Features

Mozilla Firefox 18 is the latest version of the popular web browser and brings with it a few key and welcome new features. First among them is the company's claim to a speedier, safer browsing experience. Tests reveal that this newest version of Mozilla Firefox is certainly quick to load even the most graphics intense pages.

Firefox 18 also now features secure connections when performing Google searches to improve privacy and there's an updated site identity indicator in the URL bar. Windows users also now get silent updates while Mac users on Lion or above can use Firefox in full-screen mode.

Mozilla Firefox's new tab layout itself is a pretty noticeable new feature. Quite similar to Google's Chrome browser, instead of seeing a blank page whenever a new tab is opened Firefox users will now be treated to icons that offer quick access to everything from bookmarks to most recently accessed and most frequently visited sites.

These icons are fully customizable in Mozilla Firefox as well. You can click and drag them to any spot you like on your name tab's page. If you're not a fan, you can also go to the grid icon on the upper right side of your browser and erase them entirely.

Something completely new to Mozilla Firefox is Facebook integration. Firefox now supports Facebook's social API so you can have dedicated buttons for Facebook in your browser. Mozilla Firefox supports Facebook's Messenger within Firefox, giving users desktop notifications as well as a persistent friends list and activity feed on the right. Conversations will open up as overlays on top of whatever website you're on so you can multitask while you chat.

Usability

Mozilla Firefox really changed the way people browse the web when it originally burst onto the scene. Today Firefox remains an incredibly powerful and customizable browser, although competition from Google Chrome has given it a definite run for its money.

Conclusion

Mozilla Firefox 20's interface isn't much different from previous versions, but the features it has added certainly make for a nicer, more enjoyable browsing experience overall.

What's new

For full release notes, please visit https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/20.0/releasenotes/

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Features of uTorrent

uTorrent includes everything you would expect from a complete, reliable torrent downloader: highly detailed stats, support for RSS feeds, automatic shutdown, download scheduler and more. There are a couple things that uTorrent is missing though: a full torrent search tool and a built-in player to preview your downloads.

uTorrent 3 lets you play media in streaming as you download, rate and comment torrent files, drag and drop files to share them, and disable the UDP tracker.

Ideal for all user levels

Since version 3 uTorrent has sported a totally redesigned interface: more usable, easier to use and a perfect match for uTorrent’s web interface.

Just like previous versions, uTorrent 3 is easy enough to use for everyone no matter what their level of computer expertise is, but it also includes dozens of configuration settings that will please the most tech-savvy users. Also, this new version includes several beginner-oriented guides to make sure everybody can make the most of it.

Light on system resources

After a quick installation process (although there are quite a few prompts to install browser add-ons etc) and a handy built-in speed test to make the initial setting much easier, uTorrent is ready. The program takes up minimal hard drive and PC resources, which enables you to have a good amount of torrents downloading and still be able to use your computer without any lag.

Conclusion

If you're searching for a reliable, fast and lightweight torrent client, look no further: uTorrent is what you need.

Download uTorrent (µTorrent) 3.3.0.29677 in Softonic

Ubuntu epitomizes everything that open source software is all about - free, quality software that works well and looks good. The latest version of Ubuntu "Maverick Meerkat" is packed with new features aimed at bringing Ubuntu to a wider market by making it easier than ever to use.

This download is for the Windows installer version of Ubuntu which installs Ubuntu on your system just like any other application you might install in Windows. It's the easiest and safest way of installing Ubuntu for the first time because you can easily remove it if you find you don't like it. If you do like it, you can download the desktop version which you'll then have to transfer to a CD or USB stick to install correctly.

Ubuntu allows you to do everything that Windows allows you to do with bonus that everything from the word processor to the e-mail client is free and it's fast. Ubuntu comes with Mozilla Firefox preinstalled although you can choose Google Premium from the fantastic Ubuntu Software Centre. One of the big stars of Ubuntu is Open Office which provides you with everything that Microsoft Office has. The IM client is Empathy IM and the mail client is Evolution Mail although you can install Skype and Thunderbird if you prefer. Other apps included in Ubuntu include Me Menu which gives you access to Facebook, Twitter and Identi.ca plus The GIMP, Flickr and Shotwell for image editing.

The major innovation in 10.10 however is the integration of a music store. Ubuntu's music player includes an integrated store, so you can buy and download new tracks. In addition, Ubuntu One's file-syncing means you can stream your music uninterrupted to your Android device or iPhone. This file syncing capability extends to other files and folders too. For video fans, you can still watch clips in YouTube, iPlayer, and MSN Player as well as play your own videos with Movie Player or you can use Pitivi to edit your videos. For game fans, there's lots of games to choose from in the Ubuntu Software Center including puzzles, adventures, strategy games and more - all for free.

One of the major benefits of Ubuntu however is simply its awesome speed. If you're used the the sluggishness of Windows, you're in for a treat. However, the major downside of Ubuntu is that it can be hard to get components in your PC to work with it. There is no driver center as such, meaning finding drivers to run your WiFi card, mouse-pad etc can be very hard. However, most newer laptops and PCs should have no problems being supported from the start.

Ubuntu is a fantastic example of how open source software can compete with the big guns. If you can get it working smoothly on your PC, you may never look back.

Download Ubuntu 13.04 in Softonic

Reviver’s will offer different options depending on whether or not Messenger is currently installed or if it was installed but removed by Skype. In the first case you will be able to select from a list of detected versions of Messenger. If Messenger isn’t installed you can choose to install Messenger 2012 or 2009 (but not 2011) and pick from 47 supported languages. Finally, if Skype has removed Messenger you will be prompted to begin repairs to restore it. All of these different processes are very simple and quick, allowing you to use Messenger again.

The installations and repairs to the different versions of Messenger do not change or update the programs. They still function the same as before. Thankfully Reviver is just a great and simple way to maintain your favorite version of Messenger without having to switch to Skype.

Download Messenger Reviver 2.2 in Softonic

Skype Portable is the standalone version of the popular VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) program that allows you call and talk to other Skype users, video chat and more for free over the internet.

Just like its desktop counterpart, Skype Portable lets you have voice chats on your computer – like telephone, only for free – and also make real phone calls at much lower rates, using the so called SkypeOut service and paying with Skype credit. Besides voice chats, Skype Portable also includes the standard IM functionalities (written conversations, emoticons, user avatars and so on) and also lets you have group video conferences.

These video calls are precisely the main focus on Skype Portable's latest version. The program's interface has been completely redesigned with video conferences on mind. This means Skype Portable has been made wider so that video fits in perfectly with your written chat, your contact list and a toolbar to manage conversation. The new interface in Skype Portable is transformed when you make a call, getting rid of all the clutter, so you just see the video images, and controls.

The sound quality in Skype Portable during our testing was perfect: loud and clear. Video sometimes appeared a bit pixelated, but nothing we couldn't really deal with. There was also one nice detail, and that's the ability to see your own video image built-in on your contact's video, and the option to take a snapshot of your own image.

The other major development in Skype Portable is Facebook integration. This is a pretty big thing, as not only does it give you your news feed in the app - anyone can do that - but adds call and SMS buttons to any of your friends who share their contact numbers. If you’ve paid for Skype minutes, you can call your Facebook friends, and if they’re also signed in to Skype Portable you can call them for free. One of the best new features is the automatic call recovery - drop a call and it’s put in pause. Restarting it is now really easy.

Skype Portable is just like the desktop version: complete interface overhaul that now focuses more on video chats; some handy improvements to the way you communicate online and no installation required!

Download Skype Portable 6.3.0.105 in Softonic

ooVoo is an elegant and powerful video conferencing and IM client that combines elegance with functionality.

Easy to use

Unlike some video conferencing applications, Oovoo is very easy to get running with your webcam and it can handle very high quality cameras - up to 2 megapixels, depending on the speed of your connection. During chats and video calls, you can add video effects such as sepia, blurring and morphing, something that sets it apart from other popular VoIP apps like Skype.

Outstanding Features

With ooVoo you can talk face-to-face with up to six people, add an ooVoo link to your blog or online profiles (so others can instantly add you to their contacts), send and receive video messages and, best of all, it's completely free. You will need to create an Oovoo account however, which, as registrations go, is fairly painless.

What's really nice about ooVoo, though, is the ability to place your contacts, and their video images, down the side of your screen in a sidebar simultaneously. This way, you can chat away to all of them at the same time and see them at once.

Set-up

Once you've started the setup process, you'll be asked to create an ooVoo username and password. You'll also be asked to add a few friends and contacts to your ooVoo account although if you don't know anyone using ooVoo, you can simply elect to send invites and hope that they sign up.

OOvoo’s an impressive video chat app, although it would be interesting to see how it performs when multiple users are trying have a video conference.

Download ooVoo 3.5.6.45 in Softonic

Fixila can fix the following common problems: - Fix invalid registry errors - Defrag and compact the registry - Improve system response time - Prevent system crashes and "blue screens of death" - Drastically improve overall PC performance - Allow you to use Microsoft Word, Outlook,Excel,Skype,Hulu, Facebook and other popular software and websites

Fixila is very easy to use and the trial version actually provides free removal of common computer errors. Fixila is build on a very stable code base and was developed by Microsoft certified programmers.

Fixila is designed for anyone who has a computer problem. Such as slow computer speed, constant crashes, slow internet connection, blue screens - etc.

Download Fixila 2 in Softonic

This software works as an add-in to Skype. Takes up very little space and does not interfere with other applications. With one click, you can start a conversation or make a call.

This software is suitable for all Skype users especially for those whose taskbar is cluttered with other applications windows. This application will occupy only a small place in notification area and it will help users to quickly get to their friends

Download Skype Lite Client 1.1.5 in Softonic

Skype for Business has the same features as the general public release, with the exception of a few details. In fact, the average user is unlikely to notice anything difference - only the Skype administrator will really see how it differs.

Skype for Business is easy to install, as it comes in an MSI file which is perfect for an extended number of computers. Above all, it offers more flexibility network administrators. From the Skype Manager homepage, you'll be able to log into your company account and manage the service from there. Employees using the service are known as Members, and they'll be able to join your network with new or existing Skype accounts.

Some of these features, for example, include allocation of credit, so your employees can call non-Skype numbers, or the disabling of calls to personal numbers. You can pay by a variety of methods, and can enable or disable auto-recharge. Once you've purchased credit, you can set about assigning features to different members. These features include call forwarding, subscriptions, voicemail and online numbers.

When it comes to the everyday basics of using Skype, you'll find that Skype for Business has all of the same features as the standard version. To find out more about them, read our Skype review!

Skype for Business is convincing. Average users get the service they are used to, while Skype administrators get flexible, professional control over use.

Download Skype for Business 6.1.32.129 in Softonic

Features

Lync has more features than you can shake a stick at. Microsoft has had years of experience creating a well-rounded chat client. Lync includes not only instant messaging but video conferencing and powerful collaboration tools.

Instant messaging works just as you'd expect. The current status of your contacts is displayed clearly next to their names. These statuses are integrated into Outlook as well so you know when someone is available to chat with.

Coferencing is one of the useful feathures of Lync. You can share audio, video, screens, as well as white boards and polls. New for this version of Lync is HD video. Microsoft is using H.264 SVC to make sure that video is broadcasted clearly in 1080p.

Usability

Voice and video calls have been overhauled to be stable and usable, even under poor network conditions. Microsoft has worked hard to overhaul the architecture of Lync to make as many features available as possible in the event of a network slow down or failure.

The interface has been completely redesigned to look more like Windows 8's Modern UI applications. Everything is flat, white, and blue. This makes for a somewhat monotonous look but you quickly addapt to it.

Lync is easy to use and all of its features are presented clearly. It doesn't take look to figure out how to do something, even if you've never used previous versions of Lync before. Hovering over a contact will reveal all of the ways you can communicate with him or her.

Lync takes a page out of Google's book by giving a great screen sharing experience where each of the of the video chat is displayed above the shared presentation. This makes it easy to gaguge the reaction of the virtual crowd.

Ecosystem and polish

It's all about the ecosystem these days and Microsoft is tackling that challenge with a complete ecosystem for Lync. There is even a Windows Phone 8 application that is excellent. There are plans for an Android and iOS version as well.

Microsoft knows that not all users will have Lync installed on each computer so they've put in extra work to create a web app for Lync. Any modern browser will allow users to log into their Lync. The web app includes the ability to have HD video conferences, VoIP, instant messanging and desktop sharing.

Last by not least, Microsoft has been vocal about integrating Lync with Skype. This means Lync users will have access to all of their Skype contacts.

Conclusion

While Microsoft is pushing consumers to use Skype, it is pushing corporate users to use Lync. That shouldn't be a problem though as Lync is one of the most well thought out chat clients out there today. There are a ton of excellent features and the interface is well done. It integrates flawlessly with other Microsoft products and the Lync ecosystem is satisfying to use.

Download Microsoft Lync 2013 15.0.4420.1017 in Softonic

If you're a frequent Skype user, you already know what a fantastic program Skype is. Along with instant messaging, Skype offers free video and audio calls to other PC users and low cost calls to mobile phones and landlines.

Messenger Plus! for Skype aims to improve your Skype experience through an easy to install and use sidebar on Skype's interface. Inconspicuous but easy to access on the left side of Skype's interface, Messenger Plus! for Skype is full of useful features such as a recorder for voice and video chats, animated icons and message history saving logs.

After installing Messenger Plus! for Skype, you'll need to authorize the add-on via the Skype notification that will appear the next time you log into your Skype account. Once done, the Messenger Plus! for Skype will appear on the left side of your Skype interface.

To record a call or a video, press the record button bar on the Messenger Plus! for Skype sidebar. You can stop recording at any time and open the folder with the recordings to access them. Everything is recorded with respectably high quality.

Messenger Plus! for Skype also includes animated emoticons, some of which are quite amusing. You can superimpose them on your video chat without any noticeable effect on the quality or speed of the call. Note that the person with whom you're speaking will only be able to see these animations if they also have Messenger Plus! for Skype installed though.

Without a doubt, Messenger Plus! for Skype is a fantastic add-on that'll enhance your Skype experience considerably.

Download Messenger Plus! for Skype 6.00.0.773 in Softonic

Messenger Plus! is a plugin for Windows Live Messenger that adds more features to the instant messenger like skins, tabbed conversations, custom sounds and more.

Messenger Plus! is the most popular MSN plug-in, collecting together all the extras users could ask for into one program. It's certainly an excellent pack of tools which heavy Messenger users consider as essential and which certainly improves your IM experience. Over all these years it has been able to adapt to every new Messenger version, including the name change and the new interface design. In fact, Messenger Plus! is now seamlessly integrated into Windows Live Messenger 2011: the only way you can tell it's there is by the tiny button on the top right corner of the main interface.

The Messenger Plus! tools can be divided into several groups, depending on the aim they're made for: you get tools to improve your chats, format text, change Messenger's appearance with skins, customize fonts and manage chat logs, among others. Messenger Plus! also lets you password protect your Messenger and includes support for scripting, so that you can add your own features to the plug-in.

The list of improvements Messenger Plus! brings to Windows Live Messenger doesn't end here. Tabbed chat windows, custom status messages, quick texts for frequently used expressions are just some of the new features you’ll be able to enjoy with Messenger Plus!. It can take a while to tweak all these settings, but fortunately a useful after-install wizard makes the basic initial configuration a lot easier.

All in all, Messenger Plus! is probably the only plug-in you'll ever need, especially if you like customizing every single detail of your Messenger.

Download Messenger Plus! 6.00.0.773 in Softonic

Weeny Free Audio Recorder has a well-designed interface and it's very simple to use. Weeny Free Audio Recorder is 100% free to download, install and use, no extra fee.

Weeny Free Audio Recorder is an audio recording software meant for users who want to capture audio from sound card, CD player, microphone or line-in device on computer.

Download Weeny Free Audio Recorder 1.2 in Softonic

The new Windows Live Messenger 2012 comes as part of the Windows Live Essentials pack. It's an incremental development over Windows Live Messenger 2011, looking almost identical, while introducing a couple of changes.

When you install Windows Live Messenger, you have the option to install the rest of the Essentials pack, including Mail, Writer, Sync, Companion, Family Safety, Photo Gallery and Movie Maker.

You can choose to connect Windows Live Messenger 2012 to social networks Facebook and LinkedIn, making the app your social hub in Windows, if you want. Facebook is still much easier to use in your browser though, and integration into Windows Live Messenger 2012 is only really useful if your Messenger contacts are still really active and important to you.

The interface is almost unchanged; so if you were unhappy with the changes we saw in 2011, there is nothing here to make you happier! When you open a chat, there is a new Video call icon, and when you receive a video call, there is a new floating window, much like in Skype. A neat feature of this is the option to answer without showing your video feed - we're not always ready for a video call, after all!

Windows Live Messenger 2012 is no revolution, slightly improving on its predecessor. It's still a little bloated, and considering Hotmail's recent transformation to Outlook.com, which features a great messenger service right from your browser, it could be curtains for this venerable application.

Download Windows Live Messenger 2012 16.4.3503.0728 in Softonic

In addition to the functions typical of a VOIP call via the Internet, Express Talk allows you to hold up to six simultaneous conversations, reduces background noise and can be configured to circumvent firewalls, record conference calls in MP3 format, identify incoming calls and store numbers.

You can configure up to six separate lines in Express Talk with the ability to put calls on hold. It supports video (H263, H261) for webcams or IP Phones and also integrates with Microsoft Address Book. Business users will however have to upgrade to the Business Edition which supports call transfers and allows up to 6 people to join one call using the Call Conferencing feature.

If you need something that offers a bit more than Skype or your normal VOIP service, Talk Express is a useful option for individuals and business users alike.

Download Express Talk 4.28 in Softonic

Messenger Reviver is a simple tool written to allow users to circumvent the forced upgrade to Windows Live Messenger.

Sometimes older software is better than the most up to date version. Windows Live Messenger 2011 is a case in point. When the update was released, many users had problems connecting and using its Facebook integration. Unfortunately Microsoft recently forced users of Windows Live Messenger 2009 to upgrade to continue using the chat program, leaving many users unhappy.

While you can revert to Windows Live Messenger 2009 after updating, Messenger Reviver does more by stopping the program from checking for updates and forcing users to upgrade again. Messenger Reviver is a simple application. Unzip the .exe and run it. Click the next button and it'll restart Windows Live Messenger. That's it! You'll be free of the annoying nag to upgrade to Windows Live Messenger 2012.

Windows XP users should be aware that Messenger Reviver requires .NET Framework 2.0 or higher. Other than that, Messenger Reviver is a simple to use and effective application to stop forced updates of Windows Live Messenger.

It's a shame that Microsoft still hasn't addressed the problems in Windows Live Messenger, but Messenger Reviver will help users keep their stable installs of the older version.

Download Messenger Reviver 1.2 in Softonic

DialDirectly for Skype allows the dialling of phone numbers and names via clipboard. Furthermore, DialDirectly offers the possibility of redialling the last number or name as well the last 10 automatically recorded numbers/names called.

DialDirectly enables a direct calling of landline and mobile phone numbers by customizable hotkeys via Skype. DialDirectly is for all Skype users calling also to landline numbers and to cellular networks. With DialDirectly for Skype no manually typing of phone numbers is necessary anymore.

DialDirectly is for all Skype users calling also landline and mobile phone numbers with Skype. With DialDirecly for Skype no phone number has to be typed manually anymore but can be called by individually defined hotkeys.

Download DialDirectly (for Skype™) 1.12.03.08 in Softonic

In game tools

Functions and resources

Additional widgets available for Overwolf are screen capture, Steam chat, Overwolf Chat, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Windows Live Messenger, and Twitter.

Conclusions

Good looking, functional and free, Overwolf is well worth checking out.

Download Overwolf Beta 0.28.170.36556 in Softonic

Released unofficially on its own website, AIM Preview is not yet replacing the old AIM everyone knows and enjoys using. Instead, it seems to be marketed as an entirely new and improved messaging client, with a built-in video chat feature.

AIM Preview's interface is relatively simple to navigate. There are a few changes, however. First, Lifestream, which encompasses the basic status updates your friends saw on their buddy lists on the old AIM, has been replaced. AIM Preview comes with actual status updates now, like what you'd be accustomed to on Facebook.

In fact, Facebook has now become integrated with AIM. You can log in to AIM Preview with your Facebook account, for one. You can also chat with Facebook buddies on AIM Preview, as wells as buddies on Google Talk. While this isn't technically a new feature to AIM itself, it's a lot easier to figure out how to use with AIM Preview.

In addition, you can access chat histories from virtually any device you have AIM Preview installed on as the histories are now remotely stored. While this allows for synchronization, it also might bring up some security issues. There's a news feed that links to AOL-owned Huffington Post articles as well.

The biggest difference is the new availability to video chat either one-on-one or in groups, which is very similar, if not identical, to what Skype offers now. If not for the ability to connect to your buddies via Facebook and Google Talk though, the feature might seem a little useless, considering AIM doesn't generally boast as many users as other IM clients.

AIM Preview adds some new features and functionality, although it still doesn't really compete with video chat frontrunner Skype.

Download AIM Preview 1.0.0.3 in Softonic

Of course, video and audio chatting are now possible in Facebook thanks to Skype integration and Facebook Video Chat simply offers an alternative way of doing it. It simply adds 4 extra icons to your Facebook chat dialog window - a webcam, a microphone, a games icon and a smiley.

The installation of Facebook Video Chat is a bit suspicious however. It tries to install the Babylon toolbar, make Babylon your default webpage and make Babylon your default search engine. However, even if you deselect the check boxes, it still places a Babylon installer on your desktop although doesn't appear to install any of the components.

When you've finished installation, your browser will open automatically with a message of congratulations telling you to log-into Facebook. If you're using Firefox, Facebook Video Chat also requires installing an add-on which it does automatically although this requires re-starting your browser afterwards.

To start a video chat using Facebook Video Chat, just open a conversation window with a contact and click on the webcam icon. A message will be sent to the recipient asking them to initiate a webchat. Obviously, this requires them to have a webcam installed or a speaker installed if you want to start an audio conversation.

The games icon prompts you to start a number of basic board games when clicked on such as chess, darts or snooker. Finally, the smiley icon simply sends a smiley to the recipient - not exactly sophisticated.

Facebook Video Chat isn't really necessary now that Skype is integrated with Facebook but if you're really having troubles with Facebook's integrated video and audio chat, it may be worth a try.

Download Facebook Video Chat 1 in Softonic