Bitvo for Windows

While this utility grabs downloads images, audio, and video files from a Web page, it lacks adequate filters and options to save your system from barrage of extra files. Bitvo's busy, colorful interface looks appropriate for a kindergarten class, but may be too much for their parents. Most users will want to watch the online video tutorial before using the program.

Using basic Bitvo is pretty easy, and the large buttons and icons have helpful tool tips. Program navigation is easily handled with a simple four-button toolbar. Enter a URL in the address field, click on the Download button and the program starts grabbing image, audio, and video files and downloading them to BItvo's default directory. It doesn't discriminate, grabbing advertising files along with site media. Select an item from the download list to go to the page the file came from, e-mail it, send it to the Recycle Bin, or edit it in Microsoft Paint.

The Control Panel gives you a couple of ways to dictate what Bitvo pulls in: file type and keyword. Tick one of three check boxes to exclude or include image, video, or audio files, or enter keywords the program should bypass. A favorite feature monitors sites to automatically download new files.

Bitvo grabs files with little or no user intervention, but sifting through the results may be more work than some are willing to put in. We weren't impressed with this program. It seems too complex for the novice without giving enough control to the experienced user.