8.0

PassMark's PerformanceTest makes it easy to test your computer and compare its performance against baseline statistics and other users' PCs. Benchmarking your PC is important for tweaking its performance, and it's critical for overclocking. PerformanceTest runs a battery of sophisticated benchmarking tests and returns some expert-level data. With six suites comprising 28 unique tests, it benchmarks the performance of your CPU, RAM, 2D and 3D graphics, disk speed, and more. Recent updates include improved 32-bit performance in Windows 7 and compatibility with Windows 8. PerformanceTest is free to try for 30 days and costs $26. We tried it … Read more

MusicTuner from GINtech's latest release shifts the focus from file sharing to a cloud-based personal music library that automaticly synchronizes with your portable devices. It still searches for and finds tunes, ringtones, and videos, many of which are freely available, though the user is responsible for what they do with the links MusicTuner's search engine finds, and the EULA specifies you'll only share playlists, not files. But with so many music lovers joining online streaming services, a playlist is often all you need to share your favorite songs with your favorite folks. Of course, MusicTuner searches and … Read more

Android is the go-to for gearheads because of all the custom ROMs you can put on your phone. ROM Manager makes it even easier by taking the guesswork out of installing the Clockwork Mod, one of the more popular custom ROMs, on your phone. It lets you back up your installations, search for new updates, and more.

ROM Manager only works with the Clockwork Mod, so you have to have that installed for this to work. This app won't even let you do anything without already having rooted your phone. While it won't hold your hand through the … Read more

Those using Microsoft applications sometimes have difficultly when using a Mac. Microsoft Messenger for Mac helps keep track of instant messenger communications while using a Mac OS.

Microsoft Messenger for Mac is available for download as freeware with no paid upgrades necessary. In addition to the fast download, the installer was well designed, getting the program loaded and running in under a minute. After we accepted the user agreement and signed in with an instant messenger username and password, the interface appeared just as it does on Microsoft operating systems. Even for those who are not familiar with the program, … Read more

Drawing 3D models can be a challenging experience, and learning to use CAD can take a lot of time. A powerful and yet easy-to-maneuver tool, SketchUp Pro for Mac, allows you to create new 3D models or modify existing ones in no time.

Available as free to try, at around 65MB in size SketchUp Pro for Mac takes a bit longer to download on slower connections, but it is well worth the wait. The installation is quick and easy, and the program is stable and performs very well. Even though the interface is easy to navigate and very intuitive, if … Read more

Repeat cutting and pasting can be a tedious and frustrating task. Paste Master for Mac allows for the creation of multiple clipboards to be created and used in different manners. Unfortunately, design issues overshadow how good this program could be.

Paste Master for Mac is able to generate an unlimited number of clipboards to allow for repetitive pasting. The clipboards can accommodate text, image, and HTML formats. Clipboards can be linked together to allow for pasting into multiple fields at the same time. The program is located in the System Preferences panel, making it somewhat unintuitive to access. You can … Read more

Coin Dozer is one of those games that are perfect for playing while you wait at the doctor's office or at the mechanic. It doesn't require much skill, but can easily keep you entertained for hours.

The premise of Coin Dozer is pretty simple: Strategically drop coins into the machine so the coins will drop into your hands, which is really the bottom of the screen. The more coins that fall, the more points you rack up, and the more prizes and larger coins you get. The larger objects help to push even more coins into your hands. … Read more

Samsung Electronics may add another member to its already large family of tablets.

The company is set to unveil the Galaxy Note 8.0, possibly next month at the Mobile World Congress conference, according to self-described "fansite" SamMobile, which did not cite sources for the information.

Among the mobile device vendors, Samsung has been one of the most aggressive in pushing its tablet lineup. It was one of the first to introduce an Android tablet in the original Galaxy Tab, and it releases new sizes and variants on a regular basis.

The Galaxy Note line, which includes a … Read more

Notepad for Mac is a note-taking app for Mac OS X. A trial version is available from several download sites, while the full licensed version of Notepad for Mac will cost you $20. Notepad for Mac installs easily.

The concept behind Notepad for Mac is that any text can be saved and pasted into any app. You can drag and drop text from one app to another, or you can cut and paste to the Notepad for Mac. As text is moved through Notepad for Mac, it builds up a history list, which lets you recall any content and reuse … Read more