Killer Apps, Tweaks & Important Updates!

[Negative Sun]

Originally Posted by tk102

And to keep on topic of this thread, here's another one. I was just noticing how my hard drive was getting full and wanted to know which folders were storing the most stuff. Dirlot came in handy for that.

http://www.programurl.com/dirlot.htm

Sure, most of the results could've been determined from a Windows search for big files, but that wouldn't have found the the folder of extracted XP Service Pack 2 files (many small files) which I had kept for some reason.

Very handy little program, and very light too!

On a totally different note: I love this thread!

I'm always going "hmmm I used to have this app that did this or that before my HDD crashed", and I always find it in here somewhere lolz

[Det. Bart Lasiter]

Madotate. Screen:




DeskSpace. Screen:

[tk102]

Wow.
*hands trophy to jmac*
I wish Deskspace was free. I'm an icon horder.

[Astrotoy7]

hmm..might give that deskpace a go - I wonder if it will allow me to run vista media center on a second virtual desktop... EDIT: It does ! great stuff jmac >>works great on Vista x64 too

Ive got a couple:

Any Video Converter (Free Edition lower down on page)
Free, highly tweakable - I use it for all my HDTV archving, converting all my recorded/edited mpeg2 > H264. VERY easy to use, more reliable than super(esp on x64) and prettier too


Vista Codec Pack & Vista x64 components
any serious multimedia fan/hoarder will already know about this. Also, a MUST INSTALL for anyone planning to use a vista rig as a mediacenter pc. An entirely comprehensive package of codecs/tools, customisable. Includes ffdshow, vobsub, haali/matroska etc

Even better for x64 users is that the compiler has created an x64 components add on, allowing all files to work across WMP and Mediacenter(sometimes a file/codec is x86 specific and will open in WMP but not mediacenter, this addresses this for all relevant filetypes)

check the site regularly as the compiler keeps codecs/filters versions meticulously up to date

see screenie >> there is simply nothing as wonderfully comprehensive


Last but not least (not sure if Ive mentioned it here...)
FairUse Wizard
Light Edition = FREE, fast and very easy to use! The ultimate DVD>AVI(xvid, divx, x264) converter. Intuitive GUI, not a messy dogs breakfast like Auto GK Tweakable if you need it, or basic/auto modes. Supports batch encoding, as well as encoding from .isos. Best to have the latest divx/xvid/h264 codecs installed in the background. (or you could use the vista codec pack listed above - which includes all these)



piccie en francais,but proggie can be installed in english as well of course

mtfbwya

[Serpentine Cougar]

Some nice finds here! VirtualBox in particular looks interesting. Here's some of my favorite programs that haven't been mentioned yet (all of them are freeware):

TUGZip - My favorite compression/decompression program; it can handle a ton of different file types, including zip, rar, 7zip, tarballs (the reason I originally got it), and even bin, img, and iso files.

CDisplay - Calls itself a "sequential image viewer," and what it does is makes it easy to look at a bunch of images in sequence, like a manga or comic; with just one button (spacebar) you can scroll through an image and jump to the next one in line. Also, it makes the picture fill the whole screen, for a more "immersive" experience.

Notepad++ - An alternative to the Notepad that comes with Windows; it has features like spellcheck and column numbering, and will color code html and other coded files when you work on them. It's a lot easier to keep track of what I'm doing in an HTML file in Notepad++ than it is in regular Notepad.

Daemon Tools - Emulates a virtual CD/DVD-ROM drive on your computer; nice when used in conjunction with ISO Buster because you can copy a CD to your computer's hard drive and stick it in the virtual drive, and don't have to worry about damaging the original CD (something I'm a little paranoid about).

ASC Gen.NET - A nifty little program that can convert any image to ASCII. I guess it's kinda like Email Effects, but I hadn't heard about it before... Also, it's completely freeware, so no "nag-ware"...

[Sabretooth]

Originally Posted by Serpentine

CDisplay - Calls itself a "sequential image viewer," and what it does is makes it easy to look at a bunch of images in sequence, like a manga or comic; with just one button (spacebar) you can scroll through an image and jump to the next one in line. Also, it makes the picture fill the whole screen, for a more "immersive" experience.

Just thought I'd mention that Comix is a great replacement for this, if you're using Linux. Comical is also a great alternative for cbr and cbz files, and it works across Windows, Linux and Mac (and I'm using it right now! )

[tk102]

Regarding a favorite tech sites, I guess I forgot to mention this...

http://www.dnsstuff.com

[RevanA4]

I've never used this since I've always payed for the entire thing but if you don't want to spend upwards of 500 bucks for Visual studio's .Net here is a free version

http://www.microsoft.com/express/2005/

[Astrotoy7]

not sure if I mentioned this before DynDNS offers some great services for static and dynamic IPs.

Not sure what it is ? Let me give an example of what I used it for.

*I assigned my mediacenter pc a static (internal) IP, via networking properties
*I then set up a dyndns account and installed the dyndns service on that pc.
*It then maps the external IP for that pc to some easy to remember words you chose eg. whatever.homeip.net >>> so anywhere on the web, when you type in that it allows you to access that pc directly. If you mab a web server proggie or app to a particular port in your router, it will give you direct access to that

great for things like >
>remote access/control of pc. in a media center context I used webguide to schedule recordings, access my music from overseas etc !
>remote access/control of utorrent. check how its all going/add torrents from anywhere on the web

Please note, there are some modem/routers which have this service built into them, but for those that dont, this(and there are similar others) are a great option.

mtfbwya

[Jae Onasi]

I found this site in SmartComputing magazine the other day. It's an independent company that tests and ranks AV programs, called AV-Comparatives. Thought you all might find their reviews interesting.

Astro--could you set up an index in your first post perhaps? There's so many good things in this thread, and an index will make the programs/sites easier to find (and to check to see if the site/program has been mentioned by someone already. )

[Negative Sun]

Originally Posted by Jae Onasi

Astro--could you set up an index in your first post perhaps? There's so many good things in this thread, and an index will make the programs/sites easier to find (and to check to see if the site/program has been mentioned by someone already. )

Great idea, saves me digging through this thread going: "where on earth is that post about this program dammit!"

[Serpentine Cougar]

Found a couple more cool programs:

BurnAware - a free CD/DVD/Blu-ray burner, nice alternative to the expensive Nero Suite.

K-Lite Codec Pack - a complete (and free) video and music codec pack that allows you to play all the different file types you'd ever use, including Real and QuickTime.

[Negative Sun]

Originally Posted by Serpentine

K-Lite Codec Pack - a complete (and free) video and music codec pack that allows you to play all the different file types you'd ever use, including Real and QuickTime.

How does it play QuickTime stuff cause I'm trying to get rid of QT but I can't see the codec for it in the list, even in the "Mega" version of it...

To stay on the same topic, I dunno if I've posted it here before but I'll mention XP Codec Pack which includes the awesome Sherlock Codec Detective, which you can see in action here:

[Astrotoy7]

Originally Posted by Negative Sun

How does it play QuickTime stuff cause I'm trying to get rid of QT but I can't see the codec for it in the list, even in the "Mega" version of it...

Negsun - IIRC - youre a vista user - if so - you cant go past the vista codec pack Everything the k-lite pack has, and more, I can verify it has quicktime filters Even a superb x64 add on if you are using vista x64.

if you want to unload just QT, and not install anything else > there is also Quicktime Alternative (basically just the QT filters on their own, so you can open them in other players.)

for xp users, apart from using something like vlc player, if you like the control that codec packs allow(they do if you know what youre doing!) then the most comprehensive is the CCCP

mtfbwya

[Negative Sun]

Originally Posted by Astrotoy7

Negsun - IIRC - youre a vista user - if so - you cant go past the vista codec pack Everything the k-lite pack has, and more, I can verify it has quicktime filters Even a superb x64 add on if you are using vista x64.

if you want to unload just QT, and not install anything else > there is also Quicktime Alternative (basically just the QT filters on their own, so you can open them in other players.)

for xp users, apart from using something like vlc player, if you like the control that codec packs allow(they do if you know what youre doing!) then the most comprehensive is the CCCP

mtfbwya

hehe sorry Astro, I was still editing my other post when you posted this (duh)

It's XP I've got and I use XP codec pack like I posted, but it was that Quicktime Alternative that I was looking for, thanks

It's just that QT has been making my FireFox or IE crash whenever I try to open QT media, so I just want to get rid of it and still be able to browse the media and such.

[Astrotoy7]

Here's a couple that some might find useful

AVI Recomp > sure, a zillion other apps can recompress an avi, but the beauty of this is that it allows you to easily crop frames, without having to install a mega-editing app to achieve this.. FREEWARE I was getting a frame overlap issue from recorded tv, but found out about it from people who use it to slice out subs and watermarks etc from vids works great in xp or vista. Nice visual UI

AVI Trimmer >> ever wanted to slice a portion out of an avi - eg. opening/end credits, ads etc. This great little freeware app can do it quick and easy, giving you a lossless end file Nice visual UI

mtfbwya

[Astrotoy7]

Here's another lil gem.

Ever wanted to tweak your affinity settings? ie. have an app which controls which CPUcores do what when other apps or process are started. Helpful in getting some games to perform better, or improving multitasking by setting single cores per different app. etc. You can do it while tasks are running via task manager, but there is no easy way of setting it in windows that will launch each time you launch an app/game

I trawled and found this great little freeware app called "Get n Set affinity" Small footprint, does exactly what you want it to



It says ''not recommended for Vista'', though I have been using it with Vistax64 with no probs

mtfbwya

[tk102]

Nothing too exciting here, but thought you all might want to know that XP SP3 and Vista SP1 are available from Microsoft Windows Update.


Field Guide to Windows XP SP3 (Lifehacker.com)

For the most part, Microsoft is doing their best to avoid pulling Vista features into XP, with just a few exceptions. They are:

* Network Access Protection (NAP): A new system in Vista and Windows Server 2008, this feature sets system "health" requirements to validate a computer's health before it allows that computer to connect to yours.
* "Black Hole" Router Detection: This new feature detects when your router is silently losing or discarding packets and is intended to protect from such problems.
* Product Activation Not Required on Installation: Like Vista, you can now install XP without first providing a valid product key. Windows will prompt for a product key after installation, though, if you want to take advantage of Windows Genuine Advantage.
* Kernel Mode Cryptographic Module: In a nutshell, this Vista back-port makes it easier to encrypt data through a single algorithm. Enjoy that one!

Aside from these Vista back-port features, other new features include more descriptive security options that better explain your security settings and improved administrator security.

@Astro, Niner et al.: Feel free to merge this with this thread if you like.

[Astrotoy7]

Rather than merge, I'll use this to kick off something I was pondering for a while... an important updates thread, where people can post links to newly released drivers, hotfixes, updates, handy utils etc they think may be useful to others. Keep the killer apps in their thread, but feel free to post a version update her if you want...

I'll do my best to keep it updated on the GPU/codec side of things (my main area of interest)

@Linux pros >> feel free to add info, links you feel are important

* * *

Current drivers:

Nvidia WHQL:

May/June 2008

175.16 (XP x86)

175.16 (Vista x86)

175.16 (Vista x64)

If you have older >6100, FX/MX etc cards, it is suggested you read the release notes before downloading any current version. If you have a non windows OS, please check nvidia.com, of course)

For the adventurous, non-WHQL beta drivers(usually those packaged with new cards or leaked by beta testers). Recommended only if you are after a specifically mentioned bugfix, or are a driver junkie

Courtesy Guru3d

May 2008

175.70 (XP x86)

175.70 (Vista x86)

175.70 (Vista x64)


ATI Catalyst WHQL
May 2008

Catalyst 8.5 (XP x86)

Catalyst 8.5 (Vista x86)

Catalyst 8.5 (Vista x64)

* * *

Vista Codec Pack
Contains Updated FFDshow, Xvid, DivX and common tools. Custom install allows you to select only bits you want.

Current versions and release notes at compilers site
>>HERE:

JUN 2008

4.70 VCP for Vista x86
1.4.9 x64 Components add-on for Vista x64 >>a must for x64 Users! (Install along with the standard VCP)

Site includes links for Quicktime alt add on for VCP and some very useful tools/apps

K-lite Codec Pack

JUN 2008

XP/2000/Vista > 3.9.5 standard, basic, full versions & releases notes >>HERE

Or those that prefer the XP Codec Pack

JUN 2008
XP Codec Pack 2.3.8

* * *

Have fun

mtfbwya

[Negative Sun]

I've added an index of all the apps/sites mentioned in this thread in the first post, I was gonna add the descriptions of them as well but I thought it would make it look too cluttered, and if you want to know what the program's about, either click the link or look around in this thread

Since doing that alone took me ages, I didn't check to see if all the urls were working ok, if anyone notices a dead link or such, let me kow and I'll fix it ASAP.

[Negative Sun]

Update July 17, 2008

Current drivers:

Nvidia WHQL:

July/August 2008

175.19 (XP x86)

175.19 (Vista x86)

175.19 (Vista x64)

These would be the most common drivers for most of us to use, namely with the 6, 7, 8 and 9 series of GeForce cards, for others, see below...

If you have a 200-series card (GTX260/280), use this for Vista x86:
177.41

Check the site or ask if you need ones for XP or Vista x64.

If you have older >6100, FX/MX etc cards, it is suggested you read the release notes before downloading any current version. If you have a Non-Windows OS, please check nvidia.com, of course.

For the adventurous, non-WHQL beta drivers(usually those packaged with new cards or leaked by beta testers). Recommended only if you are after a specifically mentioned bugfix, or are a driver junkie

Courtesy Guru3d

July/August 2008

177.66 (XP x86)

177.66 (Vista x86)

177.66 (Vista x64)

13/8/2008:GeForce Power Pack
For nvidia series 8 or above only. This pack includes a selection of
*PhysX and CUDA enabled drivers v 177.83 (currently not in standard drivers)
*nvidias folding@home client \o/
*Games and tech demos. including an unreal tournament physX mod


ATI Catalyst WHQL
July/August 2008

Catalyst 8.6 (XP x86)

Catalyst 8.6 (Vista x86)

Catalyst 8.6 (Vista x64)

* * *

Vista Codec Pack
Contains Updated FFDshow, Xvid, DivX and common tools. Custom install allows you to select only bits you want.

Current versions and release notes at compilers site
>>HERE:

July/August 2008

4.7.1 (Final) VCP for Vista x86
1.5.0 (Final) x64 Components add-on for Vista x64 >>a must for x64 Users! (Install along with the standard VCP)

Site includes links for Quicktime alt add on for VCP and some very useful tools/apps

K-lite Codec Pack

July/August 2008

XP/2000/Vista > 4.0.0 standard, basic, full versions & releases notes >>HERE

Or those that prefer the XP Codec Pack

July/August 2008
XP Codec Pack 2.3.9

* * *

Have fun

[tk102]

Here's a list of some of the commands/apps you can launch quickly via Start -> Run



Accessibility Controls - access.cpl
Accessibility Wizard - accwiz
Add Hardware - Wizardhdwwiz.cpl
Add/Remove Programs - appwiz.cpl
Administrative Tools control - admintools
Adobe Acrobat (if installed) - acrobat
Adobe ImageReady (if installed)- imageready
Adobe Photoshop (if installed)- photoshop
Automatic Updates - wuaucpl.cpl

Bluetooth Transfer Wizard – fsquirt

Calculator - calc
Check Disk Utility - chkdsk
Clipboard Viewer - clipbrd
Command Prompt - cmd
Component Services - dcomcnfg
Computer Management - compmgmt.msc
Control Panel - control

Date and Time Properties - timedate.cpl
Device Manager - devmgmt.msc
Direct X Control Panel (If Installed)- directx.cpl
Direct X Troubleshooter- dxdiag
Disk Cleanup Utility- cleanmgr
Disk Defragment- dfrg.msc
Disk Management- diskmgmt.msc
Disk Partition Manager- diskpart
Display Properties- control desktop
Display Properties- desk.cpl
Display Properties (w/Appearance Tab Preselected)- control color
Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility- drwtsn32
Driver Verifier Utility- verifier

Event Viewer- eventvwr.msc

Files and Settings Transfer Tool- migwiz
File Signature Verification Tool- sigverif
Findfast- findfast.cpl
Firefox (if installed)- firefox
Folders Properties- control folders
Fonts- control fonts
Fonts Folder- fonts
Free Cell Card Game- freecell

Game Controllers- joy.cpl
Group Policy Editor (XP Prof)- gpedit.msc

Hearts Card Game- mshearts
Help and Support- helpctr
HyperTerminal- hypertrm

Iexpress Wizard- iexpress
Indexing Service- ciadv.msc
Internet Connection Wizard- icwconn1
Internet Explorer- iexplore
Internet Setup Wizard- inetwiz
Internet Properties- inetcpl.cpl

IP Configuration (Display Connection Configuration) - ipconfi/all
IP Configuration (Display DNS Cache Contents)- ipconfig /displaydns
IP Configuration (Delete DNS Cache Contents)- ipconfig /flushdns
IP Configuration (Renew All Connections)- ipconfig /renew
IP Configuration(RefreshesDHCP&Re-RegistersDNS)-ipconfig/registerdns
IP Configuration (Display DHCP Class ID)- ipconfig/showclassid
IP Configuration (Modifies DHCP Class ID)- ipconfig /setclassid
IP Configuration (Release All Connections)- ipconfig /release

Logs You Out Of Windows - logoff…..

Malicious Software Removal Tool - mrt
Microsoft Access (if installed) - access.cpl
Microsoft Chat - winchat
Microsoft Excel (if installed) - excel
Microsoft Frontpage (if installed)- frontpg
Microsoft Movie Maker - moviemk
Microsoft Paint - mspaint
Microsoft Word (if installed)- winword
Microsoft Powerpoint (if installed)- powerpnt
Minesweeper Game - winmine
Mouse Properties - control mouse
Mouse Properties - main.cpl

Nero (if installed)- nero
Net Meeting - conf
Network Connections - control netconnections
Network Connections - ncpa.cpl
Network Setup Wizard - netsetup.cpl
Notepad - notepad

Outlook Express - msimn

Password Properties - password.cpl
Performance Monitor - perfmon.msc
Phone and Modem Options - telephon.cpl
Phone Dialer - dialer
Pinball Game - pinball
Power Configuration - powercfg.cpl
Printers and Faxes - control printers
Printers Folder – printers

Registry Editor - regedit
Remote Desktop - mstsc
Removable Storage - ntmsmgr.msc

Scanners and Cameras - sticpl.cpl
Scheduled Tasks - control schedtasks
Security Center - wscui.cpl
Services - services.msc
Shared Folders - fsmgmt.msc
Shuts Down Windows - shutdown
Sounds and Audio - mmsys.cpl
Spider Solitare Card Game - spider
System Configuration Editor - sysedit
System Configuration Utility - msconfig
System File Checker Utility (Scan Immediately)- sfc /scannow
System File Checker Utility (Scan Once At Next Boot)- sfc /scanonce
System File Checker Utility (Scan On Every Boot) - sfc /scanboot
System File Checker Utility (Return to Default Setting)- sfc /revert
System File Checker Utility (Purge File Cache)- sfc /purgecache
System File Checker Utility (Set Cache Size to size x)-sfc/cachesize=x
System Information - msinfo32.
System Properties - sysdm.cpl

Task Manager – taskmgr
TCP Tester - tcptest
Telnet Client - telnet

User Account Management- nusrmgr.cpl
Utility Manager - utilman

Windows Address Book - wab
Windows Explorer - explorer
Windows Firewall- firewall.cpl
Windows Media Player - wmplayer
Windows Messenger - msmsgs
Windows Update Launches - wupdmgr
Windows Version (to show which version of windows)- winver
Windows XP Tour Wizard - tourstart
Wordpad - write

[Astrotoy7]

I like FF3 but FF2 has an extension I *really use alot* which seems will never get updated for FF3...

Hence, with a tiny bit of fiddling, you can use FF3 and FF2 concurrently.
http://www.troyrutter.com/2008/06/18...n-harmony.html

I use FF3 for most stuff, and then just jump into FF2 for when I need to use said extension

mtfbwya

[tk102]

Just a followup to my post above:
If you want to view all the possibilities of what you can run from the Start->Run command or if you want to add NEW commands, take a peek in your registry at

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ App Paths

You'll see here a bunch of keys that are listed as "blahblah.EXE" and each of these keys contain a string entry named "Path" which point to the real path of the exe. The blahblah part is what Windows will recognize in the Start->Run command and will execute the command listed in the "Path".

Source

[Det. Bart Lasiter]

Originally Posted by Astrotoy7

I like FF3 but FF2 has an extension I *really use alot* which seems will never get updated for FF3...

Hence, with a tiny bit of fiddling, you can use FF3 and FF2 concurrently.
http://www.troyrutter.com/2008/06/18...n-harmony.html

I use FF3 for most stuff, and then just jump into FF2 for when I need to use said extension

mtfbwya

with a lot of extensions you can open the extension's xpi file in in winrar or whatever then edit the install.rdf file to let it install on 3.x

[Astrotoy7]

Originally Posted by jmac7142

with a lot of extensions you can open the extension's xpi file in in winrar or whatever then edit the install.rdf file to let it install on 3.x

A few have already done this. It will install, but wont really work anywhere near as effectively as the FF2 version.

It's one of the most requested extension updates for FF3. The extensions name is unplug(I mentioned it in first post) and there are some things it does that other video downloaders simply cant.

If you can get it fully working, then there's a beer, or a pretty dress coming your way [/not sure about jmacs gender]

mtfbwya

[Det. Bart Lasiter]

Try the one from http://lummox.wz.cz/misc/unplug.html

[Astrotoy7]

great stuff jmac! I think the author of that tweaked extension has the same destination in mind I do. I probably won't post a link to it here though

mtfbwya

[tk102]

Ever search for transparent gifs or pngs on Google and you find one that looks great against Google's white background only to find that later it has a white fringe when placed against a colored background?

You can determine that a little faster by first viewing just the image in your browser, and then pasting something like this into the address bar:

javascript:document.body.style.backgroundColor="#AA0000";void(0);

[jawathehutt]

http://www.dvdvideosoft.com/free-dvd-video-software.htm
Its a handy little program that does almost everything involving changing music and audio files into a different type of file. It can also download youtube video and audio quite well. And its free, yay!

[Negative Sun]

Update Sept 12, 2008

Current drivers:

Nvidia WHQL:

September/October 2008

175.19 (XP x86)

175.19 (Vista x86)

175.19 (Vista x64)

These would be the most common drivers for most of us to use, namely with the 6, 7, 8 and 9 series of GeForce cards, for others, see below...

If you have a 200-series card (GTX260/280), use this for Vista x86:
177.41

Check the site or ask if you need ones for XP or Vista x64.

If you have older >6100, FX/MX etc cards, it is suggested you read the release notes before downloading any current version. If you have a Non-Windows OS, please check nvidia.com, of course.

For the adventurous, non-WHQL beta drivers(usually those packaged with new cards or leaked by beta testers). Recommended only if you are after a specifically mentioned bugfix, or are a driver junkie

Courtesy Guru3d

September/October 2008

177.98 (XP x86)

177.98 (Vista x86)

177.98 (Vista x64)

13/8/2008:GeForce Power Pack
For nvidia series 8 or above only. This pack includes a selection of
*PhysX and CUDA enabled drivers v 177.92 (currently not in standard drivers)
*nvidias folding@home client \o/
*Games and tech demos. including an unreal tournament physX mod


ATI Catalyst WHQL
September/October 2008

Catalyst 8.8 (XP x86)

Catalyst 8.8 (Vista x86)

Catalyst 8.8 (Vista x64)

* * *

Vista Codec Pack

FFDshow, Xvid, DivX and common tools. Custom install allows you to select only bits you want.

Current versions and release notes at compilers site
>>HERE:

September/October 2008

4.7.3 (Final) VCP for Vista x86
1.5.2 (Final) x64 Components add-on for Vista x64 >>a must for x64 Users! (Install along with the standard VCP)

Site includes links for Quicktime alt add on for VCP and some very useful tools/apps

K-lite Codec Pack

September/October 2008

XP/2000/Vista > 4.1.7 standard, basic, full versions & releases notes >>HERE

Or those that prefer the XP Codec Pack

September/October 2008
XP Codec Pack 2.4.2

* * *

Have fun!

[ChAiNz.2da]

May be something everyone knew, but I just stumbled across it yesterday..

In Vista.. if you <Shift + Right-Click> in/on a folder, you'll have a new function option "Open Command Window Here". Pretty handy if you do alot of command line functions and don't want to create cmd.exe shortcuts in each folder you use them in (or too lazy to type out the path.. hehehe).

^^^
Discovered that one by pure accident.. so curious if there were more, I did a Google search and turned up these other shift + right-click options:

<Shift + Right-Click> on any file and you'll get 3 new options:

-Pin To Start Menu
-Add To Quick Launch
-Copy As Path

<Shift + Right-Click> on any Office document and you'll get a "Open As Read Only" option.

suh-weet since I'm a right-click junkie

[Astrotoy7]

if you enjoy R click powah...here's something you'd like then chainz....

copy and paste text below into a notepad .txt document. Rename whatever.txt to whatever.reg This should change filetype to a registry key. Double click to add to your registry. If successful, you will now get a ''take ownership'' option when you r.click a file. Handy for fiddling with system/locked files...

to ensure you have changed filetype correctly, ensure you have ''hide known filetypes'' OFF (in folder and search options)

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\runas]
@="Take Ownership"
"NoWorkingDirectory"=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\runas\command]
@="cmd.exe /c takeown /f \"%1\" && icacls \"%1\" /grant administrators:F"
"IsolatedCommand"="cmd.exe /c takeown /f \"%1\" && icacls \"%1\" /grant administrators:F"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\runas]
@="Take Ownership"
"NoWorkingDirectory"=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\runas\command]
@="cmd.exe /c takeown /f \"%1\" /r /d y && icacls \"%1\" /grant administrators:F /t"
"IsolatedCommand"="cmd.exe /c takeown /f \"%1\" /r /d y && icacls \"%1\" /grant administrators:F /t"

mtfbwya

[Astrotoy7]

great stuff re- indexing negsun

here's one for you ipod users... I dont use an ipod meself, but the gf has an old school shuffle she intermittently uses. She recently wanted some new crappy girly music added to it, so off I went a'googlin I wanted to avoid installing the bloaty itunes so tracked down this beauty... sharepod

500ish KB, runs as a standalone executable app(no installation reqd!) FREE. Nice little GUI. Did the trick

mtfbwya

[Astrotoy7]

heres one for those using Vista... do you like an uncluttered desktop? Not only does it contribute to your sense of tidyness but having more "black" on your screen actually reduces the power consumption of your monitor(just like a screensaver)

Heres a cool vista sidebar gadget called sidelauncher that allows you to put all your apps shortcuts and folders into a nice neat launcher. It actually uses what in in the quick launch tray, but that tray, and desktop icons can subsequently be hidden.. all you get is this:

quite nifty[/IMO]


Immediately below that is the multi sensor gadget. It works with the everest system utilties app to display key readings. Only allows 5 readings on there, though you can pick which 5. I find it great to monitor the impact of folding of my kit It also means you can hide those garish everst icons from your system tray.

Heres what they look like on an overall deskie:

mmmm...power saving minimalism


seeing power consumption has been mentioned, might as well mention Blackle. Its basically google search but will minimal colours/no white background, thereby saving just that little but of power each time you use it. The site has a 'watt hours saved' meter, which is quite cool to keep track of if you are into that type of stuff

mtfbwya

[Astrotoy7]

*puts up bat signal for negsun*

In the interim > here are the latest

DirectX [November 2008]

mtfbwya

[tk102]

I came upon this one by accident yesterday while hunting for other things... I have to give credit to the author of this one because it's so deviously simple, dangerous, exciting, and potentially useful -- just like me.

Windows Enabler

What it does: Enables 'grayed out' windows controls like checkboxes, radio buttons, and menu items in many applications.

Why it's useful: Think about how many times you've wanted to click something only to see that it's disabled. True, oftentimes there's a good reason for that, but you'll never know otherwise. It's your computer, you do what you want. As the website says, "you’d be surprised at how often it comes in handy."

Why it's dangerous: Now you're bound to second-guess every safeguard encoded into the apps on your PC. Careful with that curiosity, meow-meow.

How to use it: Run the .exe. That will put an icon in your system tray. Single-click the icon. That will turn on the enabler. Now just click a normally disabled control in some other application to enable it. When you're done enabling things, single click the system tray icon to turn it back off. Right-click and select Quit to remove the icon.

[Negative Sun]

Update Dec 9th, 2008

Current drivers:

Nvidia WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs tested)

December 2008

178.24 (XP x86)

178.24 (Vista x86)

178.24 (Vista x64)

The above WHQL drivers are compatible for anything nVidia 6-series and up, even the GTX-200 series!

There is a newer (more performant) version of the WHQL driver as well, but only for the 8, 9 and 200 series, find them below:

180.48 (XP x86)

180.48 (Vista x86)

180.48 (Vista x64)

Older versions tend to be more stable, but the newer ones can improve performance in certain games if that is what you need

If you have older < 6100, FX/MX etc cards, it is suggested you read the release notes before downloading any current version. If you have a Non-Windows OS, please check nvidia.com, of course.

For the adventurous, non-WHQL beta drivers(usually those packaged with new cards or leaked by beta testers). Recommended only if you are after a specifically mentioned bugfix, or are a driver junkie

Courtesy Guru3d

December 2008

180.84 (XP x86)

180.84 (Vista x86)

180.84 (Vista x64)

09/12/2008:GeForce Power Pack
For nvidia series 8 or above only. This pack includes a selection of
*PhysX and CUDA enabled drivers v 177.92 (currently not in standard drivers)
*nvidias folding@home client \o/
*Games and tech demos. including an unreal tournament physX mod

It comes in at a whopping 3.5Gb though, so plenty of patience and bandwidth will be required!


ATI Catalyst WHQL
December 2008

Catalyst 8.11 (XP x86)

Catalyst 8.11 (Vista x86)

Catalyst 8.11 (Vista x64)

* * *

Vista Codec Pack

FFDshow, Xvid, DivX and common tools. Custom install allows you to select only bits you want.

Current versions and release notes at compilers site
>>HERE:

December 2008

5.04 (Final) VCP for Vista x86
1.5.7 (Final) x64 Components add-on for Vista x64 >>a must for x64 Users! (Install along with the standard VCP)

Site includes links for Quicktime alt add on for VCP and some very useful tools/apps

K-lite Codec Pack

December 2008

XP/2000/Vista > 4.3.4 standard, basic, full versions & releases notes >>HERE

Or those that prefer the XP Codec Pack

December 2008
XP Codec Pack 2.4.4

* * *

A bit overdue, I know

Have fun!

[Astrotoy7]

those playing with the funky new google chrome browser will be relieved to know you can enable adblocking by using 3rd party add-on called 'privoxy'

details HERE

speaking of adblocking, those stuck with/preferring IE can vastly improve their online experience by installing this addon bundle

http://www.ie7pro.com

Edit: Gotta love this: If you like Google chrome's 'tabs on top' layout then check out this great chrome adaptation for Firefox (its still an 'experimental' add on so you'll need to create a (free) account with FF to get to it. Been working great for me so far

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/8790

*uninstalls chrome*

mtfbwya

[Astrotoy7]

Ive come across a similar applet called Take Control Back... I'll post it later. Ive been using it and a great app called Restorator(Trialware) to hack into system dlls to pull out and tweak visual/xml elements

A few FF Addons I really like:
*Fission >> turns your address bar into a status bar
*Flagfox >> show pretty flags of the IP of whatever site you visit ; lolz : many p2p sites in Sweden !!
*Omnibar >> combine search and address bar into one
*Stylish >> allows customised extensions, like the hack to put tabs on top in all themes
*Foxmarks >> store/backup bookmarks online. Great if you use multiple pcs and want to sync bookmarks
*FireScribe >> post directly to your blog from a new tab/window. Improved image uploading support(though still sucks for blogger accounts due to hitch at Google's end)) nb. I want to make it clear dont have a blog but I have to maintain one for my gf
*Rulerdark Theme>> All black theme for the emo/powerconscious types among us. Has chrome style buttons and with stylish, you can plonk tabs on top

mtfbwya