Pro Netsoft Corporation has added to its cloud-based online storage and backup family with the release of iDriveSync. This service offers to synchronise files and folders between up to five PCs and Macs using the internet as an intermediary, so each computer doesn’t need to be switched on and connected at the same time in order to stay up to date.

IDriveSync comes in both free and paid-for packages: the free account offers a generous 5GB of space, which is only rivalled by Windows Live Mesh. However, unlike Live Mesh, IDrive Sync works with older versions of Windows (2000 and XP) as well as the latest builds of both Mac OS X and Windows. Those wanting unlimited storage space can upgrade to the Pro package for US$49.95 per year, or US$4.95 per month.

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The Handbrake Project has released a major update of its open-source, cross-platform video conversion tool. Handbrake 0.9.5 is the first update since November 2009 and introduces a number of major improvements that help speed up the conversion process, such as support for batch video scanning and queue editing. It also now recognises Blu-ray discs, although it can’t yet decrypt them.

Handbrake is designed to convert just about any video (including ripping unencrypted discs from DVD and Blu-ray) into the MP4 or MKV format. It’s possible to resize, crop and filter the video as it’s converted, making it a good choice for those who wish to convert their video to a format suitable for viewing on a portable device such as the iPod.

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Avast! has released a major update for its anti-virus tool and internet security suite, delivering a host of improvements to most of the program’s major components, including its Behaviour Shield and anti-rootkit engine.

Avast! 5.1 builds on the previous version 5 release, which appeared last year. Version 5 introduced a new user interface, full compatibility with Windows 7, improved performance (particularly with multi-core processors) and a new gaming mode, which detects full-screen applications and disables popups and other on-screen notifications without compromising security. Other improvements included a new heuristics engine, code emulator, behaviour shield and intelligent scanner.

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Skype has released a major new update – version 3.0 – of its iPhone/iPod Touch client, which adds support for two-way video calling to other Skype users for the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and fourth-generation iPod Touch. Owners of older iPod Touches or iPads can receive video calls, but not send them. Quality isn’t on a par with FaceTime, but the app can be used to video conference with Windows and Mac Skype users over both 3G and wi-fi connections, whereas FaceTime only works over wi-fi.

Unlike free video conferencing on your desktop or notebook, using Skype on a 3G connection to make video calls may incur additional charges, and will certainly eat rapidly into monthly bandwidth allocations (it consumes around 3MB/minute) – check with your data operator for details, or stick to using it over wi-fi where these charges won’t apply.

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EASEUS has released version 2.0 of its free back-up tool, EASEUS ToDo Backup. It’s a major update sporting a redesigned wizard-driven user interface and a major new feature in the form of a file-based backup tool, which can back up specific folders or file types.

EASEUS ToDo Backup was launched last year as a simple drive-imaging tool, which meant it could backup and restore entire partitions only. Version 2.0 adds  support for incremental and scheduled backups alongside the new file-based backup component, all of which is wrapped up in a revamped user interface. There’s also a back-up management screen where individual tasks can be reviewed, edited, updated and deleted.

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Comodo has released version 5.3 of their Internet Security firewall and antivirus suite.

Or, more specifically, version 5.3.174622.1216. Which may sound like it’s just some tedious maintenance release, but don’t be fooled – the program includes some significant developments.

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Music creation software has always been notoriously expensive and complicated to use, but MAGIX Music Maker 17, like all of the software from the MAGIX stables, has been designed to enable anybody to produce incredibly impressive results, regardless of previous experience in the field.

There is a huge selection of sounds and loops that can be used as the basis for tracks of your own or just incorporated as sound effects, but you also have the option of importing music and samples from CD and MP3s of your own. The simple program interface makes it easy to lay out the various components that will be used in your tracks, and you can then set about the task of applying special effects, instruments and working with the mixer.

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Paragon has released a new version of its Hard Disk Manager Suite, which bundles together a host of disk management tools, from partitioning, cloning and backup to defragging, boot manager and rescue environment.

The 2011 edition boasts a number of new features and enhanced compatibility. You can now easily migrate Windows XP, Vista or 7 from a regular hard drive to a SSD (Solid State Drive). This can be done even if the SSD has a smaller capacity, thanks to Paragon’s ability to exclude certain types of data.

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PC maintenance specialist Uniblue has released the latest version of its flagship Registry cleaner, RegistryBooster 2011.

The program aims to improve your system’s performance and stability by locating and deleting broken Registry keys.

Core improvements this time around include faster Registry scanning, improved defragmentation functionality, various ease of use improvements and the usual minor tweaks and bug fixes.

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Virtualisation is an incredibly powerful technology, much loved by big corporations as it helps them squeeze the maximum performance from their servers.

But it has plenty to offer regular home users, too, via free tools like VirtualBox 4.0, from Oracle.

Essentially the program allows you to create and manage virtual machines (VMs), simulated computers that run in a window on your PC, but act as though they were separate systems. It’s a very interesting idea that has all kinds of useful applications.

Do you want to try out a new operating system, for instance? Don’t waste time partitioning your hard drive. Just install it in a VM and in a few minutes you could be running Ubuntu on your Windows 7 desktop.

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UniBlue Software has released a brand new version of its PC optimisation software. SpeedUpMyPC 2011 offers to speed up sluggish computers by scanning for tell-tale processes, files and Windows settings that could be slowing you down. It then offers to optimise these settings and remove junk files with a single click.

SpeedUpMyPC 2011 promises to be easier to use than before, plus includes new unspecified tweaks and active rules. Registered users can now also schedule scans at regular intervals to keep your PC optimised at all times, while the LiveUpdate feature also provides improved notifications when new updates are released. The program also includes a number of minor bug fixes.

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