IT business perspective

Freeware Tools

2011-10-25T23:01:00.001-07:00

All of the applications are written in AutoHotkey and all are freeware with no strings attached. Use them personally or commercially; it doesn’t matter to me. However, all the typical stuff still applies. Specifically, I offer no warranty or guarantee and you use these applications at your own risk. If your pet-of-choice gives you the stink-eye or your computer sprouts wings, it’s not my fault.
Album Printer- Build a list of artists and albums in your music collection.
Anuran - A rotating, automatic-prompting personal text log.
Barbecue - Generate progress bars related to your projects.
Bestimate - Track the accuracy of your goals, predictions or promises.
Birthdays - A simple, straightforward app to help keep track of birthdays.
Boot Snooze - Reboot your computer and make it automatically hibernate/standby.
Chopping List - Split text files out to multiple files based on a custom delimiter.
ClipTrap - Aggregate text copied to the clipboard.
CovArt Ops - Scan your album folders for missing cover art.
Deletist - Delete files and folders sourced from a text file.
Dimensions 2 Folders - Sort image files into folders based on their dimensions.
Drop Zone - Create simple drag-n-drop windows to quickly copy or move files.
File Bucket - Create a collection of files and then copy them all to new destination.
File Punter - Use regular expressions to copy/move files into dynamically generated destination folders.
Files 2 Folder - Shell extension to create a folder & move files into that folder
Frameless - Borderless, captionless image viewer with commandline options for display placement.
KeyCounter - Keep track of the number of keystrokes you make.
kLED - Tray icons for num/caps/scroll lock status. Configurable OSD, too.
List Numberer - Quickly number a text listing in various ways.
Looper - Gaplessly loop an audio file.
Lucidity - Neat translucent effect on your entire desktop.
Mat - Change mouse acceleration and speed settings from the commandline.
Piggy Banks - Track ‘fund’ accounts where a little money is put away each day.
PlayTime - Determine total playtime for music and movie files.
Power Scheme Toggler - Easily switch between two power schemes
SFV Ninja - SFV (Simple File Verification) application.
Simple Word Gen - Create random word lists.
Size Matters - Easily track lists of files and their sizes.
Snap DB - Simple, flat-file database app.
SpinZip - Compression app with some unique methods.
sPlaylistMaker - Recursively create .m3u playlist files.
Steam URL Converter - Convert Steam URL shortcuts to regular Windows shortcuts.
sWavPlayer - Commandline WAV file player.
sWeather - Tray-based weather app with multiple location support.
Switcheroo - Switch two file’s names with a drag&drop GUI.
Tags 2 Folders - Sort audio files into folders based on their tags.
Ten Timer - Simple, multiple timer app.
Text 2 Folders - Create folders based on a simple text file.
tiffInfoGUI - View information related to tiff image files.
TIFFsy Turvy - Extract multi-page TIFF files, rotate and export to jpg in one step.
TrackErr - Quickly find malformed, i.e. DRM, audio tracks in your collection.
Trout - Music player.
Video 2 MP3 - Automatically extract audio from a video file and make an MP3 of it.
Volt - System tray hotkey-driven volume controller.
Waste Not - Keep track of what’s in the fridge and their expiration dates.
Zero Zipper - Clone a folder/file structure as zero-byte and zip them.

Quick Media Converter HD V4.5.0.0

2011-09-14T01:03:00.001-07:00

Quick Media Converter is 100% Free! ( Financed by Donations and onsite advertising only)

No trial No strings attached ! No Malware, No spyware, No viruses, No logo engraved on your video

Gilles and Helena hope you will Enjoy !

Introducing our best ever version supporting many more formats , new design new possibilities such as Youtube Video Converter ability as well as Daily Motion AVC video conversion and also Support of QCELP (USA)audio codec as well as KDDI Codec ( Japan) TS HD from Satellite receivers such as Dreambox and much much more such as an integrated video audio player.

Works in all windows versions up to Vista
and Windows 7 home premium

Whether you have been using QMC for a while or you are a new user you will probably be stunned and thrilled by this latest release. Quite a difference between this version and all preceding ones. By far our best up to now and still free for all!

Freeware Utilities

2011-09-14T00:54:00.001-07:00

	SimpleSysInfo 2.9 August 10th 2011	Simple retrieve information from your computer. Retrieved information can be send everywhere by selecting the email button. It's possible to print the information and save it to a text file. SimpleSysInfo also supports creating a HTML file which is less hard to read. Offline helpfile
	CheckDiskGUI 1.1.2 August 9th 2011	CheckDiskGUI is an Graphical User Interface for the commandline version of chkdsk.exe. Chkdks.exe is a tool for searching and repairing disk errors. Offline helpfile / Dutch / French / Romanian / German
	Personal HotKey 1.6 August 10th 2011	Start Personal HotKey automatic with Microsoft Windows and quick launch your favorit program, select any Program and start it by pressing the pause key. The pause key isn't used much so it's ideal for using as a hotkey.
	RegistryLoaderPE 1.0.19 June 29th 2011	Load registry files from offline systems, very useful if you are trying to recover a system that is prevented from booting by a bad driver or some other problem that requires the registry to be edited. RegistryLoaderPE only works for Windows NT/2000/XP/2003/2008/7 registry hives. BartPe plugin creation from within the program.
	RunWithAffinity 1.0.2 March 20th 2011	RunWithAffinity allows you to run a program on a selected core instead of all cores, this is called Affinity. Start RunWithAffinity without commandline parameters and it launches a simple GUI so you can create a shortcut with all the settingsfor you. RunWithAffinity can replace the more complex utility PsExec and the older Windows resource kit utility Imagecfg.
	SysInternalsUpdater 1.0.1 February 15th 2011	SysInternalsUpdater 1.0.1, released on February 15th 2011. SysInternalsUpdater is used to simply update utilities from SysInternals. Sysinternals Suite is a full package of the very useful utilities from Mark Russinovich's well known tools. The Sysinternals Troubleshooting Utilities have been rolled up into a single Suite of tools.
	CFBackup 1.0.0 February 5th 2011	SysInternalsUpdater 1.0.0, released on February 5th 2011. CFBackup can make mulitple Backup's from one folder to a destination folder. Each backup is stored in a subfolder of the selected destination folder. The amount of subfolders can be selected. CFBackup can be run from the commandline for silent copying even adding custom messages before and/or after the copy command, CFBackup makes this very easy for everyone.
	MyDefragPowerGUI 1.0.4 January 10th 2011	MyDefragPowerGUI 1.0.4, released on January 10th 2011. MyDefragPowerGUI has basicly the same functions as JkDefragGUI. MyDefragPowerGUI is compatible with U3, Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 2008 and Windows 7. The update function is more advanced and it updates the GUI automatic without user intervention.
	OutlookParameterGUI 1.0.0 September 10th 2010	To resolve some problems with Microsoft Outlook, Outlook has to be started from the commandline. You will have to search for the Microsoft Outlook executable and put a parameter after the executable. OutlookParameterGUI will make this task a lot easier. Selecting a parameter in the GUI will show the description of the selected parameter.
	GodMode Installer 1.05 April 30th 2010	GodMode in Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 2008 allows quick access to all Control Panel options in a single place.
	RDPPortChanger 1.2 May 1st 2010	Change RDP Port Number and add a port to the Microsoft Firewall settings and reboot you computer to apply the settings.
	RedirectAllPrinters 1.02 April 11th 2010	Printers that use ports that do not begin with COM, LPT, or USB are not redirected in a remote desktop or a terminal services session. When you use Remote Desktop Connection or the Terminal Services Client to connect to another Windows-based computer from a computer, your local printers are not redirected. As a result, your local printers are not available in the remote desktop or terminal services session. For example, if your Windows XP-based computer has a multifunction print device using a DOT4 port, it may not be redirected in a remote desktop session to a 2000, 2003 or 2008 Server based computer
	JkDefragGUI 1.17 May 24th 2011	JkDefragGUI is a Graphical User Interface which allows you to easily select all the features of JkDefrag, a freeware defragmentation tool made by Jeroen Kessels has to offer. But it can do a lot more. JkDefragGUI can schedule a defragmentation, install JkDefrag or its screensaver but can also do some small maintenance to your computer. It can be used to schedule a defragmentation of your system files like pagefile and registry files. JkDefragGUI also supports CCleaner which can be used instead of the internal cleaning function. It can also erase any information which is left behind on your hard disk after erasing files. JkDefragGUI was created for people who don't have the skills of an advanced user but still want to use the powerful features JkDefrag has to offer or for those people who like a GUI instead of using the command line. JkDefragGUI is compatible with Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 2008, Windows 7, U3 capable flash memory and with BartPE pre-installed environment.
	Reset-TCPIP 1.04 November 29th 2009	One of the components of the Internet connection on your computer is a built-in set of instructions called TCP/IP. TCP/IP can sometimes become damaged or corrupted. If you cannot connect to the Internet and you have tried all other methods to resolve the problem, TCP/IP might be causing it. Because TCP/IP is a core component of Windows, you cannot remove it. However, you can reset TCP/IP to its original state by using Reset-TCPIP.
	MCE VideoErrorFixer 1.01 November 22nd 2009	Fix Video Error Live TV and Recorded TV on Media Center Extender. This problem can be caused by a missing registry setting and damaged network performance counters.
	UACController 1.02 October 31st 2009	User Account Control (UAC) is a technology and security infrastructure introduced with Microsoft's Windows Vista® operating system. It aims to improve the security of Microsoft Windows® by limiting application software to standard user privileges until an administrator authorizes an increase in privilege level. In this way, only applications that the user trusts receive higher privileges, and malware should be kept from receiving the privileges necessary to compromise the operating system. In other words, a user account may have administrator privileges assigned to it, but applications that the user runs do not also have those privileges unless they are approved beforehand or the user explicitly authorizes it to have higher privileges. With UACController you are able to Enable, Disable or put UAC in quiet mode and you are also able to Enable or Disable the system tray notification.
	TimeOut 1.03 November 18th 2009	Add a pause to your script. The time is specified in seconds with a maximum of 86400 seconds, one day.
	HPSasControllerInjector 1.01 November 22nd 2009	Inject HP SAS Controller Drivers into Windows 2003 32Bits. This will allow you to upgrade your hardware without reinstalling or migrating. Image your server to a new HP Proliant with a SAS Controller. If the OS won't boot use FDisk /MBR and try again. Program can also be run from BartPE.
	RestoreTaskBar 1.04 October 26th 2008	Restore Taskbar to defaults and fix Taskbar problems.

Find Duplicate Files

2011-09-14T00:42:00.000-07:00

Duplicate Cleaner - Find Duplicate Files

"Find and delete duplicate files, mp3s, photos, old documents and much more. This fully featured program will work at home or in a networked environment. Best of all Duplicate Cleaner is freeware, meaning you get the full program and it doesn't cost a thing!"

The fastest free way to find duplicate files
Award Winning
Scan music tags - includes MP3, iTunes (M4A) and more.
Delete, move or hard link duplicate files. Save disc space!
Multiple language support.
For Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.
This Duplicate File Cleaner is Freeware!

Duplicate cleaner is a useful program to help you organize the contents of your home hard drive or corporate network.

You'd be surprised just how many redundant or duplicate files you could find forgotten in an obscure documents folder. Duplicate Cleaner will deep scan for all types of files - photos, music, films/video, Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, text files - you name it, if it appears twice on your computer then Duplicate Cleaner will find it. Once these files are found you are provided with helper tools to enable you to select which copies to delete or move.These files can be deleted to the recycle bin, moved into an archive elsewhere, or replaced with hardlinks.

Screenshot

More Screenshots Here

Features

Find Duplicate Files by content, fast!
Cleaner hard drives means faster performance
Fast Scanning and accurate duplicate comparison (Uses the MD5 Hash algorithm)
Deep scans music - locate duplicate music formats (MP3, iTunes, etc)
Flexible search parameters
Intelligent Selection Assistant
Search home or networked drives
Search multiple locations
Export / Import results in CSV format
View Path,Size and Date of files
Large, resizable list window
Image preview window
Delete duplicate files to the Recycle bin
Move dupe files to a new location
Turn duplicate file into hard links (NTFS file systems only)
Protection for Windows and system files
Supports multiple languages
No Spyware, Adware or any other rubbish
Free!

Help&Doc

2011-09-14T00:38:00.001-07:00

Full-featured help authoring environment

HelpNDoc provides all the tools necessary to write complete help files and documentations — From the table of contents to the final documentation layout, everything is included in HelpNDoc

Smart and stunning user interface

HelpNDoc's user interface has been carefully designed to be clear and effective: the various tools are grouped using the popular ribbon design first introduced by Microsoft Office: contextual elements such as picture or table editing operations will only appear when needed thus greatly simplifying the overall experience. Learn more about HelpNDoc's user interface ›

Everything has been integrated

All the necessary tools needed to create great documentations are built right in HelpNDoc: the table of contents editor, WYSIWYG topic editor, keywords editor and library are some of the features provided to ease-up the process of writing amazing documentations and are an integral part of the HelpNDoc environment.

State of the art word processor

HelpNDoc includes a feature-packed word processor which makes you feel instantly at home: all the major strength you've come to expect from a modern document authoring application such as Microsoft Word are an integral part of HelpNDoc to make the most visually appealing help and documentation easier to create than ever.

Powerful media library system

All the media elements such as pictures, videos, documents, HTML code snippets and variables are managed by the library: those media elements are reusable as much as needed throughout the documentation project. Need to change one picture ? Just update the library item and it will be propagated to all the topics using it!

Multi-format documentation generation

Whether you need to create a compiled CHM help file, an on-line full HTML documentation or a printable PDF or Word documentation, HelpNDoc has you covered: write once and export to multiple formats by the click of a button!

Generate multiple formats

Once you have written your documentation, HelpNDoc can automatically generate Microsoft CHM help files, standard HTML documentation pages or a complete Word or PDF document, without any work from your part: HelpNDoc takes care of everything and produces the documentation the way you designed it.

Powerful template system

Every single aspects of the documentation output can be tailored to fit your design requirements. As a testimony of how powerful the template system is, HelpNDoc comes with the full source code for templates to generate an on-line HTML documentation or a specific iPhone designed web-site: everything is controlled by the templates.

CHM help file generation

Microsoft Compiled HTML Help files (*.chm) are bundled with every Windows application to provide technical assistance and user guidance. Microsoft provides the HTML Help Workshop software to create CHM files but it is a very old, complex, buggy and unmaintained piece of software. HelpNDoc works very hard to encapsulate everything for you and it becomes as easy as pushing a button to produce a standard redistributable compiled CHM file.

Standard HTML generation

Bring your documentation to an on-line server for millions of people to see by the click of a button. HelpNDoc will generate the most unbelievable HTML documents based on template instructions: Want a frame based documentation ? A full featured Web 2.0 web-site ? Need a commenting or notation system ? Perhaps add a special header or footer ? Just instruct HelpNDoc to do so and it will gladly comply.

Microsoft Word documents

If you need to integrate your documentation with existing Microsoft Word documents or further tailor it, HelpNDoc has you covered: it contains a generator able to produce Microsoft Word compatible and editable documents from the exact same input you added in HelpNDoc.

Produce PDF documentation

HelpNDoc knows how to generate PDF documentation and does it very well by providing amazing control over the process: choose the compression and encryption level, define user permissions, font embedding settings as well as Adobe Reader's viewer layout right within HelpNDoc.

Generate complete iPhone websites and documentation pages

HelpNDoc's template system is so powerful that we've been able to provide a complete iPhone documentation template bundled by default. This makes it possible to generate amazing iPhone web-sites and documentation pages without any extra work from your part: the template takes care of everything including respecting Apple's guidelines in term of iPhone application look and feel. The generated documentation will look like a native iPhone application and will benefit from all of the iPhone's features including full touch-screen support. Learn more about iPhone documentation generation ›

Powerful tools and helpers

HelpNDoc comes with many tools to help you write the most beautiful and complete documentation as fast and easily as possible.

Program wide live spell check

Benefit from the quality and quantity of the OpenOffice.org dictionaries right within HelpNDoc: the live spell checker will instantly notify you if a spelling error is found anywhere that matters: the table of contents, topic contents, keywords, library items... are some of the places where the live spell checker gets your back.

Live insertion at generation time

HelpNDoc's library system is so powerful that it can either include the items inside the project, or dynamically at generation time. This means that any picture, movie or document can be inserted right into your topics when generated thus allowing more flexibility about the content of your documentations

Powerful reusable variables

Variables are place-holders for textual content which you can place anywhere in your documentation. The place-holder will be replaced at generation time by the actual value of the variable. Don't know how your next application will be called when released ? Just add a variable named "Application Name" througout your documentation and change its value when the final name has been chosen.

Find and replace by library item

Nothing is more tedious than going through all the documentation topics to find and replace the one little text that has changed. HelpNDoc greatly simplifies that process by being able to replace any textual item by a library item: this means texts, pictures, movies, variables, HTML code snippets or documents will replace your searched text automatically in a second.

Code generation for various programming languages

Speed up help integration with your application by generating code for various programming language to easily and rapidly access the required topic.

Many languages included

HelpNDoc will automatically generate source code to easily associate help IDs and context numbers for various programming languages including: C/C++ (constants, defines, enums), Delphi/Pascal, Fortran 90/95, Power Basic (constants, enumerations, enumerations singular) and Visual Basic (constants, enums).

Add your language template

Leverage the powerful template engine to add support for your own programming language: a few simple lines of code will instruct HelpNDoc on how you'd like it to be generated. HelpNDoc will understand your template and generate the required files for you. There is almost no limit with HelpNDoc's template engine.

Completely free for personal use

HelpNDoc has one of the most generous license amongst help authoring environments as it is available completely free for personal and evaluation purposes.

Use HelpNDoc for free

Once you download HelpNDoc Personal Edition, you won't see any nag screen, trial expiration message or registration form: HelpNDoc is completely free without any limit in feature. The only restrictions are that the Personal Edition can't be used for commercial or profit purposes and a discreet banner is added at the bottom of each topic. Download HelpNDoc now ›

Try it as long as needed

We have nothing to hide with HelpNDoc and we are confident you'll enjoy it so much that we allow everyone to try it as long as needed before making up their mind: HelpNDoc Personal Edition is the whole deal and can be used to see if the program fits your needs before you choose to order it. Learn more about HelpNDoc's pricing options ›

BatchFile Scripts

2011-09-14T00:34:00.001-07:00

Batch Files

*** Note that this material is intended for people who understand it's use. I will not be held responsible for any result nor held liable for any damages resulting from anyone's use or misuse of any of the information gathered from this website or any of it's contents, including these batch files!

All batch is presented in PLAIN TEXT format and is not executable in any way without your efforts. I hope you know how to download these and make them executable; if not, then I can't help you!

Any requirements and instructions for usage will be in the header of the file itself. Most everything is written and tested only on Windows XP and sometimes Windows Server 2003 or Vista. Most of my batch is written with NT based compatibility in mind, so with the exception of the occasional text parsing from command output that Microsoft might have changed, (and none of that batch is included here to date,) all batch should work on Windows 2000 - Windows 7 without issue, but I guarantee nothing!

Unzip_Nirsoft_Apps - Very simple batch to demonstrate FOR loop usage, but it originally had another purpose. Love apps from www.nirsoft.net? Me too. For a time, they were not available as one packaged download. I configured a weekly schedule task to run batch files using the Linux->Windows port of WGET.EXE and InfoZip's UNZIP.EXE to download all the apps (wget checked for newer versions only) and unzip them into one directory, renaming all the readme.txt files to a %zipfilename%_readme.txt format. This is the portion of that batch that does the unzip/rename operations, with the wget/download part excluded. Why only this part? Because currently the apps are available as one packaged download (See Nir Sofer's blog for NirLauncher) however it does not include all of his apps and readme's. I modified this for someone in a forum who needed the functionality as they would download the missing or newer version apps to add to the main NirLauncher package. Hopefully Nir Sofer will release all apps with auto-update functionality soon.

FindQs - A MUST SEE. Please see the file itself for a full explanation. FindQ's (short for Find Question Marks) seeks out malware hiding behind phony names, which may show up in a console window as having a "?" in the name, where in explorer all you will see is the expected letter. Ex: You may note a folder which appears to be "Symantec" but is actually "S?mantec" and contains a malicious executable inside.

DelZBF - Delete Zero-byte files in any given directory with optional recursion for subdirectories and report logging. I admit it is easy enough to sort by size in explorer or your favorite file manager, and delete all files of a certain size, but normally this is part of an automated batch routine and just saves me TIME. Recently I had to use this as a stand-alone batch on a system with 21,000 phony zero-byte .DLL files in both the Windows and System directories. Well, the 21,000 I used DelZBF on took a good 15 minutes. At first I thought, how inefficient! Next I tested the manual way, getting the sort view in explorer and trying to select them, forget waiting on the delete operation to start, after the same 15 minutes I gave up and ran DelZBF on that directory too.

TestBatch - See where your batch is going wrong; generate a detailed log! This batch file will accept your batch file via parameter including Drag and Drop, and generate a detailed report on your batch helping you to troubleshoot any problems you may have. Provides at-a-glance information about the file itself and it's execution environment, in addition to it's actual execution. Read notes in the header!

ArchiveWebLogs - Originally I wrote this in a pinch for a web server with out of control log files, this will archive files older than xx days across multiple folders by using rar.exe (optionally you can replace this with your favorite archive utility without fear of a botched command line parameter, because the date logic is done entirely within the batch, not the archive program!!!) Very organized code with short but meaningful comments, good to learn with!

Start_Services - better than "net start servicename" this quick batch will stop services prior, wait xx time, start and wait xx time before moving on to the next service, retest to see if they failed xx number of times, retry xx number of times to start them if failed. I recently had to write a quick batch to start some services in a particular order and wait a certain amount of time before starting subsequent services. In my allotted time for the job I just decided to make the script a little more flexible. Easy configuration inside the batch itself, separate from the main code.

DSupport

2011-09-14T00:30:00.001-07:00

dSupport

Current Version: 1.2.3

dSupport is an application designed for PC Technicians to distribute to their clients. It is best described as a business card with a purpose.

The first idea is that end users are always looking for an application to fix their registry, or check computer health, etc. Now usually most techs rightly advise warnings when it comes to seeking apps out like this, so why not provide them with your very own branded application for this purpose, to satisfy their need for a maintenance application?

The second idea is that PC Technicians want their customers to remember them and not call someone else the next time they need help. My business gets calls all the time from people looking for a competing business - most of the time the clients look us up in the phone book but seem to think we're somebody else. dSupport would fix that problem for the customers (and our competitors, as it is), by providing branded logos, text, and quick and easy access to resources the client needs to reach YOU (not someone else) when they have trouble.

Purpose:

Provides PC Technicians the ability to:

Custom brand the application fully with their logos/text/phone number.
Bundle a remote support application with dSupport.
Give the client quick and easy access to your remote support app, your email, etc.
Pre-configure up to 4 custom maintenance applications of your choice.

Provides End Users a quick and simple way to:

Check the overall health of their computer.
A one-click button for running basic maintenance tasks, pre-configured by the technician.
A one-click button to fix broken internet (minor fixes, winsock reset, etc.)
Launch the PC Tech's remote support app or email the PC Tech.

Additionally, v1.2 combined with D7 v4.2.4 allows the technician to configure one or all of the user accounts on the system to display a password setting prompt at next login - useful for when a technician removes a Windows password from the client's computer, and wishes the client an easy way to reset the password back to their preference when they get their PC back.

dSupport Maintenance Features:

Deletes all temp files on all user profiles
ProcessIdleTasks
Create System Restore Point on completion
Works with CCleaner and Defraggler from www.piriform.com if they are installed.
Ability to add up to 4 of your own custom applications to the maintenance routine.

Other planned features for future versions:

NT Event Log scans for disk related errors on startup.
Whatever good suggestions I get from PC techs using the app.

Configuration:

If you want to configure dSupport at any time after running the installer, you can launch dSupport with a command line parameter, "/config" e.g. "dSupport.exe /config"
Your logo in BMP format should be named supportlogo.bmp and placed in the same directory as the dSupport application.
The dSupport.ini in the application directory contains ALL dSupport configuration and can be copied to new installation directories to save config time.

Attached is a generic installer for dSupport, to allow you to sample it's features and install behavior.

dSupport may be downloaded and customized to your preference, and used and distributed 100% freely, however the title bar will read "Foolish IT" Instead of your company name, and "Unregistered".

To register dSupport and fully brand it with your company name, see the details on the licensing page here.

Thanks for looking!

Download

ShutdownUnless

2011-09-14T00:27:00.000-07:00

ShutdownUnless

Current Version: 1.3

What is ShutdownUnless?

ShutdownUnless is a utility to shutdown a workstation or server, provided it doesn't have any open files you wouldn't want to be open when shutting down. Optionally ShutdownUnless will write to the Windows NT event log when a shutdown is aborted due to an open file.

purpose:

You wouldn't want to restart your server if some employee left a database dependent client app open on his/her workstation, because with the database stored on the restarting server, corruption may result; you'd rather abort that shutdown/restart!

If such a planned restart was aborted, you might even want this recorded in the event log, with a list of the open files preventing your shutdown in the event description!

In my case, I needed to script an automatic server restart on a weekend due to maintenance. Problem is, all clients of a particular program needed to be closed, and you can't guarantee that employees are shutdown their software before going home on Friday. (Sure, you could force the app to close on the workstation, but that may leave loose ends depending on the particular software that I'm not ready to deal with.)

My solution was ShutdownUnless. I schedule it with the Windows Task Scheduler just like any other method, but when it runs it tests for open files prior to shutdown, if they exist, it aborts and writes an entry to the Application Event Log. This is the extent of my app's functionality, and you can manually scan event logs if you like; however in my case (and maybe yours?) this event log entry can be scanned for with my existing remote management software and emailed to me, so I know that someone prevented a maintenance shutdown by leaving his client app open.

In the future, I hope to add additional functionality to make it more useful for more situations (running executable detection, better open file handle detection to include WHO on the network may have the file open, optional execution of scripts depending on which file may be open (like to shutdown a program on across a network, smtp for sending email alerts from within this program, etc.) but this may be the *distant* future because I'm lazy, busy, have a wife, and a child on the way.

revision history:

1.3 - Completely new Event Logging method which does away with the "description for Event ID ( 10177 ) in Source ( ShutdownUnless ) cannot be found." problem, and leaves the logged event description with only a nicely formatted representation of the facts. For this to work while using the event viewer, the executable MUST reside on the machine in the path in which it was last run, otherwise Event Description output will be like previous versions. This is a Windows Event Viewer quirk but shouldn't effect anyone unless you move or delete the file, and why would you do that? Also fixed an issue where only the last file tested was being logged in the Event Log even though they all would show up in the test window.

1.2 - Added Configuration Editor for definition files.

1.1 - Added "Force Applications to Close" option (e.g. shutdown.exe -F) so unresponsive applications will be forced to close when a shutdown operation is initiated.

system requirements::

ShutdownUnless is only designed for WINDOWS XP and 2003, any version. It may or may not work on other NT based OSes provided it has the appropriate version of Microsoft shutdown.exe in the path.

instructions::

INSTALLATION:

1. Run the setup.

2. ShutdownUnless.exe with no parameters to configure and test (will run automatically after setup finishes.)

USAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Install, at the end of installation the application will start for an initial configuration. Browse for and add as many files as you need, such as access database files, quickbooks files, etc. Use the test button to see what would happen if you were actually running the app with it's parameters (see #2.)

NOTE: UNC path names will not work, if you must test for an open file across the network, you need to map some part of the path to a drive letter!

Be sure to test the app, and check the event log for a failure event (if one of your files was actually in-use, of course.) Note the Source: ShutdownUnless and the Event ID: 10177. Of course, this is a test, so your computer won't actually shut down if files are not in use!

2. Configure your shutdown batch or script to run ShutdownUnless.exe with a -s parameter to shutdown or a -r parameter to restart.

Here is a one line batch file example, which can be used in any shutdown script, which will restart if no files are in use. EX: %programfiles%\Foolish IT\ShutdownUnless\ShutdownUnless.exe -r

That’s it. Nothing more to do. Really.

license:

This software is licensed, however it is completely FREE for personal use under the terms of this license. A thank you email would be nice. Paypal donations may be accepted as an option one day, but currently I'm too lazy.

- Personal use is FREE only if you acknowledge that this program is provided with no warranties or guarantees of any kind, and that you (not John N. Shaw, not www.FoolishIT.com, not my web host, not your ISP, not your mother) and only you are held as the bearer of sole responsibility for any use or misuse of this software and any resulting damages in any form, monetary or otherwise. If you do not accept this policy but are still compelled to use the software, there is a small one-time licensing fee of 10 million dollars.

- Use in a business environment does require a different license. A license is currently obtained by contacting the author via the official website (you should be here already,) and license information is maintained solely by the author; I hope you will do it out of respect, (or to get a personalized copy.)

- There are no limitations, no trial versions, no included code for licensing/activation/etc., no ads, no nags, no 3rd party *ware of any sort included in this software or it's installer. This program is provided as-is, with no guarantees, no warranties, and no worries.

- Source code for this application remains the sole property of the author; this is at least until I can learn to code better and re-write it so that it isn’t not so embarrassing. I may open source it at some point after this. Don't count on it because I'm really lazy.

- Any use of this software requires that you accept the fact that I'm not responsible for anything you do with any software, including this app!

download:

* By downloading any of the following software, you accept the license above.

shutdownunless installer

PhotoArchiver

2011-09-14T00:26:00.000-07:00

PhotoArchiver

Current version 1.2

NEW: v1.2 fixes the issue of creating UNC paths as an output directory!

This is a quick app I wrote to archive my photos. It reads the modified file time and sorts the pictures into directories based on the date. It creates a directory for the year, and a sub directory for each month (as long as there are pictures dating from that month, of course, and naturally that's where those dated pictures go).

So if you think you'll like organizing your photos this way, this might work for you. Having my photos organized this way I find photos faster, remember dates better as I'm forced to if I want to find the photos, and I have a large collection across quite a few computers between me and my wife and this makes it easier to merge the collections on backup media, and weed out duplicates in the process freeing lots of backup space.

One word of CAUTION: I am not responsible for your data, or what this app does to it! The only thing this app does is MOVE data.

Attachments (1)

PhotoArchiver.zip - on Jun 9, 2011 8:07 AM by Nick Shaw (version 4 / earlier versions)
71k Download

System Info

2011-09-14T00:23:00.000-07:00

All about your computer
No secrets!

HWM BlackBox is a utility designed to deliver precise details on the core components of your computer to the maximum. As well as providing you with you with in-depth information about hardware such as the processor, memory modules, mainboard, hard drives and video card, it also offers the opportunity to assess critical parameters such as clock speeds and temperatures. HWM BlackBox also presents Vista – compatible tools to test your computer's performance under Microsoft Windows Vista.

http://hwmblackbox.com/en/download

DELETE DOCTOR

2011-09-14T00:18:00.000-07:00

DELETE DOCTOR

Delete Files that are hard to delete

v1.1

Delete files that are difficult to delete, such as some files left by viruses and trojans, or files with corrupted file names. This program can also delete files like the "index.dat" files, which store Internet history, by scheduling them for deletion upon system restart. Select a file to delete from the built-in file browser or drag a file to the application's icon or window from Window's Explorer.

DOWNLOAD Delete Doctor (150 kb executable for Win95/98/ME/2000/NT/XP)

WhatChanged is a system utility that scans for modified files and registry entries

2011-09-14T00:14:00.000-07:00

TinyTask 1.45

Our most popular freeware, TinyTask provides quick & easy automation by recording/playback. It is a case study in minimalist programming: the entire program is only 32k -- and over 14k are graphics, which means the executable portion is very small and efficient. It is used as the test harness for the "Recording" feature of vTask Studio.

New: now includes an EXE compiler! Turn your recordings into standalone programs. If you were stranded on a deserted island, this is the one program you would want.

There's no installer, required files, or anything unnecessary; just a tiny program, which doesn't touch your registry or system folders. Enjoy!
Download (32k) Popularity:

TyperTask 1.16

Increase your efficiency by automating your keyboard with TyperTask! This tool simulates keyboard typing, and can be used to instantly type common phrases. Use it to automate chat conversations, website logins, programming code blocks, HTML tags, or anything else you can imagine.

It even has advanced automation features, including launching programs, window activation, delays, and mouse clicks, so it's capable of performing complex tasks. Configuration is easy with simple text files. It has vTask's powerful keyboard simulation engine, so it can handle international codes and system keys such as .

The included help file demonstrates many TyperTask uses. No installation required.

Download (47k) Popularity:

QwikMark 0.4

QwikMark provides fast and easy benchmarking. Many excellent benchmark tools already exist, but QwikMark is unique because it tests everything on a single screen. It was used to test Hardware commands for vTask Studio.

As with all benchmarking utilities, hardware performance measurements are an inexact science, however QwikMark closely matches results from industry standards like CPU-Z, SiSoftware Sandra, and Atto. The download is just a single file, no supporting files are required.

Download (84k) Popularity:

WhatChanged 1.07

WhatChanged is a system utility that scans for modified files and registry entries. It is useful for checking program installations. There are two steps for using WhatChanged:
1) First, take a snapshot to get the current state of the computer; 2) Second, run it again to check the differences since the previous snapshot.

WhatChanged uses the "brute force method" to check files and the registry.

* v1.07 update includes speed enhancements for better performance.

Download (96k) Popularity:

Registry Cleaner

2011-09-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

How many errors does your computer have?

Your PC crashes for no apparent reason. You keep receiving error messages and don't know why. Your PC runs much slower than when you first bought it. Are you frustrated by your computer's bad performance? Do you really want an instant solution?

Download Registry Cleaner

Problems with the Windows Registry are a common cause of Windows crashes and error messages. Registry problems can occur for many reasons, including references left behind after uninstalling; incorrect removal of software; missing or corrupt hardware drivers; or orphaned start-up programs. This will significantly increase the Registry size and slow down your computer, because Windows will need more time to load, search, and read data from the Registry.

Before you start looking for a new computer, try running a Registry Cleaner on your system to repair the backbone of your machine. Computers perform best when they receive regular and professional maintenance.

This award winning software starts by conducting a deep scan of your registry, checking for file extension errors and other registry conflicts. With Registry Cleaner you'll see immediate increases in performance and decreases in system conflicts.

Here is the list of computer problems that Registry Cleaner solves:

Slow Boot up

Longer Machine Response Time

Unexpected System Crashes

BSOD (Blue Screen of Death)

Unresponsive System

Slower Internet Browser Response

Slow Start Up of Your Favorite Software

Click here to run a FREE scan. Two minutes of scan can save you months of frustration and crashes.

Download Registry Cleaner

Microsoft's Mouse Without Borders: the KVM that killed the KVM (video)

2011-09-13T23:52:00.000-07:00

Until now, running multiple computers with one keyboard and mouse has tended to require KVMs or wormholes, but Microsoft developer Truong Do has a better idea. Working at Microsoft's Garage -- Redmond's after-hours pet project program -- he built Mouse Without Borders: software that lets you control computers on the same wireless network with one set of inputs as if it was one machine with a multiple display. Up to four systems can be tied together and the software also provides for seamless drag-and-drop file transfer. Microsoft is releasing it free of charge at the source link, plus you can see Truong Do talking up his creation after the break.

Geek.com

Microsoft TechNet, Mouse Without Borders (Download)

How to Connect to and Shadow the Console Session with Windows Server 2003 Terminal Services

2011-04-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

In Windows Server 2003, when you use Terminal Services, you can connect to the console session (session 0), and at the same time, open a shadow session to it (as long as you connect from a session other than the console). With this added functionality, you can log on to a Windows Server 2003-based server that is running Terminal Services remotely and interact with session 0 as if you were sitting at the physical console of the computer. This session can also be shadowed so that the remote user and the local user at the physical console can see and interact with the same session.

Back to the top

How to Connect to the Console Session

When you connect to the console session of a Windows Server 2003-based server, no other user has to be already logged on to the console session. Even if no one is logged on to the console, you are logged on just as if you were sitting at the physical console.

To connect from the remote Windows Server 2003-based computer, open a command prompt, and then type the following command:

mstsc -v:servername /F -console

where mstsc is the Remote Desktop connection executable file, -v indicates a server to connect to, /F indicates full screen mode, and -console is the instruction to connect to the console session.

When you use this command, you open the Remote Desktop session, and when the logon is authenticated, you are connected to the console session that is running on the Windows Server 2003-based server. If a user is currently working on the console session at the computer, you receive the following error message:

The user domain\username is logged locally on to this computer. The user has been idled for number minutes. The desktop is unlocked. If you continue, this user's session will end and any unsaved data will be lost. Do you want to continue?

The user of the current console session is then logged off, and you receive a message that states that the computer is currently locked and only an administrator can unlock it.

Note: If the console session user and the Terminal Services session user are the same, you can connect without any problems.

Back to the top

How to Shadow the Console Session

To shadow the console session, first open a Remote Desktop connection to the Windows Server 2003-based server from another computer. By default, the Windows Server 2003 Remote Desktop Connection utility is installed in all versions of Windows Server 2003. You can either use this or the Mstsc command-line utility that is described in the "How to Connect to the Console Session" section, but omit the -console switch. After you open this session, start a command prompt in the session and type the following command to start the shadow session to the console:

shadow 0

After you enter and send this command, you receive the following message:

Your session may appear frozen while the remote control approval is being negotiated. Please wait...

In the console session on the server, you receive the following message:

domain\username is requesting to control your session remotely.
Do you accept the request?

If the user of the console session on the server clicks YES, you are automatically connected to the console session on the remote Windows Server 2003-based server. If the user on the server's console clicks NO or does not respond, you receive the following error message at the command prompt on the remote computer:

Remote control failed. Error code 7044
Error [7044]:The request to control another session remotely was denied.

To disconnect the shadow session from the remote side, press CTRL + * (on the numeric keypad), and you are returned to the original session that you established to the Windows Server 2003-based server.

If you are logged on to the console of the server that is running Terminal Services, if you try to shadow another user's session from the console of the computer, you receive the following error message:

Your session may appear frozen while the remote control approval is being negotiated. Please wait...
Remote Control Failed. Error Code 7050.
Error [7050]:The requested session cannot be controlled remotely.
This may be because the session is disconnected or does not have a user logged on. Also, you cannot control a session remotely from the system console and you cannot remote control your own current session.

If the Windows Server 2003-based server is not configured to permit remote control, you receive the following error message:

Remote control failed. Error code 7051
Error [7051]: The requested session is not configured to allow Remote Control.

To configure the Windows Server 2003-based server to permit remote control, follow these steps:

Open the Group Policy snap-in (Gpedit.msc).
In the left pane, under the Computer Configuration branch, expand the Administrative Templates branch.
Expand the Windows Components branch.
Click the Terminal Services folder.
In the right pane, double-click Sets rules for remote control of Terminal Services user sessions.
On the Setting tab, click Enabled.
In the Options box, click Full Control with users' permission, and then click OK.

Back to the top

Note This is a "FAST PUBLISH" article created directly from within the Microsoft support organization. The information contained herein is provided as-is in response to emerging issues. As a result of the speed in making it available, the materials may include typographical errors and may be revised at any time without notice. See Terms of Use (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=151500) for other considerations.

Automate Your PC With Drag And Drop, No Coding Required

2011-01-07T14:59:00.001-08:00

Automation programs are designed with users’ ease of use in mind, and hence the more simple they are, and the more they rely on graphics rather than commands, the better they are for a common user. vTask Studio is such an application that can automate most of the commonly performed tasks, and execute even some high-end commands as well to bring you automation in its real sense. What’s more, the program relies on a completely graphical user interface, hence no programming needed at all.

vTask Studio can handle all common tasks such as launching applications, mouse actions, loops etc, and even can handle advanced automation functions like checkpoints and database queries. However, what really makes this application different from other similar programs is features like image matching and integrated EXE compiler, which allow visual detection of images and automated compilation of executable files, respectively.

Some salient features of vTask Studio include:

XML File Format – allowing the program to use text-based XML files for its operations. Not only these can be easily modified with any text editor, they also provide transparency, i.e., you can view what instructions are being executed without looking for any specialized software. Plus, XMLs are easy to query.

EXE Complier – you can use any of your automation scripts and compile it as a Windows executable standalone program. This makes it possible to distribute your automation scripts to non-users of vTask Studio, all with no strings attached.

Image Recognition – vTask Studio contains advanced image matching and recognition algorithms allowing visual detection of on-screen images. This makes creating automation scripts for internet based activities even easier, since the program will recognize based on what is being displayed.

The program is mostly reliant on drag & drop actions, but a lot of keyboard shortcuts are also present to give you freedom to choose. Options menu contains tweaks for run time, key mapping, main grid view, colors and theming, logs and files, and some miscellaneous options.

vTask Studio is available for all versions of Windows, from 95 to Windows 7. It works with both x86 and x64 architectures.

Download vTask Studio

Use Different Speeds For External Mouse And Touchpad On Laptop [Windows]

2011-01-07T11:55:00.000-08:00

Use Different Speeds For External Mouse And Touchpad On Laptop [Windows]

While working on your laptop, you frequently need to switch between the touchpad and an external mouse, you’d have experienced the irritation that accompanies when the operating system applies the same cursor movement speed and settings to both of them. One speed may be fine for an external mouse, but it may prove to be extremely slow for the touchpad (I experience that on an almost daily basis). If only Windows could save mouse profiles just like power profiles!

These days, most modern mice come with some driver/user software, but if you’re looking for a universal solution to this issue, the developers behind Mouse Speed Switcher have got one for you. This free application saves two (or more) different sets of cursor/pointer settings on your laptop (or even PC) that you can quickly switch between, giving you control and flexibility over the input hardware that you’re using.

Mouse Speed Switcher is free for personal usage, but will keep giving irritating reminder messages (nagware) to purchase unless a license key is entered (which is not free, by the way). When you launch the software for the first time, it will present the settings dialog where you can tweak settings for all the profiles.You can set up a third profile as well, but it is disabled by default.

The software comes with a built-in check for updates, so that is an added benefit. The program has been written in C++ and works with all versions of MS Windows OS, from XP to Windows 7. We tested it on a 32-bit system.

Download Mouse Speed Switcher

If you hate nagware, you can check out Automatic Mouse Switcher.

Extend Windows Taskbar To Multiple Display Monitors With zBar

2011-01-07T11:29:00.001-08:00

Handling multi-monitor setup is arguably tiresome, especially when you need to access desktop items or active application taskbar controls. As you need to move across the screen to primary monitor where taskbar is lying to access active application’s taskbar controls, system notification area, etc, it is quite unproductive.

By default, taskbar can only be accessed from your primary monitor, therefore, accessing applications

is a bit dragging when two or more displays are attached with your system. zBar is developed to solve such problems related with multi-monitor setup. The application places the taskbar on each monitor attached with your system, so you can access the application taskbar controls from the monitor where it is being used. Not only does it move application taskbar icons, it also brings the system tray clock along with multiple calendars which can be accessed from each monitor’s notification area.

The first step is to head over to Options from its system tray menu to configure generic settings. It offers different styles for extended taskbar, right from Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP to Mac, Zune and Royale styles are available. Underneath the styles, you will find position of attached monitor and other style related options. By default, it displays clock and date on the extended taskbar(s), which can be disabled to unclutter the taskbar area.

Hotkeys can be registered for moving the windows easily to/from the attached display. It also lets user span the wallpaper across the screens, manually set width/height and visibility.

Moreover, it allows setting up wallpaper in different ways, you can pick different wallpaper for each connected display or span one image across all the screens.

As exhibited in the screenshots below, it expands the taskbar and application icons on multiple display monitors.

Below you can see the extended taskbar more clearly.

You might also be interested in using SwapWin – an application to easily swap primary monitor display for better readability. zBar supports Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. Testing was done on Windows 7 x64 system

Download zBar

Swap Your Dual-Monitor Display Screens For Better Readability With SwapWin

2011-01-07T11:28:00.002-08:00

Most users (including me) work on second or third monitor to assist with the work which is taking place on the primary monitor. For example, we google for solutions, check references, or just start reading a long article. After a while, we hear our necks complaining and have no choice but to drag the active window to the primary monitor. This is one of the major annoyance I face when working with multiple monitors, and I am sure the same is with you.

SwapWin is a brilliant open source app which solves this problem by swapping display screens of any extended monitor with primary monitor. Please keep in mind that it does not completely swap the screens, only the active applications or windows get swapped. The taskbar remains in the primary monitor.

In the screenshot below, you can see active windows on both Monitor A and Monitor B.

A double-click on SwapWin will swap the windows on both screens. You can either add SwapWin on the desktop or pin it to taskbar for faster access.

SwapWin allows you to work between multiple monitors with immense comfort. There are however some problems too. According to the developer, it does not resize window if moving between screens of different sizes (both monitors must have same resolution), cannot define custom checkpoints (currently using centers of working areas), and does not support hotkey itself (a real bummer). For hotkeys, the developer recommends using AutoHotKey for now.

Extra note: If the display screen does not swap, first make sure the window or application in extended monitor is active and then run SwapWin. In the above example we used dual monitors but it can work with any number of monitors.

SwapWin works on Windows XP, Vista, and 7 (32-bit only), provided you have .NET Framework 3.5 installed. Testing was done on Windows 7 32-bit system. It failed to run on Win 7 64-bit OS.

Download SwapWin

Inspect & Analyze Microsoft Installer Package With MSI Explorer

2011-01-07T11:28:00.001-08:00

We have previously covered PeStudio and Kaliro App Explorer, the former utility offers a detailed overview of application compatibility with Windows OS editions and let users verify different characteristics for application’s DEP/ASLR and other included features while latter being a simple simple tool to verify Microsoft .Net framework based applications. Today we have another useful inspection tool called MSI Explorer, as its name implies, it has been designed to analyze MSI (Microsoft Installer) packages.

According to the developer, it is primarily developed to prevent users from opening/rebuilding the entire setup project for changing MSI package content, since it lists down every little detail a developer needs to know about MSI package along with exact location. Altering a MSI package would certainly be easy once you know the location of embedded content (library/feature/function, etc).

The application interface offers a nice broad layout to thoroughly look for the elements in a specified MSI package. The most significant feature is that you can update MSI content without rebuilding the whole setup. All that is required is to open an MSI package from Main menu. Once specified, it will take some time to lists down included content.

Once you’ve made changes to the table, from Main menu, click Commit Changes to update the package.

The application also enables user to export tables in bulk. It lists down all the included tables, you can select as many required and export them in one go.

The application proves useful for those who package their application/development projects in MSI format. It supports Windows XP/Vista/7, testing was done on Windows 7 x86 system.

Download MSI Explorer

Free Make Video Converter Is Brilliant Eye-Candy Advanced Video Converter

2011-01-07T11:25:00.000-08:00

The software

arena is overwhelmed with hundreds of awesome media converters. Every time we come across a brilliant media converter, we can’t wait to test out for you. Amongst many media converters, Freemake Video Converter is another powerful and absolute media converting tool catering both audio & video conversions. It sports most eminent video formats such as; AVI, MP4, WMV, and 3GP. It has an ability to burn video to DVD disc on-the-fly. The long list of famous audio formats is also supported to instantly convert into MP3 format. The shining part is that, you can specify an image set to convert into video format and easily upload a converted video file to your YouTube account.

Furthermore, the stunning interface is quiet awesome, flaunting each feature it offers right up-front. To add a video or audio for conversion, click the respective button. You can also add DVD to quickly convert it in other supported video formats & even extract audio in MP3 format. It supports video conversion in mobile devices compatible format like; iPhone, iPad, iPod, PSP, Blackberry, etc. Usage cant be easier, once media file is added, from lower part of the window, select the required format, specify the output location to begin conversion.

It also allows user to edit video, clicking Edit link with inserted video will bring up video editor, where you can flip, rotate and crop the video.

It also features an awesome Photo converter. You can easily convert photo set in desired video format with an option to select HD 1080, 720 and other video qualities.

As aforementioned , it also lets user upload video to YouTube account. Click YouTube to enter login credentials and clicking Upload will begin uploading the converted video.

Comparing the media conversion speed it offers with previously covered brilliant media players like: Oxelon & Handbrake, it stays a little behind. But as it can convert photo set into video format with an ability to upload on YouTube, you can give this application a shot.

It runs on Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. Testing was done on system running Windows 7 32-bit.

Download Free Make Video Converter

View, Edit, And Export Multiple Types Of Database Files With Exportizer

2011-01-07T11:18:00.001-08:00

Since database storage containers are of many kinds carrying relative features and usability, to edit and view each database type, you need to have respective database engines/compilers. What if you’re dealing with multiple types of databases? Would you go for installing a list of database engines to manipulate data tables? Exportizer is one application which support multitude of database types, letting user view and edit them under one window. With an ability to export and copy database content from different DB storages, it is accompanied by Microsoft Excel, HTML, Text (txt), CSV, RTF and dBase format support. Since it comes with BDE (Borland Database Engine) and ADO (ActiveX Data Objects) database engines, you will be able to work with databases supported by these engines.

The application comes with a simple GUI, experts can also use CLI to manipulate database table entries. Once the database file which you want to edit is opened, you will see all the options and tools to add/delete/edit the table data and freeze the column in question lying on toolbar. Furthermore, from right-click menu, you can duplicate a record, create a duplicate field, bookmark any field or hide/show selected column.

If you are editing an enormous database, filters will come handy to narrow down the search and to view only specific columns. Alongside filters, search can also be initiated to find a list of table entries.

Once all the required table entries are altered, from Export to copy pull-down menu, click Export to File. Here, you can also copy the content to clipboard and generate Command Line.

The Export to File dialog holds a great deal of options to export the table entries. First, head over to the tab which says your database type name. Since we have been editing CSV file, we will look at some CSV-specific options. You can specify schema, include/exclude column names, delimit fields, specify field separator & data range etc. Once you’ve configured all the export options, click Export to save the modified file as per defined conditions.

Likewise, there are plentiful options available for each database type, before exporting database, make sure that you are familiar with exporting options and modes it offer. The application was tested on our Windows 7 x86 system, while it supports all versions of Windows.

Download Exportizer

Download, Convert, And Stream Videos From 300+ Websites With FVD Suite

2011-01-07T11:12:00.001-08:00

Earlier we have covered some video downloaders, such as, YouDown, SaveTube, Easy YouTube Video Downloader and Free Make Video downloader, the later has an ability to download and convert Dailymotion, Google Videos and Facebook videos as well. Out of staggering number of video resources, YouTube is the most popular video sharing website, so users lean more towards an application which offers all YouTube supported video qualities with an option to convert them as well. Today we will review FVD Suite, which supports more than 300+ video sharing platforms whilst offering on the fly conversion of downloaded videos. Along with downloading and converting flash-based videos, you will also be able to stream media from thousands of supported websites.

The application offers a broad interface with self-explanatory usage. To begin downloading videos, add the source URL and click Add. It will prompt you to specify the target location with an option to specify conversion parameters, you can also create & save profiles to quickly select favorite conversion settings.

Click List of supported sites on the main screen to view all the supported websites. To find out your favorite website, filters support is also provided to narrow down your search.

All video downloading options along with respective usage details are given under different tabs, such as, under Stream media downloader and RTMP Streams tabs, it provides simple usage demonstrating animation to help you with recording streaming media.

Under Converter, you will find plentiful of encoding options to convert local videos into any format, it also supports video to audio conversion so you can easily extract audio from video files.

It is further possible to use Screen Recorder feature to record flash based videos on your screen and to play/convert recorded videos. It integrates directly with IE and Firefox to let user easily initiate the process of screen recording. Sadly, it lacks support of Chrome browser.

The application sits in the system tray, a right-click reveals a basic menu from where you can change application preferences, add URL/media file to download/convert, etc. Above system notification area, you will find FVD suite box, showing current status of video being downloaded or converted.

During testing, we didn’t find any lags while downloading, converting and streaming media nor encounter any flash-content detection problems. It supports Windows XP/Vista/7. Testing was done on Windows 7 x86 system.

Download FVD Suite

Burn BluRay, DVD, CD Disks With Hamster Free Burning Studio, Better Than NeroBurn Lite

2011-01-07T11:10:00.002-08:00

If you’ve been hanging on to Nero Free Lite tool (a stripped-down version of Nero Suite) to write/burn CDs/DVDs, you should consider giving Hamster Free Burning Studio a try. It is a full-featured free application

that hosts a great number of disk authoring tools with an ability to write/burn Blu-Ray discs. It also allows users to replicate the disc content while a long list of discs types are supported, including CD-R,CD-RW, DVD RW, and so on. Out of many useful features it bring, what intruded our attention is that it can automatically identify the type of disc inserted into tray, check its capacity and evaluate the most suitable burning speed to prevent any erratic disc writing/burning experience.

It offers an eye-candy and a very straightforward interface, with the main screen listing down all types of discs to burn. To begin, select Data CD/DVD to either add files/folder to the project or specify an ISO file which you wish to burn to disc. Alternatively, you can start off with copying CD/DVD content to inserted media.

Once the project is created, you will see the main screen for adding more files/folders up to disc’s capacity limit. At left side, it shows drive-related information with option to erase writable disc before start burning, you can also manually specify the disc writing speed and enter volume label. If you are using multiple drives, select one from the bottom the screen. Now click burning-imaged button to start writing data to disc.

It will go into compact mode when data is being authored. However, you can switch to full-screen mode anytime to view the errors/writing problems.

Similar to previously covered Hamster Video Converter, it offers multiple color schemes to overhaul the layout, just pick out one from Settings window to revamp the interface.

Going over its numerous features, we couldn’t help but compare it with Nero’s free disc burning tool, you have support for a slew of disc types in Hamster’s product whereas Nero’s burning tool offers a way less disc burning options with limited features. The most distinctive feature is that Hamster’s product can write data to BluRay discs.

Since it is in beta phase, the Media Studio and Disc Backup features are not available. As far available writing options are concerned, we didn’t find any bug or lag during testing. It runs on Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 (both 32-bit and 64-bit systems are supported), testing was carried on Windows 7 x64 system.

Download Hamster Free Burning Studio

You can also check out previously covered some free disc writing tools, Expore&Burn, BurnAware, and UsefulUtils.

Make 32-bit Applications Utilize 4GB Virtual Memory In 64-bit Systems

2011-01-07T11:10:00.001-08:00

Make 32-bit Applications Utilize 4GB Virtual Memory In 64-bit Systems

By Usman on Dec 06 2010 8 Comments

4GB Patch is a miniscule application which can be used to patch x86 compatible applications’ executables, so they can gain more than 2GB of virtual memory in x64 systems. It is utterly useful for applications

which need a great amount of system’s virtual memory such as, high FPS games, 3D renderization, multimedia tools, etc. If you are dealing with high-resolution graphics, animations, or planning to play a hefty game, just create a patch through it to utilize full system virtual memory.

Since an expert can tweak with application’s executable file to gain more than 2GB of virtual memory in x64 system, this tool offers an easy way to achieve this by automating the lengthy & complex process. To begin, launch the application and just specify the executable file which is to be patched.

The time it takes to patch depends upon the size of selected executable file. Once done, it will prompt you to add another file, indicating that specified file has been patched successfully.

It automatically creates a backup of the executable file, so users can retain the original file back anytime.

The application is designed for Windows platform. Works great on both Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Download 4GB Patch

Extract Software Product Keys From Windows Registry With LicenseCrawler

2011-01-07T11:08:00.000-08:00

Extract Software Product Keys From Windows Registry With LicenseCrawler

By Usman on Dec 02 2010 2 Comments

If you’ve searched for any license recovery utility in the past then you might know about Nirsoft’s famous ProduKey – which provides a simple solution to extract license keys from Windows registry. Today, we have stumbled across another software license extractor called LicenseCrawler which has been written to extract all the serial numbers and licenses saved in yours Windows registry.

The GUI based application also supports direct extraction of licenses/serials remotely, which means that you can extract license keys from any node connected with network. Even though you can remotely make use of ProdKey by manually specifying the source location, LicenseCrawler automatically lists down all the connected systems to let user decide where to extract product keys from. Furthermore, it offers license extraction for almost all installed software while letting you choose registry hive to be searched.

The application is highly portable, you an carry it in USB flash drives to easily extract licenses from any PC. To begin, launch the application and click Start Search. If you need to look for serials keys in remote computers, before staring the process, select one from Computer list. All the logical registry groups are present beneath it, you can select any hive to start off with. It will start listing down serial numbers in couple of seconds, however, the time it takes is subjected to yours Windows registry size and number of installed applications.

Under File menu, you can save the extracted information into text format. As per testing results, on our Windows 7 x86 system, we found it be working fine. It supports all versions of Windows.

Download LicenseCrawler

Diffuse Compares Both Text And Code, With Option To Merge Into One File

2011-01-07T11:07:00.002-08:00

Comparing text files becomes indispensable in many instances, where system administrators find it confounding to compare multiple huge log files manually, application developers also need an efficient text comparison tool which offers a detailed insight into the line differences in application’s module code files. For placid users who don’t care much about advance features, we have already covered two simple file comparison tools – diffChecker and CompareMyFiles. If you’re looking for an advanced utility for carrying out complex text comparisons, try out Diffuse, an opensource application which brings a great number of features to compare multiple text files with an option to merge changes on the fly.

The multi-tabbed interface allows you to thoroughly review changes in specified files, unlike other traditional text file comparison tools, it offers 3-way file comparison, letting user compare 3 files simultaneously. All the compare and merge-specific options are lying on the toolbar. First off, select the comparison mode (2-way/3-way) and specify number of files according to selected mode.

Each file which is being compared has specific color which helps user in visually analyzing the differences/changes. At extreme right-side, you will see small pane which shows all the differences in the files, the white color symbolizes identical part of the text file whereas color in pane shows differences in the files.

The toolbar contain buttons to navigate through all the changes along with an option to merge changes. Before making any change, we’d reckon you to read the screentip to better understand the option. From Format menu, you can further take control over text files, you can change the letter case, sort in ascending/descending order, remove white spaces, covert space to tabs and vice versa, and so on.

Changes can be saved from File menu, just select a file after making suitable alterations and click Save. It supports innumerable text encodings, you will probably find all the text encoders to encode the document in required format.

We found some interface-specific glitches, hopefully it will get fixed in forthcoming releases. As far as primary functionality goes, the application

works as intended. Testing was done on Windows 7 x86 system while it supports multiple OS platforms including, Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and BSD.

Download Diffuse

FastCopy Offers User-Defined Buffer Size For Fast Data Copying

2011-01-07T11:07:00.001-08:00

FastCopy is an opensource application which is built to speed up data copying process in Windows OS. On macro-level, its working is based on source & destination of data which is to be copied, i.e, two mechanisms are deployed to provide super fast data copying – if source & destination is on different HDDs, then reading and writing are processed respectively in parallel by separate threads. But if they are on the same HDDs, then reading is processed until the user-defined buffer size is filled. Once filled, data can be written anywhere immediately. According to the developer, it doesn’t use Windows

cache for data reading/writing, so users wont be experiencing any lags.

Editor’s Note: This is the second review of FastCopy, check out the first review here. Starting from v2.0, FastCopy has been greatly improved. For alternatives, also have a look at Talent Copy V and UltraCopier.

The software claims to reach the device limit while copying an enormous data from one location to other. The full resource utilization is one factor which gets it over the line than other conventional copy boosting applications

available. Despite being merely an application for copying data, it is also responsible to move and sync data between two specified locations.

Once the application is installed, you will see it residing in the system tray, click on its icon to bring it up and specify source and target locations. Once specified, you can see the directory listing by clicking Listing button. Before starting the process, select the copy/move/sync related option from the pull-down menu, enter Buffer size (in MB) and set the speed of the process. The application also supports filters, you can include/exclude a set of files by file types/extensions. Once settings are configured, click Execute to begin the copy/move/sync task in question.

If you need to apply more filters and select HDD mode yourself, under Options menu, it contains a list of customizable options and features, you can also enable advance filter fields on main screen, change the HDD mode, specify Post-processing. Furthermore, you can also install its options in Windows right-click context menu, click Shell Extension and configure the options before installing them.

Once the extension is installed, you wont need to bring up its main interface each time to copy/move/paste/delete any folder/file, these options will be available in right-click menu.

In our experience, it works fine without hogging down system resources while copying data. It runs on Windows XP/Vista/7 (Both 32-bit & 64-bit editions are available). Testing was done on Windows 7 x86 system.

Download FastCopy

Monitor And Troubleshoot Multiple Hosts (Networks) With Pinkie

2011-01-07T10:56:00.001-08:00

Monitor And Troubleshoot Multiple Hosts (Networks) With Pinkie

By Farshad on Dec 23 2010 Leave a comment

You must have noticed that over the last few days we have covered some articles regarding network troubleshooting via the command prompt. There are many GUI (Graphical User Interface) based network troubleshooting tools as well that can help you trace a route, ping multiple hosts, perform forward and reverse DNS lookup, etc. Pinkie is a suite of network troubleshooting utilities pack into one easy-to-use graphical interface, that allows users to troubleshoot multiple network related problems.

With Pinkie you can troubleshoot multiple networks at the same time. This can be particularly helpful for network administrators who might wish to check their connectivity with multiple networks when troubleshooting problems. For example one can ping the Domain and the DHCP server at the same time to check whether anyone of them may be non-responsive. In most workplaces, multiple servers are present in server rooms that are located in places where it might not be convenient to go every now and then such as on another floor of the building. In such as case, remote management of these servers is far more convenient. Pining multiple hosts at the same time can be quite helpful for checking connectivity problems in cases such as the inability of the network admin to connect

remotely to the server. Many companies also have multiple servers such as a proxy server, an FTP server, an exchange server and a domain. Being able to see the ping results for multiple servers in the same window is obviously far better than opening separate command prompt windows for checking results. To see such troubleshooting information about any server you simply need to right-click on the workspace tab and add a host name. This can also be done from the Edit drop down menu.

Pinkie also displays the DNS (Domain Name Service) information in the DNS tab. This shows the name and IP of the added hosts.

A few days back we explained the benefits of the tracert command. The Taceroute tab essentially does the same for the added hosts.

Pinkie also comes with a subnet calculator that shows class ID, IP range within the ID and other related information about the entered IP address.

A ping sweep is used to determine which of a range of IP addresses map to live hosts. You can copy the result by clicking on Copy to Clipboard button.

The port scanner is also another useful utility in this application that you can use to scan either the default or specific ports. For instance if a system or network administrator is unable to use remote desktop it might worth checking out if port 3389 is being blocked by the firewall.

TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) is a simple file transfer protocol, like FTP (File Transfer Protocol). The TFTP server tab (as the name implies) displays information about the TFTP Server. You can enter information about the server and click on start to initiate the process.

For more elaborate settings of each tab you can go to the Edit drop down menu and select the settings option. From there you can change numerous options such as setting the timeout settings when you start pinging a host, trace a route or initiate a ping sweep.

Download Pinkie

Insert Multiple ISO Images Into Single Multiboot USB / ISO File With XBoot

2011-01-07T10:55:00.001-08:00

XBoot is a powerful application which is designed on the idea of creating multi-boot ISO/USB from a set of ISO image files. Until the release of XBoot, there was apparently no easy way to collect multiple ISO files into one package. The application also comes with number of supported websites where you can download the ISO file which can be used to create bootable USB or a collective ISO image to burn on optical disk. Since many software application developers roll out their utilities in ISO image format, it can be utterly useful to make an amalgamate of all essential ISO images. Furthermore, checksum calculator is also deployed within the application to verify the original release of inserted ISO image.

The application offers easy usage catering to both amateurs and pros alike. All you need is to drag & drop the ISO images from local location into it. It will then automatically start calculating the total size while letting user make suitable alternations to inserted ISO image title. From right sidebar, you can calculate the MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, etc, checksum.

The connected USB flash drives can be selected from Edit MultiBoot USB. Alongside, you can edit Grub4dos bootloader config file and install it.

After you’ve included all the ISO images, either select Create ISO to put all the ISO images into one or Create USB to write ISO on specified USB drive. For power users, it offers portable processor emulator- QEMU that lets you easily Boot USB on QEMU from respective tab. Just drag and drop ISO over pre-defined area, select the drive and click Boot.

With XBoot up and running, you wont need to search for applications packed into ISO files over the web, it offers a list of famous websites which can be directly accessed. As of now, some Windows and Linux based developers’ websites are listed along with some anti-viruses suites. According to developer, the list will be furnished upon users requests.

The application worked flawlessly on our Windows 7 x64 testing system. It supports Windows XP/Vista/7, and requires Net Framework 4.0.

Download XBoot

How To Make Portable VirtualBox 4.0 For Windows

2011-01-07T10:38:00.001-08:00

If you’ve been using VirtulBox as your primary virtualization tool, you must have heard about the latest iteration – Version 4.0 which hosts many new features in a revamped UI. Sadly, you wont find portable VirtualBox 4 version over at vbox.me. Today, we have a simple trick that requires you to download

Portable Virtualbox v3.2.12, which you can use to make VirtualBox v4.0 portable.

Before starting out, it is recommended to backup previous VirtualBox data. In Portable-VirtualBox folder, you need to rename app32 folder to app32.old.

Now on launching Portable VirtualBox, you will get to see the initial configuration (Extract And Compress) window, requiring user to either download VirtualBox or specify its path. Here, you need to specify the path for VirtaulBox 4.0 installation package, – VirtualBox-4.0.0-69151-Win.exe. Choose your system type 32 or 64 and hit OK to make your VirtualBox 4.0 portable.

Wasn’t this easy?

Download VirtualBox 4.0

Download Portable VirtualBox 3.2.12

Update: Portable VirtualBox 4.0 has been released, you can grab it from here.

Convert Any Segment Of Media Files To Audio Format With Free Audio Extractor

2011-01-07T10:37:00.000-08:00

We have covered some audio extractors in the past but nothing like GikSoft’s Free Audio Extractor. If you are looking to convert Flv, Mp4, Avi, Wmv, Asf, Mov, Mp3, Wma, M4a, Aac, Wav or Mp2 media files to different audio formats (Mp3, Wav, Ogg, Flac, and Wma), then this application is for you. So why this tool, you may ask? The straightforward user interface, fast processing speed, and option to extract and convert any segment of the media, makes it a must-have utility. Don’t take our word, give it a shot yourself. The guys at GikSoft are also behind the useful Free Media Capture utility that we covered back in Summer, 2010.

Simply add a media file and choose an audio format to convert it into. Hit Save to start the conversion process. But this is not all.

Before converting your media files you can also choose certain segments of the audio to be converted and saved instead of the entire file. Simply click on the “set start point” button after selecting the point from where you wish to start saving the file. Then click on the “set end point” button (located before play button) after moving the slider to the desired end point.

You can also convert multiple files at the same time when using this application. In such a case files are queued and each file gets converted according to its position in the queue (top to bottom).

Audio format options can be customized by clicking on the Parameters button from the main interface. This will allow you to set specific conversion options for each audio format.

This light-weight and easy to use audio editing and conversion software can conveniently convert your media content without any fuss. It was tested on Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7, testing was done on Windows 7 64-bit system.

Download Free Audio Extractor

Analyze Code File Changes Visually And Merge Them With KDiff3

2011-01-07T10:35:00.002-08:00

kDiff3 is another useful utility which belongs to the same category whose workability is based on differentiating changes visually in line-by-line structure. With kDiff3, you can easily open multiple files for comparison purposes, edit content of multiple files on the fly or simply let it merge the changes into single file without putting too much effort. The application is intended to do enormous comparisons among specified text files whilst directories can also be compared and merged easily.

The application offers a simple UI with an easy usage. Just launch the application

to specify files or folders (not more than 3) which you want to compare and merge. After files are selected, you can also swap them for changing arrangement. You can enable Merge option (which is optional) to combine the files’ content.

When comparison-related options are all set, click OK to view the changes. It opens each file in separate window, where same color indicate no changes and conversely is the case with different colors. Aside from colors in sidebars of each file’s windows, you will also see changed text highlighted in comparison with other included files.

Under Merge menu, you will find multitude of ways in which files can be merged together. Unlike previously covered tools, it has an ability to show and resolve the merge-related issues without requiring any input from user’s end.

Color settings along with other application behaviors can be changed from Configuration window, where you can change default font, color combinations for each comparison parameter, editor related settings, and tweak with default comparisons and merge parameters.

In comparison with other aforementioned tools, it offers far better control over comparing and merging text files, we reckon you to give it a try for comparing source code files. It works on Windows XP/Vista/7. Testing was done successfully on Windows 7 x64 system.

Download kDiff3

Create Countdowns For Most Important Tasks With Free Countdown Timer

2011-01-07T10:35:00.001-08:00

Free Countdown Timer is a light-weight application which is developed to remind users about important tasks which they will start in near future. Compounded with basic tasks-editing options, it offers a list of alarms which can be set with each defined task/event with an on-screen notifier to let you know about next listed event. Be it birthdays, meetings, or project tasks for which you wan to start countdown for, just enter the required details to streamline them through it. Free Countdown Timer can also be used to increase productivity by setting a target and meeting it before the countdown timer counts to zero.

The application offers a nice interface with options to add, edit and delete the listed tasks. For the first time usage, click Add to get started, specify the countdown mode and date, followed by alarm repetition intervals. Beneath it, you need to enter name of event or task. Along with an intrinsic list of sounds, it also lets you select audio file (MP3) to be used as an alarm. Once settings are in place, click OK to list the newly created countdown on main interface. You can add as many countdowns as you want in similar fashion.

From right-click menu, you can choose to clone task for creating another similar countdown, toggle it On/Off, and add another task in a list.

If you like simple task planner application with straightforward usage, you’d probably love trying it out. Nonetheless, we have covered some advance reminders/task scheduling applications in the past – Desktop Reminder, TaskCoach, and Rainlender. Free Countdown Timer works on Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. Testing was done on Windows 7 x64 system.

Download Free Countdown Timer

Synkron – Sync Multiple Folders, Restore Overwritten Or Deleted Files, And More

2011-01-07T10:34:00.001-08:00

Synkron – Sync Multiple Folders, Restore Overwritten Or Deleted Files, And More

By Usman on Dec 29 2010 Leave a comment

Synkron is an ingeniously simple application to carry out synchronization between two locations which has a lot different to offer as compared to previously reviewed sync utilities. Beyond the obvious features of every synchronization tool, which includes, scheduling sync job, supporting incremental synchronization, applying filters, etc. It allows you to sync hidden files and folders between two specified locations whilst offering novel features like Multisync (to backup data from multiple sources to one target location), Propagate deletion, and Detect collisions. With Synkron, you can also create a Blacklist of folders, files, and extensions to add an eternal exclusion from sync process.

The application, despite having many features, offers simple interface which is very easy to use. On the main screen, it requires you to specify source and target locations. Before starting out, it is recommended to analyze the sync process, just click Analyze to view the files which are to be synced, it displays directory listings with information NOT FOUND under Folder column which requires updating.

Multisync can be performed in similar fashion, you just need to specify a list of folders which you wish to sync with one destination folder, apparently there is no limit on numbers of folders that you can sync, however, time to completely sync listed folders depends upon target location (local or remote) and size of data. Multisync analysis is performed by choosing one specific folder out of the list, it doesn’t display analysis of data collected from all inserted folders, so you have to choose a single folder for viewing analysis report.

Options to include hidden files/folders in sync process, detect collisions (detection of updates in both locations leads to collision), propagate deletions (to delete files which user deliberately deleted from one of the synced folders), and to create and edit Blacklist can be accessed from Advanced pull-down menu. Apart from these features, you will also get to see all the basic synchronization methods here.

The portable version of Synkron is available from Portable Apps, which is primarily written to perform synchronization while on the go. Synkron is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Testing was done on Windows 7 x64 system.

Download Synkron

Manage Multiple Shifts Schedule And Employees Availability With CURO

2011-01-07T10:33:00.000-08:00

CURO is an Adobe Air application which offers a simple employee management solution for SME (Small & Medium Enterprises) to abet them in maintaining employees record and shift schedules. It allows employer to list down employees availability timings, schedules, and to allocate tasks in multiple shifts to employees. CURO implements an efficient smart scheduling system, which will be of great benefit to owners and managers to organize and schedule workforce in multiple shifts. Recording each employees personnel information with work abilities is utterly simple. Data can be entered in input-forms and through different controls, sliders present for each working day helps you to mark employees availability, so you don’t have to do extensive amount of data entry, just fill in required information, specify availability and it will handle the shift schedules smartly.

On the main interface, it lists down all the employees, however, for the first time you need to enter details of employees including their personnel information, pay rate on monthly/yearly basis, date of joining, designation along with a picture.

Once details are entered, head over to Availability to mark the availability of an employee in question, just move the slider across the available space to let it record the timings.

From Vacation, you can specify dates of vacations, so it will automatically exclude those days from working days. Once the information is entered, click Save to list down the employee on main screen. Likewise, you can populate the main list with all the employees information. After adding all the employees into the list, head over to Schedule to add work timings and to specify those employees who will be available.

It works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, provided you have Adobe Air installed. Testing

was done on Windows 7 x64 system.

Download CURO

Mousenitor Prevents Your Mouse From Spilling Over To Multiple Monitors

2011-01-07T10:22:00.000-08:00

Many users have been tormented by the problem of being unable to control their mouse from spilling over to another monitor unnecessarily. Mousenitor is an open source application designed for users having multiple monitors that allows deactivating the mouse from moving across other screens. It can be activated and deactivated instantly and for a set period of time, along with the option to set custom hotkeys for specific commands.

Double-click on the Mousenitor application to open Settings for configuring advanced options. By default, a Global profile is activated for users which can be replaced by other profiles that can be added from the Add New profile button. Likewise, profiles can be edited and removed from the Edit and Delete buttons. To add any custom keys, simply tick the check boxes next to the hotkey or command that you wish to activate. For example, to add a key for seeing the Setting panel , the Shift key can be added. However, it is worth mentioning here that adding hot keys as simple as the Shift key can result in a conflict with default and customized commands for other programs.

Once functional, Mousenitor can be accessed from the system tray. From here it can be deactivated, temporarily activated (for a set period of time), hidden from the system tray and exited.

Mousenitor is a remedy for those who have been affected by the ailment of being unable to control their mouse movement across multiple monitors.

Download Mousenitor

Backup and Restore Windows Drivers

2010-11-18T00:17:00.000-08:00

A few weeks back I wrote about a program that could backup drivers. Well that created a flood of emails – You all told me about your favorite driver backup program. One that stood out was Double Driver.

You can get it from here:

http://www.boozet.org/download.htm

The application is simple, but powerful. Download and launch it:

Click on Backup, and then “Scan Current System”. It will grab all of your current drivers.

Select all of the drivers you want to include, and press “Backup Now”

Pick your option for backup:

I like the self extracting exe – very easy to handle when I am in the middle of a format and reload.

It will then quickly build your driver backup:

Best of all this utility is free, and can run right from a flash drive.

Extend Windows Server 2003 C Drive

2010-11-18T00:13:00.000-08:00

Sooner or later the chances of encountering a Windows based system that is exhausting its free space on C: are pretty good. After years of Windows patching, application updates, etc, even a system that started with a healthy amount of free space on C: can find itself running low. If you happen to be in a virtualized environment you have some good, semi non-disruptive options to resolve this issue.

In the "old days" when the C drive was carved out of physical disk, the only option was to backup the system, repartition, reformat, reinstall, and restore the system(maybe there are/were some advanced partitioning managers that could do this much more simply?). A very lengthy, disruptive and risky operation. With the advent of Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 (maybe Vista/Server 2008?) Microsoft built in the very handy feature of extending the C: drive live while the system is running - very cool indeed! As long as you have some available space to add, it is a zero downtime operation on those operating systems.

Back to Windows 2000 and 2003. I recently had some Server 2003 virtual machines that have been in service long enough to start running low on C drive space. All the (conservative) cleanup I could muster wasn't going recover enough space for the long haul. If you turn to Google you'll find several ways to accomplish extending the C drive - here I offer what I though was one of the most straight forward and conservative(safe) methods in a VMware environment.

Preparation Steps

Get a good backup of the system to be modified (you already regularly do this though - right?)
Have a "Helper" Windows 2003 or newer virtual machine you can power on / off without disrupting user services. This system will need access to the vmdk to be extended.
Make sure you have free disk space on the vmfs/nas volume to extend your C drive.
Downtime required - although minimal it must be planned accordingly

HowTo

Backup, Backup, Backup the original system
Shutdown the original System
Edit the Virtual Machine's properties and adjust the disk size to the total desired capacity
In the Helper Virtual Machine
Add the existing, newly extended drive as a new hard drive device
Boot up the Helper Virtual Machine
Fire up diskpart, execute list volume
Execute select volume # where # is the volume number to be extended
Execute extend, then exit
Shutdown the Helper Virtual Machine and remove the disk device configuration from it (but don't delete the VMDK!)
Boot up the original system
You may see a checkdisk run - this is OK
You may get the "New hardware install please reboot" prompt, go ahead and reboot
The system will now have a larger C drive!

This method appealed to me for following key reasons:

Uses Windows native tools to modify Windows partitions.
No copying of data from one disk to another.
It's relatively quick. This can manually be done in around 15 minutes(excluding the backup time).

One potential downside stems from a VMware technical matter. For those who might think: "I'll take a snapshot of my virtual machine before messing with its disk size", you'll quickly notice the VMDK size can not be altered when a snapshot is present. If you are looking to the concept of "Snapshot" as a quick fall-back option, you'll have to get that from your storage or backup solution.

If all failed, you can also use the Gparted Live CD to boot up and configure the hard drive partition (extend, delete, configure, etc.)
http://gparted.sourceforge.net/download.php

Export users from Active Directory – Free Tool

2010-11-18T00:03:00.000-08:00

I have an Active Directory Domain that has lots of user accounts, under many organizational units. I wanted to find an easy way to see all of the user accounts within the domain.

My friend Matt told me about this free tool called DumpSec from SystemTools.com

When you first launch the app it defaults to the local system (You can use this tool for local computer security info too btw). I wanted it to export information about the domain, so I had to change it to look at the domain controller instead.

You can do this by clicking on the reports menu within the app, and the pick then option that says “Select Computer”

Then type in the host name of one of your domain controllers.

Once it is connected, you can click that reports tab again and pick what you want to export. It can export:

-File system permissions
-Registry permissions
-Printer permissions
-Share permissions
-A shared directories permissions
-All shared directories permissions
-Groups
-Users
-Policies
-Rights
-Servers

For me, I just needed a current list of users. I picked the fast option:

Within a few seconds I had a complete list of users on my domain, and the program allowed me to easily save it to a text file.

A great free tool – if you need to audit permissions on your domain I highly recommend it.

Download a copy of it from here:

SystemTools.Com DumpSec Download

Shutdown Timer

2010-08-15T15:33:00.000-07:00

Shutdown Timer

What is Shutdown Timer?

Shutdown Timer is a utlity that will allow you to perform certain actions relating to shutting down the system. The user interface is easy to use and understand and you should be able to get to grips with it.

What are the main features of Shutdown Timer?

Ability to:

Shutdown
Restart
Logoff
Lock
Hibernate
Standy
Monitor Standby
Open a file
Open a Web Page
Based on Date & Time
CPU/Memory Utilisation
CPU Temperature
Networking Usage
Process Management
Ability to save your settings for future use
Completely Portable, You can take it on a USB if you want to!

What if an update comes out, would I need to come back here to download?

No you won't need to do that, we offer a dedicated update server for recieving the latest updates right to your desktop!

Better yet, we'll soon be rolling out new update servers that are nearer to your location so you can get the fastest possible transfers.

Where can I download it?

You can get the Shutdown Timer from the top of the sidebar or directly through here: (32 Bit) | (64 Bit)

VMware ESX 4.0 Disk Layout

2010-07-19T23:42:00.001-07:00

After having just sat the vSphere “What’s New” course, I have the itch to start writing again! As many of you may already be aware, vSphere has some slick new features and I am excited to start writing again about these new topics as well as Microsoft Hyper-V R2 and Citrix XenServer! Now for the post!

One area that was not really covered in the course was “what are the best practices for partitioning vSphere”. Things are very different now, unlike in previous versions, the COS is now a vmdk file and runs on a VMFS volume. Just in case you were wondering, the COS VMDK is stored on the local VMFS volume by default in the following location: esxconsole-/esxconsole.vmdk. As you would imagine, this will definitely alter the way that you partition your disk, if you are installing from scratch. To install from scratch, the best practice is to partition as follows:

Note: You cannot define the sizes for /boot, vmkcore, or vmfs partitions using manual or graphical installation. Only using a scripted method can you define these values

Required:

Mount Point	Size	Notes
/(root)	5120 MB	This is the VMware recommended value
swap	1600 MB	This is the maximum value. Minimum value is 600 MB
/boot	1.25 GB	This mount point is automatically created and included both /boot and vmkcore partitions. The /boot partition requires 1100 MB of this value
VMFS	1200 MB	This mount point is automatically created and includes the COS vmdk named esxconsole.vmdk
/var/log	4096 MB	Created by default during manual installation. VMware recommends a minimum of 2000 MB
/home	2048 MB	VMware recommends 512 MB
/opt	2048 MB	VMware does not have any recommendation for /opt
/tmp	2048 MB	VMware recommends 1024 MB

So there you have it. Somewhat similar to what we’ve seen in the past, however with a twist in that the COS is now a VMDK!

Windows 2008 Core Commands

2010-07-19T23:36:00.000-07:00

So you installed Server 2008 Core And here’s what you’ve got:

Well now what? To start, check out the commands below:

Show NICs
netsh interface ipv4 show interfaces

Show NIC Configuration
netsh interface ipv4 show config

Configure Static IP
netsh interface ipv4 set address name=”2” source=static address=xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx mask=xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx gateway xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx

Add Primary DNS
netsh interface ipv4 add dnsserver name=”2” address=xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx index=1

Add Secondary DNS
netsh interface ipv4 add dnsserver name=”2” address=xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx index=2

Rename server
netdom renamecomputer oldname /NewName:newname

Add to Domain
netdom join servername /domain:domainname /userd:domain\username
/passwordd:*

Activate the Server
cscript slmgr.vbs –ato

Enable Remote Desktop for Administration
cscript scregedit.wsf /AR 0

Allow Remote Admin through Firewall
netsh advfirewall Firewall set rule group=”Remote Administration” new enable=yes

Restart server
shutdown /r t 0

Disable Interface
netsh interface set interface “Local Area Connection 2” disabled
Delete DNS entries
netsh interface delete dnsserver name=”2” address=all

6 Ways To Sync Your iPod To Computer Without iTunes

2010-06-27T21:24:00.000-07:00

6 Ways To Sync Your iPod To Computer Without iTunes

There has always been one universal constant for purchasers of an iPod – that they would be using Apple’s iTunes to sync it. Apple’s iTunes has been downloaded millions of times and is adored by many, but what if you’re looking for an alternative?

Last year, we covered a similar topic entitled 6 Ways To Sync Music To Your iPhone Without iTunes. The article was very popular and it covered 6 great applications. There has since been many capable alternatives to iTunes, each program having its own pros and cons.

In this article, I am going to cover some of the best free alternatives to using iTunes to sync iPod to computer without iTunes.

[Note]: Depending on which model of iPod you own, you may want to still keep iTunes around for firmware updates, application downloads, and other advanced features that one or more of these programs may not be capable of.

Floola (Cross Platform)

Floola is a freeware application that will effectively manage your iPod’s music, videos, podcasts, and photos. It is a standalone application that can be run directly from your iPod and needs no installation under Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux. The current version supports every type of iPod except for the iPhone/iTouch.

Floola supports almost all of the features offered by iPods. It can convert incompatible audio and video files, add YouTube videos to your device, and sync Google Calendars. With Floola you can copy almost any file to your iPod. It is also very easy to uninstall, which makes it worth giving a try.

Songbird (Windows & Mac)

Songbird is a Mac and PC compatible application that handles all of your digital media management needs. It is an open source media manager that will sync your music, video, and photos to and from iTunes with ease.

Songbird allows you to set up watch folders to keep Songbird in sync as your media changes over time. It also supports hundreds of add-ons that can add features, integrate services, and customize the application. We have covered Songbird a lot in the past. Just click here to see the search results.

Amarok (Cross Platform)

Amarok is a powerful music player that is supported by Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. It has an automated playlist generator, a similar artists and upcoming events applet, and support for the Last.fm database. Amarok is integrated with a lot of web services and features support for all iPods.

EphPod (Windows)

EphPod is a full-featured Windows application that connects with Apple’s iPod. It supports standard Winamp playlists and will synchronize an entire music collection with one click. It imports Microsoft Outlook contacts and can download the latest news, weather, e-books, and movie listings to an iPod.

On the download page it is noted that EphPod may not work properly with new iPods, but it is worth investigating.

YamiPod (Cross Platform)

YamiPod is yet another cross platform iPod manager that is supported on Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux. Like Floola, it is a standalone application which requires no installation. Your iPod is automatically recognized and synced with your computer. It supports multiple iPods and can copy/sync your music, playlists, and song lists.

Banshee (Linux)

Banshee is packaged for many Linux distributions and is even the default media player for several. According to the site, it will soon be available for Windows and Mac OS X as well.

Banshee allows you to sync your music and videos to your iPod, Android, and other devices. It supports audio, video, podcasts, album art, playlists, and more.

Conclusion

As I mentioned previously, we wrote a similar article last year for syncing music to the iPhone. Although I did not cover any of those applications in this article, I strongly suggest you explore those options as well because they are still relevant and continue to be viable alternatives to iTunes.

What did you think of the programs provided? Will you be ditching iTunes for one of these installations?

AllDup - Find and remove duplicate files on your PC

2010-05-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

AllDup - Find and remove duplicate files on your PC

AllDup is a freeware tool for searching and removing file duplicates on your computer. The fast search algorithm find duplicates of any file type, e.g., text, pictures, music or movies. The powerful search engine enables you to find duplicates with a combination of the following criteria:

File Name
File Extension
File Size
File Content (byte by byte compare)
Last Modified Date
Create Date
File Attributes

Features

Freeware for private and commercial use
Fast search algorithm
Find duplicates with a combination of the following criteria: file content, file name, file extension, file dates, file attributes!
Search is performed in multiple specified folders, drives, media storages, CD/DVDs, network dirves...
Search through an unlimited number of files and folders
Search for duplicates of music and video files
Search for duplicates of digital photo files
Search for duplicates of executable and any other files
Entire folders or individual files can be excluded from the search by masks or size conditions
The built-in file viewer allows you to preview many different file formats and analyze the content of the file before deciding what to do with it
Ignore the ID3 tags of MP3 files
Convenient search result list
Many flexible options help you to select unnecessary duplicates automatically
The unnecessary duplicates can be deleted permanently or copied/moved to a folder of your choice
Save and restore the search result for continue working later
Export the search result to TXT or CSV file
Turn duplicate files into hard links (NTFS file systems only) or shortcuts
Detailed log file about all actions

System Requirements

Microsoft Windows 7 (all versions)
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 (all versions)
Microsoft Windows Vista (all versions)
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 (all versions)
Microsoft Windows XP (all versions) *
Microsoft Windows 2000 (all versions) *

AllDup also runs on the 64-bit versions of these operating systems.

* The portable version of AllDup doesn't support Windows XP without any Service Pack installed and Microsoft Windows 2000.

Get Folder Side

2010-05-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

GetFoldersize

GetFoldersize allows you to determine the size of folders and sub-folders on your hard drive. Determine which programs are taking up your hard disk space. For each folder, you can display the total file size and the number of files and subfolders in the folder.

Features

Freeware for private and commercial use
Determine the size of folders and sub-folders on drives, media storages, CD/DVDs, network shares...
Fast scan algorithm
Scan file and folder paths with an overall length of up to 32,000 characters and file and folder names containing Unicode characters
Scan an unlimited number of files and folders
Show the number of file and/or folder of all files and subfolders
Display the file size in Bytes, Kilobytes, Megabytes and Gigabytes
Print the folder tree
Save the folder tree and information into a text file
Start GetFoldersize and scan folders right from the windows explorer context menu

System Requirements

Microsoft Windows 7 (all versions)
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 (all versions)
Microsoft Windows Vista (all versions)
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 (all versions)
Microsoft Windows XP (all versions) *
Microsoft Windows 2000 (all versions) *

GetFoldersize also runs on the 64-bit versions of these operating systems.

* The portable Version of GetFoldersize don't support Windows XP without any Service Pack installed and Microsoft Windows 2000.

Gizmo's Freeware Reviews

2010-05-26T20:55:00.001-07:00

Editor's Choice List
Our "Top Picks" - the best in every category

Best Free Online Apps
The best of what "cloud" computing has to offer.

Best Free Portable Apps
Fill up your USB stick with these top programs.

Or select a software category below:

Cleanup & Tuning
File Cleaning, Memory Optimizer, System Tune-Up and more...

Desktop & GUI
File Manager, Program Launcher, Start Menu, Tray Icons and more...

Disk & File Tools
Backup, Restore, Encryption, Synchro-nization and more...

Educational
There is always something to learn...

Games
Computer games, chess and other diversions.

Home & Office
Office Suites, Finance, Project, Spell-Checker, PIM and more...

Image View & Edit
Bitmap, Vector, HDR, Viewer, Photo Organizer and more...

Internet & eMail
Browser, eMail, IM, Download, Parental Filter and more...

Linux
Our Linux section with tips and software...

Multimedia
Audio/Video Edit, Ripper, Burner, Online TV and more...

Networking
FTP, SSH, Remote Access, BitTorrent and more...

Programming
Editors, Binary Extraction, Search & Replace and more...

Lookup & Cataloging
CD, DVD, File and Software Cataloging and more...

Security
Anti Virus, Adware, Firewall, Intrusion Prevention and more...

System Info
Disk, RAM, Memory, Down/Up, WiFi Finder and more...

System Tools
Registry, Time, Vista Tweaks, Font Manager and more...

Website & Server
Web scripts and server software...

Find more free stuff in these sections:

Video Tutorials
Watch how things are done...

Hot Finds
Hot items, just found by our editors.

Daily Tech Treats
One treat a day...

Folder Lock

2010-05-26T20:44:00.001-07:00

PenyuLocker is another free software from Penyu Radius.

PenyuLocker is a small tool to secure your folder. With PenyuLocker, you can lock or unlock any folder with a given password. This will prevent unauthorised person from having access to any sensitive or confidential information in your computer.

Once locked, it will display a locked icon. To unlock the folder, run PenyuLocker software. Browse to the previously locked folder and select "Unlock" function. It will again ask you for a password. Make sure you remember the password.

Enjoy another free product from Penyu Radius. PenyuLocker software is free without any limitation on number of use or any advertisement or nagging screen. In previous version, the locked folder will camouflage as recycle-bin icon but we have now changed it to a "Lock" icon to avoid confusing the users.

Link 1

Link 2

PenyuLocker

Version: 1.2.0

Requirements: Tested on Windows Vista and 7

Price: Free

Installation Note:-

1. Download and unzip the file

2. Then run the file name PenyuLockerInstaller.exe

3. Start Installation and follow the wizard.

.

PenyuLocker offers encrypted and password protection for your files and folders. Once locked, a lock icon will be displayed.

MonitorSwitch®, Quickly move windows between monitors

2010-05-26T20:34:00.000-07:00

MonitorSwitch^®, Quickly move windows between monitors
Moving windows is a common task on multi-monitor systems, and MonitorSwitch makes it easier and more efficient.
MonitorSwitch adds two custom buttons in the caption bar of any windows, allowing you to move the window to the next or previous monitor.		.
		MonitorSwitch also adds custom menu commands to the window (or system) menu of applications that lets you quickly move windows between monitors. Version: V1.0.3 Last Updated: 30 April 2010 Windows All, 64-bitCompatible

What's New
Version 1.0.3 ( - CURRENT VERSION - ) (Release date: 2010-4-30) Fix a bug: When a certain type of child window is sent to the second monitor the right hand portion of the window gets truncated.
Version 1.0.2 You can now use Hot-Keys CTRL+SHIFT+arrow to move the current window left or right! Fix some bugs.


MonitorSwitch is freeware and will always remain free.

SecureFileTransfer 1.0

2010-05-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

SecureFileTransfer 1.0 Beta is released :

- Download SecureFileTransfer ( installer)
for checking genuine file use FootPrint and compare with SHA 512 : 2991934871cf1683730619a48a7c153bc428cf5fb0d41119b7db3da4ebf87a60024457fdbd0d08b29396ac3a7e671d947db27028e9bac2c69cdc9ff940a217b0

-Manual SecureFileTransfer:

-What makes this program:
allows you to transmit files securely, those who intercepts it can not be traced back to the plaintext data

-How he does it:
through communication between two computers, both must be present securefiletransfer (freeware, open source under New BSD license) one of which generates a key pair for asymmetric encryption, sends the public key to another computer that produces a symmetric key and sends the first computer after it is encrypted with the public key, the computer that receives possesses the private key to decrypt the symmetric key asymmetric and at this point the two computers are aware of a symmetric key through Rijndael (AES "implementation") is able to produce a level of encryption security that a brute force attack currently require time processing machine virtually impossible,
the public key is exchanged in clear encoded to 1024 bit and is not feasible go back to the private key,for a confirm of this you can also search on internet.

-What else makes securefiletransfer:
Server mode allows the program to create an unlimited number of users each of which is defined a username and password for each user is defined as a directory to read exactly what the user can access a directory read and write where the user has write access, for example the user with username "test" and password "mypassword" will have access to read the entire C: drive and write to c: \ Users \ test \ documents, to request or send the file should of course add to the server and send your username and password that will go on the Internet encrypted, as all data exchanged with Rijndael. SecureFileTransfer software encrypts all data stored locally that all data directories for user username passwords using rinjadeal and password as a password application that you choose your choice the first time you use the application and will then write to each boot and for each critical operation for amending or creating user accounts, password entry application (which can be a few characters) and some data (such as the user password is via virtual qwerty, this will completely avoids that a key logger can steal your login information to your file server (securefiletransfer in server mode)

Features:
-Server:
Entering the password-application
-Creating user: 1.choose username 2.chhose password 3.choose scelta directory with write access 4. choose directory read access

-Client:
-Password Entry Application
-Creating connection:
1.Insert ip address
2.Test ping (possible)
3.connection with insertion of username and password for that server (securefiletransfer server mode)
4.save connection name
-Choice of a connection between a list of connections and its opening with recovery of the list files that match the directory reading
-At this point the user can choose which file to recover in a grid, of course, may recover successively more 'file
Or which file-ship of his car to the remote server in the directory to which it has rights in writing

-Features common client and server:
a) Transfer SecureFile program provides initial and principal in the form of a read-only console where I write the main events and errors that occurred during the operation of the program, the program allows you to save a click in a txt file content of this console,
b) the software produces a txt file error log can be opened from the menu,
c) the program can be added or removed from the execution of automatic windows user selectable menu

Operating manual :

-software used to securely transmit their files on the network

-software may run in server mode or client mode .
Once the software is installed on first run you must enter a password that will be used to store sensitive data such as usernames and passwords in application,

entering passwords and other critical data applications is using this window:

this is necessary to avoid key loggers above all in server mode ,

to use the application you must create users for each user requires some parameters: a username, a password (I suggest to generate the user password using the functions of the user to avoid being vulnerable to attacks dictionary),

application can run and stop in client mode and server mode from the menu :

you must create at least one connection where you enter the IP address of the server a username and password of an authenticated user on the server at this point you can save the connection with a name ,

launching thus saved connection software retrieves a list of files you can select the file you want selecting line which have file name in the grid, pressing the button "Get Selected Files" the file is retrieved from the server program lets you choose where to save the file on your computer "client" ,

pressing the button “Send file to server” you choose which files to send to the server that will be saved in the directory where the client user has write access.

Comodo Time Machine

2010-04-19T23:07:00.001-07:00

Comodo Time Machine

Quickly restore your computer to an earlier point in time.

Features
- Comprehensive system recovery
- Boot-up console
- Easily create system snapshots
Price: 100% Free

Free Download

Overview
Features
Frequent
Questions
Support
Video

Why use Comodo Time Machine (CTM)?

Comodo Time Machine (CTM) is a powerful system rollback utility that allows users to quickly restore their computers to an earlier point in time. CTM 'snapshots' are a complete record of your entire system (including the registry, critical operating system files and user created documents).

Layered Security

Schedule automatic snapshots to be taken at regular intervals
Roll back to the last known working state in the event of virus attacks or crashes
Take snapshots of your computer before large installations or system maintenance

Software Developers and testers can easily restore test systems to the default configuration after each deployment without the need to manually uninstall each application. Home users can even let the kids run amok on the family PC for an afternoon and be safe in the knowledge that any damage can be instantly undone and all files recovered.

Comodo Time Machine features an intuitive, friendly interface which offers quick and easy access to all functionality in the application. Additionally, it also features a sub-console that can be accessed before Windows starts and a Quick Operation console containing shortcuts to important and commonly executed tasks.

Supported Operating Systems:

Windows 7 (32 and 64 bit)
Windows Vista (32 and 64 bit)
Windows XP with service pack 2
or higher (32 and 64 bit)
Windows Server 2003
(32 and 64 bit)
Windows Server 2008
(32 and 64 bit. Except Windows Server 2008 Core)

Minimum Hardware:

Intel Pentium III Processor or higher
128 MB RAM

Free disk space:

4 GB (minimum) / 10 GB (recommended)

Price: 100% Free

Free Download

File Details

Size 20.1 MB

Release Notes:

Release Date: March 29, 2010
Please see latest release notes

Download Windows 7 System Recovery Discs

2010-04-06T22:40:00.001-07:00

With Windows 7 released and currently making its way to shelves in time for the holiday season, we've taken this opportunity to upgrade our copy of the official Windows System Recovery Discs for compatibility with Windows 7.

If you're like most PC users, you probably got Windows 7 with a new PC or laptop. And if you're like 99% of the population, you get your new machines from one of the major manufacturers. Dell, Acer, HP, Toshiba, Lenovo; who all have one thing in common: they don't give you a real Windows 7 installation disc with your purchase. Instead, they bundle what they call a "recovery disc" (that's if you're lucky - otherwise you'll have a recovery partition instead) with your machine and leave it at that.

It doesn't matter that you just paid a thousand dollars for a machine that comes with a valid Windows 7 license - your computer manufacturer just don't want to spend the money (or perhaps take on the responsibility) of giving you a Windows 7 installation DVD to accompany your expensive purchase.

The problem is, with Windows 7, the installation media serves more than one purpose. It's not just a way to get Windows installed, it's also the only way of recovering a borked installation. The Windows 7 DVD has a complete "recovery center" that provides you with the option of recovering your system via automated recovery (searches for problems and attempts to fix them automatically), rolling-back to a system restore point, recovering a full PC backup, or accessing a command-line recovery console for advanced recovery purposes.

Thankfully, Microsoft seems to have realized this problem, and have thankfully made a recovery disc for this purpose. It contains the contents of the Windows 7 DVD's "recovery center," as we've come to refer to it. It cannot be used to install or reinstall Windows 7, and just serves as a Windows PE interface to recovering your PC. Technically, one could re-create this installation media with freely-downloadable media from Microsoft (namely the Microsoft WAIK kit, a multi-gigabyte download); but it's damn-decent of Microsoft to make this available to Windows' users who might not be capable of creating such a thing on their own. You can make your own copy from Windows 7 Ultimate Edition, but now you have an easier alternative.

NeoSmart Technologies is hosting a copy of the Windows 7 Recovery Disc for your convenience. It's a 143 MiB download (165 MiB for the 64-bit version), and in the standard ISO format, ready to burned directly to a CD or DVD. Don't wait until your PC crashes to download a copy! Download and burn your recovery disc today, so that when the time comes, you'll be ready!

What it does: The Windows 7 Recovery Disc can be used to access a system recovery menu, giving you options of using System Restore, Complete PC Backup, automated system repair, and a command-line prompt for manual advanced recovery.

What it doesn't do: You cannot use the Windows 7 Recovery Disc to re-install Windows - it only fixes (not replaces!) Windows.

Why you need it: If you bought your PC from a major retailer, you didn't get this CD with your hefty purchase.

Download Links

Windows 7 Recovery Disc 32-Bit (x86) Edition

Windows 7 Recovery Disc 64-Bit (x64) Edition

Please note that the above links point to .torrent files. Torrent files are like a shortcut, they tell a download manager on your PC where to download the actual files from. Downloading large & important system files with torrents is highly recommended since torrents are protected against corrupt downloads and tend to be faster when well-shared.

(All torrents are currently being seeded by 100mpbs servers, they should be blazing fast).

You can download the Windows Vista recovery discs from here.

Instructions

Download the appropriate .torrent file from above that corresponds to the version of Windows 7 you have installed.
Download and run µTorrent.
Open the .torrent file you downloaded with µTorrent. (File -> Add Torrent)
Select where you want µTorrent to save the 7 Recovery Disc.
Wait for it to download.
Burn the .iso file that µTorrent downloaded to a CD using these instructions.
When you want to use the recovery center, put the CD in your drive and boot from it. This is usually done by pressing F8 at startup, or changing the boot drive order in the BIOS.

Support

Please don't ask for help below, it'll get real cluttered real soon! Open a support thread at http://neosmart.net/forums/ and we'll help you resolve your problem ASAP.

Partition Wizard

2010-04-06T22:30:00.000-07:00

Partition Wizard Bootable CD
Partition Wizard Bootable CD allows user to boot computer directly into Partition Wizard to manage partitions without any limitations. Features including Rebuild MBR, Partition Recovery, Move/Resize Partition, Copy Partition, Create Partition, Delete Partition, Format Partition, Convert File System, Hide/Unhide Partition, Explore Partition and much more.

Functions of Partition Wizard Bootable CD
Partition Wizard Bootable CD has the same features as of Partition Wizard Home/Business Edition. Features include: Move/Resize Partition, Copy Partition, Create Partition, Delete Partition, Format Partition, Convert File System, Hide/Unhide Partition, Explore Partition, Partition Recovery, Convert Dynamic Disk to Basic Disk, Rebuild MBR and much more.

System requirement
Partition Wizard Bootable CD support 32/64 bit Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 but do not support Windows Server Operating System. Upgrade to Partition Wizard Bootable CD Server Edition if you are using Windows Server 2000/2003/2008.

Limitation and Important notice
* Do not use Partition Wizard Bootable CD to create/delete partition BEFORE system partition under Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003.
* Do not use Partition Wizard Bootable CD to move system partition under Windows Vista, Windows 2008 and Windows 7.
* Version 4.2.2 has solved the technical limitations of bootable CD. Now you can use this new bootable CD image to boot your PC and manage partitions just like Partition Wizard Windows edition.

How to get Partition Wizard Bootable CD
Download Partition Wizard Bootable CD iso file absolutely FREE from http://www.partitionwizard.com/download.html. Burn ISO file onto a CD using any CD/DVD Burner software.

Why Partition Wizard Bootable CD
* Manage partition without installing anything on your computer
* Manage partition without Operating System
* Restore partition if partition table is damaged causing computer to not boot
* Restore partition if partition is deleted by accident causing computer to not boot
* Rebuild MBR if MBR is damaged
* Analyze partition mapping without having to boot computer

What to expect from this bootable CD
Step 1: Choose boot disk

Step 2: Choose screen resolution

Step 3: Tips

Step 4: Manage your partition

Free Easy CD/DVD Burner
http://www.nch.com.au/burn/index.html

The free privilege elevation solution from ScriptLogic

2010-04-06T01:36:00.001-07:00

The free privilege elevation solution from ScriptLogic

Best practices for client security requires administrators to run users with the least privileges necessary to get their jobs done. But some applications, ActiveX controls, and application updaters require administrator rights, preventing least privilege user practices. Native tools lack application level granularity.

If one application needs administrative rights, you have to run the user as an administrator. Privilege Authority provides the granularity native tools lack. Now, run users with the least privileges possible, and elevate applications and ActiveX controls only when needed.

Features and Benefits

Elevate applications, Windows features and Active X controls

Application updaters make it easy to make sure your users are always running the most current version of a product, but they’re often designed to require administrative rights. So an updater, even for a common, free application, can require you to run all of your users with administrative rights. With Privilege Authority, you can lock down the user, and elevate just that application updater. Some windows features, even those as simple as changing the time or time zone, can require administrative rights. Easily elevate those features you need and keep the rest locked down. When surfing the Internet, some Active X controls are essential and others are harmful. With Privilege Authority you can block general Active X controls and only allow the ones you approve in advance.
Flexible, rules based elevation

Privilege Authority uses elevation rules to determine what applications, features or controls are elevated to higher privileges. These rules can include the common rules included with Privilege Authority, customized versions of the common rules, or completely custom, user-defined rules. Rules can be copied, shared and moved easily between test and production networks.
Leverage existing Group Policy infrastructure

Privilege Authority elevation rules are attached to group policies, to ensure reliable delivery to clients. This gives administrators the flexibility to assign rules where needed by attaching them only to the group policies going to the intended clients.
Gain additional value from the Privilege Authority community

PrivilegeAuthority.com is the home of the Privilege Authority community of administrators. Create a useful rule? Share it with other users. Looking for a rule? Check out the Rules Exchange. Get tips on how to get the most out of Privilege Authority or just get support from the rest of the community.

*Privilege Authority is provided as a free product to the ScriptLogic community. It is not supported directly by ScriptLogic, but is supported by the Privilege Authority community of users. Community support is available at Privilegeforum.scriptlogic.com

Install Tracer

2010-04-06T01:35:00.001-07:00

Every time you install a new program, you make a leap of faith. The installation utility adds some files to your system, replaces other files, and changes elements of the Registry and essential INI files. You hope it will make those changes cleanly and correctly and will record them for use by the program's uninstall utility. But in case it doesn't, This tool can provide a record of exactly what the install program did. (Size: 570 KB)

InCtrl5.zip

MakeMeAdmin

2010-04-06T01:34:00.000-07:00

MakeMeAdmin

When you run MakeMeAdmin.cmd, you get a Command Prompt running under your normal user account, but in a new logon session in which it is a member of the Administrators group. This Command Prompt and any programs started from it use your regular profile, authenticate as you on the network, but have full local admin privileges. All other programs continue to run with your regular, unprivileged account. (Size: 9 KB)

MakeMeAdmin.zip

MDT 2010

2010-04-04T22:48:00.001-07:00

DOWNLOAD A FREE COPY OF THE SECOND TRUESEC DEPLOYMENT CD

This second Deployment CD has the following detailed Step-by-step Guides and Video Tutorials:

MDT 2010 Lite Touch Deployments (just the free tools)
- Installing the server for MDT 2010 Lite Touch
- Creating a Windows 7 reference image using Lite Touch
- Deploying a Windows 7 image using Lite Touch
- Dynamic Settings, creating and using the deployment database

MDT 2010 Zero Touch Deployments (deployment with ConfigMgr 2007 SP2 R2)
- Installing the server for MDT 2010 Zero Touch and ConfigMgr 2007 SP2
- Creating a Windows 7 reference image using ConfigMgr 2007 SP2
- Deploying a Windows 7 image using ConfigMgr 2007 SP2
- Dynamic Settings, creating and using the deployment database

Additional Presentations
- New features in MDT 2010
- Upgrading MDT 2008 to MDT 2010
- Migrating Windows XP to Windows 7

Microsoft SharedView is a fast, easy way to share documents and screen views with small groups of friends or coworkers

2010-04-04T22:47:00.000-07:00

I used sharedview now from the start and I must say it is great easy to handle. even for old people like granddad’s who are stuck with the computer but you don’t wanna go there to spend your sunday.

You can use shareview

After you signed in with your live account you can do a start new session

Press start and you are done.

now you started a session others can join easy by using the pasport nome

or do an invite

you can share desktop now you can take control on the others desktop to help or just to show a powerpoint or tool demo, anything you want.

Cool stuff and easy to use check it out. It is still beta get it Download SharedView Today

Go here for the complete beta site :http://connect.microsoft.com/site94

Windows 7 "Windows XP mode"

2010-04-04T22:43:00.000-07:00

Install this update to remove the prerequisites required to run Windows Virtual PC and XP mode

Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB977206)

You install Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode on a computer that is running Windows 7. When you try to start or configure Windows XP Mode in Windows Virtual PC, you receive one of the following error messages.
Note You may also receive one of the following error messages when you try to start or configure any other virtual machine in Windows Virtual PC.

Unable to start Windows Virtual PC because hardware-assisted virtualization is disabled
Collapse this imageExpand this image

Overview

Install this update to remove the prerequisites required to run Windows Virtual PC and XP mode. The prerequisites include a processor which supports hardware assisted virtualization (HAV) which is also enabled in the BIOS. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.

Windows6.1-KB977206-x64.msu

All supported x86-based versions of Windows 7

Collapse this imageExpand this image

Download the update package now. (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=837f12aa-1d37-464e-ae59-20c9ecbebaf6)

All supported x64-based versions of Windows 7

Collapse this imageExpand this image

Download the update package now. (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=e70dd043-e262-43c0-a002-446567f1e2b4)

MDT Debugger

2010-04-04T22:42:00.001-07:00

When creating and configuring an LTI deployment solution there is one thing that always bugs me immensly: debugging custom scripts. Writing the scripts is easy, but debugging them is a whole different experience. The reason is simple, to debug a script you normally need to launch it from within the MDT environment (during the deployment). Consequently, it can be quite hard and very slow to iron out any errors that they (might) contain because of the need to run a full deployment of a computer, just to be able to do some testing.

This isn't the actual part that bugs me though. The annoying part is when the script fails and MDT ends, all because of a silly mistake made in the script; this for me is the frustrating part that could at times drive me insane. Because MDT has now terminated, pretty much the only sure way to re-test the script is to re-run the deployment; vastly slowing down the debugging time.

I should point out that this is no fault of MDT, it is all mine; after all, I was the one who put the error in the script! But, because of the way MDT works, the debugging of these custom scripts can be labourious task.... until now! [cue drum-roll] I would like to present version 0.1 of the "MDT Debugger"! This nifty little tool makes debugging most custom actions, script or not, simpler and prevents MDT from terminating with the red error screen if the custom action has failed.

The MDT Debugger sits in-between MDT and your custom script and intercepts the return code that is normally sent back to MDT from your custom action. It then displays the error code and allows you to either accept and return it to MDT, edit it before returning it to MDT, or to relaunch the custom action again. This later option gives you the opportunity to fix any errors in the script/action and then relaunch it - thus eliminating the need to relaunch the deployment process from the very beginning just to re-test the custom action.

More on source :http://blogs.technet.com/deploymentguys/archive/2010/03/22/mdt-debugger.aspx

Windows 7 Godmode

2010-04-04T22:41:00.001-07:00

Windows 7 Godmode -here are several post on the web on godmode I did not use it before but I did some testing with it and like it. so below is a list of the strings that you can use With a link to a microsoft site for all the options.

How does this work Create a folder on your desktop and name it GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

but the name before the dot can be self named

Below is a list of additional useful folders that you can create using the same process described above. I have named the folder accordingly to give you a clue as to what each one does:

LOCATION.{00C6D95F-329C-409a-81D7-C46C66EA7F33}
BIOMETRIC.{0142e4d0-fb7a-11dc-ba4a-000ffe7ab428}
POWER.{025A5937-A6BE-4686-A844-36FE4BEC8B6D}
NOTIFICATION.{05d7b0f4-2121-4eff-bf6b-ed3f69b894d9}
CREDENTIALS.{1206F5F1-0569-412C-8FEC-3204630DFB70}
NETWORKAPPS.{15eae92e-f17a-4431-9f28-805e482dafd4}
DEFAULTS.{17cd9488-1228-4b2f-88ce-4298e93e0966}
ASSEMBLIES.{1D2680C9-0E2A-469d-B787-065558BC7D43}
WIRELESS.{1FA9085F-25A2-489B-85D4-86326EEDCD87}
NETWORK.{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}
DRIVES.{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}
PRINTERS.{2227A280-3AEA-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}
REMOTE.{241D7C96-F8BF-4F85-B01F-E2B043341A4B}
FIREWALL.{4026492F-2F69-46B8-B9BF-5654FC07E423}
PERFORMANCE.{78F3955E-3B90-4184-BD14-5397C15F1EFC}

Canonical Names of Control Panel Items

As of Windows Vista, each Control Panel item is given a canonical name for use in programmatically launching that item. This topic lists each Control Panel item, its canonical name, and its GUID.

Windows 7 Control Panel Canonical Names

The following canonical names are defined for Control Panel items in Windows 7. All names are also valid on Windows Vista unless specified otherwise. Not all Control Panel items are available on all varieties of Windows and some Control Panel items might appear only when appropriate hardware is detected. These canonical names do not change for different languages. They are always in English, even if the system's language is non-English.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee330741%28VS.85%29.aspx

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