Our chief editor

Axel Gerken is chief editor for DownloadMix.com, DownloadMix.de, Download-Apps.de und GamesMix.de.

Since years he is in touch with the latest developements in software, freeware & games and has a major overview on all programs at DownloadMix and its partner sites.

Our Reviews

YoWindow

Freeware (0,00 €) | 7 MB | Version 3.0.149

Screensaver with weather forecast

While looking for new and interesting software, I came across a quite promising mix of screensaver and weather forecast. YoWindow was developed by a small team of Russian developers and there is a free basic version of the program available. It should be noted that usually programs offering weather forecast for Windows computers are not available for free. YoWindow provides animated images together with an accurate weather forecast. I just got really curious about this. So I had a closer look at the weather forecast. You can read my complete review here.

During installation one has to pay attention, in order to prevent the additional installations of programs, if necessary. YoWindow also requires an Adobe Flash Player plug-in for the Internet Explorer. However, the setup is structured in a way that any missing plug-in for the Internet Explorer is also downloaded and installed. As soon as that is done, YoWindow will run without any problems. After launching the program it displays an animated image of a village. Depending on the time of day, the lighting conditions in the village will also change. At night there are the mood and stars, but only if the weather allows visibility of the night sky. At the top right all current weather details for a set location, including humidity and air pressure. Here users can create a list of their favourites so that they can easily switch between different locations. I like to use this feature when there is a vacation coming up. This way it is easier to respond to the weather conditions at my holiday destination. The free version of YoWindow includes a 3-day forecast with temperatures and weather icons.

If don't like the image of a village, you can also select a different location for your screensaver in the menu "Landscape". You can choose from different images such as "airport", "at the sea" or also an "Asian image". A special feature of the images is their animation. At the airport there is busy air traffic, clouds passing in the sky - everything according to the current weather report. All images with their animation are very nice and very appealing. You can also upload your own images, but those will not be animated.

Main features of YoWindow
* Animated landscapes show the current weather conditions - clouds, rain/snow, grass swaying in the wind, fog, thunder storms
* Real astronomical calculations - sun and moon, daylight
* Movement over the course of time - observation of the weather forecast exactly when you need it
* The change of seasons is synchronised with nature
* Free landscapes such as village/farm, coast/bay, airport, Middle Eastern and more than 1400 image based landscapes are available
* Fully equipped weather station - much information

Summary:
The free software YoWindow offers a nicely animated weather forecast that can be set as a screensaver. The progam is multilingual and very easy to use. A very nice program with a good mix of weather forecast and screensaver. This program receives a "highly recommendable" from me and the current version can now be downlaoded and tried for free. Axel Gerken
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abylon BASIC

Shareware (25,50 $) | 27,2 MB | Version 10.50.2

Ultimate protection for sensitive data

Anyone who has ever sent emails containing sensitive data, such as contracts, documents for the tax advisor or other important information, has probably thought about the danger of information getting into the wrong hands. An email is quickly sent to the wrong recipient. Quite often the security of sensitive data is neglected. Only an encryption of files offers overall protection when sending data by email or storing data on your own computer. When using the right encryption algorithm, a decryption can take up to several decades. This provides an optimum of protection for your data. Today I would like to present a suitable security software to you. abylonsoft, a developer of encryption and security software, has been very successful in this area for years. abylon Basic 10 offers a comprehensive collection of tools. This collection contains modules to encrypt, sign, compress, search, copy or move your files and folders. I have had a closer look at the current version of abylon Basic 10. You can read my complete review here.

After starting abylon Basic 10 on my computer, all tools are clearly arranged, similar to the folder view of the Windows Explorer. A precisely adjustable Explorer plug-in allows me to launch different tools of abylon Basic directly from within the Windows Explorer. abylon Basic 10 contains different encryption tools. One of them is abylon SYMM CRYPT, a password and secret based encryption. Either a password can be typed, or a USB flash drive, chip card or CD could be used as a secret. Another tool is abylon HYBRID CRYPT with its certificate based encryption. Only the owner of the certificate can decrypt the documents and make them accessible. abylon Basic also offers a CRYPT-ASSISTENT. If you are new to encrypting files and folders, the CRYPT-ASSISTENT provides a step-by-step guidance to file encryption.

In its tool collection, abylon Basic 10 also offers CRYPTZIP, a module for creating and editing ZIP archives. It goes without saying that also encryped and signed files are supported. The module abylon PASTE optimises the copy and paste process for files on your hard drive. Unchanged files, for example, will not be copied, a backup is created of edited files and when moving files the source file will be wiped automatically. The additional module abylon FIND supports you when searching files and folders.

Main features of abylon Basic 10
* Full integration in the Windows Explorer
* PasswordScrambler and image input: anti-keylogger function by chopping up passwords and usage of image objects
* abylon CRYPTZIP: creation of compressed files
* abylon HYBRID CRYPT: certificate based encryption and signature
* abylon SYMM CRYPT: password and secret based encryption
* abylon CRYPT-ASSISTENT: crypt files step-by-step
* Supported PKCS#7 file extensions for encryptions (CRP, P7M, TBE), signing (SGN, TBS, P7S) or encryptions and signing (SME, ASC, PK7, VSP7).
* Administration and creation of X.509 test certificates
* Creation of an executable copy of the software on an external storage device (e.g. USB flash drive).

Summary:
I can highly recommend abylon Basic 10 to anyone who would like to protect their sensitive data better. Various different encryption modules and a full integration in the Windows Explorer completely convinced me. Now I just have to do a right-click in the Explorer to access the encryption function and my tax return not accessible to third parties any more. Try this software free. Go to DownlaodMix.com for the current version. Axel Gerken
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Emsisoft Anti-Malware

Shareware (40,00 $) | 233 MB | Version 7.0.0.21

Two scanners versus evil

Emsisoft has been offering reliable security solutions for years. The current version of Emsisoft Anti-Malware 7.0 is available since October this year. It even uses two scanners to protect your computer from a wide range of intruders. Two scan engines definitely provide more protection than any effective anti-virus software, which usually uses only one. But I can assure you that there is no need to worry about you computer slowing down in performance. Emsisoft has combined two scanners on the lowest level to guarantee the best possible performance. A dual scanner is even faster and lighter than other products with only one scan engine. I would like to present to you the current version. Please read my review on Emsisoft Anti-Malware 7.0 here.

The new anti-malware (malware is short for a malicious software) now offers three different protection layers. The first layer provides surf protection. If you unintentionally try to access a website that spreads spyware or malware, Emsisoft Anti-Malware prevents you from loading that website. This also prevents malicious software on Internet websites from accessing your computer. The anti-malware program also contains a list of known dangerous websites. This list is updated on an hourly basis.

The second layer is a file guard. If malicious software managed to gain access to your computer, the file guard will be an important protective shield. It checks every downloaded or opened file and runs them against more that 10 million signatures of malicious software. The file guard works in the background. This way you will not recognize it scanning and checking dozens of files every minute while you are working or playing.

The third layer is an in-house developed behavioral analysis. This behavior blocker protects your computer from the latest malicious threats that are not yet listed with signatures. Emsisoft Anti-Malware constantly monitors all active applications and raises alarm as soon as there is something suspicious happening. Just imagine a Trojan with such a clever disguise that a file guard does not recognize it. But the behavioral analysis recognizes what the Trojan is really up to. This way the Trojan reveals itself through its behavior. Exactly this fact uses Emsisoft to identify a computer threats. Together these three protection layers are a very secure barrier.

Of course this anti-malware program is very easy to use. In addition to the already mentioned security solutions, a HiJackFree and a tool for system analysis were integrated. This tool allows especially advanced users to manually control security measures and also remove malicious threats. This tool is also available as a free standalone solution for home computers. However, I think it is a very good addition to the complete package.

Summary:
The new version, Emsisoft Anti-Malware 7.0, runs on Windows 8 and offers excellent protection for your computer with its dual malware scanners. Emsisoft has developed a very good security solution with its latest version. With dual scan engines that are working together intelligently so that there is no loss in performance and a self- developed behavioral analysis, the program provides outstanding protection and receives a “highly recommendable” from me. The shareware can be tested including all functions for three days without registration. Just keep malicious threats away! (Axel Gerken)
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TwistedBrush Pro Studio

Shareware (99,00 $) | 22,40 MB | Version 19.12

Discovering your creative self

It has been a few years since I first got interested in features such as blur, erase or paint over lines in digital photos. Then I had an idea: What if I could completely get rid of paint brush and pencil and do all the creative stuff on my computer. I could create self-made invitations, greetings cards or even images for my own flat using software. For the last couple of years the development especially in this area of software is in full swing and many different programs have appeared on the market. Today I would like to present TwistedBrush Pro Studio to you. It’s a program for users that enjoy drawing and would like to create great art on their screens. Read my review on TwistedBrush Pro Studio here.

The user interface of this painting program is constructed to provide quick access to all the extensive functions for different painting techniques and brushes. Many different tool bars also allow users to access basic functions such as choosing a brush and color or selecting and cutting out image areas. Further information on RGB colors and mouse pointer position are always available in a small window. If you browse the features of this painting program, you will discover several functions that deal with layers and masks as well as tools, filters and many other drawing aids. TwistedBrush Pro Studio supports nearly all current image and graphic formats such as PNG, JPEG, BMP, GIF, TGA, DDS, PCX, PSD, PCD, WMF, EMF and TIFF and it also comes with its own file format called TBR.

I just chose a color, used a digital brush in the drawing area and made a few test strokes. The great number of different brushes and ways to blur or distort images will inspire any creative person. No matter which technique you want to use - brushes, pens, chalks, airbrush, oil paint, erasers or watercolors - TwistedBrush offers suitable functions for many drawing techniques. The program even offers a brush for an impressionist painting technique. I think that is great.

Apart from the program’s great number of functions und options, I also like that the developers really help users to get started by offering greatly illustrated guides. And thus, with a little practice, first great results are created quickly.

TwistedBrush Pro Studio - Features
* Working with layers * Realistic media * Cloning functions for photos * Tracing paper * Masks * Particles * Filters * Recording scripts * Scripts to AVI * Drawing tablet support * Many different brush shapes * Patterns * Textures * Integrated scanner support * Many additional features: brushes, drawing, guides, image, view, dirty brushes, scratches layer, dynamic palettes and lots more.

Summary:
TwistedBrush Pro Studio is very good software for drawing as well as editing images and photos. With so many functions and features you can unleash your creative self. This program enables you to create high quality pieces of art. I’m happy to give this program the rating „highly recommendable“. This drawing program with all its functions and features can be tested for free. The full version can be purchased directly from within the program. (Axel Gerken)


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Ashampoo Burning Studio 12

Shareware (49,99 $) | 170.8 MB | Version 12.0.5

Modern, simple, amazing - new burning software by Ashampoo

Only a couple of minutes after the release of new burning software by Ashampoo, download portals were practically stormed by customers who wanted to install the newest version as soon possible. And even a few days after the release, the demand is still high and the number of downloads is rising steadily. Great software comes out on top. Therefore it is high time to present the current Ashampoo Burning Studio here. Please read my review on Ashampoo Burning Studio 12 here.

Already during installation, it becomes clear that in version 12 developers paid much attention to detail. To keep users entertained during installation a short video with beautifully edited sequences showing a virtual burning process. The user interface starts up with the clearly arranged list of the main functions form burning data, creating and recovering backups, burning audio CDs to using the included cover editor that helps you to create great looking covers for your DVDs and CDs. If you prefer color combination other than the combination of blue and white, you can easily choose your personal color combination for your Burning Studio. Similar to a modern LED lamp which lets you to choose from a nearly endless variety of colors, in the menu option of Ashampoo Burning Studio you can select your favorite color for the program using a slide controller. That is very up-to-date as well as easy-to-use. I think that is great.

Of course, with the new burning program data can be burned on CD, DVD or Blu-ray quickly and easily. After selecting burning medium and data type, Ashampoo Burning Studio 12 opens a selection window. You can just drag and drop the appropriate data into the dialogue and burn them on different media. With the integrated backup module a backup copy can be saved. The created backups can be zipped and encrypted, if desired.

The new Ashampoo Burning Studio 12 handles video data perfectly. Thus, video CDs or data media, for example, can be created individually with the included editor. The program offers great templates and effects for that. The compact mode which was already included in the previous version, is also included in this one and offers fast access to the most important burning features. At the touch of a button you can easily switch from normal to compact mode.

Ashampoo Burning Studio 12 – What’s new?
* Less is more: Shorter start times, slimmer user interface
Ashampoo Burning Studio 12 needs less to start and modules are almost launched instantly.

* Higher compatibility
More data on one disc. Ashampoo Burning Studio 12 completely supports the BDXL format (100 and 128 GB). * Burning large amounts of data
The new disc spanning feature allows the division of data to fit on any number of data mediums and therefore creates unlimited storage space.

* Much more flexibility for your creativity
With Ashampoo Burning Studio 12 you will design and create your own layouts and thus make your projects highly individual and personalized.

Summary:
Ashampoo Burning Studio 12 is much more than simple burning software. The enormous demand for the newest version is proofs that. With the 12th generation many features were improved without artificially inflating the program. For me it’s the burning program. Needless to say, it receives a “highly recommendable” from me. Be inspired by Ashampoo Burning Studio 12 and try it here on DownloadMix.com. (Axel Gerken)


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