Noteworthy Shareware turned Freeware – May 2011

Noteworthy Shareware turned Freeware – May 2011: "

Another installment of this series (see Feb, Mar, and April 2011). Not a bad collection this time around, although (a) some of these didn’t actually turn freeware but rather have become more “freely accessible” (#1 and #2), and (b) I am not sure if some of these switches took place in May; will not worry too much about it though. The programs as follows:

Comodo Internet Security PRO 2011, Trillian, Staff FTP, File Governor, Handle Tracer, and ContaCam.

1. Comodo Internet Security PRO 2011: not freeware; however, the trial period has been extended for one full year.

Comodo Internet Security PRO 2011 includes a full package of software protection including an antivirus, antispyware, and a number of other tools (host intrusion protection, auto sandboxing); however, some non-software elements are excluded from the 1 year trial (i.e. 24/7 technical support and the cash virus free and identity protection guarantees).

Despite the title of this post, let me point out again that program has NOT become freeware; however, the trial period has been extended for a full year.

Note: to take advantage of this, go to the Comodo Internet Security Pro download page. Once installed you will be asked to register with a valid email. (Thanks go to Instantfundas for this info).

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2. Trillian: a single-stop IM and social networking client that also supports Skype. Now offers most of the “Pro” features in the ad supported regular version.

I received the following email from reader Carbonize “not sure if it counts towards your turned freeware articles but Trillian apparently now lets everyone have the pro features but you have to put up with ads in their programs. This means that all versions of their program is free from Smartphone to Desktop but you have to pay if you want to get rid of the ads.” (Note1: this probably was not borne in May 2011 but I decided to list this program here anyway; Note2: I personally did not encounter any ads in the Windows version).

Aside from bringing all of your IM and social media together, from integrating SKYPE support, and from being extremely cool and polished software, Trillian now straddles all of your devices from your PC to your smartphone (including iPhone, Android, etc.)

Note, however, that the ad supported version does in fact lack a couple of “PRO” features. Aside from the PRO version being ad free, it also supports storing/accessing your logs in the cloud as well as providing tech support.

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3. Staff FTP: a powerful, fully-featured FTP client that is worth checking out.

A very nice FTP client. To quote the site “unlike [other programs] it comes with full tls/ssl support (also with FXP)… [it] also … includes a glftpd-manager with all the site commands (drftpd and other command sets as well).”

I haven’t tested it myself; please leave a comment and tell us about it if you do.

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4. File Governor: a file unlocking utility in the style of “Unlocker”

File Governor lets you perform normal file operations files and folders that are being locked by system operations or other programs. It supports both 32 bit and 64 bit OS’s and can install itself in the Windows context menu for quick use.

I’ve been looking for a program to replace Unlocker for some time now for a number of reasons (development seems to have stopped, the program website is unreliable, and the ever changing crapware is comes bundled with); however, I am not sure how File Governor compares with LockHunter or UnlockIT, both of which I like quite a bit. Please share your experience and any info you might have in the comments.

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5. Handle Tracer: this software for advanced users (developers/debuggers) monitors processes in real time and can search, list, and manipulate open handles on 32b it and 64 bit windows.

If you don’t know what this means then don’t worry about this program (most users won’t care about this anyway). If you do try this out however please give some feedback on it in the comments sections.

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6. ContaCam: surveillance software

This software can work with CCTV and Live Webcams can be motion activated, can present motion events as animated thumbnails in your browser, and offers history tracking as well.

Though I am unable to test this one, it seems like quite a sophisticated piece of software. (Also check out their quite competent image viewing software)

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If you know of any good software that recently turned freeware, please let me know!

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