Immersive Explorer is a third party Windows Explorer replacement that is designed with the Windows 8 aesthetic in mind.

It's surprising that Microsoft didn't include a Windows 8 inspired Windows Explorer in its most recently operating system. No worries though, as developer, Julien Manici, has taken it upon himself to create Immersive Explorer.

There is no need to install Immersive Explorer as its more of a proof of concept than something you'll want to actually use to manage your files. While you can browse your files using Immersive Explorer, there are very limited editing options and it isn't nearly as robust as the default Windows Explorer in Windows 8.

Although Immersive Explorer is a proof of concept, performance is still very snappy and it makes for a very visual browsing experience for your files. There are times that Immersive Explorer will pop out to Windows Explorer, making the experience a bit jarring. Funny enough, there's no integration with the touch interface of Windows 8, only the desktop mode.

Immersive Explorer is not going to be a replacement file manager by any stretch of the imagintion. Instead, it proves what Microsoft could and should have done with the Windows 8 Explorer for its touch interface.

Recent changes

Added a temporary icon for the exe file
Fixed a compilation issue that prevented the app from working on 32bit systems

Review last updated: 03/08/12

Pros

Looks like a native Windows 8 file explorer
Shows useful drive information at home screen
Taylored for touch

Cons

Window permanently behind others
Still relies on Windows Explorer
Limited interaction with files

Download Immersive Explorer 0.1.1 Alpha

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Download Rapid Typing Tutor 4.6.5 Free

Rapid Typing Tutor is a typing program for Windows computers that helps you learn how to type, no matter what type of keyboard format you have.

Learning how to type can be a bit of an overwhelming experience for newcomers. Most keyboards aren't set up alphabetically, so its format may seem complicated for those unfamiliar with it. Rapid Typing Tutor is there to help though. Whether you have a regular QWERTY keyboard or something a little less traditional, Rapid Typing Tutor probably has your keyboard format saved and available to use for typing lessons. The lessons also come in a great variety of different languages besides English.

Once you've chosen your keyboard and language settings, it's time to choose the lesson most appropriate for your skill level. Rapid Typing Tutor has everything from the most basic lessons to more advanced ones. You can choose to take lessons that teach you where specific letters are or lessons that teach you how to type different word sets.

Rapid Typing Tutor's set-up is quite convenient, as it offers a virtual keyboard, complete with a pair of hands that show you the appropriate placement for your hands on your own keyboard. Then, just follow the on-screen instructions. Rapid Typing Tutor will make a noise if you hit an incorrect key. If this becomes distracting, there is an option to mute the program. If you'd like a more scenic screen while learning how to type, Rapid Typing Tutor also offers an animated screen that moves forward every time you click the correct letter.

The only real hang-up a user might have with Rapid Typing Tutor is that the program does take up quite a lot of space on your screen. It also sometimes freezes up for a moment or two between screens, particularly when you have several programs running at once.

If you want to learn how to type at a quicker speed, however, give Rapid Typing Tutor a try.

Recent changes

The problems with Bold font, on some non-English version of Windows, is fixed;
The tabulation symbols is shown always in the lesson;
English course for experts updated;
Greek course for experts updated( tabulation symbols added ); thanks to geogeo.gr
German, Greek and Russian interface language updated;
Other minor bugs fixed;

Review last updated: 23/08/12

Pros

Ability to turn sound on or off
Animated typing screen
Offers a variety of different lessons

Cons

Program sometimes sticks or freezes

Download Rapid Typing Tutor 4.6.5

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Download Awesome Password Generator Portable 1.3.1 Free

Awesome Password Generator Portable is a light-weight password generator that will help you create secure, hard to crack passwords.

With so many of our personal information being stored in the "cloud," its frighting and frustrating to have to deal with getting an account compromised. One way to protect yourself is to use a random password generator like Awesome Password Generator.

Awesome Password Generator Portable is a simple app to use. Choose how long you want password to be and whether you want capitalization, numbers, and symbols. You are then given a rating on how secure your password is. Users can even define a character set to make the password more memorable.

One thing that Awesome Password Generator Portable is sorely missing is any type of database. While Awesome Password Generator Portable can generate passwords in bulk, there's no way to keep track of which passwords you've used and for what. You'll have to make your own database with something like Microsoft Excel. If you do take this route, make sure to encrypt the file with something like TrueCrypt to prevent someone gaining access to all of your passwords.

While Awesome Password Generator Portable is great at generating strong passwords and in bulk, its lack of any database features makes it hard to recommend over complete solutions like LastPass and 1Password.

Recent changes

Bugs fixed.

Review last updated: 08/08/12

Pros

Speedy performance
Bulk password generator
WPA passphrase generator
Portable

Cons

No database features
No option to create pronouceable passwords

Download Awesome Password Generator Portable 1.3.1

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jeudi 24 janvier 2013

Download Wondershare PDF Converter Pro 3.1.1 Free

PDF Converter Pro is a 6-in-1 PDF utility to convert PDF to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, EPUB, HTML and Text on your computer and Convert scanned PDF to text-based documents with OCR . Also quickly and efficiently convert PDF to formats compatible with iPhone, iPad, iTouch, iBooks, Sony Reader that you can facilitate eBook reading on the go.

The main functions of this powerful PDF Converter Pro:
Powerful Conversion: Convert normal PDF to Word / Excel/ PPT/ EPUB/ HTML/ Text formats.
Support OCR: Convert scanned PDF to text-based Word / Excel/ PPT/ EPUB/ HTML/ Text formats.
Batch Conversion: Convert multiple PDFs to multi-format documents.
Great Preservation: Preserve original text, images, graphics, etc.
Fast Conversion: Convert a 100-page PDF within 1 minute.
Decryption: Convert encrypted PDF files without hassles.

The main point which makes Wondershare PDF Converter Pro different from other similar software on the market is that It supports OCR, which can convert scanned PDF to text-based Word / Excel/ PPT/ EPUB/ HTML/ Text formats.

The best PDF Converter for users who want to convert PDF to other text formats, even with the scanned PDF files, and then to do the next editting.

Review last updated: 08/08/12

Pros

Powerful Conversion;
Support OCR;
Batch Conversion;

Cons

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Download Remobo 0.72.1 Free

IPNs (Instant Private Networks) are a useful way to create your own private environments where only you and other invited users are allowed to send and receive files.

This app is great for those that need remote access to their PC, work in a secure environment, or just want to know that they're exchanging files without outside intruders interfering. Remobo creates an Instant Private Network (IPN) between users. It works very much like a chat client meaning it's easy to add and remove users and suitable for even the most novice programmers and users.

By creating an IPN, you can control your home computer and access files while at work or traveling or alternatively, privately share large files like photos & documents between computers. In addition, it allows you to play games online or between friends more securely or just simple chat more securely with friends or colleagues. Probably the best thing about Remobo is that it requires virtually no configuration - it's more a case of telling it what you want to do with it and it configures itself automatically according to your system settings and connection details.

This is an excellent IPN tool although it should not be used as a substitute for a VPN because although it's secure, it can't guarantee user privacy.

Recent changes

Version 0.40.8 provides many bug fixes and much better connectivity.

Review last updated: 09/08/12

Pros

Very easy to setup and use
Allows everything from secure gaming to chatting

Cons

Can crash sometimes
Not a suitable replacement for a professional VPN

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Download Pearltrees (for Opera and Safari) 6.0.3 Free

Pearltrees is a bookmarklet for the Safari and Opera browsers that lets you bookmark your favorite sites in a uniquely visual way.

If you're an avid web surfer, you're probably up to your eyeballs in bookmarks. Are they a disorganized mess? If you're looking for a new way to keep things organized, Pearltrees might just do the trick for you.

Simply click and drag the Pearltrees bookmarklet link to your Safari or Opera browser's Bookmarks Bar. Then you'll have to create an account with a unique username and profile picture. You have the option of adding several different Pearltrees toolbar buttons to your browser. Every time you want to save a page, just click the little blue button with the white star in its center.

You can either create a new pearltree, which is essentially the beginning of a mind map, or you can add the website to an existing one. Each website you add is called a pearl, and after you add several in Pearltrees, you'll have a tree of sorts (hence the bookmarklet's name). In this way you can create entire trees of related websites for easier browsing.

Pearltrees also has a social element to it. You can share your website finds on Facebook and Twitter, as well as via email. If you're particularly proud of an entire tree you've created, you can share it in the same way, and also embed it into your blog or website. It's a really unique concept that can become quite visually appealing, depending on the sites you're bookmarking.

There are still a few bugs developers will need to work out in Pearltrees. Some pearls display the same name as their corresponding Pearltree with the word "end" immediately next to it, for some reason. It's a minor issue but something that'll likely need to be fixed in later versions of the bookmarklet.

Pearltrees is a unique and fun way to map the sites you've visited and share them with family and friends.

Notes

Pearltrees for Safari and Opera is a bookmarklet. Just drag and drop the bookmarklet to your browser's toolbar in order to install.

Pros

A great way to visually bookmark new web discoveries
Share via Facebook and Twitter
Embed your favorite pearltrees in a blog or website

Cons

A little buggy still
Requires you to create an account to get started

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Download FenrirFS 2.45 Free

FenrirFS is a file synchronization and organizational tool for Windows PC.

If you have a huge hard drive, it's easy to overload it with a bunch of different files. Once you start, it's often difficult to keep track of everything. Good thing there are programs out there like FenrirFS to help you keep track of everything.

FenrirFS offers a comprehensive set of features to help you sort and organize your PC's files. When you're at the beginning of your file sorting spree, for example, it's quite helpful to be able to be able to preview files without having to open them. FenrirFS lets you do this. You can preview images, PDF, text, music files and more.

FenrirFS also lets you organize files by adding labels to multiple files at once. Just drag and drop selected files into the labels of your choice. Due to a great syncing feature, folders will automatically be labeled as you drop files into each separate label tab, meaning you don't have to go through and manually tag them yourself.

It might take a little time to learn all of the features, but FenrirFS has a nice looking interface that most people will learn to navigate around in no time flat.

FenrirFS is a great option for keeping all your files in order on your PC.

Review last updated: 14/08/12

Pros

Automatic folder syncing
Drag and drop feature
Mult-view file preview
Nice looking interface

Cons

Takes time to learn all features

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Download Final Fantasy VII Free

Final Fantasy VII, Square Enix's epic role playing game, finally makes its debut on the PC.

It's hard to believe that Final Fantasy VII is already 15 years old. Final Fantasy VII was a milestone in gaming history and now you can relive the experience on the PC. The story hasn't changed nor has the graphics, though there are a few minor modernizations.

The things that you loved about Final Fantasy VII are still here. The turn based battle system is still excellent. The engrossing story and soundtrack return. While its graphics are dated, the cut scenes are still immersive.

New features introduced in this PC version include achievements, cloud saves, characters booster, and PC specific optimizations. Final Fantasy VII rewards players with achievements (36 in total) to give players tons of things to do within the game. You can then share online with your friends and see each others progress.

With cloud saves, you'll never worry about losing your Final Fantasy VII saves again. If you have an internet connection, game saves will automatically be uploaded to Square Enix's servers. You can then install Final Fantasy VII on another computer and pick up from there.

Also new to the PC version is the character booster, which allows players who are stuck on a section to increase their HP, MP, and Gil. Back in the old days, players would have to grind to get more Gil and to level up their characters before facing a tough boss. Now players won't have to (if they so desire).

Overall, Final Fantasy VII brings a few modern features to the PC version but nostalgia may not be enough to merit re-purchasing this game. It would have been nice to see a HD remake of this venerable RPG.

Notes

Clicking 'Download' will take you to Square Enix's site where you can purchase the game.

Review last updated: 14/08/12

Pros

Great story
Tons of replay value
Gaming nostalgia
Some nice modernized features

Cons

15 year old game
No HD remake

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mercredi 23 janvier 2013

Download Zineth 3.5.0 43509 Free

Zineth is colorful platformer that was developed by a team of students.

Zineth is a difficult game to describe. It is more of an experience than an actual game, since this is a project by a bunch of students. There is a lengthy tutorial when you first launch Zineth. Although the learning curve isn't too high, perfecting your technique in the game is extremely challenging. You move, jump off ramps, grind rails, and ride walls. Timing is everything.

The soundtrack to Zineth is spectacular, reminiscent of music from Rez and Bit.Trip Runner. Fast paced electronic music makes you want to keep the rhythm while making your way through levels at break neck speeds. While players can't die in Zineth, you can fall to the bottom of the level, forcing you to replay the level. The developers though that this would be distracting and thankfully included buttons to rewind and fast forward so players aren't brutally punished playing a level over and over again.

There are missions, challenges, and Twitter integration within the game, enough to keep this game entertaining for a while. One thing that is sorely lacking in Zineth is a story. While no story is really needed, it would have been nice to see a more fleshed out world with characters to care about.

Overall, Zineth is an extremely challenging and fun game, which is impressive as it came from the minds of a handful of students.

Review last updated: 21/08/12

Pros

Addicting combo system
Challenging gameplay
Rewind and fastfoward abilities
Tons of challenges

Cons

Difficult controls with mouse and keyboard
More a proof of concept than a full game

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Download Toolwiz Pretty Photo 1.0 Free

Toolwiz Pretty Photo is a simple image editor that allows users to quickly touch up their photos.

Touching up photographs in a powerful program like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom may be overkill for most people who aren't professional or amateur photographers. Programs like Toolwiz Pretty Photo simplify the process by giving easy to use presets for filters and effects.

While filters are all the rage these days, they aren't the only features that Toolwiz Pretty Photo has to offer. There are color, hue, and focus adjustments to name a few. Many effects give manual controls for more advanced users, though the novice can figure them out fairly quickly.

One thing that Toolwiz Pretty Photo is sorely lacking is a live preview of the changes to an effect. This makes adjusting something like blur very annoying. You have to re-drag the area you want blurred each time you make an adjustment in order to see how the blur changes. This makes editing photos take much longer.

While Toolwiz Pretty Photo brings nothing new to the table, it does offer users some great editing features that aren't included in other photo editors.

Review last updated: 20/08/12

Pros

Quickly add filters and elements
Tons of filters and effects
Full layers support

Cons

Some 'Beautify' effects are cheesy
No live preview of adjustments

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Download Universal SQL Editor 1.4.2 Free

Universal SQL Editor is a coding editor that lets you work on your SQL code, either locally or by connecting directly to your online database.

With Universal SQL Editor you can connect to Oracle, DB2, SQL server, Sybase and other ODCB compliant databases and work on your SQL files right there.

The program features all sorts of tools to help you with your code, such as command completion, syntax highlighting and automatic SQL formatting. Plus, it?s quite fast and very light on system resources.

Universal SQL Editor also includes an efficient query tool with support for groups and filters.
Results of your database queries can be conveniently saved as Excel spreadsheets or as a set of SQL statements.

While Universal SQL Editor is clearly aimed at coders and requires a certain degree of expertise, it has to be said that the program is also very well documented.

Recent changes

Enhanced Intellisense
Revised prepared statement generation
Some minor bug fixes

Review last updated: 28/08/12

Pros

Works with all ODCB compliant databases
Many features to help write and edit code

Cons

Not for newbies - requires coding knowledge

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Download James Peris: No License Nor Control Demo Free

James Peris: No License Nor Control is a humorous point and click adventure game.

With a tagline of "Silly, clumsy, unconscious, a failure with women...", you know to expect some hilarious antics in James Peris: No License Nor Control. You play as James Peris, a disheveled "secret agent" who has to solve mysteries and puzzles with wit and crass humor.

The gameplay is simple. Click where you want to go, hover over objects you want to examine and right click to toggle viewing/interacting with objects. There is plenty to look at in James Peris: No License Nor Control and you'll either love or hate its simple, cartoon-y art style.

One of the things that makes point and click adventure games so fun is the dialogue. James Peris: No License Nor Control features campy and hilarious dialogue for the most part but its humor can fall flat on its face once in a while. Some lines are delivered so shamelessly that you'd expect to hear a drum roll afterward.

There are also some translation quirks found in James Peris: No License Nor Control. It started out as a Spanish game and has been translated to English. There are a few idioms here and there that aren't used in English, making some phrases sound awkward. Some sentences are direct translations from Spanish, which makes for some awkward sounding phrases.

Overall, James Peris: No License Nor Control is a comical adventure game but its sometimes campy dialogue and lack luster story just doesn't make it fun.

Review last updated: 11/09/12

Pros

Funny dialogue
Whimsical art style
Challenging puzzles

Cons

Some translation quirks
Humor can fall flat at times

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Download Movie Label 2013 8.0.3 Free

If you're a movie fan then you've probably got tons of films - both on DVD and DivX - and you may be losing track of what and what you haven't got.

The important thing with any program like this is that it makes data entry quick and easy and Movie Label 2009 certainly allows this. To get going, simply start the "Movie Query" function and type the name of the movie you wish to add to your collection. The cool thing is that Movie Label then downloads data about the movie and adds it to your database automatically. The problem is that sometimes, it doesn't seem to recognise films but unless you've got a real eclectic collection, you should be OK. It also makes searching through your films easy to check whether you have a film or not - just click on the column header and your collection will be sorted by that particular field. This can be by title, name of actors or theme which is useful in organising your collection on the basis of your favourite themes or actors. To top this out, the program includes export options to XML, HTML, Excel and text files.

A great organisational tool for movie fans that are starting to find their collection spiralling out of control.

Recent changes

Updated tag reading engine
Updated database access layer
Fixed timeout issue
Various enhancements and fixes

Review last updated: 30/08/12

Pros

Very fast to enter films
Downloads film data automatically

Cons

Doesn't always detect films

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mardi 22 janvier 2013

Download Firefox 17 Aurora 17.0 a2 Free

Firefox 17 Aurora is a sneak peak at the next version of the Firefox web browser.

As of this writing, Firefox is currently on version 1, which didn't bring many dramatic changes to the browser. Firefox 17 Aurora follows Firefox 16 with minor updates to its interface and lots of back end enhancements for developers. The biggest though, though, is that Firefox 16 prepares the browser for its web apps store that will compete with the Chrome web store.

Notable changes that users will see in Firefox 17 Aurora are a tweaked 'new tab' page. Thumbnails of the most visited sites will still be there. Mozilla added easier access to bookmarks, history, settings, add-ons, downloads, and sync preferences to the new home page.

The Awesomebar also receives a much needed update which brings instant URL completion and selects the first result automatically instead of forcing the user to press the down arrow, then enter. Previous versions of Firefox required an add-on to do this so it's nice to see Firefox 17 Aurora have it built in.

All of this is preparation for a more stable beta release of Firefox 17 Aurora, which will be released on October 9th, 2012.

Overall, Firefox 17 Aurora is a stable test release for the upcoming version of Firefox which features preparations for its upcoming web apps store.

Recent changes

For full changelog, please visit http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/16.0a2/auroranotes/

Review last updated: 16/10/12

Pros

Stable for an experimental build
Isolates itself and imports your Firefox settings automatically
Awesome Bar autocompletes URLs as you type

Cons

Some performance bugs
PDFs hang while loading

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Download Where am I? Free

Created in 48 hours for a Ludum Dare competition with the theme of Evolution, Where am I? is the latest creepy game from the developer of Slender.
It's a first person horror again, but a much shorter experience. The evolution theme is addressed by the graphics evolving as you play. You are in some kind of dark maze, but corridors can move even if you turn around for a second, making it very disorienting.

Like Slender, Where am I? uses sound really well to heighten your tension as you explore. There is nothing to find here, except the scare that the game build up to over it's short 5 or so minutes. Where am I? is scary, but the claustrophobic corridors are not as iconic or memorable as the forest and buildings of Slender.

Where am I? works as a little experiment, and I'd recommend it if you enjoy horror games or Slender. It delivers chills and an effective scare!

Pros

Interesting evolving maze
Tense and atmospheric
Effective!

Cons

Dull graphics

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Download Pinterest Free

Pinterest is a fun social photo sharing service that you can now access on the Pokki platform on your desktop.

There are a lot of great pictures online, from memes to gorgeous professional photography. You can opt to save the ones you like to your computer or maybe even post them to Tumblr, although if you're a frequent poster they might soon get lost in the chatter. Pinterest is an alternative that lets you organize all your favorite photos and show them off to others.

Traditionally, you could only access Pinterest via its web app platform. Now it's available on your desktop thanks to Pokki. By creating folders to organize the content you find online into pinboards, you'll be able to tailor your interests and even organize them into more specific sub-categories to make them searchable to other users on Pinterest. You can add an image to your Pinterest pinboard by uploading images saved on your computer directly to the app.

Pinterest also offers a feature that lets you "Repin" an image and add it directly to the pinboard of your choice. This is a nice option if you're following a lot of other site users and find things you like on their pinboards.

Pinterest is a visually appealing way to organize the photos you find and want to keep track of.

Notes

Clicking the 'Download' button will take you to the Pinterest app's download page where you can run the program.

Review last updated: 05/09/12

Pros

Easy to use
Follow and repin friends' pictures you like
Organize your pictures on pinboards

Cons

App sometimes crashes
Can be a time waster

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Download Wondershare Dr.Fone (Data Recovery for iPhone 4) 1.0.1 Free

Wondershare Dr.Fone is a tool that helps you recover data deleted from your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

It happens to everyone once in awhile. You deleted something off your iPhone and didn't realize you'd actually need or want it later. Woops. Fortunately, Wondershare Dr.Fone can help you recover it.

Wondershare Dr.Fone is a desktop app for Windows PCs. Just install it, then launch the program and connect your iOS device to your computer. From there, you can search for deleted photos, text messages, videos, contacts and more with ease.

Wondershare Dr.Fone is also a useful tool in the event you have a failed software update or somehow managed to damage your device as well. In addition, Wondershare Dr.Fone offers a convenient means of previewing your lost files before you decide to recover it.

You can choose to recover directly from older iOS devices or opt to recover from your last iTunes backup. The process is relatively simple, if you can get Wondershare Dr.Fone to recognize your device once you've connected it to your computer. This might take a couple tries.

Wondershare Dr.Fone is a useful data recovery tool for a variety of different iOS devices.

Review last updated: 12/09/12

Pros

Recover up to 12 file formats
Easy to use
Two different recovery modes

Cons

Doesn't always recognize iPhone initially

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Download Limbo Windows Theme for Windows 7 Free

Limbo Windows Theme is a compilation of wallpapers and desktop customizations for Windows 7 PCs.

Have you ever placed Limbo? It's a 2D indie horror platformer game with spectacular graphics and a great (but creepy) atmospheric tone.

Limbo Windows Theme lets you bring the mood of the game straight to your desktop. It includes 67 wallpapers and icons within one easy to download ZIP file. In addition to gorgeous wallpapers, Limbo Windows Theme also includes a variety of desktop customization features, including a unique start button.

Unfortunately, the customization features that come included in Limbo Windows Theme require manual installation, which may be tedious for some.

Limbo Windows Theme is a comprehensive theme for fans of the original Limbo game.

Review last updated: 18/09/12

Pros

Includes 67 desktop wallpapers
Includes custom icons

Cons

Cursors and other features require manual installation

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Download Hitman: Absolution Free

Hitman: Absolution is an action game where you play a contract killer, Agent 47. A game mainly about stealth, it's violent but requires much more thought and patience than most blockbuster games.

The basic structure of Hitman is you are given a contract, and you have check out the scene, find your target, and decide how to take them out.

It's been six years since the last Hitman game, and games have changed considerably in the meantime. Don't worry though, Hitman: Absolution isn't stuck in the past. It looks great, the crowd scenes are some of the best we've ever seen, and is accompanied by an excellent soundtrack. A smooth cover system has been added, which makes creeping around feel much more natural, and shootouts a fairer fight.

There are some things that could have been improved - stealing clothes from bodies is poorly animated, for example. You'll spend a lot of time hiding and searching for safe routes out of places, and somehow it's not as fun as in this year's Dishonored.

Hitman: Absolution is more accessible than its predecessors. The difficulty settings mean more casual gamers will be able to enjoy it, while harder settings will satisfy people who want a challenge.

Contract mode is a great new development. This allows you to choose a level and weapons, and define the targets for you and other players too. You play through the level, 'designing' with your actions. Once you're done, other people will be able to play your Contract. This social aspect should give Hitman: Absolution a long life, assuming enough fans keep making new contracts.

2012 is a great year for would be assassin's. With Dishonored, Assassin's Creed 3 and now Hitman: Absolution, there is excellent choice!

Hitman: Absolution is a worthy entry in the series. It's tense, violent and atmospheric, and offers excellent replay value with its Contracts mode.

Review last updated: 19/11/12

Pros

Atmospheric
Improved movement
Great sountrack
Contract mode

Cons

Some duller levels

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Download Adventures of Shuggy Free

Adventures of Shuggy is a 2D platforming game with hundreds of levels.

If you're looking for a good story in Adventures of Shuggy, look elsewhere. While the game doesn't have much of a story, it does have hundreds of levels in a haunted mansion. Your job is to clear out the ghosts, zombies, and goblins in each of the rooms in Shuggy's mansion.

Adventures of Shuggy is more of a puzzle game than a platformer. Yes, you will need to jump around the level to complete actions but it's more than just about collecting jewels. There will be objects in the way of Shuggy that you have to navigate around or disable.

In an attempt to keep gameplay fresh, Adventures of Shuggy gives you special abilities like teleportation, rotation, and time travel. What time travel allows you to do is to create a ghost version of yourself to perform actions while you're doing something else in the level. This adds a nice layer of complexity to Adventures of Shuggy.

Overall, Adventures of Shuggy is a fun platformer that offers challenging puzzles but its repetitive gameplay may eventually bore players.

Review last updated: 17/09/12

Pros

Challenging puzzles
Simple controls
Co-op gameplay

Cons

Gameplay and levels gets repetitive

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lundi 21 janvier 2013

Download TeamViewer Portable 7.0.14563 Free

TeamViewer Portable is a handy tool for PC users who want to share their desktop access with other users on the go.

Desktop sharing is not just the field of tech professionals anymore. Whether you want to show how an application works or simply be able to explain things on someone else's computer, you'll need to find a way to share desktops easily.

TeamViewer Portable offers a simple way of creating desktop sharing sessions with other users, whether on a distant computer, local connection or over the internet. Both users will each have an ID and password with which to connect to their session.

Taking control of another computer is a great way to solve issues from a distance and demonstrate things on a desktop without actually being there physically. TeamViewer Portable also allows file transfer and includes a chat function to communicate with your contact. You can also record sessions and play them back afterward with TeamViewer Portable. These can then be used as tutorials or to go back on what you've done in previous sessions. If you dig into the TeamViewer Portable details you'll be able to choose not only whether to optimize quality or speed, but also to configure the amount of access you want to give to your desktop.

The free version of TeamViewer Portable has a number of limitations, and lacks some modules like the TeamViewer manager or customer module. In addition, the program can be a little complicated to get the hang of at first.

TeamViewer is also available as a full-install version.

TeamViewer Portable is a solid program for quickly sharing desktops with another user.

Recent changes

Enhanced VoIP stability
Connections established through command line parameters show a remote control window again
Ctrl+Alt+Del works more reliable
Several PAC Proxy scripts can now be defined when separating them with a semicolon
Fixed: Several layout issues
Various other minor improvements and fixes

Pros

No installation required
Record sessions
Transfer files and chat

Cons

Complicated for beginners to learn

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Download Dynamite Jack Free

Dynamite Jack is a game on the Steam platform where you must escape a mine where you've been forced into being a laborer.

In Dynamite Jack, you're a soldier, captured by the enemy and forced to work in the mines far underground. The goal is to make your escape without being completely blown up by enemy forces. Guards are lurking around every corner, and you've got to make it from one end of the screen to the other without getting completely shot up.

The 2D graphics and scenarios Dynamite Jack are inspired by classic games, and are simple but adequately entertaining. You can wander the maze within the mine and place bombs in strategic locations to unlock paths and open new avenues for potential escape.

In addition to the obstacles in Dynamite Jack, you should make an attempt to neutralize all kinds of security systems designed to detect its presence. Just make sure to avoid the armed guards in the process.

You'll also need to pay attention, because the time to complete each task is limited. Grab your flashlight, turn on the light and use your head to get out of the mine alive.

You'll need to have a Steam account in order to download and install Dynamite Jack.

Dynamite Jack is a fun 2D shooter game that classic game enthusiasts should appreciate.

Review last updated: 25/09/12

Pros

Fun, simple game
Nice graphics
Easy to learn controls

Cons

A little repetitive

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samedi 19 janvier 2013

Download RegCross 1.5.03

RegCross è un programma votato alla pulizia del registro. Utile per operazioni di ordinaria manutenzione e in grado di gestire anche l'esecuzione automatica di Windows. Gratis e in italiano.

L'interfaccia di RegCross è chiara ed è suddivisa in quattro sezioni: Scansione, Pianificatore, Gestione backup e Gestione avvio.

La voce Scansione permette di eseguire un'approfondita pulizia del registro. Prima dell'analisi, puoi impostare il programma affinché ripari automaticamente gli errori trovati e crei un punto di ripristino.

Il Pianificatore consente di programmare operazioni di pulizia automatiche nel tempo, mentre la funzione di Gestione avvio ti permette di intervenire sui programmi in esecuzione automatica, eliminando manualmente quelli che superflui e che rallentano l'avvio del PC. Quest'ultima funzionalità, per la verità, è un po' limitata e appare migliorabile.

In definitiva, e anche se meno completo di prodotti come CCleaner, RedCross è un buon programma per pulire il registro e tenere in forma il tuo PC. In più, è compatibile anche con Windows 8.

Ultimo aggiornamento: 02/01/13

Pro

Pulisce il registro di sistema
Puoi pianificare operazioni
Gestice l'esecuzione automatica

Contro

Alcune voci non tradotte
Mancano funzioni avanzate
Velocità d'analisi migliorabile

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vendredi 18 janvier 2013

Download Keylogger Gratis 1.0

Keylogger Gratis tiene registra tutto ciò che viene scritto sul tuo PC. Utile per tenere una copia di sicurezza di ciò che digiti. Ma ricorda: l'uso è consentito solo per fini legali.

Il programma può facilmente occultarsi con una combinazione di tasti (CTRL+Maiusc+Alt+H, ma l'hotkey è modificabile a piacere) e tiene traccia di ogni testo scritto al PC.

Oltre a intercettare ogni tasto premuto e l'app su cui viene digitata ogni parola, Keylogger Gratis analizza anche gli appunti di Windows alla ricerca di testo da registrare, memorizza le pagine web visitate e il browser usato.

Keylogger Gratis può essere impostato per eseguirsi in automatico all'avvio di Windows, in modalità visibile o invisibile.

Dalle opzioni puoi scegliere se nascondere i riferimenti all'applicazione nel menu Start e se mostrare o meno il software nella lista dei programmi disinstallabili.

Keylogger Gratis registra l'attività con cadenza giornaliera e in qualunque momento puoi attingere ai report filtrandoli per data. Se i log sono lunghi, puoi usare la funzione di ricerca testo (Search string) per trovare specifiche keyword.

Ultimo aggiornamento: 15/11/12

Pro

Facile da usare
Puoi occultare il programma
Può avviarsi insieme a Windows
Report su base giornaliera
Intercetta anche tastiere virtuali

Contro

Non cattura screenshot
Poche funzioni avanzate
Non puoi creare whitelist

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Download Yahoo! Messenger 11.5.0.228

Yahoo! Messenger sta crescendo. Oltre all'ottima qualità video delle chiamate in VoIP che fa sì che non abbia nulla da invidiare a Skype, con quest'ultima versione include vari miglioramenti all'interfaccia e all'usabilità, finestre delle conversazioni a schede e giochi social

Se non ne puoi più del monopolio di Windows Live Messenger nel campo della messaggistica istantanea e sei già passato a Yahoo! Messenger, sarai felice di sapere che nelle ultime versioni, sia a livello grafico che funzionale, introduce delle novità interessanti.

Una delle più recenti novità di Yahoo! Messenger 2011, il client per chattare e comunicare con gli amici di Yahoo!, è l'ottima integrazione con Facebook: non solo potrai aggiornare i tuoi messaggi di status (anche su diversi social network allo stesso tempo) e restare aggiornato su cosa fanno i tuoi amici, ma potrai persino chattare con i tuoi contatti senza aprire il browser. Yahoo! Messenger si fa più giocoso e colorato, aggiungendo la possibilità di interagire con i tuoi interlocutori anche con divertenti videogame online in stile social, ad esempio con Mafia Wars o FishVille.

Esteticamente è sempre più allegro e amichevole: design moderno e accattivante, tante emoticon e animoticon (Audible), sfondi animati (IMVironment) e possibilità di cambiare skin e personalizzare l'interfaccia del client con nuovi freschissimi temi. Puoi personalizzarla con plugin per accedere rapidamente a eBay, Yahoo! Answer o ascoltare la radio, ma sei sempre tu a scegliere cosa vuoi visualizzare e cosa no.

Come immagine personale puoi scegliere una tua foto o puoi crearti un avatar usando l'apposito servizio Yahoo!. Per quanto riguarda foto e video, Yahoo! Messenger ti dà la possibilità di condividerli con il semplice drag and drop e allo stesso modo di caricarli su Flickr.

Ovviamente sono presenti le funzioni per chiamare e videochiamare via VoIP da PC a PC e da PC a telefono (sottoscrivendo un abbonamento a Yahoo! Voice), con una migliorata qualità video. Con Yahoo! Messenger potrai trasferire file e giocare online con i tuoi amici grazie a un'ampia scelta di giochi Java.

Se la ragione per cui non hai ancora provato Yahoo! Messenger è che la maggior parte dei tuoi amici usa Windows Live Messenger, tranquillizzati: Yahoo! Messenger può importare i contatti MSN, della rubrica di Yahoo! Mail e Microsoft Outlook e anche quelli da Gmail e da Facebook (ma dà alcuni problemi). Infine, Yahoo! Messenger è integrato con Twitter e ti permette di seguire in tempo reale gli update dei tuoi amici.

Ultime migliorie

Finestre di conversazione a schede
Migliorie alla gestione dello spam
Nuovi social game
Accesso rapido ai contatti recenti
Scatta un'istantanea dello schermo e condividila con gli amici
Ora localizzato anche in rumeno

Note

Durante l'installazione è necessario essere connessi a Internet, poiché il file di setup scaricherà il software completo dal server del produttore.

Nell'interfaccia principale del programma è presente un'area di notifica pubblicitaria.

Pro

Integrazione con Facebook, MSN, Flickr e Twitter
Ottima qualità video
Interfaccia e usabilità migliorate
Giochi online
Nuove skin, emoticon e contenuti extra

Contro

Troppa pubblicità

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Download Avira Antivirus Premium 2013 13.0.0.278

Avira Antivirus Premium 2013 è un solido antivirus che offre una protezione completa del sistema. Rispetto alla versione gratuita offre funzioni aggiuntive come la protezione e-mail e antispyware

Avira Free Antivirus è uno degli antivirus gratuiti più apprezzati del mercato. La sua forza risiede in un prodotto leggero per il sistema e potente in quanto a motore di scansione. Se però vuoi qualcosa in più, puoi optare per Avira Antivirus Premium, il suo fratello maggiore.

I due prodotti condividono il medesimo engine e l'interfaccia. Rispetto alla versione gratuita Avira Antivirus Premium offre alcune funzioni in più come la scansione per le e-mail, la possibilità di usufruire del download degli update da server più veloci e la protezione antispyware. In più, impedisce ai malware di disabilitare la protezione in tempo reale.

Una chicca presente in Avira Antivirus Premium è la possibilità di scaricare direttamente dal sito del produttore un disco di ripristino (sotto forma di file immagine ISO) da masterizzare, e contenente le ultime definizioni dell'antivirus. Molto utile per i casi più complicati da risolvere.

Ultimo aggiornamento: 22/11/12

Pro

Motore di scansione veloce ed efficace
Include protezione antispyware
Ottimo per PC poco potenti
Puoi scaricare un disco di ripristino

Contro

Design un po' datato e migliorabile
Poche importanti differenze con la versione gratuita

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Download PDF-XChange Viewer Portable 2.5.207

PDF-XChange Viewer Portable è un ottimo programma in italiano per leggere in tutta comodità i documenti PDF. Essendo un programma portatile può essere eseguito senza bisogno di installazione

Che sorpresa questo PDF-XChange Viewer Portable. Il lettore PDF gratuito di cui tutti parlano (sottoscritto compreso) è Foxit Reader, ma PDF-XChange Viewer Portable non ha nulla da invidiargli. È veloce, completo, in italiano ed è un semplice eseguibile: può essere lanciato anche su un computer su cui non è possibile installare nuovi programmi o da una pendrive USB.

PDF-XChange Viewer Portable offre tutte le funzionalità tipiche di un visualizzatore di documenti di questo tipo: segnalibri, miniature delle pagine, opzioni di stampa personalizzabili, vari modelli di visualizzazione e altro ancora. Sinceramente è difficile trovargli una mancanza grave.

Inoltre PDF-XChange Viewer Portable ha funzioni di editing raramente disponibili in un lettore gratuito. Permette di aggiungere note, sottolineare testi, disegnare figure geometriche e altro ancora. E tutte le pagine di un documento possono essere esportate in un file immagine. Però, PDF-XChange Viewer Portable non può essere utilizzato per creare un documento PDF da zero. Per farlo, bisogna acquistare la versione Pro.

Note

Esiste anche una versione standard di PDF-XChange Viewer, che si integra perfettamente con i browser Internet.

Pro

Veloce ad aprire e navigare i documenti
Funzionalità di editing
In italiano

Contro

Barra degli strumenti troppo ricca di icone

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Download CrystalDiskInfo 5.1.0

CrystalDiskInfo è un agile programmino per ottenere subito varie informazioni sulle condizioni e la storia del tuo hard disk. In italiano, facile da consultare, non necessita di installazione e può essere configurato per dare avvisi

Evento infausto la rottura di un hard disk. Un bel giorno fai per accendere il PC e Windows non si avvia più. Eppure fino a ieri funzionava benissimo. Non avrebbe potuto avvertire prima, battere un colpo, metterti sull?avviso, magari facendo comparire uno di quegli immancabili messaggi di sistema con la crocetta rossa? "Attenzione, il disco rigido è messo male, tra pochi minuti cede le armi, va in crash, fonde, tira le cuoia, chiaro?".

Per prevenire il problema, visto che questa possibilità di notifica nativa non è ancora contemplata, basta installare CrystalDiskInfo, un programma gratuito che non ha bisogno nemmeno di essere installato e che analizza il tuo hard disk offrendoti un ampio ventaglio di informazioni: numero seriale, temperatura, numero di accensioni, quantità d?ore di attività, tasso di errore in scrittura, firmware e informazioni S.M.A.R.T.

CrystalDiskInfo, che può analizzare più di un disco rigido, è molto generoso nell?elargire informazioni, alcune delle quali però forse saranno utili solo agli utenti più avanzati. Molto interessanti e chiari a tutti i dati sulla temperatura, causa frequente di rallentamento delle prestazioni, di errori anche irreversibili e di spegnimento del PC nei casi più drammatici (al mio vecchio computer casalingo succede molto spesso).

Ogni informazione di CrystalDiskInfo può essere controllata nel tempo attraverso la creazione automatica di un grafico e la configurazione di allarmi nella system tray (modalità Residente). Ma anche a occhio potrai rassicurarti sulle condizioni del tuo disco: CrystalDiskInfo evidenzia in giallo o rosso i valori che necessitano attenzione, mettendoti all?erta con un messaggio prima che l?hard disk decida di fare brutti scherzi. Potrai così correre ai ripari comprandone uno nuovo e soprattutto mettendo i dati in salvo con un bel backup (usando, ad esempio, Cobian Backup).

Pro

Gratuito e open source
Facile da consultare
Supporta le informazioni S.M.A.R.T.
Evidenzia il cattivo stato del disco
Puoi configurare degli allarmi

Contro

Alcune informazioni utili solo ai più esperti
Molte informazioni in inglese
Non supporta l'analisi degli HD esterni

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jeudi 17 janvier 2013

Download PeaZip 4.8

PeaZip è una omni-comprensiva utility gratuita e in italiano di gestione di archivi compressi. Supporta tutti i principali formati e offre anche alcune opzioni avanzate

In un mercato affollatissimo, PeaZip cerca di trovare il suo spazio come programma per maneggiare file ZIP, RAR, TAR e altri archivi ancora. Quando si tratta di scompattare un file è compatibile virtualmente con tutti i formati utilizzati. E usando PeaZip per creare un archivio compresso, l'unico standard importante di cui si sente la mancanza è RAR.

L'interfaccia di PeaZip è molto semplice e anche piuttosto intuitiva. Per creare un archivio basta cliccare sul pulsante Aggiungi, selezionare i file da includere e le dimensioni richieste. Un'altra comoda funzione di PeaZip è la possibilità di dividere i file o di creare archivi autoestraenti.

PeaZip è affidabile, veloce nell'estrazione e compressione, con funzionalità di controllo dell'integrità degli archivi e tutte le opzioni necessarie per comprimere al meglio i file. E per quanto riguarda la sicurezza, è in grado di cifrare i file compressi con diversi algoritmi di crittografia. Il programma viene installato automaticamente in inglese, la lingua può essere cambiata all'italiano attraverso il commando non intuitivo Options>Localisation.

PeaZip supporta i seguenti formati

In scrittura: 7Z, ARC, BZ2, GZ, PAQ/LPAQ, PEA, QUAD/BALZ, TAR, UPX, ZIP

In apertura: ACE, ARJ, CAB, CHM, MSI, DOC, XLS, PPT, CPIO, ISO, JAR, EAR, WAR, DEB, PET/PUP, RPM, SLP, LHA/LZH, LZMA, DMG/HFS, NSIS, file Open Office , PAK/PK3/PK4, RAR, SMZIP, U3P

Pro

Veloce
Gratuito e in italiano
Affidabile e sicuro

Contro

Niente RAR in scrittura

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Download AbiWord 2.9.4 Development

Non sto scrivendo questa recensione né con Word, parte della costosa suite Microsoft Office, né con Write, compresa nella ottima ma ingombrante suite gratuita OpenOffice.org. L'avrete già capito da soli. Sì, sto utilizzando AbiWord, un leggero, semplice ed efficace word processor che puoi avere, come si diceva una volta, senza spendere una lira.

L'ho messo alla prova. AbiWord ha fatto tutto quello che gli ho chiesto, nel modo corretto e utilizzando le procedure a cui ormai sono abituato usando da anni il processore di casa Microsoft. Questo vuol dire due cose: AbiWord funziona e non devi imparare quasi nulla di nuovo per sfruttarlo pienamente.

Formattazione del testo, inserimento di immagini, gestione di tabelle, creazione di stili, applicazione di modelli, revisioni (qui chiamate "storia del documento"). Tutto ha funzionato a dovere. Anche la compatibilità con altri editor è garantita, potendo salvare e aprire file nei formati più comuni, compresi .doc e .rtf.

L'interfaccia di AbiWord è localizzata correttamente in italiano e supporta il controllo ortografico automatico, anche se la sua precisione è migliorabile. Fortunatamente AbiWord è un programma open source, perciò presto potrebbe essere disponibile un vocabolario più accurato.

Molte funzionalità avanzate, come importare messaggi e-mail da Outlook o modificare le immagini inserite nel testo, sono disponibili tramite diversi plug-in (trovi un link per scaricarli nella nostra scheda Extra), sviluppati dalla community che supporta il software.

Giudizio complessivo
AbiWord è un elaboratore testi gratuito, completo, facile da utilizzare e in italiano. Pronto per provarlo?

Ultime migliorie

Filtro d'importazione ed esportazione per i formati Office Open XML (Office 2007)
Filtro di esportazione LaTeX migliorato

AbiWord supporta i seguenti formati

ABX, AWT, DOC, DOCX, HTML, RTF, TXT e altri.

Pro

Gratuito e open source
Interfaccia intuitiva in italiano
Ha tutte le funzioni che ti aspetti

Contro

Controllo ortografico italiano migliorabile
Non apre direttamente i file Office 2007

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Download K-Lite Codec Pack 64-bit Edition 9.5.5

K-Lite Codec Pack 64-bit Edition è la migliore raccolta di codec audio e video, totalmente gratuita, per PC con sistema operativi a 64 bit. Si installa su Windows XP, 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7 e Windows 8, e convive tranquillamente con la versione a 32 bit, tanto che gli sviluppatori consigliano di installare sui sistemi a 64 bit entrambe le versioni.

K-Lite Codec Pack 64-bit Edition serve a vedere senza problemi video in qualunque formato, e ad ascoltare tutti i tipi di file audio. Include i codec DivX e XviD.

Usare K-Lite Codec Pack 64-bit Edition ti permette anche di evitare situazioni problematiche come l'installazione di codec in conflitto fra di loro o la presenza di codec ormai datati e superati da versioni più aggiornate. Include un ottimo lettore video, ed è utile anche a coloro che hanno bisogno non solo di riprodurre, ma anche di creare o modificare audio e video su computer Windows.

K-Lite Codec Pack per Mac, invece, non c'è. Se vuoi una raccolta di codec per computer Apple, ti consigliamo Perian, applicazione gratuita che abilita QuickTime a riprodure quasi tutti i formati video e audio esistenti.

Pro

Tutti i principali codec in un solo pacchetto
Contiene anche un player video
Completamente configurabile
Non va in conflitto con la versione per PC a 32 bit

Contro

Nessun contro degno di nota

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Download ScummVM 1.5.0

Le storiche avventure di LucasArts, AdventureSoft, Sierra e altri produttori rivivono grazie a questo ambiente virtuale che permette di riprodurle alla perfezione

ScummVM è un programma specializzato nella riproduzione dei giochi creati con Scumm (Script Creation Utilty for Maniac Mansion), in parole povere il tool di sviluppo con cui sono state create alcune tra le migliori avventure punta e clicca della storia. Giochi come Monkey Island, Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis, Simon The Sorcerer, e molti altri ancora sono stati creati con questa tecnologia.

ScummVM semplicemente si sostituisce ai file eseguibili delle versioni originali, permettendoti di fare andare i giochi su sistemi per cui non sono stati programmati. Per farlo ovviamente devi possedere i file di dati di questi giochi. Possederli legalmente, s'intende.

ScummVM ti mette a disposizione un ambiente di esecuzione completamente personalizzabile: in particolare diverse opzioni per grafica e audio ti permettono di trovare la formula corretta per emulare alla perfezione giochi pensati per computer completamente differenti da quello su cui stai cercando di farli girare.

Note

Sul sito ufficiale è presente una lista di tutti i giochi con cui ScummVM è compatibile.

Per motivi che non dipendono da Softonic, per eseguire il download gratuito verrai reindirizzato su un sito esterno.

Pro

Funziona bene
Audio e grafica configurabili

Contro

Alcuni problemi di compatibilità

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Publicidad

mardi 29 janvier 2013

Download Onslaught! Arena

Download Messenger Reviver 1.2

Download Quick PC Startup 1.0.4.4

Download sleepyTunes 1.0.0

Download Glitterato 1.62

Download The Hobbit Theme for Windows 7

lundi 28 janvier 2013

Download VSLogonScreenCustomizer 1.4.3.237

Download NoScript Firefox add-on 2.1.2.3

Download E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy

Download Golden Ratio 3.0

samedi 26 janvier 2013

Download Avira AntiVir Personal 10.0.0.611

Download Icon Craft 4.61

Download Freemake Music Box 0.9.6.1

Download BitDefender Total Security 2013 16.18.0

Download WebReader 0.8.80

vendredi 25 janvier 2013

Download Olwimpics Firefox 1.0.3

Download The Book of Unwritten Tales

Download Immersive Explorer 0.1.1 Alpha

Download Rapid Typing Tutor 4.6.5

Download Awesome Password Generator Portable 1.3.1

jeudi 24 janvier 2013

Download Wondershare PDF Converter Pro 3.1.1

Download Remobo 0.72.1

Download Pearltrees (for Opera and Safari) 6.0.3

Download FenrirFS 2.45

Download Final Fantasy VII

mercredi 23 janvier 2013

Download Zineth 3.5.0 43509

Download Toolwiz Pretty Photo 1.0

Download Universal SQL Editor 1.4.2

Download James Peris: No License Nor Control Demo

Download Movie Label 2013 8.0.3

mardi 22 janvier 2013

Download Firefox 17 Aurora 17.0 a2

Download Where am I?

Download Pinterest

Download Wondershare Dr.Fone (Data Recovery for iPhone 4) 1.0.1

Download Limbo Windows Theme for Windows 7

Download Hitman: Absolution

Download Adventures of Shuggy

lundi 21 janvier 2013

Download TeamViewer Portable 7.0.14563

Download Dynamite Jack

samedi 19 janvier 2013

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vendredi 18 janvier 2013

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jeudi 17 janvier 2013

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