Suggestions for last-minute software gifts
Do you still need to get a holiday gift for someone? Here are several software suggestions that don’t even require you to go out and buy them. They can be downloaded and tried out before purchase. Gift-wrapping may be tricky but they are programs that I use all the time and provide very useful services for a computer user.
Most of us probably use a variety of Web sites that require a login and password. Using the same login name and password for everything is easy to remember but not very safe. On the other hand, trying to remember numerous different passwords is a problem. There are a variety of software programs for managing passwords and the one that many PC users like is RoboForm (http://www.roboform.com/) There is a free version but the paid version, RoboForm Pro, at $29.95 is worth buying. I use it constantly. It will remember all your passwords and generate new ones if you wish.
There are many times when I want to copy some part of a Web page or a computer screen and a screen-capture utility is a must. There are free ones and Windows itself has a limited function but the most powerful and versatile program that I have seen is SnagIt (http://www.techsmith.com/snagit.asp) which is now in version 8. SnagIt also has an editor that allows screen-captures to be annotated or given a variety of effects. The program can be downloaded for a free trial and costs $39.95.
There is a plethora of software, all claiming to help keep your Windows system clean and running well. Some programs are better than others but the best all-around program that I have found is JV16 Powertools (http://www.macecraft.com/) It comes with a wide range of tools for system maintenance and file management. It also can be given a free trial and costs $29.95.
Happy shopping!