Files

These are all files I've found useful, enjoyable, fun, or not as well-known as they ought to be.
This will be updated at intervals as I find more stuff, so remember to look in again!
All programmes have been tested under Windows 95, 98, and XP. They all work with the first two; most will probably work under ME, and some under 3.1 also (and of course DOS where applicable). Programmes that fail under XP are marked in red. When I find updated versions, I will include them.

UUDeview
Set of programmes to encode and decode file attachments for email or newsgroups. Handles UU, XX, Binhex, MIME, and Yenc encoding, and can be forced to decode corrupted files in case of faulty transmission.
uud32setup.exe (614k) for Windows
uudeview-win32.zip (114k) for command line DOS7/Win 9x
uudvd05d.zip (118k) for DOS6

Dosdrop
An add-on to the windows right-click menu to open a DOS box in the current directory. Useful for quick access to all those file-handling functions that Windows doesn't do!
dosdrop.zip (10k)

Dump
This is a small Hexadecimal lister and editor, useful for altering the content of programme or data files.
dump.exe (36k)

List (shareware)
Been around for years, but no less useful for that. List shows the contents of any file as text, so it's useful for a quick look at text files (of course), but also shows the contents of programmes, pictures, data files, in fact anything. It has a search facility too, so if you think a particular text string might (or should) be present, you can find it. Also lets you print, copy, edit, move,  save and execute files from the menu.
listplus.zip (123k)

PKZip/PKUnzip (shareware)
The traditional file compression utility. The current versions from PK Ware are more elaborate and are much larger, but these are perfectly good for general use and I prefer PK to the better-marketed Winzip. (VHS versus Betamax, anyone?)
pk250dos.exe (207k) command line version for DOS7/Win9x, includes long file name support
pk263w16.exe (682k) 16-bit version for Windows 3.1 (also works on 9x)
pk270wsp.exe (1068k) for Windows 9x etc.
Note: Version. 2.7 is "adware", that is, it carries advertising obtained from the internet, which may cause problem s with some types of connection. If you don't want this, you can (a) pay the money, (b) use version 2.6, or (c) work out how to stop the ads appearing.

Qedit (shareware)
A small but very powerful text editor. Includes functions often found on much larger programmes, like automatic word wrap and formatting, sticky indents, multiple files, and more. More elaborate (and more expensive) versions are available from  Semware, but I like this one.
qedit3c.zip (207k)

Restoration
Since Microsoft removed the Undelete function, PC users have to be careful what they remove. This programme will find all deleted files on a disc and attempt to restore them. It will also wipe the disc to prevent deleted files being undeleted.
rest2514.exe (197k)

SFC
Compares the contents of directories. Useful if a backup fails, for example.
sfc.zip (12k)

TSTW
Generates a testcard for setting up your monitor. Produces crosshatch, circle, colour bars, greyscale, and full-screen Philips-style testcard. Works with any resolution.
tstw.zip (142k)

Winkick
Forces Windows to shut down or restart. Useful if you want to reboot under software control, or if the PC refuses to shut down for some reason.
winkick.zip (127k)

Enigma
This is a version of the encryption system used during the second world war. See www.iapetus.plus.com/enigma for full details, including where to get other versions.
3srs002.zip (236k)

Scramdisk
A file encryoption programme that generates a Compressed Volume File that is mapped to a drive letter. Unlike other systems, it doesn't identify itself to a casual observer. Formerly free and open source, Scramdisk is now produced commercially under the name Drivecrypt. This, the last free version, is 3.01.
sd301r3c.zip (192k) The programme file
sd301r3c_man-pdf.zip (515k) The user manual in PDF format

Lview (shareware)
Nice picture viewer and editor. Not as versatile as Photoshop and the like, but will crop, cut, recolour, and so on. More advanced versions are available from Lview, but this works well for simple editing and is free for home use.
lview.zip (305k)

QPV (shareware)
Fast DOS-based picture viewer. Also includes file handling and programme execution; lots of things can be set up by the user as required.
qpv17e.zip (208k)

Elfbowl
A Christmas variation on tenpin bowling. Watch out for the frog!
elfbowl.zip (842k)

Invaders
Yes, the original arcade game! Zap the aliens as you did at 10p a go! Some versions of Windows might slow it down too much to be useful, so you'll have to reboot into DOS in those cases.
inv78-02.zip (49k)

Pong
A version of the original tele-tennis game. Play the computer or another person. Beware - it's not half as easy as it looks!
pong21.zip (3k)

Pusher
Push the blocks into their target without getting blocked yourself. 15 levels. Not as easy as it looks.
pusher.exe (11k)

Same
Surprisingly difficult and addictive. Remove as many adjacent blocks of the same colour as you can for the maximum number of points.
same.zip (26k)

Magicdos
A collection of over 100 games, utilities, funnies, and other things to pass the time. Including a few display demonstrators to make you more nauseous than enough, and some amusing (and safe!) pseudo-viri like the Cookie Monster (make your PC speak!) and the Falling Letters. Also some actually useful programmes like timed reminders.
Two points to be careful of: (a) make sure you unzip it using the "recurse directories" function, and (b) it might upset your virus checker.
magic.zip (1045k)

Peacefire
Utility to check for Internet Blocking Software ("Censorware") that may have been installed on a PC by someone to prevent access to certain (unknown) web sites, newsgroups, etc. Although now declared obsolete by Peacefire, it still has its uses and is better than nothing.
peacefir.zip (35k)