Debugging Tools for Windows

Debugging Tools for Windows offers to help rid a computer of pesky bugs, but an overly simple interface and a too complicated Help file could leave people (especially the novice) more frustrated with the cure than with the original bugs.

The program's interface was the first clue that this would be a bumpy ride. While we anticipated a few simple command icons to handle the process, the program's stark design gave us no direction for getting started. The program did offer a comprehensive Help file, but the dense jargon wasn't easy to understand. We attempted to counteract this disappointing layout by using common sense to harness the functionality, but this also fell flat on its nose. When we attempted to select a program to cleanse, it appeared on the screen as endless lines of code, which made no sense to us. When we opened the program's Command and Debug menus, some of the options were unavailable and the others performed no understandable task. The program offered skimpy features like a menu to change our view to the computer's Memory and create Event Timestamps, but this was a moot point since the primary function was so elusive. At no point could we feel we successfully debugged anything and were left with nothing but frustration at every turn.

Debugging Tools for Windows is freeware, but it's definitely no bargain. Less experienced users will be disappointed from the start and we suggest you look for a more effective--and easier to understand--debugger.