freebudget

freebudget is a program designed primarily for professional translators, writers, transcriptionists and other language professionals who estimate their work against the word/lines/character counting of the documents they handle.

freebudget offers:
Convenience. It allows you to select multiple individual files or all files within a folder (and any subfolders). It lets you specify individual pricing for words, lines, characters, pages or time and directly compare the results. Easy to install, easy to use and easy to distribute. Now, it also offers a multilingual interface. User can easily localize/adapt it.

Authoritative results.
freebudget is the leading free word count tool in the language industry. It is currently being used by thousands of professional and non-professional users and has become a ´de facto´ standard. In case of dispute, you and your customers can always share a reliable analysis platform.

Accuracy.
freebudget uses the exclusive WebBudget´s SmartCount™ algorithm and industry leading proprietary extraction technology to handle word delimiters and other special text strings. Please refer to the section SmartCount below to learn more about how this feature works for you.

Flexibility.
Include (or exclude) text body, footnotes, annotations, headers, footers, annotations and text embedded in MSWord shapes in your statistics. Enable/disable SmartCount for word delimiters according to your project needs. Enable/disable full compatibility with MSWord counting criteria . Print or export results to tab delimited text files, Excel or HTML reports.

Unique features.
Correct analysis of documents in any language, including Asian languages. Built-in Unicode support. Calculation of internal repetitions -percentage of words in repeated segments- both per project and per individual file. Automatic estimate of the time needed to complete a project, according to your personal productivity parameters. And much more...

Imazer 1.0

Imazer is an effective easy-to-use freeware application that allows you to resize your images in all major graphic formats. With Imazer you get the opportunity to reduce file sizes for e-mailing your photos or publishing images on the Internet. Now you don´t need to resize each single image yourself as Imazer will resize multiple images in batch mode in no time.

Features:

• Intuitive user-friendly interface.
• Resizing multiple images in batch mode.
• Support for all major graphic formats (BMP, JPG, GIF, TIFF, PNG)
• Drag and Drop functionality implemented.
• High speed of resizing.
• Simple Workflow.
• Ability to rename resized images (prefixes and postfixes).
• Convenient preview window.
• Ability to vary the quality level.

Requires Microsoft .NET Framework. (Note that .NET Framework is included in Windows XP. It is recommended to update to the latest version.)

Opera 9.23 Final

Opera is an Internet browser with a pop-up blocker, multiple-windows navigation, mouse gestures, keyboard shortcuts, e-mail client with Spam filter, and integrated search all for user security and speed. The cross-platform browser includes a multitude of other functions such as integrated built-in e-mail client, IRC-compatible chat, support for RSS newsfeeds, password manager, one-click customization and privacy protection settings.

Mouse gestures and keyboard shortcuts allow for accelerated Web navigation while the Fast Forward and Rewind buttons ease browsing. Users are able to run multiple windows as well as personalize the user interface with one-click skins. The browser also contains special elements for users with disabilities, drag-and-drop support, a notes function, user profiles, and a host of other features. Opera supports the latest in security and provides password and cookie managers. If you have already installed Java, you can download the smaller non-Java version.

Opera´s new looks are complemented with exciting features such as the Personal Bar and Pagebar, hotclick, improved window handling, bookmarks search, redesigned preferences, new shortcuts, extensive drag and drop, and support for Unicode and LiveConnect.

Easy Duplicate Finder 1.5

From : easyduplicatefinder.com
Easy Duplicate File Finder is a free, powerful tool that will help you to find and delete duplicate files. Ever wonder what hard disk space on your PC is occupied by duplicate files? Easy Duplicate Finder will show you.

Features:

• Search for true duplicates (files with same contents)
• Powerful search engine with fast files check
• Flexible Scan settings
• Search files by mask
• Size conditions and skip zero-length files option
• Find duplicates from selected folders or drives
• Add multiple folders/drives for scanning
• Safety
• Protect system files and folders
• Convenient user interface
• Advanced Duplicate file management - remove only unnecessary duplicates
• Select files manually (for deletion) or delete all copies automatically
• Open folder containing selected file
• Show file properties

Alien Arena 2007 6.10

Publisher's Description :
Alien Arena 2007 is a freeware online deathmatch game with fast and furious action for Windows and Linux!

The game runs on the CRX engine, and features modern effects such as real-time lighting and shadows, shaders, light bloom, reflective surfaces and much more, while still being able to run on even modest systems.

The game includes a built in, as well as external server browser and chat client. Players can look up their stats online, chat with other players, and become part of a growing community.

Version 6.10 includes a number of new features and enhancements:

• 7 brand new, gorgeous arenas to play
• A more balanced and responsive weapon set
• 1v1 duel mode
• Weapons now respawn in five seconds rather than twenty.
• A Q3 style health and ammo system has been implemented, to help prevent weapon camping, as well as a random spawning quad.
• Version 6.10 presents a brand new weapon, the Violator
• Input and netcode have been improved, resulting in smooth, fluid gameplay even at 150+ pings.
• Security holes have been patched, and server stability is perfect.
• An all-new GUI, as well as HUD´s and text that don´t shrink when you increase your resolution.
• The renderer has been greatly optimized, resulting in a frame rate increase of around 25%.
• Weapon effects, and other game effects have been upgraded and tweaked.
• We also have implemented CURL, which now allows for much faster map and other content downloads.

IVM Instant Messenger

Software for public chat, private chat, available window tab for online information from Indosiar - Indonesian television. Breaking News from Indonesia.
From indosiar.com

Size: 6.6MB

MonkeyMind - Free Self-Counseling Software for Inner Peace v2.10.04

Publisher Description

Free self-counseling software for inner peace. Use Inner Peace for inner peace. Let go of issues that interfere with inner peace. Create states that support inner peace. Easy to learn, do, teach. Try it. Especially helpful with the underlying issues for which people turn to substances, violence, and other unhealthy behaviors as *solutions.* Imagine life with more inner peace. Enjoy Inner Peace. Share Inner Peace. Pass Inner Peace on to others.

Inner Peace - Free Self-Counseling Software for Inner Peace v2.10.04

From software author :

Free self-counseling software for inner peace. Use Inner Peace for inner peace. Let go of issues that interfere with inner peace. Create states that support inner peace. Easy to learn, do, teach. Try it. Especially helpful with the underlying issues for which people turn to substances, violence, and other unhealthy behaviors as *solutions.* Imagine life with more inner peace. Enjoy Inner Peace. Share Inner Peace. Pass Inner Peace on to others.

BibleDatabase: Multi Bible Interface

Publisher Description:
Full Featured FREE Bible Software with over 40 Bibles in 27 languages from which to choose. Multi Bible viewer. Bible Dictionaries, Commentaries, Biblical Names, Personal Prayer Diary, Biblical Map viewer, Rich Text Word Processor and more.

Mario Forever 4

Mario Forever is a very good remake of the venerable classic game -- Super Mario. Once again you strap on your wrench and hardhat and guide the chubby plumber through many skillfully made levels. The diversity of the levels is very impressive. You will have to get through levels ranging from underwater caverns to levels filled with hot lava. Version 4 includes many updates, enhancements, and bug fixes. In new version you´ll find a level editor and new hidden map in save selector area. Mario Worker as level editor.

Graphics layers in world 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and save room fixed. I´ve fixed Collision checking for enemies in Human Labolatory World. New hidden map in save game room The Lost Map. Collision checking for Kuppa Troopa shell have been changed a little. A space key (skip level) from stage 7-4 have been removed. Non-material blocks in stage 1-1 have been fixed.

Note: This download includes the Mario Forever toolbar. The toolbar can easily be uninstalled without affecting the game.

FotoSketcher v1.0

from: Fotosketcher.com

This free program can help you create images that really look like they have been hand drawn by the best artists. If you want to turn a portrait, the photograph of your house or even the picture of your pet into a black & white or colour pencil sketch, then look no further, FotoSketcher will do the job in a few seconds (provided you have a reasonably fast computer...).

Now you can print stunning images to make original gifts for your friends or relatives, or print on birthday cards or even T-shirts.

And best of all, it comes with absolutely no strings attached! This program is free, and does not contain any adware, spyware or virus

IrfanView32 v4.00

Publisher's Description

IrfanView32 is a fast FREEWARE image viewer/converter for Windows.

Features:

• Preview option
• Drag&Drop support
• Fast directory view (fast moving through directory)
• Play Movies and Sounds
• Slideshow
• Batch conversion
• Print option
• Change the color depth
• Scan support
• Cut/crop and much more

Supported file formats:

• JPG/JPEG, GIF(and multiple animated GIF), BMP, DIB, RLE, PCX, PNG, TIFF (Multipage TIFF support), TGA, RAS/SUN, ICO, AVI, WAV, MID, RMI, WMF, EMF, PBM, PGM, PPM, IFF/LBM, PSD, CPT, MPG/MPEG, MOV, Multiple ICO support, and Photo-CD (Overview Photo-CD support).

This latest release supports Utah RLE file format, SSF (Structured Fax File) format, and Paint Shop Pro 7 files. It also includes the option to load DJVU files with maximum DPIs. In addition, this version offers several enhancements and bugfixes.

Features support for ICS format (Image Cytometry Standard) and CDR/CMX format, and adds RAW saving. MPG/AVI frames can now be extracted from the Options menu, and much more.

The latest version features a host of updates, including a zooming function for videos, new JPG Transformation dialog option, new Browse Subfolders dialog, when folder end/begin reached and an option to show EXIF data from TIF files.

IfranView also has plugins to extend the functionalities of the program. The plugins download is available from FreewareFiles.

CheatBook-DataBase 2007 v1.0

Publisher's Description
CheatBook-DataBase 2007 is a freeware "cheat-code tracker" that makes hints and cheats (for PC, Walkthroughs, Playstation, Playstation 2, Playstation 3, Sega, Nintendo 64, Nintendo DS, DVD, Gameboy Advance, Gameboy Color, N-Gage, Nintendo DS, Xbox, XBox 360, Gamecube, Dreamcast, Super Nintendo, Wii, Sony PSP) easily accessible from one central location.

If you´re an avid gamer and want a few extra weapons or lives to survive until the next level, this freeware cheat database can come to the rescue. Covering more than 11900 Games , this database represents all genres and focuses on recent releases.

Games are listed alphabetically in the left-hand window. When you click on a game name, the relevant cheat is displayed in a editor window, with convenient buttons that let you print the selection or save any changes you´ve made. In the latest past many users of the CheatBook- DataBase and readers of the monthly being published magazine have sent to us small error messages and suggestions for improvement again and again.

First of all we say "Thank you very much!" to all of you! Due to this assistance and the permanent sending in of new and revised cheats the CheatBook is ever increasing and becoming more and more voluminous.

Many of the suggestions which we received are now realized in the new version 2007.

• comfortable adding of individual cheats
• cheats can be edited more easily now
• separate section with solutions
• files and images can be stored
• simple survey of informations about the cheat
• statistics
• comfortable filter conditions
• consoles cheats added
• 17 different consoles now possible
• search machine was revised
• link manager
• history log
• News and Updates
• private user data base
• Import old Own Bases

The program is small and setup is a snap. Once CheatBook-Database is on your hard drive, use it as much as you want because it´s free.

Release date February 1. 2006 CheatBook-DataBase 2007 is Freeware for Win 95/98/2000/NT/XP/Vista

All Cheats inside from first CHEATBOOK Jan.98 until February 02, 2007.

Monitor Tester

Publisher's Description
Monitor Tester can guide you in setting and adjusting the parameters and controls of your monitor. You can test and adjust the picture size and position, color convergence and purity, white balance, brightness and contrast, focus, moiré and interference.

Super 2007 Build 23

SUPER - Simplified Universal Player Encoder & Renderer. A GUI to ffmpeg, mencoder, mplayer, ffmpeg2theora & the theora/vorbis RealProducer plugIn.

SUPER supports a wide variety of input/source file format to play or encode (to & from) without any additional third party software:

• Video format: 3gp (Nokia, Siemens, Sony, Ericson) asf, avi (DivX, Xvid, MPEG4, MSmpeg4, etc..), fli, flc, flv (used in Flash), mpg (Mpeg I or Mpeg II), mov, mp4, ogg, qt, rm, str (Play Station), swf (Flash), viv, vob, wmv
• Audio format: ac3, amr, mp2, mp3, mp4, ogg, ra, wma

SUPER supports the conversion (encoding) to most of the above mentioned formats. SUPER provides a variety of video codec selection with every file format conversion (encoding).

SUPER provides a variety of audio codec selection with every file format conversion (encoding).

Easy configuration of the essential video parameters (size, fps and video bitrate) during file conversion, simplifying the user´s encoding process while parsing internally optimized video commands for best encoding results.

Easy configuration of the essential audio parameters (sampling rate, number of channels and audio bitrate) during file conversion, simplifying the user´s encoding process while parsing internally optimized audio commands for best encoding results. Multiple batch file processing by simple file drag and drop.

Free 3D Earth Screensaver 1.0

From: 3Dsavers.com
Put this extremely realistic 3D Earth screensaver on your monitor and find yourself on an orbital station ready to make your own space research of our home planet. With this free screensaver you will see the unforgettable views of the Earth from space. The slightly visible atmosphere of the planet and the Moon, rotating around, turn your screen into a window of a spaceship. Install this 3D Earth screensaver absolutely free!

PC Wizard 2008.1.80

From: cpuid.com

PC Wizard 2008 is a powerful utility designed especially for detection of hardware, but also some more analysis. It´s able to identify a large scale of system components and supports the latest technologies and standards. This tool is periodically updated (usually once per month) in order to provide most accurate results.

PC Wizard 2008 is also an utility designed to analyze and benchmark your computer system. It can analyze and benchmark many kinds of hardware, such as CPU performance, Cache performance, RAM performance, Hard Disk performance, CD/DVD-ROM performance, Removable/FLASH Media performance, Video performance, MP3 compression performance.

CloneGenius 2008

Why should you backup and restore your system partition?

Because you will need to restore your disk to ensure that even if a user does, or infects a computer with a virus, the computer will be restored to a clean, working state. The restore process is the safest approach to resolve problems, when a computer shows signs of malfunctioning, or every time a user logs off. Creating a full and complete disk image is the best way to create a backup of a system disk.

There is no such system that is immune from damage. Thus backup traditionally has been thought of an insurance policy. Today it´s also part of security and productivity plans. You will realize that having a mirror image of each PC can save hours of time maybe even days restoring a system should the PC hard disk drive fail. You will always need exact duplicates of their entire hard disk drive, including the primary boot partition where all system files and settings are stored-as well as data partitions in order to ensure they have a complete backup that can restore the drive to working order.

Under these conditions:

• Want to restore from a "clean", master image, which should be in full working order and should have been swept for viruses.
• After misconfigure something, downloads inappropriate content or programs
• You may use disk cloning to upgrade to a new hard disk.
• You may create a comprehensive backup of their operating system and installed software.

CloneGenius provides advanced backup and recovery for your PC, protects your data by making a backup of your hard drive´s contents - without having to reinstall your Windows. CloneGenius is a comprehensive disk imaging solution for home and small office users, enhanced with Drive Image technology, suitable for both beginners and advanced users. From disk to disk, partition to partition Clone or Recover any format of data: MP3, Video, and Picture…

Features:

• Clone Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP, 2003 and Vista
• From disk to disk, partition to partition Clone or Recover any format of data: MP3, Video, and Picture…
• Supports IDE, SATA, SCSI and USB interfaces
• Backup the operation system and restore it in the event of a fatal system crash or virus attack
• Automatically scan the selected hard drive for recoverable files within minutes
• Backup the entire disk or partition and restore it in the event of a hardware trouble or careless deletion.
• Works with a wide range of hard drives and removable media, including USB drives.
• Most intuitive backup software ever. Extremely user-friendly and very easy to use.
• Extremely compact, fast and reliable.
• Offered completely for FREE

Note: This download is an .iso file which can be burned to cd/dvd.

ParentalControl Bar 4.0.3.344

From WRAAC:

The ParentalControl Bar is a free public service that helps concerned parents prevent their children from accessing adult-oriented Web sites. Complete our simple, three-step installation process below and start controling your family's online activity.

Parental control filters have a reputation for charging a lot and giving back very little in return. Sometimes, they literally don't give enough back, and have been known to block completely clean sites.

ParentalControl Bar isn't perfect--like its cousins, it blocks some sites that shouldn't be obstructed, and occasionally allows sites that should be blocked. However, the price is right--it costs nothing. Not only does it not extort parents for its services, it allows parents to approve sites both on the fly and via a "Blocked history" list.

The app is small, just over 1MB. The toolbar interface allows parents one-click switching from Parent to Child mode by clicking a button, which changes from red to green. To switch back--or to use any of its nonblocking functions or view a blocked site--a password is required.

Despite claims to the contrary, the program doesn't support Firefox 2, although it does work fine on Internet Explorer 7. For parents looking for a cost-effective tool to help give their children a bit of controlled freedom on the Internet, ParentalControl Bar is a safe way to go.

Version 4.0.3.344 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

Ad-Aware 2007 7.0.2.6

From Lavasoft:

With the ability to scan your RAM, Registry, hard drives, and external storage devices for known data-mining, advertising, and tracking components, Ad-Aware 2007 easily can clean your system, allowing you to maintain a higher degree of privacy while you surf the Web.

Ad-Aware 2007 includes a redesigned engine, improved code sequence identification, incremental definition updates, one-click Web-history cleanup, multiple browser support, and other new features. Version 7.0.2.6 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

Note: After installation, the program will ask you for a registration code. Just hit Cancel to run the free version.

Pop-up Stopper v3.1.1014

From : Freewarefiles.com

Block Netscape, Internet Explorer, Mozilla and desktop pop-up windows with the latest upgrade of this small tool, now with added support for Mozilla, and new technology to block annoying Messenger Service and GAIN adserver desktop ads! No need to adjust proxy settings, or add sites to a list. Pop-Up Stopper will not strip web images or slow your browser. You can allow pop-up windows only when you want them! User settings allow various pop-up notifications, such as a flashing icon or new, fun sounds. Simply hold down Control (CTRL) or Shift key to allow selective pop-up windows, but most new links should now open automatically!

Pop-Up Stopper is not advertising supported, nor does it require registration, and no information is collected from or about product users. Pop-Up Stopper is very small, and easy to use. Complete with full Install and Uninstall, and a complete setup wizard and online help file, and free unlimited tech support.

The latest version includes automatic updates, new ad- blocking technology, easier user interface, more sound and visual notifications to play when an ad is blocked, and a full online help database. Includes a direct desktop link to the Panicware Spyware Resource Center. Protect yourself FREE today.

Yahoo Widgets 4.05

From Yahoo:

The Yahoo Widget Engine (formerly known as Konfabulator) is a JavaScript runtime engine for Windows and Mac OS X that lets you run little files called Widgets that can do pretty much whatever you want them to. Widgets can be alarm clocks, calculators, can tell you your WiFi signal strength, will fetch the latest stock quotes for your preferred symbols, and even give your current local weather.

Version 4 adds a new Widget Dock, automatic widget updates, reduced memory consumption, and new developer features such as SQL Lite support. Version 4.0.5 fixes various issues with COM objects and makes two other Mac fixes.

The latest version of Yahoo's toolbar drops the word "Engine" from its name and makes customization even easier than before. It also comes with a revamped look. Yahoo Widgets lets you add small standalone applications that can offer an endless variety of features, content, and system functionality.

Twenty-two default widgets are included--including a weather forecaster, a Yahoo Mail manager, a Wi-Fi signal checker, a calendar, and an iTunes remote. Though the true value of the app should be judged on the quality of the widgets developed, the platform itself is polished and easy to use.

A helpful tour introduces users to the basics of widgets, offering up some examples. Adding and removing widgets is simple, and the new widget dock features more personalization options. Most widgets include tweaks such as skinning options. Other new improvements include Windows Alt-Tab menu access and helpful configuration buttons that appear when you mouse over a widget. Unfortunately, the app inserts itself into your start-up programs without asking--but you can fix that in Preferences.

Yahoo Widget 4 is a valuable tool for users of Yahoo services, and it's a helpful download for anyone who wants standalone desktop tools for regular Web activities, system information, or whatever cool feature the next great widget will offer.

ZSoft Uninstaller 2.4.1

ZSoft Uninstaller is the better and easier way to uninstall programs on your computer. ZSoft Uninstaller can be used as a Add/Remove applet replacement, but not only that, it can also:

• Analyze an installation so it can be completely uninstalled (also supports reboots of the computer as the process is split into two: Before and after the installation)
• Find and delete temporary files
• Delete entry´s from programs that is no longer installed
• Hide Windows Updates
• Hide entries from the list that you are never going to uninstall (drivers etc.) making the list smaller and therefore easier to manage.
• Show more information than available though add/remove
• Automatically find entry´s from programs that are most likely already uninstalled
• Automatically find entry´s that are considered "crap-ware"
• (Off course) search the list of installed software

New in 2.4.1:

• Updated Hungarian translation, thanks to DWz
• Updated Italian translation, thanks to Salvatore Celi
• Updated German translation, thanks to SCORPiON
• Various fixes and updates

Knight Online 1.506

From K2 Network:

Welcome to the world of Knight Online, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that utilizes a party system where you help your fellow players to advance. A prominent and exciting feature of Knight Online is the involving, persistent, large-scale war between players. Upon registering and creating your character, you must choose between two nations: El Morad, the nation of the human race, and Karus, the nation of the Orc tribes. The successful player will seek to join forces with others of his or her nation in order to obtain victory. By enduring battles, that character may also become a hero in the Knight Online World. He may also receive a title and reward from the King, become the lord of his own castle, and even rule over a city.

Version 1.453 features visual changes such as the user interface have also been streamlined to maximize screen space as well as the ability to change the sizes of chat and information windows.

Minimum System Requirements:

• CPU= Celeron 300 Or Above
• Memory= 128MB Or Above
• Hard Disk Space= 400MB Or Above
• Video Card= 16MB or above 3D Display Cards with DirectX support
• DirectX 8.1 or Above

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi for Windows Vista 2.15.0003

This download is a driver providing Microsoft® Windows Vista™ 64-bit and Windows Vista 32-bit support for Creative Sound Blaster® X-Fi™ series of audio devices. For more details, read the rest of this web release note.

This download supports the following audio devices only:
* Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic
* Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer
* Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum
* Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Fatal1ty®
* Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro

Current release features:
- X-Fi Crystalizer™
- X-Fi CMSS®-3D
- MIDI Playback
- EAX® Effects
- PCM stereo output through Optical Out
- Line-in connectivity
- SPDIF passthrough is supported on both Vista 32-bit and Vista 64-bit
- Recording capabilities.

System Mechanic v7.1.11 Professional

The System Mechanic® product family provides everything you need to keep your PC running like new. Fix problems, boost performance, eliminate crashes, defend against spyware threats, and much more. These award-winning utility suites are trusted by millions worldwide to secure, optimize, repair, and maintain their systems.

ZoneAlarm Firewall (Windows 2000/XP) 7.0.362

From ZoneAlarm:

ZoneAlarm is designed to protect your DSL- or cable-connected PC from hackers. This program includes four interlocking security services: a firewall, an application control, an Internet lock, and Zones. The firewall controls the door to your computer and allows only traffic you understand and initiate. The Internet lock blocks Internet traffic while your computer is unattended or while you're not using the Internet, and it can be activated automatically with your computer's screensaver or after a set period of inactivity. Zones monitor all activity on your computer and alert you when a new application attempts to access the Internet. Version 7.0.362 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

Note:ZoneAlarm is free for individual and not-for-profit charitable entity use (excluding governmental entities and educational institutions). Advanced features are available.

ICQ Pro 2003b build 3916

From ICQ:

ICQ Pro 2003b is the latest release of ICQ, the instant-messaging program that lets you communicate with friends and colleagues in real time. To seek out a friend on the ICQ network, simply enter his or her ICQ number, name, nickname, or e-mail address. Once your contact list is set up, you'll be notified when your friends are online so you can chat; send instant messages, files, and URLs; play games; or just hang out.

ICQ Pro 2003b includes ICQphone, a feature that incorporates IP telephony functions into the ICQ program. Users can initiate and participate in PC-to-PC and PC-to-phone calls. In addition, users can also utilize SMS technology, send wireless-pager messages, view up-to-date information on ICQ channels, and integrate ICQ with Outlook.

With the latest version of ICQ, you can move instantly from the Pro to Lite versions just by clicking "Switch to ICQ lite" from the Main menu, and the shared ICQ preferences and password make it easy to move between Lite and Pro versions without losing your settings. Other new features include improved e-mail integration and user interface, enhanced integration with Windows XP, automatic firewall detection, and the new Search Google window which allows you instant access to Google searches through the ICQ interface, plus much more. For a complete list of new features, visit the ICQ New Features page.

Most important from a messaging standpoint is probably multiuser chat, unavailable in ICQ Lite, and beyond that you get a Web-based messaging center, enhanced status message functions for your contact list, and quite a few interesting community options, including robust search capabilities for meeting people. For those who rely on an IM network as an important part of their social world, ICQ Pro will certainly impress, but it s probably too much program for the average chatter.