Cool Tools archive

Connect to the 'Net easier
Toshiba today launched a free software utility (really tiny link at the bottom of the page) aimed at simplifying Internet connectivity at home, the office or while on the road at a wireless LAN public hot spot. The MyConnect software lets a notebook PC automatically detect available wireless networks, and... January 21, 2005

Free network protocol analyzer
Javvin Technologies recently launched a new version of its Packet Analyzer, a network protocol analysis and troubleshooting tool. You can get a demo version free at the Javvin Web site. The tool can help troubleshoot network problems, debug new applications with network communication, monitor network traffic for performance, bandwidth usage... December 08, 2004

Defrag those servers!
Executive Software today released Diskeeper 9.0 Administrator and Server Editions, disk defragmentation software that monitors systems and helps improve performance across networked systems. The new Administration Edition now includes network-wide defragmentation, a SQL database and a Windows .NET-based user interface, Executive Software says. The Server Enterprise Edition uses the Terabyte... November 03, 2004

FarStone updates CD/DVD emulation software
FarStone Technology today launched its VirtualDrive Utility & Burning Suite, which lets users run games and programs without CDs or DVDs and increases their hard drive speed. The $59.99 software is based on FarStone's VirtualDrive, which was originally launched 10 years ago. It has a Virtual Hard Drive feature that... October 28, 2004

Free disk analyzer
Executive Software has announced a free utility that detects and reports server fragmentation-related performance loss across networked systems. The Disk Performance Analyzer lets system administrators see the effects of fragmentation on workstations across the network. To download the tool, go to this site.... September 03, 2004

How fast is YOUR Web site?
Visualware today launched its MySpeed Server test tool, which can be added to any existing Web server to let visitors know how fast their connection to the Web site is. The MySpeed tool lets visitors test bandwidth performance for upload and download data transfers, Visualware said. Results are provided in... June 02, 2004

Fun networking tools
Fun and networking don't always mix, but here's a portal that has some neat features. Also, we may need to check with our lawyers regarding the name (just kidding!). The MyCoolTools Web portal from Visualware offers four networking-related tools that offer users a quick way of finding out different things:... January 15, 2004

Free server monitoring tool
Other than donuts, our favorite word around here is "free." GFI this week launched a freeware version of its GFI Network Server Monitor, a tool that can automatically monitor a network and servers for failures, and lets administrators find and fix errors before the phone starts ringing from end users.... January 06, 2004

Apple launches Panther
Apple announced today that Mac OS X version 10.3 (also known as “Panther”) will be available on Friday, October 24 at 8 p.m. The OS will cost $129 for a single user license. Users can pre-order the OS at Apple’s online store starting today. A “family pack” that includes five... October 08, 2003

Latest SystemWorks includes password management
Symantec this week announced the newest version of its Norton SystemWorks product, SystemWorks 2004. The new product includes Norton Password Manager, which aims to manage users Internet and Windows application passwords as well as protect them from prying eyes. The software, which will be available in late September for $69.95... September 10, 2003

Online spyware scanner
PestPatrol Inc. this week launched a new online spyware detection service. The free Web-based scanner lets users find out whether their PC has any spyware, keyloggers and other "pests," the company said. To try out the service (it does download some components to your system), click on this link. The... July 24, 2003

Google toolbar blocks pop-ups
Google this week released the beta of the newest version of its Google Toolbar. The application is a free browser plug-in that lets users search for information without having to return to Google. New features include a pop-up ad blocker, an “auto-fill” feature that fills Web forms in automatically, a... June 27, 2003

Zone Alarm Pro 4.0 available
Zone Labs this week announced availability of its new ZoneAlarm Pro Internet security product. ZoneAlarm Pro 4.0 includes new Internet security features, including updated anti-hacker and anti-spyware features. The software also added to its MailSafe feature to examine outbound and inbound e-mail for harmful file attachments. The software also has... June 13, 2003

One more pop-up blocker
OK, I promise this is the last one for a while. A new version of the CoffeeCup PopUp Blocker (version 3.5) is now available for download. The company is offering a 14-day trial for free, the full registered version costs $20. Version 3.5 includes double-clicking to allow for pop-ups that... June 03, 2003

More pop-up blockers
This week’s Cool Tools print column had a quick review of IHatePopUps, the latest anti-pop-up software that blocks those sometimes annoying (I know, we have them on this site as well) advertisements when you’re browsing. A loyal Cool Tools reader, Andy, sent me along a list of some other programs... May 30, 2003

Save time searching for files
Abacre Corp. recently announced the newest version of its Advanced Find and Replace software (version 1.6). The software is for Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000 and XP computers. The software is a search tool that lets users search files in the .doc, .xls, .htm, .html, .asp and .txt formats.... April 21, 2003

Internet privacy and spam stoppers
Several companies have come out with software that aim to erase evidence of Internet surfing, stop spam or block pop-up ads. Click the "more" link to read about the following companies: Go Daddy Software's StealthRay Panicware's Pop-Up Stopper Professional Winnowsoft Winnow Cleaner NextGen Development's GoodbyeSpam.com... January 31, 2003

CD and DVD burning software
Adaptec and Sonic Solutions announced this week new MyDVD Media Suite software that lets users with a DVD or CD burner to create DVDs and CDs that contain movies, home videos, digital photo albums, music and data backup. Other features include the ability to add special effects through video editing... January 24, 2003

Road warrior fitness software
You can't use the excuse of "I'm traveling" to break your New Year's resolution of exercising more. DiscFit Corp. has released software to help you exercise on the road. The CD, "An Interactive Fitness CD for Use in Your Hotel Room While You Are Traveling", is an in-room fitness CD... January 03, 2003

Client app for e-mail spam filtering
ContentWatch Inc. recently released its EmailProtect software, a client application that lets users eliminate unwanted e-mails based on categories. The company says it uses an advanced engine to analyze and categorize the content of an e-mail message. The engine lets users choose a category (for example, pornography or gambling), and...