Create flowcharts, sketches, mind maps and more with SimpleDiagrams
Flow charts and mind maps are useful tools which can help anyone to organize their ideas, but creating them can be a challenge. Choose the wrong package and it’s all too easy to be buried in enterprise-level detail about SysML or entity relationship diagrams.
SimpleDiagrams (Windows, Mac, $29) takes a friendlier approach. It can create flow charts, sketches, mind maps, UI flow diagrams and more, yet has a straightforward interface which anyone can pick up right away.
What you need to know about software-defined networking
As more and more systems move to the cloud, so we’re becoming increasingly used to accessing all systems on an as-a-service model. Networking is no exception to this and by using software-defined networking businesses can break away from the restrictions imposed by old, inflexible static network architecture.
SDN allows companies to master the complex nature of their networks and have a single point of control. At the same time it opens up the possibility of automating network management to allow it to cope with fluctuations in traffic and demand.
Camtasia 9 license now gets you Windows and Mac versions
TechSmith has unveiled Camtasia 9 ($199), a major release for the comprehensive video creator.
License changes don’t usually top the "new features" list, but this one is big: buying a single license now allows you to install Camtasia on both Windows and Mac.
What you need to know about Docker
Considering it only came into existence in 2013, Docker has experienced a monumental rise in both the consumer and business markets. From such humble beginnings, (the earliest version of the technology was developed by founder Solomon Hykes in his mother’s basement), Docker has managed to secure a number of high-profile partners and in 2015 received a valuation in excess of $1 billion. But what exactly is Docker?
According to the company itself, "Docker allows you to package an application with all of its dependencies into a standardized unit for software development". The way in which Docker does this is through a software feature known as a container.
WebSite X5 Evolution 13 adds parallax scrolling support, 64-bit edition to boost performance
Incomedia has released major new versions of its wizard-driven web-building tool with the launch of WebSite X5 Evolution 13.0. Website X5 Evolution is accompanied by both higher (Professional) and lower (Start) packages.
Version 13.0 adds support for parallax scrolling, includes new features like a Sticky menu and promises up to 50 per cent better performance thanks to a new 64-bit build.
Cut PNG file sizes by 50 percent with S-Ultra PNG Compressor
S-Ultra PNG Compressor is a $14.95 Windows application for lossless compression of PNG files.
The program’s interface won’t win any design awards. It’s all very basic: click an "Add" button to select your files, check a couple of boxes to set compression levels and click "Start" to kick the process off.
Nero 2017 adds HEVC support, 4K templates and effects, 256-bit encryption
Nero AG has unveiled its 2017 multimedia range, including Nero 2017 Platinum ($129.95), Nero 2017 Classic ($99.95), Nero Burning ROM 2017 ($49.95) and Nero Video 2017 ($49.95).
Top-of-the-range Nero 2017 Platinum gets support for playing, editing and converting HEVC/ H.265 video, and also ramps up its 4K support with 42 4K-optimised video templates and hundreds of 4K effects.
Zone Photo Studio X ships with layers and cloud storage integration
Zoner Software has shipped Zoner Photo Studio X (aka version 19), the latest edition of its one-stop photo editor. Top of the "What’s New" list is full Layers support, with all the features and blend modes you need.
New effects include a smart Dehaze tool, non-destructive gradient filters, and a reworked Perspective tool where you can tweak horizons, perspective, and receding lines all from one place.
Microsoft's Project Springfield helps developers test their software
Microsoft has just announced that it will be releasing the first preview of its new cloud-based tool called Project Springfield. It has been designed to aid developers in spotting "million dollar bugs" in their Windows applications before launch.
The reason the company is making Project Springfield available to Windows developers is to save them from the "costly effort" of having to release patches to fix broken software after it has already been made public.
Bitdefender 2017 brings anti-ransomware, Wi-Fi vulnerability checker
Bitdefender has unveiled its 2017 consumer security range, including Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2017 ($39.99-), Bitdefender Internet Security 2017 ($59.99-) and Bitdefender Total Security Multi-Device 2017 ($89.99-).
New features include the Wi-Fi Security Scanner, a one-click tool which lists local wireless networks and quickly highlights any vulnerabilities.
Postbox 5 adds dynamic content support, anti-tracking features
Postbox, Inc has released Postbox 5.0, a major update to its Windows and Mac email client. Version 5 showcases a new look with high-DPI support in Windows, plus adds dynamic data support to responses and templates.
Other highlights include a new anti-tracking feature, Quick Post tool, new per-image scaling tool to help keep message sizes down, and global filters. There’s also 25 professionally designed email signatures and 70 business templates.
ACDSee Ultimate 10 adds Smart Brushes and GPU support
ACD Systems has unveiled ACDSee Ultimate 10 ($149.99), the latest edition of its powerful image editor.
A new Smart Brush enable users to brush on image adjustments simply by painting over the image area.
CyberLink unveils PowerDirector 15, PhotoDirector 8
CyberLink Corp has launched the latest versions of its Director multimedia software. Video editor PowerDirector 15 (from $69.99) gets end-to-end support for 360-degree videos: importing, adding titles, effects and transitions, and producing the finished movie.
The new TRUE360 Viewpoint Designer imports 360-degree footage and allows it to be reused, with your choice of views, in standard videos.
Microsoft now leads the SaaS market
Microsoft is now the overall leader in the software-as-a-service (SaaS) market, beating Salesforce by a tiny margin. However, not everything is as straightforward as it seems.
According to Synergy Research Group, Microsoft, even though late to the party as usual, now holds 15 percent of the SaaS market, while Salesforce, the leader so far, has 14 percent share.
Save $39.95! Paragon Backup and Recovery 16 free until November
Paragon Backup and Recovery 16 is a reliable PC backup tool which comes packed with enterprise-level features and functionality, so it’s a little surprising to find Paragon Software are giving it away for free until November 1st.
It’s true, though. Download, install, create a free MyParagon account (which means giving your email address, no phone number or physical address beyond a country) and you’ll be emailed a free license within seconds.
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