15-Minute Reviews :: Password Generator 2008 Light v2.0.0.0
Hello all and welcome to another 15-Minute Review! Today’s software title is Password Generator 2008 Light version 2.0.0.0 by Diplodock – An application used to generate passwords.
Software Description
As Giveaway of the Day states:
“Generate millions of strong passwords, serial numbers, key codes, usernames, pronounceable passwords that strictly follow rules you define. Control precisely which characters can be used, how often they can appear, and where they need to be placed. Use advanced elements in passwords: sequential parts, words, and non-ASCII characters. Allow or disallow consecutive characters like abc or qwerty, control repeating and duplicate characters appearance.”
Quick Pros
- Office 2007 look is nice but a bit overdone
- Generates passwords with specific lengths and characters
Quick Cons
- Main window is cluttered with way too much options
- Very few options actually available compared to description
- Annoying nag screen with upgrade information
- Website has annoying ‘why you’re leaving?’ pop-up
- 6 versions available
Expansion
When launching the application for the first time, you will be greeted by a splash screen, and then a welcome screen. The welcome screen gives you access to creating a new list or opening a previously-generated list, as well as access to other informational resourses including a tip box. Behind the welcome window appears the main window and its Office 2007-esque look. Much like Office 2007, there is a series of tabs along the top. The first tab ‘Home’ is filled with a lot of options; The remainder of the tabs actually are quite barren with only a few options each. These really should have been conglomerated better to prevent the same thing as what happens in Office 2007 and having to hunt for functionality. Below the tabbed interface is a three-column layout. The left and right columns are all set up for options, and down the middle is where your password list appears. There are tons of features available; Unfortunately, almost all of them are not actually available in the Light version. Some do give you immediate feedback with a pop-up telling you that Light does not support that option, that Professional does, asking you to upgrade. In some cases however it does not ask you until you go to click the password generation button. For Light version, the extent of your options will be in the tabbed area, Basic Mode window and Character Groups. There is a lot of additional bloat that is just unnecessary. This should have been stripped back and been less cluttered, instead of being used as a constant reminder you got the cheap version and to dole out (more) money. Giveaway’s description actually notes many features of the Professional edition ( To see what Light has, Click here ) and not the Light version.
Besides being severely cluttered with non-usable functions, the application does work for making up to 1000 passwords at one time; Far more than most people will need unless you run an ISP, web hosting service or doing malicious things. The options that you do have control over in the Light edition is which character types you’d like in your password (Upper and lower case, numbers or special characters); What length of passwords (Min/Max) you would like created as well as some control over what characters are going to be used; And finally how many you would like created. The creation is pretty quick, and they look well randomized, even with the Light edition’s engine. You can then print the list or save the list in a number of formats (Including Excel, XML, HTML, CSV and text.)
Besides the above-mentioned topics, there were a few other concerns. If you do leave their website from certain points or even the page you’re on (Especially the pricing pages), you will get a very irritating window popping up, containing this: ‘Please click ‘OK’ to tell us why you are leaving! It will take you no more than 30 seconds!’ As well, there are a total of 6 different editions of this title which for a simple password generator seems just crazy. There are different pricing schemes for individuals and businesses; delivery methods; service plans and add-on software titles. There is just too much to chew off. Finally, this title is based on .NET framework, which may or may not be an issue.
Final Verdict
While the concept is pretty good, the Light version is weighted down with all the Professional features just hanging around getting in the way of efficient use, seemingly only there for a quick sale/upgrade. The application does work at generating basic passwords however, so all is not lost. For free: Even though this application does work, unless you need bulk password-making functionality, I would actually aim you away this title and onto other less-bloated titles (Such as ones included in password managers or freeware alternatives out there). As for paying €14.99 (€19.99 for businesses) for this title, I couldn’t recommend it for what it offers – The Light version is just too simple with too much bloat. According to the website, this €14.99 price is only good through January 31st, 2008 – After that the 50% off special is over. For reference, Professional is currently €94.99 for personal use (With current 50% off as well).
Posted by BladedThoth on Monday, January 28, 2008
