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2.4

System-wide shutdowns

RemShutdown provides system administrators or other authorized users with a way to shut down all or select computers on a network. It's easy to operate, but system experience is a must.

This program has a very simple interface with quick buttons to add or delete computers from the list. All that's required to set up a computer is its IP address. This screen also lets you enter a delay time before computers shut down, but it's only in seconds, and we would have liked the ability to delay in increments of hours or days. A small field … Read more

Not novice friendly

Allkeys Macro provides users with an opportunity to customize their computer functions and possibly eliminate the need for a mouse. While this sounds like a dream come true, the reality may be far too complicated for novice users.

A macro is a shortcut to help eliminate steps between tasks. For example, many people use the Control+C command to copy something. Allkeys Macro provides users with the ability to set up a macro for any command imaginable. The 30-day free trial allows users to choose their own keystrokes to perform the task and map out what will happen when those … Read more

Functional screensaver

This free desktop clock takes shapes as a screensaver. We didn't particularly care for the numerous desktop and taskbar icons that came with it, but 7art Crystal Clock performed its job well.

Once installed, 7art Crystal Clock appears in your screensaver menu. Like your other screensavers, you can set the time intervals for it to appear. While that was straightforward, we weren't happy that it also managed to install five other icons to our desktop that pushed other products. Also installed was a taskbar icon that really served no real purpose other than to provide contact information for … Read more

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A program worth learning

David Nash's Startup Manager is a free utility that lets you choose the programs you want to run at start-up. We had to visit the Help feature to make sure we were on the right track, but in the end it worked well for us.

The program's user interface uses a tree menu to locate the different start-up sections--StartUp, Registry, and WinINI. Depending on what you select, the individual files appear in the main panel. All of the command buttons were within quick reach at the top of the window. But even though the interface appeared to be … Read more

Netgear adds DSL modem to dual-band router

If you sign up for a DSL Internet service, chances are you will be offered a router and modem combo device.

I would normally recommend against this kind of combo deal, as it doesn't provide the flexibility of choosing the right router for the network. That's not to mention that the combo router offered by the service provider tends to be subpar, in both performance and features. It's much more flexible to get just the modem and add a separate wireless router later.

Now I am about to change that mentality with what Netgear introduced at CES … Read more

Peek at files before extracting them

This file compression tool offers the convenience of previewing an entire file before extracting it, and it does so free of charge.

Zipeg for Windows has a very simple interface that will appeal to all users. The minimal command buttons allow you to open files, and extract and preview them. There is also an Options button that lets you select the file you would like the program to open by default, and also where to place the destination file. When we opened a compressed file, the file's contents were displayed in the main window. Hovering the mouse over each … Read more

Netgear reveals new dual-band router

I reviewed the Netgear WNDR3300 wireless router a while ago and complained that it wasn't a true dual-band router, citing that it was only able to offer Draft N performance in one band at a time. Now at CES 2009, Netgear makes up for that with its all new successor called RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router WNDR3700.

Netgear hopes to make the WNDR3700 the ultimate in wireless routers for both home and small business environments. Like all true dual-band wireless routers, such as the D-Link DIR-825 or the Linksys WRT610N, the WNDR3700 features separate Wireless-N access points that … Read more

Free and cheap iPhone calls

The free Fring for iPhone is a compelling VoIP caller and multinetwork chat app in one. Tap over to the add-ons section to talk to friends using Skype, SIP, and Windows Live Messenger (MSN), Google Talk, and ICQ's protocols. Like plugging a headset into the PC, Fring's app spells cheap calls to international contacts. Beware though, you'll need a strong Wi-Fi connection to make or receive VoIP calls.

In addition to stretching out your vocal chords, Fring can open conversations for the IM networks above, as well as for AIM and Yahoo. Signing into Twitter from Fring … Read more