Apps: Disk Order; EasyWMV; EasyBackup

• Disk Order 2.5 ($23) is a Finder replacement that supports batch file renaming, built-in FTP transfers, and the ability to open compressed archives as if they were ordinary folders. Among other items, the v2.5 release introduces viewing modes such as outlines, file lists and thumbnails, and improves performance of the software on Intel Macs. Two versions are available for download: a Universal Binary that requires Mac OS X 10.4, or a PowerPC installer that will run on Mac OS X 10.3. [Download - 3.5MB]


• EasyWMV 1.2 ($15) can covert or resize WMV, AVI, MPEG, FLV videos and more, saving them as either an MPG or MP4 files. Users can also choose to format specifically for iPods or the Apple TV, applying H.264 compression where possible. Audio and video quality can be adjusted separately. The v1.2 update is a minor one, adding compatibility with uncompressed SWF animations. The app is a Universal Binary for Mac OS X 10.2 or later. [Download - 3.9MB]


• EasyBackup ($10) is a simplified backup utility, enabling files to selected for storage by dragging and dropping them into the application. A log lets users see the progress of each file, and backup can be scheduled automatically through iCal, which will run the process at a certain time every day or week. Mac OS X 10.4 is required. [Download - Size Unknown]


• LicenseKeeper 1.1 ($20) catalogues software licenses for backup purposes, ensuring that paid downloads can be updated or reinstalled again in the future. To add licenses, users simply drag e-mails containing serial numbers into the program; the resulting data is stored in XML format. Version 1.1 additionally records prices, order numbers and purchase dates, and can now import messages from Entourage and PowerMail. Users can also store plug-ins, preference panes and Dashboard widgets. [Download - 1.4MB]


• Sigma Chess 6.1.4 HIARCS 11 ($50) is a chess game that its makers claim has the most power engine devised for the Mac. The program is now a Universal Binary, and has specific tuning for both single- and multicore processors. It is rated at 100 to 240 Elo stronger than HIARCS 10, and on faster Macs can reach 2,900 Elo, surpassing the World Champion level. The Sigma user interface meanwhile has been updated with features such as MultiPV. [Download - 9MB]


• OBE Assistant 1.2 ($41) is a marking book for teachers that produces formative assessment tasks for Outcomes Based Education (OBE). The Assistant takes numerical marks assigned to questions, and then translates them into a more conceptual level of achievement. The v1.2 upgrade is able to put marks in a five-point scale, each being equivalent to letter grades running from E to A. Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher is required. [Download - 10.7MB]

Filed under: software
Other story tags: Other Applications