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Welcome to Clif Notes Newsletter

May 11, 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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REVIEWS

Genealogy Freeware - tips from the readers

Posted by ClifNotes, May 2008, permalink Genealogy - Family

Several people wrote in with recommendations about good free genealogy software. Here are few of them.

Good morning, Clif!

You mentioned The Master Genealogist, and wanted to know of any (good) freeware applications for genealogy. TMG, by the way, is the "ultimate" tool for recording family tree info. However, one that is not far behind is available in a free (standard) version. It is Legacy from Millenia Corp:
http://www.legacyfamilytree.com
The Deluxe version will only cost you $29.95.

Legacy Family Tree:
• Research Guidance - Researching your ancestry is easier than ever with Legacy's new built-in, 24/7 personal research assistant. Just choose your goal and Legacy automatically creates a To-Do list of expert suggestions and research tips.
• Publishing Center - Combine your favorite reports into an heirloom book. Add a Title Page, Preface, Dedication, Copyright Notice, and Abbreviations page, and Legacy will automatically generate the Table of Contents, Index, and Bibliography.
• Legacy Home - The new Legacy Home tab brings you genealogical news and Legacy tips (updated every day!), reminds you of upcoming birthdays and anniversaries, provides quick links for support questions, and has a built-in web browser -- now you'll never need to leave Legacy to surf the Internet.
• Timelines - Legacy now lets you see your ancestors' lives in history. Timelines can be merged with the ancestor's chronology giving you a sense of how they were affected by history.

For Linux users, there is Gramps:
http://www.gramps-project.org/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

Gramps:
GRAMPS is a genealogy program for Linux and other UNIX-like systems. It helps you track your family tree by allowing you to store, edit, and research genealogical data.

Mac Users are left out of the freeware stakes, at the moment. They may be helped in the future by a "work in progress" by Logan Alfred. Logan is building on an older version of PAF for Macs, with an entirely new application, now called MAF (was MacPaf). You can check on his progress at:
http://homepage.mac.com/logan/iblog/MacPAF/

MAF - formerly known as MacPAF:
A personal genealogy program for Mac OS X, modelled after a previous version of PAF for Macintosh called Family Records. This is a document-based Java-Cocoa implementation, intended to be familiar to previous users of Family Records.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/macpaf/
This project has not yet created any file release packages.

Lance

I use PAF - supplied by the Mormons here - http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/default.asp

You really need the PAF Companion too, to print the wonderful coloured charts - not free but costs less than US$7.

Those interested in genealogy should subscribe to the newsgroup - soc.genealogy.computing

Lefty

Personal Ancestral File:
Personal Ancestral File (PAF) is a free genealogy and family history program. PAF allows you to quickly and easily collect, organize and share your family history and genealogy information.

Genopro has a free version, also a version with nag screen. After using this for a while changed to the paid version which I do not recall as expensive, but it is very good.
RonR


GenoPro Free:
If you do not want to pay for GenoPro, you are welcome to download and use GenoPro version 1.70 (November 2002). This original version was completely free with no advertising and no reminders. The only drawback of this older version is the lack of new features. GenoPro has improved the genealogy software by including a Report Generator, the Table Layout, online publication, emotional relationships and several other great features, making the new product easier to use and more versatile.


Genopro 1.7 (free) - A free beta version is also available
http://www.genopro.com/free/


Vista Start Menu - replace your tired old start menu

Note from ClifNotes, May 2008, permalink Desktop Tools

I saw an article about good freeware start menu replacements and I tried out three of them. This one looked the best and loaded the fastest. If you want a cool looking start menu, this one is really nice. The feature that I found most useful is the program search box. It scans through the entire start menu to find what you need.

Note: It will place itself as an auto-run application in your registry. However, it's easy to change that in this program's configuration menu.

Quote from the website
Vista Start Menu is the convenient alternative to the plain Start menu you find in Windows XP and Windows Vista. The program uses your cognitive abilities (visual memory, reflexes,etc.); however, while it is easily understandable for beginners, it is also highly efficient for experienced users.

Go ahead and try replacing your Start menu right now! It is safe because Vista Start Menu does not change your system settings, thus making it easy to install, as well as simple to remove.

http://www.vistastartmenu.com/index.html


Index.dat Suite - the hidden truth about Internet Explorer

Notes from ClifNotes, Nov 2005 - Updated May 2008, permalink Browser Tools

What does Internet Explorer hide from us? IE hides information about web sites you visit in it's index.dat files. These files are nearly impossible for the average user to find and remove. Some people claim that it's a conspiracy between Microsoft and the U.S. Government.

The truth about the index.dat files: What, why and where?
by Steven Burn

Two of the most common questions I get asked are, "what are the index.dat files?" and "will deleting them harm my computer?", the answer to the second is quite simply, no - deleting them will not harm the computer, at all.

The answer to the first however, is not quite as simple.
read more

Notes from Clif
Not only does Steven tell us some of the history of index.dat files, he also offers a solution. Steven is the author of the well known freeware Index.dat Suite. Steven had recently updated the suite and it now supports 9x, ME, 2K, Server 2003, XP and Vista.

It's not uncommon for Internet Explorer to start getting buggy or slowing down. Quite often, I've seen experts recommend that you clean out all of your Internet Explorer temporary files and to clean up some of the other files not needed on your PC. If you've read Steven's article above, you'll also know that the index.dat files from Internet Explorer may also be a way for others to see your surfing history, if your PC should ever be accessed by someone else. Steven's Index.dat Suite is a tool that will remove the index.dat files and do much of the cleaning that is needed to keep your PC running smoothly. Here's what Steven says about it.

Index.dat Suite is a rather unique program that allows you not only to delete the index.dat files, temporary internet files, temp files, cookies and history, but it also allows you to view the index.dat files on your system.

Index.dat Suite's current features include;
View and delete index.dat files
View and delete Temporary Internet Files (TIF)
View and delete Cookies
View and delete History
View and delete Temp files
View and delete Recent Documents
Delete Typed URL's
Delete Prefetch folder contents
Auto-generation of batch file to assist in deleting the index.dat files in DOS.
Optional add to RunOnce registry key

Optional deletion of swap file (9x users only)
Optional defrag after file deletion
Full application logging

Download Index.dat Suite
9x, ME, 2K, Server 2003, XP and Vista

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

Search all the comments


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. CD/DVD not working correctly or not Showing Up at all.
http://www.internetfixes.com/newsletter_05_07_08.htm#1

============================
2. You get a warning that tells you that you don't have permission to access the files or folders.
http://www.internetfixes.com/newsletter_05_07_08.htm#2

============================
3. When I get a question about controlling a computer remotely I send them the following.
http://www.internetfixes.com/newsletter_05_07_08.htm#3

============================
4. When your XP Help Center is not working try the following.
http://www.internetfixes.com/newsletter_05_07_08.htm#4

============================
5. You are trying to install a program and you get the following error. Not a valid Win32 application.
http://www.internetfixes.com/newsletter_05_07_08.htm#5

============================
6. You want to Delete all the Restore Points on your XP PC.
http://www.internetfixes.com/newsletter_05_07_08.htm#6

============================
7. Explorer Redirect. You can redirect to just about any Drive or or Folder.
http://www.internetfixes.com/newsletter_05_07_08.htm#7

============================
8. Installing Remote Desktop on non-XP systems.
http://www.internetfixes.com/newsletter_05_07_08.htm#8

============================
9. Correct Script and Runtime Errors.
http://www.internetfixes.com/newsletter_05_07_08.htm#9

============================
10. Having Problems With The Microsoft Word Default New Page Template?
http://www.internetfixes.com/newsletter_05_07_08.htm#10

============================
11. Re-installing System Restore in Windows XP.
http://www.internetfixes.com/newsletter_05_07_08.htm#11

============================
12. You just upgraded to Windows Vista and are having trouble figuring out how the CD AutoRun feature works.
http://www.internetfixes.com/newsletter_05_07_08.htm#12

============================
13. You went to use your CD ROM drive for something and when you go to look for the icon it has suddenly disappeared. It was there a couple days ago, so how could it be gone now?
http://www.internetfixes.com/newsletter_05_07_08.htm#13

============================
14. You are having problems with IE 7 during startup, after startup or while surfing the net.
http://www.internetfixes.com/newsletter_05_07_08.htm#14

============================
15. You want to change the Download Directory that Internet Explorer Uses.
http://www.internetfixes.com/newsletter_05_07_08.htm#15

============================
150 WINDOWS XP RUN COMMANDS!
http://www.internetfixes.com/xp_run_commands.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

============================
Vista Run Commands.
http://www.internetfixes.com/vista_run_commands.htm

============================
Download 1000 Of My Tips!
Over 600 Windows XP Tips!
11/11/2007 Added 100 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

============================
Using Password Phrases For Better Security.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF02088.htm

============================
PC Problems? Use My New Detailed Help Form.
http://www.internetfixes.com/customer_support/help.asp

To Expedite The Answer I Send You Please Check Your Event Viewer And Include Any Errors It May Be Recording.
http://www.internetfixes.com/xp_event_log/index.htm

==============================
TIPS WITH FULL GRAPHICS! ALL ONE LOCATION!
http://www.internetfixes.com/tips_with_full_graphics.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

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


Comments last week

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

REVIEW
AVG Antivirus Free Edition 8 - please don't give us features we don't want •
Collanos Workplace - making work groups much easier •
glJakal's To Do - helps you stay organized •
JLC's Internet TV - free video from all across the globe •
PC Wizard 2008 •
Pingus - save the penguins •
Note-it - sticky notes that stand out •
Duotris - twice the game, twice the challenge •

FEEDBACK
Alternative Disk/Partition Cloning Tools from Free Biz Ware •

COOL
WebNotes at Aypwip.org - notes on the net in a flash •
Seeqpod - seek music and video to play in your browser •





COOL WEBSITES

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.

May 9 2008 COOLSITES Newsletter #164 by Mark Donaldson
• 8 Firefox Addons for Privacy and Security: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/keeping-safe-on-the-web-8-firefox-addons-for-privacy-and-security/
• New. Portable version of Visual Basic 6: http://users.wildblue.net/tarzanh/
• New. Radio Stream Player. This program allows you to stream online radio stations without having to run a bloated player, or having a internet browser window open: http://www.thexsoft.com/index.php?page=radio-stream-player
• Open Source Mac - Free, Open-Source software for OS X: http://www.opensourcemac.org/
• Should I Install XP Service Pack 3. No! Not until it's proven to be problem free which will take several months. Mark.: http://www.lockergnome.com/windows/2008/05/02/should-i-install-xp-service-pack-3/
• Update. Celestia 1.5.1 real-time 3D visualization of space: http://celestia.sourceforge.net/

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

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.



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 Meebo.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

Creative Commons License Please provide a link back to the webpage used if you publish any part of Clif's pages.


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