Best free file converters
Free utility converts normal programs to portable versions
I've tried a couple of programs that make this claim and found them to be only partly effective. They work with some programs but not with others. This one, suggested by subscriber "Torrente," proved to be a little more reliable. It's called "Portable Builder" [1] and it works by using an AutoIt3 script and RegShot to monitor an application installation. It then uses the registry change information to create a portable version. It's not entirely straightforward, but is well within the scope of experienced Windows users, provided you read the notes and watch the video [2]. If your expectation for success is not set too high, you will find a lot to like here. Note that the RapidShare download link for Portable Builder is not working. Use this one [3] instead. Freeware, Windows 2000, XP, Vista (with UAC disabled), 328KB
[1] http://portableapps.com/node/9909?page=2
[2] http://rapidshare.com/files/95463341/PAC_video_demo_-_xvid.avi
[3] http://www.mediafire.com/?01gmbjoxmse
The best online format conversion site
Subscriber Christine S. writes "Hi Gizmo, I thought you might want to know of this site [1] that allows you to record streaming media with many file format conversion options. I prefer it to the one you mentioned in issue 153 as I like to save files in MPEG format rather than AVI as AVI takes too long to convert should I want to burn the video to DVD." Nice find Christine, this may well be the best of all the online audio and video format conversion sites. The conversion options for non-media files are also very comprehensive. In fact I'm sure many users will find the PDF to DOC conversion option very useful. Thanks also to Cheryl Rainfield who also suggested this site.
[1] http://www.zamzar.com/url/
More online file format conversion sites
Converting files from one format to another is a common problem. A good solution is to use a free online conversion site where you can upload a file in one format and then download it converted to your desired format. Here are two of the best such sites. Each has its strengths though it's worth noting that the Media Convert site offers a solution to one of the most common conversion needs - converting Adobe Acrobat PDF files to Microsoft Word DOC files. Both sites are advertising-supported so turn your pop-up blocker on. Thanks to subscriber Stuart for the suggestion.
[1] http://media-convert.com/ (up to 150Mb files)
[2] http://www.youconvertit.com/ (up to 300Mb files)
Free utility converts video files for iPod use
I've mentioned several general purpose video format converters in past issues, but if you are only interested in getting videos onto your iPod then the simplicity of this specialized iPod converter will appeal. "Free iPod Video Converter" is just a fancy front end to conversion utilities written by other folks but it works just fine. It will convert DVD/VCD, AVI, MPEG, WMV, RM, RMVB, DivX, ASF, VOB video files, it supports batch processing and has user selectable quality settings. Freeware, Windows 98 and later with DivX 8.0, 1.38MB.
http://www.ipod-video-converter.org/
Free utilities that record streaming media
Sick of just watching streamed videos and audio tracks but not being able to save them? So are many other folks and this demand has given rise to nearly a dozen utilities that will record them to your PC. The bad news is that the best products in this category are shareware not freeware with Replay Video and RM Recorder the standout choices. There are, however, several solid, if not outstanding, freeware choices. The easiest to use is StreamBox VCR [1]. It handles many major video and audio formats including MS and RealMedia though support for QuickTime and the latest formats is limited. It also can't handle more than 5 simultaneous streams. The Japanese program GetASFStream [2] handles virtually all MS video and audio streaming protocols with ease. There's a catch though: there's no English translation! Thankfully, usage is dead simple; once you have installed the product just paste the streaming file URL into the products address box and hit enter. You can find a machine translation of the Japanese FAQ here [3]. Another option is SDP, a free video player [4] that allows you to save most streamed MS video protocols except RTSP. The later format will be handled in the next release. Be aware, though, that there are media rights issues with a lot of streamed broadcasts, so be prudent in what you chose to record.
[1] http://p082.ezboard.com/fstreemeboxvcrfrm7.showMessage?topicID=27.topic
[2] http://www.urltrim.com/ct/t.php?l=77 Freeware, 697KB
[3] http://tinyurl.com/fwvzq
[4] http://sdp.ppona.com/ Freeware, Windows 98 and later, 2.77MB
Convert MS Word and Excel documents to PDF
You can pay $49 for a utility to do this or go to this web site where they will do it will do it for free. They also can convert HTML pages to PDF as well.
http://www.expresspdf.com/
Outstanding video how-to site
Want to copy one of your DVDs or strip the sound track to a CD? Need to join several video files? Like to convert from one video format to another? This site shows you how to do all these things and more using free software.
http://www.doom9.org/index.html?/search
The best free video conversion program
Wouldn't it be neat to be able to convert any kind of video files to a format you can use on your PSP, iPod or mobile phone?
"Super" is a free utility that allows you to do pretty well all of these things and more.
It has two great strengths: first it's relatively easy to use and secondly it handles a large number of different file formats. It handles 3gp/3g2 (Nokia, Siemens, Sony, Ericsson), asf, avi (DivX, H263, H263+, H264, Xvid, MPEG4, MSmpeg4 etc), dat, fli, flc, flv (used in Flash), mkv, mpg (Mpeg I, Mpeg II), mov (H263, H263+, H264, MPEG4 etc), mp4 (H263, H263+, H264, MPEG4), ogg, qt, rm, ram, rmvb, str (Play Station), swf (Flash), ts (HDTV), viv, vob, and wmv.
It also handles audio file format conversion including ac3, amr, mp2, mp3, mp4, ogg, ra, wav, and wma.
Am I impressed? You bet; I've seen commercial software with fewer features selling for over$100. Be aware though, that video conversion by its very nature requires a lot of processing power and can be very slow on older PCs. Freeware, Windows 98 and later, 18MB.
http://www.erightsoft.com/Superdt.html