Sunday, December 21, 2014

Software : Download of the day: Foxit Reader

Software : Download of the day: Foxit Reader


Download of the day: Foxit Reader

Posted:

Download of the day: Foxit Reader

Foxit Reader is one of the best all-round PDF packages available, exceeding what many of its paid-for rivals do whilst remaining completely free.

Why you need it

If you're looking for great free PDF software, head in Foxit Reader's direction. It makes the bold claim that it is 'better than Adobe PDF Reader and Acrobat', but this isn't merely a case of hubris from the new kid on the block. Foxit Reader has been around for half as long as Adobe's PDF software, but it's been making some serious waves along the way.

It's secure, light on system resources and loads up quickly, and the Microsoft Office-style ribbon bar keeps options tidy and easy to find. Separate PDF documents can be loaded in the same window thanks to Foxit's tab system, ensuring your desktop doesn't get clogged up with multiple windows.

When it comes to reading and editing PDFs, Foxit puts in a truly strong showing. You can highlight text, insert bookmarks, draw graphics, type on the document and more. Create PDF documents from scratch, convert images into PDFs or reverse the process and change PDFs into text documents – it's all there in Foxit. Then when you're done, you can easily share your work with collaborators or on social media using Foxit's extensive range of integrated tools.

Foxit Reader's main rival is Adobe Acrobat, and while Acrobat has a few more advanced features, it also currently costs $19.99 a month to use (about £12.79 a month); Foxit is totally free, packed with features and more than meets the needs of the everyday user.

Key features

  • Works on: PC
  • Versions: Free
  • Read and edit: Foxit contains extensive tools to help you edit and mark up PDF documents in pretty much any way you need to
  • Create and convert: Make PDF files from scratch or create them from a range of imported files, or convert them back the other way
  • Keep things organised: Foxit's intuitive user interface ensures options are easy to find but never cluttered

You'll also like

  • PDFCreator
  • Free PDF Perfect
  • PDF24 Creator
  • PDF-XChange Viewer
  • PDFsam

Downloads: Christmas crackers: Paint.NET

Posted:

Downloads: Christmas crackers: Paint.NET

Proving that image editing doesn't have to be complicated, Paint.NET brings many of the advanced features of expensive software to a free program. Funnily enough, this is an application whose original team of developers started work on the Paint program that's built into Windows, but this take things to the next level.

You'll probably end up taking no end of photos over Christmas, and some of them might need a little work to make them look their best. Removing red eye is a breeze, as is removing unsightly blemishes from otherwise perfect shots.

This might not be as powerful as the likes of Photoshop, but it includes all of the everyday tools you need, all presented in a wonderfully accessible package that is quick and easy to use. There are all of the usual built-in tools and filters, but there is also scope for extending the capabilities of the program through the use of plugins; there are a huge number available to download from the Paint.NET website.

The beauty of this program is that you can keep things simple if you prefer, but there is also the potential for experimentation with more advanced features without ever feeling overwhelmed.

IN DEPTH: 10 best travel apps for iPhone, iPad and Android over the holidays

Posted:

IN DEPTH: 10 best travel apps for iPhone, iPad and Android over the holidays

Apps for getting ready and going up, up and away

It's a wonderful time of the year—well, unless you're traveling. If long lines and crowded roadways are not your idea of a vacation, then make sure you prepared, because it's going to be one of the busiest travel seasons. Pack light, take some emergency cash, but just don't leave your smartphone behind, those apps will come in handy.

To ease your holiday headaches, we have come up with a list of 10 iPhone, iPad and Android apps that no traveler should leave home without.

From packing for your getaway to exchanging currency to finding an authentic restaurant, these are the apps to use and improve your overall travel experience. In fact, we're willing to bet that after one trip you'll start to wonder how you ever managed to travel without them.

1. Hipmunk

Best travel app

Hipmunk also includes non-traditional lodging, such as listings from Airbnb and HomeAway. (Those two services connect people who have rooms, apartments, and homes to let with travelers who want to rent them.)

For the lowest round-trip fares over a 90-day timeframe, be sure to search Hipmunk's pricegraph, too.

2. TripIt

Best travel app

Organizing travel just got automagical. Whether you're a planner or the spontaneous type, TripIt helps transform your travel and booking confirmation emails into a master day-by-day itinerary, with all your plans in one place, via the web or your phone.

Along with creating your vacation itinerary, TripIt also suggests attractions and activities according to your schedule, and even looks up all the information we seem to forget like weather updates, local maps, and directions.

Its free-to use service is great for casual travelers, but high-powered features like flight status, text-message alerts and fare refund notifications can make Tripit's pro-level service pay for itself.

3. PackPoint

Best travel app

Users answer a few basic questions, such as: Are you a man or woman? Are you traveling on business or leisure? How many days are you going for? And where exactly are you going? Then PackPoint creates a custom packing list to account for all of your travel needs based on weather, location and your travel activity. Not only will you thank us for packing light, you will also save yourself the $25 checked bag fee.

4. Entrain

Best travel app

Plug in your sleeping habit data and the time zone you're traveling to, and the app calculates a schedule specifying when you should stay in bright light, low light or be in the dark. The app then helps you gradually shift your sleeping schedule to lessen the impact of skipping across all those time zones to help you get the most out of your travel.

More travel apps for smooth sailing

5. MiFlight

Best travel app

The app includes information for 54 airports at the most-traveled hubs around the world. But you'll want to have your gate info handy to use the app and input your airport, terminal and gate to get your estimated wait time in the security line.

Ready to spread the cheer to other travelers? Just click on the timer, input your minutes and share your info using Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, email, text or Instagram.

6. Wi-Fi Finder

Best travel app

If you prefer certain providers such as Comcast, you'll be able to see which hotspots are served by those providers. The app works in more than 100 countries, including the United States, Japan and Italy, and allows you to star favorites so you can easily find them again. Best of all, the offline mode means you can download maps before you go, thereby dodging a massive bill.

7. Tipulator

Best travel app

8. Foodspotting

Best travel app

Before you end up eating a meal in the Times Square of India, or any other tourist trap, make sure you download the Foodspotting app to find good eats and authentic dishes available in restaurants around the world.

9. XE Currency

Best travel app

How much is the dollar worth these days? If you have asked yourself this question before, then XE Currency is a useful tool for you to download before you say, si to a bad or inaccurate rate. The app converts money from all over the world, and helps users to better understand what they should expect to receive after an exchange (before fees).

Since it makes use of your smartphone's internet connection, exchange rates throughout the app are also updated as new information becomes available, ensuring your exchange calculations stay up to date with the changes in the international currency markets.

10. GasBuddy

Best travel app

Hitting the open road instead of the air? Sure, gas prices have been dropping in the last few weeks, to $3 or below in some places, but you'll still want to shop around for the best prices on the road.

Don't forget to show your fellow travelers some holiday love, and share the low-price gas station you discover within the app.

No comments:

Post a Comment