recently found: useful tools2005.03.28

Like most geeks, I love finding new software that makes my life easier and/or emulates something that The Big Software Companies can do, only better and cheaper.

Recently I've found a number of really great programs. Guess it must be the season for it. ;)

FontExpert 2004
Oh, Happy Day. (Can you hear the music? I knew that you could!) I have tried and tried to get Suitcase to work on my system, because my fonts are out of control. But now I don't have to make it work - because this program does exactly what I want - allow me to organize into groups, install and uninstall fonts with a single click so only the fonts I'm using will be visible in the programs I use. And a nice interface to browse through my existing fonts. Sure, it's not as pretty as a Mac running suitcase, but it will do for me. And the price tag is absolutely right: $35. That's a good $60 less than the full version of Suitcase.

Advanced Attachments Processor
This one program shaved so much time off my workflow at Pampered Puppy I'm considering flying the developer here just so I can kiss them in person. :) The program will work with most mail programs, and will run through an account based on any number of requirements (date, extension, folder, keyword, etc.) and extract all of the attachments that match into a folder on your drive. Our monthly photo contest usually results in upwards of 600+ submissions, all with image attachments. Running this script cleanly and accurately dumps all of that month's submissions into a single folder where I can start digging through images to find a winner.

The Rename Program
Simple, tiny, powerful. Renames stuff. 'Nuff said.

Mobipocket
Yeah, I know... where the hell was I? Unhealthily addicted to Palm Reader, let me tell you. But Mobi is an even better reader, IMO... particularly since it a) also combines features from AvantGo, b) allows you to import any .txt or .html file and converts it to a .prc and c) doesn't hide the ****ing toolbar on you.

Grab It
One heck of an excellent Usenet reader (mostly for binaries) including a very, very nifty search. I haven't had to subscribe to a group in ages - just search my ISP's usenet archives for the stuff I want.

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