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This electronic newsletter is registered – ISSN 1441-6840
Welcome to the CFS Weekly Newsletter.
The programs listed here are completely free for non-commercial use, even though some may be shareware or commercial products. None are time-limited and all are fully functional. If you know any that aren't exactly as specified, please let us know and they will be removed immediately.
If the link below does not work (does not take you directly to the program listing) it is probably because the site has been upgraded and the link is no longer valid. Please use the CFS Site Search facility (above) to locate the program.
COMPLETELY FREE SOFTWARE
Zelda Classic v1.84 – Win9x/ME
Zelda Classic is a clone of Nintendo's 1986 classic game, 'Legend of Zelda'. It features nostalgic graphics and animation, offers optional joystick support, and supports a soundcard. This is a fabulous little game which does not require that you have played the original console game to enjoy it. This scrolling arcade-style game offers a great number of powerups and is sprawling in its size and presentation. This is not the latest version (which is available from the author's Website), but a slightly earlier, non-advertiser supported version from TUCOWS. While the game can run under pure DOS (though to run it under pure DOS you might need a copy of csdpmi4b.zip – 41kB), you will need a 32-bit operating system to install the game. Whether of not you are a fan of the original Nintendo game, grab a copy of Zelda Classic and have some fun. Access this 2.00MB download from: Win9x General Games
FindEXE v1.0 – Win9x/ME
FindEXE is a tiny utility which searches one or more paths and locates executable files with conventionally 'un-executable' file extensions. These files may be viruses or Trojan programs trying to hide from virus scanners (eg, a JPG file with a Trojan virus in it). This command-line utility quickly finds files which can be executed but which may not seem like an executionable file. The program filters out all known executionables, like 386, ACM, API, AWX, AX, BIN, CNV, COM, CPL, DLL, DRV, EXE, etc. Unfortunately to us it has a problem. The DOS screen keeps on scrolling and you cannot see any more than the last few entries (you can't scroll backwards under DOS). However, we beat this by creating a batch file we called FINDEXEC.BAT which included this line of text: "D:\fndexe10\findexe.exe c:\ > resultsc.txt" (without the quotes). Now the output of the program gets redirected (the > symbol) to a TXT file it creates (resultsc.txt) which can be read easily. We then created a new BAT file for each drive – FINDEXED.BAT, FINDEXEE.BAT, etc and changed the references to the drive in each case. Now we can scan each drive separately and get a copy of the results in a TXT file for easier analysis. Exactly what you do with the information you are receiving is another problem. Obviously, if you see a JPG file listed you would get very, very suspicious. The obvious thing to do is to move the suspect file to a new location (ie "C:\Suspect Folder") and wait to see if a program suddenly stops working because it is missing this file. After a few months you could delete the file quite safely – but there are no guarantees. It might be a critical file which isn't needed very often... FindEXE is a nice little file, but use it with caution. Access this 17kB download from: Win9x Desktop Utilities
Bible Researcher v2.00 – Win9x/ME
Bible Researcher is a useful Bible study tool which searches for any nominated text (single words, part words, or phrases). It optionally displays any number of lines before and after the nominated text, results are sorted by book, chapter & verse in a text file (which can be saved and/or printed). The program includes the full 66 books of the KJV Bible, but any text file can be searched. We found Bible Researcher to be a handy Bible study tool with the added bonus that you can use any text file with the program. It is simple to use, has a nice interface, and is very quick. Not only Bible students will find this program of value. Access this 1.45MB download from: Win9x General Programs
MS-DOS Directory Changer v1.0 – DOS (suitable for Windows)
Alec Forge's MS-DOS Directory Changer replaces the MS-DOS 'CHDIR' or 'CD' command which changes the active directory. You start to typing the name of the directory you want to change to and the utility tries to guess which directory you want and, if it guesses correctly, you can change to that directory by just pressing Enter. Otherwise you continue to keep on adding characters until it "guesses" the correct directory. If you place this program in the Windows\Command folder (for Window users) it is in the Path and is therefore always available from the commandline. While working with DOS is not always easy, there are times when the DOS commandline is the best way to tackle a task and having this utility always on hand will make that take much easier. We have added the program to our Windows startup disks so we have it available, even when working from the bootup floppy. There are two versions of the program with the archive, the English language version (CS.COM) and the French language version (CR.COM). MS-DOS Directory Changer is a "must have". Get it! Access this 5kB download from: Win9x Desktop Utilities
PictureClip v2.0.0 – Win9x/ME
PictureClip can cut an image into individual picture files by 'drawing' lines on it. You can import a BMP, GIF or JPG file, and export the diced images in JPG or BMP formats. PictureClip can also create the HTML code to use the diced images as an imagemap. This is a terrific program. Load a picture into it, click the horizontal or vertical button on the toolbar, and then click once on the image to draw either a horizontal or vertical line at that location. You can create as many lines as you like and you can even change the color of the line so that it contrasts with the image (otherwise you might not easily see the line). There is a facility to add equidistant lines (again, either horizontally or vertically) and you just need to specify the number of lines you want. If you want to cut an image into four quarters simply click on the equidistant horizontal button and select 2, and then do the same for the vertical. Simple. If you want to post your diced image on the Web (possibly to create hyperlinked 'hot' spots) the program will produce the HTML code – it will even create an HTML document with the code in it. Neat. There was one thing we were less enthusiastic about. You can't delete or move a single line if you incorrectly positioned it, though you can clear all lines and start again. Overall PictureClip is a most impressive program. There are many times when it is advantageous to dice up an image and this is one of the easiest ways of doing just that. Worth grabbing. Access this 3.11MB download from: Win9x Graphic Programs
Keyboarding v1.5.0 – Win9x/ME
Keyboarding is an informational tool that lists over 2,900 keyboard shortcuts for Windows 95/98/Me/2K, Access 97 & 2000, Excel 97 & 2000, Outlook 97 & 2000, Word 97 & 2000 and Internet Explorer 4 & 5. It also includes a section on DOS-7 shortcuts. Keyboard shortcuts (also called "keyboarding") can be much faster to use – and give you more control – than just using the mouse. The shortcuts in this program cover all the basic shortcuts, and lot more we had never heard of. The only problem with this program is that it is not always easy to find the shortcut that you want. The display window is small and you have to keep on scrolling to try and find the right shortcut. Of course, you quickly learn the common shortcuts (like using the F1 key for Help, or Ctrl-C to copy highlighted text into the Clipboard) but it is a long and laborious job to find the more esoteric ones. Some of the shortcut instructions are too long for the program window but if you click on any shortcut the instructions will appear below the main window with full word wrapping. The program lacks a copy facility so that you can't copy selected shortcut information into the Clipboard and paste it into a document for later printing (we find it helpful to print out handy, but not commonly used shortcuts, and stick them to our monitor). However, master the basics of keyboarding and you will find that you will use the mouse less and less, and find that you are working faster and smarter. A "must have" for all PC users (and isn't that all of us?). Access this 160kB download from: Win9x Desktop Utilities
The Television v1.0 – Win9x/ME
The Television is a program to receive streaming Internet-TV and radio. Best with fast Internet connections, it features a remote control 'handset' operation capable of handling 99 channels, with volume control, etc. Unfortunately, we were unable to properly review this program due to a very slow dial-up Internet connection from Australia (where we are based) and the USA. The program really needs either a cable or ASDL connection for best results – and possibly to pick a time when the Net was not too busy. EnterVision, who have released The Television, will not be starting full TV services until June 1st but there is a limited service available now. There is no doubt that this is the future of the Net as the Web matures from a dial-up service to a truly fast cable/ASDL style of service. In the meantime, those of us who have no access to these exotic services must look on with anguish. If you have a fast Internet connection, try The Television and see the future, now. Access this 1.75MB download from: Win9x Internet Related
Click-N-Type v1.03 – Win9x/ME
Click-N-Type is an on-screen virtual keyboard designed for anyone with a disability that prevents that person from typing on a physical computer keyboard. It features support for dialog boxes (browser address boxes, etc) which many other virtual keyboards don't, and has a fully customizable keyboard layout. The main screen is kept as small as practical and, by default, stays on top at all times. However, you can resize the keyboard by dragging its edges to create as large a keyboard as you can use. This is very handy for people with sight problems or who have large monitors (over 17"). Click-N-Type also features "AutoClick" where you can hover the mouse pointer over a key and not have to actually press the mouse key. You can adjust the delay timer to prevent premature clicking. The keyboard also has a built-in buffer so you can type text, edit it to make sure it is right, and then click onto a normal text window (or dialog box) to insert the buffer-text in to it. While Click-N-Type will not help someone who cannot move a mouse or trackball, for many people who have limited movement this program will be a real blessing. If you are such a person you will already be rushing to grab a copy... Access this 1.60MB download from: Win9x General Programs
xLines v1.2 – Win9x/ME
xLines is a great game where you line up same-colored balls to remove them. However, when you move a ball, more balls are added. It features extensive control over the number of balls and it offers skins, fabulous graphics, multiple modes, etc. This advertiser-supported game features superb graphics and tremendous control over the way you play. Change the skins (2 are supplied with the main program, though others are available from the author's Website) and it seems like a whole new game. We liked xLines. The game is very playable and it offers such a huge range of settings you can play it hard, or play it easy. Give this game a try, we don't think you'll be disappointed. Access this 3.06MB download from: Win9x General Games
COMMENTS
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Win 9x/ME/XP
