filing

This program offers people the ability to rename large batches of files in one fell swoop. After we put it to the test, we were left disappointed by its poorly designed user interface and trial limitations.

Batch FileName Editor claims to have an easy-to-use interface, but we found it to be just the opposite. The bright command buttons are vague and don't offer users much direction. We selected a folder that contained the files that we wanted to rename. The Insert command introduced a new window that was just as vague and confusing. We finally found our bearings, but … Read more

Everyone knows they should back up their data, but a surprisingly small percentage of people actually do. Unfortunately, when the big crash finally comes or you experience a hard-drive failure, that's usually the time you realize you should have been backing up all along. There are a number of programs that make it easier to regularly back up your hard drive, but in my experience, many require several steps to get the job done.

Nero's BackItUp and Burn ($39.99), released yesterday, attempts to make the whole process easier for everyone. Using an intuitive tabbed interface and simple … Read more

CrossLoop is a smooth, free, and lightweight screen- and file-sharing program, formerly available only for Windows users. Earlier this month, a Mac beta version debuted offering the same features. Besides extending the feature set to Macs, the PC and Mac versions can talk to each other and share across platforms.

For those unfamiliar with the program, which uses 128-bit encryption, you're given a unique and random 12-digit access code each time you start the program. You can then share your username and code to allow somebody else to access your computer, or input another user's info to access … Read more

KLS Backup 2008 Standard doesn't have the most intuitive user interface for backing up important files and folders, but thankfully, it employs wizards to streamline the process. Once we put it to the test, it successfully backed up designated files, folders, and even our Registry keys.

The user interface has commands at the top of the window, and four panels that display created profiles, profile tests, archives, and archive content. Not sure where to go first, we used the backup wizard to get started. Using the wizard, we added the files, selected the compression level, and applied encryption and … Read more

There's hardly a corner of the entertainment business John Doe hasn't explored.

He's not one of the people who waxes on about rights and wrongs in the music and film industries without any hands-on knowledge. The band Doe formed, X, was part of the first wave of punk rock bands that stormed Los Angeles in the late 1970s. The band's 1981 "Wild Gift" was named Album of the Year by Rolling Stone and The New York Times. Doe is also an actor and has appeared in dozens of movies and TV shows, including "… Read more

This bare-bones files manager gives you tools to keep tabs on your files and folders. Novice users will appreciate its ease of use, but more experienced users might want more file synchronization options.

SE-Explorer's user interface design is as basic as it gets, but it's fairly easy to navigate. The tab style makes it easy to view the File Manager and any File Tasks that you created. Using the side-by-side panels, we were able to compare files and folders. Using the file search feature, we were able to quickly search for and find specific files. Options are few … Read more

You don't have to own a Mac to use FileMaker's new Bento for iPhone and iPod Touch--released Tuesday in the iTunes App Store--but if you do, wireless sync adds extra incentive to take your personal databases to go.

Bento ($4.99) offers non-Mac users a portable personal database for storing everything from birthdays and home expenses to recipes and an exercise log, with 25 templates to start. Integration with the address book, dialer, Safari browser, e-mail in-box, and Google Maps make Bento a useful iPhone app offering that could become a master storehouse for your separate lists; and … Read more

SyncBackSE is another contender in the backup program category, but there's nothing here that you haven't already seen before, even in cheaper programs. We also found a few glitches with the program's scheduling feature.

The program uses a wizard-like approach to creating backup tasks. Using it, we were able to create a new backup task fairly easily. The program includes not only the ability to back up files, but also to synchronize, mirror, and group files together. A zip feature is available that allows you to backup your file into a ZIP file. All was well when … Read more

ID Image Protector uses image encryption to protect important files and folders. However, not only did it produce numerous error messages, it also failed to include any kind of encryption options.

When we first installed the program, we came across an error message. Luckily, we were able to ignore it and move on to the user interface. At first glance, the program's user interface appeared well-designed and straightforward. The left side is for encrypting files and the right side for decrypting files. All we had to do was load the image that we wanted to use to encrypt our … Read more