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Newsletter Archive Reviews Archive 
Welcome to Clif Notes Newsletter
February 17, 2008
REVIEWS
HobComment - a better way to add file and folder comments
Notes from ClifNotes, Feb 2008, permalink File Management
Last week, Grant wrote in to say that he uses an alternative to the Annotsx file comment extension.
Thanks for the great tip Grant!
I am writing about a much better file annotator shell extension alternative to AnnotSX, FileNote or Mike Lin's Clipomatic.
I use "HobComment Explorer Extension v1.07 beta."
The great thing about this is it creates a column in Windows Explorer, so the annotation is always visible. You do not have to rest your cursor over the folder or right click on the folder to see the comment.
- It's a little extension for Windows Explorer. It permits you to add comments for each folder (directories).
- On NTFS partitions, you can add comments for files too.
- You see the comments by adding a new column to display the comments
- You can change the column title in editing this registry key :
HKCR\CLSID\{586B1DED-828A-4CFE-B6B9-6B5E49DBB6E3}\ColumnTitle.
- Freeware
http://www.dr-hoiby.com/CommentExt/index.php
I like it so much I add it to any new PC or laptop I build.
- Install the software.
- In Windows Explorer, right click the column headers > More > File/Folder Comments > put a check next to it File/Folder Comments > use the up arrow keys to move the File/Folder Comments up in the list so its next to the Name checkbox > OK
- Now you should see the column in Windows Explorer. Right click on any folder and select Comment.
Sincerely,
Grant
Windows Home Server - how to make it work for you
notes from ClifNotes, Feb 2008, permalink Misc Server Tools
If you don't read Dave's Computer Tips, you will miss out on some great articles. In his last issue, Dave gives us an in-depth look into Windows Home Server.
So what can Windows Home Server do for you?
- Backup and Restore all the PCs on your home network
- Shared Storage for all your PCs
- Remote Access to your files from anywhere on the net
Quote from Daves Computer Tips:As a home user you may have never seen a server, and that is to be expected, as they most often reside in a business environment. This is slowly changing as servers offer many benefits that shouldn't be limited to businesses ... in August of 2007 Microsoft decided to release the software as Microsoft Windows Home Server, thus allowing users to install the software on computers of their choice ...
Pocket K-meleon - web browsing with no install and no tracks left behind
Notes from ClifNotes, Feb 2008, permalink Web Browser
I've mentioned this web browser before. K-meleon (sounds like "chameleon") is like a little brother to Firefox and Seamonkey. Here's a quote from the K-meleon website at SourceForge.
K-Meleon is an extremely fast, customizable, lightweight web browser for the Win32 (Windows) platform based on the Gecko layout engine (the rendering engine of Mozilla). K-Meleon is free, open source software released under the GNU General Public License.
I use it often at work. In my experience, it's much faster than Firefox and IE while surfing. It's light weight and fires up fairly quickly.
I recently found this portable version and it's just what I needed on my USB stick.
Quote from the Apps To Go website
Pocket K-Meleon is a fully portable and compressed packaging of K-Meleon 1.x. No special launcher is needed and only a single profile is used. (If you want multiple profiles, use KMprof to launch Pocket K-Meleon.) By default, the size of the browser disk cache and length of history have been set to zero to extend the life of USB flash drives.
To install, simply unzip all folders and files to a folder of your choice on any read/write drive. Then run the browser via K-Meleon.exe.
http://appstogo.mcfadzean.org.uk/kmeleon.html#pkm
Offline NT Password & Registry Editor - did you lose your Windows login password?
Notes from ClifNotes, Feb 2008, permalink Security Tools
Tony at Top Freeware wrote me with a good story about restoring access to a PC.
Thanks Tony.
Quote from Tony:Recently, I had the task of trying to hack into a clients VISTA computer.
You see, he had forgotten his password, now I thought that you could go through safe mode like XP and change it, because XP creates a default administrator account when installed.
I was wrong, you have to do this yourself if you install VISTA.
So being a freeware researcher I went on the hunt for the right tools to either, find out his password or change it somehow.
I downloaded this program that allows you to change your password it’s called Offline NT Password & Registry Editor
http://home.eunet.no/~pnordahl/ntpasswd/
Then I realised that it comes with UBCD (Ultimate Boot CD), I recommend this tool on my site and it’s very essential for computer technicians I think.
So I printed off the instructions and went to work.
The result was a successful administrator account created with no password set, now if you have this problem you have a solution.
After I did this I also found another application that is much easier to use, it’s called password changer it’s a demo version but you can still use it. This one resets your password.
http://www.password-changer.com/download.htm
Anyway heres a very useful page I found, that lists even more tools to do the job
http://www.petri.co.il/forgot_administrator_password.htm
Till next time, take care
Tony
DivX Web Player - better videos in your web browser
Notes from ClifNotes, Feb 2008, permalink Multimedia Streaming
A few days ago I ran into a video site called Stage6. I wanted to view some videos there but I had to install something I'd never heard of. It's called the DivX Web Player plugin.
I was skeptical at first, but I have used the DivX format before to view movies. I installed it and I haven't had any problems. The streaming content is much better quality than what I'd been used to.
Has anyone else here tried it?
http://www.divx.com/divx/windows/webplayer/
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
PC Tips on Security from TopFreeware
Notes from ClifNotes, Feb 2008, permalink Security Tools
Tony at Top Freeware wrote me a while back. He's got an updated set of security advice for PC users.
Thanks for telling us Tony.
Quote from the website
This advice is reposted from the advice given by Tony Klein, the acknowledged spyware & malware expert who supports many forums such as CastleCops on the net. I have slightly modified it
Special thanks also goes to the Southern Lady for giving me the permission to post this
You usually get infected because your security settings are too low
Here are a number of recommendations that will help tighten them, and which will contribute to making you a less likely victim:
http://www.topfreeware.net/tips/pcsecurity.htm
Ten Must-Have Plug-ins to Power Up Pidgin
Notes from ClifNotes, Feb 2008, permalink Instant Messaging
I still use a portable version of Gaim when I need an instant messenger client. Last year, it changed names, and now it's called Pidgin. The LifeHacker site has a great article on plugins for Pidgin. I guess I'll have to look into updating my old version now.
Quote from the website
Cross-platform, multi-protocol instant messaging application Pidgin is very functional, but by default it's not what most people would call sexy. But like many great software projects, from Firefox to foobar2000, the looks and extra functionality are there—you just have to know where to find them. Today we're taking a look at 10 of the best Pidgin plug-ins for taking Pidgin from drab to fab.
http://lifehacker.com/356291/10-must+have-plug+ins-to-power-up-pidgin
Tips from Geert Moernaut - runscanner and lansweeper
Notes from ClifNotes, Feb 2008, permalink Windows Tips
Occasionally I get letters from freeware authors. Here is a letter from Geert Moernaut. If you have used or are using either of the programs he mentions, I'm sure he'd like to see some feedback from you. Just comment below.
click to expand picture
Quote from the letter:
Hi Clif,
Here are some tips for the freeware newsletter.
Runscanner : freeware startup analyser http://www.runscanner.net
Lansweeper : freeware hardware software and network inventory http://www.lansweeper.com
I'm the author of both programs, if you have questions, please contact me.
Regards
Geert Moernaut.
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. Put a Restart or Shutdown Button on the Vista Desktop
http://www.internetfixes.com/restart_shutdown_button_vista/index.htm
============================
2. Checking For Viruses
http://www.internetfixes.com/check_for_virus/index.htm
============================
3. Using Windows Vista System Restore
http://www.internetfixes.com/vista_system_restore/index.htm
============================
4. System Restore Is Not Working For Some Reason. I Am Going To Have To Re-install XP. Is It Possible To Re-Install System Restore?
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01911.htm
============================
5. I Have Done This Before But It Has Been Awhile. How Do I Enable Or Disable The Active Desktop In XP?
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01912.htm
============================
6. I Am Back! I Asked You Last Week About Deleting A User Profile. Now I Need To Create A New User Account Profile. Can You Help?
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01913.htm
============================
7. How Do I Clear System Restore Points To Improve Performance And Add A Little Spare Space?
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01914.htm
============================
8. Is It Possible To Create A Desktop Shortcut To The Windows XP Disk Defragmenter.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01915.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
============================
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!
============================
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
============================
Last Wednesdays News Letter Tips.
============================
1. Set XP To Automatic Logon
http://www.internetfixes.com/xp_automatic_logon/index.htm
============================
2. Open Programs Fast by Assigning A Shortcut Key
http://www.internetfixes.com/open_programs_using_shortcut_key/index.htm
============================
3. Repair the Defrag Utility in Windows XP.
http://www.internetfixes.com/repair_defrag_utility/index.htm
============================
4. How Can I Restore The Missing Address Bar In Internet Explorer Even Though The Option Is Enabled On The View Menu
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01916.htm
============================
5. Is It Possible And If So How Can I Add/Remove/Disable Start Up Options In Windows XP?
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01917.htm
============================
6. Can I Install Windows XP On A SATA Hard Drive And How Many Problems Should I Expect?
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01918.htm
============================
7. Make A Web Page Available Offline In Windows XP!
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01919.htm
============================
8. Where Is The Run Button In Windows Vista?
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01920.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
*******************************
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
jZip - a free WinZip alternative •
TeraCopy - a better copy and move for Windows •
AnnotSX - file annotator shell extension •
SurF - unique Explorer replacement •
VirDir Manager - assign drive letters to folders •
Waluigi World - Mario is missing? •
FEEDBACK
VHS to DVD in Six Steps - online course for you •
Your MySpace Web Browser is Coming •
The Best, Free Alternatives to Nero CD/DVD Burner •
COOL
DizzyWood - virtual play-world for kids •
Learn new languages online: Babbel •
ExtractVideo - download online videos fast •
COOL WEBSITES
Tower Bloxx - a simple online game that's fun and challenging
Notes from ClifNotes, Feb 2008, permalink Games
I tried out this game for a few minutes. It's so easy, yet so hard. I think some of you will like it.
Quote from the review site:
From developer Digital Chocolate comes a web adaptation of the immensely popular mobile phone game, Tower Bloxx. All you need to play is one button — either the mouse or down arrow key — and a sharp pair of eyes.
read more
Play the game:
http://tower.bloxx.fizzlebot.com/
Free Mac Ware - great site for free OSX stuff
Notes from ClifNotes, Feb 2008, permalink 5oftware Collections
There seems to be a shortage of free stuff for Macintosh PCs. If you know of any great freebie Mac sites, be sure to comment below.
Here's one that looks fantastic.
Quote from the website
At FreeMacWare.com, we try to be just a little different from the other download sites. We only review freeware for Mac OS X, and we aren’t trying to find all the freeware out — just the best. We review freeware that both we and our readers have found, and we post everyday. At the end of each post, you will find a link to the developer’s site so you can learn more, make sure the freeware is compatible with your system, and download the latest version.
http://www.freemacware.com/
Gate2Home - your universal keyboard
Notes from ClifNotes, Feb 2008, permalink Cool Website
I've had people ask me this a few times. "How can I type in another language?". Now I have a good answer. Just go to Gate2Home and you can choose from many languages.
Quote from the website
This site enables you to write in your language wherever you are in the world, with an online onscreen keyboard emulator.
The main purpose of this site is to let everyone who gets stuck without the ability to write/type/search the internet in their own language be able to do just that (usually travelers/tourists or anyone in front of a foreign computer).
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.
• Firefox addon. Chickenfoot is a Firefox extension that puts a programming environment in the browser's sidebar so you can write scripts to manipulate web pages and automate web browsing: http://groups.csail.mit.edu/uid/chickenfoot/index.php
• Freeware by Vasilios: http://www.vasileios.gr/freesoft/
• Freeware. CrystalXP.net - Graphics & Windows Customization: http://www.crystalxp.net/en.htm
• MagicBook - Free coloring book program and coloring pictures for kids!: http://www.nirp.co.uk/themagicbook/
• MOVIE TOOLBOX- 85+ Tools and Resources for Movie Fans: http://mashable.com/2007/09/16/movie-toolbox/
• New. Enso Words gives you spell-check power for all of your favorite programs, from Microsoft Word and Mozilla Firefox to Macromedia Fireworks: http://www.humanized.com/enso/words/
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.
Chatting at FreewareWiki
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
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