Did you spend a lot of money on your computer? No matter if you had to rob a bank or not, it would be nice to benchmark your PC to know how fast and reliable it is, and for this you obviously need a benchmarking software. One of the many (good) bechmarks available for the Windows platform is PassMark Performance Test, and since it got a minor update today, I thought this is a very good chance for me to tell you a few things about it...

The update I just told you about helped the 32-bit version of the program to get a new label, and that is 6.1 build 1011, while the 64-bit one didn't get its update yet, remaining at 6.1 build 1008. The new things in the current update are minor fixes, such as search capability for AMD Phenom and Intel Core 2 Extreme in the online databases, the possibility to run multiple instances of the program to allow multiple Advanced Network test to taje place concurrently, as well as minor changes to the license management system.

If you're new to PassMark's Performance Test, then I am sure you'd like to hear what this program has in store for you. The standard test suites include CPU, 2D/3D graphics, disk, memory, and CD/DVD tests, while the advanced customizable test allow you to test performance of your disk and CD/DVD drive, as well as 3D capabilities, but you also get to benchmark networking, memory and multi-tasking performance of your PC.

If you want to get deeper into this program, simply grab your free trial from here. Once the 30 days evaluation period ends, you can purchase the program for $24(obviously, there's no problem if you want to purchase it earlier), but feel free to check the official sales page, first of all.

Windows 7, previously known as Blackcomb and Vienna, is the next version of Windows. As usual, Bill Gates says it's going to be the best OS ever, and so on, but this is not the problem. Maybe this time they are going to get things right, I can't tell, but there's a "little big" problem already - while early reports placed its release somewhere in the second half of the next year, now there are voices saying this is going to happen in 2011, maybe late 2010, with a bit of luck...

How's that? Weren't they actually WORKING on it? I even saw a screenshot from Milestone 1 of Windows 7 (Build 6519)! Well, since that wasn't quite different from Vista, I guess they are still PLANNING it, as the last reports say - Windows 7 is currently "in the planning stage", and should take about 3 years to develop (yeah, right!).

If they are going to do the same as they did with Vista, we'll probably have the next Windows version ready in 2013, maybe even 2015, if they decide to keep the features and release a complete OS, but I can't imagine Microsoft doing that...

Hummm... this is a subject worth keeping an eye on, especially since Bill Gates suggested the next Windows version is going to "be more user-centric", exactly what was supposed to happen with previous Windows versions. Just read this:"That means that right now when you move from one PC to another, you've got to install apps on each one, do upgrades on each one. Moving information between them is very painful. We can use Live Services to know what you're interested in. So even if you drop by a [public] kiosk or somebody else's PC, we can bring down your home page, your files, your fonts, your favorites and those things."

In my opinion, it's much easier to carry your USB drive full of portable applications, rather than moving data through Microsoft's servers, don't you think?

Portable media players, shortly known as PMP, are more and more popular each day, and they are not the only portable devices able to play videos. The problem appears when you have to convert data into the format supported by a certain gadget, because, unfortunately, there isn't any good video compression format compatible with the PSP, iPhone, XBox and so on. This is where an entire army of converters comes into play, and today's pick is called Aplus Video to iPod PSP 3GP PPC PMP (try remembering that, now!).

Setup

Aplus Video to iPod (and all the rest that follows, but I'll only call it this way from now on) reached version 8.68, and comes in a setup package as large as 4.4MB. Since downloading it shouldn't be much of a problem, let me tell you about the setup process...

Once you run the setup package, you shouldn't have any problems, as long as you're not using Windows Vista and have UAC enabled... Anyway, I installed Aplus Video to iPod on my good-old Windows XP, and it all worked perfectly.

If you're wondering about the limitations of the trial version I used, the answer is that you can only convert 20MB output files or smaller using it. Other than that, you get 2 buttons allowing yopu to purchase this program placed in the main window of the program, right next to the Play button, and I think one would've been enough. At last, the price required to register this program is $29.95, so let's push forward and see if you get enough for your money or not...

Interface

Aplus Video to iPod looks good, and that's all I need to say. While it's very easy to use, its interface, which is covered by a nice skin, doesn't allow you to customize it or at least install additional visual themes, but let's not forget the purpose of this program - it's here to help you convert movies, so the lack of 200 custom skins for it is no big deal!

Features

According to its producer, this program automatically detects your hardware and adjusts the conversion speed. Sounds good, but I don't understand why they didn't optimize it right for dual and quad core systems, because conversion speed was slower than my X2 4000+ is capable. Also, I couldn't find any Settings area, but I know a lot of people who enjoy programs that don't ask many questions, and they will surely love this one!

Aplus Video to iPod supports drag and drop, but be careful to choose your output directory first. Why? When I converted my first file, it was set automatically to D:\, but I don't have any D drive(my DVD Writer is currently RMA'd due to some problems)! The most funny part came when I ran a search for that file on my entire 320GB drive and couldn't find it. Anyway, no big deal...

To convert a file, simply drag it over the window of the application, choose one of the existing conversion presets, and press the Play button. What's not so obvious about the Play buttons in this program is that the one located in the toolbar below the small preview window allows you to view converted content, while the big Play button converts the original. Not quite straightforward, I must say.

Well, I know something must be added, and I am sure you'll help with comments. No, I didn't forget to tell you about the supported video files, because virtually all popular ones are supported, including AVI, Divx, ASF, WMV, WMA, MPEG or MOV.

The Good

Aplus Video to iPod is very easy to use, supports a wide range of file formats and it even has a very useful batch processing feature.

The Bad

I already said what I don't like, so I will repeat - it seems there's no multithreading optimization, so multi-core processors won't work much faster than single ones, and there are no options available for those that want to really get "in control". Also, price could be lowered with 5-10 bucks...

Conclusion

Aplus Video to iPod is a program worth trying, at least. It does not match my tastes perfectly, but I am sure a lot of people would consider it worth buying, and since it's free to try, you can hit the download link below and give it a go for yourselves!

Developer: Aplus Software
Price: $29.95
Trial Link: Download