The most recent articles from Personal Computer World

Review: Intervideo WinDVD 8 Gold software DVD player

Jonathan Parkyn — 2007-01-02T00:00:00.000Z

Jonathan Parkyn, Personal Computer World, Tuesday 2 January 2007 at 00:00:00

Solid DVD playback, but HD compatibility doesn't come as standard

With new high-definition (HD) movie disc formats upon us, it’s no shock to find manufacturers of DVD player software taking the opportunity to release new versions of their applications.

It is, however, slightly surprising that Intervideo’s WinDVD 8 Gold doesn’t actually support Blu-ray or HD DVD out of the box, despite namechecking both formats on its packaging.

Read the small print and you’ll find that a separate purchase from Intervideo's website is required for this feature.

At the time of writing, we weren’t able to qualify how much this would actually cost (Intervideo’s site simply provides a chirpy 'Available soon - check back often!' message), but we hope it’s not very much, since the £29 asking price of the main application already makes it more expensive than some physical DVD players.

So, apart from being nearly HD-ready, what else is new? Well, there’s support for Windows Vista and Intel Core 2 Duo processors, but a lot of the new stuff seems a little gimmicky. Overlaying video effects like Vintage, Negative or Abstract onto your movies, for example, is not something we would particularly recommend.

Most of the really interesting features have been reserved for the more expensive Platinum edition of the player. Here you’ll find HD file format playback, the capability to run WinDVD as an UPnP server and even a feature that lets you set a movie as your Windows Desktop background. All this and more can be yours for the princely sum of £43.

WinDVD 8 Gold suffers from an annoying installation routine that attempts to clutter your PC with all manner of third-party software (Google Toolbar, Google Desktop, RealPlayer and QuickTime). We have no complaints about audio and video playback quality, however. Both are excellent and there’s plenty of opportunity to tweak picture and sound.

Also consider:

Microsoft Windows Media Player 9 vs Nullsoft Winamp 3

Two media players go head to head to see which makes your music and videos shine

Roxio Creator Suite 9 multimedia package

One software suite for every multimedia task under the sun

All home entertainment software

Review: Roxio Creator Suite 9 multimedia package

Tim Smith — 2006-10-05T00:00:00.000Z

Tim Smith, Personal Computer World, Thursday 5 October 2006 at 00:00:00

One software suite for every multimedia task under the sun

Roxio Creator Suite 9 is less of a whole new product and more of general smartening up.

The Home utility is still the first port of call for using the software. It is task-led and doesn't expect you to know which application to use. This is by no means a bad thing, not least because of some less-than-helpful program names.

If you prefer, it is still possible to show a list of programs. The Home screen also now reads internet pages from Roxio with news of new products or updates.

Roxio is quick to point out that Blu-ray support is now built into Creator so you can take advantage of the bigger capacities as and when new drives are made available.

Blu-ray is not restricted to high definition video – the extra capacity can be used for backups and data projects.

HD-DVD support isn't available yet, but is planned to be released as a patch in the future.

As nothing has been taken away since the previous version, you can read a good overview of the basics in our review of Creator Suite 8 .

A particularly useful feature is the DVD Music project. Creating an Mp3 DVD is not new to Creator but there is now a random play option. This is ideal for background music as a DVD can hold many hours of music in Mp3 format.

A more advanced version of this, the AutoMix, is able to automatically generate playlists based on the mood of a song.

Capturing audio has been made easier with automatic record in the Sound Recorder program. It buffers a set time before the record button is pressed, which makes it less critical to have fast reactions – especially when recording from the internet.

Another convenient feature is the Mute System Sounds option. This prevents sounds from other applications such as notifications ruining recordings.

An Autopause tool helps to save hard disk space when making unattended recordings. This senses periods of quiet and pauses recordings.

Continued on page 2...

The Disk Copier utility has a lot more to it than the name suggests. As well as copying discs and burning ISO images, it can be used to convert video for a variety of devices, including Video iPods and PSPs.

At times the Disk Copier feels like a dumping ground for features that didn’t fit anywhere else. A renaming of the section might make it clearer. For example, you wouldn’t expect to find video conversion tools in the Disk Copier section.

Some of the projects defaulted to the Roxio format when saving a disc image, rather than the standard ISO. This might be a problem when sharing projects, so it’s something to watch out for.

One improvement to the MyDVD section is the greatly increased number of menu styles. Previous versions were rather limited and the extra styles give you far more to choose from. Should you want more, Roxio sell extra themes in batches of five for about £25.

Roxio Creator Suite also comes with Media Manager for organising all kinds of media on a computer.

It can import images from compatible mobile phones, which is ideal for anyone who values the pictures taken with their camera-phone, and there is also a tool for creating panoramas.

Tagging Mp3 files can be a frustrating task, especially if there was incomplete data when the files were ripped.

The Media Manager can be used to update these tags; the latest service from Gracenote uses audio footprints to identify music tracks, which is particularly useful for tracks recorded from tape or LP.

Being such a huge suite of tools, it’s impossible to cover every aspect of Roxio Creator 9 in a single review. But, if you’re looking for something to handle all your digital media needs, you’d be hard pushed to find anything as easy to use and comprehensive as Creator 9.

Also consider:

Pinnacle Mobile Media Converter

A video conversion tool aimed at iPod and PSP users

All home and entertainment reviews

Review: Map24 Mobile mapping software

Will Stapley — 2006-09-27T00:00:00.000Z

Will Stapley, Personal Computer World, Wednesday 27 September 2006 at 00:00:00

Street-level maps on your mobile, but watch out for those data charges

There are plenty of options for satellite navigation on your mobile phone ( Alk Copilot 6 , Route66 etc.) but, as well as being expensive, they all require you to carry around a Bluetooth GPS receiver that needs to be recharged along with your phone.

If you're trying to get from A to B but know your immediate location, Map24 Mobile is a decent alternative.

Compatible with Pocket PCs and the majority of smartphones, Map24 Mobile is a free service and can be downloaded from the Map24 website . It does, however, require internet access via your phone, so you'll be at the mercy of your network operator's data charges. A handy data counter can be displayed on screen to help keep track of your charges.

We tested it out on a Nokia N70 and, despite the small screen size, the map was very clear and easy to read. Working in much the same way as Map24's web service, you can fly over the map, zooming in and out at will.

Although getting to grips with the controls takes a while, the map itself scrolls extremely smoothly. It's also possible to route from one point to another; you then scroll down through the written directions with the map, updating on each button press.

Map24 Mobile is a useful application to have on your phone and works extremely well. The fact that the application is free is a bonus, but in just a few minutes we managed to rack up a data transfer of around 150Kb; use it for extended periods of time and you'll find a nasty surprise waiting for you in your next mobile phone bill.

Also consider:

Alk Copilot Live 6

A good sat-nav option for mobiles that has some interesting features

Review: DVB Viewer Pro 3.5.0 digital TV software

Paul Monckton — 2006-08-15T00:00:00.000Z

Paul Monckton, Personal Computer World, Tuesday 15 August 2006 at 00:00:00

An affordable and feature-rich application that lets you get the most out of your digital tuner

Most TV tuner cards on the market come bundled with software, but more often than not you will be left wanting more.

Thankfully, there’s no need to put up with what’s on offer from your tuner manufacturer. DVB Viewer Pro is a standalone home theatre PC application for digital TV that gives you a host of cutting-edge features.

This latest version of DVB Viewer Pro, from AIS, is simple to install with lots of options and plenty of control.

It can appear in windowed, full-screen or a Media Center-style home theatre mode, and can work with most TV tuners that come with DBA drivers. It also offers native support for the Media Center remote control.

As a fully-fledged home theatre PC system, DVB Viewer offers an easy-to-use TV viewing experience, combined with a PVR and programme guide as well as support for CDs, DVDs and playback from your own collections of music and videos.

Bonus features include support for a large number of remote controls via the open source WinLirc, RSS news feeds and internet-based weather information.

Delving into the setup menus lets you get as geeky as you like, with full control over its appearance, recording formats and which DirectX filters should be used for which sources.

You get precise control over all aspects of the display, including skinning, font control and anti-aliasing options. This enables you to achieve the very best quality while matching the performance of your hardware.

A long list of supported DVB tuners can be found on the DVB Viewer website, along with a full list of features that seems to go on forever. An extensible plug-in system allows still more features to be added as required.

Many such features are way beyond the scope of Windows Media Center, such as the ability to view multiple channels at once using a single tuner card. You can also extend the programs functionality using VBscript.

The latest version includes support for multiple TV tuners and H.264 support, which allows you to watch High Definition TV broadcasts – something Windows Media Center does not yet support.

If you’re lucky enough to be enrolled on the current digital terrestrial trials, the combination of DVB Viewer Pro, and even a simple USB-DVB tuner, will allow you to watch high-quality 1080i broadcasts on your PC.

Once you’ve configured the software to your liking you will have created a home theatre PC that’s easy to use, looks great and works just the way you want it to.

You’ll also find that simply installing it and running it is enough to get you started, so you won’t have to miss too much TV while you’re ploughing through all the options.

Apart from its low cost, one of the most attractive aspects of DVB Viewer Pro is the thriving support forum. Purchasing the software entitles you to free updates and, in cases of severe problems, direct email support from the program’s developer.

Whether you want to set up a home theatre PC system or just watch the occasional programme on your PC desktop, DVB Viewer Pro will help you get the best out of what digital TV has to offer.

Related reviews:

Sling Media Slingbox

Watch your home TV anywhere in the world

Software review: Pinnacle Mobile Media Converter

Paul Lester — 2006-08-09T00:00:00.000Z

Paul Lester, Personal Computer World, Wednesday 9 August 2006 at 00:00:00

A video conversion tool aimed at iPod and PSP users

Mobile Media Converter from Pinnacle is a small video conversion tool designed to shift movie files or DVDs to a video iPod or Sony PSP.

There’s not a lot to the package; you're offered a choice of converting a DVD or a file located and on your hard drive and must then select the quality level. Four levels of quality are available for each of the two supported devices.

You can also direct converted video to your hard drive, which is useful if you own any of the huge number of other portable media players that support mpeg4. If you choose this method, though, you'll need to copy it over to the device yourself.

A preview window allows you to check over the converted video file before you perform the conversion.

Aside from these features, there really isn't much else to play around with.

The conversion process is pretty flawless. Although there are obviously restrictions preventing conversion of copy-protected DVDs, the range of file types supported is impressive, including Wmv and DivX formats.

Conversion times for files work out at about 1:4, so a two-hour movie will take around half an hour to convert. Should you pick the highest quality, it will take slightly longer.

Converting from DVD is more directly related to the quality you convert to, ranging from about 1:3 to 1:1 at the highest setting.

In our tests, the consistency of the converted files is very good and we noticed no audio lag even at the lower settings.

For convenience and ease of use, Mobile Media Converter certainly scores highly. There were, however, occasional glitches when it came to recognising DVDs, so you may have to rip some discs to the hard drive first.

As with all retail conversion software, it’s worth remembering that if you’re prepared to put a bit more legwork in, there are free tools around that you can use instead.

Afterdawn's website has some good resources and a number of guides should you want to take this route.

Related reviews:

X-oom Ipod Media Suite

A collection of four applications to enhance your iPod

Review: ALK Copilot Live 6 satellite navigation

Will Stapley — 2006-08-07T00:00:00.000Z

Will Stapley, Personal Computer World, Monday 7 August 2006 at 00:00:00

ALK's Copilot makes the transition to Symbian, but initially only for T-Mobile customers

Previously known for its Pocket PC GPS applications, Copilot has now branched into the wider-reaching Symbian platform.

Initially, Copilot Live 6 for Symbian is available only with T-Mobile's World Cup Edition Nokia N70 . Copilot tells us it will release it to other phones and mobile operators in the autumn.

If you're unsure about getting a GPS for your phone, you'll be very unlikely to want to ditch your current phone and sign up for a contract with T-Mobile in order to get Copilot Live 6.

Don't get too excited about the World Cup Edition of the N70 either; it's basically an N70 filled with World Cup tat such as video clips and wallpaper.

That said, the Nokia N70 is a decent 3G handset and the large screen works well with Copilot Live 6.

The included GPS receiver connects to your phone via Bluetooth. It's a fair bit larger than other GPS receivers we've seen, but it's also reasonably light and slim. Three lights indicate Bluetooth activity, GPS reception and low battery.

Copilot includes a car charger, but there's no AC adapter so you've either got to buy your own or hope that your phone doesn't need charging at the same time as the receiver when travelling in the car.

Impressively, the GPS receiver managed to obtain a signal almost immediately.

As is usual with satellite navigation devices, you can plot a simple router by inputting an address, town, POI (point of interest) or pinpointing a location using the map. Seven-digit postcode support is also available.

Alternatively, you can plan a route with multiple stop off points.

It's not the fastest when it comes to calculating routes, but the Nokia N70 is always going to hold things back in terms of processor power.

During navigation, Copilot will only display the real-time map when you're approaching a junction; a sensible safety feature since it's very tempting to keep glancing at a moving map while driving. At all other times, the screen displays the next turn in the form of an arrow, the current road name and the distance to the next junction.

If you're on foot, you can switch to the Walking Mode, which basically just draws a straight line to your destination. Since even the most advanced GPS device won't be able to work out the best walking route to a destination, this serves as the second best way of doing things - you simply follow the line, taking whatever shortcuts you can find en route that aren't picked up by the map.

The Live part of Copilot's service is an interesting addition. Via the web, people will be able to track your movements and even send messages directly to your phone should they realise you've bashed in the wrong address.

It also serves as a good way for people to see how long you're likely to take to arrive at your destination.

Only those invited by you will be able to monitor your progress and, if you prefer, it can be turned off altogether.

Traffic updates are received via GPRS and are free for two years. After this point, you'll have the option of upgrading to a new version of Copilot Live (costing £50), which will include free traffic updates.

At present, traffic updates are only available to T-Mobile customers, which will disappoint those who use a different mobile operator.

Copilot Live 6 has a good selection of features and, despite the slightly slow calculation method, works well. If you don't want to hang around waiting for the exclusive deal with T-Mobile to end, Route66 is a similar GPS application for Symbian phones.

Related reviews:

Route66 Mobile 7

Not as easy to use as standalone sat nav systems, but a good alternative if you want GPS on your mobile.

Software review: X-oom iPod Media Suite

Paul Lester — 2006-08-03T00:00:00.000Z

Paul Lester, Personal Computer World, Thursday 3 August 2006 at 00:00:00

A collection of four applications to enhance your iPod

X-oom's iPod Media Suite combines four individual applications to offer an all-in-one solution for the iPod aficionado.

X-oom Photoshow on iPod helps you collate images into an animated slideshow. You can drag and drop your photos onto a storyboard layout, and adjust settings such as transitions and events between each one, adding music, text and effects to your masterpiece.

However, these aren’t presented in a way that facilitates speed or ease of use, and you’re left playing back the slideshow as a whole to see how each portion looks, making larger collections difficult to manage.

If you’re prepared to take the time to trawl through the software and build your show, you’ll find everything you need, but it will take some time.

Movies on iPod converts video files from either the hard drive or DVD to mp4 format so you can play them back on your iPod. The software consists of just two screens, and aside from some basic options to adjust the quality or file size of the finished product there’s not a lot else to it.

On major problem is that we couldn’t get video files to convert direct from the hard drive, despite trying over a dozen different files in four different formats. According to the manual, the software is capable of converting any video that plays back on your computer, so there shouldn’t be any codec issues here.

Conversion works fine direct from a DVD, although it won’t handle copy-protected discs.

The X-oom iPod Backup Manager is a simple backup tool offering some rudimentary options to change the format of the filenames and tracks saved with ID3 tag information. Backup and restore buttons allow you to create copies of selected files or your entire collection.

You wouldn’t expect much more from a utility of this type, and it performs its function fairly well.

X-oom Mp3 Radio Recorder is where you really see the suite come alive, offering the ability to browse hundreds of online radio stations and record streaming audio to your hard drive. You can then edit and add these to your collection or transfer them direct to your iPod.

The range and quality of stations is impressive, offering bit rates of up to 320kb/s, and the quick search feature allows you to include title or genre information to narrow down to a suitable list of stations.

From here you can either listen to the station as it streams or record the audio to your hard drive to listen to later.

What’s really impressive is that it splits the audio stream into tracks labelled by ID3 tag information that is retrieved with the music. This allows you to leave an internet radio station recording for a couple of hours and come back to a find a few dozen mp3 tracks recorded on your hard drive.

Once you’ve got the music you can edit it with the built-in audio editor, tweak the ID3 tags or transfer it directly to your iPod or audio CD.

Another impressive feature is the record filter, which allows you to identify artists or songs you’re specifically looking for, and to tell the software to save these tracks if they play on the station you’re monitoring.

However, recording and saving of individual songs isn’t perfect, often missing the start or the end, and you do notice occasional skipping.

Considering what you’re getting for the price of the package (potentially unlimited free music), it’s difficult to complain. And if you want the Mp3 Radio Record utility by itself, you can pick it up for a bargain £15.

Overall, X-oom iPod Media Suite needed the four applications bundled together just to make it reasonable value for money. Despite this, the collection isn’t consistent enough to warrant a full recommendation.

Review: Sky+ Remote Record utility

Will Stapley — 2006-07-10T00:00:00.000Z

Will Stapley, Personal Computer World, Monday 10 July 2006 at 00:00:00

Schedule Sky+ recordings via your mobile with this easy-to-use service

Remote Record from Sky looks set to end the nightmare of forgetting to set your Sky+ box to record your favourite show.

The basic service works by text message (you send a request, Sky will then send back confirmation), but by using the Sky by Mobile version, which requires a 3G/GPRS handset, you can browse the seven-day EPG (electronic programme guide) and perform programme searches.

Once a record request is received, Sky will beam a message to your Sky+ box. There's no need to worry about someone being on the phone when this message is sent since it's all done via satellite and not through the Sky+ box's phone link.

In order to use the service you'll need to access the Sky Active service from your Sky+ box and enter a few details, including your mobile phone number.

To use the more advanced Sky by Mobile service you'll need to also register at Sky.com.

We tried out Remote Record with a Nokia N70 3G phone. After registering for Sky by Mobile a link for the application download was sent direct to our phone.

At first, the application hung at the Authenticating User stage, but when we tried about 30 minutes later we managed to log on without a problem.

You can browse the EPG just as you would on your Sky+ box and, despite the relatively small screen on our Nokia N70, we were able to see the next hour's schedule for seven channels per page.

Since you need to wait for the page to reload whenever you move around the guide, scheduling recordings using this method can be frustratingly slow.

If you know what you want to record, you're far better off using the Search feature. This lets you search by name, channel, time or date, or a combination of all four.

Upon scheduling a recording, a notice appears stating that it could be up to half an hour before the message is sent to your Sky+ box; something that could pose a problem if you want to record a program that's just started.

That said, when we tried it, most record requests were received almost immediately.

Sky doesn't charge for the Sky by Mobile service, but you will have to pay data charges as determined by your mobile network.

To help you keep track of costs, a screen pops up telling you how much data has been transferred; a single request should only clock up around 15KB of data.

If you don't like the idea of paying for SMS text messages or GPRS/3G data charges, you'll be pleased to hear Sky is planning to offer the Remote Record service on its website in the near future.

Remote Record is a well-designed and easy-to-use service that is bound to be well received by Sky's subscribers.

Review: Intervideo Ivideotogo for Ipod

Luke Peters — 2006-03-22T00:00:00.000Z

Luke Peters, Personal Computer World, Wednesday 22 March 2006 at 00:00:00

Convert video files and DVDs ready for playback on your Ipod

Unlike our North American friends who can download TV shows, news reports and a whole heap of other video content from Itunes to an Ipod , the UK is currently stuck with music videos and a smattering of embarrassingly poor video podcasts.

The best way to get reasonable video onto an Ipod, therefore, is to use conversion software.

Intervideo's Ivideotogo for Ipod tenders a simple enough notion; convert a file or DVD into a format that a video Ipod can read – either MP4 or H.264.

The software will automatically choose the best MP4 or H.264 output settings for the video, although this can be manually changed by selecting one of six profiles, each of which with varying frame rates, audio bit-rates and resolutions.

A maximum output file size can also be configured for each file.

Unlike other similar applications, Ivideotogo supports an impressive range of file formats to convert from, including Quicktime, 3GP and wmv. It's important to note these are input formats - the program will only output MP4 or H.264.

It also converts DivX, however we had to download the DivX codec separately for it to recognise the file. Of course, it won't encode copy-protected DVDs or, DRM-encrypted video.

Converting video is never a particularly fast process, and our 42 minute test DivX file took the same time again to be turned into the MP4 format. Outputting in H.264 format took almost twice as long at 90 mins.

What's more, our file (a widescreen TV show) was squished into a 4:3 aspect ratio to fit on the iPod's square screen.

While there's no denying the amount of compression involved (360Mb reduced by 55% in MP4 and 75% in H.264), the video quality was significantly better in MP4 format.

There was still discernable pixilation and frame dropping but nothing as severe as when viewing the H.264 files.

Intervideo's Ivideotogo may be the most versatile Ipod conversation software we've seen, but it still takes a frustratingly long time to convert files. Its saving grace is that it can batch convert files, allowing you to leave the process running overnight and transfer the video in the morning. Plus, it's only £20.

However, until Apple starts to offer a US-style Itunes video service in the UK, the Ipods video abilities will always be held back.

System requirements

Intel PIII 600MHz

128MB Ram

50MB hard disk

Windows 2000/XP

Restoration Manager

Kelvyn Taylor — 2006-02-11T00:00:00.000Z

Kelvyn Taylor, Personal Computer World, Saturday 11 February 2006 at 00:00:00

A great way of organising projects to strip down and rebuild your car

If your idea of heaven is a weekend in a cold damp garage wrestling with rusted crankcases and stripped threads, this is just the program for you.

Restoration Manager aims to help bring car restoration enthusiasts into the computer age by giving them an indispensable aid for complex projects. And, we must admit, it does a pretty good job.

Don’t worry if all you have is an old PC you found in a skip – this is one of the few new programs we’ve seen that positively thrives on old PC hardware that would itself be suitable for a restoration job.

The minimum spec is a 350MHz Pentium II, 64MB of Ram and Windows 98 with an 800 x 600 display.

The program itself is very easy to use – although novices should read the comprehensive manual thoroughly – and employs wizards to good advantage. The level of detail it allows you to record is suitably obsessive: part numbers, supplier details, components, zoomable photographs, notes.

There’s even a label printing facility, but it only works with a Dymo Labelwriter. The program generates IDs and unique label codes for each part. As you strip down the parts and place them in bags, you can print these labels or write the information on the bag.

The software is organised logically from strip down through restoration and assembly. You can track any job by adding tasks (predefined or custom) to each part.

The standard template can be modified to suit the individual foibles of your current pile of rust. Reports of suppliers, components or tasks can be viewed or printed at any time.

Even the most nitpicking restorer would be hard pressed to find something this excellent little package can’t do – apart from tracking costs, but perhaps that’s deliberate…

Download the free trial.

System requirements:

350MHz Pentium II

64MB Ram

CD-Rom drive

5MB hard disk space

Windows 98/ME/2000/XP

Apple ILife 06

Chris Cain — 2006-01-31T00:00:00.000Z

Chris Cain, Personal Computer World, Tuesday 31 January 2006 at 00:00:00

Application updates and a new web design tool make this the best version of Apple's home creative suite yet

Bundled with new Macs and sold separately for £55, Apple ILife 06 is a one-stop shop for home multimedia projects.

Aimed specifically at non-experts, it lets you edit your camcorder movies, create DVDs, retouch photos, print professional-quality picture books and even compose music.

ILife 06 features updated versions of its five key applications; Iphoto, Imovie HD, IDVD, Itunes and Garageband. It also introduces Iweb, a brand new web-design program optimise for use with Apple's .Mac online service. See photo gallery.

The secret of ILife's success is that each application is built around a simple, Itunes-like interface and a set of well-designed, yet customisable templates.

Most operations are drag and drop and you can get reasonable results in a matter of minutes.

A case in point is the new Iweb, which features templates for blogs (complete with an RSS feed option), online photo slideshows, audio and video podcasts and more. There are a few annoying restrictions when it comes to presentation but, on the whole, we're very impressed.

New features in Iphoto kick off with a huge improvement in speed. Scrolling through your library is now significantly faster and the program can cope with up to 250,000 images.

We also like the option to quickly produce Photocasts - folders of images other Iphoto users can subscribe to over the Internet like a podcast.

Key improvements in Garageband 3 include a podcast recording studio complete with a range of royalty-free jingles, stingers and sound effects. The package can also record interviews over Apple's Ichat.

Meanwhile, Imovie HD now includes real-time effects and titling, selectable movie themes and the option to open multiple projects at once.

Finally, IDVD has a spruced up map view, can produce widescreen DVDs and supports third-party DVD writers.

With tighter integration between the packages and the excellent new Iweb, ILife 06 really is a must have for any Mac user.

System requirements:

Mac with a PowerPC G4/G5 or Intel Core Duo processor

256MB of Ram

Mac OSX v10.3.9 or later

DVD drive

10GB hard disk

Auralog Tell Me More

Will Stapley — 2005-12-08T00:00:00.000Z

Will Stapley, Personal Computer World, Thursday 8 December 2005 at 00:00:00

A thoroughly enjoyable way to learn a new language

If you’ve ever thought of learning a new language but have been put off by high tuition fees or bad experiences with self-teach methods, Auralog’s latest Tell me More series could be just what you’re after.

Available in English, Spanish, German, Italian and French, Tell Me More gives you the option of following a set learning path (beginner, intermediate and advanced are available), or selecting the individual parts you want to learn. Most impressively, it can evaluate your grasp of the language and adjust your activities accordingly.

The biggest draw of Tell Me More is the speech-recognition component. Using the provided headset, you’ll be asked to read out sentences and join in with conversations.

Your pronunciation is graphically displayed in wave form to show you just how close, or far, you are from perfecting the language. It really is the next best thing to having a one-to-one session with a private tutor.

In total, there are 250 hours of exercises contained within the package. These are split into 37 types of activities within six workshops – lesson, cultural, vocabulary, grammar, oral and written. Should you come unstuck at any point, tutors on the Club Auralog website are on hand to steer you in the right direction.

A small but useful feature is the ability to create your own audio CDs using any of the data stored within the program – perfect for learning while commuting.

It’s rare we come across a program as in-depth, well-designed, productive and thoroughly enjoyable to use as Tell Me More. When you take into account how much professional tuition costs, the £49 asking price seems very reasonable indeed.

If you’re just after a basic understanding of a language, the cheaper and less comprehensive Talk To Me series is also worth checking out.

System requirements:

Celeron 333MHz or higher

128MB Ram

80MB hard disk

Windows 95/98/ME/XP

Navicore Personal

Clive Akass — 2005-10-17T00:00:00.000Z

Clive Akass, Personal Computer World, Monday 17 October 2005 at 00:00:00

Navigation software for Symbian Series 60 or 80 phones

The Navicore Personal turns any Symbian Series 60 or 80 phone into a navigator. Using a tiny GPS receiver built around a low-drain Sirf III chip, it registers a satellite signal even in cities.

UK maps and software are provided on a 256MB Secure Digital card, leaving around 100MB free for your personal use.

We had no problems establishing a Bluetooth link between the receiver and a Nokia 6630 provided for the review. Inputting place names for route planning is facilitated by software that narrows its choices as you type.

The phone gives you audible, timely directions as you drive and reroutes quickly if you divert. It can walk you round cities but is not suitable for off-road rambling. Navicore assures us that a later version this year should support this facility.

Lottery Cracker AE

Will Stapley — 2005-09-23T00:00:00.000Z

Will Stapley, Personal Computer World, Friday 23 September 2005 at 00:00:00

Ignore the laws of probability with this program

There's nothing better than winning the Lottery to solve your cashflow problems, and Lottery Cracker AE is yet another package that ignores the laws of probability.

First impressions weren't good and, considering the £25 price, the interface looks incredibly amateur.

A database houses results right back to the first draw in 1994 and can be updated via the internet. Using this data, Lottery Cracker charts information such as number frequency and will come up with suggested entries. It also helps you set up and manage a syndicate.

Considering its poor interface and limited use, Lottery Cracker is vastly overpriced.

Lifethemes

Will Stapley — 2005-09-02T00:00:00.000Z

Will Stapley, Personal Computer World, Friday 2 September 2005 at 00:00:00

Record your life for future reference

Lifethemes aims to help you organise your schedule and serves as a way of creating a lasting record of you and your family for future generations.

The colourful interface is a little garish, but it's easy to navigate. Details about everything from people and places right through to pets and food can be stored and then linked together.

Slideshows of photos can be exported, but the whole application is desktop-based, which restricts sharing somewhat.

Lifethemes is great for those who like to detail every aspect of their lives, but the amount of work involved and the high price will deter many.