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In This Issue...
Newbies Nook - Information, Tips, and Instruction for Computer Users
Forum Favorites - Popular Questions and Threads from the Forum
Security Corner - Top Ten Security Tools!
Carol's Corner Office - Microsoft Office and OpenOffice How-To's and Tips
Dave's Recommended Software - Our Picks of the Best Software Available
A Time for Twos - Updates are a comin'
Freeware Focus - A Spotlight on Freeware programs.
Useful Websites - Useful Websites Found on the Net and Recommended by Readers
The Lighter Side - Funny, Interesting, and Thought Provoking Items Found During Our Travels Across the Internet
Windows 7: A first look
Microsoft's next operating system will be called Windows 7. Not a glamorous name, but functional as this will be the 7th version of the Windows operating system (depending on how you count). It's not here yet, but a beta version has been released to the public and the beta has been rock solid for most testers (including myself).
For those who don't know, "Beta" in the software world refers to software that is at point in development where it can be released to a large group for testing. It isn't necessarily complete, fully functional, or stabile. Because of these limitations beta software is not something the average user should monkey around with, in most cases, and never should be used on a computer that you rely on for day to day use. Even those with higher than average skills should approach beta software with care and proceed only after a complete backup has been made!
Windows 7 is based on an improved Windows Vista kernel, or core. Basically improved memory management and I/O processing. It isn't a major change such as between Windows XP and Vista. Think Apple. Well don't think too much about apple, but it is a good example of each new OS being a refinement of the previous. Windows 7 isn't a major refinement of Vista. You could say it is more of a polishing and improvement of Vista. While this may worry some (I can hear the "I'll never use Vista" humdrum starting already) it is not uncommon. In general this is a very good thing. It almost guarantees software compatibility between releases, while providing a more stable OS with updated features.
There are rumors that Windows 7 will ship with Microsoft's new antivirus software, code named Morro. While this may be a good idea (every Win 7 user will have some protection), I see this as 'letting the fox guard the henhouse'. Microsoft isn't known for producing code that is small and doesn't hog memory. If the rumors are true I won't be running their antivirus anytime soon.
The fit and finish of this beta is amazing. The Windows 7 beta is so polished that I believe it is almost ready for prime time! The current industry buzz indicates Microsoft may announce a Release Candidate as early as next week and shipping Windows 7 around July or August. This means Windows 7 may begin appearing as the installed operating system on new computers as early as August of this year.
So what is different about Windows 7?
The differences that will be most obvious to any Windows user are right on the desktop. The taskbar is almost a complete redesign with some very cool functionality. The sidebar is also updated. Gadgets now set directly on the desktop. It's a slick concept that I like, so let's take a look!
(click the image for a larger view)
Gadgets and Sidebar
In the image above you can see that the Windows gadgets no longer appear in a sidebar, but directly on the desktop. I like this, a lot! The Sidebar used quite a bit of memory on my computer. Running the gadgets without the Sidebar is probably a good 45MB savings. In Vista using the 'show desktop' button actually caused the sidebar to disappear also. It was an annoyance of mine, but not longer.
Windows 7 taskbar
The main difference you will notice is the taskbar. Gone are the days when 4 or 5 programs would fill the taskbar. The quick launch toolbar has been incorporated directly into the taskbar. Microsoft, by default, has eliminated the program name and will display the program's icon only (this can be changed - see below). This is a decent trade-off between form and function. The taskbar has been increased in vertical size (slightly) to allow larger icons. Since there is no longer a quick launch toolbar, and some users didn't use it anyway, they have made the Show Desktop function a permanent part of the taskbar and moved it to the far right. I think this is a smart and useful decision.
In the picture above you will notice that I have both MS Paint and the Calculator running. Notice the difference between those programs and the icons to the left. Running programs have a border applied to the icon in the taskbar. Programs that not minimized, or showing at the moment, have a 'glass' effect applied to the icon. I also have 3 instances of the calculator running. No real reason but to show the taskbar indicates this too! Pretty neat, if you ask me.
In the picture above I have changed the default taskbar to show the program name along with the icon. The same effects are applied, but it takes quite a bit more real estate. This may appeal to some, however if you multi-task and the taskbar fills with running programs it will revert to displaying icons only as in the previous screenshot. It's not permanent and returns to your chosen setting once a program or two is closed.
Another new change, and a very good one, is called jump lists. In Windows versions prior to Windows 7, including Vista, right clicking on a program in the taskbar gives standard Restore, Move, Size, Minimize, Maximize, and Close options. Somewhat useful, but there is much more potential here! In Windows 7 Microsoft has allowed this menu to have program specific options.
You can see in the screenshot above that Media Player is running because the icon has a border. Right clicking the icon brings up the jump list. Gone are the standard ho-hum options. This is in it's infancy. As more programs become 'Windows 7' aware this will become a very useful change in the new operating system.
We can't end this without a quick look at the start menu, can we? Not much to mention here. Mostly a refreshed style and spit shine. The one major change is the power button. Vista users complained - Microsoft listened. The power button is now customizable, which will allow the user to change it to the action of their choice.
Coming up next
There is so much to cover with Windows 7 that I thought it best to break it down into a few smaller, easily digestible, bits. As you can see the main user interface includes many neat, useful, features. Fortunately there are many more changes throughout the operating system. In the next issue we'll jump into some of the other important changes. Stay tuned!
The Daves Computer Tips Forum needs your help (OK I need your help)! The forum has 386 members and almost 2400 total posts. We desperately need your participation for the forum to thrive! The forum is not only a great place to get and give computer advice, but a wonderful place to meet like minded individuals from around the world!
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Top Ten Security Tools
Many people who are familiar with my “How to Secure Your Computer” series of articles have asked me about the best tools to help them stay secure on the Internet. To that end, I've started a new article series, “Software for Secure Computing” over at Security Corner. But it will take me awhile to cover all of the best security tools on an article-by-article basis, so I'm revealing my top 10 here in this first 2009 issue of Dave's Computer Tips. I know this is likely to generate some comments and questions. That's expected. Feel free to post away here and in the forum.
My criteria for choosing these particular tools are simple: 1. Frequent (or continuous) use; 2. Low impact on system resources, and; 3. Relatively easy to install and use. And, of course, they must be effective, but that's a given. I didn't include such things as Spybot Search & Destroy, HijackThis--now owned by TrendMicro--or other tools that I use for dealing with malware infections. Neither did I include the MVPS HOSTS file, as it's not something the average computer user can easily manage (though it IS extremely effective—have at it if you have some Geek in you). With that in mind, here's the list:
OUCH! is the first consensus monthly security awareness report for end users. It shows them what to look for and how to avoid phishing and other scams plus viruses and other malware -- using the latest attacks as examples. It also provides pointers to great resources like the amazing Phishing Self-Test. 460 organizations, large and small, helped make it a useful service. More than 100 security officers check each issue for accuracy, and readability before it is distributed to the community.
This truly is an amazing resource. I've been a subscriber for more than five years.
Malicious software called Bots can secretly take control of computers and make them participate in networks called “Botnets.” These networks can harness massive computing power and Internet bandwidth to relay spam, attack web servers, infect more computers, and perform other illicit activities.
RUBotted monitors your computer for suspicious activities and regularly checks with an online service to identify behavior associated with Bots. Upon discovering a potential infection, RUBotted prompts you to scan and clean your computer.
This is one of those handy tools that you'll rarely know is there unless you're hit by a bot, or bot-like activity. It should be higher on the list than it is, but I've had some false positives.
LinkScanner Lite inspects each search result as it is returned to your browser. One of four color-coded icons will appear next to each result. LinkScanner Lite provides the most accurate analysis of the safety of Web search listings.
With poisoned web sites showing up on the major search engines with ever-increasing frequency, you need to know if the site you are looking at is safe. Not only does Link Scanner Lite integrate into the search results, it allows to right-click on any link in any page or email and check it on the fly.
Taking a few minutes to unbundle your DNS service from your ISP's Internet connection means a safer, faster, smarter and more reliable Internet experience for everyone in your household.
I can't say enough about this service. I use it on everything with an Internet connection. Many DNS servers have unpatched security issues that could allow criminal hackers to hijack them and send you to websites of their choosing. OpenDNS isn't subject to these attacks.
Free Open Source on-the-fly encryption that is easy to use and bullet-proof. I've written about it here in the newsletter.
You can't live without it if you're running Windows. I suggest that everyone turn on Automatic Updates and just let it do its thing. In all the years that Microsoft has been issuing patches this way, I've only had one minor problem with an update. Note that to visit the link above, you have to be running Internet Explorer.
98 out of 100 PCs have one or more insecure programs installed on them. Microsoft Update does nothing to help you fix them. This handy utility finds insecure programs and tells you how to fix the problems. I have it running on every one of my machines at home and at work. Believe me, it works.
You can do an online scan of your system and get a report of what insecure software you may have or you can download and install the software.
Our most comprehensive solution for home users. Based on ESET NOD32 Antivirus, it protects you from viruses, worms, spyware, and all Internet threats; also blocks spam and includes personal firewall. Named 'Consumer Digest Best Buy' in April 2008.
That says it all. I'll likely never use another product.
NoScript Firefox extension provides extra protection for Firefox, Flock, Seamonkey and other mozilla-based browsers: this free, open source add-on allows JavaScript, Java, Flash and other plugins to be executed only by trusted web sites of your choice (e.g. your online bank), and provides the most powerful Anti-XSS protection available in a browser.
You've seen my article here about NoScript. Simply the best security add-on ever. When used with Firefox, there is no better security to be had when browsing the web.
And that brings us to the #1 security tool.
- Firefox 3 web browser
It doesn't get any better than this. I've used it since it was first issued and I've never looked back. I've advised everyone from the beginning to stop using Internet Explorer and switch to Firefox. Coupled with NoScript, you're as safe as you're ever going to be on the web. Check out my Security Corner article, No More Security Updates for Firefox 2 for more information.
My best wishes to all. It's good to be back! ~Ken
Ken Harthun is the Security Editor for Daves Computer Tips. He also writes about security issues for IT Knowledge Exchange and blogs on general Geek things at Ask the Geek. You can read more about Ken here.
Hello Everyone!
I hope you all were well in our absence.
Hard to believe that another year has passed us by isn't it? The older I get the more quickly time seems to pass for me. I will do my best this year to bring you the best and latest information as regards Microsoft Office and OpenOffice. As always, I will rely on you, the readers, to keep me on track and let me know what your interests are.
Ok, on with the article now.
Create Graphic Watermarks and Protect Them
Some companies use graphics, such as their corporate logo in their watermarks and want them to be permanent. There are different ways to add a watermark to your MS Word documents that we have covered in previous newsletters, but I don't think we have covered how to make it permanent before.
The best way is to insert your watermark in the header of your document. Follow the steps below:
- Position your logo graphic logo where you would like it to appear in your header.
- Protect your document by clicking on Tools | Protect Document.
- Select the header and put a check in the box next to Everyone.
- Click Start Enforcement now.
- Fill in your password twice.
- Click on OK.
If you want the watermark to travel with any text copied and pasted into another document, it can be a bit of a sticky wicket. If you copy a portion of text, then the watermark will not go with the text. If, on the other hand, you copy all the text in the document using the shortcut CTRL + A, then the watermark will be copied into the other document along with the text. The reason for this is that in MS Word, headers are an attribute of sections and if whatever you are copying includes the end of section or end of document markers, then the header is copied as well.
Go ahead and play around with this. You can create any kind of document you want with a graphic logo or just any old kind of graphic, say your personal letterhead. I think you will have some fun with this one!
I hope this has been helpful to you. Please let me know if there is something specific you would like me to cover in the future.
Until next time, take care of YOU!
Carol Bratt is the Office Applications Editor at Daves Computer Tips. She has authored several informative Microsoft Office books and writes the monthly Word Bytes Newsletter with more tips and tricks in each issue. Visit Carol's website for more great Microsoft Office tips and tricks! Click here to see her latest books! You can read more about Carol here.
Anti-spyware and Anti-malware Software
Webroot SpySweeper - Daves Computer Tips Seal of Approval Winner! See the test results HERE. Spysweeper provides the best protection of the seven anti-spyware programs tested! Great detection and removal rates with a small real-time protection memory footprint. This is the one you want! SpySweeper includes the ASK toolbar. Be sure to uncheck this option during installation. Free 14 day trial.
CounterSpy - Runner-up in my Anti-Spyware test. Not only does CounterSpy scan and remove spyware, it also uses real time protection. Real-time protection prevents spyware infection. Free 15 day trial. Winner of Computer Shopper Magazine's Best Buy Award!
Antivirus and Firewall Software
ESET Smart Security - New from the maker's of NOD32. Antivirus, Antispyware, Antispam, and Firewall all wrapped into one effective, swift, and low resource package. It is what I use to protect each of my computers!
Kaspersky Antivirus - Kaspersky is my second choice for antivirus software. A good program that is very close in performance to NOD32. Free trial.
Online Armor Firewall - You shouldn't be on the internet without a software firewall that offers inbound and outbound protection. Online Armor is the Best of the Best. Online Armor uses an interface that is easier to navigate than most other firewalls and the protection level can't be beat! Online Armor is available in both a free and reasonably priced paid version, which offers even more protection!
Audio and Video Software
Acoustica Audio Converter Pro - This program converts audio formats and bitrates. Perfect for those with portable audio players or large music collections. 30 day trial.
Adobe Premier Elements 7 - Elements is the home version of Adobe Premiere, the best professional video editing suite today. Premier Elements costs 1/6th the price of the professional version, but is very capable of making videos that will impress everyone.
DVDFab is my favorite DVD software. I tried over 30 different programs before settling on DVDFab. It offers every function of the other programs and more! Copy, burn, shrink, convert for mobile devices, or convert for streaming. Almost all of the other programs I've tried did not function as advertised, were extremely slow, or did not have features that worked as advertised. DVDFab works, and works as advertised! It's easy to use, has a pleasant user interface, and it updated often.
Computer Hardware
Crucial Memory - Memory (RAM) is the upgrade that gives any computer the best bang for the buck. If you want to speed things up with more memory, why not purchase it from the leading source of quality RAM memory. Great selection, good prices, excellent support, and a lifetime warranty! A real winner!
CyberGuys - The place to get those hard to find cables and accessories for your computer!
HP Computers
- My current pick for new laptops and desktops. In the current market I don't think you can beat HP's combination of price and performance. Their laptop line is very cost effective and the design is absolutely beautiful!
Newegg - Newegg.com is known for great service and awesome pricing on computers, upgrades, and electronics. If you're looking for computers, computer parts, or electronics you owe it to yourself to start here! Great Products. Great Prices. Great Customer Service!
Computer Maintenance Software
Diskeeper 2008 - My current favorite defrag program. As files are written and erased from the hard drive they begin to leave "spaces" behind. When the drive is written to again files are broken up to fill in these spaces. This causes the drive to go to several different locations to read an entire file, which slows performance greatly. Diskeeper has several advanced features such as; automatic defrag, scheduled defrag, and the ability to defrag the MFT (Master File Table) and paging file. 30 day trial.
Registry Mechanic - A very thorough and efficient registry cleaner and defragmenter. A definite must to maintain peak performance and stabile operation. 30 day trial.
Computer Utility Software
Acronis True Image 2010 - Do you value the data on your computer? Do you value your time? How much time will you spend recovering data and returning your computer to its original state after a hardware failure or software glitch? True Image is my #1 choice in backup tools. Whether you choose file or image based backups (you should use both!) True Image will perform better than any other application I've used. Disk images created with True Image are generally 10-20% smaller than those from comparable programs. If your time and files are as important to you as mine are to me this is a must have.
Acronis Disk Director - My favorite tool to partition, format, and resize hard drives.
Roboform - This program is the next best thing since sliced bread in my book! This program integrates into Internet Explorer and firefox. It generates very secure passwords at the click of a button. How do I remember these complex passwords? Roboform allows you to save passwords and personal data in an encrypted format. A master password (yes only one password to remember!) allows access. Roboform in IE and FireFox works like a super powered bookmark. You click the site you want to go to and Roboform opens the site, enters your username and password for the site (if required) and as if by magic clicks the submit button. If you shop online Roboform can enter your personal information and credit card information, which is also stored in a secure encrypted file, in one click. A real time saver with great security thrown in to boot! 30 day trial.
WinRar - What is commonly called a zip utility, similar to the more widely known WinZip. WinRar is faster and works with more formats for about 1/2 the price of WinZip. 30 day trial.
Desktop Utility Software
Bootskin Vista - Change the boot screen (the one with the moving bar) in Vista. It's free!
LogonStudio - Change the screen that appears when you log into Windows (where you enter your password). Hundreds of skins available online. It's free.
CursorFX Plus - Change the cursors on your computer, add interesting effects. Hundreds of cursor packs are available online for free.
IconPackager 4 - Icon Packager puts you in control to change every icon with the click of a button. Tired of the plain icons built into Windows? There are hundreds of Icon Packs available online for free, which will add a truly personal feel to your computer.
WindowBlinds 6 - WindowBlinds changes the look and feel of Windows. By changing the appearance of the task bar, start menu, and any other window or program you open. It adds transparency, shadows, alpha blending, and animations. Hundreds of themes are available online for free.
Internet and Email
1&1 hosting - If you want to start your own website, blog, photo gallery, or have a personalized email address then 1&1 is for you. 1&1 can not be beat for reliability, features, support, and price. 90 day guarantee.
Google Gmail - The best internet based email (webmail) available. Each mailbox has a 6.5GB limit. The interface is superb, and the spam filter is top notch. You will never need to delete an email again! It has a great search function and a feature called thread view, which makes finding emails easy. A webmail account offers several advantages including not being required to change your email address if you change service providers. Gmail requires an invitation from a current member. If you are interested shoot me an email and I'll send you an invite.
Microsoft Outlook 2007 - Outlook is the current email client of choice for corporate America. I get well over 200 emails a day. Outlook has a few features I really need such as a plug in for automatic backups, office sounds which offers me some audible feedback, and the ability to change headers. I've used Mozilla Thunderbird and liked it a lot. With the amount of mail I go through I really need the features of Outlook. If you aren't a heavy user, or don't need the features I do then Thunderbird is a great alternative.
Firefox 3 - An amazing, free, web browser. If you aren't using it you should be! Highly customizable through addins called extensions. There are thousands of extensions which can allow FireFox to do just about anything you can imagine. More importantly, Firefox is not subject to ActiveX, which is a large part of Internet Explorer, AOL, and MSN. No ActiveX means much less chance of getting spyware! Firefox also conforms to web standards more closely than Internet Explorer, which means you will see what the authors intended, not Microsoft.
Mozilla Thunderbird - A great free email client, from the same folks that brought us FireFox. Easy to use and highly customizable through extensions.
Photo and Picture Software
Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 - Photoshop Elements is the home version of Adobe Photoshop. If you are serious about digital photos you will find Photoshop Elements a great program to have at your disposal. Elements provides all the functionality most will need at 1/6th the price of the full Photoshop version.
Picasa - A great (FREE) way to organize, edit, and share your digital photos.
Service Pack 2 for Vista
This is going to be the shortest article ever! :)
Microsoft has released an RC (release candidate) for Vista Service Pack 2. Don't expect any major changes, as this service pack is basically a bundling of all updates since service pack 1. It will start to trickle into Windows Update shortly, maybe in the next month. If you don't want to wait you can download the 57- MB stand alone installer for the release candidate here. This has not been released to manufacturing (RTM), which means it is close to final, but not final. It may require a reinstall when released.
I've been running it for a few weeks without any problems. I've noticed a slight decrease in memory usage for a few processes (sidebar), but other than that no major changes and no problems what-so-ever.
Home Server Power Pack 2
Microsoft released Power Pack 2 for Windows Home Server on March 24th. If you have automatic updates enabled you probably already have it! PP2 is a good step toward integrating media functionality into the home server. Enhanced media functionality is probably the number on request from the current enthusiast community.
Remote Access Improvements
- Simplified remote access settings page
- Improved accuracy for remote connectivity test
Media Sharing and Integration Improvements
- Automatic installation of Windows Media Center Connector on computers connected to the home server which have the Home Server Connector software installed
- Automatic access to shared media (music, video, photos, and recorded TV) folders from Media Center computers
- Streaming of content from Windows Home Server to Windows Media Center Extenders
- Added ability to stream the mp4 format from the home server
As you can see the media improvements are huge. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come in Windows Home Server 2!
If you would like to read the full documentation you will find it here.
Focus on Kids
I thought it may be an appropriate time to take a look at some of the available freeware dedicated to our innocents.
K9 Web Protection
Let’s get the serious bit out of the way first and deal with safety and protection. Not so long ago I was asked by my eldest son to recommend software which would help prevent his maturing tribe (5 children) accessing or viewing inappropriate content on the web. Naturally, I was only too happy to oblige. Even though money was not an issue, (and never should be when dealing with the protection of children), I decided to look through the freeware offerings first. I didn’t have to look very far before I came across a standout product, ‘K9 Web Protection’.
Make no bones about it; children do not have to go looking for unsavory content in order to be confronted by it. Many sites contain ‘mixed’ content and the chances of a child accidentally accessing adult rated material are quite high. Either way, accidentally or intentionally, K9 will help prevent all eventualities.
K9 is a content filtering program which enables parents/guardians to block content by category (currently 60) in addition to allowing or blocking access for specific Web sites. It also includes features to restrict the time of day users can access Web sites and allows for viewing reports of all Internet browsing activity and administrative actions. Access to all K9’s features and settings is protected by a master password, chosen and applied by the parent/guardian. Most importantly, K9’s protection is not easily disabled, even by the savviest of youngsters.
Blue Coat, the publishers of K9 Web Protection are actively involved in child safety and protection issues as a member of the Internet Watch Foundation (UK) and overseers of the Blue Coat Community Outreach Program.
You can find out more about K9 Web Protection, including more screenshots and download links at www.k9webprotections.com.
Please Note: I have read many comments from computer ‘experts’ who suggest the solution for blocking inappropriate material lies within our existing software and while that may well be true in some cases, in my opinion a lot of the terminology and processes involved would be beyond many parents’ comprehension/skills.
Okay, now on to a much less serious subject... kid’s fun... Yippee!!
KidZui - The Internet for Kids
Introducing ‘KidZui’ billed as ‘The Internet for Kids’. Kidzui looks and operates just like a web browser but is in fact a completely closed environment consisting only of pre-approved content, there is no way it can be used for direct internet access. Note: In order to get started, parents first have to register. This from the site:
Soon your kids will be exploring over a million kid-friendly games, websites, pictures and YouTube videos.
The basic version of Zidzui is free, and since it does not allow actual browsing, accidentally or intentionally accessing improper content is not an issue. There are three main tools for kids to explore the Internet; a standard search bar at the top, a left-navigation bar organized by topics including; TV and movies, games, sports and animals, plus a bottom scroll bar that shows most frequently viewed Web sites. Just under the search bar are tabs for setting default Welcome page, Games, New, Most Popular, and Most Tagged.
Once the kids actually begin looking at content, the five default tabs are replaced by 3 new ones. Type the subject matter or keywords into the search bar (under Photo or Video) and the tab automatically narrows it down to the specific type of content requested. The third tab (Web tab) allows for more open exploration of the available content.
The right-side navigation bar is taken up by the social networking features, but there remains no cause for alarm. Kids cannot interact with each other (no emailing nor chat), and no personal information is revealed if and when your child "friends" another. ‘Friends’ can only view each other's ‘Zuis’, usernames, and recently viewed and/or tagged content.
KidZui always runs in full-screen mode and requires two clicks of the ‘Exit’ button (bottom right of screen) to log out fully. Additionally, parents can set a requirement that the kids must enter a username and password in order to access anywhere else on the computer.
KidZui is a terrific concept, a completely safe environment for kids to browse until their hearts content. So, Mums and Dads, this is as much for you as for the kids... give yourselves a break! You can read more about KidZui and download at kidzui.com.
New Freeware Programs
FBackup – For those seeking a simple but effective backup alternative. Backup important files and folders to local, external (USB) or network drives. Create multiple backup sets and schedule to run automatically at predefined times. Backup to ZIP compressed file or exact copy. Uses Windows Shadow Copy features to backup files even if they are in use. Other features include plug-ins for pre-defined backups, file filters, run actions before and after backup, backup verification, password protection and more. (XP/Vista 32bit)
Note: Does not include backup to CD/DVD.
Dexpot – Create and manage virtual desktops (up to 20) enabling multiple workspaces for organizing the desktop environment, either by task, application type, by priority, or any other way you fancy. Each virtual desktop is independent from the others and can have individual wallpaper, resolution, and icons (or no icons at all). Easily switch between desktops from the tray icon, or via hotkey, or use an automatic desktop slideshow that rotates all virtual desktops. Lots of configuration options/features including; dynamically change icons to display active program on each desktop, pre-defined transparency levels for certain apps/windows, fully configurable hot keys and screen edges, move and copy windows from one desktop to another, set up rules to automatically move, copy or close windows and more. (XP/Vista 32/64bit)
Unknown Device Identifier – Comes in very handy whenever Windows displays the yellow icon for unknown devices in Device Manager. This little gem will identify them and provide a detailed summary including; the manufacturer name, OEM name, device type, device model and the exact name of the devices. Including quick links to ‘Find Driver’ and ‘Contact Vendor’, Unknown Device Identifier can be an invaluable aid. (XP/Vista 32bit)
Identity Finder Free – Ever wondered what private information (credit card details, etc.) may be stored on your computer? Identity Finder has released a free version of its Windows privacy application which, although cut down, retains the application's core purposes of searching your PC, Firefox or Internet Explorer browser, for passwords, credit card details, and other sensitive information a data thief might easily use to hijack your identity—then permanently shred or encrypt the information with a password. The free version won't scour e-mail messages and attachments, generate reports, or search in the background - those features are only available in the commercial version. Compare features here. (XP/Vista)
Jim Hillier is the Freeware Editor at Daves Computer Tips. A computer user with over 25 years of experience, his love of freeware is expressed through his Freeware Focus column in each issue of the Daves Computer Tips Newsletter. You can join Jim at the Daves Computer Tips Forum for other discussions on Freeware. You can read more about Jim here.
Yasni.com - This is a search engine which specializes in finding information about people! Find lost friends, potential employees, and more.
EveryScape.com - EveryScape is like Google Earth for buildings. An interesting look at the inside of buildings and shops. Cities are limited at the moment, but the available locations should grow quickly.
Conflicker Test - This page is a simple and quick test to determine if your computer is infected with Conflicker. Done using pictures you can visually see if you are infected in seconds!
Memeo.com - Memeo is a neat site for those who are into pictures. Memeo allows uploading to albums on the web (think Flicr, Photobucket, or Picasa), but also allows syncing between multiple computers running the software. The possibilities are endless!
Inspirational! - How would you handle such dire circumstances?
A scrap of wood and a rubber band can be quite impressive! This man has some amazing uses for his slingshot!
Fly like an eagle - Watch these gentlemen jump off cliffs and soar like a bird. Extremely dangerous, but you will wish you could do it once yourself! (May contain some harsh language. If you are easily offended turn your speakers down)
This Japanese street magician is very entertaining. How does he do that?
Here is a great video from the heyday of television. Foster Brooks playing an airline pilot on the Dean Martin Show. [Thanks to Larry]
Microsoft Relationship Support - A funny parody of a Microsoft support article. It will definitely make your inner geek smile!