Review Jack of Fables Vol 2 4

While Fables keeps going from strength to strength, Jack of Fables was for me, a bit of a dud. I read the first 6 issues but it didnt compel me to spend money, so I checked Vols 2, 3, and 4 from the library to see if got any better.

The story has to overcome several problems. First of all, Jack himself is an incredibly unsympathetic character. Secondly, the problems encountered in Jack of Fables arent all that interesting. You get impatient with the characters inability to see the obvious, and one would think that with immortality, even the most insipid personifications would eventually realize that his capers are repetitious and his continuing attempts to get rich never end well.

The art is good, but not so good that you can forgive the relatively lame stories. The introduction of the literals also draw a yawn, which is one of the many things that made Fables 13 boring and silly.

The mystery of why Fables was so much better was solved when I met Willingham, who said he handed over Jack of Fables to Matthew Sturges, because he felt that Matthew deserved a break. Well, Sturges talent isnt in the same caliber as Willinghams, and it shows.

This series is only worth checking out from your local library.

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Review A Distant Soil Books 1 4

I first reviewed A Distant Soil in 2005 here on this blog. I recently noticed that the library had books 1-4, and hoping that the story had since been finished, I checked the books out of the library and read them all.

The books were particularly slow going for me, and I realized after a bit why: while many pundits are contented to talk about how you should have graphic novels appeal to girls, Colleen Doran actually went out and did it. The books are full of talking heads, and heavy on text balloons. While theres a "saving the world" plot going on, characters take the time out to worry about their hair. The character oriented pacing essentially led to long sections where characters were flirting, bantering, or teasing each other, rather than the usual sequence of action event after action event.

The book revolves around a brother-sister pair who escaped from a lab where they were confined, only to discover their origins. Theyre separated and kidnapped by two factions of an alien race, and they learn about the alien race and the power structure from two different directions, neither of which are telling the complete truth, and neither of which have the complete picture.

The result is a plot and story thats slow, long and drawn out, and action that drags. But the artwork is gorgeous. The men are beautiful, the women a good diverse lot, not all of whom served as love interests for the male characters, and the aliens unfortunately all too human (which given the nature of the story, makes sense). Theres no science at all in this story, so its not properly science fiction, but rather fantasy. Theres a significant amount of sex in this story, so this isnt something you would hand to your 12 year old. (If youre looking for something for that 12-year old, please try Jeff Smiths delightful Bone)

I was wondering why the story line hadnt been completed yet, so I checked on Colleen Dorans web-site: it seems that shes still trying to finish the story. Im not sure I can recommend this book to everyone: its hyper-targeted towards girls, and I had to make myself read it. Check the first book out of your local library and if it grabs you read the rest of it and be prepared for a long wait to the finish. Thats one of the problems with the independent artists, with no commercial pressure to push to finish the story, theres no way to tell when itll finish, if ever. (Im looking at you, Mark Oakley)

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DataGuard AntiKeylogger Ultimate 4 0 0 3 Review and Download

DataGuard AntiKeylogger Ultimate (DataGuard) places second in our review of anti-keylogger apps. Zemana AntiLogger received a higher rating because of its innovative 128-bit SSL protection, Webcam protection and sound protection. DataGuard doesnt possess these capabilities. However, DataGuard did place higher than our third-placed anti-keylogger software GuardedID Premium. Our third-ranked application lacks the on-the-fly protection, easily configured user preferences, and overall defense for the system registry that DataGuard provides the PC and its user.

An in-depth discussion of DataGuards features and functionality occurs below.

Cyber-crooks are delighted to know that with keylogger software they can easily poke gaping holes and bypass most antispyware and antivirus applications. Currently, keylogger crimeware represents the most dangerous threat that computer users face today. Keyloggers capture and record each stroke of a PCs keyboard. The victims own internet connection transmits the sensitive data into the hands of the cyber-crook.

MAxSecurity Lab, a Chisinau Moldova-based company, developed DataGuard AntiKeylogger Ultimate as software that works in conjunction with traditional security. Though remotely located, the company is an active player in the development of security products and has strong customer satisfaction.

To learn more, please visit our Learning Center to read our articles on anti-keylogger software. For additional objective reviews and side-by-side comparisons of products in this category, please visit our Anti-Keylogger Software Review site.

Ease of Use:

DataGuard implements a proactive scanning program that protects the user from various types of keyloggers. The anti-keylogger softwares robust features provide security against known, unknown, and future keylogger implementations.

At install, DataGuard assumes all decision-making options. Novice computer users may enjoy the easy installation; advanced users will dislike the programs presumed authority over their PC. No worries, the program is equipped with a well-executed User Interface (UI). Here, users will be able to configure options that include enabling or disabling protection and the types of protection desired.

Users who enjoy eye-candy will appreciate the ability to customize the look and feel of the UI through the implementation of alternate software skins. Over seventy-five alternative skins, designed to meet the tastes of even the most finicky users, are available on the companys website for download. Though fun, clearly, this is an unnecessary feature of a security software.

Reliability:

User reviews report that the program is proficient in scrambling and encrypting keystrokes. Further, user-based testing demonstrates that the software holds up against even the most powerful keylogger applications.

The manufacturer performed software compatibility tests between DataGuard and commonly used security software. Security software used in conjunction with DataGuard experienced no conflict or compatibility issues. However, some users of Microsoft Windows Vista report that DataGuard conflicts with Kaspersky Antivirus software and causes a system failure on re-boot. However, this problem doesnt occur with Windows XP or Windows 7.

Protection:

Inside the UI, users can configure the protection settings of the software. Options include, enabling protection for keyboard hooks, clipboard monitoring, alternative data interception and system protection. The software allows for the creation of a customized overall system protection policy. Alternately, self-detection modules can run automatically.

Internet Security:

Advanced configuration options include the ability to set an administrative password that prevents machine users from accessing the UI in an attempt to change settings or to disable the protection DataGuard offers.

Licensing/Upgrades/Support:

Each purchase of DataGuard AntiKeylogger entitles the user to license and install the software on one computer. Customers receive one year of product upgrades after the time of purchase.

The main method of support for the product is the DataGuard Users Manual. For more specific or complicated issues, customer support is available through email. The website provides FAQs that answer many commonly asked user questions.

Supported Operating Systems:
DataGuard AntiKeylogger Ultimate is compatible with the following:

• Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4
• Microsoft Windows XP
• Microsoft Windows 2003
• Microsoft Windows Vista
• Microsoft Windows 7
• DataGuard s not compatible with Windows 9X/Me OS
• DataGuard is not available for Mac OS
• Currently, DataGuard supports only 32-bit operating systems.

Summary:

DataGuard AntiKeylogger Ultimate is an effective and robust anti-keylogger software. Its advanced features are effective at providing the user with an additional level of security when anti-spyware and anti-virus software fails.

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