BlackWidow

Like most Internet agents, BlackWidow is a multifunctional software application that performs a variety of web site tasks for you. The program serves as a site scanner, off-line browser, 'site ripper', and site mapping tool all in one. The client is at its best when scanning web sites and presenting the files of the site in an Explorer-like window. You can then retrieve a file or group of files the same way you would if you had FTPed into the site. After initially scanning a web site, BlackWidow will display a map of the site structure and all the files included within the site. From here you can choose to download specific files or all the files for offline viewing using either BlackWidow's own integrated web browser or an external browser like Netscape or Internet Explorer. The 'site ripper' tool will scan a site and download only a specific subset of files for you -- i.e. all GIF images, AVI videos, MP3 audio clips, etc. In addition to the file type filter, other site selection filters allow you to select only files above a minimum file size or below a maximum file size or to use wildcards for finding matching file names. You can also set up each filter to search through the entire web site or only certain directories/folders. Additional BlackWidow features include extensive authentication capabilities (including access via CGI, web form, and cookie), the ability to resume broken downloads, compatibility with both HTTP and HTTPS server types, and the ability to perform multiple downloads simultaneously. While BlackWidow does offer its fair share of selling points, in many cases the competition not only includes a similar set of features but also offers unique abilities of its own. For instance, BlackWidow lacks NetAttach�'s comparison checking capabilities for notifying you when a web page has been updated, filtered news briefs for updated web sites, and its Smart Search function (similar to a web search engine for the site); Anawave WebSnake's intelligent pull technology (another search engine-type feature) and automatic mirroring capabilities; Teleport Pro's Domain Dispersed Querying, Server Overload Protection, and site mirroring capabilities; and InContext WebAnalyzer's broken link reporting capabilities. Overall, BlackWidow is a solid and fairly inexpensive Internet agent, but it doesn't offer any unique features that you won't be able to find in competing releases. Without any distinctive competencies, BlackWidow will have a hard time distancing itself from the pack, especially in a category that already suffers from overcrowding. Still, if you're looking for an inexpensive multifunctional web agent, BlackWidow definitely deserves a look. Pros: Efficient site scanning and offline web browsing capabilities, easy to use, fairly inexpensive Cons: Lacks a variety of advanced features found in competing releases For the latest information on BlackWidow, check out: http://cws.internet.com/32agents.html#bwidow apps conference Main Menu