Anapod's Explorer for the iPod is a worthless software program that doesn't do what it promises

I purchased Red Chair Software's Anapod Explorer for $29 online. I hate to download software that doesn't send a backup, but the iTunes software that controls your iPod's life is so oppressive and terrible, you just have to keep trying to find an alternative.

Microsoft and Apple have one thing in common. They are about greed, money and control. They don't want you to control your computer. They want to control it like they own it so they can decide for you what software can run and what software can't run, so they can protect their money. It's all about money for most computer software tech designers and programmers. They are all dictators and tyrants, but one day we will find a Gandhi who can fight for the rights of the oppressed computer users.

So, I tried Reds Chair Software's Anapod Explorer for the iPod. And it sucks. The concept is good but it doesn't work. Worse, they have poor tech-support -- virtually nil. And like all bad software designers, they simply do not know what consumers really want and need, but they do a great job of writing programs that work for them -- I doubt any of them even use an iPod.

The software supposedly creates a Window's Explorer. It has to be loaded with the computer and on your System Tray so you don't have any choice to run it like a program when you need it. Instead, it sits in wasted memory for the few times you might use it.

I want to copy songs and movies that I have legitimately purchased but that iTunes doesn't want me to copy for backup and expanded viewing. I downloaded Avatar for $14.99 from iTunes (it took six hours and I have high speed internet -- volume was the problem, which is typical of iTunes challenges that you want to escape.). I want to make a copy so I can watch it on my DVD and HD TV.

I could have purchased the DVD and then ripped it to my iPod, but I thought why not try buying off the internet and then copying it so I have a hard copy when my computer fails -- all computers are made to fail specifically so the computer technology industry can sell you more computers. When they are not thinking of ways to limit the future expansion of your laptop and computer, they are thinking of ways to make lousy computers good for only a few years, if that much even.

I installed Anapod's Explorer the way instructed. But they fail to tell you to reboot your computer so the software installs on your system tray. After the usual trial and error, I figured that out on my own.

I ran the software and it shows my iPod directory and my computer directory. And I right clicked the movie, Avatar and tried to move it to a new window on my computer -- and it doesn't work.

So, the claim that Anapod's Explorer turns your iPod into justa nother hard drive that can be managed is baloney.

I'll keep looking for a new software program. But in the meantime, save your money, Don't buy Red Chair Software's Anapod Explorer. It doesn't work.

-- Ray Hanania
www.RadioChicagoland.com