 |
|
Compare directories and files |
A simple but powerful utility to compare the contents of files, directories and entire directory hierarchies. Useful when time and date stamps get changed by file compression, file copy and web site synchronisation programs. Works with both text and binary files. Examines the contents of files rather than checking file attributes. This program requires the Microsoft .NET framework (see below) |
| http://www.freepcb.com/ |
A stunningly
good PCB layout tool which is genuinely free. Support
is excellent via the User Forum - the designer of the
software frequently responds himself. Very highly recommended
- we use it ourselves in preference to other professional
tools. No auto router. |
http://tinycad.sourceforge.net/ |
TinyCAD is a program to help you draw circuit diagrams. It comes complete with symbol libraries to get you started straight away. As well as being able to simply print your designs, you can use TinyCAD to publish your drawings by copying and pasting into a Word document, or saving as a PNG bitmap for the web.
You can use TinyCAD as a front end to a PCB layout program (see the links), by getting TinyCAD to create a netlist of your circuit. |
| http://www.graphicode.com/ |
GCPreview
- a high quality Gerber and Drill file viewer. Comes
in two versions. The free version is a viewer - you
can't edit anything. GCPreviewPlus includes many comprehensive
editing and other functions - although you still have
to purchase an additional add-in if you want to perform
DRC checks on your Gerber's. Highly recommended. |
http://pentalogix.com |
Pentalogix
ViewMate - another high quality Gerber and Drill file viewer. Like GCPreview, it comes
in two versions. The free version is called ViewMate and is just a viewer - you
can't edit anything. ViewMasterEZ is a more capable version costing USD49 which includes Gerber
editing and DRC checking as standard. Highly recommended.
GCPreview or ViewMate? GCPreview is a simpler product and easier to learn. Viewmate is much more capable and ViewMasterEZ offers remarkable value for money. |
| jZip
file compression utility |
A
great totally free alternative to WinZip for both creating
and extracting compressed files in Zip format as well
as TAR, GZip, RAR and ISO. Unlike much so-called free
software, there is no addware, spyware or other nasties
- in fact there are no catches at all. Easier and more
logical than WinZip. |
| Adobe
Acrobat Reader |
The de-facto standard
in .PDF file readers. Somewhat bloated and heavyweight
these days. See also the free reader from Foxit |
| Foxit
.PDF File Reader |
Stunningly fast and capable
.PDF file reader. The free version does many things
you have to pay for from Adobe Acrobat. The full versions
are also a lot cheaper than the equivalent Adobe Acrobat.
If you are constantly in a work frenzy and get irritated
with waiting for applications to load, this is a 'must
have' |
| Microsoft
.net Framework Version 2.0 Redistributable Package |
You may already have
this installed without realizing it. .NET is a free
addition to Windows which is a prerequisite to running
modern applications (including our own Pricing and ordering
tool). Sooner or later, you are going to need this.
It is a free download from Microsoft and is also available
as an optional update under Windows Update Service. |
