This month I continue sharing my software, shareware and freeware finds with you, not focusing on any particular genre. As is usual, I continue to pursue my interest in shareware esoterica and somewhat eclectic tidbits… so read on! Remember, there is no rhyme or reason for my choices other then what appears interesting, amusing, or heavens forbid, useful.

As you will note, I found a few winners and one shareware product that with a bit of improvement could join the winners’ circle.

Note that although it do a quick test run of 4-5 hours, at the very least, on each of the shareware items I review in this column, that review is never as complete as are the individual in-depth software reviews I do for macC [e.g., Disc Cover]. Indeed, where I agree with the developers’ description and other comments or those of other reviewers of the product, I unabashedly use them in this column. If not, you’ll read about it, load and clear!

A bit of hocus-pocus — Two categories of software can easily be defined depending on their price or lack thereof. This category is usually called Freeware/donationware compared to other software offerings. It is difficult to distinguish beet commercial software and shareware based either on price or function so I tend to use the MacUpdate designation for labeling shareware vs. commercial products. The distinction is blurred since many larger software developers are now offering time limited full feature products as trials. If you have a better set of criteria let me Know.

Items Reviewed

AppZapper 1.5 (Shareware $13)— Clear out unused applications and their blow-bys Readers of macCompanion get a discount for the product) AppZapper’s aim is to make uninstalling applications on OS X as easy as it is to install them. It surely meets the developers’ goal. 5.0 macC’s

Disc Cover 1.0.8 (Commercial Product $40.00)–Create great disc covers and CD/DVD inserts and booklets using fine templates or your own design skills. At last some real competition for disclabel and Discus – making CD/DVD labels and inserts in now even easier. Disc Cover offers a clean interface for arranging text and graphics, this time within the confined space of CD/DVD disc labels, jewel case covers and booklets, along with odd items like mini CDs/DVDs and business card style CDs/DVDs. Yes you can also do VHS labels). 4.5 macC’s

Folder Icon X 3.0 (Shareware $15) – There’s still no more excuse for generic or just solid colored icons. The product very easy to use, fast and stable and has a comfortable user interface. The product is easy to use, fast and stable with a comfortable user interface.3.5 macC’s

Screenshots Preference Pane 1.0 (Shareware $2) — Don’t get PNG’d, you have a choice. You Apple shortcut screen shots can result in any graphic format you choose-JPEG anyone. The product very easy to use, fast and accurate! In addition, I don’t have to learn a new shortcut. 5.0 macC’s

Sidenote 1.7 (Freeware) — Sidenote is another fine option for note taking, one with a stickies type paradigm. It works effectively, within its “one-level of notes” limitations as described by its developer 3.5 macC’s

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