Expand the abilities of your workstation using this suite of tools.
Gizmo Central is a unified set of utilities designed for powers users. Included with this free suite of tools are some essential features that make your daily computational chores a little bit easier and a lot more fun. Gizmo allows you to mount ISO, VHD, and BIN images to a virtual CD-ROM device. You can create encrypted virtual hard drive images to protect your important files from prying eyes. The hashing module gives you the ability to calculate MD5 and SHA-1 values for any file on your computer, or for an entire CD-ROM disc. The script module automates your repetitive day-to-day tasks by simulating mouse movements and keystrokes. Database tools are included too, as well as a handy launch bar, synchronization tools, and an editor that supports hex editing and syntax highlighting (PHP, PERL, JavaScript, HTML, XML).
The creation of free software is great, I really appreciate these types of tools being created and distributed for free. Their benefits are greater than the collective loss of revenue. I can see by the other tools available in this bundle that the author has similar interests as me, and while it didn't work for me, I hope it it works for others.
Cons
I do have an eclectic Win7 installation, so please weigh this information appropriately.
Opening the manager feature hung my graphics display and on restart. I have screen flicker in secondary monitor (win7x64 installation). Flicker is persistent after uninstallation. This screen flicker was a previous problem for me which required lengthy and extensive driver un/re/installs and software migration. None of the original pathogenic software (amd overdrive and company) is currently being used, and so I am back to square one with a eye catching flicker until I am successful.
Summary
Did not function for me, and broke some fixes I had applied to my machine. I couldn't use the software without my GUI functioning, so I can't comment further.
Plain and simply awesome
imjuscrazy
Pros
It's free, allows mounting of ISOs AND VHDs. All the other features like someone above mentioned are just the icing on the cake. Did I mention it's free? As for the restart before use....almost if not ALL virtual cd drive utilities require a reboot before you can mount. It's not really a con specific to this one at all...that's just how it is. No fees, no annoying UPGRADE TO PRO messages. It's free and functional software.
Cons
I have no real qualms whatsoever with it.
Summary
Overall I would recommend this to anyone. I've been using a couple of other tools in the past to mount ISOs and such, but this takes the cake. I'm making the switch to this as my freeware ISO mounting software (finally an easy solution for mounting my vhd's).
Performs as advertised
elec-monk
Pros
I needed a program to mount an ISO, found this one at the top of the "user rating" list, read the reviews and wasn't disappointed. It does exactly what I wanted. It does a whole lot more, too, I gather :).
No problems running on Windows 7, 64 bit.
Cons
As mentioned in another review, only (slight) con is htat you need to reboot after installation.
Summary
Does what it promises, and then some. Easy UI.
Incredible optical drive emulation!
pctechpro
Pros
Easy to install. Simple to use. Full of useful features. Virtual CD ROM drive, virtual HD. Virtual DVD. AWESOME
Cons
Not a big con, but I thought I should mention that it reqired a reboot in order to use the first time.
Summary
I was looking for a emulator that would allow me to read a few ISO images I had on my hard drive without having to burn them to CD or DVD. Works like a charm. I love it
Quickie review
Scorc
Pros
Pretty good, loads and will remain loded (along with any and all mounted images) Fairly simple layout. Can mount and unmount w/o opening gizmo first from windows explorer.
Cons
has an annoying "toolbar"...need it to open the main window (w/o a special key press you set) after gizmo is open. ...also quite the deal kiiller - No IMG support - ...........i mean really no img support?...they have ISO, BIN, and VHD...but not IMG
Summary
I recomend it for those data saves and ppl who dont want to have to put the cd in all the time to use a program.
Best software ever
CzekM8
Pros
Ability to mount multiple images, price.
Cons
Uhh... I had to restart before I could mount an image.
Summary
I wouldn't recommend any other product for mounting iso's. The other features of Gizmo are just gravy.
The best tool, useful, powerful and well developed.
nightinagharta
Pros
Toolbars are aesthetically great and very easy to setup and use. Virtual drivers work perfectly with all the CD image formats. Plugins make this tool very expandable. Very low resources needed, the donor version worth the low price.
Cons
I found nothing bad in this software.
Summary
If they will add more features as requested in the forum, it will be a MUST-TO-HAVE. Actually it is a great tool to install anyway.
Gizmo is freeware
Arainia Solutions
Pros
There are no surprises or hidden fees for using Gizmo. Gizmo is free for both personal and commercial use.