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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(does not take you directly to the program listing) it is probably because the site has been upgraded and the link is no longer valid.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
TeeChart Office v0.95 beta – Win9x/ME
TeeChart Office is a professional quality charting and plotting tool which can create virtually any type of 2D or 3D chart from any data. It features: complete control over chart style & colors; rotatable 3D charts; zoom; export charts to an image file (WMF, EMF, BMP, JPG, GIF, PNG or PCX) or a printer; and more. This is an amazing program. It offers over 40 sample charts with hundreds of different chart styles, you can add or remove text – even move both the text and the chart around the screen like with a DTP program. We wonder if there is anything this program can't do with a chart! TeeChart Office presents data in such an interesting way it makes the cold hard figures really come to life. The beauty is, you don't need to be a genius to create magical charts – any dummy can use it (even us!). This is a beta version which lacks a Helpfile. The Readme file offers general information but does not tell you how to use the program. Still, that isn't the problem it might have been if it wasn't so well designed – the interface is extremely easy to use. Overall we were highly impressed with TeeChart Office and can see many uses for this program, both inside the home and in the office. A 'must have' program! Access this 1.14MB download from: Win9x Graphic Programs
Tech Launcher v1.0 – Win98/ME (not suitable for Win95!)
Tech Launcher is a suite of tools which allows easy access to many hard-to-find system utilities. It also adds utilities for file transfer (FTP), popular program links, CD-ROM control, and more. Because this program allows easy access to hard to find system utilities, it makes those utilities more accessible and therefore more likely to be used. It also adds a few small utilities which have some limited value. Therefore, Tech Launcher provides a collection of easily accessible system tools which many users will find worthwhile. We had problems with the launcher for MS Office programs which didn't work on our test computer (probably because we have these programs on our D: drive, not our C: drive). Likewise, the FTP applet appeared pre-configured to an IP address and we couldn't see how to alter it. We were also disappointed that the suite didn't minimize to an icon in the desktray, rather than remain with the main programs in the system tray. You may want to have these tools available, but that doesn't mean that you want them in-your-face. We also felt that interface was a little clunky and not quite up to the standards expected of a Windows-based program so, in that respect, we were again a little disappointed in Tech Launcher. With these minor criticisms aside, this is still a neat suite of tools which many will find handy. Tech Launcher is worth checking out. Note: There is a Deluxe version available (TLD.zip – 10MB) which includes a ping utility and an Internet & LAN chat applet. That version is also suitable for Win2000 and XP. Access the Tech Launcher 2.06MB download from: Win9x Desktop Utilities
Tetrismania v1.2 – DOS (suitable for Win9x)
Tetrismania is an excellent Tetris clone for 1 to 3 human players, or play against 2 computer opponents. Lacking any form of help file (even a simple TXT file), there is a certain amount of trial and error to learn this game but the results are well worthwhile. Playing in single human mode, you have two computer opponents which are fighting against you. Every time one of their lines disappears, it appears on your screen. Likewise, when you make a line disappear it re-appears on their screens. Controls are quite basic (the arrow keys) but we never did work out how to play the game with more than one human player. Guess we need a little more trial and error... The animated graphics when a line disappears is excellent and the overall appearance and feel of the game is equally good. Screen colors are subdued which is easy on the eyes. The only problem we found was that the game would not load in a DOS box under Windows ME, which is not to say that it wouldn't load in a DOS box under Win95 or Win98 as ME treats DOS a little differently than its predecessors. However, we just created a DOS prompt and loaded the game from that. Easy. Tetrismania is a fabulous game which adds a little to this genre. Of course, Tetris collectors will have to get a copy but even non-collectors will find this one quite exceptional. Grab it! Access this 31kB download from: DOS General Games
WS_Ping Pro v2.10 – Win9x/ME
WS_Ping Pro is a full suite of Internet diagnostic and information tools. It includes Ping, Whois, TraceRoute, Lookup, HTML (a Webpage's source code), Finger, Atomic clock, IP system scan, view SNMP values, test throughput between computers, LDAP (person lookup) and WinNet information. WS_Ping Pro is a great program which even allows you to copy and/or print the information you have found. It offers a wealth of information about your local network, about your computer, about the current speed of the Internet – it even tells you about the server you wish to connect to. The only problem we found with this suite of tools was with the atomic clock time correction – none of the addresses supplied worked for us. This could be because the program is not the current version (it is dated 1998) and these addresses could have changed since the program was written. However, you can always add your own time server URL. A successful connection will give you the option of updating your system clock to the atomic clock (with an allowance for time differences). We liked the LDAP lookup function which gives you names and e-mail addresses of specific people though, again, not all of the listed LDAP sites were functioning. Overall, this is an excellent program which is well worth including in your PC's toolbox. WS_Ping Pro is a commercial program which is supplied free through UK's .net magazine as a teaser to purchase the most current version. Access this 631kB download from: Win9x Internet Related
Future Player v1.01 – Win9x/ME
Future Player is an excellent MP3 player with standard control deck, drag 'n drop play-list editor, MP3 file search (C: drive and CD), shuffle & reset options, digital clock, and more. It is packaged in a great looking circular 'skin' and there are alternative 'skins' available from the author's Website (unfortunately, you don't just download a skin, but a new-look version of the program). Future Player is a really nice MP3 player. It doesn't pretend to be anything else but what it is, and its function as a player is excellent. Controls are easy to use (a pleasant change!) and it offers basic but sufficient information in the main window. There is no need to install this program, just unzip and start using. Our biggest complaint about this program is that it doesn't minimize to an icon in the desktray (next to the clock) but remains with the main programs in the system tray. Surely it would have been easy to get it out from amongst the regular programs and tuck it away with the desktray icons. The lack of options is another area of disappointment – you cannot reduce the size of the main window, you cannot prevent it from always being 'on top' (unless it is minimized), you cannot get it to search for MP3 files on any other hard drive but C: (we keep our MP3s on a different drive), you can't even associate the MP3 file extension with this program! Even with these comments, Future Player is still considered to be an excellent MP3 player and one which many users will find perfect for their requirements. Simple to use, good looking, great sound – does an MP3 player really need much more? Have a look at Future Player, we don't think you'll be disappointed. Access this 486kB download from: Win9x Multimedia Programs
Connect 4 v1 – Win9x/ME
Connect 4 is a clone of the old game of the same name where you line up four buttons (horizontally, vertically or diagonally) to win. This version features three levels of difficulty (the computer opponent may take up to 5 minutes to move on the hardest level). Connect 4 is a great game concept, which is why it has been cloned so many times over the years. This one adds 3 levels of difficulty and a most unusual interface – a red button appears at the top of the stack and you move it left or right by using the < and > buttons. When you have it positioned over the correct column, click on the "Drop" button to place the button. We played a few games and couldn't beat the computer on the "Easy" level. We then decided to see what the "Hard" level was like and won! You figure... This is a great little game which suffers from a clumsy interface. However, as you start to play you forget the interface and just enjoy the challenge. If you enjoy Connect 4 style games you are sure to like this one, even if it isn't as pretty as some of the other versions. Access this 1.35MB download from: Win9x General Games
Windows Registry Guide v3.0a – Win9x/ME
Windows Registry Guide is an eBook in Windows HTML Helpfile format which contains tricks, tweaks and hacks for optimizing, enhancing and securing the Windows 3.1, 95/98, ME & NT/2000 operating systems. While this eBook is suitable only for advanced users, it does provide quite detailed instructions on how to carry out each tweak and optimization within the Registry, and the FAQ page offers excellent – and detailed – advice for working with the Registry. This is a free version of a shareware eBook which is updated more regularly and, we presume, which offers many more tips and tricks. However, the breadth of information in this version of the Windows Registry Guide is quite good. There are six main sections – Enhancements, Files, Performance, Security, Tips and Tricks, and Troubleshooting – plus a further 8 listings of information and Internet links. We found that the supplied information, while good, did not delve deeply enough into each operating system to really make major changes. In some places there is an assumed level of competence at one level, and somewhere else at another. We warn tweakers that if they do not fully understand the ramifications of making a Registry change then they should not do so. Of course, a Registry backup is essential before attempting to carry out tweaks and optimizations of the type described in this eBook. If you consider yourself an advanced Windows user then grab a copy of Windows Registry Guide and have a look. You could well find that elusive tweak which will turn your P133 into a racehorse... Access this 588kB download from: Win9x Windows Enhancements
Minute Timer v1.0 – Win9x/ME
Minute Timer is a general-purpose, simple desktop count-down timer and alarm. Simply preset the time in minutes (from 1 to 999,999,999 minutes!) and click on the Start button. The program can also be set to start only after it has been minimized. This is an extremely small program which, alas, does not minimize to the desktray (next to the clock) but remains in the system tray. It is a simple tool with a simple function which works exactly as it is supposed to. It lacks bells and whistles – like alarm settings, offering an audible warning in case you aren't in front of your computer when the time has elapsed, etc – but it is extremely small so there is a tradeoff for this small size. If you spend a long time sitting in front of the computer and need a regular reminder to get up and move around then this is a great way of getting it. It is also handy to remind you of deadlines, appointments, etc. The 100 million minute maximum (that's over 1,900 years!) could never be fully utilized – who ever heard of Windows running more than a few hours without crashing? Have a look at Minute Timer. It is a handy little tool to have around. Access this 39kB download from: Win9x Desktop Utilities
aSc Network Clipboard v1.0 – Win9x/ME
aSc Network Clipboard is a tool to allow you to copy and paste across a network. Use Ctrl-Alt-C to copy something on one computer, and Ctrl-Alt-V to paste it from the other computer. It also creates three files in a specified directory on the other computer which contains the copied information – an EMF file, an OLE file and a TXT file, all with the prefix of "clip". The data is therefore available in all three formats. Neat! This is one of those "why didn't someone think of it sooner" ideas which is brilliant in its concept and virtually essential for anyone who uses a network. The program doesn't offer many options (a few more would be helpful!) and it automatically places itself into the Windows Startup folder so it is available at all times. It even uses less than 1% of system resources! Of course, it must be loaded on two computers in the network to offer a two-way transfer (and to use Ctrl-Alt-V for pasting). However, if just a one-way transfer was required it does not need to be loaded on to the target computer – the three files are created anyway. It takes little imagination to see how invaluable this tool could be for transferring all sorts of data across a network. If you have a network then this is an absolutely essential program. Access this 120kB download from: Win9x Internet Related
The Real 3D Shooter v1.1 – Win9x/ME & DOS
The Real 3D Shooter is an unusual shooter game where you have to hit large letters which bounce around the screen (not very fast) with the program scoring hits & misses. The download also includes a DOS version. This game uses the mouse to move the cross-hairs around the screen and gives a bang if you miss hitting a letter. The Real 3D Shooter (not 3-dimmensional but three letter Ds!!!) is great for someone who wishes to learn mouse control but has limited appeal as a game for anyone over 8 years of age. While both DOS and Win32 versions are included in the package, the DOS version requires a 386 computer and a SoundBlaster compatible sound card. The Win32 version requires DirectX to be installed. If you need to hone your mouse skills, or know someone who does, then this is a worthwhile acquisition. Access this 62kB download from: Win9x General Games
UPDATE
Atomica (formerly GuruNet) – a one-click Internet-based information service – has been updated to version 2.3 with a download size of 983kB. The author advises: "GuruNet changed its name to Atomica and improved the product. In addition to using Alt-click on any word/topic on your screen, you can now use the Atomica AnswerBar. Preferences have been updated." Grab this latest version from: Win9x Internet Related
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