files

This program is supposed to organize various files into separate folders based on their extensions. But thanks to vague directions and lack of help, we weren't impressed with what this program had to offer.

SmistaFiles has a bland and unintuitive user interface. All of the commands take place in one window, but with such vague directions, we weren't sure what was supposed to go where. The program doesn't include a Help file, so we had to learn through trial and error. We selected the destination folder that contained the files we wanted to organize. From there, we … Read more

If you're comfortable browsing for files and can push a button, you can use this effective file deletion tool. 1-abc.net File Washer proved to be as easy to use as it was in permanently deleting files.

The compact interface gets right to business, offering four buttons along the bottom to add files and folders and delete items. A pull-down menu lets you choose from eight wiping methods, including Gutman. We liked the brief but helpful onscreen descriptions for each method, although the English was a little rough. Once you hit the Delete Files button, a prompt appears asking … Read more

While there may not be anything in a name, Extra Subst just doesn't roll off the tongue or give users a hint at what this program does. According to the publisher, Extra Subst is designed to give you quick access to frequently used files or folders. Almost as a second thought, they mention the program's ability to create virtual drives.

In reality, Extra Subst creates virtual drives and lets you store nearly anything in them, but even novice users won't be intimidated by this program's intuitive approach. The program's basic interface is divided into two … Read more

Look but don't touch seems to be the theme with this file encryption program. Thanks to MAXA Security Tools Lite's highly restrictive trial limitations, we were unable to use any of its features.

After installation, we encountered an error message each time we tried to access MAXA Security Tools Lite. We were able to bypass the message and move on to the main interface, but it was annoying nonetheless. The user interface uses tabs for each of the program's features, which include file encryption, steganography, file manipulation, and more advanced settings. But no matter where we turned, … Read more

There's a catch to this program that promises to "recover" temporary Internet files from Internet Explorer's cache. It only works if the files haven't been erased using Disk Cleanup, Internet Explorer's built-in cleanup tool, or another temporary file remover.

IE Cache Files FlashGet 2007 won't help you recover deleted files, but it can help you sort through cache contents to find a missing file. The program's interface is simple in design and holds only a few command buttons, a file tree, and a pane to view a list of recovered files. The … Read more

PicaSafe caters to users seeking to enhance their security options. This program's simplicity is its major asset, which users should find inviting.

Encrypting documents and files can be intimidating, but PicaSafe has an easy-to-use program that becomes instantly familiar. By creating a folder and setting a password, anything you place within that folder becomes encrypted. The process is no more difficult than downloading a file to your desktop, and it's just as quick. This is easy security software for users unfamiliar with more complex methods of digital deception. The program also allows you to set up a reminder … Read more

Update: 11:37 a.m. PDT To include quotes from a Cox spokesman.

Update: 4:05 p.m. PDT To include Comcast's statement that the 2 million notices sent out was not part of any new policy.

The Internet service providers that have agreed to work with the recording industry to battle illegal file sharing are starting to come forward.

Joe Waz, a senior vice president at Comcast, the nation's second largest ISP, told a gathering of music industry executives that the company has issued 2 million notices on behalf of copyright owners, according to multiple people who … Read more

Back in July 2008, torrent tracker The Pirate Bay announced plans to encrypt the Internet. That hasn't happened yet, but they plan to offer a VPN tunneling service to the public starting April 1.

Dubbing the service IPREDator after the controversial Swedish Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Directive (IPRED) that takes effect the same day. IPRED's main goal is to make it easier for copyright holders to acquire the personal data of suspected illegal file sharers.

By offering a VPN service that doesn't log its traffic, IPREDator is simultaneously setting itself apart from other Web-based VPN services and … Read more

Discover an alternative to Microsoft's Notepad: BDV Notepad. This Text file composition app offers users improved options on the traditionally simple program, but sacrifices some of the original's sleekness.

BDV Notepad provides many improvements upon normal word processors that save as txt. files. In an attempt to combine some of Microsoft Word's options with Notepad, users can click a button to undo previous work. In addition, users can send documents directly to a recipient in an e-mail, choose background and font colors, and even create URLs automatically as they are typed. This unlimited trial also offers an … Read more