Software and Hardware Tips & Tricks

What's That CPU?

If the system has DirectX installed, the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (Dxdiag.exe) will not only tell who made the CPU but also give its current clock frequency.

Launch Dxdiag from the Start menu's Run dialog. If it doesn't start, or if it doesn't show the processor speed, you may not have the most recent installation of DirectX. Get the latest version from www.microsoft.com/directx. You'll find that other tabs in this diagnostic tool provide useful information. The Display tab lists details about your display adapter and its drivers; the Sound tab does the same for your sound card.

There's a another tool that is the de facto standard for CPU identification. It is the free tool called wcpuid.exe, available from: http://www.h-oda.com/ (Your browser may ask if you want to install various Asian character sets to view the pages; you can say no; the download link, and the actual software, is in English.)

It's incredibly thorough and will probably tell you more than you'll ever need to know about your CPU, chipset and system memory.

Failed Updates

Lots of readers have trouble with Windows Update--- either the site itself, or the process of updating from one version of Windows to another. Here's one specific glitch (and a solution), plus additional links that may help if you run into this or any of a wider range of Update problems:

This error occurs when the Catroot2 folder on your system is corrupt. Actually, deleting or hiding the Catroot files (catalog root) solves a number of problems, because it forces the Update "wizard" to look at what's actually on your system, rather than what was recorded (perhaps incorrectly) in the catalog. Follow the steps mentioned below to rename the Catroot2 folder

1. Close all open programs, including McAfee or other Anti-virus program.

2. Rename the C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 folder to C:\Windows\System32\CR2OLD. (In Windows XP the CATROOT2 folder should be located in C:\Winnt\System32 folder).

Now try installing the updates.

More help, moving from the specific to the general:

"Catroot" issues:

http://www.google.com/search?q=Catroot

Discussion on 'Failed Windows Update Problems:"

http://www.tek-tips.com/gviewthread.cfm/lev2/67/lev3/70/pid/615/qid/534059

DVD Alphabet Soup

OK, there's DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, and maybe a couple more I'm forgetting. Confused? You're not alone!

Here is what I found that I think would be very useful to anyone wanting to know about DVD types, formats:

http://www.dvdirect.com/TSS/charts/DVDFormats.htm

[Back to top]

Freebies

A fantastic Open Source/freeware Password Management tool is Oubliette, has a very clean interface and the author has thrown in a tons of options. The download page for the software is at http://www.tranglos.com/free/index.html, and you also can access it through the SourceForge listing at http://sourceforge.net/projects/oubliette/

{Back up or sync files} Back up or synchronize important files to another drive, directory, or network. SyncBack is configurable and integrated with Windows Scheduler for automating backups. You can accomplish a simple backup by entering the destination and source directories and running it from there, skipping all other configuration. It successfully copied everything in the source directory in the backup directory. Process took less than five minutes. This is a good solution for those on a network or have backup media. From what I can tell, you can't ftp the files.

OpenOffice is more than a word processor; it is a full suite of office applications to rival Microsoft Office. It lacks some of the applications in the full Microsoft package and those that are included lack some of the more advanced features, but then at a cost of nothing against several hundred pounds it still represents pretty good value for money. The core code is the same as that used in the commercial package StarOffice, but it has been developed by a group of open source programmers. Full details can be found at the OpenOffice web site where the latest version can be downloaded. A new version of this software has recently been announced with some very powerful features, some of which do not come with even a standard setup of Microsoft office.

CutePDF Printer allows any individual to quickly and easily create compact PDF documents from ANY Windows application

This is just a small selection of the types of free software applications you can find out there. Another one you may find useful when downloading the others mentioned is Download Accelerator Plus, an advertising supported application with a commercial big brother that makes it easier and potentially quicker to download multiple files and store them on your hard drive. This can be downloaded from the DAP web site http://www.speedbit.com/.

File2File http://cryptomathic.com/file2file/index.html is a secure yet ultra-simple and free encryption tool that's ideal for ad-hoc and everyday encryption of files and folders.
AxCrypt uses AES 128-bit file encryption. It's a free tool, published under the terms of the GNU General Public License of the Free Software Foundation.

Minimize *Anything* To The Tray
PowerMenu allows you to minimize any application to the tray area, it also allows you to set the program priority and window transparency from the system menu. Plus you can set any window to be always on top.
AllToTray allows you to minimize ANY window to your System Tray. It adds the option -Minimize to Tray- to the System menu of the window. If you have checked this option, this tool will minimize the window to your System Tray any time you minimize it. You minimize the window as usual (mouse or keyboard). To restore the window just click on its icon from the System Tray....

Find Your Lost "Product Key"
KeyFinder is a small download that will help find your lost Product Key. Works for Windows an d Office 2003, 2003.

Change "Open With" On The Fly
To open a file with an application other than the one(s) it is associated with, and to have number of choices to appear along with the other applications that show on the drop-down menu with a right mouse click on the file name, go to Baxbex OpenExpert. They offer a free download of their openexpert. exe. It works like a charm, and eliminates the need to directly tinker with the Registry.

{Anti-virus}
Try Avast. It has a major advantage...whereas AVG by grisoft can be programmed manually to check for updates once a day, Avast checks constantly for updates if there is an Internet connection present. It also provides a much more user-friendly, un-DOS like user interface which is great for newbies.
The AntiVir Personal Edition offers the effective protection against computer viruses for individual and private use on a single PC workstation. In order to make an easy operation possible, the AntiVir Personal Edition is developed to take care of the essential points. The private and individual use of the AntiVir Personal Edition is completely free of charge! The reliability of AntiVir is demonstrated in numerous comparison tests and references featured in independent trade journals.

[Back to Top]

{Personal Web server}: Abyss Web Server X1 [133K] Win9x/2k/XP
http://www.aprelium.com/abyssws/
{Personal Web server} Running a Web server isn't just for hosting a Web site on a computer. It's a great tool for learning .asp, .php, and .cgi scripting. Apache is one of the more widely used free Web server applications, but it's complicated and not easy to learn without some help. Furthermore, it does .php, but not .asp. Microsoft's IIS is another tool, and you can install it to learn .asp, but not .php. Abyss Web Server can support .asp, .php, and PERL after downloading additional free software. Abyss uses a graphical user interface for managing the server, making it easier for users to manage, even remotely. The application is small by server standards, and doesn't hog the memory. Expect the basics found in server applications including HTTP, keep-alive, CGI, SSI, index file, aliases, MIME types, and custom error pages support. Those who have yet to make the move into managing a Web server may find this a good place to start before trying the bigger and fancier apps.

[Back to Top]

DOWNLOAD: CDex v1.51 [1.90M] Win9x/2k/XP FREE
http://www.cdex.n3.net/
I'm a complete music fanatic. I'm open to many different styles of music, and always enjoy listening to and playing music. Because of this addiction, I like to have my library of CDs available on the computer for my listening pleasure. This way I can take the collection of tunes with me on my laptop, or on my iPod that I don't own. CDex makes ripping my CD collection to the computer a little bit easier.

CDex is a program that is mainly focused on ripping and converting music files, but it can also do other audio related things as well. Pop in that CD of yours and have CDex extract the songs to the WAV format or a compressed audio format. The program features a nice list of encoders, including Ogg Vorbis and Monkey's Audio. You can also convert WAV files sitting on your hard drive to a compressed format and vice versa. Recording from your analog input line is also supported in the software. CDex is a nice program that I have found to work rather well. Besides, there must be a reason why it's one of the most downloaded programs on SourceForge (number two at the time of this review). Bring your Michael Bolton collection to your computer... and then run far, far, away.

[Back to Top]

CD Burner Software[2.6Mb] Win9x/2k/XP FREE
deepburner/
XP has built-in CDR burner software, but it can't yet burn DVDs on its own; and earlier versions of windows can't burn anything without extra software. The usual commercial choices--- Nero and Roxio--- not only require payment, but their software is rather large due to all the many add-ins and extras they include. Roxio, in particular, is an enormous suite of tools for everything from managing your vacation photos to assembling MP3 collections---- and oh, by the way, it's burner software, too. 8-)

In contrast, Deepburner doesn't try to do everything--- it tries to do a few things very well (see features list: http://www.deepburner.com/?r=features ).

[Back to Top]

DVD Shrink Windows 9x/2000/XP
DVD Shrink is software to backup DVD discs. You can use this software in conjunction with DVD burning software of your choice, to make a backup copy of any DVD video disc.

DVD Shrink will also burn your backup DVD. If you already possess alternative burning software and prefer to stick with it, then you can still use DVD Shrink. The output from DVD Shrink can be saved as files on your hard drive, which you can then burn with software of your choice.

[Back to Top]


What's That CPU? If the system has DirectX installed, the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (Dxdiag.exe) will not only tell who made the CPU but also give its current clock frequency. Launch Dxdiag from the Start menu's Run dialog. If it doesn't start, or if it doesn't show the processor speed, you may not have the most recent installation of DirectX. Get the latest version from www.microsoft.com/directx. You'll find that other tabs in this diagnostic tool provide useful information. The Display tab lists details about your display adapter and its drivers; the Sound tab does the same for your sound card. There's a another tool that is the de facto standard for CPU identification. It is the free tool called wcpuid.exe, available from: http://www.h-oda.com/ (Your browser may ask if you want to install various Asian character sets to view the pages; you can say no; the download link, and the actual software, is in English.) It's incredibly thorough and will probably tell you more than you'll ever need to know about your CPU, chipset and system memory. Failed Updates Lots of readers have trouble with Windows Update--- either the site itself, or the process of updating from one version of Windows to another. Here's one specific glitch (and a solution), plus additional links that may help if you run into this or any of a wider range of Update problems: This error occurs when the Catroot2 folder on your system is corrupt. Actually, deleting or hiding the Catroot files (catalog root) solves a number of problems, because it forces the Update "wizard" to look at what's actually on your system, rather than what was recorded (perhaps incorrectly) in the catalog. Follow the steps mentioned below to rename the Catroot2 folder 1. Close all open programs, including McAfee or other Anti-virus program. 2. Rename the C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 folder to C:\Windows\System32\CR2OLD. (In Windows XP the CATROOT2 folder should be located in C:\Winnt\System32 folder). Now try installing the updates. More help, moving from the specific to the general: "Catroot" issues: http://www.google.com/search?q=Catroot Discussion on 'Failed Windows Update Problems:" http://www.tek-tips.com/gviewthread.cfm/lev2/67/lev3/70/pid/615/qid/534059 DVD Alphabet Soup OK, there's DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, and maybe a couple more I'm forgetting. Confused? You're not alone! Here is what I found that I think would be very useful to anyone wanting to know about DVD types, formats: http://www.dvdirect.com/TSS/charts/DVDFormats.htm [Back to top] Freebies A fantastic Open Source/freeware Password Management tool is Oubliette, has a very clean interface and the author has thrown in a tons of options. The download page for the software is at http://www.tranglos.com/free/index.html, and you also can access it through the SourceForge listing at http://sourceforge.net/projects/oubliette/ {Back up or sync files} Back up or synchronize important files to another drive, directory, or network. SyncBack is configurable and integrated with Windows Scheduler for automating backups. You can accomplish a simple backup by entering the destination and source directories and running it from there, skipping all other configuration. It successfully copied everything in the source directory in the backup directory. Process took less than five minutes. This is a good solution for those on a network or have backup media. From what I can tell, you can't ftp the files. OpenOffice is more than a word processor; it is a full suite of office applications to rival Microsoft Office. It lacks some of the applications in the full Microsoft package and those that are included lack some of the more advanced features, but then at a cost of nothing against several hundred pounds it still represents pretty good value for money. The core code is the same as that used in the commercial package StarOffice, but it has been developed by a group of open source programmers. Full details can be found at the OpenOffice web site where the latest version can be downloaded. A new version of this software has recently been announced with some very powerful features, some of which do not come with even a standard setup of Microsoft office. CutePDF Printer allows any individual to quickly and easily create compact PDF documents from ANY Windows application This is just a small selection of the types of free software applications you can find out there. Another one you may find useful when downloading the others mentioned is Download Accelerator Plus, an advertising supported application with a commercial big brother that makes it easier and potentially quicker to download multiple files and store them on your hard drive. This can be downloaded from the DAP web site http://www.speedbit.com/. File2File http://cryptomathic.com/file2file/index.html is a secure yet ultra-simple and free encryption tool that's ideal for ad-hoc and everyday encryption of files and folders. AxCrypt uses AES 128-bit file encryption. It's a free tool, published under the terms of the GNU General Public License of the Free Software Foundation. *Minimize Anything* To The Tray PowerMenu allows you to minimize any application to the tray area, it also allows you to set the program priority and window transparency from the system menu. Plus you can set any window to be always on top. AllToTray allows you to minimize ANY window to your System Tray. It adds the option -Minimize to Tray- to the System menu of the window. If you have checked this option, this tool will minimize the window to your System Tray any time you minimize it. You minimize the window as usual (mouse or keyboard). To restore the window just click on its icon from the System Tray.... Find Your Lost "Product Key" KeyFinder is a small download that will help find your lost Product Key. Works for Windows an d Office 2003, 2003. Change "Open With" On The Fly To open a file with an application other than the one(s) it is associated with, and to have number of choices to appear along with the other applications that show on the drop-down menu with a right mouse click on the file name, go to Baxbex OpenExpert. They offer a free download of their openexpert. exe. It works like a charm, and eliminates the need to directly tinker with the Registry. {Anti-virus} Try Avast. It has a major advantage...whereas AVG by grisoft can be programmed manually to check for updates once a day, Avast checks constantly for updates if there is an Internet connection present. It also provides a much more user-friendly, un-DOS like user interface which is great for newbies. The AntiVir Personal Edition offers the effective protection against computer viruses for individual and private use on a single PC workstation. In order to make an easy operation possible, the AntiVir Personal Edition is developed to take care of the essential points. The private and individual use of the AntiVir Personal Edition is completely free of charge! The reliability of AntiVir is demonstrated in numerous comparison tests and references featured in independent trade journals. [Back to Top] {Personal Web server}: Abyss Web Server X1 [133K] Win9x/2k/XP http://www.aprelium.com/abyssws/ {Personal Web server} Running a Web server isn't just for hosting a Web site on a computer. It's a great tool for learning .asp, .php, and .cgi scripting. Apache is one of the more widely used free Web server applications, but it's complicated and not easy to learn without some help. Furthermore, it does .php, but not .asp. Microsoft's IIS is another tool, and you can install it to learn .asp, but not .php. Abyss Web Server can support .asp, .php, and PERL after downloading additional free software. Abyss uses a graphical user interface for managing the server, making it easier for users to manage, even remotely. The application is small by server standards, and doesn't hog the memory. Expect the basics found in server applications including HTTP, keep-alive, CGI, SSI, index file, aliases, MIME types, and custom error pages support. Those who have yet to make the move into managing a Web server may find this a good place to start before trying the bigger and fancier apps. [Back to Top] DOWNLOAD: CDex v1.51 [1.90M] Win9x/2k/XP FREE http://www.cdex.n3.net/ I'm a complete music fanatic. I'm open to many different styles of music, and always enjoy listening to and playing music. Because of this addiction, I like to have my library of CDs available on the computer for my listening pleasure. This way I can take the collection of tunes with me on my laptop, or on my iPod that I don't own. CDex makes ripping my CD collection to the computer a little bit easier. CDex is a program that is mainly focused on ripping and converting music files, but it can also do other audio related things as well. Pop in that CD of yours and have CDex extract the songs to the WAV format or a compressed audio format. The program features a nice list of encoders, including Ogg Vorbis and Monkey's Audio. You can also convert WAV files sitting on your hard drive to a compressed format and vice versa. Recording from your analog input line is also supported in the software. CDex is a nice program that I have found to work rather well. Besides, there must be a reason why it's one of the most downloaded programs on SourceForge (number two at the time of this review). Bring your Michael Bolton collection to your computer... and then run far, far, away. [Back to Top] CD Burner Software[2.6Mb] Win9x/2k/XP FREE deepburner/ XP has built-in CDR burner software, but it can't yet burn DVDs on its own; and earlier versions of windows can't burn anything without extra software. The usual commercial choices--- Nero and Roxio--- not only require payment, but their software is rather large due to all the many add-ins and extras they include. Roxio, in particular, is an enormous suite of tools for everything from managing your vacation photos to assembling MP3 collections---- and oh, by the way, it's burner software, too. 8-) In contrast, Deepburner doesn't try to do everything--- it tries to do a few things very well (see features list: http://www.deepburner.com/?r=features ). [Back to Top] DVD Shrink Windows 9x/2000/XP** DVD Shrink is software to backup DVD discs. You can use this software in conjunction with DVD burning software of your choice, to make a backup copy of any DVD video disc. DVD Shrink will also burn your backup DVD. If you already possess alternative burning software and prefer to stick with it, then you can still use DVD Shrink. The output from DVD Shrink can be saved as files on your hard drive, which you can then burn with software of your choice. [Back to Top]