1.6.2

The default file control on Android seems attractive, but it's definitely not as useful as a custom explorer. ES File Explorer is almost the exact opposite. The file explorer lets you see everything on your gadget in a menu that mimics the way you'd look at files on your computer. It's not very pretty to look at, though.

When you open the ES File Explorer app for the first time, it gives you a few tips for navigating. Those aren't really necessary since the app puts everything right in front of you. It doesn't just … Read more

If you're not already using Dropbox, we have to ask: What are you waiting for? This popular service lets you easily sync files between computers, share with them others, and create backups. Best of all, it integrates so seamlessly with Windows -- and other platforms -- that you're barely even aware that you're using it. This program is a must-have for anyone who needs to make their files readily available to multiple users or computers.

Once installed, Dropbox appears as an icon in the system tray. It doesn't have an interface, exactly; it turns up as … Read more

Who doesn't love fresh fruit? Unless it's too fresh, in which case you need to show it who's boss by turning it into sliced fruit with a samurai sword. That's the premise of Fruit Ninja, Halfbrick Studios' free Android slasher game. It's capable of slashing your free time as easily as it cuts flying fruit into juicy chunks. It's easy enough for anyone to play, too, at first. Like similar Android games, Fruit Ninja gets harder to play as you advance and unlock more levels and games. It's also educational (if you insist) … Read more

iProcrastinate is a free, dark-themed productivity app that appears to be targeted at, but not necessarily limited to, students. Despite a couple of flaws, the application does quite a nice job, helped by its intuitive controls and simple interface.

The interface consists of three columns. On the left is Groups, where tasks are ordered according due date and priority level, with a Subject field where you can enter custom names and colors. Tasks are in the central column, and the steps the user specified while describing the task are listed in the third, right-side column.

We found it took only … Read more

What do UFOs, Bigfoot, and the end of the rainbow have in common? They're all hiding from the billion or so human beings walking around with cell phone cameras, ready to catch them in an unguarded moment, each hoping to be the first to post it and share it. And so we have Instagram. As if it weren't already too easy to jazz up and post your pics on Instagram, now you can use Instagram's API directly inside your Web browser with Instagram for Chrome, a free extension from 64 Pixels. With it, you can access your … Read more

Let's get right to the point: Meeting Timer from EXP Systems is a software-based visual aid that can help you take control of meetings. This simple freeware helps individuals keep track of the time they've been speaking even as they speak. Just set the allotted time, and Meeting Timer displays a blue bar graph on the far right side of your screen as well as the remaining time in minutes. When the blue is gone, time's up. It's effective not only for keeping meetings from getting out of control but also in classrooms; teachers can use … Read more

Spybot - Search & Destroy Portable is a free security program that scans for and removes malicious or unwanted adware, malware, spyware, and other threats on any compatible Windows PC without requiring you to install it. That's because it's been portable-ized by PortableApps. Its download contains everything you need to run Spybot without the program making any changes to your PC, beyond purging junk, that is.

Spybot's portable application installer (.paf) can save the program's executable to virtually any directory, including a USB thumbdrive. Spybot's interface consists of a two-paned main window and a navigation … Read more

The built-in Windows search feature often leaves a lot to be desired; it's slow, clunky, and not always very thorough. For occasional or inconsequential searches it's not bad, but users who are serious about finding particular files on their computers often turn to a third-party search application. If you're in the market for such a program, Super Finder XT is a great choice. This powerful program makes quick work of serious searches.

The program's interface is attractive and intuitive, with a design that's reminiscent of recent versions of Microsoft Office. We liked that Super Finder … Read more