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Newsletter Archive Reviews Archive 
Welcome to Clif Notes Newsletter
November 18, 2007
REVIEWS
EasyCapture - screenshots with great editing options
Notes from ClifNotes, Nov 2007, permalink Screen Capture
CC recommends this free screen capture tool. I've tried it and I agree that it's one of the front runners for being the best free screen capture tools. Mostly it's the same old stuff, but once you have a capture in it's editor, the fun is just starting. It has a great selection of image editing options and even includes several image filters if you want to get really weird.
It also includes a tabs in it's editor so you can take several screenshots in a row and then go back to edit them when ever you want.
Here's what CC says:
PS. The insight point on the screen is free but has a very steep learning curve.
I agree with the more features, but I don't think it's easier to use. My only complaint would be that it doesn't have an "always on top" floating toolbar. I'm used to using that feature in FS Capture, but if I can remember the keyboard shortcuts, I might switch to this tool.
Those of you now using the LiteWare version Gadwin Print Screen may want to give EasyCapture a very close look. You may decide to say bye bye to Gadwin.
Here's a tip:
I found out that EasyCapture will run just fine on a flash thumb-drive. Just copy the program folder over to it and launch the EasyCapture.EXE file when you want to run it. I moved a copy of it to my Portable folder on my C: drive and uninstalled it by using the Add/Remove. It's still works fine.
click to expand picture
Quote from the website
EasyCapture is a powerful, flexible and easy-to-use free screen capture software. It allows you to capture anything on the screen including windows, objects, full screen, rectangle-selected regions, fix size regions, and scrolling windows/web pages. It also allow you to edit captured image and add annotate. enjoy it! ^_^
http://www.xydownload.com/easycapture/
GoogleHacks - collection of handy file search tools
Notes from ClifNotes, Nov 2007, permalink File Search
I saw this at Digg and decided to try it out. It's a small application that helps you use Google to find files hosted on the net. I found that most of my searches were dead ends. I've got a feeling that it may take some time to figure out the best search terms to use.
click to expand picture
Quote from the website
Google Hacks is a compilation of carefully crafted Google searches that expose novel functionality from Google's search and map services. For example, you can use it to view a timeline of your search results, view a map, search for music, search for books, and perform many other specific kinds of searches. You can also use this program to use google as a proxy.
http://code.google.com/p/googlehacks/
Sandboxie - nagging and auto-starts now a problem
Notes from ClifNotes, Nov 2006, permalink tag20tag|tagtagtag
I have never used one of the sandbox tools for Windows but many people tell me that these can be life savers. Jimbo wrote in to tell me about the problems he has with the free version 3.2 of Sandboxie. Perhaps I'll try a virtualization tool like this in the future. Based on the comment below, I don't think I'll be trying out Sandboxie.
Comment from Jimbo:
Subject: Sandboxie
To: clifnotes.newsletter at gmail.com
I am a huge fan of the 'Sandboxie' security software and have been using it for some time but the latest version (3.20) is a major letdown and I wanted to bring it to the attention of those among your readers who use it:
1) The associated nag screen which runs each time you use SB is now much larger and includes a timer function which bars the user from closing it until a preset amount of time has expired. (it is only around 10 seconds).
N.B. Nag screens have never been a problem for me, I maintain that the author has every right to advertise from within their own product. I mention it for those who are put off by such practices.
2) It is now almost impossible to keep SB out the auto start menu....if you disallow it at install it will continue to try and place itself there at each subsequent use.
N.B. I manually start SB each time and don't want it in auto start....every time I opened the new version I had to tell WinPatrol and Spybot to disallow it....very annoying.
3) It will create a desktop icon each time you open it, whether you want one or not.
N.B. I am not big on icons cluttering up the desktop, I prefer to use the start menus. With this latest version I delete the icon but next time I use SB it creates a new one.
Some might say, minor annoyances and I agree but it is all about choices. I can see no way to change this behaviour in the program settings. I have now uninstalled version 3.20 and reverted to the previous one.
Happy camping.......JIMBO
Quote from the website
Sandboxie runs your applications in an isolated abstraction area called a sandbox. Under the supervision of Sandboxie, an application operates normally and at full speed, but can't effect permanent changes to your computer. Instead, the changes are effected only in the sandbox.
http://www.sandboxie.com/
Sandoxie could be classified as NagWare
Miro - The only video player you need?
Notes from ClifNotes, Sep 2007, updated Nov 2007, permalink Multimedia Players
Miro is a program that brings lots of streaming video to your desktop. Is this the new internet TV? I don't know, I haven't tried it. If you try it, let us know what you think.
Comment from CC: Nov 2007
http://www.getmiro.com/
Big improvements in video streamlining ...
CC
"The only video player you need."
"Free and open-source, because open media matters."
click to expand picture
Quote from the website
There's an opportunity to build a new, open mass medium of online television. We're developing the Miro internet TV platform so that watching internet video channels will be as easy as watching TV and broadcasting a channel will be open to everyone. Unlike traditional TV, everyone will have a voice.
http://www.getmiro.com/
Better Gmail 2 - even better for heavy Gmail users
Notes from ClifNotes, Nov 2007, permalink permalink E-mail Programs
I use Gmail every day and Better Gmail just makes it better. Recently Gmail updated their web interface and my old Better Gmail plugin wasn't working. I found that LifeHacker had a new version of it out. Guess what? It's even better!
The Better Gmail hacks offer lots of keyboard shortcuts (macros) for navigating Gmail and helping to label the emails. Any time you need help with the keyboard macros, you simple hit the "H" key to see them all.
click to expand picture
Quote from the website
Google updated Gmail, and now we're following up with Better Gmail 2, a Firefox extension that adds features to the new Gmail interface. Like its predecessor, Better Gmail 2 is a compilation of Greasemonkey user scripts that add features to Gmail, but Better Gmail 2 works with Gmail's overhauled interface. We'll maintain the original Better Gmail extension separately from Better Gmail 2, for users still rocking the older version. However, if you've got the snappier Gmail interface enabled and you're ready for some tweaks courtesy of scripters far and wide, hit the jump for the Better Gmail 2 Firefox extension download.
Better Gmail2 at LifeHacker
Free Music Zilla - download tunes from social services
Notes from ClifNotes, Nov 2007, permalink Misc. Multimedia Tools
Thanks to Daniel G for a link to this application. I've never felt good about downloading copyrighted music without paying for it, so I'll take a rain check on trying this one out. I have accounts at Pandora and Last.fm, so I could definitely use it. I can still listen to all the music I could ever want. I just don't download it anymore.
Quote from the website
Free music zilla, the first tool specialized for social music downloading, enables you download free mp3/music/song from imeem,last.fm,pandora,myspace and almost all social music services.
http://www.freemusiczilla.com/
Old Newsletter
I like to look back and see what I was thinking about. Here's another letter from the wayback machine.
TIPS AND FEEDBACK
What free software do you need?
Notes from ClifNotes, permalink Windows Tips
So what do you need? Write it down below and I'll see if I can find it. If you know the answer to someone else's question, add your answer there.
Previous "What Do You Need" comments
Nov 11 2007 - Last week
Nov 04 2007
Oct 28 2007
Oct 21 2007
Oct 14 2007
Sep 23 2007
Sep 16 2007
Sep 09 2007
Aug 26 2007
Aug 19 2007
Jun 29 2007
Jun 22 2007
Jun 15 2007
Search all the comments
The 5 best, free tools to remove junk files
Notes from ClifNotes, Nov 2007, permalink System Maintenance Disk Cleanup
Brian J from Australia wrote in with a link to this blog article. My favorite, EasyCleaner, isn't listed but I saw it mentioned in the comments section.
click to expand picture
Quote from the website
Over the course of time, your computer gets accumulated with unwanted and unremoved junk files that are no longer necessary. These junk files remain unused by the operating system, but occupy much disk space. Removing these junk files is a piece of cake, provided you have any of these tools installed on your computer.
Read the rest of the article here
3 Excellent Sites to Get Free Document Templates
Notes from ClifNotes, Nov 2007, permalink Cool Website
Yes, these can be a big time saver if you need them.
Quote from the website
3 Excellent Sites to Get Free Document Templates
Nov. 6th, 2007 by Aibek
Once in a while we all need some kind of document, it may be a business plan presentation, rental contract, non-disclosure agreement, or even a name change request form. In most cases, Googling the document may ultimately get you what you need, but it’s both time consuming and frustrating. Below, I want to go through 3 excellent resources that can provide you with any professional document or form template for free.
Read all about it here
Internet Fixes Weekend Windup
tips from Gary at InternetFixes, Windows Tips
From Clif:
Gary at Internet Fixes continues to amaze me with hundreds and thousands of tips for your PC. Whatever your operating system, or how you use it, a visit to Gary's site will soon have you saying "So that's how you do this!".
Sign up for Gary's newsletter?
Weekend Windups are now available online
http://www.internetfixes.com/weekend_windup/
Last Mondays News Letter Tips
============================
1. I Need a Step By Step on how to do a Clean Install of XP?
http://www.internetfixes.com/question_of_the_week/IF01121.htm
============================
2. Any attempt to access files on the Old HD shows a message that the HD is not formatted. Other utility programs(Norton) show the HD has no partition. What happened and what can I do to retrieve my files, favorites, and Thunderbird E-mails??
http://www.internetfixes.com/question_of_the_week/IF01122.htm
============================
3. I often get an error message of MDATA.DAT every time I restart my computer. What does this mean?
http://www.internetfixes.com/question_of_the_week/IF01123.htm
============================
4. I cannot open Internet Explorer flashes and quits every time I try and open it. This is a real pain and I am hoping you can help.
http://www.internetfixes.com/question_of_the_week/IF01124.htm
============================
5. I have been trying and trying different things to Speed up Windows XP boot times and nothing seems to work. Have any new tips on the subject?
http://www.internetfixes.com/question_of_the_week/IF01125.htm
============================
6. While trying to install the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility the following errors occur. Can you give me any ideas of how to fix this one?
http://www.internetfixes.com/question_of_the_week/IF01126.htm
============================
7. My Internet Explorer Cannot Connect to Secure Web Sites?
http://www.internetfixes.com/question_of_the_week/IF01127.htm
============================
8. Can I Remedy An Operating System Not Found Error? I Have Two Computers And When I Booted My Older One This Morning I Got This Error.
http://www.internetfixes.com/question_of_the_week/IF01128.htm
============================
9. How Do I Prevent CHKDSK From Running Every Time My PC Starts.
http://www.internetfixes.com/question_of_the_week/IF01129.htm
============================
Click The Link Below To Join My News Letter.
The Form At The Link Below Covers Both Monday and Wednesdays News Letter.
http://www.internetfixes.com/newsletter.htm
============================
Download 1000 Of My Tips On Ebay!
Over 600 Windows XP Tips!
11/11/2007 Added 100 New Vista Tips To The Download!
http://www.internetfixes.com/main_paypal.htm
============================
Function Keys F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 F10 F11 F12
http://www.internetfixes.com/definitions/IF01424.htm
============================
PC Problems? Use My New Detailed Help Form.
http://www.internetfixes.com/customer_support/help.asp
==============================
TIPS WITH FULL GRAPHICS! ALL ONE LOCATION!
http://www.internetfixes.com/tips_with_full_graphics.htm
============================
Have a Friend Or Colleague That One Of My Tips May Benefit? Forward This News Letter To Them!
***************************************************************
Message to subscribers: Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there
will be no Windows XP newsletter on Monday or Wednesday. Look
for your next edition on November 26.
***************************************************************
============================
Last Wednesdays News Letter Tips.
============================
1. Loss of Task Manager Functions.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01601.htm
============================
2. I Lost The Quick Launch Toolbar.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01602.htm
============================
3. Missing LAN Connection Icon In The Taskbar.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01603.htm
============================
4. Will Programs Stop Working After A Defrag.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01604.htm
============================
5. When I hit the START, ALL PROGRAMS I only get one column of programs. How can I spread them out to multiple columns.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01605.htm
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6. I replaced the modem in my computer but I have been told I need to turn the one off on the motherboard and I have no idea how to do that.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01606.htm
============================
7. Trying to setup network: If i ping from wireless router my ping works.. If I ping from cmd it does not,I tried echo.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01607.htm
============================
8. I would like to know some great things about Windows XP registry like ,how to show version of Windows of desktop right bottom I had seen this at my friends computer.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01608.htm
============================
9. "Network Connections" Folder Empty.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01609.htm
============================
10. In Windows XP, is there a way to make the contents of the clipboard visible or available over a network.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01610.htm
============================
Hardware And Software Vendor Phone List, A-K
http://www.internetfixes.com/IF01051.htm
Hardware And Software Vendor Phone List, L-P
http://www.internetfixes.com/IF01052.htm
Hardware And Software Vendor Phone List, Q-Z
http://www.internetfixes.com/IF01053.htm
============================
QUESTION OF THE WEEK!
============================
How Do I Prevent CHKDSK From Running Every Time My PC Starts
http://www.internetfixes.com/question_of_the_week/IF01129.htm
*******************************
FIVE VERY POPULAR TITLES!!
*******************************
IF01766 Easy enable real Administrator Account in Windows Vista Home Premium
http://www.internetfixes.com/administrator_account_vista_home/index.htm
==============================
IF01767 Keep User Account Control active, but get rid of annoying popups in Vista.
http://www.internetfixes.com/keep_vista_account_control/index.htm
==============================
IF01768 Transfer User Accounts, System Settings from XP to Vista.
http://www.internetfixes.com/transfer_user_accounts/index.htm
==============================
IF02011 Map a Network Printer In Windows XP.
http://www.internetfixes.com/network_printer/index.htm
==============================
IF02006 Using The Windows XP Event Viewer Log.
http://www.internetfixes.com/xp_event_log/index.htm
============================
Comments last week
Thanks to everyone who commented on the articles last week. You gave me more ideas and some good advice.
REVIEWS
Dr.Web CureIt - portable anti-virus and anti-malware scanner •
Ashampoo Firewall - good but only free with registration •
F-Prot - anti-virus for DOS •
ThumbWin vs RocketDock - what to replace Aero with? •
Jarte - a compact free WordPad replacement •
Chaos Manager - be rewarded for your organizing habits •
Virtual Magnifying Glass - free and open source magnifier •
FEEDBACK
Reinstall Windows and outfit your system with all freeware programs •
Cleaning Up Audio Files with Audacity •
COOL WEBSITES
XInbox - hide your email address online •
Newser.com - Faster, Smarter News•
---
COOL WEBSITES
Lala.com - a place to grow your music
Notes from ClifNotes, Nov 2007, permalink Web Service
This is an exciting time for the music listener. I think that the RIAA and the big labels are running out of steam and beating themselves up with their stupid legal fights against the common music user. There are brilliant people out there looking for a better way. As a consequence, we're going to see more easy to use and share music services. Lala.com is one of these unique new music services. I love this because it's completely legal.
click to expand picture
Quote from the website
Take your iTunes library and all your digital music online. Play from the convenience of the Web and share again in safety without viruses and taboos of P2P. When you've discovered a new artist, listen to their entire album and not just 30 second samples. We'll be paying for songs to make sure the artists are being compensated. LALA.COM will get rewarded when you decide to own that music.
http://lala.com
Songza - free streaming music with a nice interface
Notes from ClifNotes, Nov 2007, permalink Web Service
I tried out Songza and I am impressed with how easy it is to search for songs and play them from a browser page. The interface is really unique but very intuitive. I love it.
I wish there was a way to save the playlists. Maybe that will be coming soon.
Thanks to Daniel G for this recommendation.
click to expand picture
Quote from the website
Songza's primary purpose is to illustrate how to provide content using a "humane interface" — the term used by Jef Raskin to describe interfaces that reflect how people actually use software. Songza presents this concept through its clean, clutter-free design and transparent remote control. New features will be added in time.
http://songza.com
StartForce - web desktops that look and feel like Windows
Notes from ClifNotes, Nov 2007, permalink Web Service
I've lost count of the number of web desktop sites I've visited and tried out. StartForce is the closest I've found to the actually experience of a Windows desktop. Very nice, but not really that useful to me. Maybe you'll find a use for it? You never know.
click to expand picture
Quote from the website
Broadband desktop StartForce comes with file sharing, file storage, and file format changing functions. Without even installing StartForce, you can use it anywhere, anytime with the Internet.
http://startforce.com
CoolSites Newsletter this week
Here are a 6 links (out of dozens) from Mark's CoolSites Newsletter. Be sure to visit his site and see the rest of his links this week.
- Freeware by Steffen Gerlach: http://www.steffengerlach.de/freeware/index.html
- Freeware. Harmony Hollow Software - Web Development Software, Search Engine Optimization Software, and other Windows Software Downloads: http://www.harmonyhollow.net/
- Freeware. SysInternals - The Non--p0wned- collection: http://court.shrock.org/sysinternals/
- New. Dark Room is a full screen, distraction free, writing environment. Unlike standard word processors that focus on features, Dark Room is just about you and your text: http://they.misled.us/dark-room
- New. Self Image - The FREE (and open source) hard drive imaging utility for Windows: http://selfimage.excelcia.org/
- New. RealWorld Cursor Editor - Modify and create static (.cur) and animated cursors (.ani) of any size and color depth: http://www.rw-designer.com/cursor-maker
Quote from the website
COOLSITES is a list of safe, fun, useful, informative and just plain cool websites and programs that are FREE, FREE and FREE. All of the programs and websites I list are free. If I list anything that is so good but isn't free I will list the price with it.
http://luem42.googlepages.com/coolsites.html
Websites I've visited recently
Have you seen any cool websites you want to share with us?
NEW NEWS
SnapFiles.com - new and updated freeware
Source - http://snapfiles.com/freeware
News from Sarah in Tampa
Source - http://sarahintampa.com
Security news from Malware Advisor
blog by TeMerc Internet Countermeasures, source
Infected? Go to http://temerc.com for help
A view from CyberNirvana
CyberNirvana: Zia's blog about the web and web technology.
http://www.ziarezvi.com
OTHER STUFF
Get Gmail! and Get Firefox!
You need a free 2.8 GB Gmail account to access many of the cool features at Google. After more than two years in beta testing Gmail is open to the public. Just go to http://gmail.com and sign up for an account.
I think Gmail works best in the awesome Firefox browser. It's free, easy to use, and it's way more secure than Internet Explorer. My favorite thing to do is to customize Firefox so that it does much more than IE ever could. You can select new button controls for your toolbars, install extensions to add new features, or change the look of your browser with themes - the way Firefox looks and works is under your control.
Chatting at FreewareWiki
Now you can chat with anyone visiting a website by using Gabbly. To see who's gabbing at this website, click here.
Find out more about Gabbly.com
Frapper - you people live all over the world!
Wow! Over 800 people and still growing! I invite all of you to record your locations on this map. You can include as little or as much information as you wish. I think you'll enjoy seeing yourself there.
Here's a small look at my frapper map.
Write your own review
I get many of the reviews in the newsletter from the readers. You don't have to be a genius or computer guru. Just answer a few questions and send me a review. I'll probably put you in the newsletter.
What do you have to say?
Just tell me what article you are talking about and leave me your comment.
Have fun and surf safely.
Clif
http://clifnotes.net & http://freewarewiki.pbwiki.com
Devoted to promoting Freeware and Free Information
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