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Steve's Ravin' Reviews
~~Steve Mills

Program: Random Tagline Manager
Version and Date: 4.4.2 05-18-02
Author: Frank Brower
Web Site: http://programs.fbrower.com/

Freeware
Rating: 5 Geezers


OK! I amuse easily, but I find some of the best stuff written today at the bottom of emails – the infamous tag line.

There are a number of managers available and this one by Frank Brower is one of the best. All take a little effort to set up, but you should be cooking in well under an hour. The program comes with a database of over 6,000 tags, which you can modify to your liking.

­ Ability to create Text, HTML, and RTF tagline files
­ Randomize taglines, or use a single tagline, from selected database
­ Center taglines on line(with and w/o word wrap)
­ Change color of displayed tagline(HTML & RTF files only
­ Change font of displayed tagline(HTML & RTF files only)
­ Change size of font in displayed tagline(HTML & RTF files only)
­ Display border around tagline
­ Works with Multiple users(each with their own settings)
­ Display date in tagline with a variety of options, even Random, and Roman Numerals
­ Append, Edit, or Replace tagline(s) in current tagline database
­ Copy tagline file to a second directory(helpful if using two separate user profiles using same tagline file)
­ Edit custom signature file(like a blueprint for how the tagline file will be saved)
­ Works with most Email programs(except for Web Based Email, like AOL)

Program: Google Toolbar
Version and Date: 1.1.57
Author: Google
Web Site: http://toolbar.google.com/

License: Freeware
Rating: 6 Geezers


At one time I heard a lot of argument about the best search engines. Today, it seems like more and more Internet users are convinced Google is the king. Searchers there seem to be almost mystically accurate. The Google Toolbar sits as a browser toolbar (Internet Explorer 5 or higher) and is always available for quick searching.

Lots of usable features:

­ Google Search: Access Google's search technology from any web page.
­ Search Site: Search only the pages of the site you're visiting.
­ PageRank: See Google's ranking of the current page.
­ Page Info: Access more information about a page including similar pages, pages that link back to that page, as well as a cached snapshot.
­ Highlight: Highlight your search terms as they appear on the page; each word in its own color.
­ Word Find: Find your search terms wherever they appear on the page.


Another nice thing is the toolbar takes up very little space for what it does.

Program: NoteTab Light
Version and Date: 4.9 06-10-02
Author: Fookes Software
Web Site: http://www.notetab.com/ntl.htm

License: Freeware
Rating: 6 Geezers


Last month I covered my favorite text editor, UltraEdit. At that time I said there are many fine alternatives available. One such example is this fine freeware editor, NoteTab Light. It is the free version of a series of 3 produced by Fookes Software.

I’m not going to try and cover its many features. It has macros, an internal clip system, help files and on and on. I’ve never seen a better piece of free software. The paid versions top out at only $19.95. Give this a try!

Program: Reversi
Version and Date: 1.1 3/18/02
Author: ArtPol Software
Web Site: http://www.artpol-software.com/index_software.html

License: Freeware
Rating: 5 Geezers


I like games that aren’t brain busters. I remember when Othello came out, the slogan was “a minute to learn – a lifetime to master”. A true statement.

This is just a nice implementation – and it’s free:

­ Play human vs human or human vs computer
­ Network play (through the Internet or a local network)
­ Varied levels for the computer game
­ OpenGL graphics (nice but a fast machine is needed) or GDI
­ You can change the angle of view with arrows keys in the OpenGL mode while playing
­ Save, restore and edit (use left and right mouse buttons) the game layout
­ Move undo possible
­ Customizable colors
 

Final Thought:

The whole world looks like a nail when all you have is a hammer.

Steve Mills has been reviewing software in different capacities for many years.  He has recently left his job with a search engine consulting firm and is looking for a new adventure.