From today's MajorGeeks front page-Aug 2008

A new month, a new thread.
The chosen few for Friday 1st August 2008, are:-

save2pc 3.33
http://www.majorgeeks.com/save2pc_d5580.html

Vispa 0.2.8
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Vispa_d5986.html

xpy 0.10.8
http://www.majorgeeks.com/xpy_d4218.html

Tip # 8

For a Restart shortcut, create a Shortcut as:-

shutdown -r -t 0

For a Shutdown shortcut, create a Shortcut as:-

shutdown -s -t 0

These 2 shortcuts will probably work quicker than going through Start.

For previous Tips 1-7, go to :-
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=163425
From posts #29-44.

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today.
"MajorGeeks.com - We're your CTRL+D site.. right?.. RIGHT?"

Bazza

 

The chosen few for Saturday 2nd August 2008, are:-

TeraCopy 2.0 Beta 4
http://www.majorgeeks.com/TeraCopy_d5674.html

My note: For XP & Vista only.

eMule 0.49b
http://www.majorgeeks.com/eMule_d4157.html

Vista Manager 1.5.4
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Vista_Manager_d5364.html

My note: MG says "Win All". Body of text indicates Vista, only. Beware.

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today:
"MajorGeeks.com - It's all Geek to me."

Bazza

 

The chosen few for Sunday 3rd August 2008, are:-

JavaRa 1.11
http://www.majorgeeks.com/JavaRa_d5967.html

My note: Great idea, Very small download. :cool

AVG AntiVirus Free Edition 8.0.138
http://www.majorgeeks.com/AVG_AntiVirus_Free_Edition_d886.html

My note: New release of an MG Favourite. Downloaded an incredible 2.8 million times from MG. :major

Additional selected programs from the previous 2 days:

Orbit Downloader 2.7.3
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Orbit_Downloader_d5640.html

My note: They mention up to a 500% improvement in download times. :-D If anyone gets anywhere near this I'd love to know.

REAPER 0.99 (Last freeware version)
http://www.majorgeeks.com/REAPER_0.99_d4971.html

My note: REAPER highlights, too much to show here. Go to the link above for the full list of highlights. Next version costs $$$

Tip # 9

Bigger (Control box) Buttons

Lots of people have trouble moving the mouse, for various reasons, to select one of those 3 buttons, top right of each Windows screen, in the Control box.

To increase the size of those buttons, in XP, right click your mouse anywhere on your opening Desktop screen.
Then select Properties-->Appearance-->Advanced
Choose Caption Buttons from the Item drop down menu (bet you have never used the drop down menu), and alter the (default) size from 25 to 30. 30 is usually enough. Your choice though.
Then click OK, click Apply and then click OK again.

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today:
"MajorGeeks.com - Viva La Geek."

Bazza

 

The chosen few for Monday 4th August 2008, are:-

Bill2's Process Manager 3.2.1.7
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Bill2s_Process_Manager_d5991.html

SUMo 2.2.1.53
http://www.majorgeeks.com/SUMo_d5824.html

Ignition 2.13.0.57
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Ignition_d5481.html

My note: Is ther such a word as "Internationalization"? :-D

I haven't necessarily tried the above programs. I just list them.
If they have been listed previously, then this listing is the latest upgrade.

Tip # 10.

Change your Cursor. How do you change your computer's cursor?

If you have Windows XP:
Click on Start--> Control Panel-->, Mouse--> Pointers.
Then choose one under the word "Scheme" and click on Apply and Save. Try the "Large Black Arrow cursor" as one example. It is a hell of a lot easier to find. :major

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today.
"MajorGeeks.com - Pretty major, always geeky."

Bazza

 

The chosen few for Tuesday 5th August 2008, are:-

AkelPad 4.0.0
http://www.majorgeeks.com/AkelPad_d5755.html

Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility 9.0.0.1011
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Intel_Chipset_Software_Installation_Utility_d1667.html

FairStars CD Ripper 1.23
http://www.majorgeeks.com/FairStars_CD_Ripper_d5976.html

Foxit Reader 2.3 Build 3201
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Foxit_Reader_d4763.html

My note: New release of a MG favourite. :cool

Instant Housecall 4.40
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Instant_Housecall_d5759.html

My note: Subscription $$$, but if you really need help. :-D

TweakNow WinSecret Professional 1.5.1
http://www.majorgeeks.com/TweakNow_WinSecret_Professional__d5924.html

Tip # 11.
Error codes and Error number lookup

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today: :-D
"MajorGeeks.com - Serious software for the not so serious geek."

Bazza

 

The chosen few for Wednesday 6th August 2008, are:-

SUMo 2.2.2.54
http://www.majorgeeks.com/SUMo_d5824.html

Spybot Search and Destroy Update July 31, 2008
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Spybot_Search_and_Destroy_Update_d3957.html

My note: Latest update. I think they got the date wrong in their heading.

avast! Virus Definitions August 6, 2008

My note: Lots of other updates to various Anti-Virus programs out today. Make sure you visit the www.majorgeeks.com front page to check.

Tip # 12.

File Delete--Are you sure (Y/N?)
If this question bugs the hell out of you, right click the Recycle Bin,
choose Properties, uncheck "Display Delete Confirmation"
You will still have to delete the Files from the Recycle Bin
eventually, but the annoying (Y/N?) will be gone.

This tip gets rid of one more Windows annoyance for you. :-D

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today: :cool
"MajorGeeks.com - We put the Major in Geeks!"

Bazza

 

The chosen few for Wednesday 6th August 2008, are:-

SUMo 2.2.2.54
http://www.majorgeeks.com/SUMo_d5824.html

Spybot Search and Destroy Update July 31, 2008
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Spybot_Search_and_Destroy_Update_d3957.html

My note: Latest update. I think they got the date wrong in their heading.

avast! Virus Definitions August 6, 2008

My note: Lots of other updates to various Anti-Virus programs out today. Make sure you visit the www.majorgeeks.com front page to check.

Tip # 12.

File Delete--Are you sure (Y/N?)
If this question bugs the hell out of you, right click the Recycle Bin,
choose Properties, uncheck "Display Delete Confirmation"
You will still have to delete the Files from the Recycle Bin
eventually, but the annoying (Y/N?) will be gone.

This tip gets rid of one more Windows annoyance for you. :-D
Let me know.

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today: :cool
"MajorGeeks.com - We put the Major in Geeks!"

Bazza

 

The chosen few for Thursday 7th August 2008, are:-

PdfMerge 1.18
http://www.majorgeeks.com/PdfMerge_d6017.html

My note: Could prove extremely handy to some users.

HWiNFO32 (Now Freeware) 2.20 Build 77 BETA
http://www.majorgeeks.com/HWiNFO32_Now_Freeware_d280.html

My note: Not often programs go from $$$ to FREE. :cool With so many free equivalents out there, why bother with a $$$ one, might have been behind their thinking .

Simple Static IP 1.0.0
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Simple_Static_IP_d6016.html

Rating: 3.66 (3 votes).
My note: The reason why I have repeated the full explanation above is to encourage your comments on static versus dynamic addresses. I've never had the opportunity for a static address before so would appreciate your comments on both options.

Weather Watcher 6.0.0.57 Beta
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Weather_Watcher_d4190.html

My note: Over 77,000 cities world-wide. :cool :-D I have it set to startup daily.

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today.:-D
"MajorGeeks.com - It's all Geek to me."

Bazza

 

Tip # 13

Free Fonts
Check out:-
www.dafont.com
www.100freefonts.com
http://simplythebest.net/fonts
http://freefonts.co.in
www.freefonts.oreg.uk
and www.smashingmagazine.com/category/fonts.

My note: FYI. I've not used these links. Bazza

 

The chosen few for Friday 8th August 2008, are:

Shrink Pic 1.5.0
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Shrink_Pic_d6018.html

My note: Be the first to vote.

DriveImage XML 2.00
http://www.majorgeeks.com/DriveImage_XML_d4919.html

Switch 1.42
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Switch_d5886.html

Blender 2.47 RC2
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Blender_d4550.html

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today:
"MajorGeeks.com - We put the Major in Geeks!"

Bazza

 

Tip # 14.

Emails

Do you have more than 1 email address? Is it a PITA to check them all separately?

Try http://www.gmx.com They present all your email addresses, to you, in one consolidated place. I use it. It says BETA but I have been using it for months.

One annoyance, it automatically opens your most recent email, and marks it as "read", even if you don't want read it right now.

And clicking on a web link in any email does NOT open it over the email, as most do. You have to minimise your email to read the web link. A good built-in spam filter also.

 

The chosen few for Saturday 9th August 2008, are:

Fresh Diagnose 7.88
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Fresh_Diagnose_d440.html

Process Explorer 11.21
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Process_Explorer_d4566.html

My note: Almost perfect rating. Small download. One of my long-time favourites, updated. :major

My note: Sysyinternals added / listed, from Friday.

Sysinternals Suite 8/08/2008
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Sysinternals_Suite_d5473.html

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today: :cool
"MajorGeeks.com - The front lines for cutting edge software."

These selections are only a portion of those shown at www.majorgeeks.com and only at a particular time of the day. Many are added after I review the days listings.

Bazza

 

The chosen few for Sunday 10th August 2008, are:

StarBurn 10 Build 2080720
http://www.majorgeeks.com/StarBurn_d5936.html

Native Specialist 1.0.0808 RC1 Beta
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Native_Specialist_d6020.html

My note: RC1 Beta version, so take care.

WinGuggle 1.5
http://www.majorgeeks.com/WinGuggle_d5887.html

My note: Save the key to a USB drive, or other place, so you can easily find it later if you need to do a re-install.

Site News
Majorgeeks Must Have Free Downloads updated.
Check out http://www.majorgeeks.com/page.php?id=20

My note: A couple of my favourites added. :cool
"MajorGeeks.com - Geek it 'till it MHz."

Tip # 15
Foods
Get the Nutrition facts on over 7,500 items at http://silvertriad.com/
Scroll down for the food facts. :-D Otherwise you may think you've reached the wrong site.

Bazza

 

The chosen few for Monday 11th August 2008, are:

EnhanceMyVista Free 1.11
http://www.majorgeeks.com/EnhanceMyVista_Free__d5876.html

My note: Obviously there are Freeware and Shareware versions.

Advanced WindowsCare 3 Beta 2.8.1
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Advanced_WindowsCare_3_d5927.html

WinUpdatesList 1.23
http://www.majorgeeks.com/WinUpdatesList_d4229.html

Drm-Removal 3.4.9
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Drm-Removal_d5850.html

These selections are only a selection of those shown at www.majorgeeks.com and only at a particular time of the day. Many are added after I review the days listings.

MG Site News
Must have free downloads updated 8/11/08.
My note: Second update in 2 days. Tim has been very busy with new additions. :cool Check them out at http://www.majorgeeks.com/page.php?id=20 :major

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today: :major
"MajorGeeks.com - Serious software for the not so serious geek."

Bazza

 

Tip # 16

Glossary & Definitions. Geektionary

The thread at http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=165910
reminded me of http://www.majorgeeks.com/glossary.php

The glossary MG thread, above, is simple to use and great on explanations.

Bazza

 

The chosen few for Tuesday 12th August 2008, are:

CurrPorts 1.47
http://www.majorgeeks.com/CurrPorts_d5079.html

My note: Really small download (55KB).

MailWasher Pro 6.2
http://www.majorgeeks.com/MailWasher_Pro_d4230.html

SUPERAntiSpyware 4.20.1026 Beta
http://www.majorgeeks.com/SUPERAntiSpyware_d5116.html

Xfire 1.96 Build 33540
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Xfire_d5224.html

I haven't necessarily tried the above programs. I just list them.
If they have been listed previously, then this listing is the latest upgrade.

For you non-MG members / visitors / guests / lurkers reading this, also check out the "Must Have Free downloads" at http://www.majorgeeks.com/page.php?id=20 for lots of good FREE stuff.

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today.
"Major Geeks.com- Feel the Geek.. BE the Geek!"

Bazza

 

Lots of updates to various Anti-Virus programs out today. Make sure you visit www.majorgeeks.com front page to check them out.

The chosen few for Wednesday 13th August 2008, are:

SaferSpace 2.0.0
http://www.majorgeeks.com/SaferSpace_d5551.html

My note: Shareware $$$$ program. Poor rating for previous versions. Maybe this version is better.

Advanced WindowsCare v2 Personal 2.8.5
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Advanced_WindowsCare_v2_Personal_d4991.html

My note: One of my Favourites. Been using it daily for ages now. Great to see Iobit are still releasing updates to AWC as well as releasing AWC v3 Beta. AWC v2 is simpler to use, IMO.

Office Live Update 1.2
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Office_Live_Update__d6024.html

From MG Way Off Base, today. :major
Bigfoot Trackers Say They've Got a Body
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,402882,00.html

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today: :-D
"MajorGeeks.com - Geek your mind, the rest will follow."

Bazza

 

The chosen few for Thursday 14th August 2008, are:

Belarc Advisor 7.2.24.8
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Belarc_Advisor_d1385.html

My note: If you use XP Pro, Belarc Advisor will rate your security out of a possible 10. Most home PC's will be lucky to rate more than 1.88/10, using the stiff Belarc security rules.

Advanced WindowsCare 3 Beta 2.8.2
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Advanced_WindowsCare_3_d5927.html

My note: BETA update of the latest version of AWC.

SIV (System Information Viewer) 3.33
http://www.majorgeeks.com/SIV_System_Information_Viewer_d4779.html

(too much to list here--check out the link, above---Baz)
My note: Concise tabbed dump of lots of info about your PC.

Skype 4.0.0.161 Beta
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Skype_d4245.html

Check the Ratings score, out of 5, on the right hand side of the program/s you have chosen. This is the MG members review, and maybe should be taken into consideration.

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today.
"MajorGeeks.com - We put the Major in Geeks!"

Bazza

 

Tip # 17
Format USB stick drive to NTFS. (from Halo)
To format a USB stick to NTFS, in XP, the workaround is to:-
Right click in My Computer the USB drive --> Properties --> Hardware --> Highlight the USB drive in the list and click Properties --> then click Policies tab --> Choose Optomize for Performance --> OK <enter.

Then go back to My Computer and right click format and NTFS should be an option.

Remember any NTFS drive will not be readable by Win9x versions.

Bazza

 

The chosen few for Friday 15th August 2008, are:

Native Specialist 1.0.0815 RC2
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Native_Specialist_d6020.html

PC Tools Firewall Plus 4.0.0.45
http://www.majorgeeks.com/PC_Tools_Firewall_Plus_d5470.html

RemoveIT Pro 15/8/2008
http://www.majorgeeks.com/RemoveIT_Pro_d5205.html

My note: Shows as Shareware $$$, but can be operated as FREEware. I use it daily as Freeware.

Lots more updates to various Anti-Virus programs out today, as well.
Make sure you visit www.majorgeeks.com front page to check.

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today: :major
"MajorGeeks.com - Major tweaks for Major Geeks."

Bazza

 

Being a Saturday (16th August), not many to choose from:

StudioLine Photo Basic 3.50.48
http://www.majorgeeks.com/StudioLine_Photo_Basic_d5007.html

BitTorrent 6.1
http://www.majorgeeks.com/BitTorrent_d4377.html

Windows Defender Antispyware Definition Updates 1.41.469.0
http://www.majorgeeks.com/[/

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today:
"MajorGeeks.com - The Original Spyware Free Download Site."

Bazza

 

Being a Sunday (17th August), not many to choose from (Tim, and Jim deserve some time off. We all like our weeekends don't we).

One from Sunday.

Windows Defender Antispyware Definition Updates 1.41.491.0
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Windows_Defender_Antispyware_Definition_Updates_d5994.html

An additional one from Saturday.

KeePass Password Safe 1.12
http://www.majorgeeks.com/KeePass_Password_Safe_d5939.html

From Way Off Base today.

Phelps claims Olympic-record eighth gold medal with relay win. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...swm.phelps.medley.relay.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

Bazza

 

Tip # 18
Live life beyond CCleaner (part 1).

We all love and run CCleaner, right, from http://majorgeeks.com/download4191.html

Try Cleanup! from MG AFTER running CCleaner.
http://majorgeeks.com/CleanUp_d4895.html
See thumbnail of stuff that Cleanup! found and CCleaner missed. 96 files / entries today.

Use both, I do.

See Cleanup statistics after my 400+ runs (over a year).
388,000+ files deleted. 10gigs+ space reclaimed over the year.
Turn the volume up, for a laugh.

 

Tip # 19
Live life beyond CCleaner (part 2)

Now you've run CCleaner and Cleanup! right.

Check out MRU_Blaster from http://majorgeeks.com/MRU-Blaster_d4184.html

MRU stands for Most Recently Used lists of recent visits to the Net.

Check out thumbnail for stuff that CCleaner and Cleanup! missed.

Bazza

 

Tip # 20
Live life beyond CCleaner (part 3)

Now you've run CCleaner, Cleanup! and MRU_Blaster, right.

Check out Empty Temp Folders from http://majorgeeks.com/download1575.html

Check out thumbnail for stuff that CCleaner, Cleanup! and MRU_Blaster missed.

 

Not to be the one that rains on the CCleaner parade, but I found this cleaner to be much more thorough. Been using it for awhile now and not one single problem to speak of, and that includes using the registry cleaner in the program.

http://majorgeeks.com/nCleaner_d5476.html

Bazza, EmptyTemp Folders and MRU Blaster are good programs, but extremely dated. I used to use both of them ages ago.

 

Tip # 21
Live life beyond CCleaner (part 4)

Now you've run CCleaner, Cleanup! and MRU_Blaster, right.

Check out Advanced Windows Care v2 from http://www.majorgeeks.com/Advanced_WindowsCare_v2_Personal_d4991.html

Check out thumbnail for stuff that CCleaner, Cleanup!, and Empty Temp Folders missed.

These programs (and stats) found from running these programs, one after the other, today.

Bazza

 

I know, but they still work daily for me. Bazza

====

 

The chosen few for Monday 18th August 2008, are:

RunScanner 1.7.0.0
http://www.majorgeeks.com/RunScanner_d5975.html

Defraggler 1.02.085
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Defraggler_d5777.html

nHancer 2.4.3
http://www.majorgeeks.com/nHancer_d5579.html

Advertisements from the front page at www.majorgeeks.com today

My note: I haven't tried them but you may like to, and suppost MG at the same time.

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today: :-D
"MajorGeeks.com - Viva La Geek."

Bazza

 

The chosen few for Tuesday 19th August 2008, are:

Miro 1.2.7
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Miro_d5379.html

KillProcess 2.43 Alpha 3
http://www.majorgeeks.com/KillProcess_d5140.html

Spy Sweeper 5.8.1.55
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Spy_Sweeper_d3263.html

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today:
"MajorGeeks.com - Major tweaks for Major Geeks."

Bazza

 

Tip # 22

Every day, This Weeks Top 10 Downloads from Major Geeks are displayed at www.majorgeeks.com front page. Scroll down the left hand side of the page, for them.

Top 10 are:

1. IObit SmartDefrag
2. Advanced WindowsCare 3
3. Vista Codec Package
4. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
5. HijackThis
6. QuickTime Alternative
7. K-Lite Codec Pack Full
8. AVG AntiVirus Free Edition
9. EVEREST Free Edition
10. SpywareBlaster

Go to the www.majorgeeks.com front page for the links to the top 10.

Bazza

 

The chosen few for Wednesday 20th August 2008, are:-

Orca Browser 1.1 Alpha 2
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Orca_Browser_d5899.html

TweakVI 'Basic' Edition 1.0 build 1088
http://www.majorgeeks.com/TweakVI_Basic_Edition_d5262.html

Opera 9.52 Build 10108
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Opera_d559.html

My note: New release of the 3rd Favourite Browser, after IE and FF.

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today. :-D
"MajorGeeks.com - umop apisdn w,i aw dlaH"

Bazza

 

Tip # 23
Google alerts

Don't be put off by the "Beta" tag. I've been using it for well over a year for searches on the latest news of Sierra Leone and Sierra Rutile Ltd, where some of you will know I have an interest.

It's easy to create an alert for your favourite sports star, movie star, sports event, etc.

Bazza

 

The chosen few for Thursday 21st August 2008, are:-

ATI Catalyst Drivers for Windows XP 8.8
http://www.majorgeeks.com/ATI_Catalyst_Drivers_for_Windows_XP_d4038.html

Here's the Vista version.

ATI Catalyst for Vista 8.8
http://www.majorgeeks.com/ATI_Catalyst_for_Vista_d5503.html

Nokia PC Suite 7.0.8.2
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Nokia_PC_Suite_d5828.html

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today:
"MajorGeeks.com - We're your CTRL+D site.. right?.. RIGHT?"

Bazza

 

The chosen few for Friday 22nd August 2008, are:-

Core Temp 0.99.3
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Core_Temp_d5665.html

My note: For the overclockers and Duo Core owners, this looks like a good'un.

Sysinternals Suite 8/21/2008
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Sysinternals_Suite_d5473.html

Glary Utilities 2.6.1.238
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Glary_Utilities_d5870.html

From Way Off Base today: :-D
Record-breaking fish caught with Barbie Doll toy fishing pole.:major
http://www.azfamily.com/news/homepa...ational-news-082108-barbie-fish.1dfc3da0.html

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today.
"MajorGeeks.com - When a MinorGeek just won't do."

Bazza

 

Tip #24

How good are your photos from your mobile phone (cellphone)?
Compare your photos to other people's photos. Or just see how good these pix can be.

Check out http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/cellphone/clusters and compare.

For more uses for your cellphone, visit http://www.43folders.com/2005/09/21/how-do-you-get-creative-with-your-phonecam

2 examples.

“Wishlist” items you might want to buy later - If you’re out and about and happen to see a CD, book, or other consumable you might want to pick up later on, snap a photo of the item’s barcode. When you get home you can look the item up on Amazon or Froogle.com and find the best price, or just add it to your online wishlist.

Record the hours of a new store - New dry cleaner or Thai restaurant that you want to try? Grab a photo of the hours.

Bazza

PS: Thanks paramonks.

Baz

========================

 

The chosen few for Saturday 23rd August 2008, are:-

SUMo 2.3.1.57
http://www.majorgeeks.com/SUMo_d5824.html

FileTypesMan 1.08
http://www.majorgeeks.com/FileTypesMan__d5952.html

Blender 2.47
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Blender_d4550.html

Did you know that you can buy MG clothing?
See thumbnail. Click on the same picture on the front page at www.majorgeeks.com for the link.

I haven't necessarily tried the above programs. I just list them.
If they have been listed previously, then this listing is the latest upgrade.

Bazza

 

Tip # 25 Part 1 of buying a Vista PC.

Windows Experience Index (WEI) in VISTA.

Looking for a new Vista PC at your friendly computer store?
Drive the Salespeople mad by quickly checking every Vista PC for its' WEI.

Click on Windows key+PAUSE, on the keyboard, for a quick display of the lowest rating (out of 5.9 max). Then click on "Windows Experience Index" for an individual rating out of 5.9, of the 5 main bits of Hardware.
1. Processor
2. Memory (RAM)
3. Graphics
4. Gaming Graphics
5. Primary hard disk.
You can quickly see what is rated lowest, of all 5 items.

All other things being roughly equal in performance, probably Graphics and Gaming graphics will rate lower than the other 3.
Remember this is a guide only to your new purchase, and should be taken as such. It all helps to discard your worst rated performers quickly, though.

Using this method, we settled on an Acer Aspire laptop for #2 son.
Ratings were 4.9, 5.9, 4.6, 5.0 and 5.2, respectively. Not to shabby for a laptop manufactured in 2007.

If Windows+PAUSE doesn't work, then you will have to go to the ORB (start)--->Ctrl Panel-->Performance Information and Tools.
If the 5 aren't listed there, then go to "Update my Score" link on that page.
Let us hope the salespeople have already loaded the WEI and the last bit of this tip is not necessary.

Hope this helps quickly weed out the poorest rated PC's that you are interested in.

Bazza

 

bigbazza, could you kindly explain as to when one would need to run "xpy 0.10.8" It's got a good rating but I just can't figure out when one would need this App. Cheers....

 

To quote from the link of xpy 0.10.8 at http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4218.html

The features are fairly self-explananatory. For example lots of folks don't want to run Windows Messenger. There is a simple separate command to stop it running, but apparently it is combined in this program.

Also Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player are Microsoft defaults. Not everyone wants these defaults. I haven't personally used this program so anyone who has, please step in.

Hope this helps. Bazza

===

 

The chosen few for Sunday 24th August 2008, are:-

CDBurnerXP 4.1.2.919
http://www.majorgeeks.com/CDBurnerXP_d4242.html

CrystalDiskInfo 1.0.16c
http://www.majorgeeks.com/CrystalDiskInfo_d5931.html

CrystalDMI 1.0.3a
http://www.majorgeeks.com/CrystalDMI_d5624.html

Check the Ratings score, out of 5, on the right hand side of the program/s you have chosen. This is the MG members review, and maybe should be taken into consideration.

For you non-MG members / visitors / guests / lurkers reading this, also check out the "Must Have Free downloads" at http://www.majorgeeks.com/page.php?id=20 for lots more good FREE stuff.

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today: :major
"MajorGeeks.com - Because sometimes it is rocket science."

Bazza

 

Tip #26

FREE FREE FREE Stuff. ---Part 1 of many to come.
Now I've got your attention, I'd better start off with Major Geeks FREE stuff at http://www.majorgeeks.com/page.php?id=20
Topics include:

Click on what you would like to find out about in the above link, for a listing of applicable software.

 

Future FREE stuff will include:-

FREE on-line Games
FREE Hi-quality stock photos.
FREE novels and non-fiction texts
FREE Audio books
FREE Educational Resources
FREE Wallpapers and Clipart
FREE Videos
FREE Music (legal) on-line
FREE wireless Net access.
FREE email
FREE sound clips / loops
FREE Website builders
FREE Travel guides
FREE Fonts (already published as Tip #13)
FREE file storage and hosting
FREE Films

These will take a while to get through. Taken from PCU #100, p73-77.

 

Lots of updates to various Anti-Virus programs out today. Too many for me to list them all here. Make sure you visit www.majorgeeks.com front page to check.

The chosen few for Monday 25th August 2008, are:-

Stickies 6.5a
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Stickies_d5501.html

My note: I used to use ATNotes, but this is a newer program. :cool

RemoveIT Pro 25/8/2008
http://www.majorgeeks.com/RemoveIT_Pro_d5205.html

My note: Don't be put off by the Shareware tag. It can be run as FREEware. I run it daily as FREEware.

CCleaner Slim (No Toolbar) 2.11.636
http://www.majorgeeks.com/CCleaner_Slim_No_Toolbar_d4191.html

Free Download Manager 2.6.800 Beta
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Free_Download_Manager_d4546.html

My note: These selections are only a portion of those shown at www.majorgeeks.com and only at a particular time of the day.

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today: :-D
"MajorGeeks.com - It's all Geek to me."

Bazza

 

Tip #27
Event Viewer in XP and Vista.
When was the last time you checked and /or cleaned out XP's event viewer?
Go to Start-->Run--->eventvwr.exe<enter> will display all "events" since you last cleared it. There could be a hell of a lot of entries if you have never cleared them, or not recently.

Double click each of the 5 headings on the left, in turn, to see what events have taken place under that particular category. You will be surprised how many events there are. You can elect to investigate warnings or errors, or carry out other functions by right clicking any of the 5 headings.

Most times you will not do much about the entries. Click on "Clear All Events" to wipe them. Investigations could help you to fix nagging errors / annoyances you have not bothered to investigate previously. Remember to check /clear them at least weekly.

Make a Desktop Shortcut to c:\windows\system32\eventvwr.exe as a reminder to check /clear them regularly.
Vista.
Unfortunately MS have stuffed around with this command in Vista and it is no longer simple to display or investigate.
Click on ORB-->type eventvwr.exe in Search box<enter> and good luck.

Bazza

 

The chosen few for Tuesday 26th August 2008, are:-

Spyware Terminator 2.3.0.488
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Spyware_Terminator_d5242.html

My note: Go to the link for a full list of the features.

Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Windows_Genuine_Advantage_Notifications_d6033.html

My note: Not sure why this rates so poorly. If anyone has used it, I'd like to know what's wrong with it.

AkelPad 4.0.3
http://www.majorgeeks.com/AkelPad_d5755.html

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today: :-D
"MajorGeeks.com - Now 20% Geekier."

Bazza

 

I guess the Tips have proven popular. :-D
500 reads of this column in the last 9 days or so. Thanks folks. :major

Tip #28
Drivers.
Backup, and save your installed Drivers, in case you have to repair or re-install Windows at any time. Download DriverMax from Major Geeks at http://www.majorgeeks.com/DriverMax_d5260.html

Save your Drivers to a USB stick, or external device for safekeeping.
Reload, if required, in minutes instead of hours of searching differerent manufacturer's websites.

This simple step could save you lots of heartache.

Bazza

 

The chosen few for Wednesday 27th August 2008, are:-

Logitech QuickCam 11.8
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Logitech_QuickCam_d4398.html

JkDefrag 3.35
http://www.majorgeeks.com/JkDefrag_d5542.html

ICQ 6.0 Build 7013
http://www.majorgeeks.com/ICQ_6.0_d4490.html

My note: Specified as "Adware".

Major Geek slogan, selected for today:
"MajorGeeks.com - We're your CTRL+D site.. right?.. RIGHT?"

Bazza

 

Tip #29

Need on-line storage?

Check out www.adrive.com (50gigs)
www.humyo.com (30gigs---split into 25/5 media/other)
www.xdrive.com (5 gigs)
www.mediamax.com) (25gigs)

I have not used any of the above so make sure you (thoroughly) read their terms and conditions before signing up. There are / maybe some hidden "gotcha's".

Bazza

PS: If you missed Tips 1-6, go to "From today's MajorGeeks front page-July 2008" at http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=163425
then to post #29, to the end of the month.

Baz

 

The chosen few for Thursday 28th August 2008, are:-

lastpass 1.27 Beta
http://www.majorgeeks.com/lastpass_d6035.html

My note: Perfect rating, so far. :cool

RyanVM's Windows XP Post-SP3 Update Pack 1.0.0a
http://www.majorgeeks.com/RyanVMs_Windows_XP_Post-SP3_Update_Pack_d6032.html

My note: And a lot more updates. Too many to list here. Check the link out for a full listing.

Recuva - File Recovery 1.18.344
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Recuva_-_File_Recovery_d5514.html

Major Geeks slogan, selected for today:
"MajorGeeks.com - The Few, The Proud, The Geeks. "

Bazza