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Developers and Softonic
How we evaluate software
The editors at Softonic bring their numerous years of computing experience to each review that is written for the site. More than simply testing the program, we aim to evaluate all aspects of its purpose, from its interface to its features and especially how well we think the program will work for potential users.
Since very few programs are completely unique, we also put special emphasis on comparing similar programs by highlighting their relative strengths and weaknesses. Our goal is to present our visitors with the very best information so they can find the programs they need and perhaps find a few that they didn't.
General Scoring Overview
- 1 star review
- Though it may have some useful functions, this product is unstable, riddled with bugs, or otherwise difficult to use. Download at your own risk.
- 2 star review
- This program has major flaws, though it is not completely without merit. We cannot recommend this download unless it is the only one of its kind.
- 3 star review
- This is a decent, solid program. It has no major flaws, but there may be similar programs that work better, have more features, or are easier to use.
- 4 star review
- Despite a few minor flaws, this program is generally excellent.
We recommend this download. - 5 star review
- Why haven't you downloaded this yet!?
Download it even if you don't think you need it.
Scoring Breakdown
Usability
- Considering its intended audience, how easy is it to use?
- Does it come with basic offline or online documentation?
- Does it come with tutorials or getting started tips that help to learn the basics?
- Does it have step-by-step configuration wizards to help configure the application?
- Does the developer offer any support, free or for a charge?
Stability
- Does it use an appropriate amount of system resources?
- Does it run well on the minimum suggested requirements?
- Does it crash unexpectedly?
- Are there a lot of known bugs?
- Does the developer release a lot of updates?
Installation / Uninstallation
- Is the installation process straightforward and follow normal installation conventions?
- Does it include a Start menu program group?
- Does it provide the option to place shortcuts on the desktop and/or system tray?
- Does it include a shortcut in the program group to the uninstall application?
- Does it leave an excessive amount of files behind when it is uninstalled?
Functionality / Features
- Does it accomplish its primary function thoroughly and well?
- How does it compare to other programs that have a similar feature set?
- Are there any unique features that make it stand out from similar programs?
- Does the software include a lot of features?
- Are they relevant and are they assembled together in a logical fashion?
- Do secondary features reduce the programs quality and get in the way?
- Are the demo limitations such that a user can get a good idea of how it works?
Appearance / Interface / Quality
- Are the software controls usable and aesthetically pleasing?
- Does it follow standard interface conventions?
- Is the interface well organized?
- Is it customizable?
- Is the output of the software of good quality?
- Does the interface still look good on lower screen resolutions?
- Do buttons have tooltips to let users know what they do?
- Does the developer include accessibility features?
Overall Rating
- What is the general feel of the program?
- Is it a good value for its price?
- Is this program extremely popular?
- Is the developer reputable?
- Would the reviewer recommend this application?
