Attribute Changer
{Change file properties} “Woooo… I got a new attribute.” C’mon, everyone knows that old Patti LaBelle song. Surely, she was singing about right-clicking on folders. This super-sized application will enable you to change all the attributes your heart desires. Simply right-click on the appropriate file or folder and check out the options; change standard attributes (natch), alter dates, compress files, and save settings for further use. The interface is so intuitive, even Sprocket can use it. He hates Patti LaBelle. He’s more of a Pointer Sisters fan. Get it? Pointer? It’s a type of… nevermind.
FolderBox
{View multiple folders in Explorer} Have you guys been acquainted with my good pal Windows Explorer? Just right click My Computer and select “Explore.” Now you can search all of the files and directories on your PC. Amazing, huh? Well, this proggie makes it even amazinger, ‘cause now you can search two folders at once. You can also add more FolderBoxes as you go, making room for additional folders and drives. If you’re going to be modifying, moving, editing, or doing anything else with a large number of files, why not make the job easier?
Breitling World Time
{Conversions galore} I wonder what time it is in Australia? Heck, what time it is anywhere? This tickin’ time tracker tells you the current time for every country and time zone on the planet. Pretty spiffy, isn’t it? Besides that, you can also convert currency and units of measurement. This is perfect if you happen to do a lot of globetrotting for your business. I’ll definitely need something like this for my treks between San Fran and Ioway. I’m no seasoned traveler… well, maybe lightly seasoned.
StatBar
{See your system status} If you’re wondering just how much RAM you’re using… as well as your uptime, CPU info, and all of that other system level stuff, then download the StatBar. It’ll stick a status bar on your screen which will include all of that data (and then some). It stays on top and doesn’t get in your way, which is nice. You can also add different modules to this thing: Winamp controls, live hard drive stats, battery control, etc. “Display StatBar either in dark gray, WinXP blue, dark red, Win2K gray, or WinXP silver.” Even if you’re not a geek, this rocks!
BHODemon
{Get rid of BHOs} A Browser Helper Object is something that is integrated into your Web browser and “helps” you as you surf the Web. It might be a utility or add-on that you once installed (but seldom use). Sometimes, they get in the way of your regular surfing routine. You shouldn’t have to worry about those nasty BHOs anymore (if you use this program). Enable or disable them quickly and easily. “Although many people are extremely concerned about them because of privacy issues, BHOs are not necessarily bad things. Most of them are well-intentioned and beneficial.”
Convert
“Convert is an easy to use unit conversion program that will convert the most popular units of distance, temperature, volume, time, speed, mass, power, density, pressure, energy and many others, including the ability to create custom conversions! You simply select the tab of the category you want, select the input unit, select the output unit, and type in the input value.”
WatchCat
“WatchCat is a small system tray applet for hiding application windows. Windows hidden by WatchCat also will disappear from taskbar and ALT+TAB chain. It’s extremely convenient if you need to keep applications such as MS Outlook open all the time but don’t check them often. As for me, sooner or later such applications get in a way in wrong time and get killed by ALT+F4.”
RdocEx
“[This is] a nifty shell add-on that adds the programs you run as well as the documents you open to your Recent Documents menu.” If you’ve ever opened and closed a program, wishing you still had it open… this is a godsend. I’d go as far as to say this added functionality will increase your productivity. You’re probably using the Documents menu, anyway.
IconShop
“IconShop is a librarian that offers the tools to manage icon libraries, read and write icon libraries, extract icons from cursors, animated cursors, bitmaps, resources, executables and libraries. Extract icons from Macintosh icons, resources, executables, IconDropper icon packs and Kaleidoscope schemes, including MacOS 8.5 24-bit icons. Export icons to icon, cursor or BMP bitmap format.”
ChangeExt
“ChangeExt is a Windows Explorer extension that will display additional information when a file is right-clicked – including: file extension, size, attributes, creation/modification date and short-cut info.” Again, once you start using this, you won’t be able to live without it. Another “invisible” utility that you’ll fall in love with immediately.
IrfanView
“[This] is a very fast graphic viewer. Supports: Thumbnails, Preview, Drag & Drop Support, Print Support, Scan (TWAIN) Support, Slideshow, Batch conversion, change the color depth, audio CD player, Capturing, Cut/Crop, Effects, etc.” Even if you already have another imaging application, give IrfanView a spin; the author’s been developing it for years.
Metapad
“If you are like me, one of the most useful programs for everyday use is Microsoft Notepad. I realized that Notepad was quite powerful and did almost everything I wanted in a simple text editor. Yet I found the UI to be unlike most 32-bit Windows applications and actually quite poor. Metapad is a small, fast (and completely free) text editor… which was designed to completely replace Notepad (since it includes all of Notepad’s features and much, much more).” The final release should be out any day now.
Computer Profiler
{Learn about your computer} Who is Karen? A smart lady who has written for several tech publications – and she makes some awesome free software, too. This one (in particular) lists over one hundred different things about your PC: memory, operating system, and all that other stuff you should know (but either forgot, or never knew about in the first place). “You can also copy the information to the Windows clipboard, and paste it into a document for permanent storage.” But don’t walk away without looking at what else she’s been working on since the demise of Windows Magazine. Emailer – sends e-mail from the command line; Print Logger – keeps a record of each printed document; Registry Ripper – extracts portions of Registry and saves them to a file; Registry Pruner – removes unnecessary Registry keys; URL Discombobulator – translates or creates odd-looking Web addresses. Oh, and quite a few more. Can you see why I love Karen so much?
CopyURL
Stop reading now. Don’t ask questions. Get this enhancement. You’ll love what it’ll do for your Internet Shortcuts, for SURE. Get FOUR new and functional options: Copy URL [copies just the URL to the clipboard], Copy Link [copies the URL/title to the clipboard in HTML format], Copy Name [copies the URL/title to the clipboard], and Open New Window [take a guess]. Major time saver here, folks – no joke. I’ll shut up now so you can get it, okay? And while you’re there, don’t miss FileNote: “a shell extension that allows you to add textual descriptions to your files.” Registry Key Backup is just as useful, as is FontLoader: “a shell context menu extension that allows users to load, unload, install, and uninstall fonts directly by right-clicking on a font file or folder containing fonts.”
LastChance
Opportunity only knocks once, which isn’t always a good thing. Sometimes I’m not home. You’ve probably got a few programs sitting in your Startup group, but have you thought about putting something in your Shutdown group? Of course not – there’s no such thing. Well, kinda. With LastChance in your arsenal, shutting down will never be the same. Run system diagnostics, troubleshooting utilities, or any given program automatically (and immediately) before Windows shuts down. Also available: an intuitive file management utility that provides the facility to synchronize files between a local machine and an FTP server (particularly useful for updating web sites and downloading software upgrades and patches).
GigAlarm
{String on your finger} Sometimes, I’m a bit like the absent- minded professor… I would forget my own head if it wasn’t attached. So naturally, I appreciate any program that can help keep me on track, and with GigAlarm I can setup whatever reminders/alarms I need. However, sometimes a simple text message just won’t catch my attention. Well, herein lies the beauty of GigAlarm… it doesn’t just have to give you a text alarm! GigAlarm can play a WAV file (random, or your selection), change your background, start a program, or use one of the many Windows shutdown options. My wife has gotten in the habit of using the Shutdown option as an alarm to signal that I have spent too long on the computer. (Lucky for me, there is a snooze button!) NOTE: The author says, “This program is essentially free to use for non- profit purposes… If you find this program useful I would appreciate $10 AUD (or $5 USD) as a token of your appreciation.”
QuicKalendar
{Calendar} You say you want to get together on the 25th, but what DAY is that? I’m not good with calendar dates; truth be told, I don’t even know what day of the week it is most the time. If I didn’t have my PDA armed with a Calendar with me, then I wouldn’t show up to anything on time, let alone on the right day. Well, that is great for when I am mobile, but what about when I am in front of my PC? The PDA is docked, but that doesn’t mean I have to be without a calendar… enter QuicKalendar! “QuicKalendar gives you quick and easy access to a calendar whenever you need it. You can view the calendar on screen, or print it out to jot down notes and appointments.” You need to keep in mind that the print feature is relative to how you have QuicKalendar displayed on your machine. If you are in full screen mode, then the printout will be bigger than a standard sheet of letter paper. If you try printing in normal view, then the printout will be too small to write on. My suggestion is to play with the size of QuicKalendar’s screen until you get a printout that you can be proud of. Now, you’ll have no reason to be late for Gnomedex!
Bart’s Boot Disks
{Boot ‘em up!} During one of my college computing jobs, I was known as “King of the Boot Disks!” I got this honored title for being the only technician with a boot disk for every situation. “Need to access the network or CD, but can only boot to DOS? Then ‘Call the King!’” Yep, that’s what was on my business card. Well, the imaginary card. To go with my imaginary crown. Anyway… where was I? Making all those boot disks took time and a little skill, and sometimes I had to search the Internet because I couldn’t remember a few commands, or because I was missing a needed file. Now, however, I have found Bart’s Boot Disks and I don’t have to worry about scouring the Internet for missing steps or files ever again! Everything you need to create network, CD-ROM, or Windows NT4 boot disks is on this Web site. There are files available that you can use for creating a boot disk for SCSI devices, or even a bootable CD. Stop wasting your time trying to find these steps all over the Internet; just head over to Bart’s Boot Disks and get them all in one place! sigh I’ll have to admit that Bart has stolen my title as King of the Boot Disks.
Reg Cleaner
{Tidy up your system files} Another registry cleaner… so what’s the big deal? Hey, have I ever let you down? Okay, not counting that ONE time. Mr. Reg will clean out those registry entries left behind by the software of yesteryear (or yestermonth, for that matter). The difference, though, is that instead of just zapping registry keys left and right, this one gives a list and allows you to select which ones you no longer need. Eh? “I uninstalled that program ages ago… ZAP.” The program also features automatic backup and an uninstall functions. My registry has never been so clean. It could use a few curtains, though. But that’s another binary.
WinBack Scratcher
{Change PC settings} Touching Oogie Boogie is a grave mistake here at the Gnomestead. He doesn’t like having his settings or icons tinkered with. I suppose I’m like those guys who don’t like it when someone messes with the equalizer on his car stereo. Geeks, motorheads… we’re all the same. This presto changer gives me (and you) easy access to anything on our PC that’s tweakable. You can change all the file and folder icons in the Windows Explorer, rotate your desktop wallpaper, or add a new animated logo to Internet Explorer. These, of course, are only three of about forty thousand changes you can make to your PC. Remember, the operative word is: YOUR.
Desktop Manager
{Desktops at your disposal} It’s the story of a lovely PC who was bringing up four very lovely desktops. But this manager can also be used as a shell replacement; instead of Explorer, you could use this. Toggle back and forth among four different desktops; all of your open apps don’t have to be squished into one stifling screen anymore. The desktops appear at the bottom of your screen near the system tray for single-click access. Each desktop can sport a separate resolution, color scheme, and wallpaper. Time to throw away the Start Menu for a more modular environment.
Just Add Wavs
{Tweak sound association} It’s the Windows Sound Event of the century! Everything in our inventory has been marked down and must be SOLD SOLD SOLD! Sorry, I get excited over my sound events; those WAVs you hear when you open, close, minimize, maximize, or do anything else with a Windows app? With this, you can “Just Add” a sound to any given program’s operations. It’s a good way to mix, match, and add pizzazz to an otherwise mute application. Sounds good to me! Let’s see… where did I put that volume control? Must be here somewhere. Whoops… I must have sold it earlier.
Scanner Recorder
{Record voices easily} Recording audio on your PC isn’t tremendously difficult to do, but that data can suck up a lot of space on ye olde hard drive. For this very reason, Scanner Recorder was developed; it will save resources by pausing when no sound is present. The primary function is to record voice; it’s ideal for radio communications and any other situation in which people are… talking. The interface contains a display log and a slider to adjust the squelch. If you don’t know who squelch is, he was a character on “Saved By The Bell.” Quite annoying, actually. I’m a Zach fan, myself.
Equivalent IP Address Calculator
{Obscure your IP address} Enter an IP address and this translator will fire a handful of synonyms back at ya. Why would you want to do this? Security, piece of mind, you name it. Spammers often use IP equivalents to confuse their customers (read: victims) and keep themselves anonymous. If anything, you’ll get a better idea of those tricks that can be played with IP addresses; this’ll make ‘em a lot harder to read. Synonyms are good. Especially synonym toast. Hey, who’s this 127.0.0.1 machine? It keeps attacking my system! Make it stop, please. I don’t want to be forced to call the… what? It’s me? Oh. Sorry.
Geek Code Generator
{Symbolize your geekitude} Do you have to be a geek to understand the geek code? Maybe you have to be a geek to want to understand it. This front-end will generate a geek code block that will match your specific geekiness (even though it’s a tad out of date). What is geek code? It’s a series of letters and symbols that represents your inner geek. Just remember, though, not everyone is geeky in the computer sense. It’s a condition that can strike anyone. That’s right… anyone. No, really—some of my best friends are geeks. Go figure. CAUTION: this was intended for mature geeks.
Remote Tray
{Move windows to the system tray} Woo hoo! Woo… sorry. Here’s an awesome app that allows you move a running program window from the taskbar to the system tray. The windows you need will be ready and waiting over there. It’s a great way to unclutter your taskbar—especially if you’re like me and tend to have about thirty windows open at one time. Of course, it’s good to keep your system tray uncluttered, too. You’ll have to find a happy medium… or an overzealous fortune teller. Start using Windows—stop having windows use you.
One2
{Send screen shots instantly} Allow me to set the scene, as I’m known to do every now and again, in order to illustrate a point. You’re working on a project and you want to e-mail it to someone. You COULD attach it, but that would require closing the program and then going through all the attaching rigmarole. Stop. Give One2 a spin and you can send an e-mail that’ll automatically attach a screenshot of what is currently on your screen. Wasn’t that easy? You can send those attachments in the JPG, GIF, or BMP image format. My suggestion? Stick to JPG until a PNG option is available. GIF is too lossy and BMP is too unwieldy. This is a must have for any troubleshooter!
Syslog
{View changes to System folder} Whenever you take Windows software for a drive, your Windows/System folder gets another visitor. This particular folder fills up pretty easily, and this helpful application lets you know when something has been added, removed, or otherwise altered. The last time I had something added, removed or altered, I couldn’t play basketball for a week. You can even print the results if you’d like. Stay on top of things, as they say.
Fast Font Set
{Get the fonts you need} This program lets you view all the fonts that are stored on your computer. Once you’ve taken a gander at what ya got, you can display style, size, and color; display text; show alphabet and code character set; load samples from files; get a print preview; print samples; display all fonts, or only the fonts you’ve selected; and group fonts for easy categorization. The interface makes it easy to find and use what you need. If you change fonts often and need a way to access them instantly, you’ll definitely want to take this for a spin.
IconS
{Extract icons easily} We’ve all seen those war movies where a man gets shot and has to have an icon extracted. Wait, that’s not right. Thankfully, the only extracting I have to worry about is done through this powerful puller. It’ll dig up icons within EXE, ICO, DLL, ICL, CPL, NIL, and IL file types. Just select the folder or subfolder, click the Search button, and there you have it. The interface is button-based, and you can even change the language setting (you know, in case you want to extract in Russian).
Send To FTP
{Upload stuff with ease} Here’s a simple way to transfer your files to a Web server from the comfort of the Windows Explorer. All you have to do is right click on any file you want to send, then select “Send to FTP” from the “Send To” menu. You’ll have to fill in a username, hostname, and password when you first fire up this add-on, but after that, it’s smooth sailing. No clients to fuss with! It’s capable of handling multiple host accounts; use the edit box to put files into a sub-directory. If you’re new to the file transfer protocol, it doesn’t get much easier than this. “Hold down [the] CTRL or SHIFT key to select more than one file…”
Quick Hide Windows
{Hide icons and windows} Company coming over? Quick, clean up your computer’s desktop. Only a geek would say something like that. Well, this program will help you. With what’s sitting on your screen, that is. It’ll hide your desktop icons and / or the stuff in your system tray. It’s not a bad way to keep your system secure; a password lock is included so that no one will trip over those hidden icons. Hide windows at the mash of a key—when you’re writing a letter to your beloved when you should be working on your homework. “You can even lock your computer with QHW instead of relying on a weak, easily-hackable screensaver password.”
CMenuExtender
{Menus within context} The “C” is not for cookie… at least, not in this case. By using this binary, you can extend the right-click (context) menu to include any number of commands and submenus. Why? I’ll call upon an example, as I’m known to do. Let’s say I tend to copy a lot of things to a folder named “Sprocket.” I can add a command to the context menu called “Sprocket Copy.” That’s covers part of this hack’s functionality; you can also open programs, explore a folder, launch a Web page, etc. My favorite feature? You can sit icons next to your new entries for visual cues. “CMExt also has some predefined commands for copying, moving and retrieving information on files and directories.”
XClip
{Paste with your mouse} Copying and pasting… man, what a time saver. Really. I mean it. Why bother retyping something when a quick cut and paste is all you need? Well, maybe it’s not as quick as it should be, what with having to constantly switch between the keyboard and the mouse. Make your copying and pasting even easier with XClip. CTRL + your mouse button will copy and SHIFT + your mouse button will paste. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t rely entirely on keyboard shortcuts (or the mouse) for operations, now you can have the best of both worlds. Mouse button not included.
EnditAll
{Shut down everything} CTRL+ALT+DEL. You know it; you love it. Maybe you don’t LOVE it, but it’s a quick way to close any running program(s). Wait, did I just say “quick?” There’s nothing “quick” about it, considering you may have to close each program one at a time. If you need a way to stop everything in its tracks, then give EnditAll a spin. “But Chris,” you might say. “Some things like ‘Explorer’ and ‘Systray’ need to stay open.” Belay those fears, ‘cause it won’t mess with ‘em. Dude, they thought of everything. Use it right before you defrag your system, install new software, or burn a CD.
Mirage Desktop Hider
{Cover up your icons} When a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound? When an icon is hidden on your desktop, is it still there? Some would argue “no” for either situation. The author of this program thinks otherwise. With a quick click & drag of your cursor, you’ll have created an invisible layer (underneath which sits certain desktop elements). You can still view the icons’ contents through conventional means. Before, it was either all or nothing. Cut down on desktop clutter before you go insane. These invisible squares will keep those nice young men (in their clean white coats) from coming to take you away. Ha ha!
FillCD
{Use the whole media} If you’re copying files from your computer to a CD-R, I suppose you could just keep adding ‘em until the CD can’t take anymore. Or, you could put that ol’ brain to rest and try this program. It’ll take a list of files and tell you which ones will fit snuggly onto your CD. This will ensure that you take full advantage of the CD’s capacity. Your settings will be saved for the next burning session, too. “Just specify the size to use and how close to 100% you want to fill [the CD].” Have you had your fill?
OEM Logo Manager
{Change your system info} If you open your system properties window, you should see a logo that represents whatever system you happen to be using. Gosh darn it, isn’t it YOUR system? Shouldn’t you be able to put whatever graphic there that you’d want? Using this tool, you can replace that logo with any other bitmap. You can use your own or select one from the many provided for you in the menu. You can also make changes to the text fields and add up to ten extra lines. I’d warn newbies against altering this information too much, though. You may need it later. If you’re someone who knows what you’re doing, then by all means – tweak away.
CD Device Viewer
{Disc drive details} So tell me: what can your CD or DVD-ROM do, exactly? If you don’t know, then at least this application does. Can your drive recognize or create CD-R media? How about handling CD-RW discs? Can it recognize a DVD? Can you listen to an audio CD through it? Hey, ya never know. If you’re looking for a quick and concise way to find out just what the heck that little cup holder can (and cannot) do, then give this a spin. Ha! You might even consider throwing it onto a floppy to identify someone else’s CD drive details.
DoubleDesktop
{Double that desktop} I like to keep my screen somewhat uncluttered. However, if you have a ton of links and applications stored on your desktop, maybe it’s time to double the size. But won’t you have to get a bigger monitor? No, sir. No, madam. This application lets you toggle between the right and left side of your “larger” desktop with the click of a button. Now you can keep one side clean and another peppered with your shortcuts. That’s just one idea. Y’all can do whatever you’d like with it. “To move a window from the one virtual screen to another, just drag the window beyond the screen boundaries.”
Glass2k
{Make transparent windows} Sorry, Windows 9x users, but this program is just for the XP and 2k folks. So, if you happen to be running of either of those operating systems and want a quick and simple way to make any one of your windows transparent, look no further than Glass2k. Right-click a window or use pre-defined keyboard shortcuts. This program will even remember previous settings and let you set one window on top at all times. “And with this latest version, you can easily make the windows taskbar transparent.” Now you can be working on a document in the foreground while you watch our Webcams refresh behind it.
XPAntiSpy
{Streamline Windows} If you’ve made the move to XP, you might want to take a quick look at this program. For you see, XP has an “Automatic Updates” feature (among other things) that might be sharing more of your info than you’d like. Turning these features off in Windows may not make you feel safe enough. This tool will take care of your system in an instant. It’s a great way to clear away all the ghosts lurking around in XP that you’re just not sure about. “It’s customizable, but comes up with the Default settings, which are recommended.” As always, frequently backing up your data is recommended.
Asset Navigator
{Asset management} “One of my old jobs, along with fixing PCs, was Asset Manager. That meant that I had to track where each computer was in the company, and what software it had on it. I started out with an Excel spreadsheet and then upgraded to an Access database. If only Asset Navigator was around during that time! ‘Asset Navigator is an integrated and comprehensive solution for PC auditing, asset management and technical Help Desk support. It provides powerful control over the diverse IT assets of your business. You can dynamically track configuration, user, location and other critical asset information and much more.’ Asset Navigator is an asset manager’s dream come true; it even has a section to keep track of your vendors’ contact information. On top of all this, you can print out comprehensive reports and export your data to Excel to share with upper management – gotta make sure you impress the boss. Don’t be left wondering where your computers are and what is on them… know for certain with Asset Navigator!”
Command Creator
{Create new commands} Did you know that you can open the Microsoft Paint program by clicking on the Run icon in the Start Menu and entering: “MSPAINT” (sans quotes). Heck yes, you can! There’s a ton of commands that can be executed that way, and here’s a way to create ones that don’t quite exist. I guess that’s why they call it “Command Creator,” huh? Maybe you want a quicker way to open that new Tetris clone you just downloaded, or perhaps you have a new text editor that you plan to use with command line switches. Whatever you need, this will bring you up to speed.
Gunner’s RiFLE
{Delete MRU lists} Most of you know that under the File menu in Microsoft Word is a list of your most recently accessed documents. That’s what is known as an “MRU” (Most Recently Used) list. The same feature is found in other programs, as well (including Windows, itself). Those lists are there for convenience. They might save you some searching time, but if you move the file, or delete it entirely, it might remain in that list. With this rad remover, you can clear out those file shortcuts. “Gunner’s RiFLE currently supports: 63 Programs and 98 MRU lists. Including: WinZip, Topstyle, Paint Shop Pro, PowerPoint, Nero-Burning Rom, Microangelo, Paint, and more. If you would like to add a program to my supported programs list, please follow the instructions.”
Ghrone
{New desktop clock} Are you tired of that boring desktop clock? Sure you are. Here’s a fancy new timekeeper for those of you running on either Windows 2000 or XP. It uses the transparency function found on these operating systems to create a lovely translucent clock for your time-telling enjoyment. You can use different skins, too; just pick one from the list provided. “Ghrone displays the time on top of all other windows or on the desktop, unobtrusively (depending on the skin you use and your personal settings).” I’m telling you, the transparency feature in Windows can be a godsend. Expect more and more apps to have built- in support for it.
Floppy Image
{Burn images of floppies} A picture is worth a thousand words, and a disk image is worth a heck of a lot more – especially if you’ve got old floppies with valuable information on them. Remember how, back in the day, you spent weeks slaving over your old term papers, manuscripts, and so forth… thousands of bytes, right? Don’t lose those pieces of history to floppy decay; image them with Floppy Image and ensure that your works live to infinity and beyond. After all, someday someone will be interested in reading your interpretation of symbolism in T.S. Eliot’s “The Wasteland,” your Master’s thesis, or your Star Wars fan fiction about the thrilling secret romance between Chewbacca and Princess Leia. “You can choose to save the image file compressed, uncompressed or as a self-extracting exe file. You can also add descriptions to your image files.”
Glint
{System performance light board} What’s going on in your system? Your computer system, that is. Well, this powerful proggie can let you know by changing the brightness of special indicators to corresponding system performance counters. You can also easily view what the most active processes are. All in all, this gives you a better idea as to what’s happening. “User can switch temporarily off costly or unnecessary counters or change the monitor view mode by pressing a key. Settings dialogs allow to select any counters available in system and set colors for their indication. Up to 100 counters can be displayed simultaneously in several rows.” It’s probably the “coolest” one I’ve ever seen.
FoSi
{No full partitions} Geez, where the heck did all my hard drive space go? Partitions can get full rather quickly, and this program helps you find the folders that might be getting a bit too big for their britches. Of course, most people realize you can use the Windows Explorer to navigate your disk(s), but this doo-dad does it much faster. It shows the size of the folder and all of its subfolders in a nice little graphical chart or table. Sure, you could rely on pulling up a folder’s properties, but that will get tedious in 37 seconds. This tool, however, will never wear you out. “Other functions: animate the charts, print them, and/or save them to a file.”
PowerShell
{New options in My Computer} If you’re running on Windows XP, this program will change your registry, adding a few more options to the My Computer context menu. Now you can drop into DOS, log off, restart, shutdown, and do all sorts of stuff right from your desktop. Now, that’s what I call convenience. You can even (easily) edit the registry from this new and improved context menu! As I’ve stated many times before, however, you shouldn’t mess with the registry unless you know what you’re doing. Your computer might not like you if you render it useless. It’s just a simple REG file that someone has put together. No need for any extra software! Now, another one (for Windows ME) is available from the site.
Gymnast
{Make PDF files} You can turn your text files into PDF (Portable Document Format) – viewable in the free Adobe Acrobat reader. You don’t even need any additional Adobe software to complete the conversion. In fact, you don’t have to spend a dime on software, either. All you need to do is download this free application and you’re all set. You can even include hyperlinks within your document. “Use it to publish electronic newsletters, brochures or price lists. Use it to compile database or spreadsheet reports for distribution to clients or staff. Use it to distribute readme files with your software. Produce professional-looking documents for the Web.” The complimentary registration code is available at the top of the official Web page.
Internet Sweeper
{Clean up after you surf} After you’ve visited a few Web sites, run a few programs, and played around in Windows, a bit of (potentially incriminating) data is left on your system. This crafty cleaner can get rid of certain files and entries. You can set it to run whenever you’d like, and use it to instantly close pop-up windows, delete your browser’s history, temporary files cache, and dump those cookies. My favorite thing about this program? It works in all browsers. Yes, including AOL’s. Automatically clear the Recycle Bin, delete files that are in use when Windows starts, and more. Is it comprehensive? Pretty darn close. What’s the foolproof way for not getting caught doing something you shouldn’t have been doing? Don’t do it in the first place.
YourCPL
{Add items to the Control Panel} Ah, the tried and true Control Panel. If only it had a link to the Registry editor in there. Oh, and a link to MSConfig, too. While we’re at it, I’d love to have an icon for Solitaire, too. You won’t be able to do it (easily) without YourCPL. “Anything you can run from a command line can be added. One 24k program and a configuration file will do it all.” This is a great tool for power users, and especially for wannabe power users. Follow the (simple) directions and you’ll be clicking through the Control Panel in seconds. Now, if this doesn’t float your boat, check out what else Ian has to offer: RefreshIE – reloads Internet Explorer at user-defined intervals; MakeNewFolder – put it on a hotkey for instant access; Dial.exe – enables you to dial phone numbers from Windows shortcuts; and PosiTweak – helps remove the blue cast from scanned negatives that have been converted to positive.
Task Killer
{Kill programs} Task Killer is a program that will terminate running programs instantly. That’s why they call it the Task Killer. It sits in your system tray, and every running program / process can be accessed simply by left-clicking on the icon and navigating the menu. This is extremely helpful when an application (like Internet Explorer) freezes. We all know that programs tend to do that from time to time. Heck, it’s even happened on my iMac – so don’t go thinking that Windows is the only locktastic operating system out there. I wouldn’t suggest killing programs indiscriminately. If you don’t know what something is, killing it could cause your entire system to falter. If all else fails, search for the program’s name on your favorite search engine. Could be normal, could be spyware, could be a virus? If you ignore it, don’t think that it’ll just go away. Kill it if it shouldn’t be there.
Active SMART Monitor
{Failure is imminent} What now? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could be warned of crashes before they happened? And wouldn’t it be nice if we were older – then we wouldn’t have to wait so long? Yes, I thought so, too. This tool will monitor your hard drives and warn you of potential failures via e-mail or “instant” messages. Plus, it requires (virtually) no system resources. “The program uses Self-Monitoring and Reporting Technology (S.M.A.R.T.) built into all newer hard disks, and can predict problems with your hard drive(s).” General information includes: drive model, capacity, firmware revision, DMA mode, raw read error rate, throughput performance, spin up time, seek error rate, spin retry count, CRC error count, etc. A log is kept for your convenience, and you can also adjust the polling time.
TightVNC
“VNC (an abbreviation for Virtual Network Computing) is a great client / server software package allowing remote network access to graphical desktops. With VNC, you may allow yourself to access your machine from everywhere provided that your machine is connected to the Internet. VNC is free (released under the GNU General Public License) and it’s available on most platforms. The original VNC distribution can be obtained at the AT&T research labs site. Here you can find enhanced version of VNC, called TightVNC (grown from the VNC Tight Encoder project), which is optimized to work over slow network connections such as low-speed modem links. While original VNC may be very slow when your connection is not fast enough, with TightVNC you can work remotely almost in real time in most environments. Besides bandwidth optimizations, TightVNC also includes many other improvements, optimizations and bug fixes over VNC.”
TinyUpLoader
{Upload stuff} If you need to get a file from point A to point FTP as easily as possible, it doesn’t get much easier than this ultimate uploader. The interface itself shouldn’t scare novices away, but more advanced users will like it, too, if only because it’s so simple to use. Just type in the necessary information (Web address, password, source, and destination), then click “Start,” and you’re on your way. Modifying or getting rid of uploads is as easy as clicking a button, and having the log file is nice, too.
MB-Ruler
{Measure distance and angles} I was never very good in geometry… Pythagoras would be disappointed that I can never exactly remember his theorem. (What did a hippopotamus have to do with triangles anyway? That animal seems to be pretty round if you ask me…) Anyway, MB-Ruler is quite a useful little application, especially for anyone who has had to work with banners and graphics for the Web. You can measure angles in radians or degrees, and distances in inches, centimeters, twips, points or pixels. And if those weren’t enough options, you can even set your own scale. Everything about MB-Ruler can be customized, including its size and color.
Traces Viewer
{Find website remnants} Who knows what evils lurk on the hard drives of mine? I’m always curious about what has been downloaded to my PC after I have visited a website. I suppose I COULD clear out my Temporary Internet Files before going to every single page… or I could just install Traces Viewer. This handy application gives me the power to see what my PC acquires for every website I visit. With Traces Viewer’s easy-to-read interface, I can see what files come from each site, and also if the site contained any cookies. Mmmmmm, cookies… now, how could chocolate chip be evil?
Command Prompt Explorer Bar
{Explorer enhancement} I can’t even tell you how many times I have tried to run a DOS batch file or some sort of script (whether VB or Java), only to have a black screen pop up and then suddenly disappear, leaving me with nothing. (Has my computer suddenly been possessed by David Copperfield and his incredible vanishing magic?) Well, that isn’t a problem for me since I got the Command Prompt Explorer Bar. With a quick press of CTRL+M, I am left with a command window that is nested inside my current Explorer window. What’s even better is that the command prompt is already “navigated” to the window I opened it in. For example: If I hit CTRL+M when my current directory is the Desktop, then the command prompt window opens to C:\Windows\Desktop. Command Prompt Explorer Bar also has a built-in script button, which is nice, but I had a hard time getting it to work on my machine (I suspect a problem with my machine, though, NOT the program). Before you decide to download this application, make sure you have both Windows Installer version 2 and .Net framework installed, both of which you can find on Microsoft’s Web site.
Horst
{Batch file enhancement} Back in the day, when kids had to walk two miles to school, uphill and in the snow (and we LIKED it!), I did almost everything in DOS. Even when Windows 3.11 came out, there was still a lot that had to be done in DOS. Later came Windows 9X and 2k/XP, but real power still lies at the command prompt. You can automate any number of tasks with a simple batch file. Horst 3.1 is a set of 32 small programs that are geared towards DOS batch file enhancement. I could write a whole issue highlighting all 32 of these programs, but for the sake of space, I’ll highlight just one for now. Choix is a CHOICE clone with one major difference: mouse support. Also, a banner will let you display an ANSI message across your monitor until you press a key to stop it. There are just too many good programs to choose from in this set of utilities! If you do still do any work with DOS batch files, hurry over the Web address above, and get your copy of Horst 3.1. NOTE: A few of these programs will not function in Windows 2k.
PowerOff
{PC on, PC off, Daniel-san} How many times have you spent staying up late at night downloading a big file or doing a long install? You’re nodding off the whole time, but being the power conservationist that you are (good for you!), you don’t want to leave your computer because you want to shut down your machine when the install/download is done. With PowerOff, you don’t have to stay there and wait for your install to finish; just schedule your computer to shut down after the install finishes. Along with the shutdown feature, PowerOff can also reboot, log off, power off, or lock your workstation. You aren’t just limited to your OWN machine though, you can perform a “Wake-On-LAN” for any computer on your network (or any of the other aforementioned features), as long as your have rights to that machine. If you’re an administrator, you’ll also enjoy the fact that you can send a warning to your remote users before shutting them down or rebooting their system. Thank goodness for PowerOff… no more mornings of waking up with a keyboard imprint on my cheek.
NTFS Reader for DOS
{Save the data} Just because a hard drive has failed doesn’t mean you still can’t get some data off of it. Normally you can just plug in the failed hard drive as a slave drive and copy your data onto a new master hard drive. This would be fine… unless you are trying to retrieve data from an NTFS formatted drive while you are running on a FAT32 formatted drive. Some would say, “Just give up! The data is lost,” but that just isn’t true. I can load NTFS Reader for DOS onto a bootable floppy, and upon booting off that new floppy disk I can copy those files from the NTFS formatted drive to the FAT32 formatted drive. If you set up the boot disk properly, you can even copy that data straight onto your network. NTFS Reader is a must for any computer technician’s collection of utilities.
PowerPro
{Power tool for a power user} At first I was a little overwhelmed with PowerPro; I wouldn’t say it is for the novice user. I still haven’t made it through all the features on the program, and frankly, to list any of the features I have tried would just be scratching the surface of this powerful application. I WILL tell you that you can create different virtual desktops, set up timers, configure keyboard and mouse hotkeys, AND configure just about every command on your system. (You know, it may not be humanly possible to even explain all that this program can do!) Imagine every Windows configuration program you have ever seen, mash them all together into one, and then elevate that one to the tenth power and then you are getting close to the power that PowerPro gives you over your system. (I think that means “a lot”... I was never very good at math.) I will warn you again that this program isn’t for the novice user. PowerPro can be very hard to understand and configure properly, but once you do find your way around the application and get it set up properly, it will quickly replace any other shortcut/Windows configuration program that you may have on your system. Get ready to start tweaking!
DoubleKiller
{Delete identical files} Do have one of those huge and nasty multimedia directories? You know, the type where the main directory has too many files to look through, and there are also subfolders. You are positive that you have multiple copies of the same file, but you will never have the time to search them all. You didn’t have the time, you do now. DoubleKiller helps you seek out those identical files, using search parameters that you configure. This application can search and compare files by name, date, size and CRC32-checksum. You can also configure DoubleKiller to exclude DLLs, system files, files of specified file attributes (example: hidden and/or read-only), and files greater than (or less than) a certain size. What I like most about DoubleKiller is that in the end, it displays the files for you instead of just immediately getting rid of them. The choice to keep or delete a file is still up to the user, up to the very last moment.
EditURLs
{Edit URLs} Most of us Internet geeks aren’t the only ones in our household using the Internet on the computer. Of course, it is always our first instinct to check the URL Address Dropdown List in Internet Explorer for our favorite web sites and it never fails that they have been replaced by all the web sites the other family computer users have been checking out. I know it isn’t a big deal because you can use your Favorites in Internet Explorer, but it is still a hassle. EditURLs lets you edit the contents of the URL Address Dropdown List and will even let you drop the contents to a master file that can be re-uploaded before opening Internet Explorer. Some people will see that this program is also a way to partially cover your Internet tracks, at least to the common user. EditURLs doesn’t just have to be for you though. You could use master file capability to help out the novice users in the house by applying their frequently accessed web pages after you are done surfing, saving them time and frustration. I’m sure you too can find a useful application for EditURLs in your household.
FontRenamer
{Rename TrueType fonts} If you are into working with Graphics and Fonts, you have probably setup your own TrueType fonts directory at least once . You may have noticed that unlike the Microsoft Word fonts list, TrueType font files aren’t all named with a descriptive typeface name. The Arial bold italic font might be named arialbi.ttf. What if I told you that you can change all of that with one program and a few seconds of your time? Well, you can with FontRenamer. “FontRenamer renames TrueType font files (.ttf) to the real name of the typefaces. Simply select a folder of font files and click the Rename button.” Trust me, this program couldn’t be any simpler to use. I will advise you not to use this on your Windows Fonts directory though, as it will play havoc with your Microsoft Office installation.
ClearInfo
{Monitor your system} I like to keep track of my computer’s performance, especially when checking out new programs, as I want to see how each effects overall system performance. A program can look fabulous and be extremely functional but if it eats up all my system’s memory then it isn’t worth it. I used to use the Performance Monitor in Windows 2k/XP but not anymore, not since I have run into ClearInfo. ClearInfo allows you to monitor system uptime, physical/virtual memory usage, CPU usage, type of connection, whose logged in, display size and refresh rate. Want more? OK! You can also see the CPU name, memory load, and what song, if any, is playing on the system. All this info can also be directed to a log file too. I know this all sounds good but trust me it doesn’t just sound good. ClearInfo runs in transparent mode on your PC and you can control the degree of transparency. The great thing about ClearInfo is how configurable it is. If you don’t want to monitor one of the above system properties then just uncheck the box. You can’t go wrong with the sweet little utility because not only is it versitile… it’s FREE!
SymLink
{Create symbolic links} Brian Stevens tells us about a favorite download of his: “One of the features I enjoy most about Windows 2000 Server is Distributed File System, or DFS (for short). DFS allows me to mount a directory from another server onto one of my other servers. Let’s say I have Accounting on server 2 and Managers on server 1; Managers need access to Accounting’s files, but Accounting doesn’t need access to the Managers’ files. Instead of having to map multiple drives, I just setup a symbolic/DFS link on the Manager server (server 1) and that solves all my problems. I know what you’re saying: “That’s great for a network person, but what about for us home users?” That’s where SymLink comes into the picture. With SymLink, you can set up symbolic links on your workstation, which is great for redirecting your C:\Program Files\ directory to your D:\ drive, or maybe even your My Documents directory. Keep in mind that this application requires that you be using the NTFS 5 file system… and please be sure to read the directions carefully!
ClipLinkViewer
{Play video files} Like many of you out there, I used to surf the Internet without broadband. Stuck with a 56k connection that would take hours to download video. It used to be that when you wanted to check out a movie file it was broke into multiple pieces, so they were easier to download but a pain to play back because you had to go re-click on the next file. ClipLinkViewer is an application that will play, in succession, all the AVI, MOV, DV, MPG and MP4 video clips within a selected folder/directory. This is great for presentation machines that need to cycle through the video clips of a directory to entertain the audience before the actual presentation. The only major requirement of this application is that you need to have Quicktime version 5 or later installed on your computer.
Total Copy
{Alternative object mover} For the most part, Files and folders aren’t in fixed locations. We often have to transfer them to other space on our disks (possibly across a network). Microsoft fell asleep at the wheel when it came to designing the move/copy dialog box. For you to see the full destination and origination paths, exact percentage completed, and KB per second transfer rate, you gotta go Total. Heck, you can even slow down or pause the transfer!
Attribute Changer
{Change file properties} “Woooo… I got a new attribute.” C’mon, everyone knows that old Patti LaBelle song. Surely, she was singing about right-clicking on folders. This super-sized application will enable you to change all the attributes your heart desires. Simply right-click on the appropriate file or folder and check out the options; change standard attributes (natch), alter dates, compress files, and save settings for further use. The interface is so intuitive, even Sprocket can use it. He hates Patti LaBelle. He’s more of a Pointer Sisters fan. Get it? Pointer? It’s a type of… nevermind.
FolderBox
{View multiple folders in Explorer} Have you guys been acquainted with my good pal Windows Explorer? Just right click My Computer and select “Explore.” Now you can search all of the files and directories on your PC. Amazing, huh? Well, this proggie makes it even amazinger, ‘cause now you can search two folders at once. You can also add more FolderBoxes as you go, making room for additional folders and drives. If you’re going to be modifying, moving, editing, or doing anything else with a large number of files, why not make the job easier?
Breitling World Time
{Conversions galore} I wonder what time it is in Australia? Heck, what time it is anywhere? This tickin’ time tracker tells you the current time for every country and time zone on the planet. Pretty spiffy, isn’t it? Besides that, you can also convert currency and units of measurement. This is perfect if you happen to do a lot of globetrotting for your business. I’ll definitely need something like this for my treks between San Fran and Ioway. I’m no seasoned traveler… well, maybe lightly seasoned.
StatBar
{See your system status} If you’re wondering just how much RAM you’re using… as well as your uptime, CPU info, and all of that other system level stuff, then download the StatBar. It’ll stick a status bar on your screen which will include all of that data (and then some). It stays on top and doesn’t get in your way, which is nice. You can also add different modules to this thing: Winamp controls, live hard drive stats, battery control, etc. “Display StatBar either in dark gray, WinXP blue, dark red, Win2K gray, or WinXP silver.” Even if you’re not a geek, this rocks!
BHODemon
{Get rid of BHOs} A Browser Helper Object is something that is integrated into your Web browser and “helps” you as you surf the Web. It might be a utility or add-on that you once installed (but seldom use). Sometimes, they get in the way of your regular surfing routine. You shouldn’t have to worry about those nasty BHOs anymore (if you use this program). Enable or disable them quickly and easily. “Although many people are extremely concerned about them because of privacy issues, BHOs are not necessarily bad things. Most of them are well-intentioned and beneficial.”
Convert
“Convert is an easy to use unit conversion program that will convert the most popular units of distance, temperature, volume, time, speed, mass, power, density, pressure, energy and many others, including the ability to create custom conversions! You simply select the tab of the category you want, select the input unit, select the output unit, and type in the input value.”
WatchCat
“WatchCat is a small system tray applet for hiding application windows. Windows hidden by WatchCat also will disappear from taskbar and ALT+TAB chain. It’s extremely convenient if you need to keep applications such as MS Outlook open all the time but don’t check them often. As for me, sooner or later such applications get in a way in wrong time and get killed by ALT+F4.”
RdocEx
“[This is] a nifty shell add-on that adds the programs you run as well as the documents you open to your Recent Documents menu.” If you’ve ever opened and closed a program, wishing you still had it open… this is a godsend. I’d go as far as to say this added functionality will increase your productivity. You’re probably using the Documents menu, anyway.
IconShop
“IconShop is a librarian that offers the tools to manage icon libraries, read and write icon libraries, extract icons from cursors, animated cursors, bitmaps, resources, executables and libraries. Extract icons from Macintosh icons, resources, executables, IconDropper icon packs and Kaleidoscope schemes, including MacOS 8.5 24-bit icons. Export icons to icon, cursor or BMP bitmap format.”
ChangeExt
“ChangeExt is a Windows Explorer extension that will display additional information when a file is right-clicked – including: file extension, size, attributes, creation/modification date and short-cut info.” Again, once you start using this, you won’t be able to live without it. Another “invisible” utility that you’ll fall in love with immediately.
IrfanView
“[This] is a very fast graphic viewer. Supports: Thumbnails, Preview, Drag & Drop Support, Print Support, Scan (TWAIN) Support, Slideshow, Batch conversion, change the color depth, audio CD player, Capturing, Cut/Crop, Effects, etc.” Even if you already have another imaging application, give IrfanView a spin; the author’s been developing it for years.
Metapad
“If you are like me, one of the most useful programs for everyday use is Microsoft Notepad. I realized that Notepad was quite powerful and did almost everything I wanted in a simple text editor. Yet I found the UI to be unlike most 32-bit Windows applications and actually quite poor. Metapad is a small, fast (and completely free) text editor… which was designed to completely replace Notepad (since it includes all of Notepad’s features and much, much more).” The final release should be out any day now.
Computer Profiler
{Learn about your computer} Who is Karen? A smart lady who has written for several tech publications – and she makes some awesome free software, too. This one (in particular) lists over one hundred different things about your PC: memory, operating system, and all that other stuff you should know (but either forgot, or never knew about in the first place). “You can also copy the information to the Windows clipboard, and paste it into a document for permanent storage.” But don’t walk away without looking at what else she’s been working on since the demise of Windows Magazine. Emailer – sends e-mail from the command line; Print Logger – keeps a record of each printed document; Registry Ripper – extracts portions of Registry and saves them to a file; Registry Pruner – removes unnecessary Registry keys; URL Discombobulator – translates or creates odd-looking Web addresses. Oh, and quite a few more. Can you see why I love Karen so much?
CopyURL
Stop reading now. Don’t ask questions. Get this enhancement. You’ll love what it’ll do for your Internet Shortcuts, for SURE. Get FOUR new and functional options: Copy URL [copies just the URL to the clipboard], Copy Link [copies the URL/title to the clipboard in HTML format], Copy Name [copies the URL/title to the clipboard], and Open New Window [take a guess]. Major time saver here, folks – no joke. I’ll shut up now so you can get it, okay? And while you’re there, don’t miss FileNote: “a shell extension that allows you to add textual descriptions to your files.” Registry Key Backup is just as useful, as is FontLoader: “a shell context menu extension that allows users to load, unload, install, and uninstall fonts directly by right-clicking on a font file or folder containing fonts.”
LastChance
Opportunity only knocks once, which isn’t always a good thing. Sometimes I’m not home. You’ve probably got a few programs sitting in your Startup group, but have you thought about putting something in your Shutdown group? Of course not – there’s no such thing. Well, kinda. With LastChance in your arsenal, shutting down will never be the same. Run system diagnostics, troubleshooting utilities, or any given program automatically (and immediately) before Windows shuts down. Also available: an intuitive file management utility that provides the facility to synchronize files between a local machine and an FTP server (particularly useful for updating web sites and downloading software upgrades and patches).
GigAlarm
{String on your finger} Sometimes, I’m a bit like the absent- minded professor… I would forget my own head if it wasn’t attached. So naturally, I appreciate any program that can help keep me on track, and with GigAlarm I can setup whatever reminders/alarms I need. However, sometimes a simple text message just won’t catch my attention. Well, herein lies the beauty of GigAlarm… it doesn’t just have to give you a text alarm! GigAlarm can play a WAV file (random, or your selection), change your background, start a program, or use one of the many Windows shutdown options. My wife has gotten in the habit of using the Shutdown option as an alarm to signal that I have spent too long on the computer. (Lucky for me, there is a snooze button!) NOTE: The author says, “This program is essentially free to use for non- profit purposes… If you find this program useful I would appreciate $10 AUD (or $5 USD) as a token of your appreciation.”
QuicKalendar
{Calendar} You say you want to get together on the 25th, but what DAY is that? I’m not good with calendar dates; truth be told, I don’t even know what day of the week it is most the time. If I didn’t have my PDA armed with a Calendar with me, then I wouldn’t show up to anything on time, let alone on the right day. Well, that is great for when I am mobile, but what about when I am in front of my PC? The PDA is docked, but that doesn’t mean I have to be without a calendar… enter QuicKalendar! “QuicKalendar gives you quick and easy access to a calendar whenever you need it. You can view the calendar on screen, or print it out to jot down notes and appointments.” You need to keep in mind that the print feature is relative to how you have QuicKalendar displayed on your machine. If you are in full screen mode, then the printout will be bigger than a standard sheet of letter paper. If you try printing in normal view, then the printout will be too small to write on. My suggestion is to play with the size of QuicKalendar’s screen until you get a printout that you can be proud of. Now, you’ll have no reason to be late for Gnomedex!
Bart’s Boot Disks
{Boot ‘em up!} During one of my college computing jobs, I was known as “King of the Boot Disks!” I got this honored title for being the only technician with a boot disk for every situation. “Need to access the network or CD, but can only boot to DOS? Then ‘Call the King!’” Yep, that’s what was on my business card. Well, the imaginary card. To go with my imaginary crown. Anyway… where was I? Making all those boot disks took time and a little skill, and sometimes I had to search the Internet because I couldn’t remember a few commands, or because I was missing a needed file. Now, however, I have found Bart’s Boot Disks and I don’t have to worry about scouring the Internet for missing steps or files ever again! Everything you need to create network, CD-ROM, or Windows NT4 boot disks is on this Web site. There are files available that you can use for creating a boot disk for SCSI devices, or even a bootable CD. Stop wasting your time trying to find these steps all over the Internet; just head over to Bart’s Boot Disks and get them all in one place! sigh I’ll have to admit that Bart has stolen my title as King of the Boot Disks.
Reg Cleaner
{Tidy up your system files} Another registry cleaner… so what’s the big deal? Hey, have I ever let you down? Okay, not counting that ONE time. Mr. Reg will clean out those registry entries left behind by the software of yesteryear (or yestermonth, for that matter). The difference, though, is that instead of just zapping registry keys left and right, this one gives a list and allows you to select which ones you no longer need. Eh? “I uninstalled that program ages ago… ZAP.” The program also features automatic backup and an uninstall functions. My registry has never been so clean. It could use a few curtains, though. But that’s another binary.
WinBack Scratcher
{Change PC settings} Touching Oogie Boogie is a grave mistake here at the Gnomestead. He doesn’t like having his settings or icons tinkered with. I suppose I’m like those guys who don’t like it when someone messes with the equalizer on his car stereo. Geeks, motorheads… we’re all the same. This presto changer gives me (and you) easy access to anything on our PC that’s tweakable. You can change all the file and folder icons in the Windows Explorer, rotate your desktop wallpaper, or add a new animated logo to Internet Explorer. These, of course, are only three of about forty thousand changes you can make to your PC. Remember, the operative word is: YOUR.
Desktop Manager
{Desktops at your disposal} It’s the story of a lovely PC who was bringing up four very lovely desktops. But this manager can also be used as a shell replacement; instead of Explorer, you could use this. Toggle back and forth among four different desktops; all of your open apps don’t have to be squished into one stifling screen anymore. The desktops appear at the bottom of your screen near the system tray for single-click access. Each desktop can sport a separate resolution, color scheme, and wallpaper. Time to throw away the Start Menu for a more modular environment.
Just Add Wavs
{Tweak sound association} It’s the Windows Sound Event of the century! Everything in our inventory has been marked down and must be SOLD SOLD SOLD! Sorry, I get excited over my sound events; those WAVs you hear when you open, close, minimize, maximize, or do anything else with a Windows app? With this, you can “Just Add” a sound to any given program’s operations. It’s a good way to mix, match, and add pizzazz to an otherwise mute application. Sounds good to me! Let’s see… where did I put that volume control? Must be here somewhere. Whoops… I must have sold it earlier.
Scanner Recorder
{Record voices easily} Recording audio on your PC isn’t tremendously difficult to do, but that data can suck up a lot of space on ye olde hard drive. For this very reason, Scanner Recorder was developed; it will save resources by pausing when no sound is present. The primary function is to record voice; it’s ideal for radio communications and any other situation in which people are… talking. The interface contains a display log and a slider to adjust the squelch. If you don’t know who squelch is, he was a character on “Saved By The Bell.” Quite annoying, actually. I’m a Zach fan, myself.
Equivalent IP Address Calculator
{Obscure your IP address} Enter an IP address and this translator will fire a handful of synonyms back at ya. Why would you want to do this? Security, piece of mind, you name it. Spammers often use IP equivalents to confuse their customers (read: victims) and keep themselves anonymous. If anything, you’ll get a better idea of those tricks that can be played with IP addresses; this’ll make ‘em a lot harder to read. Synonyms are good. Especially synonym toast. Hey, who’s this 127.0.0.1 machine? It keeps attacking my system! Make it stop, please. I don’t want to be forced to call the… what? It’s me? Oh. Sorry.
Geek Code Generator
{Symbolize your geekitude} Do you have to be a geek to understand the geek code? Maybe you have to be a geek to want to understand it. This front-end will generate a geek code block that will match your specific geekiness (even though it’s a tad out of date). What is geek code? It’s a series of letters and symbols that represents your inner geek. Just remember, though, not everyone is geeky in the computer sense. It’s a condition that can strike anyone. That’s right… anyone. No, really—some of my best friends are geeks. Go figure. CAUTION: this was intended for mature geeks.
Remote Tray
{Move windows to the system tray} Woo hoo! Woo… sorry. Here’s an awesome app that allows you move a running program window from the taskbar to the system tray. The windows you need will be ready and waiting over there. It’s a great way to unclutter your taskbar—especially if you’re like me and tend to have about thirty windows open at one time. Of course, it’s good to keep your system tray uncluttered, too. You’ll have to find a happy medium… or an overzealous fortune teller. Start using Windows—stop having windows use you.
One2
{Send screen shots instantly} Allow me to set the scene, as I’m known to do every now and again, in order to illustrate a point. You’re working on a project and you want to e-mail it to someone. You COULD attach it, but that would require closing the program and then going through all the attaching rigmarole. Stop. Give One2 a spin and you can send an e-mail that’ll automatically attach a screenshot of what is currently on your screen. Wasn’t that easy? You can send those attachments in the JPG, GIF, or BMP image format. My suggestion? Stick to JPG until a PNG option is available. GIF is too lossy and BMP is too unwieldy. This is a must have for any troubleshooter!
Syslog
{View changes to System folder} Whenever you take Windows software for a drive, your Windows/System folder gets another visitor. This particular folder fills up pretty easily, and this helpful application lets you know when something has been added, removed, or otherwise altered. The last time I had something added, removed or altered, I couldn’t play basketball for a week. You can even print the results if you’d like. Stay on top of things, as they say.
Fast Font Set
{Get the fonts you need} This program lets you view all the fonts that are stored on your computer. Once you’ve taken a gander at what ya got, you can display style, size, and color; display text; show alphabet and code character set; load samples from files; get a print preview; print samples; display all fonts, or only the fonts you’ve selected; and group fonts for easy categorization. The interface makes it easy to find and use what you need. If you change fonts often and need a way to access them instantly, you’ll definitely want to take this for a spin.
IconS
{Extract icons easily} We’ve all seen those war movies where a man gets shot and has to have an icon extracted. Wait, that’s not right. Thankfully, the only extracting I have to worry about is done through this powerful puller. It’ll dig up icons within EXE, ICO, DLL, ICL, CPL, NIL, and IL file types. Just select the folder or subfolder, click the Search button, and there you have it. The interface is button-based, and you can even change the language setting (you know, in case you want to extract in Russian).
Send To FTP
{Upload stuff with ease} Here’s a simple way to transfer your files to a Web server from the comfort of the Windows Explorer. All you have to do is right click on any file you want to send, then select “Send to FTP” from the “Send To” menu. You’ll have to fill in a username, hostname, and password when you first fire up this add-on, but after that, it’s smooth sailing. No clients to fuss with! It’s capable of handling multiple host accounts; use the edit box to put files into a sub-directory. If you’re new to the file transfer protocol, it doesn’t get much easier than this. “Hold down [the] CTRL or SHIFT key to select more than one file…”
Quick Hide Windows
{Hide icons and windows} Company coming over? Quick, clean up your computer’s desktop. Only a geek would say something like that. Well, this program will help you. With what’s sitting on your screen, that is. It’ll hide your desktop icons and / or the stuff in your system tray. It’s not a bad way to keep your system secure; a password lock is included so that no one will trip over those hidden icons. Hide windows at the mash of a key—when you’re writing a letter to your beloved when you should be working on your homework. “You can even lock your computer with QHW instead of relying on a weak, easily-hackable screensaver password.”
CMenuExtender
{Menus within context} The “C” is not for cookie… at least, not in this case. By using this binary, you can extend the right-click (context) menu to include any number of commands and submenus. Why? I’ll call upon an example, as I’m known to do. Let’s say I tend to copy a lot of things to a folder named “Sprocket.” I can add a command to the context menu called “Sprocket Copy.” That’s covers part of this hack’s functionality; you can also open programs, explore a folder, launch a Web page, etc. My favorite feature? You can sit icons next to your new entries for visual cues. “CMExt also has some predefined commands for copying, moving and retrieving information on files and directories.”
XClip
{Paste with your mouse} Copying and pasting… man, what a time saver. Really. I mean it. Why bother retyping something when a quick cut and paste is all you need? Well, maybe it’s not as quick as it should be, what with having to constantly switch between the keyboard and the mouse. Make your copying and pasting even easier with XClip. CTRL + your mouse button will copy and SHIFT + your mouse button will paste. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t rely entirely on keyboard shortcuts (or the mouse) for operations, now you can have the best of both worlds. Mouse button not included.
EnditAll
{Shut down everything} CTRL+ALT+DEL. You know it; you love it. Maybe you don’t LOVE it, but it’s a quick way to close any running program(s). Wait, did I just say “quick?” There’s nothing “quick” about it, considering you may have to close each program one at a time. If you need a way to stop everything in its tracks, then give EnditAll a spin. “But Chris,” you might say. “Some things like ‘Explorer’ and ‘Systray’ need to stay open.” Belay those fears, ‘cause it won’t mess with ‘em. Dude, they thought of everything. Use it right before you defrag your system, install new software, or burn a CD.
Mirage Desktop Hider
{Cover up your icons} When a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound? When an icon is hidden on your desktop, is it still there? Some would argue “no” for either situation. The author of this program thinks otherwise. With a quick click & drag of your cursor, you’ll have created an invisible layer (underneath which sits certain desktop elements). You can still view the icons’ contents through conventional means. Before, it was either all or nothing. Cut down on desktop clutter before you go insane. These invisible squares will keep those nice young men (in their clean white coats) from coming to take you away. Ha ha!
FillCD
{Use the whole media} If you’re copying files from your computer to a CD-R, I suppose you could just keep adding ‘em until the CD can’t take anymore. Or, you could put that ol’ brain to rest and try this program. It’ll take a list of files and tell you which ones will fit snuggly onto your CD. This will ensure that you take full advantage of the CD’s capacity. Your settings will be saved for the next burning session, too. “Just specify the size to use and how close to 100% you want to fill [the CD].” Have you had your fill?
OEM Logo Manager
{Change your system info} If you open your system properties window, you should see a logo that represents whatever system you happen to be using. Gosh darn it, isn’t it YOUR system? Shouldn’t you be able to put whatever graphic there that you’d want? Using this tool, you can replace that logo with any other bitmap. You can use your own or select one from the many provided for you in the menu. You can also make changes to the text fields and add up to ten extra lines. I’d warn newbies against altering this information too much, though. You may need it later. If you’re someone who knows what you’re doing, then by all means – tweak away.
CD Device Viewer
{Disc drive details} So tell me: what can your CD or DVD-ROM do, exactly? If you don’t know, then at least this application does. Can your drive recognize or create CD-R media? How about handling CD-RW discs? Can it recognize a DVD? Can you listen to an audio CD through it? Hey, ya never know. If you’re looking for a quick and concise way to find out just what the heck that little cup holder can (and cannot) do, then give this a spin. Ha! You might even consider throwing it onto a floppy to identify someone else’s CD drive details.
DoubleDesktop
{Double that desktop} I like to keep my screen somewhat uncluttered. However, if you have a ton of links and applications stored on your desktop, maybe it’s time to double the size. But won’t you have to get a bigger monitor? No, sir. No, madam. This application lets you toggle between the right and left side of your “larger” desktop with the click of a button. Now you can keep one side clean and another peppered with your shortcuts. That’s just one idea. Y’all can do whatever you’d like with it. “To move a window from the one virtual screen to another, just drag the window beyond the screen boundaries.”
Glass2k
{Make transparent windows} Sorry, Windows 9x users, but this program is just for the XP and 2k folks. So, if you happen to be running of either of those operating systems and want a quick and simple way to make any one of your windows transparent, look no further than Glass2k. Right-click a window or use pre-defined keyboard shortcuts. This program will even remember previous settings and let you set one window on top at all times. “And with this latest version, you can easily make the windows taskbar transparent.” Now you can be working on a document in the foreground while you watch our Webcams refresh behind it.
XPAntiSpy
{Streamline Windows} If you’ve made the move to XP, you might want to take a quick look at this program. For you see, XP has an “Automatic Updates” feature (among other things) that might be sharing more of your info than you’d like. Turning these features off in Windows may not make you feel safe enough. This tool will take care of your system in an instant. It’s a great way to clear away all the ghosts lurking around in XP that you’re just not sure about. “It’s customizable, but comes up with the Default settings, which are recommended.” As always, frequently backing up your data is recommended.
Asset Navigator
{Asset management} “One of my old jobs, along with fixing PCs, was Asset Manager. That meant that I had to track where each computer was in the company, and what software it had on it. I started out with an Excel spreadsheet and then upgraded to an Access database. If only Asset Navigator was around during that time! ‘Asset Navigator is an integrated and comprehensive solution for PC auditing, asset management and technical Help Desk support. It provides powerful control over the diverse IT assets of your business. You can dynamically track configuration, user, location and other critical asset information and much more.’ Asset Navigator is an asset manager’s dream come true; it even has a section to keep track of your vendors’ contact information. On top of all this, you can print out comprehensive reports and export your data to Excel to share with upper management – gotta make sure you impress the boss. Don’t be left wondering where your computers are and what is on them… know for certain with Asset Navigator!”
Command Creator
{Create new commands} Did you know that you can open the Microsoft Paint program by clicking on the Run icon in the Start Menu and entering: “MSPAINT” (sans quotes). Heck yes, you can! There’s a ton of commands that can be executed that way, and here’s a way to create ones that don’t quite exist. I guess that’s why they call it “Command Creator,” huh? Maybe you want a quicker way to open that new Tetris clone you just downloaded, or perhaps you have a new text editor that you plan to use with command line switches. Whatever you need, this will bring you up to speed.
Gunner’s RiFLE
{Delete MRU lists} Most of you know that under the File menu in Microsoft Word is a list of your most recently accessed documents. That’s what is known as an “MRU” (Most Recently Used) list. The same feature is found in other programs, as well (including Windows, itself). Those lists are there for convenience. They might save you some searching time, but if you move the file, or delete it entirely, it might remain in that list. With this rad remover, you can clear out those file shortcuts. “Gunner’s RiFLE currently supports: 63 Programs and 98 MRU lists. Including: WinZip, Topstyle, Paint Shop Pro, PowerPoint, Nero-Burning Rom, Microangelo, Paint, and more. If you would like to add a program to my supported programs list, please follow the instructions.”
Ghrone
{New desktop clock} Are you tired of that boring desktop clock? Sure you are. Here’s a fancy new timekeeper for those of you running on either Windows 2000 or XP. It uses the transparency function found on these operating systems to create a lovely translucent clock for your time-telling enjoyment. You can use different skins, too; just pick one from the list provided. “Ghrone displays the time on top of all other windows or on the desktop, unobtrusively (depending on the skin you use and your personal settings).” I’m telling you, the transparency feature in Windows can be a godsend. Expect more and more apps to have built- in support for it.
Floppy Image
{Burn images of floppies} A picture is worth a thousand words, and a disk image is worth a heck of a lot more – especially if you’ve got old floppies with valuable information on them. Remember how, back in the day, you spent weeks slaving over your old term papers, manuscripts, and so forth… thousands of bytes, right? Don’t lose those pieces of history to floppy decay; image them with Floppy Image and ensure that your works live to infinity and beyond. After all, someday someone will be interested in reading your interpretation of symbolism in T.S. Eliot’s “The Wasteland,” your Master’s thesis, or your Star Wars fan fiction about the thrilling secret romance between Chewbacca and Princess Leia. “You can choose to save the image file compressed, uncompressed or as a self-extracting exe file. You can also add descriptions to your image files.”
Glint
{System performance light board} What’s going on in your system? Your computer system, that is. Well, this powerful proggie can let you know by changing the brightness of special indicators to corresponding system performance counters. You can also easily view what the most active processes are. All in all, this gives you a better idea as to what’s happening. “User can switch temporarily off costly or unnecessary counters or change the monitor view mode by pressing a key. Settings dialogs allow to select any counters available in system and set colors for their indication. Up to 100 counters can be displayed simultaneously in several rows.” It’s probably the “coolest” one I’ve ever seen.
FoSi
{No full partitions} Geez, where the heck did all my hard drive space go? Partitions can get full rather quickly, and this program helps you find the folders that might be getting a bit too big for their britches. Of course, most people realize you can use the Windows Explorer to navigate your disk(s), but this doo-dad does it much faster. It shows the size of the folder and all of its subfolders in a nice little graphical chart or table. Sure, you could rely on pulling up a folder’s properties, but that will get tedious in 37 seconds. This tool, however, will never wear you out. “Other functions: animate the charts, print them, and/or save them to a file.”
PowerShell
{New options in My Computer} If you’re running on Windows XP, this program will change your registry, adding a few more options to the My Computer context menu. Now you can drop into DOS, log off, restart, shutdown, and do all sorts of stuff right from your desktop. Now, that’s what I call convenience. You can even (easily) edit the registry from this new and improved context menu! As I’ve stated many times before, however, you shouldn’t mess with the registry unless you know what you’re doing. Your computer might not like you if you render it useless. It’s just a simple REG file that someone has put together. No need for any extra software! Now, another one (for Windows ME) is available from the site.
Gymnast
{Make PDF files} You can turn your text files into PDF (Portable Document Format) – viewable in the free Adobe Acrobat reader. You don’t even need any additional Adobe software to complete the conversion. In fact, you don’t have to spend a dime on software, either. All you need to do is download this free application and you’re all set. You can even include hyperlinks within your document. “Use it to publish electronic newsletters, brochures or price lists. Use it to compile database or spreadsheet reports for distribution to clients or staff. Use it to distribute readme files with your software. Produce professional-looking documents for the Web.” The complimentary registration code is available at the top of the official Web page.
Internet Sweeper
{Clean up after you surf} After you’ve visited a few Web sites, run a few programs, and played around in Windows, a bit of (potentially incriminating) data is left on your system. This crafty cleaner can get rid of certain files and entries. You can set it to run whenever you’d like, and use it to instantly close pop-up windows, delete your browser’s history, temporary files cache, and dump those cookies. My favorite thing about this program? It works in all browsers. Yes, including AOL’s. Automatically clear the Recycle Bin, delete files that are in use when Windows starts, and more. Is it comprehensive? Pretty darn close. What’s the foolproof way for not getting caught doing something you shouldn’t have been doing? Don’t do it in the first place.
YourCPL
{Add items to the Control Panel} Ah, the tried and true Control Panel. If only it had a link to the Registry editor in there. Oh, and a link to MSConfig, too. While we’re at it, I’d love to have an icon for Solitaire, too. You won’t be able to do it (easily) without YourCPL. “Anything you can run from a command line can be added. One 24k program and a configuration file will do it all.” This is a great tool for power users, and especially for wannabe power users. Follow the (simple) directions and you’ll be clicking through the Control Panel in seconds. Now, if this doesn’t float your boat, check out what else Ian has to offer: RefreshIE – reloads Internet Explorer at user-defined intervals; MakeNewFolder – put it on a hotkey for instant access; Dial.exe – enables you to dial phone numbers from Windows shortcuts; and PosiTweak – helps remove the blue cast from scanned negatives that have been converted to positive.
Task Killer
{Kill programs} Task Killer is a program that will terminate running programs instantly. That’s why they call it the Task Killer. It sits in your system tray, and every running program / process can be accessed simply by left-clicking on the icon and navigating the menu. This is extremely helpful when an application (like Internet Explorer) freezes. We all know that programs tend to do that from time to time. Heck, it’s even happened on my iMac – so don’t go thinking that Windows is the only locktastic operating system out there. I wouldn’t suggest killing programs indiscriminately. If you don’t know what something is, killing it could cause your entire system to falter. If all else fails, search for the program’s name on your favorite search engine. Could be normal, could be spyware, could be a virus? If you ignore it, don’t think that it’ll just go away. Kill it if it shouldn’t be there.
Active SMART Monitor
{Failure is imminent} What now? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could be warned of crashes before they happened? And wouldn’t it be nice if we were older – then we wouldn’t have to wait so long? Yes, I thought so, too. This tool will monitor your hard drives and warn you of potential failures via e-mail or “instant” messages. Plus, it requires (virtually) no system resources. “The program uses Self-Monitoring and Reporting Technology (S.M.A.R.T.) built into all newer hard disks, and can predict problems with your hard drive(s).” General information includes: drive model, capacity, firmware revision, DMA mode, raw read error rate, throughput performance, spin up time, seek error rate, spin retry count, CRC error count, etc. A log is kept for your convenience, and you can also adjust the polling time.
TightVNC
“VNC (an abbreviation for Virtual Network Computing) is a great client / server software package allowing remote network access to graphical desktops. With VNC, you may allow yourself to access your machine from everywhere provided that your machine is connected to the Internet. VNC is free (released under the GNU General Public License) and it’s available on most platforms. The original VNC distribution can be obtained at the AT&T research labs site. Here you can find enhanced version of VNC, called TightVNC (grown from the VNC Tight Encoder project), which is optimized to work over slow network connections such as low-speed modem links. While original VNC may be very slow when your connection is not fast enough, with TightVNC you can work remotely almost in real time in most environments. Besides bandwidth optimizations, TightVNC also includes many other improvements, optimizations and bug fixes over VNC.”
TinyUpLoader
{Upload stuff} If you need to get a file from point A to point FTP as easily as possible, it doesn’t get much easier than this ultimate uploader. The interface itself shouldn’t scare novices away, but more advanced users will like it, too, if only because it’s so simple to use. Just type in the necessary information (Web address, password, source, and destination), then click “Start,” and you’re on your way. Modifying or getting rid of uploads is as easy as clicking a button, and having the log file is nice, too.
MB-Ruler
{Measure distance and angles} I was never very good in geometry… Pythagoras would be disappointed that I can never exactly remember his theorem. (What did a hippopotamus have to do with triangles anyway? That animal seems to be pretty round if you ask me…) Anyway, MB-Ruler is quite a useful little application, especially for anyone who has had to work with banners and graphics for the Web. You can measure angles in radians or degrees, and distances in inches, centimeters, twips, points or pixels. And if those weren’t enough options, you can even set your own scale. Everything about MB-Ruler can be customized, including its size and color.
Traces Viewer
{Find website remnants} Who knows what evils lurk on the hard drives of mine? I’m always curious about what has been downloaded to my PC after I have visited a website. I suppose I COULD clear out my Temporary Internet Files before going to every single page… or I could just install Traces Viewer. This handy application gives me the power to see what my PC acquires for every website I visit. With Traces Viewer’s easy-to-read interface, I can see what files come from each site, and also if the site contained any cookies. Mmmmmm, cookies… now, how could chocolate chip be evil?
Command Prompt Explorer Bar
{Explorer enhancement} I can’t even tell you how many times I have tried to run a DOS batch file or some sort of script (whether VB or Java), only to have a black screen pop up and then suddenly disappear, leaving me with nothing. (Has my computer suddenly been possessed by David Copperfield and his incredible vanishing magic?) Well, that isn’t a problem for me since I got the Command Prompt Explorer Bar. With a quick press of CTRL+M, I am left with a command window that is nested inside my current Explorer window. What’s even better is that the command prompt is already “navigated” to the window I opened it in. For example: If I hit CTRL+M when my current directory is the Desktop, then the command prompt window opens to C:\Windows\Desktop. Command Prompt Explorer Bar also has a built-in script button, which is nice, but I had a hard time getting it to work on my machine (I suspect a problem with my machine, though, NOT the program). Before you decide to download this application, make sure you have both Windows Installer version 2 and .Net framework installed, both of which you can find on Microsoft’s Web site.
Horst
{Batch file enhancement} Back in the day, when kids had to walk two miles to school, uphill and in the snow (and we LIKED it!), I did almost everything in DOS. Even when Windows 3.11 came out, there was still a lot that had to be done in DOS. Later came Windows 9X and 2k/XP, but real power still lies at the command prompt. You can automate any number of tasks with a simple batch file. Horst 3.1 is a set of 32 small programs that are geared towards DOS batch file enhancement. I could write a whole issue highlighting all 32 of these programs, but for the sake of space, I’ll highlight just one for now. Choix is a CHOICE clone with one major difference: mouse support. Also, a banner will let you display an ANSI message across your monitor until you press a key to stop it. There are just too many good programs to choose from in this set of utilities! If you do still do any work with DOS batch files, hurry over the Web address above, and get your copy of Horst 3.1. NOTE: A few of these programs will not function in Windows 2k.
PowerOff
{PC on, PC off, Daniel-san} How many times have you spent staying up late at night downloading a big file or doing a long install? You’re nodding off the whole time, but being the power conservationist that you are (good for you!), you don’t want to leave your computer because you want to shut down your machine when the install/download is done. With PowerOff, you don’t have to stay there and wait for your install to finish; just schedule your computer to shut down after the install finishes. Along with the shutdown feature, PowerOff can also reboot, log off, power off, or lock your workstation. You aren’t just limited to your OWN machine though, you can perform a “Wake-On-LAN” for any computer on your network (or any of the other aforementioned features), as long as your have rights to that machine. If you’re an administrator, you’ll also enjoy the fact that you can send a warning to your remote users before shutting them down or rebooting their system. Thank goodness for PowerOff… no more mornings of waking up with a keyboard imprint on my cheek.
NTFS Reader for DOS
{Save the data} Just because a hard drive has failed doesn’t mean you still can’t get some data off of it. Normally you can just plug in the failed hard drive as a slave drive and copy your data onto a new master hard drive. This would be fine… unless you are trying to retrieve data from an NTFS formatted drive while you are running on a FAT32 formatted drive. Some would say, “Just give up! The data is lost,” but that just isn’t true. I can load NTFS Reader for DOS onto a bootable floppy, and upon booting off that new floppy disk I can copy those files from the NTFS formatted drive to the FAT32 formatted drive. If you set up the boot disk properly, you can even copy that data straight onto your network. NTFS Reader is a must for any computer technician’s collection of utilities.
PowerPro
{Power tool for a power user} At first I was a little overwhelmed with PowerPro; I wouldn’t say it is for the novice user. I still haven’t made it through all the features on the program, and frankly, to list any of the features I have tried would just be scratching the surface of this powerful application. I WILL tell you that you can create different virtual desktops, set up timers, configure keyboard and mouse hotkeys, AND configure just about every command on your system. (You know, it may not be humanly possible to even explain all that this program can do!) Imagine every Windows configuration program you have ever seen, mash them all together into one, and then elevate that one to the tenth power and then you are getting close to the power that PowerPro gives you over your system. (I think that means “a lot”... I was never very good at math.) I will warn you again that this program isn’t for the novice user. PowerPro can be very hard to understand and configure properly, but once you do find your way around the application and get it set up properly, it will quickly replace any other shortcut/Windows configuration program that you may have on your system. Get ready to start tweaking!
DoubleKiller
{Delete identical files} Do have one of those huge and nasty multimedia directories? You know, the type where the main directory has too many files to look through, and there are also subfolders. You are positive that you have multiple copies of the same file, but you will never have the time to search them all. You didn’t have the time, you do now. DoubleKiller helps you seek out those identical files, using search parameters that you configure. This application can search and compare files by name, date, size and CRC32-checksum. You can also configure DoubleKiller to exclude DLLs, system files, files of specified file attributes (example: hidden and/or read-only), and files greater than (or less than) a certain size. What I like most about DoubleKiller is that in the end, it displays the files for you instead of just immediately getting rid of them. The choice to keep or delete a file is still up to the user, up to the very last moment.
EditURLs
{Edit URLs} Most of us Internet geeks aren’t the only ones in our household using the Internet on the computer. Of course, it is always our first instinct to check the URL Address Dropdown List in Internet Explorer for our favorite web sites and it never fails that they have been replaced by all the web sites the other family computer users have been checking out. I know it isn’t a big deal because you can use your Favorites in Internet Explorer, but it is still a hassle. EditURLs lets you edit the contents of the URL Address Dropdown List and will even let you drop the contents to a master file that can be re-uploaded before opening Internet Explorer. Some people will see that this program is also a way to partially cover your Internet tracks, at least to the common user. EditURLs doesn’t just have to be for you though. You could use master file capability to help out the novice users in the house by applying their frequently accessed web pages after you are done surfing, saving them time and frustration. I’m sure you too can find a useful application for EditURLs in your household.
FontRenamer
{Rename TrueType fonts} If you are into working with Graphics and Fonts, you have probably setup your own TrueType fonts directory at least once . You may have noticed that unlike the Microsoft Word fonts list, TrueType font files aren’t all named with a descriptive typeface name. The Arial bold italic font might be named arialbi.ttf. What if I told you that you can change all of that with one program and a few seconds of your time? Well, you can with FontRenamer. “FontRenamer renames TrueType font files (.ttf) to the real name of the typefaces. Simply select a folder of font files and click the Rename button.” Trust me, this program couldn’t be any simpler to use. I will advise you not to use this on your Windows Fonts directory though, as it will play havoc with your Microsoft Office installation.
ClearInfo
{Monitor your system} I like to keep track of my computer’s performance, especially when checking out new programs, as I want to see how each effects overall system performance. A program can look fabulous and be extremely functional but if it eats up all my system’s memory then it isn’t worth it. I used to use the Performance Monitor in Windows 2k/XP but not anymore, not since I have run into ClearInfo. ClearInfo allows you to monitor system uptime, physical/virtual memory usage, CPU usage, type of connection, whose logged in, display size and refresh rate. Want more? OK! You can also see the CPU name, memory load, and what song, if any, is playing on the system. All this info can also be directed to a log file too. I know this all sounds good but trust me it doesn’t just sound good. ClearInfo runs in transparent mode on your PC and you can control the degree of transparency. The great thing about ClearInfo is how configurable it is. If you don’t want to monitor one of the above system properties then just uncheck the box. You can’t go wrong with the sweet little utility because not only is it versitile… it’s FREE!
SymLink
{Create symbolic links} Brian Stevens tells us about a favorite download of his: “One of the features I enjoy most about Windows 2000 Server is Distributed File System, or DFS (for short). DFS allows me to mount a directory from another server onto one of my other servers. Let’s say I have Accounting on server 2 and Managers on server 1; Managers need access to Accounting’s files, but Accounting doesn’t need access to the Managers’ files. Instead of having to map multiple drives, I just setup a symbolic/DFS link on the Manager server (server 1) and that solves all my problems. I know what you’re saying: “That’s great for a network person, but what about for us home users?” That’s where SymLink comes into the picture. With SymLink, you can set up symbolic links on your workstation, which is great for redirecting your C:\Program Files\ directory to your D:\ drive, or maybe even your My Documents directory. Keep in mind that this application requires that you be using the NTFS 5 file system… and please be sure to read the directions carefully!
ClipLinkViewer
{Play video files} Like many of you out there, I used to surf the Internet without broadband. Stuck with a 56k connection that would take hours to download video. It used to be that when you wanted to check out a movie file it was broke into multiple pieces, so they were easier to download but a pain to play back because you had to go re-click on the next file. ClipLinkViewer is an application that will play, in succession, all the AVI, MOV, DV, MPG and MP4 video clips within a selected folder/directory. This is great for presentation machines that need to cycle through the video clips of a directory to entertain the audience before the actual presentation. The only major requirement of this application is that you need to have Quicktime version 5 or later installed on your computer.
Total Copy
{Alternative object mover} For the most part, Files and folders aren’t in fixed locations. We often have to transfer them to other space on our disks (possibly across a network). Microsoft fell asleep at the wheel when it came to designing the move/copy dialog box. For you to see the full destination and origination paths, exact percentage completed, and KB per second transfer rate, you gotta go Total. Heck, you can even slow down or pause the transfer!