The standard of computer software exceeds itself on an almost daily basis it seems, and judging by the software reviews, there is a plethora of updates and new applications for every platform available. From the new internet browser Safari for Apple to video conversion to free the iPod user from iTunes and even a new and improved Skype software package, the software reviews are packed with interesting goodies to entice the home computer user.
One of the favourite launches at the moment is SAD iStudio 3 for the PC. This new software is anything but sad, promising the iPod generation a liberated leap from the confines of the standard fare that is iTunes. The reason behind the software development was the often painfully slow time that it takes standard software to convert video files for pod playback. The software reviews have declared that iStudio 3 has the capability of converting music and movie files with little fuss and really rather good quality and can rip audio from DVD, CD and digital radio stations. There are three quality settings which allow the user to choose the appropriate pixel ratio for media players from Nano's to Apple TV's. At an RRP of around 25 GBP, it seems like a viable solution to the free software that is available.
For those that like to chat whilst sorting digital entertainment into convenient folders, the new Skype 4 software will come as a welcome addition to the home PC. From the software reviews around at the moment, it seems that the new offering is a mighty fine improvement on the last one, and an upgrade is heartily recommended. Not only does the familiar format have a more grown up look, it has clearer functions for IM messaging, video calling and most importantly for problem solving.
Previous Skype software has had a knock or two from software reviews due to the fact it was difficult to determine why connectivity was less than desirable. Now there is a new window that will notify users of the cause of a poor connection, and even flag up the fact that the computer speakers are on mute. As far as we know, there isn't a command that asks the user to switch the computer off then on again, but as far as free software goes, it seems Skype 4 is a winner.
Finally, the new browser software Safari 4 from Apple, also free, has been launched. One has to admit that Safari has never been a favourite platform for surfing the net as there have been compatibility issues not only with websites, but also with service providers. So how does the new version fare? The software reviews have not exactly hailed it a success, but there are a few new features that will appeal to the Safari user. You can keep your search history secret at the click of a tab, it is possible to search previously viewed pages according to keyword rather than URL and it seems that the software is faster than the speed of light.
OK, that last bit may have been an exaggeration, but at three times faster than Firefox, it is considered incredibly fast. Unfortunately, there are still some compatibility issues with online banking, but that is a small price to pay (excuse the pun) for free browsing software that can bring up a page without you having to go stick the kettle on. The advice from this end, is if it is free, give it a go - what have you got to lose - and if it costs more than the price of a mouse mat, read through the software reviews before you buy.
Author Resource:-
Dom Donaldson is a computer expert.
Find out more about Software Reviews and how to find the best applications on the market for your home computer at Pocket Lint.
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