Recent Posts

176

Living Room / Any suggestions for a Bluetooth Car Kit that works with Nokia Phones ?

« Last post by patteo on August 18, 2007, 01:55 AM »

I've just started looking around for a Bluetooth Car Kit that works well with Nokia phones.

Of course Nokia has one called HF-6W and presumably it works well with their phones.
Any feebback on the HF-6W would be appreciated.

I would also appreciate feedback on other brands that I should consider as well. Presumably they would work well with Nokia phones as well.

Besides seamless integration like voice dialing, clear voice, charging cables, number of Bluetooth enabled phones it can pair at one time.

What else should I be looking for ?

177

General Software Discussion / Hard Disk Partition turns from NTFS to RAW !!!

« Last post by patteo on August 14, 2007, 09:43 AM »

I was setting up this new Laptop that came pre-installed with Windows Vista.

I had re-partition with the shrink and extend command that are native to Vista.

I even did a Full format of the 2nd Partition as Drive D (NTFS).

It seemed to work well for a few days and I was able to copy files to D drive.

And suddenly today, when trying to access D, it says that it is unformatted and would I like to format it???

What a shock. In all my years of computing, I have never seen something like this.

It's unbelievable !

I'm glad it happened now as there isn't much on Drive D as yet. But it could have been a lot worse.

Who knows maybe that's a good reason for many of us to buy more hard disks as backup hard disks.

Has anyone here ever experienced this ?

What may be the cause ?

Is there a utility available to recover the RAW partition to its former NTFS status ?

178

General Software Discussion / What is a reliable Imaging software for Vista ?

« Last post by patteo on August 10, 2007, 09:40 AM »

I'm trying to setup a laptop (that comes with Vista pre-installed).

After installing all the various utilities, printers and making other changes, I normally like to take a ("pure and unadulterated") image in case it gets messed up later on, so that I can revert to its pristine state easily.

Anyone here have any experience with a imaging software that runs on Vista ?

Thanks

179

General Software Discussion / Re: Top 3 programs you use

« Last post by patteo on August 09, 2007, 07:51 AM »

Top 3 : Very Tough call

1. Powermarks 
Powermarks: Bookmark Manager and Personal "Instant" Search Engine
"This is the ultimate browser bookmark organizer"
http://www.kaylon.com/power.html
2. File-Ex
Cottonwood Software: File-Ex and Windows Utilities for Power-Users
"Diaglog Box Power Tool! "
http://www.file-ex.com/welcome.html
3. Slickrun
How do I describe this : Launcher
http://www.bayden.co...l=en&ver=3.9.8.3
3a. Firefox     IE replacement http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/
3b. FARR       Find and Run Robot https://www.donation...r/findrun/index.html
3c. DOPUS     Explorer Replacement http://www.gpsoft.com.au/
3d. Evernote  A single place for all your notes http://www.evernote.com/en/
3e. Oops, Maybe we should have Top Ten instead.

Hmm, maybe all of us should put a short description and a URL to make it easier for the rest of us.

180

General Software Discussion / What is a good freeware Vista Firewall ?

« Last post by patteo on August 07, 2007, 11:38 AM »

I'm trying to configure this Vista laptop and I'm having some difficulty finding a firewall (other than the Microsoft native one that comes with Vista)

Understand that Commodo is good (best ?) but there is no Vista version yet.

Any suggestions ?

181

General Software Discussion / Re: What is a good partition manager for Windows Vista

« Last post by patteo on August 07, 2007, 09:47 AM »

I remember I had to use Paragon because Vista partition management was very limited (it didn't even allow me to merge partitions without losing data).

-Wordzilla (August 07, 2007, 03:48 AM)

Precisely, Vista partition management is very limited. I could only used it because the 2nd Partition was basically empty and hence I could delete it so that it became contiguous in order to "extend it". Sort of a very round about way of doing things and it won't work if the partition is not empty.

Ie with Vista Partition Manager, you would be at a dead end in most situations.

182

General Software Discussion / Re: What is a good partition manager for Windows Vista

« Last post by patteo on August 07, 2007, 03:39 AM »

Wordzilla, may I ask what is your experience with Paragon Partition Manager ?

Do you encounter problems etc with it ?

Thanks

183

General Software Discussion / Re: What is a good partition manager for Windows Vista

« Last post by patteo on August 06, 2007, 09:06 AM »

Thanks urlwolf and Wordzilla.

And I say thanks to Mouser for building this fantastic Donationcoder community.

Resize a Partition for Free in Windows Vista :: the How-To Geek
"Resize a Partition for Free in Windows Vista

Windows Vista includes a built-in functionality in Disk Management to shrink and expand partitions. No more 3rd party utilities needed!"
http://www.howtogeek...ee-in-windows-vista/

However, take note that there are limitations (as usual) to the native Vista partitioning software. You can only extend the volume if there's contiguous space. So if you have existing data, this may prove a challenge. In my case, I just deleted the empty partition, shrank my C partition and repartition the unallocated space from shrinking and deleting of the empty partition which becomes a contiguous space presumably.

So if you have existing data in D partition, like I have, the Native Vista Partition manager actually becomes useless and you are probably better with things like Paragon Partition Manager or maybe something like Partition Magic (assumuing they come up with a Vista version.)

184

General Software Discussion / What is a good partition manager for Windows Vista

« Last post by patteo on August 06, 2007, 08:28 AM »

I'm sticking to Windows XP as long as I can. But I had to buy my son a laptop that is bundled with Vista - so much for free choice.

So I would like to partition the harddisk.

Can anyone suggest a good Partitioning software that works with Vista. Of course if it's freeware, so much the better.

185

General Software Discussion / Software to record in MP3 format

« Last post by patteo on August 05, 2007, 12:01 PM »

I would like to make some messages by recording them into MP3 type files.

Does anyone know of a good freeware to do this ?

186

Found Deals and Discounts / Great 25-40 % discounts for PocketPC, SmartPhone and Windows Desktop till Aug 19

« Last post by patteo on August 02, 2007, 09:49 PM »

Back to School sale, 2007
"Back to School Special Offer - Offers Valid through August 19, 2007

Products for Pocket PC"
http://www.phatware..../backschool2007.html

Phatware has some really great products for users of PocketPCs and Smartphone like Phatnotes, Phatpad and Calligrapher.

Phatnotes Professional allows you to synchronize notes with your Windows Laptop and PocketPC and Smartphone.

187

General Software Discussion / Re: The state of speech recognition

« Last post by patteo on August 01, 2007, 02:36 AM »

Thanks for you insight cranioscopical.

Does Dragon Naturally Speaking allow you to deactivate your installation on your current computer and allow you to move it to another computer, for example if you need to upgrade your computer or if the computer crashes and you need to change a mother board for example.

I mean for example, I'm thinking, I hate to purchase a copy now and find that 5 months later, because I changed my computer, I have to shell out another US$199.

188

General Software Discussion / The state of speech recognition

« Last post by patteo on July 31, 2007, 09:58 PM »

I first started looking at speech recognition some years ago and then stopped using it somehow because it never quite caught on with me because of issues like processor power, training required and accuracy issue even after that.

I wonder if anyone here has successfully implemented the likes of IBM Viavoice, or Dragon Naturally Speaking and now I noticed, there's another contender for much less CoolsoftLLC's Speak To Text (and currently with a discount to boot for only about $20) http://www.coolsoftl...p?productsummary=9#9

Are there any people here who are regularly using any of these to type notes, letters etc on a day to day basis ?

Would you care to share your experience ?

189

General Software Discussion / Re: Dieting my laptop, starting with Windows Desktop Search -But I'm stuck, Help

« Last post by patteo on July 30, 2007, 08:53 AM »

I've got an incredible bonus from removing Microsoft Windows Desktop Search.

Part of the reason for wanting to send my laptop on a diet was because my Laptop was inexplicably hanging every now and then.

I wasn't sure what it was due to. I had hoped that reducing the over-load on the processor would reduce these hangs and reboots.

But ever since I removed Windows Desktop Search, I have not had a single instance needing a reboot compared to at least 4 or 5 reboots everyday. I hope I'm not speaking too soon.

I had been dreading the day I would be forced to reinstall the laptop especially since I had been forced to do that only a few months ago.

From now on, I would go lite when possible and try to remember to remove the software I rarely if ever use. Or better still, ask myself do I really need a particular software before I install it (them).

190

General Software Discussion / Re: Dieting my laptop, starting with Windows Desktop Search -But I'm stuck, Help

« Last post by patteo on July 28, 2007, 09:39 AM »

Thanks everyone for the input and assurance.

So I bit the bullet and removed it. And so far so good.

191

General Software Discussion / Dieting my laptop, starting with Windows Desktop Search -But I'm stuck, Help !!

« Last post by patteo on July 28, 2007, 02:26 AM »

I have long entertained the idea of reducing my computer overload by removing the software that I seldom or rarely use but are just around chewing up CPU cycles during startup and while in normal use or otherwise occupying my registry and disk space.

So I thought this ought to be a piece of cake (bad example to use when dieting).

Well, my cake example was ominous enough when I started by trying to uninstall Microsoft Windows Desktop Search.

I got a warning message which essentially said if you remove me, it will gum up your computer saying that a series of programs (including Mouser's beloved Find and Run Robot and others ) and Microsoft patches etc may no longer work.

See jpg attached.

Has anyone removed Microsoft Windows Desktop Search and experienced the "End of The World" ?

Any suggestions and help would be much appreciated.

192

Found Deals and Discounts / Great Deal for ListPro - Any version 70% off at Bits du Jour for weekend

« Last post by patteo on July 28, 2007, 12:22 AM »

This is a very good List manager for both PCs and Pocketpc, Palm, Smartphones.

I use it all the time. It's very simple as well as configurable to your individual liking.

Bits du Jour: Discounted software and programs - One Deal a Day
"Our Favorite List Manager
ListPro - Any Version - 70% off

Regular price: $19.95 - $29.95
Bits du Jour Today Only price: 5.95 - $8.95
You save:     [HugeDiscount!]    70%   [HugeDiscount!]

Yes, ListPro is our favorite list manager. It's got the power we want - features like item highlighting, notes, indenting, any columns we want, special shopping features, and many more - but is still easy to use. And it works on our Windows Mobile and Palm handhelds, as well as our Windows desktops, so we can have our lists when and where we need them."
http://www.bitsdujour.com/

193

Found Deals and Discounts / Perfectdisk 25% discount coupon till 28 July (Again !!! Arrgh)

« Last post by patteo on July 25, 2007, 05:49 AM »

This is the "perfect" time for PerfectDisk 8 to bring your system's performance back to its highest level and what's even more important - keep it that way. With the special coupon code below, you can save 25% on all purchases made from the Raxco Online Store by Saturday July 28th.   

With PerfectDisk 8, it's like harnessing the speed of a new system forever. What makes PerfectDisk 8 so unique is its patented SmartPlacement technology. SmartPlacement not only speeds up boot-times and future defrag passes, but it also consolidates the free space into one contiguous chunk to proactively cut the rate of re-fragmentation by up to 90%. Other defraggers only react to fragmentation by attempting to fix the problem after it's already occurred.

How else does PerfectDisk 8 compare to other defrag solutions: PerfectDisk Comparison Charts

Read what users are saying on CNET about PerfectDisk 8

Code PDSPEED can be used to discount PerfectDisk 8, both PerfectDisk Small Office Packs, PerfectDisk for Exchange, or to discount the PerfectDisk 8 Volume Calculator. You can also the code towards the PerfectDisk Rx Suite - Raxco's "total PC health suite" designed for novice users who just want a simple way to keep their entire system healthy. What's are the differences between PD 8 Pro and PD Rx Suite?

To take advantage of this special 25% offer, just follow the steps below before midnight on Saturday (7/28):

    *
      Purchase directly from our Online Store and enter and apply coupon code PDSPEED after filling your cart.
    *
      For volume purchases, use the PerfectDisk Volume Discount Calculator and enter coupon code PDSPEED in your cart.
    *
      If you already have a competitive defragger or a maintenance contract in place, contact me to trade up to PerfectDisk for less.         
    *
      For enterprise license discounts, I can put you in contact with a member of our Enterprise License Team. 

* Code PDSPEED does not apply to previous purchases and will expire at midnight on Saturday July 28, 2007.   

194

General Software Discussion / Re: Interesting: Tag2Find, Tagging for All Filetypes for Windows

« Last post by patteo on June 28, 2007, 08:21 AM »

DOpus does not even has any column for standard ADS (tags like title, subject, author and so on). Ironically, it is aware of tags in MP3 files ... sigh!

-tslim (June 27, 2007, 03:30 PM)

I think you will find the column under description. And you can copy it too with Dopus which makes it very useful when moving files with ADS. (I think we are talking about the same thing)

In Dopus, go to Settings, Preferences, File Operations, Copy Files (Depending on Which Version of Dopus) look for a setting to enable Copy NTFS File properties (comments, keywords)

Also read in the Dopus forums - you should be able to find something there
http://resource.dopu...ternate+data+streams

195

General Software Discussion / Re: How can I save a Quicktime Movie I watch on the internet to my computer

« Last post by patteo on June 19, 2007, 08:24 AM »

Thanks Carol, Hirudin, Curt for the ideas.

And by the way, I just found out that with Skrommel's Cachesort, the downloaded mov will be automatically extracted out. But you have to be using Internet Explorer 7 (Certainly wish there was a option for Firefox as I rarely use IE7 - somehow it tends to hang on me)

1 Hour Software by Skrommel - DonationCoder.com
"CacheSort v1.1

Automatically move files from Internet Explorer's cache into folders based on the files' extensions.

Features:
- Very handy for storing movies and other files downloaded from the Internet.
- Can be used to watch other folders.
- Only move files bigger than a given value.
- Run a program when a new file is found.
- Move or copy files.

Changes:
- 2005.11.23 - v1.1: Added option to copy or move files.
"
https://www.donation...index.html#CacheSort

196

General Software Discussion / How can I save a Quicktime Movie I watch on the internet to my computer

« Last post by patteo on June 18, 2007, 11:09 AM »

I would like to be able to watch a Quicktime movie off line.

How can I save the Quicktime movie to my computer without having to upgrade to Quicktime Pro just to save the file.

197

Mini-Reviews by Members / Re: Mini-Review of Fineprint (Virtual Printer) - 30% Discount on for weekend

« Last post by patteo on June 17, 2007, 09:23 AM »

Just noticed that fence sitters have yet another chance for a great software.

It's has been on all weekend - but just noticed it with 14 hours or so left.

"Complete Printing Control
FinePrint

Regular price: $49.95
Bits du Jour Today Only price: $34.97
You save:     30%"
http://www.bitsdujour.com/

198

Mini-Reviews by Members / Re: Mini-Review of Fineprint (Virtual Printer) - Bitsdujour 30% discount today

« Last post by patteo on June 13, 2007, 05:53 AM »

Bits du Jour: Discounted software and programs - One Deal a Day
"Complete Printing Control
FinePrint

Regular price: $49.95
Bits du Jour Today Only price: $34.97
You save:     30%"
http://www.bitsdujour.com/

Only about 18 hours left - Grab it while you can

See also comment by Darwin at :

"Bits du Jour has FinePrint on offer this coming Wednesday. FinePrint has been reviewed here by Patteo and was offered as a donationcoder giveaway and as a donationcoder discount early this year. I took advantage of the discount and find FinePrint indispensible - don't know how I lived without it! If the discount is over 10% this is a must have in your arsenal of software!"
https://www.donation...80.msg64774#msg64774

199

Found Deals and Discounts / Handango Deal of the day for June - up to 50% off

« Last post by patteo on June 02, 2007, 05:57 AM »

Hi all Palm, PocketPC, Symbian, Smartphone, Blackberry users.

Download top software applications at a special price for 24 hours only! Handango is slashing prices up to 50% on different apps every day in June and we want you to be the first to take advantage. Don't delay... Today's deal ends soon!

www.handango.com

200

General Software Discussion / Nearly Had a Gmail Heart Attack this morning

« Last post by patteo on May 28, 2007, 01:05 AM »

What does Google "Do No Evil" mantra really mean when it almost gave me a heart attack.

I was minding my own business this morning searching through my Gmail account when all of a sudden I had the following :

I could almost feel a seizure coming since I needed something from my Gmail urgently, certainly within the 24 hours lock down it referred to (see below)

Anyway, as one last desperate act before I visualised myself wheeled into the emergency room, I decided to just try accessing the gmail account and guess what ?

I could access the account normally.

Certainly a good reminder to regularly download my Gmail to Outlook but their message also warned about this.

Really - What gives with this Do No Evil stuff !

Unusual Usage
"Account Lockdown: Unusual Activity Detected

This account has been locked down due to unusual account activity. It may take up to 24 hours for you to regain access.

Unusual account activity includes, but is not limited to:

   1. Receiving, deleting, or downloading large amounts of mail via POP in a short period of time.
   2. Sending a large number of undeliverable messages (messages that bounce back).
   3. Using file-sharing or file-storage software, browser extensions, or third party software that automatically logs in to your account.
   4. Leaving multiple instances of your Gmail account open.
   5. Browser-related issues. Please note that if you find your browser continually reloading while attempting to access your Inbox, it’s probably a browser issue, and it may be necessary to clear your browser’s cache and cookies.

If you feel that you have been using your Gmail account according to the Gmail Terms of Use, you can troubleshoot your problem by clicking here."