tools

Review: BetterDesktopTool integrates hot key commands to enhance your desktop

BetterDesktopTool integrates a tool sorely lacking from Windows--the ability to instantly move, adjust, and compartmentalize desktops on your computer. While there is similar functionality in Windows 8, BetterDesktopTool makes it more intuitive and easier to manage than Microsoft's default controls--much closer to what you can do in OS X. The result is a powerful background application that can improve productivity and control, while working.

After installing BetterDesktopTool it immediately goes to your tray to run in the background. Despite this, it uses only a small amount of memory--a fraction of what your Web browser does. Open the menu and … Read more

Review: MP4Tools provides useful tools for processing MP4 files

MP4Tools for Mac aims to provide users with a number of capable tools for easy video editing and processing. Even though the menu seems rather difficult to interpret, the program proves to be a good application for processing video files.

At almost 49MB, this download takes a bit longer to complete. While the program is available with all of its functions for free, eliminating a pop-up dialog box and unlocking batch processing requires a $5.99 payment. After starting up quickly, MP4Tools for Mac's main menu is basic and lacks any graphics or user aids. A bar along the … Read more

TechTool Pro goes 64-bit, offering enhanced RAM testing

Software company Micromat, maker of the popular TechTool Pro diagnostics and repair utility, has come out with a new version of the program. TechTool Pro 7 has been rewritten in 64-bit code, which among general enhancements to the software makes it possible to better test memory on modern Mac systems.

One of the key new features in TechTool Pro 7 is its new memory test routine, which is recommended for whenever a system is experiencing random crashes, or when you have installed new memory modules. While Apple's included hardware test suite is a robust option for testing memory, sometimes … Read more

Review: Anvi Browser Repair Tool controls and repairs your IE browser

Anvi Browser Repair Tool helps IE users optimize, clean, and repair their browser when they believe it has been compromised. This tool performs well and offers many options that will appeal to all IE fans.

Anvi Browser Repair Tool comes as an EXE file and the installation completes very fast. By default, it will add other software to your PC, so uncheck the box during install if you don't want the extras. Once you finish the setup, the program welcomes you to a well-designed and self-explanatory interface. When it comes to options, this program offers the ability to block … Read more

Get the new Dropbox for PC and Mac right now

Dropbox is almost finished wrapping up its work on version 2.1.x (the version you're probably using if you haven't upgraded). Releasing an experimental build allows it to get feedback from early adopters. This new build lets you automatically save screenshots, move files to Dropbox in an easier way, import from iPhoto, and get faster upload and download speeds.

Ready to check out the new version? To download a copy of Dropbox 2.3.12, find the link that matches your OS and install. What's excellent about this method of distribution is that you won't … Read more

Google adds color labels to its Calendar app for Android

For those extra-organized people, Google has updated its Calendar app for Android to add color labels and a new date and time tool.

The color labels palette lets users customize events or calendar listings with a choice of 24 colors. Certain important dates can be highlighted in different colors to especially catch users' attention.

As far as putting in certain events, the redesigned date and time tool lets users customize time zones and schedule events to be repeated on certain days, weeks, or months.

In other Google news, the tech giant also announced on Wednesday that it's revamping … Read more

Twitter triumphs in spam lawsuit settlement

Twitter has won a battle in its war against spam.

The microblogging service settled a lawsuit on Tuesday with marketing software company TweetAdder, in which the agreement was clearly in favor of Twitter. The terms of the settlement were filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco.

Under the terms of the settlement, the owners and employees of TweetAdder agree not to take part in "creating, developing, manufacturing, adapting, modifying, making available, trafficking in, using, disclosing, selling, licensing, distributing (with or without monetary charge), updating, providing costumer support for, or offering for use, sale, license, or distribution (with … Read more

Review: Math Tool - Fraction Calculator makes computing complex problems easy

Fractions have always been a problem for calculators. Before conversion to a decimal, a fraction is hard to enter into most calculators--even those with functions or keys intended to support doing it. Converting back from a decimal to a fraction is even more troublesome. So Math Tool - Fraction Calculator is a very useful tool for anyone currently studying fractions or using them on a daily basis on the job.

Math Tool - Fraction Calculator is exactly as it sounds - a simple calculator tool built into a calculator interface. Everything looks normal except for the addition of a small … Read more

Future Firefox takes tougher stance on mixed content

Mozilla is taking steps to lock down mixed content Web sites for Firefox in an update Friday to Firefox 23 Aurora.

In Firefox 23 Aurora, the pre-beta version of the browser for Windows, Mac, and Linux, Mozilla will block by default mixed active content. Mixed content is a term that refers to a Web site secured with HTTPS that loads some of its content, such as images or scripts, from standard HTTP sources, and can lead to eavesdroppers and man-in-the-middle attacks.

Mixed active content describes things like scripts because they can actively change how you interact with the site. Mixed … Read more