TechTV's Call
for Help - Free File
February 10, 2004
Today's download makes Microsoft Calculator
look like an abacus
As far as operating systems go, Windows is pretty damn good
-- until you need to use the calculator. It's clear why Microsoft
hides this application deep within the Start menu. I too would
be embarrassed to feature a number cruncher that doesn't take
you past second-grade math functions. Thankfully, Moffsoft
has come to the rescue. Today on "Call for Help,"
Fawn Luu shares two Moffsoft calculators you can download
just in time for tax season.
The free version: Moffsoft FreeCalc
The best feature on this version is the printable and savable
tape. It's like having an adding machine on your PC. Plus,
you can change the size of the display and choose between
six color schemes. There's also a System Tray icon, which
gives you quick access to an often-used tool.
The ultimate PC calculator
How much would you pay for a calculator that has more than
100 unit conversions, totals and grand totals, sales tax options,
financial functions, and date and time calculations, to name
a few? One hundred dollars? Seventy-five dollars? Would you
believe zero dollars? That's right, you can download and try
the Moffsoft Calculator 2 free for 30 days. If you love it
as much as I think you will, you'll have no problem shelling
out $19.95 for this bad boy. Here are a few more of its features.
The tape: Just like in the free version, the simulated
adding machine tape is fantastic. You can save and print
all your calculations.
Unit conversions: Convert units of measure in nine different
categories, including currency, time, and speed.
Product pricing: This lets you calculate the cost of goods
sold, profit margin, markup, retail sales price, and gross
profit.
Personalize: You can change the color and font to fit your
whim. Or if you don't like the choice, create your own.
Size matters: So you like things big, eh? You can make
the calculator as big or little as you want.
You can also customize almost every facet of the user interface.
You can even disable or hide unused buttons. Other user options
include floating point and fixed decimals, multiple memory
values, and a System Tray icon. To customize your calculator,
click Tools > Options. There are three tabs to play with
to your heart's content.
It adds up
Whether or not you decide to pay for the advanced version
is up to you. But one thing's for sure. The free version is
a definite step up from Microsoft's calculator, and the $19.95
model blows the buttons off the Windows freebie.
