Portable Offline Browser

This application lets you download an entire Web site for offline viewing, though it isn't geared to novice users. Portable Offline Browser has a multipaned but nicely arranged interface that is easy to operate. The program starts well with a wizard that requires the Web site URL to create download tasks. Setting download levels and file filters was a snap, and the Help file did a good job of explaining concepts. Filtering helps weed out unnecessary content depending on keywords, file type, or image dimension. In our tests, the download operation was a little slow, but we like that the lower pane reflects the download progress in each channel. It includes a built-in browser that helps you view retrieved sites or start new tasks and a script editor. You can install the browser to a Flash drive and carry it with you, hence the app's name. Downloaded sites can be saved in the CHM or MHT formats. Moreover, Portable Offline Browser supports command-line parameters and lets you schedule download tasks. Overall, power users will favor the advanced features and easy configurations, but novices may feel overwhelmed by the advanced terms used in this sophisticated program.