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The features section will deal primarily with software that has been either alluded to in lead articles or reviewed in current or previous issues of the magazine. Sometimes demos aren't available at the time the software was reviewed so, as much as possible, we'll try to get you the software if and when it comes available.

def: A notable property of a device or software application. Many analysts bemoan the advent of featuritis -- the seemingly endless addition of more and more features onto what was once a simple application. One of the principal challenges of modern applications is to offer a multitude of features without making the application complex.

Info source:

Yes, yes, I know I put this and ZoneAlarm on our first CD under the Security tab but this relates directly to our Social Hacking feature for this month and, one very important difference is that, unlike the last expired version from CNET, this one WILL install as expected.

BlackICE Defender

BlackICE Defender is the first coMBined personal firewall and intrusion detection system in one easy-to-use package. Detect, identify, and stop hackers cold with BlackICE Defender!

BlackICE Defender is an industrial-strength anti-hacker system that delivers unmatched protection to your PC. It scans your DSL, cable modem, or dial-up Internet connection looking for hacker activity. When it detects an attempted intrusion, it automatically blocks traffic from that source, keeping intruders from accessing your system.

The latest version resolves issues with the recent Windows 2000 Service Pack 1 update.

Version: 2.1
Download: BLACKICE.EXE
File Size: 2.8MB
 Licence: 30 day trial
Homepage:http://www.networkice.com/

Zone Alarm

ZoneAlarm is designed to protect your PC from hackers. This program includes four interlocking security services: a firewall, an Application Control, an Internet Lock, and Zones. The firewall controls the door to your computer and allows only traffic that you understand and initiate.

The Application Control allows you to decide which applications can and cannot use the Internet. The Internet Lock blocks Internet traffic while your computer is unattended or while you are not using the Internet, and it can be activated automatically with your computer's screensaver or after a set period of inactivity. Zones monitor all activity on your computer and alert you when a new application attempts to access the Internet. This version includes protection from emailborne worms.

System Requirements: Windows 95/98/NT/2000/Me.

Version: 2.1.44
Download: ZONEALRM.EXE
File Size: 1.7MB
 Licence: Free for personal and non-profit use.
Homepage:http://www.zonelabs.com/

ImPress

If you missed it last month on the CD then now's your chance to grab this great Linux DTP application, as reviewed in this issue.

ImPress is a WYSIWYG layout program designed especially for Linux. It allows you to create presentations and Postscript documents using fully scalable graphics similar to programs like Macromedia Freehand, Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator and Visio. It is different from raster graphic packages like gimp, Adobe PhotoShop and Jasc's PaintShop Pro in that it deals with graphical objects which can be manipulated on a canvas rather than just layers of paint.

New features in 1.1b4:-

  • HTML Documentation!
    • Easy navigation
  • Improved Text Handling!
    • Dynamic font lists
    • Simpler Dialog
  • Compatability Mode!
    • Output in a Tcl/Tk version independent format
  • Raster Images!
    • Gif, PNM, Others

NB: With Beta 2 ImPress has switched to a distribution style that is generally accepted by most Linux distributions. The primary goal is to get ImPress into the popular Linux distributions.

Version: 1.1b4
Download: IMPRESS.GZ
 File Size: 2.2MB
 Licence: Shareware
Homepage:http://www.ntlug.org/~ccox/impress/
 


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