Here are some free programs I use that are as good, or better than, commercial ones available. Readers may know other programs and if so please leave a comment for the good of all.
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Setting and Using a Virtual Drive - If you download software torrents, the best versions will come as a ISO file (Maybe Bin/Cue etc.). Usually you would burn these to a CD, or DVD disk, so they can autolaunch for installation. For instance, you may wish to have a spare copy of Windows XP pro and you download an ISO file. It is designed to boot from the CD drive when you start computer. However, maybe you don't have a CD or DVD disk available and want to install MS Office 2007 you downloaded from a torrent site. You can use a "Virtual Drive" that fools computer to thinking it is another Disk Drive. The best and easiest I have found is from Slysoft at his link. It is freeware. Just install in normal way and follow any instructions (the default is OK so you can just install directly). It will put an icon in tray and also on desktop. Now point to the iso file and right click and choose "mount". Program will mount the software and run it so you can install the software. Good luck. PS if you don't want it loading all the time at start-up you can disable "start at boot" using msconfig from run command or using autorun feature from RevoUnistaller (a highly recommended program I discussed before) below. (Search my blog to find easily or use ctrl F to search text in this post).
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Using gmail and don't like small default font or, simply tired of default fonts in firefox. You can change in firefox. Go to tools->options->content tab->fonts and colors section->uncheck box "allow pages to chose their own fonts instead of mine above:->Chose your font and size-> click OK then chose color. You've done it.
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To insert characters like € ™ © £ ƒ » etc try this neat little keyboard enhancer program found at easytype. It defaults to using AltGr key which is on right side of your space bar but you can right click on quickstart icon, go to options, and change that. To see all options click AltGr F1 to see all selections as below. ( click to enlarge). Beats hell out using windows character map. Thanks to Michael Dahmen for passing this on (see his ad on right panel for websites)
Notebook, or Laptop will not connect to wireless internet? This happened to me eons ago, and recently to a friend with new laptops. Do the simple thing first - check the connectivety switch is enabled. You will find it on keyboard face, or on side or front, but not likely on bottom. Different locations for various models. Don't feel to strange if this happens to you as the switch can be turned off by mistake in normal handling. Read the user manual if you have one. Below are pics of a few examples.
All who use Windows usually get involved with disk and system optimization programs. Like cleaning out junk files, optimizing registry, defragmenting HDD etc. (Users of other OS's like Ubuntu Linux aren't bothered by all this stuff). Anyway, before I mentioned excellent programs like Ccleaner, Smartdefrag. Now I have tested, and like most of a new packaged program from Iobit (well known developer) called Advanced System Care and can be found at this link. As with all programs that mess with registries etc. always make a system restore point first, and also this software provides an option to restore most functions. Check the setting tab before launching different elements - for instance I clean cookies myself so I leave this out and I don't want my surfing history destroyed I like to keep my cache). Give the program a try and the free version does all, and more, that a private user requires. I really like the software. Again, all programs like these must be used intelligently.
I am no website guru, and find programs like dreamweaver too complicated, and would never consider to purchase. There are lots of other progams around, like coffeecup, but for fun I like to check open source programs from time to time, and found this really good program (free), even I can use, at this CNET link called Nvu (New View). A great free FTP agent to upload your website is Filezilla found here. If you are creating a website, or want one created, plus arrange hosting, all at very reasonable cost, contact Michael Dahmen (see ad on side bar or click here). He did my daughters website and online shop, and we are delighted with it all, plus all the support service. Have a look at Nature's Solutions Website
My daughter received a file full of pictures in PDF format. But website uploads only allows jpeg, tiff and giff. She was in a bind so told her to open PDF file (she has Adobe Professional - who doesn't) and go to Advanced Tab then Export all images, then choose what picture type you want and Voila your there. Remember what directory your saving to.
Trying to install XP and get error message "cannot find hard disk".
The problem that people keep running into left and right is getting to the point where XP starts to install and getting the message "Setup did not find any hard disk drives installed in your computer". This error happens because your new computer has a storage controller that isn't supported natively in XP, usually an SATA (Serial ATA) controller.
enter BIOS, alter BIOS options, including disabling AHCI, enable ATA.
Reboot & install operating system -
My old tired eyes from the glaring white on the screen (i.e. too much contrast). found a quick fix I really like. For XP start->control panel->Display-> Appearance -> and change to settings below in picture. It is a subtle change but much easier on my old eyes.
Ever had internet explorer(outlook) shut you down with seemingly hundreds of popups when you click on an email link at any website? This happens if using gmail with firefox. So to avoid this download gmail notifier, andinstall. The right click on icon in yur tray and click "make gmail default and also chose fire fox as default browser.
Windows desk top improved so you can organize the way you want and not search around so much. - use fences
A friend has a Sony Vaio and told me he only has a few more chances to see DVD's from different regions. (i.e. USA and Europe). I can't believe Sony did this but apparently saw error of their ways so newer models will have different firmware for drives. But for now suggested he update his DVD drivers first using DriverMax (see down in this post or search blog) Then download http://www.free-codecs.com/
Ever needed to re-install windows? The biggest problem is re-installing your drivers. This program called drivermax is a great tool to find-update-export and reinstall all your drivers.
Browsers - Microsoft Internet Explorer is still used by most as it comes packaged with Windows and people don't realize there is, in my advanced user opinion, a better browser called Mozila Fire Fox. If using IE7 and worried about losing favourites with Fire Fox - don't worry. Simply go to files import and it will auto import all your stuff from IE7. There is also a version for Linux available within the open software packages that come with Synaptic packages that come as part of software like Ubuntu.
Remove installed software programs and all the registry etc trash left behind. Windows add/remove program leaves lots of crap on your hard disk and also in the registry when removing programs - especially kids games. I use Revo Uninstaller at this download site
To clean up your hard drive and registry I use Ccleaner (originally called "crap cleaner") found at this download site
Deframenting your hard drive is a good utility to use from time to time. I use Smart Defrag which has an auto feature found at this download site. Note option to simply defrag or defrag and optimize - I use later manually from time to time.
If you need to send large files free less than 100 mb (who would send a file bigger than that?) go to yousendit and off you go. When you send email from site receiver receives email with a link to download. So easy!!!! If you want experiment with other sites go to Pando - have fun but warn your receivers with slow Internet it is same as downloading music or movie.
For firewall AVG gets my vote, to degree I paid for the suite but the free version is awesome and does the job at this download site
A free adware malware scan and removal program Malwarebytes (this free program found a malicious A360 malware on my computer that AVG and few others missed) found at this download site also you can try spybot Search and Destroy but seem more complicated
Screen Capture - the best program I have used is Faststone but they went commercial. But I found the link to the freeware version here. You can even capture scrolling windows, edit add text etc.
Photo Editors: Who needs confusing Adobe Photoshop for basic editing? Here are a few freeware programs. For basic editing my children use Picnik - no download as works online. This really a great powerful program and simple. For those working in companies that don't allow you to download programs you can still use this on as if works from their server with not download. One item I love is resizing photos which is very handy for websites. And a real nice extra feature is the firefox plugin found at this link. A friend uses Photoscape which can do more and of course gets bit more complicated. Can even do animated GIF's. Of course you always have Google Picassa which I find is a must as puts all your photos in one file, but only really basic editing. New one found is GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program which is a fullbodied photo editor as open source program that was originally developed by the public for use with Linux but have now added for Windows users.
Connecting to your computer remotely from any other computer connected to Internet (you home computer must be on) is nicely done with program called logmein at this site. I use this to connect to my daughters computer at her work in different country so I can help her. All she had to do was download program, put n her email address as user name and 2 passwords which she told me what they are. Is big help to her. The pro version costs about $13 per month but for businesses would be a good investment with all the file transfer, mini meeting etc features, but likely out of pay range for small personal use. there is also a free version good only to connect to your computer remotely (or you give log in data to a trusted friend) at this download site. The difference is you cannot copy files between computers or invite others to join you on your computer.
Before you purchase Windows office 2007, or similar for few hundred dollars, be sure to check out openoffice, a free open source program, that does as much as you need, and more, and even has a few slick options I like better than Bill Gate's expensive Office program. And you can interchange with MS Windows as well. Read details at this link and download here and give it a whirl. Available as Windows and Linux, and in so many languages: downloads site here.
Try Ubuntu Linux Operating System instead Windows. To learn how you can set up a dual boot with your windows OS to play with it. Actually with Ubuntu you can create a live disk to check out main features without changing anything. It is a bit of learning curve but that is the in of it all. Go to Ubuntu site for information, take the tour, and downloads to first create a live disk and if you go ahead and install a dual boot read carefully how the program will partition your disk, or better I think to do it manually with the Ubuntu disk. The forum is excellent for additional help and advice. I love it and can do fun thinks with desk top like rotate the cube to have 4 different work space desktops. Put fire on it and have effect like water dripping on desktop - for fun. Also with Ubuntu Linux you do worry about firewalls, defrag, adware a few other things that bother windows.
Are you paranoid at times and wish to surf, blog or whatever, and like to be anonymous then try the TOR net work. See the TOR site to read about it and how to install, and use. If you decide to give it a try also install the firefox add-on (if you do not use firefox maybe not so good to use) so you can switch TOR on and off as you wish. A few downsides -1) It will slow your surfing and downloads somewhat but that is the price you pay for a very good level of anonymity. 2) It can be a bit difficult to uninstall if you wish to do so. Upside is it was developed by open source people and free for use forever. You can, of course, with all such programs make a donation if you like. Which I have done if after 1 year I still use and like a program and found nothing better.
Backup Files - I have tried all sorts of backup schemes using CD's, external hard drives, etc but learned a valuable lesson when my hard drive crashed and after installing a new Hard drive the backup did not work and lost many sensitive files. Also consider a fire that destroys your computer and backup if kept in same room/building. Since then I use a system that is not free but so cheap it does not bother at all. I use a server automatic backup system from which I can access my important files from any computer and reinstall on a new HD anytime.
The system is Data Deposit Box at this link. How I have it set up is I created a folder on my HD called DATA STORAGE and I keep all sensitive and important files in this directory in various sub folders. Items like copies of personal papers (passports, marriage papers, birth certificates etc all scanned), my children's school records since day 1, copies of all finances, copies of all treasured family photos. The data deposit box software automatically backs up everything in these folders with a mirror image - always up to date. I store 1.12 Gigabyte of data and my bill last month was $2.27. To me that kind of monthly charge is peanuts for the security I get. I have used it now for 3 years without a hitch and have tested it on remote computers several times. You need a credit card to use this service. I actually use my Egypt bank master card and receive an invoice direct from Data Deposit box each month advising of charge details.
Ever had a problem with a "drivers" for printers, mother board, sound card, graphics card etc.? Well if you could know the manufacturer's name and model number of component you can usually go to manufacturer's web site, find and download the driver. Only program I have found that does this is a free on called PC Wizard 2008 found at this download site
A desktop calculator comes in very useful and the best one i have used for years is Calc98 scientific one so easy to use a this link. Also a unit conversion desktop program Have also used for years as best I could find is here called convert for windows.
Need to find out what your computers IP address, Mac address, computer name, Internet gateway etc.? You do this easily yourself (Windows X). Go to start then click Run. Type cmd A new prompt will come up so then type ipconfig /all
Hope this was useful to some?
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