When it comes to P2P file sharing, eMule usually wins hands down but UseNeXT is an interesting, slightly more sophisticated offering which has a lot to offer.

For starters, depending on your connection, it can be remarkably quick. You can download at speeds of up to 25 Mbps with DSL/Cable and it¡s pretty constant rather than the fluctuations you often get with such services. The network also prides itself on security over it's rivals such as Limewire and eMule - with ISPs continually cracking down on users, UseNeXT promises users far more anonymity than most.

The Usenet archives are supposedly some of the biggest in the world - more than 300 Terabytes of data available at all times and they claim that around 2,000 Gigabytes of new files are added daily. The problem in the past was that UseNeXT used to be a very complicated affair that only tech geeks can handle. However, nowadays, it's been simplified to such an extent that eMule, Limewire and other P2P users will feel more than comfortable with it.

While it can't possibly hope to compete with the reach and depth of the major P2P networks, UseNeXT offers an impressive selection with some super fast downloads.

Download UseNeXT 4.81 in Softonic

If you are the type of person who always changes your mobile ring-tone, this application is a must-have for you. EZ Ringtone allows you to convert music, either from CD tracks or mp3 file, to different ring-tone formats compatible with all modern devices.

The interface is really clear and simple: you just have to open an audio file to have an image of the right and left channel. Then select the part of your music you would like to convert to a ring-tone and press the format button compatible with your mobile. That’s it.

It’s annoying though that the trial version limits the duration of ring-tones to 5 seconds and it is a shame that there is not even a simple editing tool. It would have been good, for example, to have the possibility of mixing different parts of a song or maybe different titles as well. A fading or echo effect to end the recording would have made the final ring-tone a bit more ’professional’.

The tool that compresses MP3 files size from 30% up to 70% is also useful, saving valuable space on your mobile phone in case it’s not yet as capacious as a proper MP3 player.

Don’t be bored with your ring-tone ever again and drive all your co-workers mad with your favourite songs!

Download EZ Ringtone 1.7.0 in Softonic

Google is aiming to create a shake-up in mobile phone operating systems with the launch of its Android platform. Designed to be completely open and free for developers, the API could change the way mobile phone software is used, making all applications equal and combining phone-based data with web tools.

The Android SDK gives mobile software developers the chance to play around with the new platform. It contains everything you need to start building applications, as well as a fully functional device emulator for testing them out when you've finished.

Even non-developers can try out the emulator, as it's easy to set up and run (it does take a while to load up, mind you). There is a choice of phone skins and resolutions to tinker with too. After fiddling around for a bit with the OS I must say I'm pretty impressed. Its integration with Google Maps is seamless and only shows to highlight the potential for development of apps that blur the boundaries between phone and web-based software.

Installing software onto the emulator isn't easy and you need to fiddle around with code in order to do so. Although, there's plenty of documentation available online to help you get the most from the SDK, this is still really only something mobile developers will get much use out of, rather than just those curious about how Android applications will look.

Overall though, Android SDK provides a fast and reliable development environment for those looking towards the next era of mobile software.

Download Android SDK m5-rc15 in Softonic

Gizmo5 is one in a long line of VoIP applications that allows you to use your internet connection to make cheap phone calls.

If you're a Google Talk fan, like me, then the first good thing is that Gizmo5 and Google Talk are now connected. This means that Gizmo5 users can now send instant messages to Google Talk users but unfortunately, you can't call them although the developers promise that it's coming soon. To send Instant Messages, simply click on the IM icon next to your contacts name and you can instantly text other Gizmo5 users. One great feature of Gizmo5 is that you can perform free mobile phone and landline conference calling although you have to setup the system beforehand with the Gizmo5 FreeConferenceCall utility which can be tricky due to a few complicated configuration options. Another interesting feature is that Gizmo5 includes Asterisk PBX Support which means that you can now log into your virtual office with Asterisk PBX software. This basically means that you can receive calls and access your Gizmo5 phone wherever you are in the world. I also like the fact that it includes a free recorder which is something lacking in Skype.

Easy to use and integration with GTalk makes this a nice little app although it's calling rates need to be a lot more competitive before it can compete with Skype.

Download Gizmo5 4.0.0.369 in Softonic

Live Messenger, previously known as MSN Messenger, was renamed as part of Microsoft's move towards the Live online community. So far, the most popular IM app in the world had already gone through a bunch of updates, but this new name also meant important changes that would somehow start a new period in Messenger's history.

Live Messenger includes some outstanding characteristics that are well worth a mention. Firstly, its all-new interface features a completely different design from traditional Windows applications, which you can also customize by choosing your own color scheme. In order to maintain this neatness, the menu bar has been hidden under a single top right corner button but this makes it a bit uncomfortable to browse through options. Luckily, the most common actions (send email, call a contact, access MSN Spaces and view shared folders) have been implemented as nice little buttons right under your username, so they're easy to access. Another thing we liked is that you can hide side tabs in the main interface window (right click on any of them and check the "Hide tabs" checkbox). However, there's apparently no way to hide the bottom ad.

Live Messenger offers plenty of emoticons and winks to cheer up your conversations with. You can expand both collections by easily adding new sets which you'll find by the hundred on the Internet. Customization possibilities include changing the chat window background or even adding a personal message to your nickname, but not creating custom status messages. At least this new version features the longed-for offline messaging tool, enabling you to leave a message to any of your contacts even if they're not online.

The two most important features in this new Messenger are the ability of sharing folders and making free PC-to-phone calls. As for the first one, it proves as a very handy way to share pictures, while the second feature allows you to save some pennies on your phone bill. However, this service is currently only available in certain countries (United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Ireland, Finland, Belgium, Spain and Italy) and requires a subscription to the Verizon Web Calling system.

In any case, you can always make use of the PC-to-PC call feature, which provides excellent sound quality. In fact, we must say this feature has been pretty well implemented in Live Messenger. Its ease of use makes it a great alternative to written conversations: just click on the phone icon and your friend will instantly receive an invitation to answer the phone call on the chat window itself. A simple wizard will guide you through audio configuration and a couple of sliders enable you control the volume of your speakers (or headphones) and mic. You can still use the chat window while you talk, for instance to send a web link or a handwritten message.

Summing up, the main issue with Live Messenger is that it has taken it too much time to offer tools that were already found in other IM apps, such as the VoIP calls mentioned above. However, its attractive design plus the huge number of people who are already MSN Messenger users (and who will eventually upgrade their client) will probably help this Live version reach the top.

Download Windows Live Messenger 9.0.1407.1107 Beta in Softonic

I always like to customize my mobile phone, since the first one I had a bunch of years ago. But for no apparent reason, I've always had problems when trying to choose the appropriate ringtone.

Now it looks like I found the end to my problems in ToneShop. This great application enables you to create your very own customized ringtones in just a few steps. It's compatible with many phone makes and models (including iPhone) and phone ringtone formats, and it's ridiculously easy to use.

Simply select your favorite song and crop it to the fragment you want to use as ringtone, which you can do with the program's built-in basic editor. This cropping tool doesn't allow much preciseness so you may as well use a third-party sound editor. Then select the format you want to export your newly created ringtone to, and you're done! We used an MP3 file to create a new tone for an iPhone and it all worked perfectly well.

Beware that your mobile phone may have restrictions about the ringtone's size and length. Also, note that you need to connect your phone to the PC in some way (USB cable, IR port, Bluetooth) in order to transfer the ringtone to the device. In the case of iPhone, just open the M4R file in iTunes and sync the ringtones folder with your phone.

Give the ultimate customizing touch to your mobile phone by creating your own personal ringtones. It's fast, very easy and totally free!

Download ToneShop build 21 in Softonic

MAGIX Ringtone Maker lets you add some spice to your mobile device by creating your own ringtones and animated pictures. The program is extremely friendly to use. The interface itself is clearly divided in sections to select your media, edit the ringtone and export it. A help guide is easily accessible from the bottom right of the interface and tutorials for specific actions from the menu bar. We were impressed with the advanced editing tools on hand to add effects like distortion, filters or delay. Similarly, the equalizer was very effective at adjusting sounds. If you want to add extra elements, you can also access the extensive Catooh online library from the menu bar. MAGIX Ringtone Maker features a "simulate ringtone" button, quite useful to test your creation before exporting it.

We were also well impressed with the export function. The application provides a list of many mobile manufacturers and models to allow you to export to the format which most corresponds to your device.

Overall, the structure of the interface feels great, especially the timeline view, which really makes it easy to edit your media. We did feel however that some elements, like the media selection part at the top, felt a little bit crowded. It's a shame that you can't resize the interface window. Similarly, the installation process was a bit lengthy.

On the whole though, MAGIX Ringtone Maker is a great application to create and add media to your mobile device, providing a very accessible interface and loads of advanced editing tools.

Download MAGIX Ringtone Maker 2007 (UK) in Softonic

Free 3GP Video Converter changes the format of mobile video files to something that can be played in MP4 or WAV format - the most widely used formats in modern computers and DVD players. It also performs the process in reverse. This application has an advantage over other similar programs in that you can select a particular portion of the video that you want to extract and convert.

This bonus significantly shortens processing time plus the interface is very simple and self explanatory. There is a field for an input file or a YouTube URL and field for an output path, and lists with preconfigured profiles. The best option, as already mentioned, is that you can trim the video with a simple button along the foot of the interface which then opens in a new window. Simply use the navigation line and special buttons to set start and end the selection markers position. Finally, click "Apply & Close" to switch back to the main program window.

In summary, this is a reliable converter and the fact that you can trim 3GP video files is particularly useful for long edits.

Download Free 3GP Video Converter 2.4 in Softonic

Nearly all software can be categorised as being from one of two groups: the programs that do one thing, normally fairly well, and the programs which do everything - often with some loss of quality. Roxio Easy Media Creator Suite (EMCS) is a classic case of the second type. While its capabilities are huge and impressive, they bring with them other problems like reduced performance and long load times.

The original cornerstone of Roxio's flagship product is CD and DVD burning. EMCS still packs a powerful tool for writing to disks but it's really all the extra functionality that makes this suite interesting. EMCS does it all: photo slide shows, video editing, iPod and MP3 player management, secure backups, multimedia organisation and video playback - to name but a few.

We tested each of the components and found that most of them perform to at least a satisfactory level. Sadly, Roxio included several design-related elements which annoy (like using custom window decorations, buttons and even file browsers when the Windows default shell is perfectly usable). Also, the suite contains numerous advertisements for new Roxio services which appear a little odd given that this isn't a free program. Likewise, Roxio's insistence on opening web links using Internet Explorer whether it's your default browser or not was disappointing: it's never a good sign when a program effectively forces you to do things its way or not at all.

The worst feature of the suite is without doubt the video player (called 'CinePlayer') which is nothing more than a run-of-the-mill movie player. After loading for nearly 30 seconds, it took ages to load a simple DivX file and crashed when a couple of buttons were clicked. When free players like VLC can do so much better, one has to wonder why Roxio didn't make an effort to deliver a really fast, lightweight player instead of the slovenly, unstable one bundled in this suite.

All that said, Roxio Easy Media Creator Suite is actually a pretty good bundle. We love the photo editing application which is fairly fast and has just the right balance of basic and advanced tools. The mobile phone photo wizard is a particularly cool utility which really did help camera-phone pictures look better.

The most significant problem with Roxio is the way it treats your PC. This is not a program which is designed to be removed once installed. It installs so many components to your system that you can easily lose track of them... and it fails to include a comprehensive uninstall application for the whole bundle. Instead, you must uninstall each component separately, a time consuming and irritating hassle. I'm still having trouble getting the 1.4 GB installer off my computer!

Roxio Easy Media Creator Suite is a powerful and comprehensive media suite. If you're looking for one bundle of software, which you'll never remove from your computer, to handle all your media tasks then this is the software for you. If, however, you prize quality over convenience, and have some respect for your hard-disk and registry, Roxio Easy Media Creator Suite is not recommended.

Download Roxio Easy Media Creator Suite 10 in Softonic

As one of the mainstays of the instant messaging world, Yahoo! has finally decided to drag itself onto the VOIP bandwagon with the launch of this Voice version of its popular client. As well as offering free PC-to-PC calls and cheap PC-to-phone (landline and mobile) calls, the program throws in all the usual over-the-top gadgetry and gimmicks we've come to associate with Yahoo! Messenger.

As we've seen before from programs that try to be all things to all people, there's always a danger that things can get a little out of hand for the user, and this is the territory that Yahoo is entering with this latest incarnation of its messenger. It's true that the voice facilities in the program are top-notch, delivering crystal-clear clarity for most calls to PCs and phones. It's also true that the application boasts a bevy of interesting and innovative features, such as the ability to play games and listen to online radio together, send animated, talking emoticons, and quickly share files and photos simply by dragging and dropping them into the chat window.

Although, in the main, these features are good for a laugh, we did have a couple of things that we'd like to raise if we ever met Mr Yahoo! Firstly, we like the games but they lack instructions, so sometimes it can take a while to figure out how to play them. Also many of the so-called 'Audibles,' which are essentially animated, talking emoticons, are a little vulgar to say the least, and not really suitable for anyone with a reputation to uphold.

There are plenty of ways to customize the client to suit your mood too. The main interface is fully skinable, and you can also change the way the chat window looks by selecting from dozens of themed 'IMvironments', which certainly helps to inject some variety into your chat experiences. You can also build your own avatar – a process which can take hours as you carefully select the right haircut, clothes, sunglasses and even breed of dog to have sitting at your side in your IM profile.

Individually, these features are both innovative and compelling, but ironically they combine to contribute to the downfall of Messenger for Voice. The fact is that all of these options serve to swamp the interface and if you have a lot of the features running at the same time it's often hard to find even the text window. While it's fun and novel at first, the messenger very quickly becomes an irritant more than anything. Our advice – stick with Skype.

Download Yahoo! Messenger with Voice 8.1.0.421 in Softonic

I remember fondly the days when walkie talkies ruled the world of communication but since the advent of mobile phones and the Internet I thought I'd never utter the words "10-4 receiving" again. I was pleased to hear about Walkietalkie then, a program designed around the famous old handsets, which lets you talk to your pals through the Net. The application sends data at just 13kbps, making it ideal for use with online video games, which often demand most of your PC's resources for themselves.

I was disappointed that the program doesn't completely replicate a real walkie talkie, allowing you to talk with each other simultaneously and not making any "krsssh" sounds before you speak. This is the 21st century though, and as a means of communicating via voice without using up a lot of system resources, Walkietalkie does a great job.

Download Walkietalkie 2.7.6 in Softonic

A free global Push E-mail service for mobile devices - cell phones, PDAs, etc. This free service will push send your E-mails and PIM data to you anywhere and to any device.

emoze is the first push mail and PIM application that allows you to read your mail instantly on your mobile device. You can send mail from your mobile device and perform all other mail and PIM operations, such as deleting mail, moving messages between folders, creating and updating your contacts and much more.

With emoze Personal Edition, anyone with a compatible mobile phone can receive work or home emails and PIM data, such as contacts and diary scheduling, on their mobile phone or PDA on the move, anywhere in the world.

As a real secure push wireless email service, emoze will automatically push your emails and PIM data to your phone as soon as it is sent to you without you having to pro-actively connect to a service every time you want to send or receive. For the past few years, this type of service has been available mainly in a very costly package and mostly restricted to specific hardware and software platform, limiting mass-market adoption. emoze removes such barriers with a free, simple, flexible, and secure service creating significant savings for corporate users and consumers alike.

Download emoze 1.3 build 07 in Softonic

The Woize applications allows Woize users all over the world to make and receive phone calls over the Internet anywhere in the world. You even get your own telephone number for free! The only thing you pay for are costs of calls to landlines and mobile phones, go to our Rates pages to check out the ultra cheap calling rates!

But that's not all - Woize is more than an Internet telephone, it is your total communications package! Not only does it include various basic telephony features such as voice mail, SMS, and call forwarding, it also provides you with many advanced communication features such as file transfer, instant messaging and RSS news feeds.

Which features you get depend on which hard ware you install the Woize applications, ranging from computers to handhelds to your home phone, but two things they all have in common - free calls to other Woize™ users and very cheap calls to landlines and mobiles all over the world!

The Woize application is available both as hardware and as software, as hardware for your home phone and as software for different types of operating systems, and more are yet to come...

Download Woize 2.6 Beta in Softonic

Welcome to MySkype! Take the power of Skype low cost international calling from your computer to your mobile phone or any landline in the world!

MySkype Basic is FREE to give you remote access to your Skype voice messages from any phone!

MySkype Pro (license key required) gives you remote access to your Skype voice messages from any phone. PLUS with MySkype Pro you get real time SMS notification and unlimited Skype to Skype and SkypeOut calling from your mobile Phone.

MySkype is an application your install on your computer that works with Skype. Once you have installed MySkype and configured the dial in permissions, you simply call your SkypeIn number from any phone registered in the MySkype dial in permissions. MySkype will greet you and ask you to enter your four digit PIN number. See diagram below for all of the MySkype features available to your from your keypad.

Download MySkype 1.0 in Softonic

If you’re one of those people who spends most of their free time tinkering with your mobile phone ringtone or reorganizing your bedroom, then StyleXP could become your new favorite toy. The application promises to expand the customizability of Windows XP and gives you the power to install new themes that break the mould of the existing XP shell.

The program works by patching your operating system to accept unassigned styles, scores of which are available for download from the web. Once you’ve applied a style you can tweak virtually any aspect of the appearance, including the font size, screensaver, colours, menu transparency, or even the boot screen. What’s more, if you’re particularly artistically minded you can create your own elements in a graphics editor and apply them to the skin.

Although the developer has made strides towards making the interface as simple as possible, there are so many customization options that it can be a little daunting for new users to the program.

There’s no doubt that the temptation to make Windows look like OSX or apply a ‘Windows Pirate Edition’ boot screen is pretty appealing, but pimping your OS in this way does come with a risk. It’s worth bearing in mind that because of the way the application writes files to your System Folder you could end up doing damage to your machine, especially if you install a patch or a new service pack.

Having said this, we’ve experienced no problems yet (touch wood) and also found that it runs pretty smoothly without sucking too much RAM. You can choose to keep Style XP locked in the System Tray, or release it so that it uses no resources, which is a refreshing thing to see from a developer. With so many themes and customization options available, Style XP is well worth a look if you fancy a change of scenery on your desktop, but keep in mind the risks involved in using a patching program such as this.

Download Style XP 3.19 Men in Softonic

If you’re one of those people who spends most of their free time tinkering with your mobile phone ringtone or reorganizing your bedroom, then StyleXP could become your new favorite toy. The application promises to expand the customizability of Windows XP and gives you the power to install new themes that break the mould of the existing XP shell.

The program works by patching your operating system to accept unassigned styles, scores of which are available for download from the web. Once you’ve applied a style you can tweak virtually any aspect of the appearance, including the font size, screensaver, colours, menu transparency, or even the boot screen. What’s more, if you’re particularly artistically minded you can create your own elements in a graphics editor and apply them to the skin.

Although the developer has made strides towards making the interface as simple as possible, there are so many customization options that it can be a little daunting for new users.

There’s no doubt that the temptation to make Windows look like OSX or apply a ‘Windows Pirate Edition’ boot screen is pretty appealing, but pimping your OS in this way does come with a risk. It’s worth bearing in mind that because of the way the application writes files to your System Folder you could end up doing damage to your machine, especially if you install a patch or a new service pack.

Having said this, we’ve experienced no problems yet (touch wood) and also found that it runs pretty smoothly without sucking too much RAM. You can choose to keep Style XP locked in the System Tray, or release it so that it uses no resources, which is a refreshing thing to see from a developer. With so many themes and customization options available, Style XP is well worth a look if you fancy a change of scenery on your desktop, but keep in mind the risks involved in using a patching program such as this.

Download Style XP 3.19 Ladies in Softonic

Have you ever dreamed of having full control over all your files and disks?

Disk Watchman is a Windows application that monitors your hard, removable and mapped network drive resources. It displays free and used disk space on a real-time basis. You will be able to see when your free disk space falls short of certain values.

Disk Watchman contains rapid tools to find disk space reserves (backup, temporary and duplicated files.) You will be able to free up more space effectively with its intuitive and fast user interface. Furthermore, you can receive notifications about low disk space, even when you`re away from your computer. You can choose to be notified by e-mail, sound or other options. Now you can start any application that consumes disk space actively and be confident that you know what is going on with your computer.

Some common examples are - Web site downloading, audio/video capturing, active usage of file/database/web server resources, etc. Using an E-mail to SMS gateway you can receive disk space notifications to your mobile phone as well.

Advanced users will be pleased with the ability to monitor file system changes. You can record filesystem state and then make a comparison report to see which files have been added, removed or changed. Disk Watchman provides a simple and comfortable user interface, easy to understand setup and full control over the visualization process.

Download Disk Watchman 1.8.158 in Softonic

MSN Messenger has been perhaps the biggest hitter of the IM world for some time now and this update adds a range of cool new features designed to make your chatting experience even better. Additions include an interactive video conversation tool, "winks" - small animations that you can download and send to your pals - and dynamic display pictures that will change emotions based on the emoticons you send.

Of course, all the features that we've come to know (and in most cases, love) are still housed within MSN Messenger 7.5, such as a plethora of emoticons, the ability to check and send Hotmail directly from the client, and a slick contacts organizer.

Although the new version has improved video chat and contains the ability to send SMS messages, we can't help feeling that Microsoft has fallen behind in terms of technology. For instance, Skype allows you to perform most of the things that MSN Messenger does, as well as letting you make and receive PC phone calls. You also have the age-old problem of MSN taking over your client, as it's filled with even more ads, and a barrage of links to other areas of the MSN portal. A great client for beginners but it doesn't beat Skype for the more Net-savvy user.

Download MSN Messenger for Windows 2000/NT 7.0 in Softonic

MSN Messenger has been perhaps the biggest hitter of the IM world for some time now and this update adds a range of cool new features designed to make your chatting experience even better. Additions include an interactive video conversation tool, "winks" - small animations that you can download and send to your pals - and dynamic display pictures that will change emotions based on the emoticons you send.

Of course, all the features that we've come to know (and in most cases, love) are still housed within MSN Messenger 7.5, such as a plethora of emoticons, the ability to check and send Hotmail directly from the client, and a slick contacts organizer.

Although the new version has improved video chat and contains the ability to send SMS messages, we can't help feeling that Microsoft has fallen behind in terms of technology. For instance, Skype allows you to perform most of the things that MSN Messenger does, as well as letting you make and receive PC phone calls. You also have the age-old problem of MSN taking over your client, as it's filled with even more ads, and a barrage of links to other areas of the MSN portal. A great client for beginners but it doesn't beat Skype for the more Net-savvy user.

Download MSN Messenger for Windows 98/Me 7.0 in Softonic

AIM Sync by Intellisync is a free service that lets AOL® Instant Messenger™ (AIM®) users with AIM version 5.5 or higher who use Microsoft Outlook 2002 and 2003 easily share contact information and stay in touch with business colleagues, friends and family.

With AIM Sync, AIM users can add their Outlook contacts to their AIM Buddy List® feature by AIM screen name, mobile phone number or both. AIM Sync makes presence information for Outlook contacts added to the AIM Buddy List feature available at numerous points in the Outlook application, including the address fields on Outlook e-mail messages, address cards and phone list views. Making presence information easily accessible enables AIM Sync users to see if a colleague is online and available to respond to issues via AIM message or a telephone call. In this way, AIM Sync can speed response time to help AIM users be more productive. AIM Sync also allows users to invite contacts who do not currently use AIM to register for the service.

Features Overview:

• Lets AIM users (5.9 or higher) who use Microsoft Outlook 2002 or 2003 easily share contact information and stay in touch with business colleagues, friends and family

• Allows users to add contacts from their Microsoft Outlook contact list to their AIM Buddy List® feature by AIM screen name, mobile phone number or both

• Shows presence information for contacts added to users’ AIM Buddy List feature in the address fields of Outlook e-mail messages, address cards and phone list views

• Enables users to invite contacts from their Microsoft Outlook contact list who do not currently have AIM to register for the AIM service

Download AIM Sync in Softonic