Software Flash

Adobe Photoshop Camera Raw 3.5

2006-09-24T12:07:00.000+02:00

Photoshop Camera Raw is a plugin for Adobe Photoshop CS2. You can open directly photofiles without convert them first to another division.

Support for the following cameras has been added:
- KodakEasyShare P712
- NikonD2Xs
- PanasonicDMC-FZ50DMC-L1
- SonyA100

Downloadlink

Opera 9.02 final

2006-09-21T20:11:00.000+02:00

The developers of Opera has finished the 9.02-version. Opera 9 has a lot of features.

User interface

Fixed quick find field in Windows panel

Mail, messaging, and newsfeeds

Fixed high CPU usage while downloading big emails.
Properties can now be accessed within the contacts and bookmarks panel
after deleting items.
Image attachments can now be saved using the context menu.
Accessing a news link when no news server is configured will now prompt to
configure a server.

Display and scripting

Fixed a DOMParser bug affecting some menu scripts.
Click events are now correctly received in designMode.
Implemented support for Node.selectNodes, Node.selectSingleNode, and
Attr.text.
Improved rendering efficiency for repositioned elements, as in Flickr's
updated "organizr".
Allow large integers to be used in object declaration property names, as
on the comments form on Slashdot beta.

Plug-ins and Java

Fix for playing sound clips on Amazon.

Security

Fixed an OpenSSL RSA signature verification flaw. See the advisory.

Miscellaneous

Multiple stability improvements, including a stability issue on
my.yahoo.com.
Improved handling of downloads when the disk is full.
Improved handling of Web site logins on slow connections.
Improved handling of WAP text inputs.

Windows-specific changes

Fix to allow opera to be set as default browser using the prompt at
startup.
Fix for attaching read-only files in mail.
Support for the Windows XP Media Center Edition remote control.
Added new settings in the Java section of opera:config to allow you to
override the system defined JRE.

Mac-specific changes

Schubert PDF plugin now works again.
Enabled Web archive filenames with more than 28 characters.

Downloadlink

DVD ReBuilder Pro 1.10.7

2006-09-17T11:35:00.000+02:00

DVD Rebuilder Pro is updated to version 1.10.7. This program is made to make backups from DVDs in high quality.

Changes in DVD Rebuilder 1.10.7 PRO:

Corrected a conversion error in the SP2 beta code. This could cause
several possible problems during PREPARE or ENCODE.
Added a check that forces ConvertToYUY2() into AVS files that are destined
for use in ProCoder. In previous versions deselecting this option could
cause ProCoder to stop functioning properly.
Corrected functioning of the "" buttons in the new beta
Viewer/Editor. In some countries' numeric formats the "," decimal
separator wasn't being properly interpreted.
Corrected several minor slider positioning errors in the beta
Viewer/Editor.
Corrected a ReJig sizing error.
Corrected an error in the new beta SP2 support. The maximum bitrate value
was not being properly set. Note that SP2 support continues to be considered
"beta".
Corrected a bug in the ECL generation for the beta CCE SP2 feature.
Previous video for the PAL system when using SP2 could result in blank
sections at the end of each video segment.
Added settings to the SP2 ECL file that could prevent sizing problems in
the event that default values were incorrect.
Corrected ECL updating routines in the Segement Editor/Viewer for SP2
files.
Other minor fixes/enhancements.

Downloadlink

Apple iTunes 7.0

2006-09-13T18:59:00.000+02:00

Apple today announced iTunes 7, delivering stunning new features such as the new album and Cover Flow views of music, TV shows and movies. In addition, the iTunes Store is now offering over 75 movies from Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, Touchstone Pictures and Miramax Films, which customers can purchase and download to watch on their computers and iPods, and soon on their flat screen televisions with Apple’s upcoming iTV player.

New in iTunes 7.0:

- Movies
Buy Disney films from the iTunes Store and go to the movies without leaving your comfy chair.
Cover FlowWith Cover Flow, you can flip through your digital music and video collection just as you would CDs.
- iPod
GamesJust $4.99 in the iTunes Store, iPod games give you hours of fun.
- Download Manager
Make the most of your time by telling iTunes in what order to download content from the iTunes Store.
-iPod Summary
Get at-a-glance information about everything on your iPod.

Downloadlink

Nero Burning Rom 7.2.7.0

2006-08-29T19:13:00.000+02:00

Nero has yesterday updated its burning suite to version 7.2.7.0. The software contains a few programs to burn audio, video and data on a CD or DVD. It is also possible to develop a cover and print it. Release notes aren't know.

Downloadlink

Internet Explorer 7 RC1

2006-08-27T13:03:00.000+02:00

The developers of the IE7-team has brought out the first release candidate of this software. IE7 RC1 is featurecomplete, which means there will not be any changes anymore, only bug fixes.

Changes in IE7 RC1:

Offline Favorites--Offline Favorites and Scheduled Offline Favorites have
been removed from Internet Explorer 7. Internet Explorer supports RSS feeds
which provides scheduled updates to web content and offline reading of this
content. For more information about RSS Feeds, read the RSS Blog.
Scriptlets--Internet Explorer 7 disables Dynamic HTML (DHTML) scriptlets
by default. (Scriptlets were deprecated in Internet Explorer 5). They can be
re-enabled by system administrators by changing URLActions with the Internet
Control Panel (INetCPl.) The INetCPL text should read "Allow
Scriptlets." If your programs rely on scriptlets, we recommend that you
use DHTML behaviors, which are more efficient. Disabling scriptlets is part
of our continued work to ensure that unsupported technology is deemphasized
in Internet Explorer.
ActiveX controls--The new Internet Explorer 7 ActiveX Opt-In feature
disables ActiveX controls on a user's machine. When the user encounters a
webpage with a disabled ActiveX control, they see an Information bar to
enable the control. Controls which were used in Internet Explorer 6 before
upgrading to Internet Explorer 7, along with some pre-approved controls, are
not disabled.
Channel Definition Format (CDF)--All CDF support was removed from Internet
Explorer 7 and replaced with the RSS feed reading experience. Feeds that the
user is subscribed to are available to other applications through the RSS
Platform. For details, read the RSS Platform.
DirectAnimation--All DLLs to support the Internet Explorer DirectAnimation
component were removed in Internet Explorer 7 RC1.
XBM--Support for XBM, an imaging format designed for X-based systems, was
deleted.
SSL--Support for weak SSL ciphers was removed from Windows Vista and
support for SSLv2 was disabled for Internet Explorer 7 on all platforms.
Windowed Select--The Windowed Select Element was replaced by Windowless
Select in Internet Explorer 7. This results in some cosmetic changes.
BASE Element--Internet Explorer 7 strictly enforces the BASE element rule,
as documented in the HTML 4.01 standard. We no longer allow BASE tags
outside of the HEAD of the document. The standard specifies that the base
element must appear within the head of the document, before any elements
that refer to an external source.
window.opener and window.close--Internet Explorer 7 no longer allows the
window.opener trick to bypass the window.close prompt. Browser windows
cannot close themselves unless the windows were created in script. This
security enhancement no longer allows browsing to a random site when the
main browser window closes unexpectedly.
Changes that affect modal or modeless dialogs created from script--Modal
or modeless dialogs created from script in Internet Explorer 7 might seem to
be slightly bigger than their Internet Explorer 6 counterparts. This is
caused by a change to the behavior of the dialogWidth and dialogHeight
properties, which now set and retrieve dimensions of the content area of a
dialog (from Internet Explorer 7 and onward). It will no longer be necessary
to calculate the area lost by components of a dialog’s frame.
Generic Spoofing Risk Reduction in Internet Explorer 7--The window.prompt
script method is blocked and the gold Information bar is displayed by
default in Internet Zone for Internet Explorer 7. This is a new security
enhancement for Internet Explorer 7.
WWW-Auth--Internet Explorer 7 changes the precedence rules for WWW-Auth.
Previous releases of Internet Explorer used the first header encountered.
Internet Explorer 7 uses the first header except when the header is Basic.
Internet Explorer 7 uses Basic authentication if no other authentication
mechanism is present.
HTTPOnly Cookies--HTTPOnly cookies can no longer be overwritten from
scripts. _SEARCH--The _SEARCH sidebar is disabled by default in Internet
Explorer 7 RC1. It is now a setting in the advanced InetCPL and can be
turned on, using a URLAction.
View Source--The view-source protocol no longer works in Internet Explorer
7 RC1.
Gopher Protocol--Support for the Gopher protocol was removed at the
WinINET level. (Gopher support was turned off by default in Internet
Explorer 6.)
window.external.ImportExportFavorites--window.external.ImportExportFavorites
has been removed in Internet Explorer 7 Beta.
Telnet--The Telnet protocol handler is no longer supported in Internet
Explorer.
SysImage URL Scheme--The SysImage URL Scheme has been removed from
Internet Explorer.
Status Bar Scripting--Script will no longer be able to set the status bar
text through the window.status and window.defaultStatus methods by default
in the Internet and Restricted Zones. This small step helps prevent
attackers from leveraging those methods to spoof the status bar. To revert
to previous behavior and allow Script to set the status bar through
window.status and window.defaultStatus, follow these steps: Open Internet
Explorer, click the Tools button, click Internet Options, and then click the
Security tab. Click Internet or Restricted sites, and then click the Custom
level button. Scroll down to Allow status bar updates via script, select
Enable, and then click OK until you return to Internet Explorer.
Security Settings for Script Access to the Clipboard--New security-related
updates for Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 include a change in the default
security settings for Script Access to the clipboard. Sites using scripts to
access the clipboard in the Internet and Trusted sites zones will receive a
prompt that will inform the user that their clipboard is being accessed by
script. The prompt will require user permission to continue. This is
designed to prevent the possibility of information disclosure through script
access to the clipboard.
Installing Internet Explorer 7 RC1 with Windows 2003 SP1--The homepage
will be reset to the secure page (res://shdoclc.dll/softAdmin.htm).

Downloadlink

Adobe Photoshop CS2 9.0.2

2006-08-27T12:00:00.000+02:00

Adobe yesterday brought out the 2nd patch for Photoshop 9 or the Creative Suite2. This update is only available for the Windiws-versions.
Adobe Photoshop is one of the most popular photo-editing programs on the market.

Changelog:

The most significant fixes in the 9.0.2 release include the following:
- Menus now respond correctly after a single click.
- Undo/Redo work properly when multiple documents are open.
- Photoshop no longer produces a program error when encountering unsupported file types through the Acrobat Touchup workflow.
- Supported files that incorrectly produced an "unsupported color space" message now open as expected.
- TIFF files with layer data greater than 2GB now open correctly.

The most significant fixes in the 9.0.1 release (also included in the 9.0.2 update) include the following:
- Photoshop no longer hangs for several seconds when using painting tools with quick strokes.
- A runtime error that could appear when mousing over a high-res doc with the Brush Tool has been fixed.
- Documents containing a large number of text layers now open more quickly.
- Problems related to palettes (slow redraw, palettes go white, possible crash) have been addressed.
- TIFF files from certain scanners can now be opened correctly.
- After editing an image in Photoshop CS2 via Acrobat Touchup, the image no longer gets repositioned.
- XMP metadata from AI and PDF files is now retained in Photoshop.
- Slow performance when toggling layer visibility has been fixed.
- Info palette numbers now display and update when moving a curve point in Curves via the cursor keys.
- Problems opening certain TIFF and PSB files greater than 2GB have been resolved.
- The Merge to HDR command now functions properly when using high-ASCII characters in the user login.

Downloadlink

Sneaky goes on holiday

2006-07-17T11:14:00.000+02:00

Yesyesyes, the most beautiful time of the year... It's time for me to take a break and go on holiday!
So this week there will be no news added at Gadget Flash

I'll be back at 25 July.

See you soon and happy holiday.

Sneakytje

BitTorrent 4.20.4

2006-07-15T21:39:00.000+02:00

BitTorrent lets you share files over a peer-to-peer network. The files are divided into small pieces, allowing you to download small pieces of the file even if other people from whom you download don't have the full file yet.

A new changelog isn't available yet.

Downloadlink

AnyDVD 6.0.3.1.

2006-07-14T11:23:00.000+02:00

Slysoft has brought out version 6.0.3.1. of AnyDVD. This program decodes all DVD movies automatically.

Changes in version 6.0.3.1:

New: Added support for new versions of the Sony Arccos protection to the
option to remove "Protection based on unreadable Sectors"
New: Support for Windows Vista UAC
Change: Individual drive settings window is shown after global settings
change in setup dialog and after wake up from S3 power saving
Change: AnyDVD ripper works better with DVDShrink
Fix: AnyDVD did not always request a required reboot after setup
Updated languages

Changes in version 6.0.1.1:

New: The old option "Show information window for new media" from
AnyDVD 5.x is back due to popular demand
Fix: Crash with Japanese language
Fix: Crash of AnyDVD ripper
Fix: AnyDVD ripper did not always append the "VIDEO_TS"
directory
Updated languages

Downloadlink

WinRAR 3.60 beta 7

2006-07-13T21:29:00.000+02:00

RAR and WinRAR are able are able to pack in and out files and disks that are compressed with their own rar-formats.

This is the 7th beta-version that is brought out of version 3.60.

Downloadlink

Spyware Doctor 4.0

2006-07-12T18:54:00.000+02:00

PC Tools has updated Spyware Doctor to version 4.0. This program detects and removes all spyware, adware, malware, trojans and keylogs. It also protects your browser against hackers, tracking cookies and malicious ActiveX components.

What's new in this release?
- Instant Messenger (IM) Guard Tool
- Ability to remove challenging new threats designed to elude elimination
- Enhanced Ignore List with added security features
- Enhancements to scanning tools
- A System Restore point feature

Downloadlink

WebRipper 1.17

2006-07-10T19:24:00.000+02:00

With WebRipper you can 'rip' content from the World Wide Web. The program can search and download for example also pictures, flashanimations and video- and audiofiles.

Read more over here

This release fixes the image-search problem which has been around lately. Only some minor changes this time, but an upgrade is recommended:
- Improved preview image-box, keeps the original aspect ratio of the pictures.
- Added CSS-parsing.
- Some minor adjustments to the spider-engine, will find more links now.
- A few bugfixes.

Downloadlink

Paint.NET 2.64

2006-07-10T19:04:00.000+02:00

Paint.NET is updated to version 2.63

This small updates fixes a few minor bugs, and improves Windows Vista compatibility. As a bonus, it also adds much better GIF save quality.

- Improved GIF save quality by implementing Floyd-Steinburg error diffusion algorithm
- Printing now works in Windows Vista
- Fixed a startup performance problem on some systems that was an artifact of the way the .NET Framework was verifying Authenticode signatures as part of its assembly loading process
- Executable files now have UAC manifests to ensure proper execution privilege and to disable file and registry virtualization in Windows Vista

Downloadlink

Skype for Windows 2.5.0.122

2006-06-28T21:25:00.000+02:00

The developers of the VoIP-program Skype has brought out the new windows-version of Skype, number 2.5.0.122. With Skype you can call and cam with other people for free via Voice - over-IP.

Changes:

Updated translations

Updated installer translations

Feature: Added Send SMS button into toolbar

change: Notification popup should disappear when not accepting call

change: Updated language files: bg, cs, cz, en, et , ko, nl, pp, ro, sv

change: Updated ru, pp, fi and fr installer files

change: Updated ru and da language files

bugfix: Public API: OPEN CHAT did not work

bugfix: Skype crashed when clicked several times on hang up button

bugfix: In some case Video was shown in conference call

bugfix: SET AVATAR changes default My Skype Pictures path

bugfix: Installing Personalise Skype avatar or Wee-Mee changes default My
Skype Pictures path

bugfix: Call button in File Transfer and Profile window does not change to
Hang up during a call

bugfix: End conference confirmation shown to participant

bugfix: Searching user animation goes too far right

bugfix: Error in Test webcam

bugfix: Country list in Search Contact is not localised

bugfix: Participant shows one member of conference in ringing mode

bugfix: Installer - if install process was cancelled temporary folder was
not cleaned up

bugfix: Installer should not prompt for download new version anymore

bugfix: Partner tab: right click and hide was not preserved over startup

bugfix: Add one video call contact to another concurrent video call will
cause unexpected Skype down

bugfix: Video: Skype crashed when clicked several times hang up button +
Control has no parent window

bugfix: SC: Maximized send contacts window dialog overlap

Downloadlink

Nero Burning Rom 7.2.3.2b

2006-06-23T20:45:00.000+02:00

Nero has updated its burning suite to version 7.2.3.2b.

- Nero Burning ROM and Nero Express crashed after the DEMO version had expired.
- Bad, scratchy sound when encoding files to mp3 using the 'standard' settings
- Multisession was not automatically selected when burning to the image recorder
- UNC support of Nero did not work anymore, so continuing a multi session CD with UNC paths did not work
- Nero Burning ROM did not use the selected partition to create a boot CD
- Nero Express crashed under Windows 98 when adding protected WMA files to a compilation
- Nero Burning ROM had graphical problems under Windows 98 when changing the menu options any kind of animation
- It was possible to select the ISO file system view in the folder panel of the compilation, although a UDF compilation was chosen
- Error message was shown when starting to convert Audio CDs to Nero Digital Audio

Downloadlink

Paint.NET 2.63

2006-06-05T11:26:00.000+02:00

Paint.NET is updated to version 2.63.

Changelog

Built-in updater now works in Vista without having to use "Run as
Administrator" beforehand (UAC permission is still required to install
updates)
Fixed a color intensity calculation that had Red and Blue swapped (affects
Brightness/Contrast adjustment, and some plugins)
Fixed .PDN images with transparency having a black background in their
Explorer thumbnail
Fixed crash when an image has bizarre DPI settings (such as 6 billion DPI)
Fixed crash when an image has an invalid resolution unit specified
(neither pixels, inches, nor centimeters)
Fixed a few rare race conditions which resulted in crashes
Fixed a rare crash with the history
Fixed crashlog being created when the updates dialog appears over another
modal dialog
Fixed crashlog not reporting application version with certain damaged
installations
Placed a clickable Windows Live OneCare ad in the Setup wizard

Downloadlink without .NET FrameWork 2.0
Downloadlink with .NET FrameWork 2.0

Hitman Pro 2.4.3

2006-06-04T13:07:00.000+02:00

Hitman Pro is updated to version 2.4.3. This program downloads and executes divers antispyware and antivirusprogram like Ad-Aware, Spy Sweeper, Spybot, Spyware Blaster, CWSShredder and Trend Micro Sysclean.

Changelog

Added installation of the new Flash Player 8.0.24.0 (Flash8b.ocx). Adobe updated their previous Flash Player 8.0.24.0 (Flash8a.ocx) without increasing the version number. The new version solves a problem with Flash on Windows user accounts with limited access (previously, Hitman patched some registry keys to solve this problem).
Added a countdown timer when updating Spybot Search & Destroy. Spybot S&D some times hangs during update (not receiving data, halting the Hitman process).
Added AES-256 encryption of statistic packages for the Hitman server. Some users tried to make a hobby out of hacking and manually uploading trash to the statistics server. With the AES encryption, the statistics will soon return on the website.
Added support for Spyware Doctor 3.8. Users running a previous version of Spyware Doctor are not upgraded by Hitman (yet).
Added Universal Plug and Play Survey. With this survey we would like to get an insight in how vulnerable users are for UPnP misusage by spyware/trojans. Using UPnP, trojans can use an existing or add a port forward to the router/firewall, rendering the firewall useless against attack. Result of the UPnP scan is AES encrypted and sent anonymously. We will add a UPnP manager in Hitman Pro 2.5 so the user will have full control over UPnP (incl. ability to automatically delete an open UPnP port forward when a trojan misuses it).
Added automatic installation of Windows Security Update KB912812 (addressing a vulnerability with the "createTextRange()" method call). The Security Update replaces the eEye JScript patch.
Added our own removal of the eEye JScript patch. The uninstaller supplied by eEye Digital Security caused a security warning on systems running Norton AntiVirus. Our own uninstaller also verifies if the Microsoft JScript library is properly installed (and repairs Microsoft JScript when a problem is found).
Added use of "Segoe UI" font when it is found on system. "Segoe UI" is the default screen font used by Windows Vista and Office 2007.
Updated Hitman Pro user interface so it integrates better with the current Windows theme (appearance).
Replaced Windows Disk Cleanup with our own cleaner. Also, in rare situations, Windows Disk Cleanup could cause problems with unfinished MSI based installers.
Improved speed when generating software database and installing external tools.
Replaced standard messages with Vista-like messages to give the entire Hitman Pro interface a more similar look and feel.
Removed Spyware Block List from Browser protection. The Spyware Block List is no longer updated nor available from its manufacturer.
Compiled Hitman Pro binaries using new AutoIt compiler and using UPX 2.0 compression.

Downloadlink

Power2Go Next-Gen 5.5

2006-05-08T19:08:00.000+02:00

Cyberlink offers with Power2Go Next-Gen the first burnprogram that can work with HD-DVD as well as Blu-ray-media. The program supports all types of the current media.

With power2Go Next-Gen you can also edit videos and photos.

There isn't a changelog but the most important change is the support for the HD-DVD-media.

Downloadlink

Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0

2006-04-03T19:58:00.000+02:00

Adobe Photoshop released the 4the version of Photo Elements.

With an eye toward its core audience of non-professional photo enthusiasts, Adobe has made improvements to its 4th version of Photoshop Elements that make it easier than ever to edit, organize, and share digital photos. Despite its consumer-level price tag, Photoshop Elements 4.0 sports some new tools that gurus wish the full-blown Photoshop had.

Read on at Macworld

Tips and Tricks of Excel

2006-03-28T19:26:00.000+02:00

Custom Toolbars

You can customize your toolbars and include functions you perform most often. Here's how:
-----1. Click View ' Toolbars ' Customize
-----2. Click New and Provide Toolbar Name (e.g. Test)
-----3. Click on Commands Tab
-----4. Drag and drop commands you use most often to your toolbar. (e.g. Insert Rows/Delete Rows/formatting, etc.)

Custom Lists

You can create custom lists that can be used over and over. For example, if you always use a list of states in alphabetical order you can set the list once and be able to reuse time and again. Here's how:

-----1. Visit www.usps.gov and copy the list of states
-----2. Paste the list into an excel sheet
-----3. Click Tools --> Options --> Custom Lists
-----4. Click on the box next to the "Import list from cells", highlight the list of states, and press .
-----5. Press Import button to complete the import.
-----6. Click on Sheet2, starting from position A1, type in Alabama and drag it down to copy - what happened?

Repeating Titles & Simple Formulas

As a print option, you may print column and row titles. Titles may be useful when you are printing a range that extends over several pages and you need titles visible to clarify the data. The titles columns or rows you select will repeat only on the pages that follow the page containing the title data. Here's how:

-----1. Open any excel sheet and type in some information.
-----2. Set Column A as a repeating print tile. Here's How:
-----3. Click File --> Page Setup --> Sheet tab
-----4 Click Columns to Repeat at Left and select columns in the worksheet.
Note:
------a. Columns must be adjacent.
------b. To remove print titles, delete the reference.
------c. To setup up rows, click rows to repeat at top.
------5. Print out a copy and see your results

Freeze Titles

Freezing the titles comes very useful when you have a very big worksheet and need to scroll a lot. Here's how to implement.
-----a. Click on the B Column
-----b. Click Window Free Panes
-----c. Scroll to the right and notice what happens.

Conditional Formats

For example, suppose a cell contains a formula that calculates the variance between forecast sales and actual sales. Microsoft Excel can apply green shading to the cell if the sales exceed forecast and red shading if sales fall short. If the value of the cell changes and no longer meets the specified condition, Microsoft Excel temporarily suppresses the formats highlighting that condition. Conditional formats remain applied to the cells until you remove them, even though none of the conditions are met and the specified cell formats are not displayed. Here's how:

-----1 Select the cells you want to format.
-----2 On the Format menu, click Conditional Formatting.
-----3 To use values in the selected cells as the formatting criteria, click Cell Value Is, select the comparison phrase and then type a value in the appropriate box. You can enter a constant value or a formula; you must include an equal sign (=) before the formula.

Ways personal information on your PC can be accessed illegally

2006-03-27T20:34:00.000+02:00

Keystroke logging: Keystroke logging or keylogging enables the capture of keystrokes. It is used in software development to pinpoint the origin of error in computer systems. If Trojans carrying keylogging software are installed on to a user's system, the information generated can be used to deduce important information such as credit card numbers and social security numbers.

Social Engineering: It involves tricking unsuspecting users into parting with confidential information or performing an action that is against company guidelines and in the process unwittingly releasing sensitive information. Social engineering does not make use of any technical weaknesses in a system; rather it relies upon human failings.

Identity management system attacks: These attacks are targeted at the various identity management systems in an organization that regulate user access to critical information and online applications. The attacks focus on compromising user authentication, gaining access to accounts, cracking passwords, and abusing access rights in order to gather confidential business-related and employee-related information.

Acoustic cryptanalysis: This attack makes use of audible and inaudible sounds that are generated when computer keyboards are pressed. Each key emits a unique sound and hackers can piece together important information by eavesdropping on the sounds emitted by the keys by employing sophisticated neural networks.

Login spoofing: It is a form of social engineering in which a malicious program masquerades as a genuine login prompt. If the login information is entered, it is passed on to the hacker. In order to prevent login spoofing, a special key combination, referred to as secure attention key, is used in some operating systems.
Shoulder surfing: This involves direct techniques of observation in which attempts at gleaning useful information are made by looking over one's shoulder, trying to get information while online forms are being filled. It is done in crowded places and during busy office hours. Technology is also used to execute shoulder surfing, miniature cameras and high-powered binoculars are used sometimes to try and ascertain the information being keyed into a machine.

Information diving: It implies scavenging for information such as files, memos, credit cards, and other such sensitive information that has been dumped without being destroyed. This activity frequently leads to identity theft. Recently, companies have begun to tighten up their security and take steps such as shredding paper before it is consigned to the waste bin.

Phishing: it involves eliciting sensitive information from unsuspecting computer users by posing as an authentic entity. Phishing, which is a form of social engineering, can be carried out via email, telephone, or IM. Organizations are trying to counter the menace of phishing by proper user training and passing legislations. Highly targeted versions of phishing are known as spear phishing.
Timing attack: These are sophisticated attacks on encrypted data that work by considering the amount of time required to execute a given cryptographic algorithm. These attacks use error correction techniques to account for network latency, which may otherwise give the attackers an erroneous reading.

About the Author
To start protecting your computer now, visit SpywareCleaner.biz for reviews of popular spyware removing software which offer free computer scans.
Written for Online Business Heaven by Michael Jones. For more information about Home PC Security visit OnlineBizHeaven.

Microsoft Office 2007 screenshots

2006-03-10T19:05:00.000+01:00

The beta version of Office 2007 will be released soon. Neowin has posted some screenshots of Word 2007, Excel 2007, Outlook 2007, Powerpoint 2007 en Access 2007.

Neowin screenshots

Notepad++ 3.5

2006-03-09T20:03:00.000+01:00

The Open Source texteditor Notepad++ is updated to version 3.5. A few of its features are syntax-highlighting and the pssibility to edit a few document at the same time or even one document on two different places.

Changelog:
- Double click on blank area to have a new document (Firefox behaviour).

- Add "Set current document read only" command.

- Fix the behaviour to hold the directory of closed file as current working directory.

- Add "copy file name/full path/current directory to clipboard" feature.

- Add an X button on upper right corner to close the current document.

- Add the "incremental search" feature (Ctrl+Alt+I).

- New toolbar feel & look (For the standard icons).

Downloadlink

ZoneAlarm 6.1.744.000

2006-03-04T14:30:00.000+01:00

Zone Labs has brought out a new version of its Firewall-software and Internet Security Suite, with versionnumber 6.1.744.000. The free version has only basic firewallfunctions. The Pro version brings a firewall, anti-spyware and e-mail protection for about $50.

In this release you find this:

- Fixed - Service stability issue
- Fixed - Communicate with the centralized server issue
- Fixed - Overlapped text in support and update information

- Fixed - Anti-Spam installation issue
- Fixed - Various other bug fixes

Downloadlink

PowerArchiver 2006 9.6 beta 2

2006-03-04T14:14:00.000+01:00

The second bètarelease version 9.6 from PowerArchiver is out now. This program allows you to make archives and works with the most usual types of compressing (.zip, .rar, .tar) but also CD or DVD-images.

Changelog:

- Added support for default shell extension profiles
- New DirectSkin skin engine for WB skin compatibility
- Improved shell extensions for Windows XP x64 Edition
- Improved 7-Zip engine with faster and better compression
- Design improvements for several windows
- Fixed several smaller issues

Downloadlink

Apple iTunes 6.0.4

2006-03-04T13:51:00.000+01:00

With Apple iTunes you can't only manage your music collection but you can download also MP3's in the online musicstore. When you have iPod you can drop your music on it, with iTunes.

The developers have updated iTunes to version 6.0.4. with this notice:

iTunes 6.0.4 addresses stability and performance issues related to Front Row.

Downloadlink

Paint.NET 2.6 Final

2006-02-26T11:41:00.000+01:00

Paint.NET 2.6 is finally there!

Here's the changelog:

- Full 64-bit support, for both x64 and Itanium systems
-New "Curves" adjustment for editing an image's color curves
- Seven new layer blend modes: Color Burn, Color Dodge, Reflect, Glow, Overlay, Negation, and Xor
- Aesthetic improvements to the entire user interface
- Better performance, especially for 64-bit systems
- Zooming, esp. with the mouse wheel, has been enhanced
- Rewritten layer composition engine is now mathematically correct, and faster
Deployment via AD/GPO is now much easier (use /createMsi with setup package)
- User interface now works correctly in high-DPI (120dpi, 144dpi, 196dpi)
- Layers window list is no longer "upside down"
- Upgraded to use .NET Framework 2.0
- Many other improvements and fixes

Downloadlink

4 ways how to fight spyware

2006-02-24T11:36:00.000+01:00

Before making a decison on which anti-spyware program to purchase, it is a good idea to make four important steps which are sure to harden the life for spyware developers.

First, a PC connected to Internet should have a firewall installed and adequately configured. Default options are good most times, but not efficient enough against smart spyware (which is smart by its nature). Leave only those ports open which are used by applications you run. It is good to make sure that if an application doesn't require incoming connections, than it is not allowed to receive ANY data from Internet.

Second, an advanced PC user always takes precautions when installing any free software (which very often includes spyware stuff); to possibly avoid future troubles, it is advisable to check the setup file with an anti-virus (supplied with latest signature updates).

Third, when surfing, be careful about ActiveX Controls trying to install themselves. ActiveX is a well-known and extremely widespread way of distributing spyware and viruses. Before installing any ActiveX component, make sure it is signed by software developer you trust (say, Microsoft or Adobe, if you trust them). Software giants are unlikely to push spyware onto your hard drive.

Finally, try to avoid websites with warez-related content, they are notorious for secretly installing tons of spyware modules on computers. Sure, these steps are NOT enough to stay safe and secure. They are very helpful, but they do not armour your PC against unwanted guests.

Apple iTunes 6.0.2

2006-01-15T11:34:00.000+01:00

With Apple iTunes you can't only manage your music collection but you can download also MP3's in the online musicstore. When you have iPod you can drop your music on it, with iTunes. The developers have updated iTunes to version 6.0.2.

What's new:
- MiniStore New in iTunes 6.
- Discover new music as you enjoy your collection or import new CDs with MiniStore — right from your iTunes library.
- Sync Home Movies New in iTunes 6.
- Create iPod-compatible versions of your own movies using iTunes.
- AirTunes Enhancement New in iTunes 6.
- Simultaneously stream the same song wirelessly to up to three home stereos or powered speakers — using AirPort Express with AirTunes.

Downloadlink

Daemon Tools 4.03

2006-01-05T20:34:00.000+01:00

Daemon Tools is updated to version 4.0.3. This program can mount an imagefile from a CD of DVD as a virtual drive.

Changes in this release:
- One blacklist fixed (a SF-Game, that behaved odd when running from virtualdrive)
- RAID-Bugs fixed, too Some reboot-problems also fixed
- Nero-issues also fixed
- Additional functionality (for X86-version, X64 already contained it since very first version): Disable "Open file handle" dialog, as it seems it annoyed some users.
- We herewith also confirm the latest blacklist introduced by Securom (SeriousSam2-patch). This blacklists will not be possible in future versions anymore (as in old 3.xx-series, we will add feature to randomly generate names for driver-parts). As we got info about it, we couldn't fix it with this version, but work is in progress for next release already
- EDIT: We also offer a bunch of tools especially for new V4, f.e. Anti-Blacklist-Tools, DaemonScript for V4, Translations and other tools - stay tuned!

Downloadlink

Miranda IM 0.4.0.2 RC1

2006-01-05T20:07:00.000+01:00

After 43 testbuilds or alpha-releases, today the first release candidate of Miranda IM 0.4.0.2 available. Miranda can connect with the networks of AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo, and IRC. More networks and functions can add by means of plugins.

Downloadlink

AVG AntiVirus Definitions

2006-01-05T19:45:00.000+01:00

There is an update available for AVG AntiVirus.

NOTE: It is strongly recommended that you perform all updates from the AVG Anti-Virus interface. The program can distinguish between full and differential updates; while this page offers only full update files for download.

Downloadlink

SpywareBlaster 3.5

2006-01-02T12:54:00.000+01:00

Javacool Software has updated SpywareBlaster to version 3.5. SpywareBlaster has to prevent spyware. What's changed isn't relly clear because the release notes tells us what is already in older versions.

New Features in 3.5:
- Restricted Sites protection
- Mozilla/Firefox protection
- AutoUpdate
- and much, much more

Downloadlink

Happy 2006

2005-12-31T15:32:00.000+01:00

First of all I will thank all of you to visit Software Flash in its first 5 months! I hope you come all back in 2006. We are back at Monday the 2. January for a new year of softwarenews.

I wish you all the best, luck and goodness in 2006.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

* 2006 *

WiMAX VS WiFi

2005-12-31T15:23:00.000+01:00

WiMax (802.16) is is a newer standard of wireless networking designed to provide the last mile of high speed internet access to the end user. Some people would call Wimax WiFi on steroids but this would be to broad of an assessment. Wifi was and still will be used in LAN environments for the foreseeable future. WiMax was designed to provide (MAN) Metropolitan Area Access, to homes and businesses.

WiMax base stations will have the ability to provide approximately 60 businesses with T1 access and hundreds of homes with DSL/Cable speed access…in theory. Engineers are stating that WiMax has the capability of reaching 30 Miles but real world testing has shown 4-8 mile working radius.

WiMax (MAN) deployments are similar to a WiFi network. First the ISP would have their T3 or higher access. The ISP would then use line of sight antennas (Bridges) to connect to towers that would distribute the non line of sight signal to (MAN) residential/business clients.

WiMax line of sight antennas operate at a higher Frequency up to 60mhz. Distribution antennas do not have to be in the line of sight with their clients. Non – line of sight towers operate on a range similar to WiFi . WiMax can operate right next to cell phone towers with no interference.

WiMax networks are similar to Wifi in deployment. The Wimax Base station/Tower will beam a signal to a WiMax Receiver. Similar to a WiFi access point sending a signal to a laptop. As far as I can tell laptops will be shipping with Wimax receivers in 2006.

QOS (Quality of Service) is an major issue with WiMax because of the number of people accessing a tower at once. Some would think that a tower could be easily overloaded with a lot of people accessing it at once. Built into the WiMax standard is an algorithm that when the tower/base station is nearing capacity then it automatically will transfer the user to another WiMax tower or cell. Unlike a Wifi clients who have to kind of fight to stay associated with a given access point; WiMax will only have to perform this hand shake at the MAC level the first time they access the network.

WiMax is designed for building a network infrastructure when the environment or distance is not favorable to a wired network. Also, WiMax is a cheaper and quicker alternative than having to lay wire. Third world countries will greatly benefit from deploying WiMax networks. WiMax can handle virtually all the same protocols Wifi can including VOIP. African countries are now going to start deploying WiMax networks instead of cell phone networks. Disaster zones can also utilize WiMax giving them the ability to distribute crisis information quickly and cheaply.

Militaries are already using wireless technology to connect remote sites. Logistics will be simplified with the ease of tracking with RF technologies. WiMax can also handle Webcams and streaming video which would give commanders eyes on target capability. Just imagine if planes were able to drop preconfigured self deploying WiMax antennas in strategic areas giving troops real time battlefield intel. Armed with wireless cameras, drones and a GPS one soldier would truly be an Army of One.

As WiMax is deployed in more areas theory and real life capabilities of WiMax will come to light. The differences between WiMax and Wifi are simple. Think of a WiMax network as an ISP with out wires, with the signal providing your internet access to your business/ home. Wifi will be used within in your LAN for the near future.

By Eric Meyer

Virus or Spyware - What's the diference?

2005-12-28T12:41:00.000+01:00

by Dave Fraser

This month's article is one of the things I still find comes up as a frequent question, "what's the difference between Viruses and Spyware"? I will try and clarify that here. One of the biggest slowdowns of a PC is caused by viruses, adware or spyware as it's often called. Before you can benefit from any other optimisation tips or improvements you really need a system relatively free from those pests.

A virus is a piece of malicious software code written to cause some kind of damage to a computer system or network or even the Internet itself. Viruses spread, similar to their biological namesake, from one machine to another and can spread havoc wherever they go. They are most commonly spread by sharing files with others or through email attachments where they can be set up to send themselves to all the addresses in your email address book.

Adware is usually dowloaded and installed along with some other program without your knowledge and unlike a virus doesn't spread by itself. Very often you click "OK" without reading the terms and conditions and by doing so you agree to have the files installed. An example is you see a "free" program on offer that you think might be useful and download it without thinking. Even some anti-spyware programs install adware and the website earns money from the ads that are clicked on.

The catch is that the extra files introduced are used to determine things like your surfing habits and the data is used to serve up popup ads or redirect your browser to a page other than the one you wanted. Some of the programs can be used to install keyloggers which can send back information about passwords and bank details etc. Adware is not a security problem it is more an annoyance especially when you have ten different programs trying show ads. The amount of computer resources it uses up slows your system to a crawl.

Spyware is more malicious and evil intentioned and is designed to steal something from you. It can be downloaded by visiting the wrong types of websites or along with other files the same way as adware. Spyware can often be hard to remove as it can continually recreate itself and hide somewhere on your hard drive.

Programs such as trojans can be used to allow access to hackers at a later date. From the story of the Trojan horse where the Greeks hid inside the wooden horse left as a peace offering and were wheeled in to the fort by the Trojans themselves. Then at night the Greeks crept out of the horse and opened the gates and let the enemy in. Trojans and adware unlike viruses don't spread themselves.

It is wise to run more than one spyware checker as no one system gets rid of them all. You can never be certain you have every one removed because new ones may not have been discovered and the Spyware program doesn't recognise it yet. I use the two free ones "Spybot" and "Adaware" and I also use http://www.pcsandthings.com/CounterSpy.htm which comes from a reputable company that specialises in removing spyware.

Sometimes people say to me "doesn't my anti-virus software remove spyware"? Well the answer is most don't and even if it does I always find a specialist product works best. Beware also of bogus spyware scanners available on-line which actually install their own spyware once they have removed their competitors. Sometimes you run a free scan and it finds all sorts of nasties but you will have to sign up and pay to remove them. I have even seen it that they find things that don't exist or try to frighten people into believing they have lots of spyware when all they have are advertising cookies.

Cookies are small text files that websites leave on your system so that when you return they can customise the page that loads or they can count you as a returning visitor. They are harmless and most of them are useful. They can be easily removed by deleting them in your browser settings.

So you need to be running a suitable and up to date antivirus program and one or more Spyware checkers.

More tips can be gotten from my website at http://www.pcsandthings.com

About the Author
Dave tries to make your computing experience a bit less stressful and helps you to speed up your computer with free tips at www.pcsandthings.com

Open Source for iTunes

2005-12-27T16:33:00.000+01:00

The Inquirer reports about Open Source for iTunes.

Lord has come up with a wizard idea to have an Open Source music machine called "Songbird" which is based on the same underlying open-source technology as the Firefox Web browser.
Songbird will play all the music that an iPod will play, and all those that it won’t. The thing is that it is Open Source and this is where the fun is starting.
In the pre-marketing material, Lord is daring to speak the Apple name in a derogatory way and referring to iTunes in a manner which is getting Jobs Mob cronies getting their burning crosses and nooses together for a good righteous lynching.

Read on at the Inquirer

Avast! Antivirus 4.6.744

2005-12-27T11:41:00.000+01:00

Awil Software has brought out an update for version 4.6 of its Avast! Antivirus, 4.6.744. This program is available in a Professional Edition and a free Home Edition.

Changelog:
- added unpackers for a couple of new variants of EXE packers
- fixed a problem consisting of a lack of removal of avast temp files during a scan of huge archives
- Standard Shield: fixed a problem with blocking of the name of infected file even after the file was removed
- fixed a bug causing that for some infections, avast was offering the "Repair" action even if it was in fact not available

Downloadlink

SpamAware 4.2.2.

2005-12-27T11:22:00.000+01:00

SpamAware is a freeware plugin for Outlook and Outlook Express which were you can filter spam. It looks to the header and the content of the incomming mail.

This is new in version 4.2.2.:

- Outlook:
* BugFix: SpamAware caused an error when other programs accessed Outlook without creating it completely.
* BugFix: "Read Receipt" popups raised during scanning these mails.

- Outlook Express:
* An error sometimes appeared during scan will no longer occur.

- Both:
* Now the mouse cursor changes to hourglass when SpamAware is busy.
* Some minor bug fixes and improvements.

Downloadlink

aMSN Messenger 0.95

2005-12-27T11:09:00.000+01:00

Yesterday there is brought out a new version of aMSN Messenger, it's version 0.95. aMSN Messenger is the open source counterpart of the popular instant MSN Messenger. In the new version is amon other things more support for webcams.

Release notes:

After more than a year since 0.94, aMSN 0.95 is finally released! New features include webcam support, tabbed chat windows, improved skin and plugin support, new file transfer protocol, many new plugins (like Ink and Nudge support), an improved bug report system, as well as LOTS of bugfixes! We hope it was worth all this wait! :)

Downloadlink

MSN Messenger 8

2005-12-26T10:31:00.000+01:00

Lappy512 from Krazy Letter Forum has take a look on MSN Messenger 8.

After opening it up, you can see the supposedly improved messenger contacts list. Whenever you mouseover people, you can see their avatar, and some options: Instant Message, Email, Call (voice conversation), Video Conversation, and Shared Folders. I first couldn't figure out where to find the email of people, and I figured that I had to mouseover, then mouseover the "instant message" icon. I didn't really like that, since most of my friends change their display name every day or so, which makes it even harder to identify them. I think Microsoft could have made the same feature, using a tooltip, instead of integrating it with the interface itself, which is annoying. You can disable it, however.

To Krazy Letter Forums

VisualRoute 10.0e

2005-12-21T11:18:00.000+01:00

With VisualRoute you can see via which way your datapacks are send over the ntwork. It also has a whois reporter and an eMailTracker.

This is changed:

Release 10.0e enchancements:

New report option for domain and network Whois information provides more detailed information about web domains, IP addresses and their network providers. Network reports include more contact information for Technical, Abuse and Organization contacts via clickable 'Handle' reports.

To view these reports, go to Options > Preferences > Display, and select the 'Use VisualRoute 7-style Whois reports'.

VisualRoute 2006 registered users may download and install the 10.0e using their existing product license, the update may be installed over the previous version.

Downloadlink

MSN Messenger 7.5 build 322

2005-12-19T19:39:00.000+01:00

The developers of MSN Messenger has brought out a new build for the 7.5 series. It's only available in English for the moment.

This release is intended to try and fix sign in issues, John W. from MSN has listed the following things worked on:
- A lot of people were experiencing sign in issues with v7.5.311 (QFE2), we took some changes to fix that or to give better error messages to figure out what was going wrong. And there was another fix to get our error reporting correct. As a byproduct, there have been reports that sign in is faster. If you or someone you know was having sign in issues please give the 7.5.0322 build a try.

- In Korea, if you were using an IME (Input Method Editor), you would type shortcut for your favorite emoticon and get an extra character. Now emoticons are key to any IM program and it didn't make sense to not fix this (and we found a simple code fix). If you've got contacts in Korea, or know Korean yourself, give it a try!
If you had a Dynamic Background from Blue Mountain, bought it and installed it, then the Text Ads which you should have been getting while you had a Dynamic Background on weren't showing up.

- There is a DLL which is central to our Audio / Video features, we had to take a new version of that to fix a bug where Messenger would crash if you unplug a USB device after running the Audio Video Tuning Wizard on that device.

Adobe Reade Speed-Up 1.34

2005-12-17T21:34:00.000+01:00

Adobe Reader Speed-Up has got an update to version 1.34. With this program you can individual plug-ins of Adobe Reader switch in or out.

Changelog:

- Added: StartupPause value to the Deployment.ini file; this value tells ARSU to wait the specified number of seconds before actually deploying.
- Added: Turkish translation by Atilla Ontas, Russian translation by Kopachov Alexander.
- Other: ARSU is now truly silent during the deployment process.

downloadlink

Google Talk 1.0.0.80

2005-12-17T14:17:00.000+01:00

The instant messaging-program of Google is updated to version 1.0.0.80. It isn't know what exactely is changed.

You can download it here:

downloadlink

Removing Spyware From Computers

2005-12-11T21:04:00.000+01:00

Removing spyware from computers isn't as easy as installing it. The first problem is that you often are completely unaware that it's even there.

But removing spyware from computers is critical because there are some spyware programs that can get into your computer and allow a hacker access to your personal information such as credit card numbers and enable identity theft.

For this reason, if no other, the quicker you find and start the process of removing spyware from computers the better.

Spyware is software that is automatically installed on a computer usually unintentionally and unknowingly by a user who clicks to close a pop-up ad displayed when a webpage is opened.

The advertisements are designed so that you can't close them without activating them. Once installed, the spyware is capable of performing any of a number of tasks without you even realizing it.

One of the most popular uses of spyware is to provide information. The person sending out the spyware wants to know where people are surfing on the Internet. As much as that invades your privacy, it's by no means the worst of what spyware is capable of.

Unlike a computer virus which can usually be quickly removed once found, spyware usually requires a complicated removal process. It may not have the same ripple effect of having your computer infects other people's computer that a virus has.

But the way it affects the performance of your computer, together with the implications of what the spyware is capable of, make it's removal a priority.

One of the best ways to fight spyware is to download an anti-spyware program. These programs are designed not only to detect spyware on your computer, but also to stop them from being installed in the first place.

There are free programs which detect existing spyware, and block some incoming infections, but they don't upgrade automatically and hackers sending out spyware are constantly working to find ways around the free anti-spyware.

Make sure that any anti-spyware program you use is kept up-to-date or you may be relying on outdated technology to keep your computer clean. That means you still run a risk of being infected by a more advanced attack.

While there are spyware programs that you do agree to, the majority of spyware is not only put onto your computer without your consent, it's also there without your knowledge.

For example, if you install the Google toolbar you are given the option of allowing them to harvest data on your surfing habits. But they do allow you to refuse that if you don't want anyone having access to your computer.

Working away in the background, spyware takes what information it wants and relays this to the spyware sender. For safe web surfing it's safer to take advantage and install up-to-date adware spyware blockers.

This doesn't automatically ensure that removing spyware from your computer is 100% accurate. So you also need to get into a habit of running the anti-spyware program on your computer to check that nothing managed to squeeze past your defense system.

A good adware spyware blockers program is the best way for removing spyware from computers and keeping your sensitive information private.

Copyright © 2005 Spyware-Information.com All Rights Reserved.

About the Author
This article is provided by http://www.spyware-information.com where you will find free spyware cleaners, downloads, removal software, computer firewalls and valuable tips. For regularly updated articles about adware, spyware and protection from identity theft go to http://spyware-information.com/articles_1.html

PowerArchiver 2006 9.51

2005-12-03T13:31:00.000+01:00

PowerArchiver 2006 is an archivingsprogram that can work with the most common archivingstypes like: 7-ZIP, CAB, LHA TAR, GZIP, BZIP2, RAR, ARJ, ARC and ACE.

The first update to PowerArchiver 2006 brings a number of minor improvements. Changes include:

- 'Make Large ZIP File' option is now selected by default, in order to make it simpler for users
- Faster and smarter 7-Zip engine implemented for speed improvements
- Other minor fixes and improvements

downloadlink

How to Use Windows XP "System Restore"

2005-11-29T19:14:00.000+01:00

Well, we all have been there. We turn on our computer (boot up) getting ready to type that school report, or business presentation and guess what, our computer just does not want to work today. Whether it's the word processor, spreadsheet, or financial package that isn't working, most people do not know that Microsoft Windows XP has a built in feature that just may come and save the day. That feature is called "System Restore."

Basically, System Restore is like a little hound that runs behind the scenes taking "snapshots" of various parts of the Microsoft Windows XP operating system. So, if a part of Microsoft Windows XP stops working one day, the System Restore utility is able to reference one of the "snapshots" it took and restore your system from a previous day (a day when your computer worked). It's kind of like going back in time to a day when your computer worked. All your current data (Microsoft Word files, etc.) are still retained, so you don't have to worry about losing any present day files.

In order to restore your computer just follow these simple steps:

1. Close any open programs. 2. Click on the Windows "Start" button (normally located on the bottom of your computer desktop) 3. Click on "All Programs" 4. Click on "Accessories" 5. Click on "System Tools" 6. Then click on "System Restore" 7. At this point the System Restore wizard will launch. You will have two options:

a. "Restore my system from an earlier date" b. "Create a system restore point"

If you just need to restore your system and get it working correctly again, just select option "a" and click "Next."

8. On this screen you can select a date from the calendar that you would like to try and restore from. So, if you knew that your computer worked fine two days ago, just pick that date on the calendar and click "Next." 9. The next screen is the confirmation window. Just verify the information on the screen and click "Next." Windows XP will then reboot and try to restore your system with the settings from the date you selected.

The System Restore process can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much reconfiguration Windows XP needs to do and how fast of a PC you have. When System Restore is done, a screen will popup with the results of the restore. If it was successful, you can then log into the system and start using the computer again. Any quirky issues that you were having are now hopefully gone.

Now, on step 7b above, I mentioned the "Create a system restore point" option. This option is for when you want to force Windows XP to take a snapshot of your system just before you install a program or alter any system settings that you are not sure of. It is like a safety net for when you install any internet programs (sometimes riddled with spyware) or system drivers (video, audio, etc). If you want to revert back to a virgin state just create a restore point "before" installing any software. This way, if your machine starts acting weird, you can just restore your settings from the selected point.

With a little practice, the System Restore utility is easy to use and a great way to help ensure the safety of your computer.

About the Author

Jay is the web owner of http://www.dsl-in.com DSL, a website that provides information and resources on DSL, DSL Service, and DSL Service Providers. You can visit his website at: DSL Service

NuFW 1.0.16

2005-11-29T18:52:00.000+01:00

This (Linux) program is an extensive firewall that can filter each connection on their rights of the user. This new version has as number, 1.0.16.

This is a security release. The NuFW team has identified a problem that could lead to Denial of Service from legitimate users of the authentication service.

The bug was found in user packet parsing. By sending several carefully badly formatted packets, an authenticated user can cause a denial of service on nuauth <= 1.0.15. The development version, 1.1, is also concerned by the bug, which is corrected on the svn repository.

The NuFW core team recommends users upgrade their nuauth installations.

Only for Linux users

Downloadlink

PHP 5.1.1.

2005-11-29T18:43:00.000+01:00

The developers of the PHP group has brought out again a new release of PHP, version 5.1.1.

This is a regression correction release aimed at addressing several issues
introduced by PHP 5.1.0, the core changes as follows:

Native date class is withdrawn to prevent namespace conflict with PEAR's
date package.
Fixed fatal parse error when the last line of the script is a PHP comment.
eval() hangs when the code being evaluated ends with a comment.
Usage of \{$var} in PHP 5.1.0 resulted in the output of {$var} instead of
the $var variable's value enclosed in {}.
Fixed inconsistency in the format of PHP_AUTH_DIGEST between Apache 1 and 2
sapis.
Improved safe_mode/open_basedir checks inside the cURL
extension.

Version 5.1.1:

Disabled native date class to prevent pear::date conflict. (Ilia)
Improved safe_mode/open_basedir checks in cURL extension. (Ilia, Jani)
Changed reflection constants be both PHP and class constants. (Johannes)
Added an additional field $frame['object'] to the result array of
debug_backtrace() that contains a reference to the respective object when the
frame was called from an object. (Sebastian)
Fixed bug #35423
(RecursiveDirectoryIterator doesnt appear to recurse with
RecursiveFilterIterator). (Marcus)
Fixed bug #35413
(Removed -dev flag from Zend Engine version). (Ilia)
Fixed bug #35411
(Regression with \{$ handling). (Ilia)
Fixed bug #35406 (eval
hangs when evall'ed code ends with comment w/o newline). (Marcus)
Fixed bug #35391
(pdo_mysql::exec does not return number of affected rows). (Tony)
Fixed bug #35382
(Comment in end of file produces fatal error). (Ilia)
Fixed bug #35360
(exceptions in interactive mode (php -a) may cause crash).); ?> (Dmitry)
Fixed bug #35358
(Incorrect error messages for PDO class constants). (Ilia)
Fixed bug #35338
(pdo_pgsql does not handle binary bound params). (Wez)
Fixed bug #35316
(Application exception trying to create COM object). (Rob)
Fixed bug #35170
(PHP_AUTH_DIGEST differs under Apache 1.x and 2.x). (Ilia)

Downloadlink

Paint.NET 2.5 final

2005-11-28T18:51:00.000+01:00

After three alpha-releases, five bèta-releases and two release candidates, there is the final release of Paint.NET 2.5.

What's new?:

- Faster performance and lower memory usage
- Full flexibility for scaling, rotating, and moving selections and selected pixels
- Ability to subtract from and add to selections
- Internationalization (I18N) support
- Officially available in German
- Line / Curve tool lets you draw spline and Bézier curves
- Ability to work in measurements of inches and centimeters
- 3D Rotate / Zoom effect lets you rotate, tilt, and tile images at various perspectives
- Radial Blur and Add Noise effects
- Sepia adjustment
- Improved Text Tool, including higher quality font rendering
- GIF transparency support
- TGA file format support
- Greater extensibility with a brand new File Format API
- Simpler, faster setup wizard
- Update manager simplifies getting the latest version
- Cleaner user interface with none of the annoying flickering of past releases
- Many other changes, improvements, and fixes

downloadlink

Google Talk 1.0.0.76

2005-11-12T10:28:00.000+01:00

Google has launched his updated version of GoogleTalk: version 1.0.0.76. This instant-messaging program that makes use of the Jabber/XMPP - protocol. You can send messages and audio messages. But it's only available for GMail-users

downloadlink

Napster 3.5 out now!

2005-11-10T19:00:00.000+01:00

Napster yesterday launched the new version (3.5) of Napster. With napster you can download MP3-files etc.

downloadink

source

Link Directory Software

2005-11-03T19:04:00.000+01:00

by Henry James

Link directory is the place on the internet where various web players maintain their links for free to exchange links or trade purposes. In fact it is an easy and effective way for the link seeking websites to sight their links. The internet has thousands of web sites where you can submit a link. But you have to meet certain standards to submit your links to these web sites. Link directory software is the right tool for you to create an impressive link directory. And an impressive link directory is the gateway to the top rankings from the major search engines.

The link directory software sets up the link directory for you on a web server. The quality of your link directory depends on the software used by you for the installation process. You will find a number of software in the market place. Software is considered to be good or bad by the scripting language it has. The whole software functions and features on the software script.

The link directory software built in PHP script is considered as the best in the field. You can get the PHP script software from any of the software stores in your vicinity. The most striking feature of the PHP script link directory software is that it can be set up on all the operating systems. The operating systems can be Windows operating system, Linux or even UNIX. According to a recent survey by an IT journal in the US, most of the website owners use a Windows operating system to set up a link directory.

The link directory software enables you to choose a great template for your link directory. The software can make your link directory interesting and attractive. You can choose from a number of colors to set the back ground colors of the template. You are capable of changing the colors of the text as well. Different categories of links can also be assigned different colors. This makes your link directory interesting to the visitors. It also gets quite easier for the visitors to locate and select the links, differentiated via colors.

A few software support you with endless categories of links. This implies that you can create as many categories of links as you want. A majority of software support built in categories but you can customize them as well. If you do not need a category, you can disable it.

Apart from maintaining a list of different types of links, the link directory software also helps you to manage your links in a better way. Whenever a link is added to your website, it will automatically be added to the link directory. You will also come to know the summary of the performance of a particular link.

So all these benefits and much more, you can access via link directory software. In fact you can very easily install this software on your computer to develop a link directory.

About the Author
Discover advanced link building and link popularity tools and resources as a Member of: http://www.Link-Advantage.com

Nero 7.0.1.2: Software update

2005-11-01T17:25:00.000+01:00

Yesterday Ahead launched a new version of Nero, version 7.0.1.2. You can make with Nero your own media cds and dvds. It takes 100 MB of memory.

Downloadlink

NewsBin Pro 5.0.2 software update

2005-10-25T18:31:00.000+02:00

DJI Interprises has launched a new version of NewsBin Pro, number 5.0.2. This program can download photos, movies and programs from newsgroups in little packages and bring them back together at your pc.

Changes:

Rewrote Read Post Body. Any previous RPB's will be lost.

Hooked up ctrl-d to remove posts from download list when in the post list

Highlight duplicate files with pink in the post list.

Dynamically update the post list with post status from the download list.

Fixed display problem with PAR files that didn't get included in compact
mode.

Changed how posts are tagged internally, hopefully will improve performance
some.

Fixed typo in Status "downloadeding"

Fixed default download path on clean install, should go under My Documents,
not App Data. Folder name is now "Newsbin Download"

Worked on compact mode for non yEnc posts. Seems to work better now.

Compact mode modified to handle style adopted for posting HDTV files.

Improvements to the "Show Filename" mode

Fixed problem where last record in each spool chunk would not get marked as
read.

Removed feature where clicking on post in post list would remove post from
the download list.

The Status Column in the post list is back! Doesn't report filtered posts
yet.

Flash reduction in the connections tab.

Reduced processor load when processing the groups list.

Fixed potential crash problem when sorting on columns in the download list.

Downloadlink

AMD Unveils Commercial Channel Program

2005-10-25T18:08:00.000+02:00

Program Promotes Innovation and Collaboration to Create Joint Business Opportunities that Deliver Customer Value

AMD (NYSE:AMD) today introduced the AMD Commercial Channel Access Program to enhance and extend the company's commitment to partners' business needs and contribute to their continued growth and success in the commercial market. The program is designed to foster an environment of collaboration and innovation within the growing worldwide AMD64 ecosystem of systems integrators, value-added resellers (VARs) and distributors. It is designed to deliver benefits to participants by helping them gain access to and develop solutions for the increasing number of customers now looking to deploy AMD OpteronTM processor-based platforms and provide tangible value through these solutions tailored to best address the needs of their end customers.

"The launch of the Commercial Channel Access Program reinforces AMD's goal of meeting the needs of end customers through the delivery of highly targeted, market-relevant solutions," said Kevin Knox, vice president, Worldwide Commercial Business, AMD. "AMD's robust channel program has been a cornerstone of our business for decades and today's announcement marks another milestone in our commitment to customer-centric innovation and to the many long-standing and successful relationships we enjoy with our expanding network of channel customers. By leveraging a strong collaborative model, we will be able to extend our reach into new commercial markets to deliver innovative joint AMD64 processor-based solutions."

The Commercial Channel Access Program more specifically provides: Web-based self-service access to resources and education through the AMD Access Portal, distributed channel communications including newsletters and alerts, AMD product information, white paper and success story templates, partner solution registration, joint customer solution pilots, channel-specific marketing support, access to the AMD business development team, field-based channel account managers (where applicable), opportunities to collaborate with AMD and its ISV communities, as well as AMD-supported campaigns to help build awareness. AMD will also be offering membership in a newly formed AMD Commercial Channel Council where participants will share their views and can gain early insights into AMD plans and access to executives.

A core supporting component of the program is the Web portal that is designed to allow access to tools, information, training and practical help in multiple languages around the clock. This is intended to help participants bring AMD64 processor technology to market quickly and provide a high level of service to their customers. Access to demo units for evaluation and sales opportunities will be also available via this route.

The flexible, dynamic program is built on the core tenets of listening to customers and responding to the fast-changing needs of customers. By doing so, AMD can direct services and resources to worldwide channel partners, help identify new solutions opportunities and coordinate channel activities to build upon the strengths of AMD's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) relationships to create shared successes.

The Commercial Channel Access Program is expected to expand its member support over the coming months with a wide variety of programs such as specialized technical support, information resources to help keep members up to date on the latest technology news and extensive tool kits for co-marketing the newly developed solutions. The program will also help drive benefits for end-user commercial customers as solutions briefs become readily available to help them determine the most effective solution to solve their business challenges.

Support for Commercial Channel Access Program

The AMD Commercial Channel Access Program builds on the company's strong relationships, and to date, more than 20 solutions and campaigns have already been staffed and funded by AMD with more than 15 different systems integrators, VARs and distributors participating in the program. Inaugural participants include Avnet Computing Components, CDW, Ciber IT Operations Services, Continental Resources, EDS, En Pointe Technologies, Forsythe Solutions Group, Inc., GTSI Corp., Ingram Micro Inc., Insight Enterprises, PC Connection Services, Pomeroy IT Solutions, Inc., Sayers, Scalar Decisions Inc. and Tech Data Corporation. Visit www.amd.com/access for more information.

"As the demand to share electronic resources with customers and partners grows, businesses and government organizations are increasingly relying on more powerful processors that won't overheat," said CDW's Scott Detota, director, Product Management. "We're responding to these needs by making a variety of AMD64 technology-based products easily accessible to our customers to help them improve computing performance and availability."

"EDS recognizes the tremendous importance of forging strong relationships in the IT industry. Our collaboration with Sun Microsystems and Sun's partner, AMD, to offer Virtual Server Services, which runs on Sun servers powered by AMD OpteronTM processors, is built on a true commitment to bringing ground-breaking technology to our clients," said Larry Lozon, vice president, Data Center Services, EDS.

"AMD's dual-core processor and HyperTransportTM technology offer significant value to solution providers," said Mark Demeo, senior vice president, Consulting and Infrastructure, Pomeroy IT Solutions, Inc., a national solutions provider whose services include: outsourcing, application development, systems integration and other maintenance and support services. "We are able to architect solutions that protect our customers' investments by improving scalability, performance and energy efficiency. As a result, our solutions help customers maximize their IT investments and re-invest in their core businesses."

"The AMD Commercial Channel Access Program helps enable partners to get technology to market faster and bring even more value to customers," said Pete Peterson, vice president, Systems Product Marketing, Tech Data Corporation. "As a leading provider of IT products and solutions, Tech Data has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with AMD and is dedicated to developing even more joint business opportunities that leverage the portfolio of AMD64 technology-based solutions from major OEMs."

AMD expects to roll out new features to the portal over the next several months. The AMD Commercial Channel Access Program is available to new and existing channel customers in North America and Europe and later in other regions of the world. For more information on the AMD Commercial Channel Access Program, visit www.amd.com/access, the gateway to these new, as well as existing, channel programs at AMD.

PowerArchiver 2006 9.5

2005-10-24T17:59:00.000+02:00

After a few beta versions now the final-release of PowerArchiver 2006 version 9.5 is released. This archivingsprogram can work with the most common archivingstypes. This version makes use of a new registration system, so actual users have to collect a new serial number. It's available in different languages.

Major Changes:

ISO reading/extracting support for formats: ISO, BIN, IMG and NRG
Support for creating PAE SFX archives
Updated PAE format with hiding filenames option
Improved 7-ZIP support:
- Added support for AES encrypted 7z archives
- Added support for reading 7z multivolume archives
- Added support for creating 7z multivolume archives
- Added support for 7-Zip PPMd compression
- New DLL with improved compression methods
- Significantly faster compression with 7-Zip in some cases
Full skinning support via PSF files - includes interface skins, toolbar
skins, icons and customizable application settings
SFTP (SSH FTP) support for secure FTP transfers
Cool alert window in system tray
Support for renaming files in BH, LHA and TAR archives
Improved default toolbar skin (alpha-blended PNG)
Improved security throughout application
Hints implemented throughout the application

Improvements:

Faster directory loading in archives - Explorer View Mode
Drag & Drop on empty PowerArchiver window
Faster Favorites window
Explore view mode improvements: Column shading, color for highlighting
archives, general pop-up menu
Various other speed improvements
Support for RAR comments

Bug Fixes:

Extracting Japanese ZIP archives
Various other fixes

Downloadlink

Winamp 5.11: Software update

2005-10-23T11:46:00.000+02:00

In the Winamp forum, version 5.11 is declassifyed of the popular mediaplayer. Winamp can work with the most common audio- and videoformats and is available in different variants. The Liteversion only plays musicfiles, while the Full-version also plays videofiles. The Pro-version can also code and burn cds, but for this feature you have to pay. In this release the LAME-encoder is upgraded to version 3.96.1 and there are bugs fixed.

Changelog:

Updated: LAME 3.96.1 (sorry, but 3.97 will need to lose its beta tag before
we upgrade)
Fixed: playlist focus issue after adding files to playlist
Fixed: crash on multichannel songs with EQ enabled
Fixed: internet connection detection not working when set to "dial-up"
Fixed: manual playlist advance with winamp videos
Fixed: EQ text display glitch
Fixed: video not filling up video window
Fixed: black bars in fullscreen video
Fixed: [gen_ml] crash with no write access
Fixed: [gen_ml] CDDB Dialog Media Library drawing glitch
Fixed: [in_dshow] seeking on files with no video or no audio
Fixed: [in_cdda] aspi ripping crash
Fixed: [ml_wire] "my music" folder creation
Fixed: [ml_wire] Podcasts with dates before 1970 handled properly
Fixed: [ml_wire] Downloading of podcasts with parameters in URL
Fixed: [out_ds] fade-on-seek settings
Fixed: [in_wm] pause glitch
Fixed: [in_mp4] view-file-info filename not scrolling
Coming Soon: Multi-user profile support (preliminary support enabled)
Lots of other small bugfixes and optimizations (core/gen_ff)
New: 'Station Info' Prefs page (for configuring radio browser)
New: Password protection for Shoutcast TV ratings

Downloadlinks
Wnamp 5.11 lite

Wnamp 5.11 full

Wnamp 5.11 pro

Security is the cause of Microsoft Vista's delay

2005-10-20T18:11:00.000+02:00

The main reason for the delay of Windows Vista is security, said Neil Holloway in an article @ The Inquirer.

The firm got sidetracked because of security with the launch of Vista. Maybe Microsoft should have got security right five or 10 years back, he admitted.

Holloway said that Microsoft wasn’t that interested in big fishes. It wanted to acquire small, IP related companies in order to improve its own products.

He claimed that Microsoft will launch twice as many products in the next 12 months as it released in the last three years.

More info here.

Windows patch makes troubles

2005-10-18T18:53:00.000+02:00

A patch that has to deal the vulnerability of the MSDTC-service of Windows 2000, XP and some versions of the Windows Server 2003. The patch that is brougt out Tuesday can exclude the user, Microsoft says.

MPEG encoder for burning DVDs

2005-10-17T19:02:00.000+02:00

by Mansi gupta

MPEG, or Moving Picture Experts Group, is a jointly working group comprised of the International Standards Organization and International Electro-Technical Commission (ISO/IEC) to standardize the coding of moving pictures and the associated audio in a digital compressed format.

MPEG-2 uses very sophisticated compression techniques to compress audio and video in order for it to be burned on a DVD. You can purchase and download hardware and software MPEG Encoders to burn a DVD.

MPEG-2 is the process needed to encode video and audio information for a DVD burner, by burning the information onto a DVD disc with time stamps. The process of an MPEG encoder for burning DVDs is done using codec's to encode the video and audio and save it in smaller pieces to be transformed into a frequency space and then quantized.

MPEG-3 is one of the discontinued encoding processes for digital media, and is often confused for MPEG-1 (what we know as MP3). MP3 encoding has quickly become the standard for digitizing music around the world, and listening to it on your computer, laptop or personal MP3 Player. Most people burn mp3 songs to CDROMS, however for digital archiving, some people burn the files to DVD as well.

To burn a DVD, you need a DVD burner, an MPEG Encoder, a blank DVD-R (recordable) disc and the audio and video that you wish to burn onto the DVD-R.

MPEG Encoders can be bought as hardware or software and downloaded to transform and compress your audio and video file into MPEG format so that it can be burned onto a DVD using a DVD Burner. The process itself is quite complex and took a team of specialists to perfect. However, the process is streamlined where you as the end user are only expected to follow short, simple commands by the software to burn your encoded data.

You can search the internet for a suitable MPEG encoder and also for a DVD burner that will best suit your needs. Your local computer shopping store will also have a variety of DVD burners with some expert advice on which products will best work for what information you are looking to encode and burn.

And lastly, when in doubt about which MPEG compression algorithm to use to encode your data, "google" it. Chances are that you are not the only person who has had a question regarding MPEG encoding and DVD Burning. By doing your research early, you can ensure your next burn will go smoothly!

About the Author
Mansi gupta writes about MPEG encoder .

Apple has launched iTunes 6

2005-10-13T18:31:00.000+02:00

iTunes 6, the next generation of the world’s most popular music jukebox and online music store, lets fans purchase and download over 2,000 music videos and six short films from Academy Award-winning Pixar Animation Studios for just $1.99 each. Customers can also now purchase and download their favorite television shows from iTunes the day after they air on TV, watch them on their Mac or PC and Auto-Sync them onto the new iPod for viewing anywhere.

Software update: LANView 2.4

2005-10-12T19:47:00.000+02:00

Jxdev has launched a new version of LANView, number 2.4. With this program you can get a lot of information about your network, like IP- and MAC-adressess with hostnames.

The changes in the latest versions:

What's new in 2.4 version:

Automatic check the latest version through the Web.
Minor improvements.

What's new in 2.32 version:

Added Terminate Process allows you to terminate a process that opened port
in Network Connections.
Added Process Properties allows you see process properties in Network
Connections.
Minor bug fixes and improvements.

What's new in 2.31
version:

Improvements and bug fixes in the trace route.
Updated help file.

What's new in 2.3 version:

New tool Trace Route has been added.
Improved adapter detection.
Other minor improvements.
Updated help file.

Downloadlink

Software update: WinRar 3.51

2005-10-11T18:28:00.000+02:00

Rar Labs has launched a bugfix-release of it's most popular archivingsprogram. This program can work with the most used formats like: rar, zip, cab, arj, lzh, tar, gz, ace, uue, bz2, jar, iso, 7z and z, it has a skinnable interface and support for Zip64.

Bugs fixed:

- fixed two vulnerabilities, which could be exploited with specially crafted ACE and UUE/XXE archives;
- previous version did not delete some of temporary files;
- WinRAR could crash when processing very long (more than 1024 characters) archive name parameter in the command line.

Downloads:

- WinRAR 3.51

- RAR 3.51 voor Linux

- RAR 3.51 voor Mac OS X

- RAR 3.51 voor FreeBSD

- WinRAR interface themes

Software update: Mozilla Thunderbird 1.5 beta 2

2005-10-10T20:20:00.000+02:00

The Mozilla Foundation are open source and crossplatform mail-and usenetclient Thunderbird spoils with the second betaversion of Mozilla Thunderbird 1.5. The program have at one's disposal a junkmailfilter, spellincontroller and the possibility to expand the functionality with extensions.

What's new?

Automated update to streamline product upgrades. Notification of an update
is more prominent, and updates to Thunderbird may now be half a megabyte or
smaller. Updating extensions has also improved.

Sort address autocomplete results by how often you send e-mail to each
recipient.

Spell check as you type.

Built in phishing detector to help protect users against email scams.

Podcasting and other RSS Improvements.

Deleting attachments from messages.

Integration with server side spam filtering.

Reply and forward actions for message filters.

Kerberos Authentication.

Auto save as draft for mail composition.

Improvements to product usability including redesigned options UI, and SMTP
server management.

Many security enhancements

Downloadlink

Software update: WinZip 10.0 beta 2 build 6644

2005-10-09T21:58:00.000+02:00

A second beta version of WinZip is just released. Version 10.0 comes in 2 different versions; a standard- and a pro-version. Now you can burn packed files directly on a CD. More info about version 10.0 you can find here. And this are the differences compared to the first bèta-release:

Changes between Beta 1 (build 6044) and Beta 2 (build 6644)

Support for DVD Burning has been added. You can now create a new Zip file on
a DVD as well as on a CD. Note: CD/DVD writing is only available on systems with
the Windows XP operating system.
The Job Wizard "Select Items" feature has been changed. The left pane now
only displays folders, instead of folders and files.
In the Job Wizard, when you check (or include) a folder in either pane, the
contents of that folder are now automatically displayed in the right pane.
The "Reuse WinZip window" option is now turned off on installation.
Miscellaneous bug fixes and minor enhancements, including:
- WinZip startup - Certain configurations would cause WinZip to take a long
  time to boot up. This has been corrected. The delay may still occur when
  accessing the CD/DVD writing.
- Job Wizard - "Select Items" no longer shows network shortcuts in either
  pane. To specifiy a network location, you must use Entire Network.
- Check for Updates ? did not work with Norton Internet Security, even after
  granting connection permissions. This has been addressed.

Downloadlink

Software update: Google Toolbar 3.0.126.3

2005-10-09T21:47:00.000+02:00

The developers of Google has put a new version of Toolbar online. This new versionnumber is 3.0.126.3. Google toolbar can used with internet explorer 5 or higher. It adds some handy features on the browser, like a pop-up blocker and a search field for google. It's not know what's changed in this new version.

Downloadlink

This weekend I have notting posted because I was working on my review of the SanDisk Sansa e140 which you can read at Gadget Flash.

Software update: Paint.NET 2.5 beta 2

2005-10-05T18:53:00.000+02:00

Paint.NZT is just updated to the second beta version of 2.5. This program is the middle of the with Windows delivered MS Paint and for example Adobe Photoshop. It only works with Windows XP, 2000 and 2003 Server and is developed in C#, so the .NET FrameWork has to be installed on your PC.

Changes

- Fixed crash when opening a Paint.NET (PDN) file saved with any older version
- Fixed eraser not drawing with brush size was 1 and anti-aliasing was turned off
- Fixed some layer thumbnail flickering, and a small performance issue

Software update: RSS Menu 1.4

2005-10-05T18:43:00.000+02:00

RSS Menu is a program for Mac OSX, with wich you can read so-called RSS-and Atom- feeds which are offered by different websites.

Changelog

Version 1.4:

rewritten parser engine
added integration with iTunes Podcasts
added option to choose a webbrowser to open the articles
added support for more encodings, including Traditional Chinese (aka Big5)
fixed an issue with CData being wrongfully encoded
fixed an issue with OPML exporting/importing
fixed a crash when a feed didn't contain any data
fixed an issue when clicking on the feed submenu, it now points to the
correct URL of the feed
HTML code is now removed
updated to use Growl 0.7.2
temporarily removed localizations (only English is
available)

Version 1.3.3:

fixed an issue with drag & drop
fixed an issue with articles from Atom feeds
added Norwegian localization

Downloadlink

Windows Vista Beta 2 in November

2005-10-04T19:50:00.000+02:00

Microsoft will launch Windows Vista Beta 2 in November, reports The Inquirer.

Both Nvidia and ATI are working on Vista drivers, and once this operating system is out, people will be able to see that last year's decision by ATI to start using frameworks was not a bad idea after all.

All Vista drivers will need frameworks, as this is something what Microsoft demanded, it was not a choice, it was an order.

Software update: Paint Shop Pro X 10.01

2005-10-04T19:26:00.000+02:00

A few days ago has Corel brought out the first update oof Paint Shop Pro X. A few bugs are fixed and there are added new features.

Here is the complete list with changes:

General Fixes

The Browser palette's auto-scroll feature now stops when you select a
thumbnail.
IPTC data edited via the Browser palette is now correctly saved.
Problems with adjusting Date Taken field on JPEG files have been fixed.
Problems launching Paint Shop Pro by double-clicking an image have been
fixed.
The Date Taken field can now be set to dates prior to 1970.
Problems with saving paletted images have been fixed.
Saving 24-bit files to EPS/IFF/PCT/XWD formats no longer gives an incorrect
message that the bit depth needs to be changed to 24-bit.
The Image > Arithmetic command now correctly clips color values.
Merging vector layers while the layer name is in rename mode no longer
causes problems.
If you eject a CD while the Browser palette is generating thumbnails, Paint
Shop Pro no longer becomes unstable.

Camera Raw Improvements

EXIF data is now fully supported in Camera Raw formats.
Camera Raw de-mosaicing quality has been improved.
The auto-rotate feature now works with Camera Raw files.
Nikon D50 Camera raw files are now supported.
Canon EOS Kiss Digital N Camera Raw files are now supported.
Olympus E-1, E-10, and E-20 Camera Raw files are now supported.
Canon Rebel XT/350D Camera Raw thumbnail quality has been improved.
Kodak DC760C Camera Raw thumbnail quality has been improved.
Pentax *istD Camera Raw thumbnail quality has been improved.
With the cursor over a Browser palette thumbnail of certain Camera Raw
files, the tooltip info that appears no longer reports color photos as
greyscale.

TIFF Format Fixes

TIFF files containing multiple alpha channels are now saved correctly.
IPTC metadata is now correctly read from and saved to TIFF files.
Resolution settings are now saved correctly in CMYK TIFF files.
Problems with some CMYK TIFF files not generating preview thumbnails have
been fixed.
Problems saving CMYK and RGB TIFF files have been fixed.

JPEG
2000 (J2K) Format Fixes

Problems with JPEG 2000 (JP2) files containing transparency have been fixed.
Color shift issues when saving layered files to JPEG 2000 format have been
fixed.

Downloadlink

Software update: Messenger Plus! 3.61.145

2005-10-04T19:05:00.000+02:00

Patchou has launched an update for Messenger Plus! with version 3.61.145, which has fixed a few bugs out of version 3.60.144.

Changelog:

Bug fixed that caused detached tabbed chat windows to disappear.

Tabbed chats are not wrongly resized when closing an active chat containing
an activity.

A "SideBarColor2" registry setting has been added to control the appearance
of the Plus! side bar and the group bar (for tabbed chats). This value is used
in conjunction with "SideBarColor" and should be set by skin installers when
necessary.

Due to many recent error reports related to third party Messenger Plus!
plugins, upgrading from a previous version of Messenger Plus! to this one will
automatically disable every installed plugin in every account. You can then
re-enable the plugins you want to enable, with the knowledge that if a problem
occurs, the plugins are the first things you should try to disable. You are also
encouraged to verify if new versions of the plugins you use are currently
available for the new versions of MSN Messenger.

An important bug was fixed that caused Messenger to crash at startup. This
bug was the result of network monitoring applications (such as firewalls)
installed on some systems that are not using a subclassable hooking mechanism on
Winsock.

Note: the Tabbed Chats feature does not work correctly with WindowBlinds
because of a bug in this software. If you want to use Tabbed Chats and have
WindowBlinds installed, please add Messenger to your exclusion list.

A couple of display glitches have been fixed.

Downloadlink

Software update: PowerStrip 3.62

2005-10-03T19:25:00.000+02:00

PowerStrip is a handy all-in-one tool to tweak your display and video card. So it is possible to adapt the refreshrate of the monitor step by step and the videomemory and the GPU from the videocard to overlock. Yesterday Entech Taiwan has made available version 3.62 of PowerStrip. The changelog isn't know.

You can download the update here.

Tips for GMail

2005-10-02T20:29:00.000+02:00

Extreme Tech has published an article to get the best out of GMail. A few tips.

The keyboard shortcuts available within Gmail are, without any doubt, the quickest route to speedy productivity within the application.

Link

Software update: Cabos 0.5.5

2005-10-01T22:08:00.000+02:00

Cabos exchanges files through the Gnutell-network and is partly based on programs ass LimeWire and Acquisition. The simple interface supports more languages and has also integration with iTunes. On the Japanese pages of Sourceforge is version 0.5.5 appeared.

Changes

- Completed Dutch localization. (thanks! > Ger, Rudy)
- Now automatically detects & notify personal firewall blocking.
- Fixed download folder menus.
- Fixed removing inactive uploads.
- Fixed connection issues when the computer is idle.
- Allow to share .wmv & .asf files again.
- Reverted core to LimeWire 4.9.28.

Downloadlinks:
Mac OS X 10.2.8 or higher
Mac OS 8.6 of higher
Windows 2000/XP
Source

Software update: Wine 20050930

2005-10-01T20:48:00.000+02:00

To run Windows programs also under other operating systems, a few years ago they are started to develop the program "Wine" and meanwhile this is already running on Linux and FreeBSD. The developers are still working on it but the result is this version with number 20050930.

This are the release notes:

This is release 20050930 of Wine, a free implementation of Windows on Unix. This is still a developers only release. There are many bugs and unimplemented features. Most applications still do not work correctly.

What's new with Wine-20050930:

- Joystick force feedback support.
- Beginnings of Win64 support.
- Many MSI fixes and cleanups.
- Font linking support.
- Several OLE fixes.
- Some fixes for MacOS/x86.
- Lots of bug fixes.

Downloadlinks:

Slackware i486
Source
SuSE 9.0
SuSE 9.1
SuSE 9.2
SuSE 9.3
SuSE 10.0

Windows XP SP 3 comes after the release of Windows Vista

2005-10-01T12:21:00.000+02:00

Service Pack 3 for Windows XP won't be come out before but after the release of Windows Vista. The priority's of the developersteam from the softwaregigant lie now by Vista.

A few less functions of Vista will be supposed present in the big update of XP.

Service Pack 3 is planned for next year.

Software update: Skype 1.4.0.71

2005-09-30T17:40:00.000+02:00

Skype has just declassified version 1.4.0.71 of the Windows variant of the same named VolP-program.

New:

Call Forwarding
Skype Test Call Service prepopulated to Contact List for new users
21 new emoticons
My Pictures: possibility to choose pictures from Expressive Content
RingToneManager for Expressive Content of audio files
Contact List accessible by Microsoft Active Accessibility
API: application-to-application communication
API notifications for contactlist selection and focus
API: set profile information
API: call forwarding via API
API: support expressive content files SET RINGTONE and AVATAR
API: added OPEN [PROFILE USERINFO CONFERENCE SEARCH OPTIONS
CALLHISTORY CONTACTS DIALPAD SENDCONTACTS IMPORTCONTACTS BLOCKEDUSERS
GETTINGSTARTED AUTHORIZATION ] commands
multilingual EULA
advanced Skype links
number of friends displayed in Profile View form
possibility to set connecting sound from Options
added dynamic messages for help and tips
possibility to select and copy profile fields

Changed:

new layout for Getting Started Wizard
Search window redesigned
Add friend window redesigned
Import Contacts redesigned
quicksearch on addressbar improved
improved call related error messagas
'minimize' button minimizes Skype to taskbar
warning dialaog added when calling to SkypeOut using callto: links
option to disable authorization message popups
MSN contact importer removed from Import Contacts
upgrade prompt supressed if installer is launched with SILENT or VERYSILENT
option
removed latin spanish language
option to view online release notes after installation removed
option to create a Quick Launch icon removed from installer
explanatory text in Profile View if user has not been online recently
month names in Profile are translatable
options dialog is changed to nonmodal
Send Authorization dialog is changed to nonmodal
main window minimum size changed
new language files

Swedish (Anders Olsson)
Finnish (Heino Keränen)
Danish (Mathias Schwarz)
Norwegian (Stig Auestad)
German (Claudius Henrichs & Dick Schiferli)
Dutch (Kees Koenders)
French (Fabrice Imperial)
Italian (Conte Daniele)
Portuguese Brazilian(Anna Nyström)
Hebrew (Ronen Ben-Naftali)
Russian (Viktoria Randalainen/Tatjana Kruti)
Polish (Ewa Czekalska/Karol Szastok)
Spanish - (David Reche)
Estonian (Eve Loopere)
Japanese (Tomo Suzumaru(Livedoor)/Mayu Shimizu)
Greek (Panagiotis Sidiropoulos/Magenta LTD)
Chinese Traditional (Morden Chen/PChome Online)
Chinese Simplified (Leon Yang/TOM Online)
Korean - (Daum Communications Corp)
Romanian - (Paraschiv Ion & co)
Turkish (Emin Dede)
Arabic, Korean (Eriksen Translations Inc)
Hungarian (Mark Bender)
Bulgarian (Nikolina Filipova, Nikolay Filipov)
Czech (Petr Silon)

Fixed:

shortcut to desktop - dropped always, despite preferences
changed sound channel usage,therefore improving the stability on older
operating systems
improved Multi Chat behaviour on multiple monitors
authrequests do not pop up if your status is Do Not Disturb
optimized loading of user-language file
optimizations to have faster log-in
improved unicode handling on win98
status was incorrect in chat titlebar when disconnected
improved URL parsing in chat
addressbar search updated when new contact added
'start skype when windows starts' option will revert to default
'Enable All Sounds' option missed one checkbox in Options dialog
wrong folder created to Documents and Settings when changing avatar
toolbar texts not visible on clean install
improved error handling when selected sound file is too big
keybaord navigation in language editor
Ctrl+F in chat window shows non-active main window
toolbar buttons were not updated on some cases
API: Error is returned if OPEN ADDAFRIEND command has too many parameters
API: Using query id messed up replies to NAME and OPEN FILETRANSFER commands
API: During voicemail recording SEARCH ACTIVECALLS returned call id
API: When offline user tried to make a call with query id, error was
returned without query id
API: Contactlist change notifications were sent when focused contact
actually did not change
API: Other API messages were sent before “attach success” message

Downloadlink

Software update: Messenger Plus! 3.60.144

2005-09-28T22:05:00.000+02:00

Patchou has released a new version of Messenger Plus!, version 3.60.144. This is an add-on for MSN Messenger with which you can rename your contact, draw up text and leave messages when you are away.
This version supports MSN Messenger 7.5.

This is the complete changelog

Obviously, this version is now 100% compatible with MSN Messenger 7.5. One
of the main things that has been fixed for this version of Messenger is the
detection of contact names changes (thus fixing bugs with custom names, floating
contact windows, ...).

Brand new feature: Tabbed Chats!

The Tabbed Chats feature groups some or all of your chat windows into one
single window. A group bar is then displayed to switch from one chat to the
other. This feature is available in MSN Messenger 6.0 and above.
Each chat can be accessed with one button in the group bar. When new
messages are sent to a grouped chat that is not active, the group bar button
flashes. When possible, the chat is also brought to front (various internal
variables control how button flashes and when chats are put on top).
Shortcut keyboard F9 groups all chats and Ctrl+F9 adds the current chat to
the group. Shortcut keyboard F8 ungroups all chats and Ctrl+F8 ungroups the
current chat from the group.
You can browse your tabbed chats with two sets of keys: Ctrl+PageUp /
Ctrl+PageDown and Ctrl+Tab / Ctrl+Shift+Tab. The later can be disabled with the
AllowGroupCtrlTab registry setting if you want to keep Ctrl+Tab to insert tab
characters in your messages.
You can use Ctrl+Alt+Tab to go to the next flashing chat or to restore the
original chat window when no more flashing windows are present. This shortcut is
very useful when talking to a lot of people.
Left clicking on a chat button puts the chat on front, middle clicking on a
chat closes it and right clicking displays a context menu with several options.
Ctrl+Left Click detaches a chat from a group.
Middle clicking on an arrow button normally scroll the chat buttons by a
full page. However, when a chat that is not currently displayed in the bar
flashes, the appropriate arrow button flashes too and middle clicking on an
arrow button at that time brings you directly to the flashing window.
The group bar can be displayed vertically on top or horizontally on the left
side.
The size of the buttons is dynamic when the bar is horizontal and fixed when
it is vertical. In both cases, the preferences panel has an option to change the
width of the buttons. If the bar is horizontal, the width is used as a minimum
required width instead of a fixed one.
Of course, an option exists to automatically group all your chats when they
are displayed by Messenger. After installation, if several chat windows are
opened, Messenger Plus! automatically asks once if you want to enable this
option or not.
You can drag&drop files and text on group buttons the same way you can
drag&drop stuff on floating windows.
Chat windows that are displaying Messenger Activities (such as games) keep
their own size and don't affect the size of the other chats in the group.
The tabbed chats have their own set of settings, available in the
preferences, to suit the customization needs of most people.
You can close all the chats of a group by holding Ctrl when exiting the
window (clicking on the X button). This behavior can be inversed with the
"GroupCtrlCloseAll" registry setting.
When a grouped chat contains unread messages, Messenger Plus! automatically
switches chat windows after some delay if the group is not currently active.
This delay can be changed with the "GroupAutoSwitchDelay" registry setting.
Because of several technical differences, the tabbed chat feature is not
available in RTL versions of Messenger (Arabic and Hebrew).

The new custom sound feature continues to be very popular so some things in
it have been improved:

A language can now be assigned to every sound in the Add Sound Wizard.
You can assign a language to your existing sounds by going in the Sound
Property window (click "Edit Sound..." in the library window). You are
encouraged to send your modification to the server (see below).
A new "Update Server" button has been added in the Sound Property window.
This button allows you to send the sound to the server so that its information
can be updated. Sounds are normally sent only once to the server (in a given
period of time) which can cause listing errors to be maintained for a long time.
If you notice a name, category or language error for one of your sounds, just
correct it and hit this new button: anybody who will download the sound
afterwards will have the corrected information.
The Random Sound window now allows to specify a desired language. Please
give this option some time before it really starts to be useful as existing
sounds need to be re-uploaded by everybody to the servers with the language
information set.
The sound ID displayed in the Sound Properties window can now be selected
and copied easily (for use in commands for example).
Added a tooltip for the selection bar in the Add Sound Wizard so that
everyone knows that double-clicking the bar opens a different selection window.
Getting new random sounds is now a little faster.
Temporary files generated by the Sound Wizard are now properly deleted every
time.
Importing a sound pack by opening a link in IE now always works (no need to
save the file first).

No "Messenger Plus! Extras" menu is displayed for "mobile number only"
contacts.

Added "SideBarColor" registry setting for people who use skins.

There's no more room in the preferences for the new features! there are
already 25 sections in the preferences window and it's been some time already
that I've been bothered by this problem. To accommodate the new Tabbed Chats
preferences section, "Commands & Tags" has been renamed "Commands &
Keys" and moved in "Message Helpers". To make room for it, the "Text Recall"
section had to go. The feature still exists but the options attached to it were
not that useful for most people (they are still internally supported if you
update from an old version though).

Added a link in the Chat Logging preferences section to go to the encryption
section.

The "Action message formatting" option has been removed from the preferences
(the registry settings are still used though, if you're updating from a previous
version).

Thanks to user feedback and because of the need for a user agreement for
Messenger Plus! itself, the setup of Messenger Plus! has been completely
re-thought, once again.

The one main concern reported by users since the last modifications was
clarity. This new setup intends to definitively fix that problem.
The installation of the sponsor program is now asked directly on the second
page of the setup. The text displayed there is short and to the point,
describing what the sponsor is, the fact that it's adware and insisting that
it's optional.
No option regarding the sponsor is checked by default (just as before but it
can't hurt to mention it again).
The sponsor license agreement is not displayed above the installation choice
anymore (which was the reason of most previous complaints). Instead, it is
presented to the user separately if and only if the user chooses to install the
ads. This means that in order to install the sponsor, you now have to accept it
twice, first by selecting "Install the sponsor program" and secondly by clicking
on "I accept the terms of the Sponsor's License Agreement".
The sponsor agreement window now displays a bigger and brighter screenshot
of the search bar installed (not by much but still). Also, the fact that this
screenshot and the agreement itself are presented in a different window, bigger
than the main window itself, brings more clarity to the setup, preventing too
much information to be displayed on a single screen and getting more attention
from the user.
The third screen of the setup now displays the new Messenger Plus! terms of
use. Every user must accept them before proceeding with the installation. This
way, the overall setup looks much more "standard". I know there will be a period
of adaptation for every people to understand that the last page of the setup now
displays a license agreement for Messenger Plus! itself and not its sponsor but
that's a problem I'm willing to assume.
Messenger is not automatically started at the end of a silent installation
anymore.
I'll watch for your feedback regarding this new setup and I'll make the
necessary adjustments if you deem it necessary. I want the setup to be as good
as possible, once and for all.

The auto-update window doesn't appear to frozen for long when the Messenger
Plus! web site can't be reached.

The file sharing feature of Messenger Plus! was not that useful as is so it
has been redesigned and file triggers have been added to it:

For each file entry you can set a different trigger (IRC like). A trigger is
a message preceded by ! that, when sent by a contact, will automatically send
the specified file on your behalf.
File triggers can have many uses. For example, if you just had found and
downloaded a great program/music/video, you could advertise a trigger for it in
your personal message.
An option (off by default) allows contacts to send a !listfiles trigger to
get the list of every file you are currently sharing with triggers.
A simple flood protection is enforced by Messenger Plus! rejecting new
requests that are sent too quickly.
I know some of you will request a password for this feature but in a way,
they are already implicitly supported: a trigger can have up to 100 characters
and can include spaces. So if you create a trigger "!myfile thepassword" you can
advertise for it as "!myfile ".
For security reasons, file triggers do not work in chats with multiple
contacts.
A /fileshare command has been added to access the file sharing panel.
Remember that Messenger is not a software designed for mass automatic file
sharing. Messenger Plus! does not bypass any of the native protections of
Messenger which means for example that if you are using Messenger 7, some file
extensions will be forbidden (you can use the StuffPlug plugin or Windows
Messenger to avoid that problem). Also, please remember that Messenger
automatically limits the number of simultaneous file transfers, Messenger Plus!
cannot do anything about it either.
Currently, up to 12 different files can be shared through this
method.

The action of playing custom emotion sounds is now logged in the Messenger
Plus! chat logs.

The "Messenger Plus! Extras" menu for groups is back in Messenger 7 (useful
to block/unblock groups). Note that if the width of your contact list is too
small, the menu may not appear.

A new plugin function has been added called "AddEventEntry". This function
allows plugins to add custom entries in the event viewer and event log file of
Messenger Plus!. The version sent by the Initialize() function is now 7.

No more logging problems when an email begins with a system reserved word
such as "com1".

Two registry settings have been added, "AttachToWinMsg" and "AttachToMsnMsg"
which allow users to ask Messenger Plus! not to add its functionalities in
either Windows Messenger or MSN Messenger.

An important bug has been fixed that could prevent Messenger Plus!, in very
specific occasions, to not attach to Messenger or a chat window properly.

Added a link to the sounds.msgplus.net page in the Sound Library window.
This will help people get access to statistics and new sounds.

The Boss Protect and Messenger Lock features don't change your status
anymore when it's already Appear Offline.

Messenger Plus! now recognizes personal messages (Windows 2000/XP only). For
now, this means that personal message changes are logged in different places
like in the event viewer. Note that music name changes are not logged for space
reasons (too many of those can be received, it would fill up the event log
pretty quickly). More support for personal messages will be added in a future
update.

The previously active window is always properly restored after an
auto-accept command.

When a dialog box is opened, the auto-accept feature waits for it to be
closed before accepting the request (to avoid various problems).

Added an option in the "Messenger Plus! Extra" menu for contacts to open a
http link present in the name or personal message of a contact.

Alternate Attach Mode now works a little better.

Because of the new keyboard shortcuts of Messenger, the "Plus!" menu of the
chat window is now accessed through Alt+U.

Auto-accept now works properly when a request is sent in a new chat window
and the preferences specify only one kind of request to accept.

And of course, as always, many other small bugs have been fixed for your
enjoyment :).

Software update: Microsoft Office 2003 Service Pack 2

2005-09-28T21:51:00.000+02:00

Microsoft has released the second Service Pack for Office 2003. The update is available in 2 possibility's. The first is the client install and will be enough for most people. The second is the full install and is necessary for people who don't have an original product CD or if the client install doesn't work.

Included in the Service Pack:

- Office 2003 Service Pack 1
- Security Update for Office 2003 WordPerfect 5.x Converter: KB 873378
- Office 2003 Security Update: KB838905
- Update for Office 2003 French Grammar Checker: KB873381
- Office 2003 Tablet PC Update: Improved Ink Recognition
- Update for Microsoft Office InfoPath 2003: KB887982
- Update for Office 2003: KB887980
- Update for Office 2003: KB885828
- Update for Office 2003 French Spelling Checker and Thesaurus: KB892258
- Security Update for Word 2003: KB887979

Full downloadlinks:
Office 2003 SP2 - KB887616 client installer (49,4MB)
Office 2003 SP2 - KB887616 full installer (101,8MB)

Software update: Adobe Photoshop Camera Raw 3.2

2005-09-28T21:28:00.000+02:00

Adobe has brought out a new version of Camera Raw. This is a handy plugin for CS2 and Photoshop Elements 3.0, with which you can open RAW-files directly without first to convert to an other redivision. The software isn't new, there's only support added for a few cameras. Sof if you already work with this plugin, you don't need to update.

Support for the following cameras has been added:

- Konica Minolta
ALPHA SWEET DIGITAL (Japan)
ALPHA-5 DIGITAL (China)
MAXXUM 5D (USA)
DYNAX 5D (Europe)
- Leaf
Valeo 17
Aptus 22
- Leica
D-Lux 2
- Nikon
D2Hs
D70s
D50
Coolpix 8400
Coolpix 8800
- Panasonic
DMC-FZ30
DMC-LX1
- Visit the Camera Raw page for a complete list of supported cameras.

Downloadlink for Windows
Downloadlink for Mac OS X

Software update: 7-Zip 4.28 beta

2005-09-27T18:42:00.000+02:00

The archivingprogram 7-Zip is yesterday updated to version 4.28 beta.

There is just a small update:

- Bug was fixed: 7-Zip 4.27 beta created incorrect multivolume archives.
- "Duplicate filename" collision problem between names with ligatures was fixed.

Downloadlink

Software update: NewsLeecher 3.0 final

2005-09-27T18:35:00.000+02:00

After several months and 9 betaversions there is the successor of version 2.3. With this program you can read messages out of newsgroups and download files on Usenet. NewsLeecher can download from several servers at the same time, it has support for yEnc-code.

The 3.0 final changelog:
- We've just setup a forum poll for future features to be included in NewsLeecher. Please cast your vote!
- Speed improvement when reading and writing NewsLeecher settings data. The interface will be more responsive in various places now.
- Small bugfixes.

Downloadlink

Software update: Foobar2000 0.9 beta 9

2005-09-27T18:17:00.000+02:00

Foobar2000 is now updated to version 0.9 beta 9. It's a no-nonsense audioplayer for Windows. This is how the changelog of this version is looks like:

- redone most of converter and rgscan
- fixed issues with cuesheet handling
- removed ALAC decoder (stability issues)
- removed recorder
- removed tag update queue; you can now update tags on currently playing file

Downloadlink

Software update: Mozilla Suite 1.7.12

2005-09-27T17:59:00.000+02:00

Mozilla has released a new version of Mozilla Suite, 1.7.12. Downloads for the different operating systems can be found here. You can read the complete release notes here.

This are the most important:

- Fix for a potential buffer overflow vulnerability when loading a hostname with all soft-hyphens
- Fix to prevent URLs passed from external programs from being parsed by the shell (Linux only)
- Fix to prevent a crash when loading a Proxy Auto-Config (PAC) script that uses an "eval" statement
- Fix to restore InstallTrigger.getVersion() for Extension authors
- Fix a crash in mail when stopping a search and then searching again
- Other stability and security fixes

Downloadlink

Software update: MozBackup 1.4.3 beta

2005-09-26T18:52:00.000+02:00

MozBackup 1.4.3 is a program to make a backup of the profiles and data in the following programs: Mozilla Firefox, Mozilla Thunderbird, Mozilla Suite and Netscape. So it's possible to save e-mails, bookmarks, contactpersons, saved passwords and more.

Changelog of MozBackup 1.4.3

- Add: Support for SeaMonkey 1.0a
- Add: You can specify output file format now. See backup.ini.
- Add: Users needn't run MozBackup many times when they need backup many profiles.
- Add: You can specify output directory for backups for every application.
- Add: You can select program or profile by doubleclick.
- Add: Backup of bookmarks backup.
- Fix: Bug with password handling when you restore a backup.

Downloadlink

Software update: Tweak-XP Pro 4.0.6

2005-09-26T18:28:00.000+02:00

Totalidea brought us the new version of Tweak-XP Pro.. You can tweak Windows XP with this program. For example: clean up the register, block pop-ups, get detailed systeminformation, create a RAM-drive, repair zip-files,...

Changelog

- Service release
- Fixing a few minor issues
- Several code optimizations

Downloadlink

Google Talk 1.0.0.70 beta

2005-09-25T17:22:00.000+02:00

Google Talk, the instant messaging from Google is now updated to a betaversion, 1.0.0.70. To use Google Talk you need a GMail account for loggin in.

You can download the new betaversion here.

McAfee Anti-Virus 2005-09-23

2005-09-25T17:18:00.000+02:00

McAfee Anti-Virus includes the latest virus definitions. It detect, clean or erase malware like viruses, worms and trojans.

Downloads:

- http://home.hccnet.nl/h.edskes/mirror.htm
- http://mirror.edskes.com
- http://mirror2.edskes.com
- http://mirror3.edskes.com

Why use costly software when alternate is available at free

2005-09-25T15:01:00.000+02:00

by Paras Yadav

Can you imagine world with out computers? Our tasks, businesses, communication and what not will be mashed. Right!? To run software we use various kinds of softwares to ease our workloads.

Every business to using computers to enhance their profit would definitely look for the best software they can get, and for that they pay huge amount of money. Well they are not doing any kind foolishness, but, meanwhile there are free softwares available that can be used as a substitute of the costly one.

Yes, I am talking about free or lower prized software easily available on net, which are also dressed up with almost the same facilities, provided some the major software companies.

Ignorance leads people to spend massive amount on software, as there are substitute for almost every single category of applications, which is being used on a daily basis.

There are lots of programs out there that can do the job almost without spending a single penny. However, people think that only popular/branded products such as from Microsoft, Symantec, Adobe and many more are significant.

In fact, our minds are not set to use other software made by small or middle sized companies, as it in state if it's free that it's not that good enough for them.

Hundreds of Office Suite, Antivirus Software, shareware, Firewalls, System Maintenance Tools, CD Burning Software and freeware files are accessible on net, but because we acknowledge only major products.

You can easily find website, providing free downloads for software of nearly every kind. Just use "free software download" for your search and you will receive list of numerous websites. This article is my sincere effort to stimulate people that there are several high-quality free programs out there on the internet that can do the same task as a commercially available program but without that expensive price tag.

About the Author
Paras Yadav: Web content and article writer, having experience of creating and editind over 3500 articles.
Contact at: http://web-content-writing.blogspot.com/

Software update: Auto Gordian Knot 2.18 beta

2005-09-23T18:43:00.000+02:00

Auto Gordian is update to version 2.18 beta. The program makes use of Divx of XviD for videocompression and AC3, dts or mp3 for audiocompression. This release is a little bigger than 1,5 MB and has to be installed over the 1.95 stable.

What's new:

- ESS standalone compatibility options forces HT profile for DivX as well (previously only Sigma/MTK did that)
- Added support for M1V input sources
- Fixed handling of DV sources (broken in 2.17)
- DGIndex updated to version 1.4.4 RC2
- XviD build of 16/09/05 included

Downloadlink

Software update: iTuneMyWalkman 0.5

2005-09-22T19:25:00.000+02:00

People who has already a Sony Ericsson Walkman W800 phone, there's great news. iTunesMyWalkman 0.5 makes it possible to synchronise the phone with Apple's iTunes. With this, this cell phone get from one of the largest concurrents from Apple in the field of music players, a comparable functionality as the ROKR-phone. It works only with Mac OS X-systems

Release notes from the first release till now:

- 0.5 - The tracks are now really synchronized, instead of just uploading the playlist contents. The mounted phone is automatically detected so the user does not need to choose it. Support for playlist folders of iTunes 5.
- 0.4 - The space needed on the phone is correctly calculated. Ability to upload more than one playlist.
- 0.3 - Automatic detection of when you connect the phone. iTunes is no more locked up when the script is running. The program now comes with an installer.
- 0.2 - Smarter handling of albums with multiple artists and tracks with featured artists. Trying to get rid of nasty ._files.
- 0.1 - Initial release.

Downloadlink

Software update: 7-Zip 4.27 bèta

2005-09-22T19:05:00.000+02:00

Yesterday, the developers of the 7-zip archivingsprogram has released a new bètaversion of it. This program can work with diverse compression-formats, but is specialised in his own 7z-format.

Changelog:

- 7-Zip can unpack CHM/HXS (MS HTML HELP) archives
- 7-Zip can unpack multivolume CAB archives
- Now 7-Zip deletes files to the Recycle Bin by default. Shift+Delete deletes file permanently.
- Some bugs were fixed
- New localization: Tatarish

Downloadlink

Software update: Aplle iTunes 5.0.1

2005-09-22T18:50:00.000+02:00

Only 2 weeks after the release of the first Apples iTunes 5-series there's already a successor.

What's new?

Features a new even more powerful instant search, including the new Search Bar which helps you find exactly what you are looking for in iTunes or from among 2 million songs on the Music Store, folders for organizing playlists, and new Parental Controls for music, music sharing and podcasts. Features several stability improvements over iTunes 5.

Downloadlink

Software update: GMail Drive 1.0.8

2005-09-22T18:32:00.000+02:00

You can use your GMail-account as a virtual map with Gmail Drive. So it's possible to drag your files from and to the directory. After you drag a new file to the folder you'll get a new e-mail in your Gmail inbox which includes the file you just dragged.

Now version 1.0.8 from GMail Drive is available and it's delivered with the following notes:

Google restructured the Gmail login procedures again and previous versions of the tool fail to log in. The new version also adds the ability to double-click to launch files and FileOpen dialog support.

Please note that GMail Drive is still an experimental tool. There's still a number of limitations of the file-system (such as total filename size must be less than 40 characters). Since the tool hooks up with the free Gmail Service provided by Google, changes in the Gmail system may break the tool's ability to function. I cannot guarantee that files stored in this manner will be accessible in the future.

Downloadlink

AbiWord v2.3.99 Released

2005-09-20T19:05:00.000+02:00

AbiWord has announced today the last version of AbiWord before the long awaited 2.4 release.

Since the previous release, equation support has become available for Windows 95,98 and ME based systems as well. We are aware of a bug that prevents equations from being printed on Windows systems. This problem will be fixed in the upcoming 2.4 release.

Operating Systems: Linux, Mac OS X, Windows 2000, Windows 9x, Windows XP

Downloadlink

Software Assurance obliged for Windows Vista Enterprise

2005-09-19T17:53:00.000+02:00

Windows Vista Enterprise will be available for clients that participate on Microsoft's Software Assurance program. That appears out of the announced extension on the licence program. The enterprise edition offers beside a multilingual user interface also the most extended support to change the data, to run old applications via Virtual PC, and installation of the operating system and applications via a few disk image.