Well that was a total waste of time.

All this is is a glorified app launcher that wraps some fluff around a clickable menu. A 40 MB DL for a useless toy. Contrary to all the hype, it does NOT create any true application. Not even in the help file does it list or define any actual function. Instead all it talks about is adding pretty buttons, links and background music.

A big loss in credibility for Ashampoo now.

My advice to Ashampoo. (One Developer to another):

Eliminate the problem with so many SPAM complaints. Other than that, you can see you are quite popular as a Developer, and your programming quality is both recognized and appreciated.

Lean on your reputation for excellence as your brand. Don't force-feed your customers with things they don't want. Their product appreciation alone will bring them back.

Even though there are some who suggest they don't mind the frustrations of SPAM, or have ways to trick the process, you will reap the rewards of added mutual respect, and added customers too, in the long-term.

-JC

@48 Over 37MB is too much to download and install simply to have a program launcher

Ummm, why are you downloading on your phone.....? /sarcasm

If you can't 'afford' 37MB download and try the program then I guess you need to go to another site as there are lots of free programs here which chew up more than 37MB and with a vast majority of people having download limits in the GB's 37MB is a very small speedbump.

Cheers

Thank you Giveawayoftheday Team and Ashampoo!
It installed on Win7Ux32 just fine.
Took 3 times to get the registration number to work even on a good email address.
Program needs some work but it is handy and only works on the computer that the program is loaded on.
Thanks,

Windows Sidebar Gadgets Exploitation

I'm not sure if this refers to any type of Gadget, but Microsoft has retired the feature in newer releases of Windows and recommends that Windows Vista and Windows 7 customers who are concerned about vulnerable or malicious gadgets disable the feature as soon as possible. See: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/dn261332
which gives directions on Disabling Windows Sidebar and Gadgets, including a Microsoft tool for that purpose.

I downloaded this - created a simple gadget and ..... nothing!

Anyway - went onto Windows 7 Help file and Microsoft are suggesting Gadgets are dangerous. Have retired Sidebar....

Quote:
Gadgets are no longer available on our website because the Windows Sidebar platform in Windows 7 and Windows Vista has serious vulnerabilities. Microsoft has retired the feature in newer releases of Windows. Gadgets could be exploited to harm your computer, access your computer's files, show you objectionable content, or change their behavior at any time. An attacker could even use a gadget to take complete control of your PC. If you're concerned about the safety of gadgets you’ve downloaded, find out more about gadgets and steps you can take to protect your PC.
Unquote

You can run Windows Vista/Windows 7 sidebar gadgets in Windows 8:
http://8gadgetpack.net/

And in Windows XP:
http://joshoon.deviantart.com/art/Windows-Sidebar-Real-one-Pack-75626472

For those having trouble with getting the Ashampoo website to cough up the license - I found that same problem when using Opera (with my somewhat unusual settings), so I used IE instead and it worked.

Down loaded and installed correctly but when I pressed for the key I was unable to reach the site for it. Also!! somehow they installed an "Advanced Driver Updater" with it that I have to purchase if I want my computer "FIXED". I hate when companies do this. I didn't notice and opt out screen and anyways I want to have to opt in not out

So far 55 comments and only about a dozen of them actually review the product!

Most of the rest of the comments are complaints about the possible spam they will get from Ashampoo.

How about some constructive reviews (Positive or Negative) of todays software offering. So we can make an informed decision whether to install or not.

Could someone answer numbers 12 and 38?

Thank you!

ps I agree whole heartedly with #50. Thank you Giovanni!

I can manage spammy "greymail". But the idea that I have to create an account to log in etc. makes me shudder. I'm already drowning in accounts that require me to think of and remember yet another password.
I can't bring myself to do it for this.
If they didn't want a password I'd go for it.
But I'm in serious password overdose and just can't face another- however obvious ( but if they allow really stupid ones like "password" I'd consider it).

I downloaded and installed the program and had no problems at all. Tried to play with it for a little while and don't think I'm going to keep it because it is just more junk on my laptop. But, after I registered, I was offered free software from Ashampoo and downloaded their Slideshow program. I have played with it a little bit and loved it. This one is a keeper for me. So, even though the GOTD offer was not useful to me, I still got something great out of it. And yes, I used a yahoo email account that I keep just for that purpose and Ashampoo accepted it. Hear that Garfield???

To Garfield #36: You don't know everything either. If you create a Yahoo, Gmail or Hotmail email account that you only use for registering programs or subscribe to some kind of newsletter and such, Ashampoo will not decline your email account because it is a legitimate account. That is what I do everytime I want to subscribe or register somewhere until I know that I want to keep their emails coming and then that's when I update my email account on their page.

Installs ok in WinXP (don't forget to deselect the driver updater offer to avoid bundled crapware), can't create a sidebar gadget as (duh) the gadget sidebar was introduced with Vista, quickie 'test gadget' standalone gadget worked ok...

Thank you Giveawayoftheday Team and Ashampoo!
Installed well on Win7Ux32.
This is the link for the registration:

http://www.ashampoo.com/frontend/registration/php/trial_step1.php?session_langid=2&edition_id=sy9wml1ybfyvpepderylu6neiu7h9ewr&ref=linktarget

@34 humbug and bullpoo. As many already stated, the disabling of the emails is very easy and they respect your decision UNTIL the next install of an ashampoo product. again iy is just a two click action to disable them.

I know I repeat part of what others said but let me show you my steps
1:downloading the software and installing it (while taking care not to click yes for additional programs/downloads)
2: click the "get free key" button, give my email. sometimes I get the key straight away, sometimes I need to click a link in an email. Since for me ashampoo is a trusted sender it comes in my inbox
3after getting my number I leave that page open. register my software and return to the page.
3: now on that page I click on my ashampoo, and on the new screen you see a few links, click settings. there select the newsletters, there should be two that are selected. after that you will see the message all newsletters are disabled.

What you mean making an account every time? lol that costs more time then my methode and as stated, I can access my key anytime

Ashampoo? awesome company

Auto hotkey can do this with the click of one button
but I will still give it a go to see if it is easier than auto hotkey to set up

Sorry, not for me. This appears to just be an app launcher that can play music? Why would you want a gadget on your desktop to be that annoying? I was hoping for something more along the lines of the gadgetcreator on codeplex someone posted earlier that would let me create an actual desktop gadget.

Nice to see Ashampoo products. I got 11 in total from 2010 and got 4 from gotd. Thanks for this :)

To Garfield: Please kindly refrain from insulting Giovanni!

He has offered me many helpful software program leads, and deserves a fair measure of respect for his tireless efforts on this site, sharing his invaluable knowledge and suggestions.

Move along!

U can use hushmail.com and no registration and u can delete once get email by clicking preferences and it worked for ashampoo and also u don't need to save licnese keys theri is free software that u can download that will give u license key for every software u have downloaded

This is a bit too bloated for this type of software.

Over 37MB is too much to download and install simply to have a program launcher. I'd somewhat like to try it, because I have written some of these in the past, and I wonder how this compares. But those were nowhere near 37MB! So for now I remain undecided on this one.

As for the email SPAMMING issue, there are always a variety of things one can do to circumvent that. Only you really shouldn't have to jump through all sorts of hoops, such as creating alternate accounts, just to avoid SPAM from your software vendors. So I am a little surprised many of us are actually encouraging developers to SPAM their customers. I would think FAR more highly of Ashampoo if they DIDN'T do that! Or if they did it much less than what they do...

-JC

Provided valid email address on the form nearly an hour ago but still no key received by email.

This looks to be a good giveaway today.

Years ago, I used to be a fan of desktop gadget apps -- back when Rainlender, Yahoo Widgets, Microsoft Windows Gadgets used to rule the roost -- but haven't used one since ages.

As for app launchers, my favorites are RocketDock, Dell Dock (wonderful for a stock app; only for Dell customers!), Launchy, FSL Launcher and Everything Search. All these are good and lightweight tools, but frankly these days, I just use Everything Search (fastest way to search your Windows PC and NTFS remote drives), as I just keep my app shortcuts icons handy on my desktop by keeping it reorganized with the awesome Stardock Fences (must-have freeware app for any Windows user!).

For a great list (and discussion) on app launchers, see this page:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-program-launcher.htm


On to today's GAOTD..

Now contrary to many users here, I like Ashampoo products. They are functional, easy to use (especially for computer noobs) and with their many giveaways and discounts on all their apps through the year, it is easy to get their latest apps at little to no cost.

Sure, Ashampoo are self-promoting (via promotional emails) but then so is just about every other company (Google, Abobe, Facebook, etc.). It is a mean world out there, and only the flashiest (anyone fancy an Apple?;-) and hardiest survive.

But you can easily opt-out of Ashampoo mailers, and once you create an free Ashampoo account with them (registering with your email address), you can log in at any time and see the licenses and dates for all Ashampoo products you've registered for. That's what the account is useful for, plain and simple -- never bother losing your license keys even if your PC crashes.

So I'm downloading this Ashampoo Gadge It (interesting name!) now, and giving it a whirl! After all, it is free to grab today!

Don't forget, Microsoft STRONGLY advised to COMPLETELY DISABLE the Windows Gadget Platform due to severe security problems.

I don't know why this software is being offered without warning people of the risks they are intentionally exposing themselves to.

As to Ashampoo and their email campaigns: I don't find them to be over-the-top and, if you go to your Ashampoo Account, you can easily otp-out from some/all of their mailings. They instantly comply with your decision.

Really cool little program. Installs easily for anyone with intermediate skills. If you don't have some computer save for installing things, just watch for the tag-a-long program that tries to install and simply click "no thanks". Costs an e-mail address - no biggie there. I just send unwanted e-mail to junk mail. Lots of fun to play around with, and I've already automated some processes I used to do with lots of clicks. Thanx for the freebee.

I tried to get the free key 3 times, but the blue button don't open new window.. what to do?

Installed program on Win7 32 bit. The logo comes up and just hangs with the hourglass. Have to close down manually using the taskmanager.
Any ideas?

Funny - with all the hatred towards Ashampoo.
I have some of their products, and sometimes I will get a dvd that NERO won't touch. Ashampoo usually burns it, and if the latest release of their burning software doesn't, then I have their Burning studio 5 which will.

Beats NERO all to crap that way.
And for the emails? Golly - I got an extra 5 emails this month, and some of them actually showed products I was interested in, followed up and bought.

If you don't want emails from the software developers, maybe you shouldn't be here at all in Giveaway Of The Day?

#20

16 quotes: "Sidebar/desktop gadgets cannot be display on Windows® XP.
Microsoft .Net 4.0 Framework for standalone gadgets on Windows® XP."

I haven't installed this on XP, but the above means to me that there must be sidebar gadgets that don't display on XP, and that to display standalone gadgets you would need ,Net 4.0.

Sorry to disagree with some of the criers here, but Ashampoo is offering their excellent products $FR.EE & so you have to put up with emails from them OR your can simply unsubscribe from their emails OR you can automatically have them shunted to your spam/trash box. With all the other tons of spam you get without getting a darn thing in return, to blast Ashampoo while accepting their excellent products for $FR.EE is shameful. So you'd rather have to purchase their products and get no emails from them? Assinine.

Can you use this with Win 8?

I don't like a lot of crap on my beautiful medieval desktop. Still, I'm going to download this and hope it's as versatile as it claims and that I can stick a couple of tiny gadgets onto my 2nd monitor.

AShampoo makes very nice software. Their office suite is the best alternative to Microsoft Office there is - none of that horrid http glop that is the basis for Libre Office. Yes, they send me offers, like a newer version of the office suite for $9.00, and whenever they have a big sale on their software. It is easy to opt out it, but I don't want to. Like someone else said, Amazon is the one who sends me several emails a day.

@giovanni

You don't know everything...

quote
As for the email subscription “problem”, there are some people here and elsewhere who still don’t know the existence of temporary or disposable email services….simply unbelievable!!
quote end

Ashampoo will NOT accept any ofg the so called temporary email addresses. if it worked this time for you - you are lucky - netx time that address will in their database and no longer accepted.

They look for real addresses - because only those can be sold.....

#30, Neil from Ohio#
Yes they treat real customers the same way as GAOTD users. You get bombarder by mail. That's no way to treat your customers.

Hi, regarding Ashampoo's "legendary", or infamous now (any way one takes it) shower of e-mails with various Promos (yes, they are steady and constant usually from Rainer Lesani, Anne Peters, or Ashampoo itself) - you either "play their game", or your own.. (they can be blocked never to reach your inboxes, binned on arrival, accounts and subscriptions to letters can be cancelled, a.s.o), BUT, to be honest - those of us (including myself) who "invite" them in - cannot be bothered to "eradicate" this nuisance for good..

Ashampoo IS heavy promoting Company! Just so you know, choice is yours.
You don't HAVE TO buy any Product from them. You can IGNORE promotions within any Software, or STOP promoting e-mails. They don't "steal" your address, you give it to them, you can take it from them. Nothing here is done "by the back door", your Search Engine, or Home Page will not suddenly change if you're not careful. That's for sure. They are self-promoting Company, and even if e-mails come under different "sender" - they add Ashampoo in brackets.

The Offers (and Products) can however be tempting to at least take some interest, to know what's new etc, or indeed to buy (regular users with account get often huge discounts to either new Software or Updates, and "My Ashampoo" holds License keys to all their Software in your use) The Trials can be obtained on 40 days full free testing without restrictions (..once your address is given and temporary key issued, otherwise I belive they only "last" 10 days), but be prepared to be bombarded by reminders to buy! (NO NEED, use it for that period, and decide the rest)

And lastly - every time Ashampoo Software is offered for free on GAOTD - the Procedure with creating Account to get full License is necessary, so no way to avoid it. That's Ashampoo in a nutshell I'm afraid.

As for Today's Offer - Toy for those who like toys? Not for me to judge who likes/needs them. My interest lies usually with anything "photo" to add to my Toolbox, and Ashampoo has some of the odd very useful pieces there. I wouldn't perhaps recommend this Company to anybody with "week disposition" (nerves).., but on the whole - their Products are not too bad at all, some quite decent in fact. Shame about paying for nearly every Update thou, small sum, or not!

Unlike some other publishers who promote their software here, Ashampoo does not play any games with registration. Once you get a key code, it is yours to keep. You can reinstall the program any time you need to, and you can transfer it to another computer if the one that you originally installed it on dies.

In other words, they treat GAOTD users the same way they treat paying customers. That's rare, and refreshing.

Same thing than #27! Or is it that this prgm does not support Win8 -64bit?

@Glyn #12:

Mailinator is my throwaway address of first choice, but some software publishers--including Ashampoo--are wise to it and won't accept an address in that domain.

But no problem. Just go to Gmail or Yahoo or any similar free service and open a free account that you will use only for registering software.

If you consider the bombardment of emails ashampoo practice distasteful, then you will also be an unpleasant and create a gmail account to provide ashampoo and then delete this same account.

Made it all the way to the part where they ask me for my password to log in to my email account (?) Or is it my Ashampoo account? Either way, it tells me my password is not correct. So much for this one!

So...everybody is to tolerate Aspampoo's torrent of email? I would think this would be a good place to get the message across to them that, even if the software is free, lots of folks just don't want to bother with even trying it because of their reputation for spamming.

When you install freebies from Ashampoo, the serial number for each program will be listed in your online Ashampoo account. You can save a copy of this info to your computer by downloading an auto-generated PDF, accessible from your Ashampoo customer account. Be aware that your Ashampoo freebies cannot be downloaded from within your Ashampoo account. This means you should back up your Ashampoo giveaways to DVD or a spare hard disk, to allow easy access later on. If you take these steps, your freebie downloads and related licenses from Ashampoo should now be safe from unexpected server errors.

#19, Arnie
I don't want to pay a price, not even a small one, for free software. It is a giveaway right?

Is receiving email advertising the worse thing happening in everyone's life? It seems it here.

If you all were as picky about your governments or representatives the world would be a better place...

If it's a launcher you are looking for then I cannot recommend QuickCliq
highly enough.
http://apathysoftworks.com/software/quickcliq

! It's free
2 No installation required
3 Can launch individual files/folders/drives/applications just by drag and drop onto the Open Editor interface
4 Imposition on desktop real estate - NIL - The menu only appears with a mouse gesture which is customizable - and you can bring up the menu over any open screen - not just the desktop
5 Menus and sub menus are customizable for font/colour etc.
6 Also comes with memo pad and 9 clipboards.

Over the years I have tried nearly all of the well known alternatives and the fact that this has been my program of choice for over two years now says it all.
I have stopped looking for an alternative.

GUYS PLEASE READ!!! I HAVE ACTIVATED THE PRODUCT:

you DONT receive an email, you need to sign up and then it will give you the code on their site!

Now I'm confused. #16 says this won't work for Windows XP, but the web page says it does work for XP. Are there any XP users who are using this that can clear up the confusion?

Dear developer,

Could you please comment how your system requirement "WinXP" matches to the note on the web site "Sidebar/desktop gadgets cannot be display on Windows® XP".

Not clear if it is worth to install on XP.

#2 True Ashampoo does send you email but you can always unsubsubscribe. A small price to pay for such great software.