Picks: Reviews of Just BoxShots, Universal Document Converter, WindowSizer, and Ozum

Just BoxShots 2.03, by Lincoln Beach Software, Inc. is the perfect solution for any software author who wants to show their product in a box. Many software authors who use the shareware marketing model are quite successful even though their products aren't available in boxes. Having a "box shot" simply creates the impression that the product comes in an old-fashioned box. With Just BoxShots it's really easy to create a professional looking "box". Everyone knows that I'm "graphically challenged", but even I made some really cool box shots using the program. The interface is intuitive and the program is easy-to-use, perfect for users with all levels of experience. I liked the way the program functioned to let me create a box in just a few steps. I was able to add graphics images, put in my text, and come up with a "box shot" that was quite impressive. The program also comes with some nice templates that make it even easier to crank out a box shot in no time at all. In addition, if there's a glitch in your box shot you can fix it quickly and easily. With a few mouse clicks you can create a cool 3D box shot of your software product. If you like you can also produce a jewel case or a DVD package as well. So, if you're a software author and you'd like to spice up your Web page with some realistic box shots, this is the solution you've been looking for. Check it out, I recommend it.

System Requirements: Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP

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If you have documents that you'd like to put in a more secure format your solution may well be Universal Document Converter 4.1, by fCoder Group. This is one cool program because it lets you convert your documents into a number of other file formats. These include JPG, PNG, TIFF, PDF, GIF, and more. In testing it out I used a number of documents. Some were single pages and others consisted of multiple pages. Universal Document Converter handled all of them equally well. Converting a Word document, for example, into a JPG file makes a lot of sense when you stop and think about it. For one, you don't have to worry about any of your formatting shifting or being changed. It also makes it easy to share documents with co-workers, family, and friends. The program works as a print driver so if you know how to print you can use the program quickly and easily. It has an intuitive interface and is very easy-to-use. Depending on your needs and resources you can setup the program so you get the perfect balance between file size and graphic quality. Another thing I tested out was remote usage. The company Web site said the program could be used remotely so I tested it out. I logged into my Colorado computer using GoToMyPC and ordered something online. Then I printed my receipt to a JPG file using Universal Document Converter. Slick! From my perspective the program has lots of uses for both home and business. So, I'm not only making it a Pick, but I'm also making it one of my Dr. File Finder Favorite's and those are few and far between. You owe it to yourself to take a look at Universal Document Converter - I recommend it.

System Requirements: Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP

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WindowSizer 1.5.1, by David Ross Software is a nifty utility that helps you view multiple windows at once. In testing it out I was impressed by the fact that when I altered the size of one window it altered the size of the others. Cool. Now personally I'm used to working with quite a few programs at once, which is why I started using dual monitors. That allows me to move a window or windows over to monitor number 2 so I can see more than one at a time. With WindowSizer you can work with a couple of windows and they can be right next to each other. The overall effect is to make your desktop more organized. I'm using it right now to work in my text editor, view a Web page, and look something up in my database. The program gives you a range of options as to how you want to have your windows laid out. You can quickly tile them, cascade them, or pick an arrangement from a set if preconfigured layouts. You can use keyboard shortcuts and even exclude certain programs from being arranged by WindowSizer. I also like the fact that you can determine your preferred layout so you can switch to that with a single mouse click. Feeling lazy? Then just click Quick Arrange and the program will arrange your open windows for you. WindowsSizer is a clever program that makes it easier to work with multiple programs on your screen. Give it a try and see for yourself.

System Requirements: Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP

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Ozum, by Oz Insight Pty. Ltd. is a cool newsgroup reader that's loaded with features. So many, in fact that I can possibly cover them all here, but I will try to cover some of the high points. Most newsgroup readers do okay with text, but they don't tend to do well if media is involved. Trying doing things with audio, video, or graphics and some newsgroup readers will choke. Not Ozum! It was built to do newsgroups and do a great job working with media as well. One very slick feature is a built-in "cross group" search capability that will find what you're looking for if it's available. Put what you're looking for in the search interface and Ozum snags it for you. The program is really powerful and one of the best newsgroup readers I've ever looked at. For example, you can actually preview multiple part video and audio clips. Slick. Ozum is extremely easy-to-use and quite intuitive. To me that makes it perfect for both new and experienced users. In my opinion if you want to frequent the binary Usenet group, Ozum is a must have! It's one of those programs that have a lot of power "under the hood." The ability to "preview" digital content can be a huge time-saver allowing you to decide if you want to spend the time downloading 15 parts of some audio file. And if you do decide to download all the parts of a multi-part file, the program actually puts the parts together for you. Ozum is one of those programs that you have to try for yourself to really appreciate all it can do. Try it and see, I recommend it!

System Requirements: Windows 98/ME/2000/2003/XP/Vista

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