Tag: Software

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7 Essential Applications after Fresh Windows Installation

After re-formatting our windows computer we get confused or many times forget to install some software applications which we need the most. Here I have complied a list of software which according to me are most widely used in our daily tasks. Although this list may change according to your use, I have listed the most widely used software.

  1. Drivers : You can install drivers from your motherboard CD or if you want latest drivers for your PC go to the official website of which the motherboard is and download the latest drivers and install them in your PC.
  2. Winrar : The most commonly used tool is Winrar. After installation of fresh copy of Windows, it is a must have tool.
  3. Anti Virus and Firewall : If you want a free antivirus product, I recommend using AVG 11 Free or Avast Home Edition. For a free firewall product, you can go with Commodo Firewall Pro.
  4. Download Manager : There are many download managers out there but one of my favorites is Free Download Manager, alternatively you can also go for Flashget.
  5. Tweaking Software : You must have a Windows tweaking application installed in your system. I use Tuneup Utilities 2009 and if you want a freeware I recommend you to use TweakNow PowerPack.
  6. Internet Browser : No doubt, Firefox still takes the first place. Although it is a personal choice when it comes to browsers. I personally like Chrome.
  7. Pdf Document Viewer : The most commonly used pdf viewer is Adobe Acrobat. If you want a light and easy to use reader than you can try Foxit.

Have I missed any application which you think should be included in the list? Please let me know through comments.

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Block advertisements on your Facebook wall

If you are tired of irritating advertisements on your Facebook profile try downloading Adblock Plus to your Firefox. It is an Add on that blocks all kind of adds. Thanks to Scott who told me about this, in reply to my last post. 🙂

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How to install it?

  • Go to Adblock Plus Installation page.
  • Click Add for Firefox.
  • Click allow.
  • Once the download is complete you can restart the browser.
  • It asks you to Select the language.
  • Click on subscribe.

Once installed you will see an image red colored on the top right hand side of your browser.

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Please have a look at the video I have added below that will solve any other questions you may have in mind.

What else it does ?

Not only this will block adds on your Facebook profile, it blocks adds all over the internet. You can disable Addblock Plus on some specific website. You can choose to block adds on a specific website. In short there are alot of things you can block or unblock. 🙂

I like this add on as it lets me block the only irritating feature of internet. 🙂 There are other such add ons also but I like this one. Feel free to share your views on this through the comments.

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Reviews

5 Sites to compose and edit your music online

I seem to be enjoying this music syndrome which I am going through these past few days. Keeping up with the theme of few of my past posts, here is what I’ve managed to lay my hands on this time. If you feel the need to try composing music but lack the time to learn the art, here is a simpler way out. These free online applications will soothe those itchy nerves down and make the club popping with your tracks.

(Image Credit: Mashable)

So all set to be “DJ You” ? Hang on guys, there is a list!

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#1. iNudge

Create music with random clicks across your screen? That seems to be the concept behind this application. Its extremely simple to use, but that wasn’t it for me. What really clicked for me, is somehow it didn’t matter how random the clicks were, it seemed to sound good. It has got a user-friendly interface which is good. You can toggle between 8 sound types as well as mess around with basics like tempo, audio panning, volume settings.

#2. Tone Matrix

It is a simpler version of inudge. It should amuse you for a while when you are overworked. It is not really for serious music editing.

#3. Audiotool

Created by the makers of Tone Matrix, Audiotool is an high-end music mixing software. It’s a virtual DJ console, right to the part of plugging in the wires of additional devices you pull out. If you aren’t familiar with mixing, don’t be worried as there are some fun tutorials as well.

#4. Looplabs

You will get three choices when you will click on the link – Music Studio, Dubstep Studio,  and Electro House Blender. Each of them is just as good and easy to use. There is also Charles Ives Music Lab which is made by the same creators. While you are there, don’t forget to check out the playlist of the most popular tracks created on these applications. Addictive!

#5. Jamstudio

One of the most popular of all these is Jamstudio and for all the right reasons. It has managed to retain the most important features necessary for music editing – instruments, sound effects and notes. It has over 300,000 users, which is probably a good audience for your grand debut.

So that I guess is a good range for all of you to try. Don’t panic if it seems too complicated because there are tutorials or guidelines given which make it easy to deal with.

I love these innovations like these because you can choose to learn the tricks of a new job everyday.

Know of better alternatives? Let me know through your comments.

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Tips

Download Complete Windows Live Essentials 2011 Offline Installer

Windows Live Essentials 2011 are a bunch of free software from Microsoft which is very useful for many things like viewing and managing photos, email, chatting with friends and also other features like creating movies. It also has my personal favorite blogging tool Windows Live Writer.

I often see many people have limited plans when it comes to internet usage and hence might not be able to install such software. Also if you install it from Microsoft Download center, you it will get an installer which installs a small file and then starts to install the complete software from the internet. This is where a standalone offline installer will be useful.

What you get with Live Essentials?

  • Software like Live Mail for managing your email. Movie Maker for making home movies.
  • It also had Live Mesh which allows synchronizing folders on different computers using Windows 7 or Vista.
  • Other things includes Live Writer which is an excellent blogging tool along with Live Messenger which allows chatting with your online contacts.
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Requirements for Windows Live Essentials 2011

The software requirements for Windows Live Essentials 2011 are either a Windows 7 operating system or a Windows Vista with Service Pack 2. The offline installer is good to work with any of the operating systems.

Download: Windows Live Essentials 2011 (151 MB)

Albeit the file is very large but it can be downloaded on your pen-drive from a high-speed connection and installed on any Windows 7 or Windows Vista computer you have.

Do not worry about the authenticity of the download link as it is from Microsoft server! 🙂

Update: Download Windows Live Essentials 2012 Offline Installer

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Reviews

Neembuu Uploader: An Open-Source Batch Uploader Application for File Sharing Sites

I have been an hard core Linux user and was searching for a better open source application which uploads files present in my Laptop. I found this application very handy and it’s look, feel, performance along with speed are seriously mind-blowing. It has been developed by Vigneshwaran.

Neembuu Uploader is a batch uploader application that lets you upload your files just by right clicking on them and simultaneously to multiple file hosts and manage download links and delete URLs.

The latest v2.0 supports Hotfile.com, Easy-share.com, FileDropper.com, FileDude.com, UploadMB.com and IFile.it You can upload files to your personal HotFile account.

You’ll just have to provide your account details once and simply drag and drop any number of files over the Neembuu Uploader window and begin uploading.

Some handy features of Neembuu Uploader

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  • We can drag and drop files into the uploader.
  • Users can set a maximum number of simultaneous upload.
  • Manages uploaded files history along with providing links to delete the uploaded files.
  • Best feature is that it works on all platforms.

When you open Neembuu Uploader for the first time, it’ll ask you for your account details. It lets you upload your files right into your account. If you don’t have an account, then ignore it. It won’t ask again unless you click the “Accounts” button later. You can also disable your account at any time.

In the above ubuntu screenshot, I had dragged and dropped a file and uploaded into my Hotfile account. If I check my Hotfiles account in my browser, my file is there. 🙂

This feature is dependent on your system login. So even while executing the same Neembuu Uploader, your uploads will go into your account and someone else has their  uploads will go into a different account.

Do drop in your comments.

Links: Neembuu Uploader

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Tips

[How to] Run infected files without getting your system infected

Yes it’s true that you can run infected files on your system without getting the system infected. Sandboxie is an Application that allows you to do so. This is useful in circumstances where you have a USB device or installing a not so known file on your computer. Sandboxie can help you install the program even if it is infected without getting your system affected.

Here is a quick demonstration

  1. I have downloaded a infected file. 🙁
  2. Kaspersky prompts me that the file is infected.
  3. Thankfully I have Sandboxie on installed on my computer. 🙂
  4. Now run the file. You have to navigate to the folder that has the file which is infected.
  5. Right Click on the file and then Click “Run Sandboxed” from the drop down menu.

Just a few points of some note. Sandboxie is not a Anti-Virus software and having an updated antivirus program is still the best way to keep your system safe.

Do try out Sandboxie and drop in your comments.

Link: Download Sandboxie

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Reviews

FreeApps: Download all the free apps you need with a single click

Almost a year ago I bought a new computer. If you are a tech lover like I am, chances are your computer is full of free applications. The painful process of searching for all these apps starts when you have a new computer.

There is a great solution from FreeApps which allowed me to download all the free software, you might need on your computer.

Features of FreeApps

  • FreeApps is great as you can install all the free applications with the installer with just a single click. Just visit the website and you will see all the software that is missing on your computer arranged in neatly category wise.
  • Great feature of this website is all the downloads are done from the vendor’s server. That is good to know as it means it is safe to use FreeApps to download required software.
  • It also has a new freeware section which is a great way to keep in touch with what new freeware software is out there.

Try out FreeApps website and check if you computer is missing something out there that is useful and free. It is a lot like Google Pack which allow download all Google related apps on your computer in one go.

Do you use a lot of Free Apps? Which are your favorite ones? Do drop in your comments.

Link: FreeApps website

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Reviews

Facebook for Android 1.3- Installation, Features, Bugs and Problems

If you are using a Google’s operating system Android mobile phone then this post is exclusively for you. The new Facebook for Android is now available to download with cool new features which was missing in its older versions. The new feature in this application includes Video playback, you can now view events, RSVP for events, accept or reject friend request without leaving the application, and a fresh new updated homepage.

The new homepage includes draggable notifications drawer, a photo reel to view your friends’ photos and videos, search for friends and update status right from your homepage.

Installation:

If you are already using Facebook for Android, you will be notified on your device that a new update is available. Alternatively you can install the application from Android market (version 1.2 is available right now) or simply download it from Facebook for Android fb app.

Screenshots:

Missing Feature:

The new Facebook app for Androids covers a lot of new features which was earlier missing but still it’s not having a very important feature which is Facebook chat. Yes even the Android 1.3 isn’t supporting Facebook chat and you have to download another application for it.

Bugs/Problems:

Android users who are using Facebook 1.3 reported few bugs/problems with this app i.e:

  1. The video feature isn’t working properly.
  2. User Interface isn’t good.
  3. Notification is opening in browser rather than in application itself.
  4. Slow operation.

Due to these problems some users have installed the previous version i.e Facebook 1.2 again. Tell us what do you think about this new Facebook’s application for Android phones.

LINK: Android market, Facebook for Android

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ZipGenius:Compress Files to Almost Any Kind of Archive

ZipGenius lets you compress files to almost any kind of archive. It supports more than 20 compressed archive formats, including CD/DVD-ROM image files, RAR, ARJ, ACE, CAB, SQX, OpenOffice.org documents and 7-zip. It can also pre-compress executable files going to be added to a ZIP archive.

Installation

The download is in the form of an .exe file. Click on the file to start the basic installer, and follow the prompts. The program links to the file managers by default, and will associate itself with compression files on the system. This can be adjusted in the program via the Tools / Options.

The interface

  • The layout of ZipGenius has the XP look. There are quite a few options to change the look such as large icons, grid separation, filters, folders split view, and more.
  • The display is very orderly and has been designed in a systematic fashion. The Options area is found in the Tools menu, and gives plenty of options to customise it.
  • ZipGenius places a small icon in the task bar, associates itself with your compression files on your computer, and places menu choices when you right-click in your file manager.
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Features

  • ZipGenius is loaded with lots of great features that make working with compression files a breeze. It comes complete with the “First Step” feature, which can be accessed easily by using the [F1] key.
  • From here you can pick exactly which process you wish to perform, and the Wizard will guide you through the whole process.
  • The entire process is fully explained and the final compression process is really fast.
  • It can make .exe files, and carry out multivolume compression. The Expert Layout feature gives added choices, auto signature and commenting. Then there is Cryptozip—a tool to encrypt compression files.
  • Another feature is the presets for actually making backups of your most important directories and files on your system. Clicking the Backup menu area shows choices like Windows Registry files, etc., and it has a small, simple and effective inbuilt FTP program.

If you liked this post you might want to check up on 5 alternative software to Winrar.

Do let us know if you use ZipGenius and find it useful through your comments.

Link: zipgenius

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Reviews

F-Secure is a seriously nice tool to protect your phone from theft

Since the advent of Android and iPhone, there are plenty of apps in market that promises to save your mobile from theft. But there are very few companies that are providing solution for multiple platforms.

F-Secure is a nice tool that can secure your mobile from theft. It supports multiple mobile platforms including Symbian, Windows mobile and Android. It supports mobile phones of Google Nexus One, HP, HTC, Nokia, Palm, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Toshiba.

To use this tool, download and it in your computer. You can also directly download it on your mobile phone. After sending the software in mobile using data cable or bluetooth, install it on your phone.

#LOCK# – Remote Lock Your Phone

Send text SMS #lock#<your code> to your phone to lock it quickly. The phone will lock and it can be open with a correct password only.

#LOCATE# – Locate Your Missing Phone

Send text message: #locate#<your code> to your phone to see its location on a map.

#WIPE# – Remote Wipe Your Phone

If you want to erase all the data then send the text message #wipe#<your code> to your phone to wipe all the data.

Theft Control

If someone find or thefts your phone and tries to replace the SIM card then the phone will automatically lock down and the new SIM number will be sent to you.

That is how your phone will be secured by this software. If you didn’t try it yet then install it in your phone and have a look. This service needs service activation which is done with the help of internet connection. So make sure that your phone is GPRS or WiFi enabled.

Check out F-Secure Anti Theft for Mobile to protect your mobile from theft.