Let's be frank, most digital photo organisers do little more than combine the image previewing features you already get in Windows Explorer with a few underpowered editing options, then pretend they've created something worthwhile. There are some noticeable exceptions to this rule, though, and Ashampoo Photo Commander is one of the best.

The thumbnail browser, for instance, allocates enough space to display useful summary information (file name, size, date, resolution) on each photo, so it's easy to find what you need. It supports audio and video files along with your photos, and provides some very powerful file management tools. The batch rename and convert tools alone could save you hours of work.

The editor has interesting features that you might actually want to use, including the ability to fix skewed photos, remove red-eye, and optimize colour and contrast with a single click. You can also add captions, arrows, shapes and so on, and save these as objects rather than bitmaps. This lets you come back later and change the font of a caption, say, without affecting your image quality.

If you'd like to get creative then there are options to build a calendar, photo collage, or greetings card. Photo Commander can generate all the HTML and thumbnails you need to build a web image gallery, or create a stand-alone slideshow with fancy transition effects and soundtrack, then burn the results to CD.

And there are more excellent bonus features everywhere you look, from a tool to locate duplicate images even if they've been resized or edited, to a very powerful screen grab option. If you're at all dissatisfied with your current image management tools, then Photo Commander is well worth a look.

How Do Get Your Serial Code

You need a serial code to use Ashampoo Photo Commander 6. Leave "Get full version key" checked during installation to start the process of receiving your free registration key

Upgrade to Ashampoo Photo Commander 7

The latest Photo Commander 7 has an updated media database, 3D acceleration, the facility to create panorama images and so much more. The list price for all this is £29.99, but as a registered owner of Ashampoo Photo Commander 6 you need only pay £7.49, a very generous 75% discount. Click Internet > Upgrade... to find out more.