copying

Intuitive DVD copier

Joboshare Movie DVD Copy is an easy-to-use program that lets you copy movies from DVDs and burn them to other discs. The program's basic features and simple interface make copying movies a snap.

The program's interface is plain and intuitive, and it more or less walks you through each step of the process. Insert the source DVD and select whether you want the entire contents or just the main movie, and chose D5, D9, or a custom format. The program then quickly copies the selected files to your computer. Once that's done, the program takes users through … Read more

Fast fixes for two common copy-and-paste failures

Like many people who work for a company that's located hundreds of miles from their home, I rely on remote-access programs, specifically the Remote Desktop Connection utility built into Windows. I recently encountered a relatively common bug in the program: in the midst of a remote session, I lost the ability to copy and paste.

Closing and restarting the remote connection fixed the problem temporarily. A more permanent solution is described by Pinal Dave on the SQL Authority blog. Press Ctrl-Alt-Delete and click Start Task Manager. Choose the Processes tab, select rdpclip.exe, click End Process, and close Task … Read more

Need a copy of your DVD? Mac OS X does that

When faced with the necessity of making a copy of an unprotected DVD disc, Mac users should not worry--Mac OS X makes it simple. Keep in mind that these directions are only for copying DVDs that do not have any form of copy protection encoded on them.… Read more

No-frills file management

File Synchronizer is a simple utility that allows users to synchronize the contents of files or drives. It's not the most intuitive program we've ever used, but it does seem to work effectively.

The program loses points for its interface, which is virtually impossible to figure out without consulting the online Help file. All of the program's features are organized in a column down the middle of the interface, which divides the two volumes that are going to be synchronized. Once we'd reviewed the Help file, it was easy enough to choose the two folders we … Read more

Antipiracy PSA to leave Pirate Bay running scared

This ought to leave The Pirate Bay quaking: the Software and Information Industry Association finally released a follow-up to its magnum antipiracy opus, "Don't Copy That Floppy."

I have embedded both the original and the followup for you, so that you can judge for yourselves just how far the industry's persuasive qualities have been refined in the intervening 17 years.

It is not exactly easy to find words to adequately describe the followup. However, I will cede the floor for a moment (while I lie down on it), to Keith Kupferschmid, senior vice president of Intellectual … Read more

Photo resizing tool

PhotoRazor provides users with a fast and efficient way of shrinking photos without diluting quality. With only a few commands and impressive results, this will be an asset for frequent photo editors.

The program's interface is an intuitive affair that most will feel instantly comfortable with. By only offering a few well-placed command icons, users will understand almost immediately how the program works. A useful Help file is available. The program begins by users selecting a folder they'd like to convert. Each of the photos is listed along the right side, with one featured in the center of … Read more

Kaleidescape loses; DVD copying falls again

Update 4:15 p.m.: To include comments from Kaleidescape.

For the second time in two days, Hollywood has racked up another major legal victory over DVD-copying devices the studios charge are illegal.

Kaleidescape, which had won a rare court victory over the film industry two years ago, saw a California appeals court overturn the ruling on Wednesday. The decision comes a day after a federal court placed a preliminary injunction on the sale of RealDVD. Both Kaleidescape and RealDVD enable users to make digital copies of movies and store them to a hard drive.

In 2004, Kaleidescape was accused in a lawsuit … Read more

Web site dissector

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

Lexmark, HP face off in Web-connected,
touch-screen-printing battle

Not to be outdone by HP's recent touch-screen printer, the folks at Lexmark just debuted their line of Web-connected touch-screen all-in-ones.

The big difference between the two is that although they both have touch technology, the HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web is meant to live in the home, while the three printers featuring Lexmark's MyTouch technology are designed to increase productivity for the business market. Nevertheless, this won't stop us from putting them side-by-side in the first ever Web-connected, touch-screen-printing kumite.

Only three out of the eight new products include a large 4.3-inch touch screen, … Read more