Top 9 Best Miscellaneous Tools for Windows
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CutLog
Complex optimization tool for sawmills that allows you to work with various optimization patterns for sawing logs and producing timber, manage customers and suppliers, and keep track of multiple wood species.
CutLog is a professional software application designed specifically for helping you manage your sawmill business. It comes with support for features that allow you to increase profit and utilization of wood, calculate the optimum sawing for a given diameter, and optimize costs.
Clean feature lineup
The GUI looks clean and provides at-a-glance panel with a set of tools which can be activated with the click of the mouse.
On the downside, there’s no support for a help manual and the list with configuration parameters is quite hard to digest, so rookies may need to invest extra time and effort into decoding the program’s features.
Wood species, shrinkage allowance, normatives and products
CutLog gives you the possibility to keep track of multiple wood species along with information about the ID of the species, local name, and Latin name.
Shrinkage allowance can be kept for various species (including details about the nominal size at 20% humidity). In addition, you are allowed to enter data about the norm number, description, length, and round, as well as adjust the thickness/width of the timber.
When it comes to product management, the application lets you check out extensive information about each product, such as invoice thickness and width, cutting width, price side, and comment. You may add or delete groups, and export data to XLS file format.
Optimization and additional features
The tool offers support for several optimization modules, namely FlexiCut 2, Circular, Flexi, Multi or Pattern Cut. Each of the aforementioned parameters comes with a rich-featured suite of settings for helping you define the process in detail.
CutLog lets you tweak monthly settings (e.g. fixed and variable costs, working hours, productive minutes), manage sawing speed, keep track of customers (e.g. name, street, country, email address) and suppliers (e.g. street, city, country, contact person, mobile number), and calculate costs based on labor costs, burden rate and profit.
General configuration settings
The utility allows you to pick the currency and preferred thickness, set up the price for chips and sawdust, reassign hotkeys, as well as pick the formula for the log volume.
An overall efficient tool
All in all, CutLog implements a powerful package of features for helping you control various aspects of the optimization process for your sawmill business, and is suitable especially for professional users.
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LilyPond
Transform notes written as text into musical scales, in an interactive manner, with the help of this innovative and efficient software application.
LilyPond is a complex and reliable software utility developed to offer musicians a method of generating visually-appealing music scores, similar to the hand-engraved ones, also being able to print and share them with the orchestra.
Music sheet creation with minimal effort
The tool comes with an editing instrument, namely LilyPad, which enables users to create, customize and work with LY format files, programmatically inputting the layouts they wish to render as printable files.
The simple and straightforward look of this component is coupled with the Windows context-menu integration of LilyPond, allowing users to swiftly open a source file for further editing or to convert it to PDF.
Generating music scores similar to the hand-engraved files is no longer a chore
Using the LilyPad component, users can manually input the contents of their music score in readable and editable ASCII text, being able to adjust its layout and preview the results in real time, making sure it fully matches users’ requirements.
As it includes version control capabilities, LilyPond enables users to look at the entire development process of a music sheet and determine when certain changes were introduced. This way, unwanted modifications can be reverted with ease.
Since different layouts, settings and styles are available, users can easily switch between them and obtain a variant that pleases them esthetically. Mimicking hand-engraved sheets even in printed form makes it easier for musicians to focus on playing rather than reading the file in front of them. It can handle classical and modern music, complex notation, tablatures and Schenker graphs all the time.
A tool for mimicking hand-engraved music sheets
All in all, LilyPond is an efficient and advanced application that can assist musicians interested in the visual appearance of their music scores, by allowing them to create attractive files, like the ones written by hand, yet do it all from in front of a computer.
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Download Hubs
LilyPond is part of these download collections: Music Notation Tools
Bluetooth Battery Monitor
Monitor the battery status of several Bluetooth devices and receive warnings when the levels get under a certain threshold using this tiny tool.
In the eventuality that you use Bluetooth keyboards, mice or headsets, then we do not need to tell you more about how irritating it is when the battery goes off when you least expect it. Bluetooth Battery Monitor is a lightweight tool designed to help you keep track of the battery status and hence, avoid getting caught off guard.
Keeps track of multiple Bluetooth compatible devices
Following a quick installation, you can access the app from the System Tray. The interface is as simple as it gets, which is not necessarily a setback considering the role of the application. Consequentially, based on the number of Bluetooth compatible gadgets, you can preview the battery threshold for all of them by clicking on the small icon.
As a side note, for the time being, the application is collecting anonymous data about the application as you are alerted before installation. In case you need to make sure that your privacy is protected, then do not hesitate to check out the link from the Settings window.
Lets you set the threshold when it should alert you
Even though it does not have advanced settings, it is worth mentioning that the utility permits you to specify the percentage that you want to receive notifications. Depending on how you intend to use the peripherals or headsets, you can avoid unpleasant situations when either of these devices stops working because it needs to be charged.
You should bear in mind that the application cannot detect all Bluetooth devices that you may use. In fact, if the gadget is not capable of reporting this, then you are unlikely to view the data within the app. On the other hand, let us not forget that the program is currently in Beta and there is a chance that the developer will extend the support and compatibility in the future.
A handy tool for monitoring the battery for Bluetooth devices
In spite of the fact that it solely works with gadgets that can report their status, Bluetooth Battery Monitor is a straightforward tool that can provide you with data about the battery of the paired devices.
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Download Hubs
Bluetooth Battery Monitor is part of these download collections: Battery Managers
Freeplane
Create simple to complex mind maps to transcribe your ideas from a brainstorming session to a visual structure, with all the data neatly organized.
Freeplane is a software program that you can use to create mind maps. It can be used for brainstorming sessions at work, for example. There is also a portable edition available.
Create comprehensive mind maps in practically no time
The interface of the app includes an intuitive layout where you can insert a multitude of elements into the mind map, such as a question or exclamation marks, stars (e.g. for ratings), light bulbs (e.g. for ideas), information signs, numbers, flags and smiley faces.
It is possible to create a new mind map from scratch by using a template. Freeplane supports multiple tabs, so you can work on multiple projects at the same time.
Customize most aspects of your mind maps and export your projects to a wide array of formats
Aside from building and editing nodes (with HTML support), you can change the map background color, apply a style (e.g. floating node, topic, root), add hyperlinks and images, password-protect the mind map, as well as export it to HTML, JPEG, XML, XLS, TXT or other formats.
In addition, you can view map statistics, save all open maps to file, use a search and replace function, minimize nodes, change the edge color, manage time, tasks and addons, as well as edit and run scripts. A wide range of configuration options are available through the Preferences screen. For instance, you can customize the appearance (e.g. status line, default colors, selection colors) and reconfigure keyboard shortcuts.
Efficient software solution for mind map creations
The comprehensive program requires a pretty high amount of CPU and system memory to work properly. It has a good response time and includes user documentation. No error dialogs have been shown throughout our tests and the app did not hang or crash. Thanks to its intuitive layout yet rich options, Freeplane should be able to please the entire audience.
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FreeWorship
Create slideshows, combine videos and add background music in order to illustrate bible verses using this reliable software solution.
FreeWorship is a software application designed specifically for helping you create presentations for churches, unions or worship sessions. You can display images, Bible passages or notes, and videos.
User interface
You are welcomed by a multi-tabbed layout that offers quick access to several dedicated parameters needed for customizing the presentations, namely Song, Bible, Note, Image, and Video.
The tool lets you manage several songs included in the database, import audio files from DreamBeam, Mission Praise, OpenSong, and Words of Worship, as well as add Bible files from XML, XMM, or plain text file format.
It comes packed with plenty of configuration settings, so you need to take some time and experiment with its features if you want to make the most out of this app.
Creating presentations
FreeWorship gives you the possibility to enter the name of the Bible passage, alter the text in terms of font, color, alignment, and shadow, insert a background color, switch between the American Standard or King James version, show the verse numbers, and preview the text in a dedicated panel.
What’s more, you can insert user-defined notes or choose between several templates, insert custom images (JPG, BMP, PNG), as well as open videos (e.g. AVI, MKV, MP4, WMV).
The Transition Editor enables you to apply various effects, such as Zoom, Random, Flip, Fade, and Push, and you may also insert a clock or timer with custom fonts, colors, formats and backgrounds, and create songs by specifying the title, authors, publisher, copyright, comments, key, and tempo.
Performance
Tests have shown that FreeWorship carries out a task quickly and without errors. It doesn’t eat up a lot of CPU and memory, so the overall performance of the computer is not affected.
Bottom line
All in all, FreeWorship comes bundled with several handy features in order to help you create personalized presentations. If you want to skip the installation steps, you can download the portable version of the program, which can be found here.
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Swapper
Swap your mouse buttons, remapping what each key does by assigning the other's purpose, with this simple System Tray tool that will not bother you while active.
With Swapper it is pretty clear what the end goal is. It switches mouse button functions from left to right and vice-versa. Why, you ask?
Well, firstly because it can be done, and secondly because it could aid people who use their left hand feel more comfortable when using their mouse. Regardless of your actual use, this program does the job very well, avoiding any confusion while not interfering with the user's work at all.
An icon in the systray
The main aspect of this program that might have some surprised is how small and simple it is. While being so, it's equally helpful in configuring mouse button functionality. The app is actually represented by an icon in the System Tray. That's it. No other means of adjusting anything else.
Still, swapping the left mouse button functionality with the right button is signaled in the tray. The leading button used to click, drag and what not, will be colored in red. This way, you will know the setup you are currently using. In terms of actual functionality, there are no hiccups. Once you're done with it, you can turn it off and everything goes back to normal.
Useful for left-handed people
The idea behind this program is to help all left-handed individuals feel more at home when navigating their machine's system. It makes more sense, yet it can sometimes be difficult to agree on a particular setup, especially if the machine is also used by right-handed people.
There's no need for a compromise since this program can save the day and offer both categories ease of access through its offered functionality. Thus, instead of always having to adjust your machine according to your needs or preferences, it becomes easier to just deal with this app and its mouse-button setup.
The bottom line with this program is that it can only serve a limited group of people, since its functionality, while useful, can be redundant for individuals who do not feel the need to swap buttons on their machine's mouse.
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Rocrail
Model railroad control system that comes with support for automatic and manual modes for controlling trains, schedules, modular layout, and server-client architecture.
Rocrail is an open-source application able to control a model train layout from one or more computers. It runs on Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, and Raspberry Pi, and uses the wxWidgets toolkits. The utility provides support for automatic and manual modes for controlling the trains via blocks, routes, schedules and complex patterns.
Client-server architecture
The program employs a server and client that work hand in hand via Internet protocols. It is not mandatory to run them both on the same computer.
Rocrail can be used from a single PC connected directly to the layout, and you may control your layout from any computer on your home network or over the Internet. It also offers support for web-based interface which empowers you to run the layout from various web browsers.
The server (Rocrail) works with a wide range of controllers, namely Märklin's 6051, the Uhlenbrock Intellibox, Loconet, SRCP connections such as DDL/DDW, and others. The client (Rocview) connects to the server over the network and can be used for planning the layouts.
Controlling capabilities
Rocrail offers you the freedom to configure the way the locomotives are controlled in detail. You may start with setting up locomotives, blocks, sensors, and routes, blocking events, and tweaking block occupancy.
The application lets you create multiple workspaces that include all files needed by the Rocrail server to control a layout, work with a modular layout, make use of the R2Rnet network for making roaming trains travel from system to system, and enable various command stations.
Furthermore, you can create staging blocks divided in multiple detection sections, tweak manual signals in automatic mode, define user actions to control anything, set up schedules for a realistic train flow, turn on the random automatic control, and work with symbol themes in SVG.
An efficient and reliable model railroad control system
All in all, Rocrail comes with a comprehensive suite of features for helping you control a model railroad layout manually and/or automatically. The advanced pack of options makes it suitable especially for professional users.
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WriteMapper
Supercharge your productivity by conveniently creating useful mind maps with the help of this straightforward yet comprehensive application.
Usually associated with brainstorming sessions, mind maps are intuitive diagrams that display, structure and connect information (tasks, concepts, plans, linked ideas) around a central subject, thus trying to mirror the way our brains work, in a non-linear (radiant) manner.
If used well, the provided advantages are immense, and that's precisely why choosing the right tool for the job is very important since, let's not forget, the end goal is to unleash dormant potential and increase productivity.
A mind mapping app and a text editor, smoothly mashed together
With its elegant, simplistic user interface and a lot more features on tap than you might be lead to believe at first, WriteMapper is an exciting application that aims to boost your writing productivity with the help of mind maps.
If it sounds a bit confusing, it might help if you were to think about WriteMapper as a perfect blend of both a mind map app and a comprehensive text editor.
Helps you write drafts without losing sight of your project's structure
If you've worked with apps for mind mapping before, then it should be business as usual. You can start off by creating a node and link everything from there. You can add child nodes, edit and manage them, quickly edit the tiles, as well as assign color tags.
Things get even more interesting when it comes to writing. Essentially, each node on your mind map has a text section that can be edited at your convenience. You're provided with almost all the necessary text editing tools. For instance, you can add bold, italic or underline effects, create bullet or ordered lists, add code blocks, links, blockquotes, as well as link files and URLs.
Multiple export options and a few other welcome features
There are other aspects that are worth considering. One of the best things about WriteMapper is that it supports a wide array of formats, which means that you can export your projects to HTML, TXT, Markdown, RTF and DOCX formats.
Last but not least, you might also appreciate some of the smaller touches. Things like a built-in Nightmode, Emoji support, simple keyboard shortcuts, may not seem like a lot at first but coupled with the rest of the offered features, they actually contribute towards making WriteMapper a very compelling package.
No doubt about it, one of the best app for writers who are dealing with complex projects
To conclude, WriteMapper is definitely worth considering if you're looking for a smooth-running, modern, and efficient application to help you with your writing projects. It packs most of what you need from an app for mind mapping, it looks better than the vast majority of similar apps out there, it offers a visually-compelling view of your writing structure, it supports a lot of formats and, best of all, it's very user-focused and quite novice-accessible.
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dktools
Seamlessly convert images, edit or process texts, manage users, passwords as well as printers printers and publish HTML as books using this bundle solution.
In case you have limited space on your computer, then there is a fair chance that you are looking for a piece of software capable of doing as many operations as possible.
dktools is a bundle of programs that enable you to administer databases, networks and printers as well as convert images and texts, all from the same place.
Perform conversions and manage databases with commands
First off, you should know that the utility is not a single piece of software, but rather multiple small programs that you can access and run using command lines. Considering that it does not come with a standalone interface, but rather it is operated via Window's command console, the suite may not be appealing or exciting for users with limited computer skills.
After the installation, you are able to run the app you need by simply entering the dedicated command for it. You can convert standard text to LaTex or HTML and then publish the content as a book, check the file integrity and perform a debug on the executable for the application you are working on or generate passwords, PINs and hexadecimal keys, to name just a few of the apps you can use.
Enables you to do most operations faster and more efficient
From software development such as C debuggers and creating wizards to the IT administration of a MySQL database and generating data stream that can be used to erase a disk, the bundle covers most tools you would normally need on a daily basis.
Moreover, irrespective of the project you are working on, you should know that you can schedule them for printing or clear the printer queues effortlessly. The latter apps along with accessing the simple clock with one alert embedded could ensure you do not forget about deadlines and become more proficient in the long run.
A reliable bundle for anyone with limited space
In the eventuality that you are short on storage space, but would like to be able to perform all common operations without installing additional software solutions, then dktools might be the utility you need to become more efficient.
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