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Archive for the ‘Application Reviews’ Category


Launch Applications Easily in Windows Using Launchy

Posted by Sudesh On June - 5 - 2012

Everybody knows how to start applications in Microsoft Windows through the Start Menu. You can click on the Start Menu button, grapple with the sub-menus until you find the program you wanted to launch and then you can run it. Using the Start Menu in Windows to run an application is not only cumbersome but also a tad slow for most of us. If you have ever wished for a quicker and neater looking method to launch programs, then the open-source program Launchy can make those wishes come true.

Launchy is an open-source cross-platform application that can be used to quickly launch desired programs with only a few keystrokes. It stays inactive in the background until you invoke it using the Alt + Space keyboard combination. This would pop up a tiny Launchy window where you can type in the name of a program or shortcut present in your Start Menu, a program or file in specified folders or a website name present in your Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox bookmarks. Launchy quickly displays possible targets in the drop-down list. When you see the program or website you want to launch, select it using arrow keys on your keyboard and then just hit Enter and it would start that application.

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Keep any Window Always on Top [How to]

Posted by Sudesh On May - 21 - 2012

Some of the programs that we use in Windows, have a system menu containing an option – Always on top.  If selected, this feature sets a window to be always on top of other windows. This is very useful if you want to work across multiple windows but want to focus more of your attention on a particular window. You can set that window to be always on top and keep an eye on it. I personally use this feature to set my TV Tuner window to be always on top so that I can enjoy TV programs while doing work at the same time.

 

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Best Free Anti-malware [2012 Edition]

Posted by Rich On January - 25 - 2012

Producing top-quality anti-virus software is no easy task; keeping customers happy and their computers protected—by keeping software up to date with the latest definitions—requires an expensive work force and floor space in costly data centers. Knowing this should explain why companies including Norton, Symantec, and McAfee charge high fees for their software. Even though it’s expensive to produce anti-virus software, there are some excellent free programs available online.

Sometimes we try to save money and it ends up costing us more in the long run (cheap furniture, electronics, shoes etc.), however, you really can get top-notch virus protection and pay nothing in the process. If you’re already using a paid option, make the most of your purchase and continue to use it (just bookmark this page and come back when your subscription expires.)

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Mouse without Borders: Multiple PCs; One Keyboard and Mouse

Posted by Rich On January - 24 - 2012
Windows Guides’ Rating Compatible with System
1 Star1 Star1 Star1 Star1 Star
5 out of 5
Windows 7Windows VistaWindows XP
Mouse without Borders Screenshot

PROS: A simple application that lets you control multiple PCs with one keyboard and mouse. The concept isn’t new but the execution is clean and simple and simple file drag and drop as well as seamless copy/paste make this a great tool.

CONS: None

VERDICT: This is even easier to use than Synergy and InputDirector. If you want a no-frills solution to a virtual KVM (minus the video switching), this application will almost certainly satisfy.

PRICE: Free

VERSION REVIEWED: 2.1.0.9

DOWNLOAD: Mouse without Borders

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Mount an ISO Image – The Easiest Way [How To]

Posted by Taylor Ling On January - 10 - 2012

Got an ISO image file (ISO, CUE, NRG, MDS, MDF, CCD, IMG) but doesn’t know how to use it? These image files are (usually) a complete copy of an optical disc and requires a virtual drive to mount and use them.

The easiest way – WinCDEmu

If you need a simple solution to mount an ISO image, this is the best that you can have – WinCDEmu. WinCDEmu is an open-source CD/DVD/BD emulator which allows you to mount optical disc images with just a few clicks, and you can easily unmount them.

Installation is really simple. Just click download WinCDEmu, double click the downloaded file and click Install. Once you are done with the installation settings and you are almost there. Windows Installer will most probably ask for the installation of SysProgs Storage Controllers driver – don’t worry, just install it. And that’s it.

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TuneUp Utilities 2012 [Windows Guides Review]

Posted by Rich On November - 13 - 2011
Windows Guides’ Rating Compatible with System
1 Star1 Star1 Star1 Star1 Star 5 out of 5 Windows 7Windows VistaWindows XP
PROS: Tuneup Utilities 2012 is built upon years of tweaking and re-tweaking to get the most out Windows with all types of hardware. The Program Deactivator removes overhead from your system by temporarily disabling applications (and their associated processes and services) while you enjoy the benefit of more system resources–for your important tasks. Economy Mode saves battery while you’re on the go.

CONS: An upgrade is required each year to get the latest features (like Economy Mode in 2012 and the Program Deactivator in 2011.)

VERDICT: If TuneUp released a product for cars, mechanics would go out of business. TuneUp Utilities makes PC maintenance easy–very easy. I recommend this program for users who are not comfortable tweaking and maintaining their PC and would like an easy way to keep things in check and have a PC that runs without unnecessary interruption.

PRICE: $29.95 (Upgrade) $34.95 (Full Version as of 11/13/2011)

VERSION REVIEWED: TuneUp Utilities 2012

DOWNLOAD: TuneUp Utilities 2012 15-day Trial (aff)

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