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Welcome to Clif Notes Newsletter

January 27, 2008

  
Hi Everyone.

Thanks for reading my newsletter. Each week, I will have freeware reviews, tips, tricks, news, and lots of cool websites for you to check out.

I hope you enjoy this week's letter. Be sure to write me for advice or yell at me for messing up.

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  1. Welcome to Clif Notes Newsletter
  2. REVIEWS
    1. DeepBurner - create usable CDs, not drink coasters
    2. Kryptonite - helps you learn HTML while you design
    3. Docx2RTF - convert Office 2007 formats to something you can use
    4. WinLibre - a collection good freeware with a pick and choose installer
    5. Google Docs Uploader - now an easy way to take your office docs into Google Docs
    6. Old Newsletter
  3. TIPS AND FEEDBACK
    1. Frapper - you people live all over the world!
    2. What free software do you need?
    3. Last.fm helps to free the music
    4. Lifehackers Exclusive Line of Productivity Software
    5. Redneck Power Windows
    6. Internet Fixes Weekend Windup
    7. Comments last week
  4. COOL WEBSITES
    1. MeeMix - web radio exactly as you want to hear it
    2. Verify Email Address - who emailed you, are they real?
    3. instaSaver - create your own screen savers
    4. CoolSites Newsletter this week
  5. NEW NEWS
    1. SnapFiles.com - new and updated freeware
    2. News from Sarah in Tampa
    3. Security news from Malware Advisor
    4. A view from CyberNirvana
  6. OTHER STUFF
    1. Chatting at FreewareWiki
    2. Write your own review
    3. What do you have to say?


REVIEWS

DeepBurner - create usable CDs, not drink coasters

Notes from ClifNotes, Jan 2008, permalink CD-DVD Burning Tools

Here's a recent review from John Hood's website:
It's been a few months since I've visited John's website. He's switched his site over to using TiddlyWiki as a publishing tool. It's a nice easy tool to use and John has done a super job using it. You certainly won't find many sites like his. He's honest to the point of being blunt and he always has your best interests in mind when he publishes a recommendation.

DeepBurner
John H., 20 January 2008 (created 20 January 2008)

Pluses - - burn data CDs/ DVDs - burn audio CDs - create and burn ISO images - bootable CD/DVD support. All of this is easy to find and execute, and not one coaster created.

Minuses - - The default setup has the file explorer window and the burn control window on top of each other. Changing it to "cascade" or "Tile vertically" helps this.

Website

click to expand picture
Quote from the website
Currently, there are two versions of the program: DeepBurner Pro and DeepBurner Free. Both of these versions provide high quality CD/DVD burning for everyday and special needs. However, the Pro version has some additional, advanced features. This comparison table will show you which version of DeepBurner would suit you better.

Features DB Pro DB Free
Burn data CDs/DVDs Yes Yes
Burn AudioCDs Yes Yes
Create and burn ISO images Yes Yes
Bootable CD/DVD support Yes Yes
Disk-to-disk copy Yes No
Burn Video DVDs Yes No
Backup utility Yes No
Burn photo albums Yes No
Burning from the command line Yes No
Drive and media restoration/information utility Yes No


Kryptonite - helps you learn HTML while you design

Notes from ClifNotes, Jan 2008, permalink HTML Editors

The author of this program, Prads, wrote me and asked me to review an HTML editor he designed. I downloaded it and then installed with no problems.

I went through and explored the menus. Everything seems to be working, although I'm not sure how the project management works. I like the selection of HTML commands available in the Insert menu. I especially like the preview window that shows you how your site will look.

I think this will be a good starter program for those who want to really learn HTML. If you are already a webmaster, it may not have enough features to keep you interested.

click to expand picture
Quote from the author:
Kryptonite is a free HTML editor that allows you to create your HTML pages and create your own websites. It allows you to start new website project and maintain it. Kryptonite is made for users to create websties quickly, however users are encouraged to learn HTML. Kryptonite has features to add code for creating tables, inserting pictures, adding background etc but having knowledge of HTML prize you the power to twist the code yourself so that it suits you and your website's style.

Some Features of Kryptonite:

  • Allows you to edit/create a single HTML file or create/edit an entire web-site Project.
  • Has many built-in codes for adding links, Bullets and Numbering, Layer, Marquee etc which helps you to create your websites quickly.
  • On-edit feature that allows you to see the design of your web page and change the code at the same time.
  • Run-mode uses IE components which enables you to see almost the exact design of the code.
  • Has Font test and Hex Color test tools that helps you to test or choose the fonts or color before using them.
  • Project Explorer helps to explorer and choose the page you want to edit or duplicate.
  • Programmed in such a way so that it becomes very light weight and small.
  • Has code highlight function for easy viewing of code. (Note: Do not try this function in very big HTML files or it may take several minutes and takes alot of memory.)
  • Can Undo upto 100 characters approx.
Website - Download


Docx2RTF - convert Office 2007 formats to something you can use

Notes from ClifNotes, Jan 2008, permalink Document Conversion

Here's a portion of a review from the Freeware Genius blog

A program like Docx2Rtf , however, gives you the ability to free a Word 2007 document from Office and convert it altogether to .RTF, which will allow you to use any word processor program to edit and/or work with the document.

To test this program I created a .DOCX document that included tables, special characters, some bolded, italicized, and underlined text, a formatted image, an embedded Excel sheet, a numbered list, and a URL linked to a text lable. For the results (and more notes on this program) see below:
read the rest of the article

click to expand picture
Quote from the DocxRTF website
Microsoft introduced the .docx file format in its new Office and Word applications and wants it to replace the commonly used doc format. The problem with the change from doc to docx is that many users are still working with prior versions of Word or no Microsoft product at all and face the problem that they can’t load the docx file because it is not supported in their application. To make matters even worse, the trial version of Word 2007 will only save in the new docx format and has the 'Copy' and 'Paste' functions disabled. Anyone who created documents in the new Word 2007 trial edition were forced to save in the new format with no chance to transfer their own information to another application. Once the trial expired, you had two choices - buy Word 2007 in order to retrieve your information or re-enter all that information once again in another application.


http://www.nativewinds.montana.com/software/docx2rtf.html


WinLibre - a collection good freeware with a pick and choose installer

Notes from ClifNotes, Jan 2008, permalink 5oftware Collections

Here's a good collection of freeware with a unique installer that lets you pick and choose what you want.

click to expand picture
Quote from the website

  • WinLibre is a rigorous selection of free, legal software for Windows 98, 2000, XP
  • WinLibre packages this quality software in a complete and coherent product
  • WinLibre software meets your essential needs : Office (word processor, spreadsheet, presentation), Internet (web, email, messaging), Multimedia (music, video), Create (drawing, music), Tools (file compression, antivirus)
  • WinLibre automates and simplifies their installation
  • WinLibre stands in two versions: a complete autonomous setup (151 MB) and, a mini setup (0.6 MB) which downloads from Internet the selected software at installation time.
  • After having downloaded and launched ~Winlibre , choose the software to be installed in a single click. Winlibre will install them for you.


http://www.winlibre.com/en/index.php


Google Docs Uploader - now an easy way to take your office docs into Google Docs

Notes from ClifNotes, Jan 2008, permalink Office Suite

Here is some good news from Sarah In Tampa:

Quote from Sarah:
Finally! The tool we have all been waiting for has arrived! On Thursday, Google released a file uploader utility for Google Docs. Although I had wanted to use Google Docs as another platform for online storage (since no one gives you enough space!), getting all my docs uploaded was a tedious process since each had to be uploaded individually.
read the rest of the article


Download page

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

Frapper - you people live all over the world!

Wow! Over 900 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.



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

Search all the comments



Last.fm helps to free the music

Notes from ClifNotes, Jan 2008, permalink Multimedia Streaming

I ran across this in the freeware news the other day.

Quote from the website
As of today, you can play full-length tracks and entire albums for free on the Last.fm website.

Something we’ve wanted for years—for people who visit Last.fm to be able to play any track for free—is now possible. With the support of the folks behind EMI, Sony BMG, Universal and Warner—and the artists they work with—plus thousands of independent artists and labels, we’ve made the biggest legal collection of music available to play online for free, the way we believe it should be.


Lifehackers Exclusive Line of Productivity Software

Notes from ClifNotes, Jan 2008, permalink 5oftware Collections

Here's a good selection of tools from LifeHacker.

Quote from the website
Not only do the editors here at Lifehacker feed your head with a feast of posts every day, every once in awhile we put our programming chops to good use and build custom software for our readers. If you've missed any of the Lifehacker Code line of applications, scripts, and plug-ins, here's your chance to get caught up


http://lifehacker.com/347269/lifehackers-exclusive-line-of-productivity-software


Redneck Power Windows

review from ClifNotes, Jan 2008, permalink Funny

Here's a funny video submitted by Tiffany:

How to look cool if you're a redneck with an old car or truck.

**************
Tiffany Cartier
********************************************
http://tiffanycartier.stumbleupon.com/
http://hello-kitty.group.stumbleupon.com/ =^..^=
********************************************

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Bd876iqGdT4

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 Wednesdays News Letter Tips.
============================
1. Is there any measures I can take to protect myself from viruses using Outlook Express?
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01975.htm

============================
2. What is the difference between COMMAND and CMD DOS Virtual Machine in Windows XP?
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01976.htm

============================
3. When I start my Computer A little page comes up about TrayApp telling me to insert disc Which I don't have and don't know what TrayApp is for.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01977.htm

============================
4. I have a file on my Desktop that I can’t get rid of. I have Right Clicked and selected delete with no luck. I tried to Drag and Drop the file in the Trash Bin again with no luck. Can you help.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01978.htm

============================
5. Can you tell me how to Capture a Screen Shot of an Error Message that I want to send you from a Windows Problem I am having?
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01979.htm

============================
6. I don't like IE 7 and would like to put IE 6 on instead. Can I do this with Vista?
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01980.htm

============================
7. What is the InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT.exe)?
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01981.htm

============================
8. How can I attach an audio file to an email and have it start to play as soon as they open the email?
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01982.htm

============================
9. Just a Hard Disk Space saving Tip From Me.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01983.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

Computer Motherboard And Chipset Drivers.

http://www.internetfixes.com/IF01057.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

============================
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 Vista Tips To The Download!
http://www.internetfixes.com/main_paypal.htm

Comments last week

Thanks to everyone who commented on the articles last week. You gave me more ideas and some good advice.

REVIEWS
AllChars - easy addition of special accent characters when writing •
NetSetMan - manage multiple network setups easier •
MooPlayer - small, simple and portable video viewer •
BurnAware - stand aside Nero •
Wavosaur - does some jobs better than Audacity •
Zipeg - see images in your zipped files before you unpack them •
Portal - flash version of a popular game •

TIPS AND FEEDBACK
10 Useful Plugins for Windows Live Writer •
2007 Microsoft Office Add-in: Save as PDF or XPS •

COOL WEBSITES
Portable apps at TopFreeware •
Kwout - a brilliant way to quote •





COOL WEBSITES

MeeMix - web radio exactly as you want to hear it

Notes from ClifNotes, Jan 2008, permalink Multimedia Streaming

MeeMix is similar to Pandora because it allows you to create your own radio stations or listen to other people's radio stations. I like the interface and the music was clear with no stuttering.

click to expand picture
Quote from the website
We all love music, movies and TV shows but it seems as if there are just too many of them for us to find what we want, when we want it.

This is what we're here for: free, personalized and interactive entertainment. Doesn't that sound great? MeeMix is a place where you don't have to WORK to listen to the music you love. It's a place where you can sit back and enjoy the music and share your personal station with others. And this is just the beginning.

  • Create dynamic play lists (Mee stations) using only artist name or favorite song title.
  • Customize stations further by using ‘mood’ (relax < -- > party) and ’surprise me’ sliders.
  • Broadcast and share your stations with friends.
  • Rate playing tunes (from -6 to +6 ) to improve music recommendations.
  • Create and save as many music stations as you want.
  • Browse stations created by other users: by genre (Rock/Pop, Alternative, HpHop/ R&B, Metal and Country/Folk), by popularity, Top 100, etc.
  • Do you have a Twitter account? Twitt currently playing songs to your profile.
  • Totally free and legal.
http://www.meemix.com/intro/


Verify Email Address - who emailed you, are they real?

Notes from ClifNotes, Jan 2008, permalink E-mail Security and Encryption

Some spam and phishing emails are just believable enough to make you curious to see if there's some truth to them. Just in case your curiousity needs satified, you can see if the person who sent these is using a real email address.

click to expand picture
Quote from the website
This email verification tool actually connects to the mail server and checks whether the mailbox exists or not.

What is being verified:
Format: "name@domain.xxx"
Valid domain: "somebody@new.york" is not valid
Valid user: Verify that the user and mailbox really exist


http://verify-email.org/


instaSaver - create your own screen savers

Notes from ClifNotes, Jan 2008, permalink Desktop Tools

Here's a tip from Brandon Watts at Lockergnome.com.

Quote from the website
I used to be into screensavers back in the day, but nowadays, I don’t really care which one I use. I’ll usually just pick one that’s been included with the operating system, tweak one or two of the basic settings, and then call it a day. The only time that I’ll ever have to mess with it again is if something somehow goes wrong with it. Screensavers used to provide a good way to personalize your computer, and I suppose they still do, however, I don’t even remember the last time that I downloaded one. A Web service called instaSaver enables you to create screensavers that contain your favorite pictures, and it just might give me the push that I need to get back into these visual distractions.

read the rest of the article


http://www.instasaver.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.

January 25 2008 COOLSITES Newsletter #149 by Mark Donaldson

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





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://zia.blogspot.com/





OTHER STUFF

Get Gmail! and Get Firefox!

You need a free 6 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.

Get Firefox!


Chatting at FreewareWiki

permalink

Now you can chat with anyone visiting a website by using Meebo. To see who's gabbing at this website, click here.

Find out more about Gabbly.com

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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