Recent Posts

5826

General Software Discussion / Re: My favorite software! What's yours?

« Last post by Curt on April 11, 2008, 08:13 AM »

Unicode doesn't bother me, but if you use other than European languages, I suppose you have little choice ... Did you look at the minipad2 ... I don't know if it has Unicode, but it's made in China, so presume Unicode is necessary. 

-rjbull (April 11, 2008, 04:52 AM)

It is my sad experience that Unicode is not Unicode... I have tried many programs written by non-English Europeen or Asian authors, but never the less many didn't FULLY support Unicode, even if characters from their own language were supported. Apps from German Horst Schaeffer supporting the special German character ß all right but not the special characters æøå from the neighbor language Danish, is just one example.

5827

Living Room / Re: Hardware advice sought... Notebook power supply problem

« Last post by Curt on April 10, 2008, 05:36 PM »

I wish this type of warranty came with my PC. A music CD 'exploded' in the CD draw, and the store insist that I am to pay all expenses. No, I am not going to buy my next machine at the same place! I am terrified (terrorfied) by the thought that I will have to take the tower apart myself...

5828

General Software Discussion / Re: Malware writers now number one software makers

« Last post by Curt on April 10, 2008, 12:00 PM »

It has been several years since my PC was infected last.
I wonder where all these malware applications are to be found? 

5829

General Software Discussion / Re: FileBox eXtender now works under Vista

« Last post by Curt on April 10, 2008, 10:58 AM »

That is really cool news that it's gone open source.  Now anyone have any ideas for features to add to it?

-mouser (April 09, 2008, 12:16 PM)

I am not asking for new features yet, but for a minor change of what is already there:

I would very much like to either re-order the buttons or make a larger space between Recent and Favorites. I use Fav' a lot more often than I use Recent in these situations, so I would like Fav' to stick out a little to the outmost left.

This is what I have: 

this is what I want: 

 

5830

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: SnapSuite program family/Free online computer help

« Last post by Curt on April 09, 2008, 06:36 PM »

@ Brandon. My little head is confused about the very purpose of SnapSuite. I would like to encourage you to re-consider what the program is supposed to do. I am not likely to open it in order to use a painter, a musicplayer, or a text editor, or any other of that kind of programs - I have better options for this kind of jobs right at hand. SnapSuite has so far been branded as a smart and effecient way to keep my PC clean and healthy. What the *smurf* does all these extras have to do with a healthy machine?

Your head is so full of ideas that I truly must envy you!!, -but it may be helpfull to keep the ideas grouped / seperated, "one item at a time" and "each job in its own time", you know. Sometimes it just is necessary to "kill your darlings"...

You are obviously very talented, so I have great faith that you will write the most awesome programs. Now, kill some darlings, and Go Writing!

5831

General Software Discussion / Re: My favorite software! What's yours?

« Last post by Curt on April 09, 2008, 05:20 PM »

One of my absolute favourites was just updated, rewritten from scratch:

Flashnote 3.0 beta appeared. Program is rewritten from scratch. So, in spite of it is thoroughly tested, it has -beta prefix.

I need to tell that program has features available only in 2.x branch now. I have not added anything important. Among new functions I can mention that now you can move Notes up/down on the tree. This branch will be further developed. There will be new versions, but I do not promise to make them soon.

Some features that will appear in future versions: support of portable mode, search through the whole database, automatic backup, Drag&Drop of Notes on the tree.

At the same time Flashnote is not going to turn into PIM.


Note for the users of current version:

Flashnote 3.x converts your database into the new format automatically. Backup of current database will be created before that. But all Settings you should make again.

Thus you can return to using Flashnote 2.3 and the old database. In this case infomation saved in version 3.0 will be lost.

In spite of the above I advice you make backup of the "C:\Documents and Settings\<User Name>\Application Data\flashnote\" folder (or where you store your database).

Hope you like new version. All your comments are greatly appritiated.

And, may I add, it still pops up like a flash... 

http://softvoile.com...load.php?s=news3.0fn

5832

General Software Discussion / Re: ReNamer: The best freeware file renamer? (yes says cybernetnews.com)

« Last post by Curt on April 08, 2008, 04:30 PM »

- whip gentle, please! 

5833

General Software Discussion / Re: HowTo EASILY create image backup?

« Last post by Curt on April 08, 2008, 01:29 PM »

A RAW backup in DI XML, on the other hand, generates an image file the same size as the partition, ...

-f0dder (April 08, 2008, 08:49 AM)

"same size"... hmm... "same size as the partition", not "as the content" ? What then: can I not create an RAW image of a 160 GB harddrive on a 120 GB USB harddrive, even though the content is taking up less than 100GB ? 

5834

General Software Discussion / Re: Power Desk 7

« Last post by Curt on April 08, 2008, 10:27 AM »

Avanquest (now "the maker" of PowerDesk) may be planning to launch System Suite 9, because System Suite 8 Professional is on sale at half the listed price, $30 for 3 licenses instead of $60 (in Denmark: $70.44 incl. VAT) for one license:

System Suite's easy-to-use, integrated interface allows you to detect and remove viruses and spyware, fix Windows registry problems, diagnose hardware, defragment your hard drive and much more -- all from inside one window.  Learn more... »

Plus! Included are 3 user licenses, so you can protect your whole family!

60+ Powerful Tools to Maintain & Protect Your PC:
• Anti-Virus Protection
• Anti-Spam Control
• Spyware Removal
• Firewall Defense
• PC Diagnostics
• PC Maintenance
• Active Intelligence
• Registry Fixer
• Startup Manager
• Diaster Recovery
• File Recovery
• Internet Cleanup
• File Shredder
• And more!

What's NEW in System Suite 8 Professional!

System Optimizer
System Suite optimizes your PC for gaming, security, multimedia and office tasks. One-click control optimizes the PC for your specific needs.

NetDefense Firewall
IMPROVED! One-click protection configures PC security settings when logged on a home, work or public network for optimal protection.

Web Defense
Integrates with major search engines to identify & block malicious websites before you click. Protect yourself from hacked pages, phishing & fraud scams.

Active Intelligence
System Suite automatically monitors the health and security of your PC ensuring you are always protected.

File Shredder
Securely erase data from your hard drive. System Suite ensures the data is completely unrecoverable, protecting you from identity theft.

-Laplink email offer

90-day money back guarantee.
Windows 2000/XP/Vista

5835

General Software Discussion / Re: Power Desk 7

« Last post by Curt on April 08, 2008, 07:45 AM »

My #7 opens a little faster than Explorer, but really just 'a little'.

-Curt (April 04, 2008, 01:01 PM)

It's good to hear that PD7 opens quicker than Windows,

-dantheman (April 08, 2008, 06:58 AM)

I guess I said it a little wrong, because:

PowerDesk will 'load' the files before it shows the GUI / window,

-Curt (April 04, 2008, 01:01 PM)

You might say that PowerDesk opens faster when it sort of already is open..... 
- it doesn't cold-start any faster.

5836

General Software Discussion / Re: HowTo EASILY create image backup?

« Last post by Curt on April 07, 2008, 05:59 PM »

XXClone is really looking good! 

However, one must purchase the $40 Pro version in order to create daily, incremental backups, as the Free version wil create full clones only. Also, I am concerned that the site not has been updated for more than a year:

All new licenses come with at least one year of update subscription.  Optionally, you may order an extended subscription beyond the basic 1 year period up front.

- fine, but, ehh.., there are no updates ...

5837

General Software Discussion / Re: GAOTD & Virus

« Last post by Curt on April 07, 2008, 05:48 PM »

I am surprised that you cared to react on this single freelist post. It was one post only, and no-one agreed (or dis-agreed) with him. Outpost Antivira cannot be installed on top of Outpost Firewall, it is the same engine. Users of Outpost Firewall must get the Suite if they want to test the Antivira. On GOATD one said he had troubles with another firewall as well. On the other hand some other guy even said he was running Outpost Antivira at the same time as his normal default antivira.

For more than a year I have downloaded, scanned (NOD32), and installed two out of three GAOTD files, and I can assure you there are no vira coming from Giveawayoftheday. Guaranteed!

5838

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: TopazMoment on GAOTD

« Last post by Curt on April 07, 2008, 12:51 PM »

Did you try it?
My first result made a normal portrait of Dolly look like a cartoon drawing! (no comments...)

5839

General Software Discussion / Re: HowTo EASILY create image backup?

« Last post by Curt on April 07, 2008, 12:34 PM »

..:[/b] XML is an "eXtensible Markup Language". That's a fancy name for "a structured text file that can be used for a lot of different stuff". The format is similar to HTML, ...

-f0dder (April 07, 2008, 08:51 AM)

- so I take it (hope) that XML per nature supports Unicode? The problem inside my little head is that NOwhere have I found any info regarding DriveImage versus Unicode. Seems it only were tested by Americans...
 

---
Edited for nonsense.

5840

General Software Discussion / Re: HowTo EASILY create image backup?

« Last post by Curt on April 07, 2008, 08:08 AM »

I have had that program for some time, but never cared to really try it out because the text said "Images are stored in XML files,", and I have no idea what a XML file is. But now I realize that the full text goes "Images are stored in XML files, allowing you to process them with 3rd party tools. Never again be stuck with a useless backup!". Of course I still have no idea what a XML file is, but at least now I will actually TRY it out. I will report back later on.

Thanks!

Edit:
Please make a guess how long it will use to create a first time 100 GB image?
~USB 2.0

5841

General Software Discussion / HowTo EASILY create image backup?

« Last post by Curt on April 07, 2008, 02:24 AM »

First I must remind you that I really am a total IT-illiteral. And because of this (yes, I am aware of it: the blame is on me, not on Bill Gates), my XP is getting more and more sick by the minute, so to speak, at least 'by the month'. So now I really need you to guide me to the easiest way to create an image of my harddisk, to USB harddrive. Gratis, not compressing, and not commandline, please. Something like: install and open image making program > click "create image now" > backup this drive (ALL of it) > from here to there, > options: make short but understable log ("don't ask any questions during backup process, but tell me about it next time"), and close pc when done > Start".

What program to get&use, please? 

Edited
Oh, I forgot a very important detail: program must fully support Unicode!

5842

General Software Discussion / Re: Shell Tools.... Moonsoftware

« Last post by Curt on April 05, 2008, 02:17 PM »

I am disappointed that FontLoader doesn't support the "old" .FON files, they are not that rare, yet, are they? Nor does their Font Xplorer supports them, either!

5843

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: I launched my own site! Welcome wise fellows!!

« Last post by Curt on April 05, 2008, 11:57 AM »

A very simple solution is to use Shutdown from http://www.rjlsoftwa...re/utility/shutdown/ which is a simpler command line than the one built into Windows.

All you need to do is copy the exe file you downloaded to a folder somewhere (say C:\SHUTDOWN)

Create a file using Notepad called MYSHUTDOWN.bat with a single line in it, something like:

C:\SHUTDOWN\SHUTDOWN.EXE 4 FORCE

and save the file in your C:\SHUTDOWN folder

In the command line 4 forces a system restart and the option FORCE parameter makes Windows shutdown and running tasks/processes that don't shutdown properly.

Now create a shortcut to your MYSHUTDOWN.BAT folder (it can be in the C:\SHUTDOWN folder if you like) and in the shortcut properties choose the shortcut key you want to use to execute the shortcut.

The file is easily editable and you can use any shortcut you like.

I have attached a zip file that has all this setup as described. Just unpack it to C:\SHUTDOWN

I have setup CTRL + ALT + END as the force restart key - the MYSHUTDOWN and the shorcut properties are easily editable.

-Carol Haynes (November 11, 2007, 07:11 PM)

SHUTDOWN.zip (90.24 kB - downloaded 363 times.)

Edit: I must of course tell that I have not tried Carol's solution.

5844

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: I launched my own site! Welcome wise fellows!!

« Last post by Curt on April 05, 2008, 11:37 AM »

Isn't it dangerous to have Windows shut down with a single keypress?

-Veign (April 05, 2008, 10:40 AM)

- yes and no, but mostly No...
I have been using F12 since 11-11 last year, and the only unwanted shutdown was when the neighbour's cat stepped all over my keyboard, so I will say it is fairly safe. But that may also be because I never have used Scroll Lock for it's original purpose - whatever that may be!

Another thing, though, is, that Scroll Lock may be a far better button than F12. Since November I have had to uncheck hotkey activated features in more than one program because they wanted to use F12, but never have a program wanted to use Scroll Lock - at least nothing will happen if I press that button. So I might actually decide to swift to this $12 Power Off Key of Anatolie's, in order to reclaim lost features!

5845

General Software Discussion / Mikogo: share screen or access remote PC

« Last post by Curt on April 05, 2008, 08:52 AM »

Today "Samer" from FreewareGenius is telling about Mikogo, a new free and smart way of sharing your screen, or files, or access and even remote control a PC. The 'smart' thing is that it works via your Internet browser, and your meeting is taking place online at Mikogo's site.

Mikogo's homepage is offering 2 fine video tutorials, one for the inviter and one for the invited, two with- and two without- sound, but the program really is easy to use. Here is a nice 15 pages user manual in PDF with lots of pictures:

MikogoUserGuide.pdf (534.81 kB - downloaded 1459 times.)

http://www.mikogo.com/Welcome.aspx

Once you download and install this program, you will have to create an account and log in. What’s really cool is that if screen sharing / broadcasting is all you need your audience on the other side will not need to create accounts or install software (they do, however, need to download and run a single no-install executable). Moreover, all interaction happens through the browser and there are no firewalls or routers to configure, no IP addresses to investigate and ports to open or close.

-freewaregenius

The verdict:[/b] although there exists a number of free VPN solutions, the reasons I like this one are:

(a) avoids the need to configure firewalls, routers, ports, etc, because it is entirely browser based,

(b) avoids the need for others to install software and create accounts to see your screen remotely,and

(c) works very well and does what it sets out to do.

-Freewaregenius

How to share your screen: once you launch your Mikogo account and log in, right click on the Mikogo icon in the start menu and select "Start meeting". You will be provided with a meeting ID (a kind of password) that others could use to view your screen. Once you have your meeting up and running, you can easily switch presenter to view another user’s screen rather than them seeing yours (subject to their acceptance, of course). Meeting limited to 10 participants.

How others can view your screen: all your audience members need to do is go to a Mikogo website and click on "join meeting" which will download a small executable (approx 680K) that they can run and enter the meeting ID into. This will instantly open a browser window that with your own shared screen displayed in it. They can also switch to broadcasting their screen or controlling another desktop without the need for any further download. Once the meeting is over, they can simply delete the executable and the config file that it creates (in the same directory in-which it is placed).

Remote access: allows you to asume control of the remote computer’s keyboard and mouse. What’s worth mentioning here is that Mikogo maintains a list of programs that you can check/uncheck to enable remote access. Performance is a is a little bit sluggish, which is typical for browser based remote access I think (e.g. Yuuguu’s performance was about the same). I would be interested in a comparing remote access performance for freeware VPN solutions; if you know about this or if you use a remote access platform whose performance you like please let us know in the comments.

File sharing: offers a very handy file sharing option which is surprisingly fast.

Portability: you can run Mikogo from a USB. See this page.

Memory use: a mere 10 megs or so in the background.

Privacy policy: the connection between computers is relayed through the Mikogo servers, which means that in theory Mikogo has access to what you broadcast. I did not find any privacy policy in the Mikogo site, but in truth I am not worried about it.

5846

General Software Discussion / Re: ReNamer: The best freeware file renamer? (yes says cybernetnews.com)

« Last post by Curt on April 05, 2008, 04:46 AM »

My favorite file re-namer.  It's got to be File Renamer Basic. 

-surftwo (April 04, 2008, 07:11 PM)

I wouldn't dare to settle with the (free) Basic, as only the $20 Deluxe offers Undo - people like me seriously need everything to have the option to undo... - but then again, that is not a big problem, because File Renamer Deluxe 4 seems to be a really fine renamer! However, it doesn't say if Unicode is supported. Is it? 

I was pleased to learn that Flexible Renamer now is Unicode'd 

http://www.sherrodco...ucts_filerenamer.cfm
http://hp.vector.co....30/english/FlexRena/

5847

General Software Discussion / Re: What's your preferred File Manager

« Last post by Curt on April 04, 2008, 06:32 PM »

I've found ULtraExplorer but It works crashly ...

-Nxqd3051990 (March 22, 2008, 07:19 PM)

Will you tell which version it was: 1.5.0.3 or 2.0.0.0 Beta 1a (scroll to second post) ? Did you try to change the settings? -because:

Yes, I had some crashes the first day, but they left for good when I changed the settings. You may have to look into the Options and try your way around, because Ultra is not that clever and will not tell you if you have made a bad setting.

-Curt (June 29, 2007, 12:38 PM)

- the default settings are not ALL stable.

Also remember that UltraExplorer is not a common file manager, because the authors are (so far) concentrating on various components, listview and stuff:

UltraExplorer is the testbed for Mustangpeak Delphi and CBuilder Components.

5848

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: I launched my own site! Welcome wise fellows!!

« Last post by Curt on April 04, 2008, 05:42 PM »

Really nice site: fast loading, and good looking. Fine work!

At the comments box, though, your visitors might want to be assured their email address is not displayed to the public, before daring to make a comment.

But being at DonationCoder I have to point to the free ShutdownNow (press F12, no confirmation), by our very own jgpaiva, or even to his Shutdown.

Edit: But your's is most certainly better looking:

 

5849

General Software Discussion / Re: Power Desk 7

« Last post by Curt on April 04, 2008, 01:01 PM »

- maybe Darwin had a large folder open as 'default' from the last time it was open? PowerDesk will 'load' the files before it shows the GUI / window, while most managers will show the GUI / window, and only then 'load' the files.

Yes, I bought #7, because it was either that, or remove the old version. Now I know I should have removed it all... No, just exaggerating. I like PowerDesk Pro 7, but I am glad I didn't pay the list price, it would have made me feel cheated. One has to think that PowerDesk Pro is a fine but long time abbandoned program, and thus be gratefull someone at least gave it a small update.

My #7 opens a little faster than Explorer, but really just 'a little'.

Edited for wording

5850

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: Screen Calipers on Bits du Jour Tuesday, March 20

« Last post by Curt on April 04, 2008, 12:38 PM »

The deal is available again on Wednesday, 9', April, 2008

50% = $14.75

http://daily-deals.i...are/screen-calipers/
http://www.bitsdujou...are/screen-calipers/

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