14 DAY TRIAL // Used for day-to-day counting or advanced science calculations, arithmetics is the oldest and most elementary branch of mathematics studied by children even from the first grades in school. The traditional arithmetic operations are addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, but more advanced ones like percentages, square root etc., can be included in this subject as well.
Moffsoft FreeCalc can be seen as a replacement for the existing Windows calculator. You can do all the elementary operations mentioned above, and it has some extra features to improve the user calculus experience. Its sizable display is useful for people with visual impairments, and the addition of the double and triple zero buttons may be a plus for easy calculus.
As this is a free version of the program with no limitations, everyone can make use of its features if they got tired of the old one and are looking for a change. To be more persuasive, the application comes with a range of 6 color schemes as a variety for you to choose from.
The buttons can be flat if you want to eliminate all the lines and grids from within the software and the window's size can be reset in default state. What is indeed worth mentioning is the tape function which, if activated, it can store all the operations you make. It can be hidden if you consider it not useful at all, or it can be cleared if the operations became too difficult to follow. In case you have complicated long calculi, the tape can be directed to a printing device for a closer consultation.
Another three operations (square root, percentage and reciprocal) are present in the addition of the elementary ones, and a +/- button is available as well. Unfortunately, the square or round brackets are not present, and a user will not be able to perform more complex operations. There are indeed the memory buttons, but they allow you only to store, recall, update or clear a single value from memory and are not able to perform complex RegEx operations. As a plus, Memory Minus button is inserted in the interface and its functionality is to subtract from a value in memory.
The application can be set to run on top of all other applications if you are a heavy user of the calculator, or set to run in system tray when you choose to close it for an easy access. A calculator look-a-like image will hide/show the application's window on left click, or choose right click ->Exit if you want to close the program completely.
The tape is saved on your hard drive, or on another type of media support, and is viewable on any other Windows platform computer because it is just a non-complicated TXT file. Although it can be overwritten, a new tape file can be created to prevent erasing an important calculus. Help menu is fully developed and answers all your possible questions.
The Good
Moffsoft FreeCalc is a bit more customizable alternative from the Windows standard calculator. It has up to six color schemes for the user to play with, a main window which is size adjustable and a memory minus button. The tape is very useful if you want to have an overlook on the long calculi. The program has a very complex assistance menu.
The Bad
There is a need for interface improvement to increase the user's attraction towards the program. Also, a browsable sound feature could be implemented in case of a "divided by zero" error return.
The Truth
Moffsoft FreeCalc is a freeware application and, as we all know, free is the best price. It still needs improvements regarding user customization, but the tape feature is indeed very useful.
Here are some snapshots of the application in action:
