Category: Software

  • Best CRM for Solar Companies [2023 Reviewed]

    You may need a CRM for solar to manage solar installation processes, grow your business, and drive productivity. It can help you to manage interactions with both prospects and customers effectively. 

    Choosing the right solar CRM system can make all the difference in building strong relationships with customers, enhancing drip campaigns, increasing sales, and growing your business. 

    Best CRM For Solar

    However, it can be challenging to find the most suitable CRM for you considering the wide range of available options. To help you cut the pile you have to siphon, we’ve chosen five CRM for solar we think might be resourceful to you.

    Here they are:  

        Best For Top Features
    1.  SetShape Optimizing the various steps in the service delivery process Contract/license management
    Cash flow analysis
    Interaction tracking
    2.  Insightly    Building and converting sales pipeline. Assignment management
    Appointment scheduling
    Activity tracking
    3.  Solar Graph POS, customer, and inventory management Electronic signature
    Inventory tracking
    Order management
    4.  Spotio lead capturing, resource tracking, and sales pipeline management Content management
    Contact management
    Contract/license management
    5.  Aurora Solar Solar design, sales, and delivery. Document storage
    Clash detection
    File import/Export

    1. SetShape – Best CRM for solar overall

    SetShape CRM for solar

    SetShape is an all-in-one cloud-based solution for streamlining solar operations, managing contacts, and driving sales. It helps users capture leads from online sources, automate and manage Internet marketing and promotions, nurture prospects, organize pipelines, and accept payments. 

    SetShape ensures helps you keep everyone in your team up to date on the latest information by syncing calendars, emails, and to-do lists. Assignment tools and role permissions help users to promote accountability and protect customers’ sensitive data. 

    Email automation and SMS messaging tools work with an integrated dialer to assist users to manage their marketing promotions, such as drip campaigns, newsletters, and lead outreach. 

    Pros 

    • Its automated tools allow you to capture leads and send follow-up emails
    • The CRM solution’s pre-built library of document templates permits you to send contracts, forms, invoices, and proposals to clients fast
    • It integrates with other productivity tools, such as MailChimp, Zapier, Twilio, MS Office, and G Suite
    • Allows you to manage promotions and marketing effectively with automated emails and SMS  
    • Data from its reporting features will help you make smart marketing and decision

    Cons

    • eSignature doesn’t work properly
    • It will be great if some of the extra charges are included in the package

    Get started with SetShape

    2. Insightly – Great tool for workflow automation and sales streamlining

    Insightly CRM for solar

    Insightly is a modern and cost-effective CRM for enhancing collaboration, productivity, and remote working. It helps solar companies to streamline sales pipelines, build customer relationships, and improve productivity.

    It’s straightforward, easy to customize, and scalable as businesses can upgrade to add more features as they grow. Users can add companion products for marketing automation and customer service.  

    Insightly is also great for managing fast-moving consumer products. It helps to keep your marketing, sales, and project management tasks aligned.

    It can streamline processes and automate complex workflows, minimizing project timelines and enabling smooth handoffs between departments. 

    Pros

    • It empowers solar brands to deliver services efficiently and close deals faster
    • Enables solar brands to capture the right data about any interaction
    • It allows solar businesses to actively manage every step of the customer journey
    • Excellent integration with third-party apps
    • Forever free plan for two users

    Cons

    • No phone support
    • Workflow automation only on high-tier plans

    Try Insightly CRM for Free 

    3. Solargraf – Excellent tool for managing proposals

    Salargraf CRM for solar

    Solargraf is a CRM solution designed for solar installers, sales teams, lenders, and manufacturers. It helps manage proposals from any device.

    Its common features include custom financing, shading analysis, proposal creation, e-signature, and project workflow.

    This CRM solution allows users to design solar panel systems for roofs and build proposals using HD overhead imagery. With the Solargraf shade analysis feature, users will be able to edit the proposed location of solar panels to suit the premises’ light availability.

    Solargraf permits its users to perform proposal negotiations with clients. This means that proposals can be denied, approved, signed, and edited in the CRM solution in real-time. 

    Pros

    • Offers excellent sales proposals for presentation to clients
    • Features easy to design tool
    • The flow of data from loan options to project timeline is amazing
    • You can easily train your employees on how to use it
    • It’s cost-effective

    Cons

    • Few glitches when there’s a new update
    • Customer support needs to improve

    Book a Solargraf demo

    4. Spotio – Great tool for organizing leads and tasks

    Spotio CRM for solar

    Spotio is designed for businesses across many industries, including solar, home development, and real estate. It helps solar companies to organize leads and build daily task sequences on a centralized system.

    Its sales prospecting modulus allows team members to generate leads, filter prospects, schedule appointments, and track lead status.

    Spotio also provides a sales territory mapping tool, which permits admins to optimize sales routes, configure role-based permission rights, and manage prospects based on specific territories.

    Pros

    • It is effective in keeping solar brands organized
    • The tool provides real-time information
    • It’s easy to use and cost-effective
    • Its customer support is friendly and remarkable
    • Uses SSL encryption technology to protect users’ data

    Cons

    • Few bugs
    • It takes some time to get used to new updates

    Get a Spotio demo

    5. Aurora Solar – Great for streamlining sales, delivery, and design

    Aurora Solar CRM for solar

    Aurora is a CRM built for solar design, sales, and delivery. It makes creating designs and modeling installation easy. 

    With Aurora Solar CRM you can carry out comprehensive shading analysis and receive shade measurements directly in the platform. You can also drag-and-drop components to develop system designs, and automatically generate single-line diagrams.

    In addition, its automated financial reports enable users to quickly figure out the viability of a project and easily model several of the well-known financial structures.

    Pros

    •  Its drawing feature allows you to draw a PV layout without physically analyzing the roof measurements
    • Aurora’s irradiance feature helps identify which panels on the PV layout are producing less energy
    • It helps highlight the height of trees or any obstruction to sunlight
    • Provides up-to-date imagery which makes designing very effective

    Cons

    • It requires high system configuration
    • Utility rate schedules need some work

    Schedule an Aurora Solar demo

    Bottom Line

    When choosing the best CRM for solar, we consider factors such as ease of use, features, customer support, and pricing.

    By selecting any of the solar CRM solutions reviewed in this article, you’re guaranteed an excellent experience and good value for your money and time. They can help streamline your solar business’s sales and operations, so you stay ahead of the competition.

  • File Transfer App for PC: 10 Best We Tested [2023 List]

    Looking for an easy way to transfer data from your old computer to a new one? You can move them with a file transfer app and start using your PC immediately. 

    Most operating systems don’t offer a way to transfer files to your new laptop. Copying files through hard drives and data cables might seem tedious if you have huge file packages. 

    We tested and compiled a list of the 10 best file transfer apps for pc. Read the article below to uncover their features and usability and decide the best one.

    Best File Sharing Apps for PC

    The best file transfer apps for PC can help you send crucial documents, photos, videos, and more. However, finding the best app can take time and effort. 

    Here’s the list of top file-sharing apps for PC

        ? Best For ? Top Features
    1.  AirDroid  Send files across different devices fast Supports wireless transfer for music, documents, videos, and APK files. Ideal for remote-based activities such as monitoring and AFK assistance. It’s a web application allowing you to access your files anywhere.
    2.  SHAREit Transfer data wirelessly between two or more devices Supports wireless data transfer In-built media player Free online music, music, and wallpaper feeds 
    3.  Pushbullets Connect your devices, making them feel like one Excellent customer care and support. Track all the notifications on your PC Allows you to share links across multiple platforms.
    4.  Resilio sync Synchronize all your data across devices It has selective sync technology that enables you to save storage. Premium customer support. Complete control over bandwidth usage.
    5. Send Anywhere Share files across your devices Great backup for files, including photos, documents, and videos. It is secure as it generates a one-time QR code. It has sign-in device management and folder management features.
    6.  SuperBeam 5 Share files securely at high speeds Allows you to share files from your computer using a secret QR code or link. Allows seamless transition and syncing between PC and other devices. It’s a web platform allowing you to transfer files even if some devices do not use SuperBeam.
    7. Xender Access files on your mobile devices Allow wireless connection between PC and smartphones Enable sharing of pictures, large videos, folders, and apps. Its user interface is dynamic, making it flexible to use.
    8. Zapya Ideal file-sharing app for offline usage Allows you to share files of various types, including music, photos, and videos. It has a perfect display for received and sent files in a unique window supported by text correspondence. It allows you to share large and multiple files at a time.
    9. WeTransfer Upload files and share download links or email the link It contains a modern user interface with essential tools to get everything at first glance. Its free version doesn’t restrict file transfer and can complete an email transfer with 10 people. Allows you to resend, forward, or delete file transfers.
    10. Feem Share files with devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network It’s the ideal local file transfer app due to its performance. It works like Bluetooth technology which can be convenient at times. Its modern user interface represents all valuable tools on the main window.

    1. AirDroid – Best File Sharing Apps for PC

    file transfer

    AirDroid is a reliable tool for sending files across different devices fast. It supports Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS. The app’s design enhances user experience, meaning anyone can easily use it. 

    AirDroid can establish a remote connection and synchronize files between your PCs. You can also project your PC screen onto bigger monitors. 

    Pros:

    • Transfer files between your devices easily
    • Send different file formats like photos, videos, documents, and music 
    • Access your Android device from your PC remotely 
    • Use wireless transfer to send files between your PC and Android device
    • Use AirDroid on any PC, regardless of the operating system.

    Cons:

    • You must upgrade to the premium version to unlock all the features.
    • Some users raised security concerns regarding the app

    You can use AirDroid for free or upgrade to the premium version to enjoy all the features. The monthly package costs $3.99 per month, while the annual plan costs $2.5 per month.

    Download AirDroid 

    2. SHAREit – Best for transferring data wirelessly between two or more devices

    file transfer app

    SHAREit is an ideal file-sharing app for PC that allows you to transfer data wirelessly between two or more devices. Using the app, you can share photos, videos, documents, and other large files.

    The app operates on Wi-Fi direct technology, making the transfer process fast. You can use it on a local Wi-Fi network without an internet connection. 

    To start the transfer process, you’ll scan a QR or use a one-time generated link to connect your PCs via the SHAREit app before you share data. You can use it on different devices, including windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. 

    Pros:

    1. Transfer files at high speeds
    2. Share files between different devices with different operating systems.
    3. It does not require an internet connection 
    4. It’s simple and easy to use 
    5. Supports many file types 

    Cons:

    1. It takes up significant storage space 
    2. It can only connect devices with the SHAREit app installed.

    SHAREit is free to use. You can share files with unlimited speeds or seed files online for your friends to access. 

    Download SHAREit

    3. Pushbullet – Great for connecting your devices, making them feel like one

    file transfer software

    Pushbullet is an ideal file-sharing software that connects your devices, making them feel like one. It makes file transfer easy, and its cross-platform compatibility makes the app usable for many users.

    It doesn’t require creating an account, but you can use your google or Facebook account. The app’s top features include text message sending, sending links, sharing files, and receiving notifications via your computer. 

    Pros:

    1. It’s compatible with multiple platforms 
    2. It has a simple and easy-to-use interface 
    3. It can transfer files quickly between devices
    4. It allows users to copy and paste text between devices
    5. Pushbullet can mirror notifications from a user’s phone

    Cons:

    1. The free version of Pushbullet has limited features
    2. It requires access to a user’s personal data and information

    Pushbullet is free to use, and you can install it on your browser, computer, or Android phone. 

    Download Pushbullet

    4. Resilio sync – Best for synchronizing all your data across devices

    sync data

    Resilio is a peer-to-peer file synchronization app that allows you to synchronize all your data across devices. It utilizes the cloud to provide support for file transfer for PC.

    You can transform your computer or laptop into a cloud server which allows you to sync the files you wish to transfer. You can integrate it with your work processes to increase productivity and sustainable development.

    It is fast and reliable in terms of performance and has a wide range of pricing plans for individuals or small businesses.

    Pros:

    1. Transfer files quickly between devices
    2. Use a peer-to-peer network to sync files between devices
    3. Sync files between devices with different operating systems 
    4. Control the files to sync and devices that can sync 
    5. Pay a one-time purchase to use the app forever

    Cons:

    1. It requires access to a user’s personal data and information 
    2. It can be difficult to set up

    You must upgrade to use the premium features. Sync Home costs $59.9 per month, Sync Family costs $99.9 per month, and Sync Business costs $35.

    Download Resilio Sync

    5. Send Anywhere – Great for sharing files across your devices

    send and receive files

    Send anywhere is a cloud-based file transfer app for PC that allows you to share files across your devices. It’s easy and quick to set up and supports unlimited file sharing.

    The app doesn’t require an account or signing up to send files. You’ll quickly share files without entering security keys if you transfer between devices signed in with the same account.

    When you upload a file, the software will generate a link or through a 6-digit numeric key. The link allows you to download the data efficiently. The app has a great user experience and features.  

    Pros:

    1. Transfer files quickly between devices
    2. Share files between different devices with different operating systems.
    3. It does not require users to create an account 
    4. It has a simple and easy-to-use interface 
    5. It uses end-to-end encryption to secure file transfers

    Cons:

    1. It’s only good for file transfer 
    2. It displays annoying in-app ads 

    Send Anywhere is free to use and accessible via the web browser. It’s also compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.

    Download Send Anywhere

    6. SuperBeam 5 – Superb for sharing files securely at high speeds

    file transfer for pc

    SuperBeam is an easy-to-use file-sharing app for PC. It uses WiFi direct technology to share files securely at high speeds. The software eliminates the need to use cables to transfer files.

    You receive files from your PC by scanning a QR code or manually entering a sharing key. The app is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it convenient for most users.

    You can share unlimited files if the receiving PC has enough space. The received files will be stored by default in your PC’s internal storage under the SuperBeam directory.

    Pros:

    1. Ideal for users who want to share large files quickly 
    2. Easy to use for users of all levels of technical proficiency 
    3. Supports multiple platforms
    4. It does not require an account to use
    5. Users can share multiple files at once 

    Cons:

    1. It does not offer many customization options
    2. It does not offer any cloud storage options

    You can use SuperBeam 5 for free or upgrade to the premium version. The Pro version costs a one-time fee of $1.99.  

    Download SuperBeam 5

    7. Xender – Great for accessing files on your mobile devices

    transferring files

    Xender is popular due to its high speed, ease of use, and convenience. It works with PCs and other supporting devices like iOS and Android. The app uses wireless connections and requires no charges from the users.

    Xender allows you to transfer files, including videos, photos, apps, and other applications. You can access your files on PC using Connect PC or an android emulator. You can also use the app to access files on your mobile devices. 

    Pros:

    1. It has a simple and easy-to-use interface
    2. It supports multiple platforms
    3. Users can share files anonymously and securely.
    4. Users to share multiple files at once

    Cons:

    1. The free version of Xender displays ads
    2. It may be affected by Wi-Fi signal strength

    Xender is free, but you’ll often get Ads on your phone while using the app. 

    Download Xender

    8. Zapya – Amazing tool for file-sharing while offline

    transferred files

    Zapya offers a seamless connection between PCs for sharing files. You can quickly transfer videos, photos, and applications with one click. The app supports cross-platform file transfer like Android, iOS, PC, Windows, and Web pages.

    The app uses a near-field communication protocol that doesn’t require Wi-Fi or mobile data, making it an ideal file-sharing app for pc offline. Thanks to its features, you can transfer videos, photos, and other files without compromising the quality of the files.

    Pros:

    1. Transfer files quickly between devices quickly
    2. Accessible to users of all levels of technical proficiency.
    3. It supports multiple platforms
    4. It does not require users to create an account 
    5. Users to share multiple files simultaneously

    Cons:

    1. Ads in the free version
    2. It does not offer any cloud storage options

    Zapya Transfer is free to use, allowing you to upload and receive files via the web. 

    Download Zapya

    9. WeTransfer – Great for uploading files and sharing download links

    WeTransfer is a good example of a cloud-based file transfer app. It is cost-effective and accessible through an internet connection.

    It’s ideal if you want to avoid going through the struggles of downloading and installing software. You’ll upload files and share download links or email the link to the recipient’s PC.

    Pros:

    1. Users can transfer up to 2GB in size for free
    2. It has a simple and intuitive interface
    3. Users can share files anonymously and securely 
    4. It’s easy to share files between different devices 
    5. You can access and share files remotely

    Cons:

    1. It only allows users to transfer up to 2GB of data for free
    2. It has a limited amount of storage space for files

    You can use WeTransfer for free or upgrade to access premium features. WeTransfer Pro costs $10 or $19 per month when you pay annually. 

    Visit WeTransfer

    10. Feem – Great for sharing files with devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network

    share files

    Feem is a good app for transferring files between computers. It uses a Wi-Fi network, allowing you to share files with all devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

    You’ll need to download the app to start transferring files. It’s a fantastic file-sharing app for pc offline as it doesn’t require an internet connection. It uses a local network for sending and receiving files.

    Pros:

    1. No internet connection required
    2. It supports multiple platforms
    3. It has a simple and intuitive interface 
    4. It has fast transfer speeds 
    5. Users can share files anonymously 

    Cons:

    1. It doesn’t offer cloud-based storage for files
    2. The free version contains annoying ads

    Feem is free. However, the software is powered by ads, meaning you might experience frequent ads. 

    Download Feem

    What is the fastest file transfer app for PC?

    The fastest app will depend on your PC, but in general, some of the fastest apps include, AirDroid, Send Anywhere, SHAREit, and WeTransfer. 

    What is the best way to transfer files from one PC to another

    Web-based software is the best way to transfer files from one PC to another. It’s easy to sync your files between two computers. You can choose from various cloud storage providers like Dropbox, Google Drive, or One Drive.

    The file size limit is unlimited, and if the two PCs are syncing folders locally, one will download the files simultaneously as the other uploads them.

    How can I transfer files directly from PC to PC?

    You can transfer files using One Drive and a transfer cable from one PC to another. 

    One Drive is an easy way to back up and transfer your data. It is built right into windows, and Microsoft gives you free 5GB of storage. You can subscribe for more space by paying a reasonable amount.

    A cable is a cheaper option to directly transfer files from pc to pc. Once you connect your PCs with the wires, your included software will transfer your files and folders. However, transfer cables do not create a backup of your files.

    What is the fastest file transfer software for windows 10?

    AirDroid is the fastest file transfer software for windows 10. Once you install it, you can drag and drop it to your desktop and start using it. It allows you to pause, resume or cancel the file transfer process.

    Can I wirelessly transfer files from PC to PC?

    Yes. It’s possible to transfer files from PC to PC wirelessly. Two popular methods of sharing files wirelessly are using the cloud and Wi-Fi. 

    You can wirelessly transfer files from PC to PC using any cloud storage like Dropbox, One Drive, and Google Drive. You can also use the above tools to share files via Wi-Fi direct. Sharing over LAN or Wi-Fi is among the best ways to transfer files from PC to PC. 

    Conclusion

    You may need to transfer files frequently if you work with multiple PCs. Sharing data is a critical process that requires a reliable app to guarantee effectiveness.

    Remember that there are numerous alternatives available if you wish to transfer data from a computer to an Android device.

    After all, you don’t want to lose your essential files when sharing your files. But by now, you can easily pick the best file transfer app for pc from the above ten options.

  • Secure File Sharing for Business: 7 Most Secure Services

    File Sharing for businesses is extremely easy due to different internet tools. But with more and more internet usage, there are higher chances of threats too.

    Cybercriminals are waiting to steal all your data when you fail to share your files securely. Security breaches and data loss are extremely common in today’s world. This is where secure file sharing for business becomes a need for the hour.

    If your business is not using a secure channel or service for file sharing, then your business data is at a huge risk.

    To come to aid, we have listed the best secure file-sharing services for businesses to safeguard sensitive information.

    Best Secure File Sharing Service for Business

    Software Best for Top Features
    Box Business Large enterprises that have to manage huge data systems Preview files before downloading
    Easy migration due to integrations
    Dropbox Business Small and medium-sized businesses that don’t require advanced features Easy third-party collaboration with no account requirements
    Flexible monthly pricing plans
    Google Workspace Drive Small organizations and individual users who don’t want to worry about local storage Easy access control for every file and folder
    Plenty of productivity tools
    OneDrive for Business Businesses that use Windows systems only Excellent support with Microsoft Office 365 bundle
    Easy to create and share folders across organizations
    WeTransfer One-time file transfers Extremely fast transfers with no account required
    Only require the recipient’s email address for file sharing
    Citrix ShareFile Encryption during transit and storage Email plugin allows you to easily share large files
    Real-time collaboration availability
    Egnyte Sharing confidential data with multiple file sharing options Extra backup copy of every file transfer is saved
    Robust mobile access

    1.    Box Business – Best Secure File Sharing for Business Overall

    Box Secure File Sharing for Business
    • Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
    • Pricing: Freemium
    • Company: Box, Inc.

    Box was among the earliest cloud-based file storage to gain immense popularity on the internet. Box is focused more on helping large businesses and enterprises.

    This tool is useful for enterprise collaboration and cloud content management with the help of various integrations with services like G-suite.

    There’s no limit to the number of files you can share in your business organization, and it also allows your team to collaborate. To view any file like PDF, Word, or Excel, you don’t have to download them.

    You can start with the free plan that offers 10GB of storage, 250MB of file upload limit, and sharing capabilities with limited permissions. You can try out the 14-day free trial with any plan for Box Business.

    Pros

    • Advanced security controls
    • Intelligent threat detection
    • Integration with cloud productivity suites
    • Meets every compliance requirement
    • Preview any file before downloading
    • Built-in task manager app

    Cons

    • Searchability feature is absent
    • Mobile app offers limited editing features

    Visit

    2.    Dropbox Business – Excellent for Cloud File Sharing for Business

    Dropbox Business File Sharing
    • Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
    • Pricing: Freemium
    • Company: Dropbox, Inc.

    Dropbox Business is another secure cloud storage useful for file-sharing and collaborations. Accessing Dropbox files is easy from your computer, phone, or tablet. There is perfect sync capability among all the devices.

    Dropbox Business is extremely useful for organizations and teams to store and access files. Admin permission controls also make it easy to manage data access. The main aim of Dropbox is to improve the team’s productivity and collaboration with its integrations and features.

    Dropbox provides a Basic plan for individuals to offer 2GB of storage. You can also try out the business plans for a free 30-day trial.

    Pros

    • Integrations with Gmail, Salesforce, Slack, and some other tools
    • Automatically sync files across devices
    • Supports file sharing even with people who don’t have an account
    • Chat feature for live collaboration

    Cons

    • Only 2GB of free storage
    • Unexpected syncs can slow down machines

    Visit

    3.    Google Workspace Drive – Great choice for Secure File Sharing with clients

    Google Workspace Drive Corporate File Sharing
    • Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
    • Pricing: Freemium
    • Company: Google

    Google Drive, Google Photos, and Gmail are all a part of Google Workspace. Google Drive’s UI is completely similar to File Explorer on a PC. Google Drive was one of the 1st companies to come up with document collaboration with the help of its browser-based suite of tools.

    File sharing is very easy with Google Drive due to access controls on every folder for different levels. You can easily set up a folder for a team and grant equal access or view-only access.

    Google offers free storage of 15GB to every individual user that is shared between the entire Google Workspace. Google Drive also allows an auto-syncing feature for some of your folders from the system.

    Pros

    • Encryption-enforced security
    • Auto backup of photos and videos through the mobile app
    • Integration with office suites

    Cons

    • No password protection for shared files

    Visit

    4.    OneDrive for Business – Best Platform for Encrypted File Sharing for Business

    OneDrive for Business File Sharing
    • Operating System: Windows and Android
    • Pricing: Freemium
    • Company: Microsoft

    OneDrive for Business is another cloud-based file storage solution by Microsoft. It provides file sharing, storing, and collaboration opportunities. On top of that, you also get access to the cloud-based Microsoft 365 bundle, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and more.

    OneDrive provides trusted and secure file sharing for businesses as it encrypts the files with SSL. A simple link sent through email or message allows the recipients to access all the files you wish to share with them.

    The best feature is that you can even set an expiration date on the file links so those files can’t be accessed after that period.

    OneDrive provides 5GB of free storage to begin with.

    Pros

    • Ransomware detection and recovery
    • Expiring and password-protected sharing links
    • Restore files up to 30 days
    • Excellent permission settings

    Cons

    • No compatibility with mac OS
    • Slow upload and download speeds

    Visit

    5.    WeTransfer – Amazing choice for Corporate File Sharing

    WeTransfer Business File Sharing
    • Operating System: Windows, Mac, and Android
    • Pricing: Freemium
    • Company: WeTransfer

    If you want to go for convenience, then WeTransfer is your best bet for sending files. You simply have to visit the platform, enter your’s and the recipient’s email address, put up a message, and send the file.

    WeTransfer Pro also provides a drag-and-drop feature for 20GB worth of files along with 1TB of storage space. Access controls allow you to protect all your business file transfers with passwords.

    WeTransfer is available for free to transfer files to 3 people at the most. After that, you must purchase WeTransfer Pro to get email transfers to up to 50 people.

    Pros

    • Convenient for one-time file sharing
    • Easy-to-use interface
    • No account required

    Cons

    • Limited to sharing 2GB files per transfer

    Visit

    6.    Citrix ShareFile – Effective Tool for Confidentially Sharing Business Files

    Citrix ShareFile Corporate File Sharing
    • Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
    • Pricing: Freemium
    • Company: Citrix

    Secure file sharing for business data is easily accomplished with Citrix ShareFile. You can store documents and files in cloud storage and send them easily through the email plugin.

    As the files are encrypted while sending, no one else can access the files or read them. No need to worry about phishing attacks, data thefts, or credential thefts during file sharing.

    Citrix ShareFile allows you to edit projects while offline and sync all the changes when you reconnect. It also provides the feature of real-time collaboration with your team members so that you can co-edit the same document.

    You can begin with the 30-day free trial of Citrix ShareFile before going with the business plans.

    Pros

    • Email plugin makes it easy to send large files
    • Files are encrypted during transit and storage
    • Robust security system

    Cons

    • Managing files at scale can become tricky

    Visit

    7.    Egnyte – All-in-one tool for Secure File Sharing for Business

    Egnyte Secure File Sharing for Business
    • Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
    • Pricing: Freemium
    • Company: Egnyte, Inc.

    If your business wants complete control over every file that’s shared in the organization or with other organizations, then Egnyte is the perfect tool for you.

    Egnyte has plenty of advanced features to make file sharing easier and provide access restrictions too. However, you can even use its API to integrate the platform with other services.

    There are options available for shareable links and file sharing with passwords and expiry dates. You can even add link download limits and permission levels for certain folders for enhanced confidentiality.

    Pros

    • Perfect for enterprise environments
    • Option for download limits and link expiry
    • Highest encryption standards

    Cons

    • A bit difficult to understand.

    Visit

    What is the best way for a small business to share files?

    Secure file sharing with clients is possible through different cloud-based storage available online. You can try out any cloud storage from the ones mentioned above to share, sync, store, and collaborate. The best part is you also get free storage up to some extent to understand the tool with ease.

    Is Dropbox secure enough for business?

    Dropbox is a highly secure method for corporate file sharing due to its Advanced Encryption Standard. Dropbox uses AES 256-bit key that banks utilize. You can create individual accounts on Dropbox and share files through links. Even if outsiders view the file through your link, everything is logged in the system. This limits outsiders from copying or editing any files and makes the platform secure for business file sharing.

    How do you securely share files outside an organization?

    Plenty of online tools and platforms can help you securely share files outside an organization. You can use platforms like Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, etc., to share files and manage access to every file with the help of different permission levels. Also, tools like Egnyte and Citrix ShareFile provide link download limits or link expiry dates for security enhancement. You can even try out different File Hosting Sites that provides a direct download link for the uploaded files.

    Is cloud storage safe for business?

    Cloud storage is an extremely safe option for businesses to store or share files. No matter how confidential the files are, you can expect complete corporate file sharing and storage encryption. As the servers of these cloud storage are located in warehouses, there’s no chance for people to access them. Also, the files stored on the cloud storage are encrypted to prevent intruders from peeking into the files.

    Most secure file sharing service for business – Box Business

    Box Business is an excellent and secure file sharing option to choose from among this list. There’s no real limit to the number of files you are allowed to share with your team or employees in the organization. The intelligent threat control system and advanced security controls are like the icing on the cake for your usage of Box Business. Moreover, you can even take advantage of the built-in task manager app for enhanced productivity.

    Final Thoughts

    After reading the entire article, it might have become easy for you to choose one secure file sharing option for your business. Based on the options provided above, you can try out the ones you feel are perfect for your business needs.

    Every file sharing option mentioned above has its own pros and cons. With the availability of multiple plans for every platform, it will become pretty easy for you to make the right choice for your business. Make encrypted file sharing for business become an easy task with the help of the best secure file sharing services.

  • Bulk Image Converter: Best Online Tools & Software in 2023

    You may want a bulk image converter to transform images, graphics, and photos from one format to another to make them compatible with your devices, programs, platforms, or storage devices. Common image formats include TIF, BMP, PNG, XBM, JPG, WBMP, and many more.

    Using a bulk image converter, you can add a watermark to photos, change the image sizes, flip them, and change their color depth. You can also edit image properties, customize tags, and rebrand the files. 

    You can use typical online and offline image converters when dealing with one or two images. However, if you want to convert bulk images, you’ll need a reliable batch image converter.  

    Best Batch Image Converters

    There’s a huge collection of image file format converters to choose from, but which are the most reliable? We tested different tools online and noted the best free image converter software and their pros and cons. 

    In the article below, you’ll find the best tools to convert different file formats, whether WebP or JPG. We’ve shortlisted the top 5 to help you choose faster. 

    ? Best For Top Features
    1. Wondershare UniConverter Video conversion and multimedia task Convert videos to a wide range of formats
    Burn DVDs and CDs from a variety of sources
    Trim, crop, add watermarks, subtitles, and other effects to your videos.
    2. XnConvert Convert, resize, and edit your images Convert your images to and from a wide range of formats
    Resize your images while maintaining the aspect ratio
    Add text or image watermarks to your images
    3. BatchPhoto Batch editing and converting of photos Editing tools, such as resizing, cropping, rotating, and flipping your images
    Filters and effects that you can apply to your images
    Add text or image watermarks to your images
    4. RedKetchup Resizing multiple images simultaniously Resize multiple images at once, saving you time and effort
    Customizing your image resizing, such as adding padding
    Automate the resizing process by creating presets for your image resizing
    5. AnyWebP Converting images to the WebP format Convert your images to and from a wide range of formats
    Converting images to the WebP format
    Customize your image conversion

    1. Wondershare UniConverter – The Best for Converting Images Without Quality Loss

    bulk image converter online free
    • Operating system: Windows, Mac, and Linux. 
    • Developers: Wondershare

    Wondershare UniConverter is our top choice for the best desktop app for converting bulk image files. It’s free and simple to use.

    The software can convert images to jpg, BMP, TIFF, and PNG without compromising quality. Using the software, you can crop, add effects, remove/add watermarks, and resize images. If you need to convert audio or video without an internet connection, Wondershare UniConverter can help.

    To convert bulk images, follow these simple steps:

    • Download, install, and launch Wondershare Image Converter on your machine
    • Select Image Converter from the program’s tool menu.
    • Click the + symbol in the interface’s center or the Add Files button to upload multiple pictures simultaneously.
    • Edit images (if needed).
    • Click on the corresponding symbol below the image thumbnail to crop, apply effects, or add a watermark. You can adjust individual file sizes with these symbols.
    • Click on the Convert All Images tab in the upper right area.
    • Choose the format and size of the final output.
    • Alter the size of all added files by using the settings icon.
    • Click the Convert button in the tool’s lower-right corner to convert multiple images simultaneously
    • Select a folder on your desktop to store the output files in the File Location tab.

    Wondershare Converter comes with three pricing tiers, including a quarterly Plan of $29.99/Quarter, an annual Plan is $39.99, and a perpetual plan of $55.99 to be paid once only.

    Download Wondershare UniConverter 

     The Pros

    • The software produces high-quality outputs.
    • The user UI is straightforward enough for beginners to use.
    • Converting pictures is quick and easy.
    • Cropping, effects, and watermarking can all be applied to the added images in this batch picture converter.
    • It is possible to adjust the file size and make all pictures the same resolution.
    • An intelligent cutter is a great tool for automatically splicing and cutting videos.

     The Cons

    • Unreliable customer support.
    • The free edition has some restrictions.

    2. XnConvert – Best Batch Image Converter for Windows

    bulk image converter download
    • Operating system: Windows, Mac, and Linux. 
    • Developers: XnSoft 

    XnConvert is a free cross-platform batch picture converter. You can use it to edit your images, quickly resizing, compressing, and converting them to different formats. You can also employ more than 80 actions on your images, including cropping, color alterations, and filtering.

    It supports bulk image conversion to png and graphic formats such as TIFF, JPG, camera RAW, GIF, and JPEG2000. You can save and reapply your templates for a subsequent batch picture conversion.

    XnConvert has more than 20 different translations, so most people across the globe can use it. It provides robust features in a user-friendly interface with efficient drag-and-drop tools. XnConvert supports up to 70 file formats and is compatible with over 500 file types. 

     Pros

    • XnConvert provides support for numerous formats 
    • It is very straightforward to use
    • It has a good collection of tools, filters, and repercussions
    • It enables more than 80 actions for automated editing
    • It provides cross-platform compatibility 

     Cons

    • The preview area is inadequate
    • Customer support may take time to respond

    You can use the free version of XnConvert, but if you want to upgrade, contact customer support for more pricing information.

    Download XnConvert

    3. BatchPhoto – Best for Organizing Repetitive Tasks

    bulk image converter to jpg
    • Operating system: Windows, Mac, and Linux. 
    • Developers: Bits&Coffee™

    BatchPhoto is an essential tool for editing, converting, and processing photos simultaneously. You can use it to apply regular and predictable actions on a large selection of pictures. 

    For example, if you have a folder with 100 photos and need to resize and convert them to a specific file format, you can apply these changes to all photos simultaneously. 

    Since 2005, BatchPhoto has systematized repetitive image-processing tasks. You can edit countless pictures simultaneously, and it promotes multi-core CPUs. 

    The software supports over 170 image formats, including jpg, TIF, and PNG. You can change photos in folders containing new or updated photos.

    Follow these steps to convert bulk images using BatchPhoto:

    1. Download, install, and open BatchPhoto on your computer.
    2. Click Add Photos on the software to select the images to convert.
    3. Select multiple images at once or choose an entire folder.
    4. Move to the Edit Photos screen by clicking next.
    5. Click Add Filter and select Format Conversion from the dropdown menu.
    6. Choose the format you want to convert your images to.
    7. Resize your images by selecting Resize and entering the desired dimensions.
    8. Once you have set your conversion options, click Next to move to the Set Output screen.
    9. Choose the folder where you want to save your converted images.
    10. Click Process to start the conversion process.

     Pros

    • BatchPhoto has multi-core CPU capability, allowing you to edit thousands of photos instantly
    • Its design allows for the easy and effective operation
    • It lets you apply pre-defined filters to the pictures while selecting quality
    • There is a file preview accessible
    • It enables you to add graphic effects like sepia, charcoal, and oil paint to photos in bulk.

    Cons

    • There is little support for input formats
    • Being an online utility, it requires a stable internet connection

    Attempt BatchPhoto for free right now, or buy immediately and save up to $20. It is priced at $29.95 for BatchPhoto Home, $49.95 for BatchPhoto Pro, and $129.95 for BatchPhoto Enterprise.

    Download BatchPhoto

    4. RedKetchup – Best Bulk Image Resizer

    bulk image converter to png
    • Operating system: Windows, Mac, and Linux. 
    • Developers: RedKetchup.io

    RedKetchup is a free online image processing tool that lets you easily adjust, edit, or compress bulk images. Its functionality depends on your browser’s capability since images are processed using JavaScript.

    To convert your files, you must upload them to the website and choose the desired output size. You might need to keep the browser tab open and active to ensure a smooth and quick process.

    Set the color depth selection to 8-bit to compress PNG or BMP files and ensure consistent image quality. You can also choose settings from a predetermined project or customize every setting in the configure batch tab.

    Here’s the procedure you can follow while using RedKetchup:

    1. Choose the photographs you wish to resize, edit, or compress
    2. Drag and drop the picture files or directories
    3. Choose a zip file that contains the photos
    4. Copy an image to the clipboard.

    The maximum storage is determined by how much system memory is available, and each copy is analyzed separately. However, downloading all of the photographs in a zip file may require three or four times as much storage capacity.

    Pros

    • It supports most image formats
    • Size, backdrop, color intensity, and sharpness can all be customized
    • There is a choice to configure conversion settings for a preset activity

    Cons

    • It is internet-based and thus can’t function offline
    • The conversion speed is a bit slow and reliant on internet connectivity

    RedKetchup has a free version available for those willing to try it. Contact customer support to get a custom quote for the pricing.

    Download RedKetchup

    5. AnyWebP – Best Bulk Image Converter to WebP

    bulk image converter png to jpg
    • Operating system: Windows, Mac, and Linux. 
    • Developers: AnyWebP

    In 2010, Google unveiled the WebP format as a modern image format. WebP is an image encryption format like JPEG. However, WebP outperforms JPEG for the same picture quality in performance and encoding efficiency. You can reduce your website’s loading time and increase user experience considerably by using WebP.

    If you need to convert jpg, png, and gif photograph photos to WebP format, consider AnyWebP bulk image converter to WEBP. The tool’s UI is straightforward; users can select the file size and quality.

    The tool operates via the web interface and relies on server speeds to perform the conversion process. It enables you to swiftly and accurately convert photos to WebP files. 

    Pros 

    • You can add both Google Drive or local files
    • It provides the option of picking the file size and quality.
    • You can convert as many photos as you want.
    • It has an easy-to-use interface.

     Cons 

    • It only supports conversion to WebP format
    • It has a 30MB maximum size restriction per image.

    You can try the BulkImages to WebP Converter for free before investing in it. Contact customer support to get a custom quote regarding the software’s pricing.

    Download AnyWebP

    How can I convert bulk images?

    There are various image formats, depending on your requirements. We think Wondershare UniConverter Image Converter is the best tool to convert as many images as possible without losing the picture quality. Several programs for resizing images are also available; the key is to choose the one that best suits your demands.

    You can also try BatchPhoto or RedKetchup before choosing their paid versions, which have more capabilities. This way, you can determine the best software to convert bulk images and customize them to your liking.

    Consider the pricing for each, keeping in mind some require downloading tools to your computer while others operate via the web.

    The Verdict

    You can select a batch picture conversion tool using the selections above that best suit your needs. This will ensure you meet your business expectations or share images with your peers. 

    What do you think about the above list? Share your comments below, or tell us about other tools we should add to the list above. 

  • Safest Torrent Client: 10 Best We Tested in 2023

    Torrenting using the safest torrent client is the most preferred way to download large files such as software, movies, and books. Although legal, it exposes your IP address to everyone and increases the risk of getting malware, spyware, and viruses on your computer. 

    Torrenting copyrighted material is illegal, but copyright laws are complicated. If you don’t take proper precautions, you might expose your internet activities to copyright trolls and your ISP. You might get a warning letter for downloading stuff you didn’t know was copyrighted.  

    This article discusses the best ways to stay safe while torrenting files and reviews the safest torrent clients you can use to download large files. 

    What is the Safest Way to Torrent?

    Most digital-privacy-conscious torrent users rely on virtual private networks (VPNs) to hide their internet activities from Internet Service Providers and copyright trolls. Good VPN clients don’t keep a log of your internet activity and are fast enough that they don’t interrupt your downloads. 

    When choosing a VPN, look for one that isn’t based in a country where the government can demand customer records. We highly recommend using ExpressVPN to ensure private and secure internet access on any device. 

    ExpressVPN doesn’t keep your activity or connection logs, and you can set it up on any device, including PC, Mac, Android, or iOS. It operates on ultra-fast servers in 94 countries and offers a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee. 

    To secure your computer from malware and viruses from torrent files, we highly recommend installing an antivirus like ESET Antivirus. It’s available on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. 

    What are the Safest Torrent Clients? 

    The safest torrent clients have different safety features and tools, with some being safer than others. Knowing which torrent client to use to avoid malware, spyware, viruses, and snooping eyes can be overwhelming. 

    After rigorous research and testing, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 safest torrent clients we think meet the criteria to help you avoid unsafe ones. Read the comprehensive list of the top 10 torrent/P2P clients below. 

    Best for Top Features
    1. BitTorrent Downloading files sequentially Downloading torrents in bulk
    Assigning priorities to hasten downloads
    Managing torrents remotely
    2. uTorrent Downloading torrents on Android or tablet Virus and malware protection
    Can stream or play any file type
    Better file conversion capability
    3. qBittorrent Downloading without redistributing Polished user interface with no Ads
    RSS feed support with download filters
    Supports many extensions
    4. Deluge Protocol encryption for safer downloading Local peer discovery and exchange
    Highly customizable Plenty of plug-ins
    5. Vuze Downloading torrents on the go Control upload and download speeds
    Auto start on device restart
    Search and discover torrents 
    6. BitLord Finding the network’s maximum carrying capacity Search to find torrent files
    Play videos on file while downloading
    Connect with Chromecast
    7. Transmission Encrypting files and enhancing IP filtering Built-in server to control transmissions remotely
    Peer caching and blocklists for bad peers
    Bandwidth limits and support for IPV6 
    8. WebTorrent Prioritizing certain torrent files  Free, commercial, ad-free, and open source
    Stream videos on AirPlay, Chromecast, and DLNA
    Lightweight and fast
    9. BitPort.io Downloading 1 torrent every 24 hours Torrent via the cloud
    Support for Chromecast and Apple TV
    Google Drive capability
    10. BitComet Detecting server support for downloads to resume Long-term HTTP and DNS seeding
    Preview files while downloading
    Speed up downloads and revive dead torrents

    1. BitTorrent – Safest torrent client overall

    torrenting
    • Operating System: Windows 10, 11, 7,  Mac,  Android, iOS
    • Pricing: Free 
    • Developer: Bram Cohen and Rainberry, Inc 

    BitTorrent is a renowned and powerful free torrent client with over 2 billion users. It has many features and supports various operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. 

    BitTorrent is among the longest-running torrent clients that receive regular updates and support. The most useful features include built-in search functionality, encrypted connections, and magnet link support. 

    It comes with drag-and-drop features and a customizable interface. You also get malware protection, playback, and Wi-Fi-only support on Android to help you avoid using your data when on a limited data plan. 

    The biggest drawback of BitTorrent is that it includes Ads in the free version and comes with bundled software you rarely need. 

    Download BitTorrent

    2. uTorrent – Best for downloading torrents on Android or tablet

    utorrent
    • Operating System: Windows 10, 11, 7,  Mac, Linux, Android
    • Pricing: Free 
    • Developer: Rainberry, Inc 

    uTorrent is one of the most widely used torrent clients globally, with 125 million users. It’s lightweight and has a simple and organized interface, making it excellent for novice and advanced users. 

    UTorrent has a web version called uTorrent Web that runs entirely on your web browser, meaning it doesn’t consume many computer resources. The web version is also faster than uTorrent clients for Windows. 

    The software has various customization options, including scheduling and prioritizing files, setting bandwidths, verifying seeds, managing clients remotely, and finding torrents with built-in search engines. 

    Thanks to its built-in media player, you can install third-party plugins and stream torrents as they download. 

    Download uTorrent

    3. qBittorrent – Excellent choice if you want to Download without redistributing

    open-source torrent
    • Operating System: Windows 10, 11, 7,  Mac,  Linux, Android 
    • Pricing: Free 
    • Developer: Bram Cohen and Rainberry, Inc

    qBittorrent is a free and open-source torrent client to download torrents fast and easily. The platform doesn’t display Ads nor has bundled software that you don’t need. 

    qBittorrent is simple and easy to use with advanced features at your request. It’s most suitable for beginners and users with relatively weak hardware and performance computers. The fact that some users claim qBittorrent cuts off their internet connection must be considered.

    The features on qBittorrent include RSS feed support, sequential downloading, IP filtering, torrent creation, bandwidth scheduling, media playback, and UI lock. 

    It comes with tools to schedule computer resource limits while downloading and watching videos while they download. However, it lacks extensions for advanced users.

    Download qBittorrent

    4. Deluge – Great for protocol encryption for safer downloading

    torrent client
    • Operating System: Windows,  Mac,  OS X
    • Pricing: Free 
    • Developer: Deluge BitTorrent client Team

    Deluge is a great alternative for beginners looking for a simple, user-friendly, and powerful torrent client. It’s free and open-source, making it versatile. 

    The torrent client supports third-party plugins, allowing you to extend its capabilities to customize your experience. You can set bandwidth limits, download and upload speed limits, IP block rules, and download schedules. 

    The platform does not have Ads or bundled-up software with the main package. However, the tool has a steep learning curve, especially for people unfamiliar with torrent clients.

    Download Deluge

    5. Vuze – Excellent choice for downloading torrents on the go

    how to download torrents
    • Operating System: Windows,  Mac,  Android, iOS
    • Pricing: Free 
    • Developer: Azureus Software, Inc

    Vuze is perhaps the most feature-packaged and customizable torrent client on the internet. It’s not easy to master, but you might need it to add your features and capabilities if you’re an advanced torrent user. 

    You can also expand its functionality by installing third-party software plugins. Users can stream files as they download using the in-built video streaming player. 

    The torrent client has tools to adjust the download/upload speed limits, bandwidth limits, IP filtering, magnet link support, and more. You can also search for torrents in the in-built search engine. 

    Download Vuze

    6. BitLord – Good at finding the network’s maximum carrying capacity

    torrent app
    • Operating System: Windows, macOS, and Android
    • Pricing: Free 
    • Developer: House of Life

    BitLord is a useful torrent client with amazing features to help you download your desired files. You can use it to sort out torrents by names, download and upload speeds, dates, and estimated finish dates. 

    Bitlord prevents your computer from going to sleep when downloading or uploading files. By adjusting how many files to download at a time, you can increase the download speed and schedule files based on importance. 

    The user interface is clutter-free but seemingly old-fashioned. It allows users to create torrents and protect the app with a password to prevent someone from accessing their downloads. 

    You can use the application on mobile, Windows PC, and Macbook. However, it comes with bundled software, which you can’t use on Linux. 

    Download BitLord

    7. Transmission – Great for encrypting files and enhancing IP filtering

    torrents
    • Operating System: Unix-like, macOS, Microsoft Windows
    • Pricing: Free 
    • Developer: Mike Gelfand, Charles Kerr, Mitchell Livingston 

    Transmission is a simple yet powerful BitTorrent client with one of the lowest footprints of any torrent client. It’s easy to use and intuitive, designed to integrate nicely with your chosen computing environment. 

    The application is free and open-source, balancing usefulness and functionality without the bloat. You can use it on Mac, Windows, and Linux. 

    Key features of the program include support for encryption, download scheduling, faster download speeds, and remote management. It’s ideal for servers, embedded systems, and headless use.

    Download Transmission 

    8. WebTorrent – Great for prioritizing certain torrent files 

    download torrent
    • Operating System: Browser, Mac, Windows, and Linux.
    • Pricing: Free 
    • Developer: WebTorrent

    WebTorrent is a p2p streaming torrent client for the web browser and desktop. It’s written in Javascript for the web and uses WebRTC for peer-to-peer transport, making it lightweight and intuitive. 

    You don’t require browser plugins, extensions, or installations to use WebTorrent. You can host files or stream videos, music, and audiobooks from the depths of the internet. 

    WebTorrent developers also own Instant.io, a useful cloud torrent platform for sharing files with peers. There are also many sites like Wormhole, GitTorrent, File.pizza, PeerWeb, and more. 

    Download WebTorrent

    9. BitPort.io – Great for downloading 1 torrent every 24 hours

    torrent for pc
    • Operating System: Windows, PlayStation. Xbox,  Android
    • Pricing: Freemium
    • Developer: Cool Sheep Technologies s.r.o

    BitPort uses cloud storage to store your files and accelerate the download process. This adds a layer of security and saves your computer storage, allowing you to perform other activities as you download. 

    In addition to saving your computer storage, you never lose your files when your internet connection expires. You can access the files from the cloud and create folders to store your files in an organized manner. 

    You don’t need to download any software on your computer to use Bitport.io. However, you may need to sign up for their service. 

    BitPort.io can be useful if you don’t want to save files on your computer or want to access them from several devices. You can manage files from your smart TV, Android, PC, or iOS devices. 

    The platform is free, but you must upgrade to access advanced features. It charges $5 per month for the Basic package, $10 for the Standard package, and $15 for the Big package. 

    Download BitPort.io

    10. BitComet – Tool for detecting server support for downloads to resume

    fast torrent
    • Operating System: Windows, macOS, Android
    • Pricing: Free 
    • Developer: BitComet Development Group (China)

    BitComet is designed as a download manager for torrent files to help users easily handle BitTorrent, HTTP, and FTP requests. It’s easy to use, dynamic, and fast, offering high-speed downloads for large files. 

    Since it uses HTTP and FTP, it claims to provide safer and quicker ways to download and share files online. However, it features an old-fashioned design similar to other clients. 

    You can configure the app to shut down your computer after the download. Other features you might like include multi-mirror and multi-section downloading, bandwidth schedulers, quick resume, intelligent disk caching, and connection optimization. 

    Download BitComet  

    Will I go to jail for torrenting? 

    Torrenting files is legal in most countries. However, it depends on what you download. If you torrent illegal or copyrighted material, you might get in trouble. 

    You’re less likely to go to jail for torrenting copyright files. Most lawsuits are civil suits, and if a penalty is levied, it’s usually a fine or in terms of monetary compensation. 

    Which is safer, BitTorrent or uTorrent? 

    BitTorrent is considered safer than uTorrent as it hasn’t had as many controversies as the latter. 

    For instance, many users claim uTorrent used to have a cryptocurrency miner bundled on the installation package, which would reduce the computer’s performance.  

    Is qBittorrent safer than BitTorrent? 

    BitTorrent isn’t as focused on the user’s safety as qBittorrent. It suggests using a VPN to secure your activities online. 

    qBittorrent offers an SSL certificate for users to use remote options. It works to remove malware, viruses, and spyware tools. It’s a safe tool when combined with a VPN. 

    Can you get caught torrenting if you use a VPN? 

    VPNs add a layer of security to your computer by hiding your IP address and web traffic. However, you can get caught torrenting even when using a VPN. 

    For starters, your IP might leak if your VPN doesn’t have a kill switch. The government might also compel your VPN service provider to hand over your personal information if they notice suspicious activity online. 

    How does my ISP know I’m torrenting? 

    If you download files from a website with an SSL encryption certificate, your ISP can not see what you’re downloading. Since most torrents use HTTP and FTP connection, the ISP can see what you download. 

    They might also look at your connection patterns and bandwidth usage to realize that you’re torrenting files. They can tell when you connect with different IP addresses while uploading files.  

    Final Thoughts

    If you want to torrent files securely on your mobile, PC, or Mac device, you should install a safe VPN like Expressvpn. The software masks your IP address and hides your online activity. 

    For faster torrenting, use the safest torrent clients we’ve listed above. We tried and tested them for security, speed, and convenience. If you find other useful tools, share your comments in the comment section below. 

  • File Transfer Software for PC to Android: Best Picks in 2023

    Many users store mobile backups on their PCs, especially when they want to get rid of an old smartphone. You might also want to access and share documents on your computer via mobile apps. But how do you transfer files from your PC to Android? 

    Previously, people used USB data cables and Bluetooth. However, most modern laptops don’t have USB ports, USB cables are cumbersome, and Bluetooth is too slow. Transferring files over a wireless connection is more convenient.

    You need a reliable file transfer app for pc to android that works without the internet. To help you find the most reliable software, we tested and compiled a list of the 7 most effective tools that are easy to use and efficient in transferring files.

    Best File Sharing Apps for PC to Android

    There are many files sharing apps for PC to Android. Most file transfer software for PC to Android works well without the internet. If you simply want to transfer files to your PC and vice versa, Wondershare MobileTrans or AirDroid might be your best choice. Also, we’ve uncovered a selection of free quick file copy software programs.

    Let’s dive into some of the best file transfer software for PC to Android.

    Best For Top Features
    1. Wondershare MobileTrans Transfer files, contacts, and messages between devices Back up and restore your device’s data
    Delete data from your old device
    Restore data from a backup file.
    2. AirDroid Personal Transfer files and manage your Android from PC View and edit contacts, messages, and call logs
    Manage your device’s files and photos
    Control your device remotely
    3. SHAREit Quickly and easily transfer files Media player for playing music and videos
    A junk cleaner to optimize your device’s performance,
    A GIFs, stickers and wallpapers library.
    4. Feem Transfer files, folders, and hard drives between devices View and manage files on your device
    Send files to other Feem users
    Send files to nearby users without the internet
    5. Xender Transfer large files easily between devices. View and manage files on your device
    Backup and restore data
    Delete unnecessary files to free up space on your device
    6. Zapya Transfer files quickly and easily between devices View and manage files on your device
    Send files to other Zapya users
    Share files through a web-based interface
    7. Send Anywhere Transfer files securely and easily remotely between devices Send files to multiple recipients simultaneously
    Upload files to the cloud for backup and syncing
    Create a link that can be shared via email or social media.

    1. Wondershare MobileTrans – The Best File Sharing App for PC to Android

    • Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Web Browsers
    • Developers: Sand Studio 

    Wondershare MobileTrans is an ideal option for transferring files from Android to PC. The application is free and super-easy to use. You can transfer files between Android and iOS devices, mobile devices, and PCs. 

    The platform allows users to directly send files from their mobile devices to PCs and vice versa. It supports all file types, including photos, videos, music, documents, contacts, etc. Users can also use Wondershare MobileTrans to back up and restore their data on mobile devices.  

    The software automatically detects your mobile phone, and there’s no need to perform mundane tasks to send your files. You can simply export your files to your PC or import them to your mobile via your PC. 

    Pros:

    1. Transfer files between mobile devices and PCs 
    2. Has a simple and user-friendly interface 
    3. Supports transferring various file types
    4. Back up and restore your mobile device,
    5. You can easily switch to a new device without data

    Cons:

    1. A transfer limit of five files per session
    2. A transfer limit on the number of contacts and messages
    3. Some users have reported connection issues 

    Wondershare MobileTrans is a free tool, but you can choose the Individuals or Team and Business options if you want a premium version. The Individuals version costs $39.95/Year, while the Team and Business versions cost $59.95 and custom pricing, respectively. 

    Download Wondershare MobileTrans

    2. AirDroid Personal – Excellent tool for transferring files between mobile devices and PCs

    • Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Web Browsers
    • Developers: Sand Studio 

    AirDroid Personal is a popular mobile device management suite. It’s designed to help you transfer files, mirror screens, manage SMS and notifications, and remote control Android devices via your computer. 

    AirDroid Personal can transfer files such as photos, videos, and documents from your Android device to your PC. It can also send and receive messages, view your phone’s call logs and contacts, and even access your phone’s camera.

    The software is easy to use and works flawlessly without an internet connection. You don’t need to download the Android and desktop apps to use the service; you can use the web-based version. 

    Pros:

    1. Transfer files wirelessly between your PC and Android without a USB cable or internet connection
    2. Control your Android device remotely from your PC 
    3. Monitor your device’s notifications on your PC
    4. Has a clean and user-friendly interface 

    Cons:

    1. Has a file transfer size limit of 30MB
    2. Has a limited number of messages you can send and receive.
    3. Some users have reported performance issues

    AirDroid offers a free version with limited features and a premium version with additional features such as unlimited file transfer, remote camera access, and more. The premium version typically costs $2.50 per month, paid annually. 

    Download AirDroid Personal 

    3. SHAREit – Great tool for sharing files with multiple devices simultaneously 

    • Operating System: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS 
    • Developers: SHAREit

    SHAREit is a peer-to-peer file-sharing, gaming, and content-streaming platform that allows users to share images, music, and more. You can use it to transfer files wirelessly from your PC to Android. 

    The software uses Wi-Fi Direct, making sharing files without the internet possible. It supports many file types, including photos, videos, documents, and music. You can use it to clone your devices and transfer your data to a new device. 

    SHAREit comes preinstalled on most Lenovo mobile devices and PCs. It supports Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, and Windows phones. You must download and install the application to use it on your device. 

    Pros:

    1. Uses Wi-Fi Direct technology to transfer files faster
    2. Transfer files between devices running different operating systems.
    3. No internet connection required 
    4. Share files with multiple devices at once
    5. Clean and easy-to-use interface 

    Cons:

    1. SHAREit’s free version contains ads
    2. Does not support all file types
    3. SHAREit’s installer includes additional software

    SHAREit is completely free, and you can share it with anyone to seed movies, games, music, and wallpapers.

    Download SHAREit 

    4. Feem – Great for transferring large files between devices

    • Operating System: Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, iOS 
    • Developers: FeePerfect AG 

    Feem is a simple and easy-to-use file transfer software that allows you to transfer large files between your devices in record time. Their developers claim it’s 50 times faster than Bluetooth and twice as fast as Dropbox. 

    The platform uses Wi-Fi Direct technology to increase transfer speeds and TLS to secure your local transfers from external attacks. The app will use your phone to create a hotspot and a network connection to share files. 

    The greatest advantage of Feem is it offers unlimited file transfers of all sizes. If your transfer process is interrupted, for example, when your device powers down, you can resume where you left off. Feem also has a feature you can use to chat with your friends on a secure network. 

    Pros:

    1. Multi-platform support
    2. Simple and user-friendly interface
    3. No internet connection required 
    4. Uses Wi-Fi Direct technology to transfer files
    5. Share files with multiple devices at once

    Cons:

    1. Limited free version
    2. The full-paid version may not be affordable for some users.
    3. Some users reported that Feem was not secure.

    Feem is free software for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. It allows you to transfer files seamlessly without an internet connection. 

    Download Feem

    5. Xender – Best tool for mobile file transfer

    • Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Web Browsers
    • Developers: Sand Studio 

    Xender is a popular file transfer software boasting over 500 million users worldwide. Many users use the app to share files on their mobile phones. However, you can also transfer files wirelessly between your PC and Android device.

    The application uses Wi-Fi Direct technology and claims it’s 200 times faster than Bluetooth. It doesn’t require the internet to function, but it shows Ads when you’re connected to the internet.

    The software is easy to use and supports multiple file types, including photos, videos, music, and documents. Xender also has a built-in media player that allows you to play music and videos directly from the app. 

    Pros

    • Has integrated and accessible support
    • Allows users to manage their files easily on mobile
    • The application is lightweight, requiring less space
    • Has a fast transfer speed and a perfect processing method
    • No file size restrictions

    Cons

    • It requires the user to click many prompts
    • Does not automatically detect a device

    Xender is free and available on Android, iOS, and web browsers. To send files from PC to Android, visit http://web.xender.com/ to get started. 

    Download Xender

    6. Zapya – Great for rapid sharing applications and files

    • Operating System: Web Browsers
    • Developers: zapyatransfer.com

    Zapya is a peer-to-peer file-sharing application that allows users to rapidly share applications, videos, photos, music, and other files. It’s lightweight and popular, boasting 984k votes on Google Play with a 4.5 average rating.

    You can use Zapya to transfer files from your PC to Android wirelessly without the internet. It uses Wi-Fi Direct technology to speed up the transfer process reaching up to 10MB per second.

    Pros

    • It’s easy to set up with no complicated setups
    • Uses Wi-Fi Direct, so it doesn’t require the internet
    • It’s free and transfers files faster
    • It supports unlimited file transfers
    • Comes with a built-in media player and gallery

    Cons

    • Does not support HD videos
    • Some users reported that Zapya was not secure.

    The software is easy to use and supports multiple file types, including photos, videos, music, and documents. It offers a built-in media player to play music and videos directly from the app.

    Download Zapya

    7. Send Anywhere – Great tool for sending files as many times as you want

    • Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Web Browsers
    • Developers: Sand Studio 

    Send Anywhere is a file transfer software offering an easy way to send files on your devices. You can send any file type as many times as you’d like. It uses the web to create seeds to share with your friends worldwide.

    Send Anywhere supports all file types, including photos, videos, music, and documents. To send a file, you upload the file on the site, which creates a 6-digit key valid for 7 days. The receiving device will need to enter the key on their browser, and they can access the files you uploaded. 

    Pros: 

    • Easy and straightforward to use
    • You can transfer files with anyone globally
    • Transfer a mass amount of data
    • Saves your files online for 7 days

    Cons

    • It requires the internet to function
    • It’s not as fast since it relies on your internet speed

    The platform is easy to use and freely available via the web. 

    Visit Send Anywhere

    How can I transfer files from PC to Android?

    There are several ways to transfer files from a PC to an Android. These include:

    1. Using a USB cable: Connect your device to your PC using a USB cable, then drag and drop the files you want to transfer.
    2. Using Bluetooth: Pair your PC and Android device via Bluetooth, select the files you want to transfer, and send them.
    3. Using Cloud storage: Upload the files you want to transfer to your cloud storage account, then access them on your Android device.
    4. Using File transfer software: You can wirelessly transfer files between your PC and Android using the abovementioned apps.

    Can you wirelessly transfer files from PC to Android?

    You can transfer files wirelessly from a PC to an Android device using file transfer software such as AirDroid, SHAREit, Xender, or Zapya. These tools use Wi-Fi Direct to send files from your PC to your Android

    Conclusion: Best File Sharing Apps for PC to Android

    Using file transfer software is convenient and easy. You can wirelessly transfer files of any size between your PC and Android device. Mentioned above is some of the best file transfer software for PC to Android in 2023

    What do you think about the abovementioned software? Try them out and share your thoughts in the comment section below about which tool you enjoy using the most. 

  • 10 Best Cloud Torrent Services [2023 Guide]

    Today, the cloud can handle most traffic and activities you do on your local machine. Torrenting without the cloud is fast, even for users with slow internet speeds. Using a cloud torrent service makes the process more secure and lightning-fast. 

    If you love torrenting, you can save on the functionality of your device by storing large files in the cloud. It’ll also save you from having to unblock torrent sites or search for torrent alternatives. 

    cloud torrent service

    There are considerable cloud torrenting websites on the internet that provide excellent services. Picking the right one can help increase your download speeds and anonymity when streaming audio or videos. 

    In this article, we discuss the top cloud torrenting service providers and see how they compare. 

    10 Best Cloud Torrent Service Providers

    1. SEEDR.cc – Best cloud torrent service overall
    2. Offcloud – Best for downloading large files
    3. Bitport – Excellent for streaming on multiple devices
    4. Zbigz – Supports all content and has no download limits
    5. Put.io – Excellent for downloading large files at high speeds. 
    6. TorrentSafe – Great for downloading content anonymously
    7. Filestream – Offers entertainment and file management for free
    8. Instant.io –  Requires no registration to download files
    9. TransferCloud – Save files from BitTorrent on your cloud 
    10. YourSeedbox – Users can download and submit files

    1. SEEDR.ccBest cloud torrent service overall

    cloud torrent client
    • Pricing: Freemium
    • Developer: Seedrs

    Seedr is an excellent tool for downloading and streaming files via the web. It’s fast and secure, allowing users full anonymity while operating on the site. It doesn’t store private information like your IP address and online activity. 

    The site operates via a web portal designed for use on all devices, including smart TVs and mobile phones. You only need to copy and paste the torrent link into the URL area. 

    You can sign up with your Facebook or email account, but you don’t need to add your credit card when starting. A free account provides 2GB of storage, which you can upgrade or increase by doing simple tasks. 

    If you upgrade to a paid membership, you’ll pay a monthly membership fee of $6.95 for the Basic package, $9.95 for the Pro package, and $19.95 for the Master package. 

    Features of SEEDR 

    • Anonymity: It gives users full anonymity when operating through the site
    • Instant play: You can stream files as they download
    • Responsiveness: It’s easy to use and user-friendly 
    • Speed: It’s fast, supporting speeds of up to

    Visit Website 

    2. OffCloud Best for downloading large files

    free cloud torrent service
    • Pricing: Freemium
    • Developer: Offcloud

    OffCloud is a cloud-based download manager that’s simple and easy to use. It’s one of the best tools to manage torrent traffic. It markets itself as an intuitive SaaS tool for retrieving files from the cloud. 

    The biggest advantage of Offcloud is the number of different sources it supports for downloading and retrieving data. It’s feature-rich, allowing you to download and transfer files for remote access. 

    The platform can integrate with most cloud storage platforms, including Google Drive, Dropbox, SoundCloud… etc. It also integrates with other tools like BitTorrent and IFTTT, and you can save or export from RSS.  

    You can use Offcloud for free to access 3 hosting files. If you upgrade your plans, you’ll pay $9.99 per month or $69.99 per year. 

    Features: 

    • Anonymity: It does not store private user data
    • Fast: Excellent for downloading large files and managing torrent traffic
    • Responsiveness: Has an intuitive UI that’s simple and easy to use

    Visit Website

    3. Bitport – Excellent for streaming on multiple devices

    best cloud torrent service
    • Pricing: Freemium
    • Developer: Bitport

    Bitport is a cross-platform torrenting and streaming site for downloading files quickly, securely, and anonymously. It has an easy-to-use platform with an intuitive UI and is built on NOD 32 antivirus. 

    The platform lets you stream on multiple devices, including Apple TV, Chromecast, and supporting Kodi. You can use the site on a mobile or computer. 

    If you choose the free Bitport account, you can access 1GB of cloud storage and one daily download limit. You may need to upgrade to higher tiers if you want more features. 

    The cheapest plan starts at $5 per month, giving you access to 30GB of storage and 5 download limits per day. The Standard and Big plans cost $10 and $15 per month, respectively. 

    Features: 

    • Anonymity: The site doesn’t store user data, so they remain anonymous
    • Instant play: Users can stream and torrent files at the same time
    • Responsiveness: It allows you to download large files in minutes 

    Visit Website

    4. Zbigz – Supports all content and has no download limits

    free torrent cloud service
    • Pricing: Freemium
    • Developer: Zbigz

    Zbigz is a cloud storage and torrenting site with almost all kinds of content available and no download limits. The site supports remote downloads and integrations with external cloud-storage services like Google Drive. 

    Zbigz claims to secure your online privacy by collecting minimal user data and enabling Bitcoin on their payment system. You can also use Zbigz without an account, but you can only torrent one file of less than 100MB

    Using a free account, you get a maximum of two 1GB files removed after 7 days. Premium plans start from $3.99 for 5 days, $9.9 for a month, $24.9 for 3 months, $48 for 6 months, and $84 for a year. 

    Features: 

    • Anonymity: The site stores minimal user information 
    • Instant play: You can stream files on the platform
    • Responsiveness: You can download large gigabytes of files in minutes

    Visit Website

    5. Put.io – Excellent for downloading large files at high speeds. 

    torrent to cloud service
    • Pricing: Paid
    • Developer: Pilli

    Put.io is a great cloud torrenting service for downloading large files at high speeds. You can save them on the files privately on your account for remote access. 

    The site integrates with everyday applications like Apple TV, Chromecast, Kodi, IFTTT, Roku channel, game consoles, and more. However, it does not provide cloud storage services; it only stores files temporarily for users to download. 

    The cheapest tier costs $9.99, with 100GB of data storage to access your files online. Other plans cost $19.99 and $49.99, giving you 1TB and 10TB of data storage, respectively. 

    Features: 

    • Anonymity: It utilizes the cloud to ensure you remain anonymous
    • Instant play: You can stream files on your everyday applications
    • Responsiveness: The website is easy to use 

    Visit Website

    6. TorrentSafe – Great for downloading content anonymously

    What is a good cloud torrent service?
    • Pricing: Freemium
    • Developer: TorrentSafe

    TorrentSafe contains various safety and anonymity features. It conceals the user’s IP address from the torrent client while downloading or steaming content from browsers. 

    You don’t need any registration to use it. There are also no logs to track downloads, and the torrent is removed from the server once it has been transferred to the user. 

    The TorrentSafe service is simple; all you need to do is upload or enter the torrent’s URL address or file name, and the service will begin downloading the torrent automatically. 

    They protect your security and provide faster download speeds than your typical home ISP by using state-of-the-art, super-fast dedicated servers with lots of bandwidth.

    The free basic plan allows 1GB of files and 2 days of file lifetime. The premium plan costs $6.49/month and has a 7-day file lifespan. When paid in full, a 1-year plan costs $3.99/month, while a 4-year plan costs $2.49/month.

    Features: 

    • Anonymity: It conceals the user’s IP from torrent clients 
    • Instant play: You can stream and download files on demand
    • Responsiveness: The website is fast and easy to use

    Visit Website

    7. Filestream – Offers entertainment and file management for free

    • Pricing: Free
    • Developer: Filestream

    Filestream is a chrome extension that offers torrenting and file management for free. It allows you to obtain links to versions of files available for downloading. 

    If you want to download a file, you’ll need to copy the link and paste it into the relevant field, which will take you to a page with a detailed directory of links. You can keep these files on the cloud, on sites like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive. 

    The site works well with numerous torrent sites so that you can download content from any domain. Users can view content on TV screens or PCs using its screen mirroring ability. Moreover, it contains a video editing function allowing users to integrate, cut, and crop numerous videos.

    Filestream has a freemium pricing model, which means the software is free with the option of upgrading for more features. To learn more about prices, visit the official website.

    Features: 

    • Anonymity: It allows you to stay anonymous while sharing files
    • Instant play: You cannot stream files on the platform
    • Responsiveness: It’s easy to use, but sometimes it can be down

    Visit Website

    8. Instant.io –  Requires no registration to download files

    • Pricing: Free
    • Developer: WebTorrent, LLC

    Instant.io is a cloud torrent client that allows users to access and download torrents via the web. The website is user-friendly and requires no registration.

    You can download or seed files via the cloud platform. To share a file, simply upload it to the site and share the link with your friends. You can also download the torrent link to share. 

    The cloud torrent client is free and anonymous. You don’t share files with people you don’t know, and your file links stay hidden until you decide to share. 

    Features: 

    • Anonymity: Only your friends can access your files
    • Instant play: You cannot stream videos or music 
    • Responsiveness: It’s fast and easy to use

    Visit Website

    9. TransferCloud – Save files from BitTorrent on your cloud 

    • Pricing: Freemium
    • Developer: TransferCloud

    TransferCloud allows you to save files from websites like BitTorrent and direct URLs to your cloud storage. Your computer serves only as a conduit while you are downloading data from the internet to upload to a cloud drive. 

    TransferCloud eliminates the need for a manual process. Copy and paste the web address, Torrent address, or Magnet Link into the service, and it will begin downloading the file automatically. 

    It offers limitless bandwidth, so you can download multiple files at once, transfer files of up to 10GB, and receive them much more quickly. You can send files to Google Drive, Dropbox,  OneDrive, Amazon Cloud Drive, or any other major hosting provider.

    Features: 

    • Anonymity: You never share your IP address with your peers
    • Instant play: You cannot stream videos and music
    • Responsiveness: It has an intuitive UI, and it’s easy to use

    Visit Website

    10. YourSeedbox – Users can download and submit files

    • Pricing: Freemium
    • Developer: YourSeedbox

    YourSeedbox is a torrenting server allowing users to download and submit files. The entire process is conducted via a web-based user interface. When the torrent download is finished, you can transfer the file to your home computer using FTP(S) or HTTP(S). 

    Naturally, you remain anonymous, and your home network isn’t exposed while doing any of this. It’s also an excellent method to increase the success rate of your seeds.

    YourSeedbox lets you use a private or public seedbox server, making everything quick and simple. A dedicated seedbox gives unlimited freedom and unshared access to all its resources. 

    In contrast, a shared seedbox provides great performance at an affordable price, making it ideal for seeding torrents.

    Features: 

    • Anonymity: You remain anonymous to peers 
    • Instant play: You cannot stream files 
    • Responsiveness: The UI is intuitive and easy to use

    Visit Website

    What is Cloud Torrenting?

    Cloud torrenting is downloading torrent files via the web. Cloud torrents are similar to other torrent clients but specifically operate on the cloud. They are self-hosted, meaning you have absolute control over your files once you download them. 

    Cloud torrenting has many benefits. These include: 

    • Instant downloads: If you select a torrent that another user has already downloaded, it becomes available for streaming instantly
    • Saving on bandwidth: Cloud torrents keep a cache of popular files on hand, helping users save on bandwidth if they want popular files
    • Remote access: You can access downloaded files on all devices. With the right cloud storage providers, you don’t need to transfer files from your computer
    • Increased privacy: Everything you download with torrent is tracked, and you share your IP address with everyone. You add an extra layer of privacy by using cloud torrent. Outsiders can’t see what you download. 
    • Faster connections: Cloud torrents use dedicated servers with faster uplinks than your home connection. This means you don’t have to wait for your download to finish so that you can do other things on your PC. 

    Final Thoughts

    There are many cloud torrenting websites on the internet. In this guide, we picked the most reviewed and responsive service providers. 

    Do you like any tools that aren’t listed above? Want to try some of these? Share your thoughts and experiences below. 

  • Scan Your System for Windows Security Vulnerabilities

    From the days of Windows 98, we all know that the Windows operating system is always vulnerable to malicious attacks and security bugs and this situation is just as relevant today as it’s ever been, perhaps even more so. That’s why you need to constantly check for updates in Windows Updates to patch any security holes that have been discovered. Microsoft comes out with new updates every month known as ‘patch Tuesday’ because they are usually released on the second Tuesday of every month.  There are a few ways to obtain Windows Security Update patches and make sure your system is protected, thus closing the security holes and any attempt to exploit them.

    The easiest and most simple way is using the Windows built in Automatic Updates function which will automatically check and download any updates at a specified day and time. Although the patches usually get released once a month, if high security risks are found or patches to prevent major web based attacks are needed, they will be released immediately.

    Windows Automatic Updates

    If you don’t like Windows to constantly connect to Windows Update and you have XP, then you can manually visit the Windows Update website and either select Express or Custom checking method. Windows Vista and 7 users have an easier time doing this as the option to manually update is done through the Windows Update function in the Control Panel.

    Manually Update Windows

    There is another way to check if you are missing any important security updates, and that is to use Protector Plus – Windows Vulnerability Scanner.

    Protector Plus – Windows Vulnerability Scanner checks your system for Windows Vulnerabilities. It guides you to update with the right patch to make your system secure. It’s less than 1MB and a portable standalone executable so all you need to do is download and run it. Click on the Yes button to start scanning your Windows right away or clicking No will show a window with your system’s information such hard drive space, memory usage a few stats about the current Windows install.

    Protect Windows from Vulnerability

    Once the Scan is completed which takes no more than a couple of seconds, Protector Plus – Windows Vulnerability Scanner lists the vulnerabilities detected, their risk level and the Microsoft security bulletin number with a link to the download location of the patch. It also creates the log file named Protector_Plus_Windows_Vulnerability_Scan.htm at the same location where Protector Plus – Windows Vulnerability Scanner was executed. This is basically an html version of what is displayed in the window.

    Protect Windows from Vulnerability

    Protector Plus – Windows Vulnerability Scanner is free to use. This software is compatible with Windows XP , Windows 2000, Windows 2003, Windows Vista and Windows 7.

    It’s a tool which is pretty useful for people like me. I don’t use Automatic Updates and for some unknown reason Windows Update doesn’t work properly for me. When I visit Windows Update and click on Custom, I will only see the bar moving and that’s it. It never display what hotfix my Windows is needed to install. The drawback of this free tool is that it doesn’t have LiveUpdate feature. The program is updated by Proland Software every month to detect new vulnerabilities, so you need to download a new version and manually run the Windows Vulnerability Scanner every month. Might not be the best way to check for hotfixes, but it’s my preferred method.

    Download Protector Plus – Windows Vulnerability Scanner


  • Check What DLL or OCX Dependency Files are Needed for a Software

    Some software claims to be portable, but how do we know if it is really portable or not? I remembered back in the days when everyone was using Windows 98, a lot of “hacking tools” especially nukers are just one single executable file but it still requires dependency files such as winsck.ocx, msvbvm60.dll and etc. If those DLL or OCX files are not registered in your system32 folder, you won’t be able to run the program.

    Another example would be software coded in .NET. Most of the .NET coded software seems to be portable because it doesn’t require installation but since .NET Framework doesn’t come pre-installed in Windows XP, we can’t say that it’s portable. Perhaps when Windows Vista or 7 has totally replaced XP, then we can call software coded in .NET portable.

    Last week I tried to run Remove Restriction Tool on one of a customer’s computer that has been infected by a computer virus but it gave an error. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong but I can only suspect that maybe one of the DLL files that was required to run RRT has corrupted but I didn’t know which one. Many years ago I had a tool that was able to check what DLL or OCX files is needed to run the executable file but I’ve lost it since I didn’t have a blog at that time to record it down. I searched around and found a similar tool called Dependency Walker.

    Dependency Walker is a free utility that scans any 32-bit or 64-bit Windows module (exe, dll, ocx, sys, etc.) and builds a hierarchical tree diagram of all dependent modules. For each module found, it lists all the functions that are exported by that module, and which of those functions are actually being called by other modules. Another view displays the minimum set of required files, along with detailed information about each file including a full path to the file, base address, version numbers, machine type, debug information, and more.

    check required DLL for executable

    All you need to do is run depends.exe and then load an executable (EXE) file that you want to check what file is required to run it. Within a few seconds Dependency Walker will show you the required files. As you can see on the image above, I loaded RRT.exe (Remove Restriction Tool) unto Dependency Walker and it shows me that KERNEL32.DLL and MSVBVM60.DLL is required. Every Windows has kernel32.dll file so we don’t need to worry on the availability of that file. As for msvbvm60.dll, I can place a working copy of that DLL file at the same folder as where the RRT.exe is and it will automatically load the DLL file if it can’t find one in system32 folder.

    Download Dependency Walker

  • Activate Free Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 ROG with 1 Year License

    Regular readers to Raymond.cc will no doubt remember a version of Kaspersky Internet Security that came from the German PC magazine Computer BILD. It was called Kaspersky Security Suite CBE and was free to its subscribers, needing re-activating with a new key every three months. This was one of the first sites to find workarounds to get the program to work for non German speaking users and also those outside of Germany itself.

    Kaspersky’s relationship with Computer Bild has now come to an end, and the new replacement is Norton Internet Security CBE. This is currently harder to find a work around for because you need a key from the magazine itself and it isn’t a generic key. If you prefer Kaspersky products over Symantec this isn’t great news for you. However, we have an alternative for CBE users and also a great way for users of free antivirus packages or users without antivirus software at all to get hold of a quality paid antivirus product for free.

    Kaspersky have a partnership with hardware manufacturer ASUS and provides its Anti-Virus 2013 free for 1 year to owners of the high end Asus ROG (Republic of Gamers) range of motherboards. Although not the Internet Security package with Firewall etc, this version does have other crucial advantages over the CBE edition. Firstly it’s available outside of Germany so you don’t need to edit the languages, English is default. Secondly, Kaspersky Antivirus 2013 ROG edition is available worldwide so there’s no need to use VPN’s and proxies from your country to try and activate it!

  • 7 Tools to Get HTML Color Code Being Used On Screen

    Whether you’re trying to get the right colors for your website or require an exact color value in a program or image because you would like to use it yourself, doing so by guesswork alone will probably not produce the most accurate results. Getting the colors to fit into you website’s theme is quite important because sometimes even slightly wrong shades can make it look pretty unprofessional. A lot of web templates are fine, free or otherwise, but some of their color schemes leave a lot to be desired.

    There are a number of tools around that can help you pick the exact color you’re after, even programs such as Windows Paint have a color picking option. Obviously you could do this by taking a screenshot with pressing “Prt Scr” on your keyboard and then pasting it into Paint which will then give you the facility to pick the color, but this way is a bit crude and inefficient.




  • Powerful Packet Analysis For Your Computer with Wireshark

    It has been mentioned here on the blog before about the power of a utility called Wireshark to map out how things connect to the internet and it’s usefulness in performing some advanced troubleshooting tasks concerning Windows and Linux connectivity. The reason being, is because it potentially offers more flexibility and power than what another good quality network analyses tool, URLSnooper has to offer which has also been covered previously. However, at the same time, URLSnooper is nowhere near as complex to use and configure as Wireshark can be, so for less advanced users, URLSnooper might be a more logical choice to out first. Wireshark aims to be the one of those tools that is indispensable if the time and effort is taken to properly set it up. If you can do that, Wireshark is one of a kind in it’s power and its packet analysis abilities.




  • Remove F-Secure Antivirus or Internet Security 2012 with Uninstallation Tool • Raymond.CC

    F-Secure is one of the oldest brands in the antivirus industry. Although they are not really that famous for consumers when compared to other brands such as Norton, Kaspersky, Avira, Avast and AVG, they are actually being used a lot in corporate environments on their enterprise products. F-Secure has pretty good detection due to multiple integration of scanning engines including award winning Bitdefender.

    Recently I was checked one of my friend’s laptop because she complained that it is very slow and unstable. After booting up Windows 7, the first thing I noticed was there’s two different anti-Virus software installed. One is the free Avira and the other is F-Secure Internet Security 2012 trial version that has expired. Since she is not going to purchase F-Secure, I may as well remove it so the computer will boot faster and also can avoid conflicts with Avira.

    I looked in the Program’s Start Menu for the shortcut to uninstall F-Secure but the whole F-Secure folder is not even there! Thinking that the F-Secure shortcuts in start menu could have been deleted, I went to Programs and Features in Control Panel and found F-Secure Internet Security 2012 in the list. I selected F-Secure, clicked on the Remove button and I only see a command prompt window appear for a second and it immediately closes. It seems like there is no way to remove or uninstall F-Secure Internet Security 2012 and using a third party uninstaller software would be my last choice. After looking around, I found a solution on how to remove or uninstall F-Secure products even if you can’t do it from Programs and Features.

    If you search on the F-Secure website on how to uninstall F-Secure Internet Security 2012, it only tells you to uninstall using their uninstaller at control panel. However, it doesn’t give any other alternatives if this uninstallation method fails which is what I’ve experienced.

    The good news is F-Secure actually has an uninstaller tool called F-Secure Uninstallation Tool 3.0 that can forcefully remove and clean up F-Secure Service Platform, F-Secure Protection Services for Consumers and Business, F-Secure Anti-Virus, F-Secure Internet Security and F-Secure Technology Preview from workstations. It will also delete the contents of the folder where F-Secure was installed. Just download the uninstallation tool from the link located at the end of this article, extract the ZIP archive and run UninstallationTool.exe.

    Remove FSecure Antivirus

    Accept the terms in the license agreement and click the Next button to proceed. Note that there won’t be any other steps to take after this nor any progress meter to update you on the status of the removal. All you need to do is wait for a few minutes until your computer automatically restarts. You may also experience the explorer flashing during the process.

    Oddly, the F-Secure Uninstallation Tool version number maintains at 3.0 even after several years. Only the build number has been changed to reflect the update of this tool. This uninstaller is compatible from Windows 2000 to Windows 7 both 32-bit and 64-bit.

    Important Note: At the end of the removal process by this uninstallation tool, the computer will be rebooted automatically without any warnings or confirmation window. So make sure you’ve saved all your work before running this tool. Even if you do not have any F-Secure programs installed, running this uninstallation tool will also reboot your computer.

    Download F-Secure Uninstallation Tool

  • JDiskReport Creates Nice Visual Layouts of Used Hard Drive Space

    These days, it’s not unusual to get files with a size stretching into gigabytes. Video files like High definition movie rips can easily consume 4 or 5 gigabytes and things like game installs, ISO images or Steam game downloads can eat up large chunks of hard drive space without you even realising it. For example, my Battlefield 3 folder alone is about 16GB and if you have it installed on an SSD, that could end up being quite a sizable percentage of the drive’s space.

    That’s why unless you have Terabyte hard drives sitting there ready to be filled, keeping a close eye on which files and folders are taking up what amount of space on your hard drives and SSD’s is quite important. Don’t forget, filling a system drive to near it’s capacity can have detrimental effects on the operating system for things like defragging or SSD garbage collection to name a few.

    Previously, I have written about a very nice little tool which I use quite often to quickly display what is filling up your hard drives called SpaceSniffer, and Treesize is a pretty good program too. Another useful tool to do this and give you a bit more user friendly visual detail is JDiskReport. Although I’ve never really had a good look at it, JDiskReport has been around for several years but still gets updated from time to time.

    JDiskReport is a rather curious tool because it’s not a standard executable and actually runs using Java. This means you need the Java Runtime Environment version 5 or newer to use it, but it’s a bit like applications needing something like .NET Framework or Visual C++ Runtimes, just about everyone has it anyway. Although the program comes as an installer, I found it much easier to just extract the executable you download with 7zip or similar and then execute the jdiskreport.jar file, which means it’s a standalone portable file as well.

    What I quite like about this program is there are several different ways in which you can visually view the information. For instance, the overall size of a folder or drive can be displayed as a number of different looking charts such as a pie chart, a ring chart, a bar chart or a details list.

    When you first start the program, the option to select the folder or drive to scan will be presented along with a few previous scan locations and the option to load back in a previously saved scan result. The scan isn’t the quickest, but it’s also not so slow that it becomes annoying.

    Once your chosen folder has loaded, navigation can be done by simply using the folder tree or clicking on whatever type of chart you are using on the right.

    Apart from the size tab which gives the overall size of the selected location, there are other tabs to break down things into more manageable and visual indications. The “Top 50” tab shows a list view of the 50 largest, least recently modified or most recently modified files.

    The “Size Dist” tab offers a breakdown of the size distribution across the selected folder and sub folders. For example, the image below shows the “Program Files (x86)” folder has 1.8GB of files whose size is between 256KB and 1MB. There is a button on the toolbar (which looks like a #) where you can switch from a size display to a number of files display.

    There are a couple of other tabs to sort the display by certain types. “Modified” can sort files into a chart of age categories so you can see the general age of the majority of files. And “Types” will sort everything depending on all the file’s extensions. The chart display can be changed via the buttons along the bottom.

    If you don’t like the colour of the charts or the look of the interface, there are various settings in “Options” to alter this in addition to a custom context menu command and a custom list of directories that can be excluded from scans.

    The good thing about being made in Java is JDiskReport is supported on a number of platforms including Mac OSX, Linux, Solaris and other Java enabled O/S’s as well as obviously Windows.

    Download JDiskReport

  • MouseFIGHTER can Control Windows with the Keyboard Alone • Raymond.CC

    After spending hour after hour most days on the computer for several years, I realized the word “ergonomics” is very important. Believe it or not, I now have an ergonomic computer chair, a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 and mouse, with a computer table that is custom made and designed with proper height. When I simply settled for any chair and table, I had a terrible ache in my shoulder that wouldn’t get better even after going for weekly professional shoulder massages. When I started to use the proper chair, table, mouse and keyboard, the pain slowly disappeared.

    We would probably agree when people tell us that the PC mouse is one of the best computer related inventions, but if used incorrectly it can also cause discomfort in the wrist. According to the developers of a piece of software called MouseFIGHTER, its so much more ergonomically correct for the human body if we control Windows with the keyboard alone, without the mouse! Most of the time the mouse is placed at the side of the keyboard and when we need to move the cursor, we have to first pick up our hand to grab the mouse to move the cursor, do the clicking, and then the hand goes back to the keyboard. Doing that a few times is not too bad but if you have a task that requires you to constantly do that for extended periods, you’ll notice that your arm starts to ache. Thanks to MouseFIGHTER, we can now control Windows using the keyboard alone, without the mouse.

    I have previously written an article on how to navigate and use the computer without the mouse or touchpad using MouseKeys and and MouseEmulator, but both of them use the numeric keypad which is not so ergonomic. And it is obviously not possible to use a keypad on a large number of laptops if you’re having trouble with the touchpad and wish to use such a utility. As for MouseFIGHTER, it has both a standard and ergonomic configuration where the standard setting uses the normal arrow keys for the mouse directions. As for the Ergonomic configuration, it uses keys such as D, F, I and J for cursor movements so that your hands will stay at the correct position on your keyboard when you switch to typing.

    During initial testing, I found it hard to move the cursor to the place that I wanted using the ergonomic model. It is definitely not something that you can automatically get adjusted to it within seconds, but I believe if you put more time and effort into the ergonomic model configuration, it will eventually pay off and you will be putting much less strain on your wrist and arm as a result. The good part is, if you are not comfortable with either of the pre-set configurations, you can define the keys yourself.

    MouseFIGHTER ergonomic mouse movement without keyboard

    A few options are there to make the movement a little bit smoother such as the start and stop acceleration speeds, and the screen percentage jump size. In the advanced settings you can turn off the on screen display and enable automatic switching which will turn off the MouseFIGHTER mouse keys when a key is pressed that isn’t a configured mouse key.

    Although MouseFIGHTER requires installation, it can actually be made portable by copying the whole MouseFIGHTER folder to another computer and run the MouseFIGHTER.exe file to launch the program. The most recent release of MouseFIGHTER also supports multiple monitors. The program is free and works on Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7 and requires the Microsoft .NET v2 Framework or higher which is preinstalled in Vista and 7 anyway.

    Download MouseFIGHTER