add-ins

If you're tired of hunting through your Contacts for addresses of people you want to include as CCs or BCCs to e-mails, this little Microsoft Outlook add-on automates the process and reduces your frustration.

Auto BCC/CC for Microsoft Outlook melds seamlessly with Outlook, adding only a small button to the e-mail client's toolbar. Its presence doesn't create a hurdle for the app's performance or the normal flow of its processes. Instead, in our tests, it complements Outlook's functionality, performing well as we used the add-on to supplement delivery of our messages with automatically added … Read more

Teleport Pro allows users to download and view all the elements of a Web site. While this program provides offline browsing, it is not without some flaws that might turn users off.

This program's layout is initially intimidating, offering tons of white space and not much direction. Fortunately, there is a wizard that walks users through every step of the process. Utilizing the command icons after downloading a Web site may require a visit to the Help file, as it also provides no direction for the user. Working through the wizard was simple enough for every level to utilize. … Read more

If you're into toolbars, Internet Explorer, and Google, the Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer does more than give IE a mere shot of nitro. With a set of features both useful and self-promoting, Google Toolbar 6 feels like it adds eight cylinders to IE's engine, turning it into a powerhouse of personalized functionality for both IE 8 users and those who are stuck on earlier versions.

There's the dedicated Google search window, the effective pop-up blocker, the form autofiller, the translation utility, the spell checker, and the map tool that automatically links addresses in Web pages to … Read more

This very straightforward program lets you quickly merge cells in any Microsoft Excel spreadsheet without losing any important data. We found the program incredibly easy to use and it proved to be a capable addition to Excel.

The program integrates into MS Excel and adds an additional tab to the interface for easy access. We first selected our cells and then activated the program. A helpful wizard appeared and gave us options for merging the selected cells (column by column, row by row, in one cell), how to separate the values, and where to place the results (top or bottom … Read more

Arc Soft Video Downloader helps users download movies directly to their computer, but there's a second step (and another program) if you want to watch your videos.

This freeware program is incredibly simple to use. Opening the program leads to a small rectangular screen with simple instructions for downloading a video. Little action is required on the part of the user. As soon as a video is viewed online, an ArcSoft icon appears with the ability to download the movie. Simply clicking on this icon initiates the process, and you can see the files for download on the program'… Read more

Web of Trust (WOT) for Internet Explorer provides users with a simple meter for gauging a Web site's danger level. With easy to read warnings, this program only leaves one thing to chance with your safety.

The program does not have anything to offer on your computer's desktop because it embeds itself into your Internet Explorer browser for quick access. Depending on the Web site you visit, the program's icon turns red, yellow, or green to illustrate the danger level. Clicking on the icon displays a chart showcasing Trustworthiness, Vendor Reliability, Privacy, and Child Safety. The warnings … Read more

Although plain in design, this handy tool lets you easily store and view your favorite Web sites offline. Instead of supplying a built-in browser, your stored pages can be quickly viewed in your designated browser.

This freeware program's bland interface is all business. A simple Wizard that leads you through the process of copying Web sites is a welcome touch. Users need only enter a project name, insert the URLs to be copied, and adjust settings as desired, including choosing how many layers of a page the program will pick up. HTTrack Website Copier goes to work very quickly … Read more

YouTube is arguably one of the most popular Web sites on Earth. Millions of people have downloaded videos ranging from personal diary entries to blockbuster movie previews. Download Youtube Free promises to be a plug-in that helps users view these popular films, but it's incredibly flawed.

This freeware program is embedded in your Internet Explorer browser as a small, green icon shaped like an arrow. The program's interface features a large open screen, presumably for watching videos. Below are buttons to Copy URL, Save As, and Donate Now. The top of the box features only a File tab … Read more

Combine Web browsing with finding shopping deals and collecting coupons for bargains. This toolbar brings it all together.

The AAfter Toolbar installs quickly and easily. Its not the best design we've seen for a toolbar, and it takes up more viewing real estate than seems necessary, but its not as cluttered with buttons as many other toolbars. We like that it doesn't try to be all things to all surfers. Instead, it focuses on its search engine and shopping deals.

The toolbar performed well in all our tests, quickly returning search results and responding quickly when we clicked … Read more