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Open-source and usable across platforms, this utility application lets you share a single mouse and keyboard across more than one computer at a time. Even though Synergy for Mac is an easy-to-use utility concept, it could use some additional improvements with its setup process and execution.

Upon downloading and installing Synergy for Mac, the user will find that the mouse and keyboard sharing concept is based on the user's knowledge and ability to either set up a server for all the computers that will be sharing or to access a client base already established. Synergy could have done a … Read more

Users may want to change preferences in their Quicktime player without having to do it every time the program opens. Quicktime X Preferences for Mac's options window allows changes to a number of default settings, which is a welcome feature for some users.

After startup, this freeware application installs easily as an additional preference pane in the system preferences menu. There did not appear to be any technical support available, but there was a basic readme file that explained the various options present and how changing each impacted the Quicktime program. Some of the options include automatically playing movies, … Read more

The computer's cooling fan typically operates on default presets, but for those who want to customize, Fan Control for Mac is an easy-to-use application that adds the ability to control fan operation from the user's preferences menu.

The free application has no restrictions. Download completed quickly, but the program's installed location was difficult to find. The program, itself, is easy to use and installs an extra option on the computer's overall preferences menu. Once this is selected, an easy-to-read but dated menu appears. There are no user instructions, but they aren't really needed either. It … Read more

When important dates are around the corner, some users need a way to track their approach. Countdown X for Mac performs this function well, but has few other features.

Download completed quickly and the program directly installed as a widget in the dashboard. The only user interaction required is to add the program to the active dashboard for viewing, which was easy. The application, itself, is just a small widget window where the name of the upcoming event is visible, along with a countdown timer with the days, hours, minutes, and seconds remaining until it takes place. Countdown X for … Read more

The iPhone is a perfect device for integrating audio and images into a single interface. While this usually means creating videos, it doesn't have to. There are dozens of ways to use the technology in new and creative ways. Case in point: Talking Pictures. This app allows you to tag a photo with different audio tracks that can be activated by other users with the same app -- a potentially innovative way to share information.

When you open the app, you can choose to view your gallery (which will be empty) or create a new talking picture. Choose the … Read more

Toddlers Flashcards is exactly as it sounds, a collection of flashcards you can download for your iPad that will help your child learn things like colors, letters, numbers, and more. The app is very easy to use, but for its target audience -- children between 12 months and 3 years -- it works quite well. While there are some issues with the volume of content available in the free version and the interface is very bare bones, it is a decent download for parents eager to help their child learn basic concepts.

Upon starting, you'll choose the language in … Read more

Photo Icons HD is designed to provide the tools you need to create icons for your iPhone or iPad. The HD version of the app upscales the interface so you can see the full-sized version of the icon, add new backgrounds, borders, and images, and tweak it until it's ready for sharing. While not perfect, the app provides the basic tools you'll need to create rudimentary icons and buttons.

The interface for Photo Icons HD is very easy to use. Onscreen is a list of 11 options, each with a simple button. Tap each to bring up a … Read more

The purpose of Photo Icons is to provide you with enough tools to make any number of possible icon combinations. However, while the app is mostly effective, there are some glaring omissions, a limiting trial restriction, and a poorly-designed interface that will keep most users interested in the actual icons disinterested.

The app is very basic. Open it and you are presented with a list of 11 icons. The interface is messy so you'll need to skim through each of the buttons, some of which have typos and spelling errors. Tap any one of those buttons and a sidebar … Read more

The debate still rages as to whether task killers and memory optimizers actually do anything on Android. Optimize Master is another entry that claims to help you win back some extra memory and CPU power. It didn't seem to do much during testing, though, and it lacked some of the convenience of other optimizing apps, as well.

Though the app has a smooth, easy-to-navigate layout for one-touch boosting, it doesn't offer a home screen widget. That means you have to open the app to get to the good stuff, which is an unnecessary step with similar apps. The … Read more