|
|
MaxiVista
Type of Program: MultiMonitor Enhancement
Supported Platforms: Windows 2000/2003/XP/Vista
Company Name: Bartels Media
Version: 3.026
Price: $29.95
Installed Size: 4.6 Mb
Download/Homepage
The installation of MaxiVista is easy and intuitive. You can
place the program files where you want them. Warning: To use MaxiVista you must
have your secondary PC located on a network that also connects to the primary
PC.
Ok lets get some things straight right out of the chute. First of all I'm an
un-abashed lover and supporter of MaxiVista. I have been using it for some
years. Second I did for this Review not use the downloadable Demo version. I
used the brand spanking new full version Pro 3. For you guys here are the
limitations of the demo version:
The demo version is based on the MaxiVista Pro Edition with following
restrictions:
The demo version runs for 14 days after first installation or 50 program
launches
The Mirroring feature and support of multiple monitors is not included in the
demo version. You can get an idea about the Mirroring performance anyway as it
is equal to the performance of the extended screen
Only one installation of the demo version is possible in a network group. The
full versions allows unlimited amount of installations within a network group
Only one extended screen is supported (The Pro/Mirror Pro Edition support up to
3 monitors or 3 secondary PCs)
The demo includes a splash screen and demo background window which is both
removed in the full versions
Now that we have that cleared up lets get down to it. First of all when you do
the installation there are going to be a number of things happening. the first
thing is that you have to pick how many extra computers you are going to install
MaxiVista to. Next thing is MaxiVista is going to figure out what you are
currently using for video card(s), monitor(s) and firewall. So expect some
screens to be going on and off and your firewall asking about permissions. At
the end of this time MaxiVista will tell you which firewall you are using and
offer to show you more information.
The first time you run MaxiVista it will create a small viewer program that you
must copy to the secondary computer. Then to use MaxiVista you run the viewer
program on the secondary PC and the MaxiVista server program on the primary PC.
I gotta tell you this part. My Network Sucks Big Time! I haven't been able to
transfer files across this network for years. I have tried all of the network
diagnostics and all of the software that purports to solve this problem. Nothing
worked. Why am I bringing this up? Because I'm going to tell you that MaxiVista
figured out it's way across my network in less time than it takes to type this.
And that is without any intervention from me. However if you do have ANY
problems the MaxiVista support is second to none.
Ok I know I'm going on and on. So lets take a look at why use the newest version
of MaxiVista. It's really simple it has added some features, plus best of all it
is faster. In case you are wondering why to use MaxiVista in the first place
that is a no-brainer. You use MaxiVista to get an extra monitor out of your
laptop or for that matter any other older PC you have laying around (you can use
the viewer program on a computer running Win 98).
Ok I just have to mention one more thing. With MaxiVista you can also in most
cases hook up another monitor to the secondary PC and run 4 monitors. (Actually
you can even add much more but I just had to get you excited).
I Love MaxiVista!
Performance:
User Friendly:
Cost:
Ease of Installation:
Support:
Reviewed by Joe Tex
Return to SharewareJunkies.com
