solve

Looking for a very simple standalone application that can help you resolve some intriguing mathematical operations such as differential equations and definite integrals? SolveDiffEq for Mac proves to be a very simple but useful app.

The program comes as freeware and takes no time to download, install, and get running. It does not take much space, as it is very small. Being very straightforward and without too many options, SolveDiffEq for Mac performs very well. The interface lacks looks, but this is to be expected as this type of program doesn't really require a richer interface. It is divided … Read more

MyScript Calculator (iOS|Android) is an app for both iOS and Android that lets you perform mathematical operations with freehand writing of expressions on your touch screen. This app won the Mobile App Showdown award at CES 2013 and after some time spent using it, it's easy to see why.

The simple-looking interface mimics the look of graph paper. In the top right of the screen you have buttons for undo and redo, and a trash can for when you want to clear the screen completely. In the upper left you can open a menu where you can access … Read more

Path takes a wrong turn, Yahoo's board gets new faces, and Amazon Instant Video adds Viacom content.

Links from Wednesday's episode of Loaded:

Google and some of the most forward-thinking minds around the world recently discussed ideas to transform our lives. And now, the company is asking you to help.

Google yesterday announced the launch of a new Web site and Google+ page for its "Solve for X" initiative. Solve for X is designed to bring together some of the most successful entrepreneurs, researchers, and scientists, and try to come up with "solutions to some of the world's greatest problems." Google says that it wants to see the program deliver "10-times improvement, not 10 percent."

Google … Read more

Most people remember Daedalus, if they remember him at all, as the maker of the wings his son Icarus used to fly too close to the sun, but the Edison of the ancient world also constructed the notorious Labyrinth that trapped the Minotaur. He's a fitting namesake for Astrolog's Daedalus, a free program that creates and solves labyrinthine mazes in just about any geometric shape, in up to 16 dimensions, and viewable from a wide range of perspectives, including overhead and first-person 3D views. Really obsessive types can even create infinitely long fractal-based mazes with more than 1 … Read more

SuDoKu-Cracker is a feature-filled version of the popular Sudoku number puzzle. With plenty of options and difficulty levels, this game is sure to satisfy the most serious Sudoku player.

The game's interface isn't stunning, but it's fairly intuitive, with large, easy-to-read numbers. All of the program's features are arranged to the right of the grid, giving users easy access to them. Beginning Sudoku players may wish for a little more explanation of the features and how they're useful--the online Help file doesn't address this--but experienced players will have no trouble. (And, really, beginning players … Read more

BrainsBreaker provides a set of digital jigsaw puzzles to challenge puzzle beginners and experts alike. With excellent customization and easy play, this program will create die-hard puzzle nuts.

The program's interface was a pleasure, with big buttons and intuitive flow. Users should not have to consult the Help file to work their way through and to begin solving. First, users select the puzzle they want to solve. A screen showcasing the pictures of each puzzle (ranging from nature landscapes, animals, architecture, and more) allows users to quickly pick. Next, users are given full control of customization, allowing the picture … Read more

RightWriter Grammar Analysis allows users to evaluate their writing for proper grammar and effective style. Although the trial version disables the program's main feature, the sample text provided with RightWriter makes us think that the program is a useful tool for writing improvement.

The program's interface is basic and intuitive. Users type or paste the text they want to analyze into a text box, click the Analyze button, and the analysis shows up in another text box. The program suggests alternatives when word choices are too "wordy," identifies use of the passive voice, and gives other … Read more

MB Runes Reading Software lets users answer questions and gain insight by reading their runes. The program isn't fancy, but isn't bad for a basic reading.

As is always the case with Mystic Board programs, the first screen is cluttered with Mystic Board ads. After that, users enter their name, birthday, and question, and select the type of rune and spread they want to use for their reading. If users aren't sure which type and spread is best, they can select them in the next two screens, which give illustrations and descriptions of each one. The following … Read more