CNET Editors' review
VSO Image Resizer helps users deal with the massive amount of space photographs can take up on a hard drive. With a simple, yet directionless, interface, pictures can be reorganized and resized to meet needs, but comes with a risk.
This free program initially impresses with a colorful screen that looks professional and simple to navigate. However, a little playing around soon shows that users are in a canoe without any paddles. The simple-looking screen morphs into something far more complicated as option boxes expand with more confusing command choices. Not only are the options for adjusting picture size and save location less than intuitive, we found no Help file to hold our hand through the learning process. Adjusting pictures was eventually figured out through trial and error, but could come at a serious cost to some users. VSO Image Resizer doesn't offer any way to preview the changes you are making, but makes sure you are informed that these are permanent changes. Our fear is that users will alter a picture in ways they don't intend without a preview option.
After our image was converted we stumbled upon VSO's lone positive surprise, a screen detailing your conversion. Here the program shows how many kilobytes you saved or gained by converting your picture and how fast it changed (ours converted instantly). At the end of the day, we cannot recommend this program because there are other photo resizing options that don't run the risk of permanently ruining a shot.
Publisher's Description
From ObviousIdea:
Light Image Resizer software organizes your photos by changing their resolution or moving them within your hard drive. VSO Image Resizer is the tool for those who store their digital pictures and images on their PC and who want to resize, compress, convert, create copies, create thumbnails, and import or organize photos. you can easily create copies or you can work on the original HQ photos. Then share your resized photos online with friends.
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All versions:
4.0 starsout of 58 votes
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Current version:
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"Trojan Buffer Overflow Virus added to resized files."
Version: Light Image Resizer 4.3
Pros
Easy to use, great program if they remove the Trojan. Never Download!
Cons
Once you have converted the image files, never edit them. VSO adds code to the files, so that when you edit the files and save it generates a Trojan Buffer Overflow Virus.
Summary
The virus is EXPL_MS04-028.A and info can be found at http://about-threats.trendmicro.com/ArchiveMalware.aspx?language=us&name=EXPL_MS04-028.A
You can scan the folder with your antivirus, but the Trojan only gets created when you edit the resized file. -
"Not Reliable."
Version: Light Image Resizer 4.1.1.5
Pros
Simple, lightweight, easy to use.
Cons
It randomly corrupts 1-2% of the images being processed. I uninstalled and re-installed the program all to no avail. This is a recent development within the last couple months (since 1/2012?). Perhaps due to an update? If you reran the same batch it would consistently corrupt the same photos yet I couldn't identify anything in their properties that would make them different than photos that processed correctly. I finally gave up and located an older version, VSO Image Re-sizer, pre-Obvious Idea, and presto the problem was solved!
Summary
Hopefully, if this is not an isolated problem, they'll be able to correct it in a future update. I've used this program for years and this is the first time it's ever given me trouble. Anyhow if you should encounter similar problems the old VSO Image Re-sizer is still available.
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"A very helpful tool for resizing photos"
Version: Light Image Resizer 4.1.1
Pros
Easy to use, can do multiple images at the same time, Have total control of resolution conversion, size changes in either percent, pixels, or inches.
It is a software I use everyday and have recommended to others.Cons
for those that don't work with photo images daily it would be nice to have a good Help section.
Summary
I have worked in the photo industry for over 38 years and I find this is a great software tool. In photography one basic rule that is adopted by many professionals is that you never make changes to the original images without first having a back-up. By having a back up of the photo you want to work on before making the change, should you not like the change you can delete it, make another back-up and start again. This saves a lot of heartache, no matter the software you use.
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"Easy to use software"
Version: Light Image Resizer 4.0.9.8
Pros
Works well and easy to use
Cons
can get confusing to use at time
Summary
Good product
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"Lets me work with the big dogs"
Version: Light Image Resizer 1.1
Pros
Great Program
Cons
yet to find one
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"Avoid this program at all costs!"
Version: Light Image Resizer 4.0.7.7
Pros
Works well enough for a no-frills light image resizer.
Cons
It is inundated with malware. With every new version they are adding more malware to install. The newest version 4.0.8.0 has a listing of items to install PLUS a toolbar. Be very careful when upgrading.
Summary
This was a program that had great potential that is now ruined by the company who bought it. They would rather alienate their customers with malware than a good solid program.
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"Excellent, easy to use and fast!"
Version: Light Image Resizer 4.0.6.8
Pros
Includes very clearly explained help next to each command, previews of the final output and runs extremely fast. Light Image Resizer is VERY easy to use and does it's job well!
Cons
None - The Cnet Editor's review MUST be of a very old version as none of the reviewers complaints are true in the latest version.
Summary
If you need to quickly and easily resize one or many images, this little program will do it fast. It has a lot of options but is still very easy to use. I also love that I can save my own profiles and even have them show up in context sensitive menus so I can right-click to resize an image directly in Windows Explorer. And best of all, it's free for personal use.
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"Dirt Simple"
Version: Light Image Resizer 4.0.5.6
Pros
I does what it says most of the time well.
Cons
To simple.
Summary
Need something right now then it will do the job.
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"This program worked great"
Version: Light Image Resizer 4.0.5.2
Pros
I needed to compress & combine many pictures into one file for email. Worked just as I needed, I had control over how much compression & a choice of formats.
Cons
none that i could see
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"Nice product"
Version: Light Image Resizer 4.0.5.2
Pros
Easy to use and works very well !
Cons
No mac version
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