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Just like the name says, this freeware creates an effective desktop magnifying glass for easy viewing of text and images. Magnifying Glass creates a system-tray icon that, when double-clicked, quickly opens a rectangular magnifying window. Use the right-click button for the Options menu to alter the window's transparency and size, change the zoom (up to four times), and select the window's position relative to the mouse pointer. We like the ability to offset the window from the cursor, a feature not readily available, but one that allows for an unobstructed view of the area around your cursor. However, we encountered some syntax errors when we attempted to assign some zoom factors; the developers erred and placed a comma instead of a decimal on numbers such as 1.5. Nonetheless, users searching for an effective and free desktop magnifying tool should consider this small program as an option.Publisher's Description
From Workers Collection:
Magnifying Glass Free is a flexible screen zooming utility that magnifies portions of the screen under your mouse cursor or caret. A magnifier is useful to designers, engineers, visually impaired users, PC-to-TV connections, multi-monitor systems. This powerful screen magnifier contains a unique set of features and many visual options.
What's new in this version: Version 1.1 includes performance improvements.
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 9 votes
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Current version:
4.0 starsout of 4 votes
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My rating:
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Results 1-4 of 4
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"Packed with Malware...stay away!!! Good-bye CNET!!!"
Version: Magnifying Glass 1.1
Pros
the magnifying glass itself is pretty good, but the installation exe automatically installs a ton of other stuff WITHOUT permission, unless it's perhaps buried within the fine print. CNET says it does a "checking for safety and malware" before downloading, but that is obviously BS and useless.
Cons
As title stated, packed with Malware. In addition to the magnifying glass, the software installed game software that also hacked my Firefox browser, redirecting webpages and creating frequent pop-ups, resetting my homepage as well to an advertising website. Exe also installed some other PC tuneup software, which of course I did not bother to try.
Summary
I am far from a novice computer user and have worked as a tech fixing other peoples computers, installing anti-malware and anti-virus software, so I am not a stranger to how people's computers get infected. This came as a total surprise to me. I will now avoid CNET for anything as a matter of principle. This will be the last time I visit their site for ANYTHING.
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"Excellent Customizeable Utility"
Version: Magnifying Glass 1.1
Pros
* Quick, lightweight install can add a tiny icon to taskbar, that opens an easy-to-use menu interface. R-click icon for options
* Within Options, can startup with computer or as desired
* The perfect set of selections, allowing size of magnified area, zoom ratio, transparency, and very cool... choices about following mouse, set parking, or move window on the fly. The zoom window can also center on the mouse pointer.
* Advanced options work well. A preview click is real-time.
* User assignable HotKeys
* Video captures were superb with frame rate as is
* Chase glass is fast, and can corner park
* Works flawlessly with dual monitors
* Instant improvement plus flexibility
* 14 presets for zoom, plus user defined
* Number adjustments very easy
* Well designed and quick to setCons
CNET had it on page 3, when it's top-rated
Glad I found the BestSummary
Home Run with all bases loaded! Compared with the bulky, clumsy OEM magnifier that is best left off, this nifty little utility has so many useful options it is sure to suit almost any setup. For my purposes, the script box in my drawing program must be (-)4pt type! The teeny symbols were very tricky to read, and took a lot of squinting, and a Mcgyver... a plastic magnifying lens taped to twisties-bent the right distance, and in turn taped to my 1080 26" screen. Funny, I've been doing this for years because no decent alternative was on tap. What got me was my buddy ribbing me about all the technogizmo stuff I'm into, and I had to go and put something on the screen that blocked his view of the Baseball game. !!! My total Kudos and Cheers go to the fine group of developers, programmers, techs, and full team.
Best of all, this addition enhances enjoyment of having fun on a computer. The right tools make a task much easier.
In the menu, the last tab is the most awesome! -
"Simple;Effective"
Version: Magnifying Glass 1.1
Pros
works great
Cons
none none none
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"I love it. I use it everyday"
Version: Magnifying Glass 1.1
Pros
It's easy to use. Perfect
Cons
None at All. I have Good things to say
