Our friends over at FreewareBB have uncovered a devious plot by developers unknown to promote Clipboard replacement software. The software is available under four different titles (that we are currently aware of) and being publicized and distributed via 4 different sites – but they are all one and the same. And it doesn’t end there: not only are they all identical, they are also all advertized as being free, when in actual fact they are essentially a trial version. Here’s what Marko, FreewareBB’s owner, had to say:
When we actually look at the programs more carefully, it’s really not difficult to see it’s the same thing, uses exactly the same installer and is, essentially, a trial version that offers to store 25 pieces of info in it’s clipboard, and if you require any more than that then you have to pay for the shareware version.
This is the almost identical screenshot which is displayed on each product’s home page:
The names of the programs in question are:
Note how all the names start with either a number or the first letter of the alphabet, an obvious attempt to grab top listing on download sites. Thanks to Marko for this good catch, just helps confirm why everyone should be using FreewareBB for their freeware downloads.
so what are the LEGITIMATE clipboard programs? i’m using clipboard recorder presently but LW-WORKS hasn’t touched it since 1997 i think. are there other programs that do what it does?
thanks
Hey Voxpop – There are lots of good free Clipboard replacement programs available, here are several:
‘Ditto’ would arguably be the best of the bunch – Open Source, stand-alone, full featured, unlimited clips, fast search: http://ditto-cp.sourceforge.net/
Others worth looking at:
Clipboard Help+Spell (Donation Code freeware under active development): http://www.donationcoder.com/Software/Mouser/clipboardhelpandspell/index.html
ArsClip: http://www.joejoesoft.com/cms/showpage.php?cid=97
I use Clipboard Manager http://www.janzeman.com/ClipboardManager/ . This is a gadget for Vista and Windows 7. Works great… I have had no problems running on Win 7.
I am the author of these programs and I really don’t understand why you have a problem! The free programs are free and store up to 500 clips (25 on each of 20 sheets) My Spartan clipboard costs $29.99 and can store up to 10,000 clips (500 per sheet) . Other than that, they are the same! If you are content with 500 clips, you get a free program. If you are a heavy user, you can upgrade to Spartan. There is no attempt to deceive. You get exactly what it says on the tin.
As for your comments about different names – That’s called marketing! It also helps more people to find my clipboards which are vastly superior to all the rest. If you are looking for the best multi-clipboard, go to one of the links above and download one.
Bye the way, the screen shot you show is years out of date.
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As is this article John.