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Archive for the ‘Business and Productivity’ Category


Protect your Computer with a USB Flash Drive

Posted by Thomas On March - 20 - 2010

It’s in all the movies and TV-series where a Government Employee log on a Secure Computer. He or She insert or remove a KeyCard to log on and off. Without the KeyCard the computer is rendered useless. If you like the idea, well …

Predator, let you do exactly that !

Windows Guides’ Rating Compatible with
1 Star1 Star1 Star1 Star0 Star4 out of 5 Windows 7Windows VistaWindows XP
PROGRAM: PREDATORPROS: PREDATOR locks your PC when you are away, even if your Windows session is still opened. It is very easy to use and the security seems to be very good.

CONS: Dark interface, makes it hard to read. Tho several users can have their own key it cannot be used to Log In to different User Accounts, which would have been a great asset.

VERDICT: If you are looking for a simple way to protect your Computer while you step away from it. This what you need.

PRICE: Freeware and Paid Version ($29)

VERSION REVIEWED: 2.1.0.468

Download Link in the Article


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Remote Desktop, No Installation Required – Freeware

Posted by Thomas On February - 23 - 2010

Everyone who knows me, knows I’m a bit more than normally interested in Computers. So of course whom do they contact when they have problems with theirs ? Lucky guess. But figuring the problem over the phone isn’t always as easy, and some of my friends being “Twelve O’Clock Flashers” – explaining them what to do isn’t all that easy either.

The best way, sometimes, is using Remote Desktop. But this usually involves getting the already troubled users to download and install a small client of some sort and guide them through that.  And, well… Let’s just say I sometimes hate being the one they call. However…

I’ve come a cross a great tool for the job, which allows me to help without all that hassle – and best of all – it’s free !!

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Start Your PC the Productive Way (30 Second “Startup”)

Posted by Stu On February - 11 - 2010

The most annoying part of using a PC, is surely booting it up in the morning for the days use.

After seeing this software reviewed by Lifehacker a while back, I realised I could start my PC in the morning in around 30 seconds as opposed to, in some cases, 10 minutes.

Now, I know the PC is not technically off whilst Boot Snooze is in use.  It’s in hibernation mode or Standby which puts the PC in a very low power state.  It barely even draws whilst it’s in Hibernation.

So the idea here, is to use Boot Snooze last thing in the day to reboot your PC. Once it’s been rebooted, Boot Snooze will automatically start a countdown timer (previously specified) to put your PC into a low power state.  During the countdown, we’ll set Windows to automatically start programs that we always find ourselves using.  I find the first 3 programs I always start are; Outlook, Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player, so we’ll use those in this example.  Once they have opened, Boot Snooze will put your PC into the low power state.

When you start your PC out of standby or hibernation in the morning, it will take around 30 seconds to get to the desktop where your programs are already opened ready and waiting.  Much better than waiting a matter of minutes and then having to open the programs up one by one.

So, here’s a walk through guide on how to start your PC the smart way.

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Windows Guides’ Rating Compatible with
1 Star1 Star1 Star1 Star0 Star

4 out of 5

Windows 7Windows VistaWindows XP

PROS:The program is easy to use, it feels light and everything you need is there – right in front of you. Microsoft Office 2007 look – makes you feel right at home.

CONS: Compressing documents can produce poor quality images and pixellated graphics when “pushing the limits”

VERDICT: An affordable PDF Suite packed with features that measures up to Adobe Acrobat in every way.

PRICE: $99 per license

VERSION REVIEWED: 6.0.2.6

DOWNLOAD: Nitro Pro Trial

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MozyHome Free Backup Prevents Data Loss

Posted by Rich On February - 1 - 2010
Windows Guides’ Rating Compatible with
1 Star1 Star1 Star1 Star1 Star 5 out of 5 Windows 7Windows VistaWindows XP
mozy-backup03PROS: Scheduled backups that can be customized to fit your needs. Clean interface and easy to use. Background operation so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Explorer shell extention to get straight to your data from My Computer.

CONS: Depending upon your needs, 2GB may not be enough and you’ll need to go to a paid plan.

VERDICT: If you don’t currently back your data up online, download MozyHome now. This program has saved me from major data loss and gives you the peace of mind you need when storing your files.

PRICE: Free (Up to 2GB backed up.) 2GB+ $4.95/month ($54.45/year.)

VERSION REVIEWED: 1.16.4.0

DOWNLOADMozyHome Free

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Texter Automates Commonly Typed Phrases/Scripts

Posted by Rich On December - 11 - 2009

If you find yourself repeatedly typing phrases or snippets of code, you’ll find Texter very useful. Texter is designed to take the repetition out of computer use. I use it when I write guides for this site; I always write the guides in plain HTML first and then move them to my CMS. I’ll often write lines of HTML code over and over again, so this tool is a real time saver.
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