Gadgets Blog » Software

The End of Windows XP

Dan Evans — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 17:22:54 +0000

Microsoft’s long line of operating systems defined an era of computing, and with good reason. Beginning with Windows 95, the company’s dedication to a user-friendly interface was remarkable. Early Windows operating systems were an excellent blend of graphical design and power using, with both serious and recreational users able to do what they wanted with the system.

However, later upgrades didn’t always precipitate the market change that Microsoft had wanted. The ill-fated Windows ME saw only a short span before being replaced by Windows XP. Most recently, the new Windows 7 system is having difficulty making its way into the computer market mainstream. Many companies and users initially opted to stay with Windows XP, which had remained a reliable choice even after the release of Windows Vista.

However, it appears that this trend is gradually dying, with more and more users making the switch from XP to Windows 7. The latest system from Microsoft has sold over 250 million copies so far, marking it as a tremendous success and a much-needed breakthrough after customer dissatisfaction with Windows Vista. The last hold-out on older operating systems, however, is only now getting under way.

Consumers are typically the first to adopt a new product once it hits the market, and consumer reaction to Windows 7 has been strong. Businesses, on the other hand, oftentimes hold out for quite some time before upgrading. This waiting period is typically used to see how effective the new product is, as well as to examine any disadvantages there might be with making the change.

Microsoft has been taking a number of steps in order to move this process forward. First and foremost, the Windows 7 Service Pack 1 had its details released to the Web earlier last week. In what could be taken as a good sign, the service upgrade is relatively minor, with a small number of bugs and other graphical alterations to be made. In particular, the new service pack is targeted at server computers, with some of the features it adds being taken from Windows Server 2008.

These upgrades will likely come in handy for firms considering the interface update. In the meantime, the deadline to switch still looms on the horizon: In 2014, Microsoft will cease providing support for XP, effectively ending its time on the PC market. Users who wish to make the upgrade now can take advantage of some great deals. Microsoft currently has reduced prices for XP users thinking of making the switch over.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/vibrantspirit/2160530435

Time for a Change: Inside Intel’s Upgrade Service

Dan Evans — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 20:22:14 +0000

As far as computer hardware companies go, few have the same level of brand recognition as Intel. The classic four-toned advertisements from the 1990s established the manufacturer in the public eye, and with good reason. Intel’s world of computer processors has fared well in the 21st century, with the chips being incorporated into laptop computers, smartphones, and tablets. However, if you happen to have an Intel chip in a desktop computer, upgrading to a new CPU has been one of the more difficult and technically challenging upgrades to make.

Intel, in an innovative idea, has decided to simplify this process. The Intel Upgrade Service is a new program intended to allow users to upgrade their computer without needing to make physical changes to the computer. Intel’s latest run of computer chips offered consumers a puzzling choice: pay a premium to unlock additional computing power, or do nothing and enjoy a reduction in the processing power.

The move has seen both supporters and detractors, with compelling arguments on each side. In order to make the upgrade, users purchase an online product from Intel, which then downloads an executable file to their computer. This file launches an upgrade process on the computer, unlocking the additional computing power. The entire process is simple to follow, a lot like installing any other file from the Internet.

Supporters of the measure point out its a great way to make upgrades to a computer more viable. Some users won’t require the extra memory, thus enabling them to save on the less expensive chip in the short-run. However, others are upset that Intel would put a product to market and also deliberately block out part of its physical capability. To them, the chip should be usable as it is. It will be interesting to see if this idea catches on to other aspects of computing.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/huangjiahui/4907798630/

Free Mac Software: Three Essential Apps

Dan Evans — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:05:19 +0000

Oh, and did we mention that they’re all free?

As a first-time Mac owner, I’ve been slowly adapting to the difference between Mac OSX and Windows, and I must say that the transition hasn’t always been a smooth one. While both Mac OS and Windows come with their own suite of programs intended to give the user a solid base to work with, Windows benefits from having a better selection. The content-management system on a Mac is built around the program that are initially included, which is great for beginning computer users, but annoying for someone who knows what they’re doing. At any rate, today we’re looking at three great apps for Mac that will streamline your computing!

GIMP

Short for GNU Image Manipulation Program, GIMP is the Mac answer to Microsoft Paint. Except that it’s light years better. Gimp is used primarily for simple and straightforward image manipulation, including cropping and retouching pictures. This is an excellent addition to your Mac if you don’t want to shell out the big dollars for a more powerful program such as Adobe Photoshop. The user-interface is straightforward and intuitive and should be familiar to anyone with other image-manipulating experience. It can also combine multiple images into an animate GIF format, which is a great option to play around with.

Adium

Adium provides a solution for people with many friends using multiple platforms of instant-messaging. The freeware program logs into a variety of IM programs at the same time, allowing you to chat with anyone who happens to be online. Such programs include MSN, AIM Chat, and Facebook, making it an excellent way to interact with all your friends regardless of their IM habits. If you’re looking for a better way to stay socially active online, Adium centralizes your IM activity.

Neo Office

Perhaps the most unfortunate part of the Mac OS is its complete lack of anything resembling Microsoft Office. Many people, including myself, opted to buy Office for the Mac to fix this problem. However, Neo Office offers a free solution to this problem, complete with word processing, slideshow presentations, and spreadsheet calculations. This provides a great alternative to Word, Powerpoint, and Excel. The Neo Office programs fulfill all the needed functions and are designed to be similar stylistically to their Microsoft counterparts. Therefore, the learning curve to do some advanced formatting is virtually zero. A must-have if you’re a Mac user!

Protect Your Computer: Best Anti-Virus Software

Dan Evans — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:18:16 +0000

While smart and careful computing is the best line of defense against malicious computer viruses, sometimes even the most cautious users can inadvertently infect their computers with malware, spyware, and other disastrous programs. Luckily there’s a bevy of programs on the market that can serve as a great security measure on your laptop or computer. Today we’ll be taking a look at three of the best programs for computer security.

Bitdefender Total Security 2010

While it doesn’t have the same name recognition as other anti-virus softwares, Bitdefender Total Security 2010 edition offers one of the most comprehensive protection plans available on the market. In addition to traditional protection methods, such as scheduling regular scans and quarantining malicious files, Bitdefender scans email, downloads, and even instant messages in real-time providing up-to-the-minute defense against computer viruses. For the 2010 edition, scans were made less intrusive and the program size was diminished, allowing it to smoothly run in the background of other operations. Additionally, Bitdefender has a highly-customizable automation options, allowing everyone from the computer-savvy to the electronically illiterate to compute with security.

Norton AntiVirus 2010

Developed by longtime industry leader Symantec, Norton has become synonymous with anti-virus protection and with good reason. The program offers frequent comprehensive updates against the latest security threats and capably runs full-system scans. New for 2010 is the introduction of the SONAR2 system, which updates against breaking threats, viruses, and trojan horses in realtime, so long as an Internet connection is present. The latest version of Norton has been engineered for speed, with a streamlined interface giving you a comprehensive look at your computer security with easy-to-navigate menus. An additional feature, essential for computers racked with viruses and worms, Norton Bootable Recovery offers a final wall of protection on important files, enabling you to salvage what’s on your hard drive even if the rest of the computer is shot.

Webroot Antivirus Spy Sweeper

Our final program is great for those who are most unfamiliar with the inner workings of their computer. Webroot is by far the most user-friendly program on this list, with everything from installation to the monitoring of files and scans designed to be streamlined and efficient. Like any solid anti-virus program, Webroot minimizes it’s computer lode while other applications are running, while still keeping a constant protection running in the background. Webroot excels in hunting down spyware and even warns the user when a website begins downloading illicit programs unannounced. With a full year of help support included in the retail package, this can be a great program for family members who need human interaction to conquer tough problems.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/sanjayaprime/3490081105/

Review: Sync Your Portable Files with GoodSync2Go

Dan Evans — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:16:23 +0000

Taking documents from computer to computer can be a difficult task, but a variety of solutions are available to combat this 21st Century dilemma. Some embrace the notion of cloud computing, such as the always-present Google Documents option. Under this method, all files are saved in a format accessible via the Internet, from wherever you can bring up your email. This option has a great deal of flexibility in terms of accessibility, but there are some drawbacks: primarily, it is impossible to access your documents without an internet connection. While the Internet is becoming more and more available, there are some instances, such as while commuting via airplane, where Internet simply isn’t available. How then, does one manage transporting documents under such circumstances?

Enter GoodSync2Go, a software designed to solve these synchronization problems and bring all your important files with you wherever you go. As a clarification, there are two different iterations of this software. The first is the GoodSync, which works on any desktop or laptop and operates out of that computer’s hard drive, and GoodSync2Go, which is installed directly onto a thumbdrive or external hard drive and can then be operated on any computer it’s plugged into.

The synchronization process that GoodSync2Go uses goes under the terminology “jobs.” A job enables you to back up all relevant information on a specific program. I’m a music enthusiast, so I set about setting up backups for two main programs: iTunes and Ableton Live. This process required running the executable file located on the thumb drive. This brought up a window in which I could select program files to back up to the disc. The first time this feature was used, it was as simple as copying the files from the left hand side of the window to the right hand side, a drag-and-drop exercise much like copying the files without use of the program. I transferred the files to a friend’s computer, where they unloaded with minimal hassle, but again, this was a feature that was done even easier via ordinary operating system functions: Finder and Explorer for Mac and PC respectively.

Some of the difficulty in using the software comes when these files are synced with the thumb drive, as the software is for. I found this to be particularly frustrating when using the software to sync my Ableton Live files. These files, in case you don’t know, belong to a music programming software, and I was working on them on multiple machines. When both the file on my first computer and the file on my second computer had been modified, GoodSync2Go had difficulty determining what to do, and this lead to some manual backing up of software. However, for iTunes, and other files which I was not actively editing, the program worked great.

As a whole, I would strongly recommend the program if you’re intending to back-up files that are not being actively worked on. If you’re looking for software to protect and insure your important documents, this can be a great way to ensure you’ll have backup copies. If you’re looking for a program that offers greater flexibility, you’re better off taking the old-fashioned method I often employ: emailing things to myself.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/stevendepolo/3721247490

7 Fantastic Tools For Remote Printing

gadgets — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:48:17 +0000

Image: Thomas Hawk

Remote printing makes it possible to use different computers to share printers. It also allows you to print directly from an application, such as Word, Outlook, or Photo Editor, to any printer in the world that is connected to a computer. Basically, you’re printing isn’t limited to the local printer.

Another useful feature of remote printing is to use it for faxing documents to just about any printer that you wish. This would make fax machines obsolete, which can help save money on having to buy them in the first place. It’s also possible to send a fax over the Internet to any fax machine using the same process – it’s as easy as printing a document.

There are a variety of different ways to configure a local computer to print to a remote location. Possibly the easiest way to setup remote printing from a computer to a remote printer is to use software that allows you to configure a local computer with just about any printer. When it comes to remote printing software, there are many good choices out there – some are free, some are not. Here’s a short list of easy to use applications for configuring your computer to print remotely to any printer.

1. Remote Print Manager (RPM)

RPM is a cross-platform print application that can receive documents from any type of client (Mac, Linux, PC, AS/400 etc…) and print them out to any printer. RPM will only install on a Windows-based PC, which is one of its only drawbacks. This software can also convert documents to PDF, HTML, and PCL. In all, The RPM application will allow you to print to as many as 24 printers at once.

2. Net2Printer

Net2Printer is an alternative to faxing and e-mailing documents – it can basically eliminate the need for a fax machine. The software works by turning your computer into a virtual fax machine that can send an unlimited number of faxes to any printer that that is configured to accept these transmissions. The process is very easy to do, and it makes remote printing as easy as sending an email. The software itself is free to download, but anyone who sends documents to a remote printer will have to pay an annual fee for doing so – the person receiving the faxes are not charged a fee. Overall, Net2Printer is a much more cost-effective way of sending faxes than having a dedicated fax line from the phone company.

3. PrinterShare

This remote printing software package is one of the best, and easiest, on the market right now. PrinterShare is compatible with Windows, Linux and Mac operating systems, although at this point it’s not fully-compatible with Windows Vista. The best part about this software is that it’s completely free to use, although it does include some banner advertising on prints (as most free applications do). There’s also a paid subscription option that will eliminate the banner ads, but it’s a bit more expensive than the other remote printing software alternatives.

4. The Phone Company’s Remote Printing Service (TPC)

This isn’t actually software, but it’s a way to send a fax to just about any fax machine around the world through either email or a web browser. TPC is a very useful site for sending faxes, and the process to do so is as easy as sending an email (see screenshot). The best part about this service from TPC is that it’s completely free to use. There are limitations to this service though, the main one being, only certain areas of the world are within the coverage of this service. Check TPC’s Remote Printing Coverage List to find out if they service the area you wish to fax.

5. I’m InTouch

This useful software package is perfect for someone that’s always on-the-go and needs access to their computer’s desktop from remote locations. I’m InTouch not only provides a good remote printing feature, but it also provides full access to the desktop of any computer that is configured with the software. You can gain access to the desktop of any computer via laptop, desktop computer, or other portable devices such as a Blackberry. This software is only compatible with Windows operating systems.

6. GoToMyPC

This popular software package is a lot like the I’m InTouch application in that it allows the user to access their entire desktop from their home or work computer via any computer in the world. GoToMyPC will automatically sync files and folders between computers, and it will also print to any configured computer remotely. This software is loaded with features and government-standard encryption for the highest security possible.

7. TeleDesktop

TeleDesktop is again a way to access your home or office desktop from any computer in the world. This is a Windows-based program, which is it’s main drawback, because Mac user’s are out of luck. This application will print remotely over the Internet, LAN, WAN, dial-up. Maybe the best feature of this software is the fact that it’s entirely free to download and use.

Father’s Day Gift Idea: Computer Games

gadgets — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:18:02 +0000

Looking to get some quality time with dad? With the new software coming later this year, you have just enough time to get hooked on Electronic Arts’ Left 4 Dead ($27.99), an interactive zombie shooter with great graphics and four campaigns.

You can play alone with three computer associates or online with three friends. Fighting for your survival, you are surrounded by Infected and must shoot or blast your way out. Dim lighting, creepy graphics and spooky audio make for intense exploration of dark rooms and corners that can very well be hiding a super mutant.

Make it to a safe house and take a break from this action-packed horror-filled universe, but guaranteed you’ll want to jump right back in. No puzzling plot lines or deep character development, zombies are simple-minded folks. They’re set to kill and their eyes are on you. Get your shotgun and a couple friends and have a blast. What better way to bond with dad than fighting your way out of a zombie apocalypse?

If you haven’t played this yet, you might be the only one. I even know parents who have joined the virtual world of Paladins, Mages, Taurins and Undead because of this multi-player RPG.

The World of Warcraft Battle Chest by Blizzard Entertainment ($36.99) includes the base game software and the Burning Crusade expansion pack so it’ll keep you busy much longer than the 14-day guest pass that’s also included. It allows for thousands of online gamers to interact and play in the same world at the same time.

Be warned though, WoW is addictive and you’ll find yourself coordinating schedules with your new online buddies to run instances, explore dungeons and battle with other guilds. Choose your side, good or evil, and customize not only your character’s appearance, but his skills when you choose his profession. This online gaming world will soon become your second life, especially if your aim is to work up through level 70.

Get them both from Amazon and get free shipping on purchases over $25.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more video games and software.

What to Look for When Buying a Firewall

gadgets — Fri, 22 May 2009 18:42:31 +0000

Unfortunately, the Internet is not a safe place. Whether you’re using a desktop or laptop, you’ve got to be protected (insert obvious condom comedic reference here). People spend big bucks on security and firewalls to thwart attackers. Think back to Harrison Ford in the movie of the same name, that was an extreme case but just the same, your firewall is your first level of protection.

A correctly configured firewall will keep out most baddies and people intending harm to your system. At the office, it can keep you from visiting “undesirable” web pages like pornography or wasting time on Facebook – called content filtering – or keep out jerks who want to hijack the company website for there own amusement. At home, issues can be just as potentially harmful with intruders spying on your personal information.

When you employ firewall software or hardware, think of it as a dual-duty operation. On one hand it blocks traffic to your system, and the other allows traffic, both based on the rule set you’ve provided.

For the general user, the terms can be daunting, especially when trying to avoid security risks. Do I want it embedded? Who is this SOHO person? I thought that was a city in New York? At a basic level, there’s the simple broadband router that screens content – like packet filtering.

Netgear WGR614 802.11g Wireless Router with 4-Port Switch: $31.46

A level up would be a system that inspects the new content and checks it against content that’s previously been approved or accepted. To be most secure, though, the proxy server is preferred.

This guy changes outbound and inbound IP addresses and then compares them against the given rule set for admittance so there’s no “direct” traffic.

Basically, you want to find something that complements your network, is manageable and affordable. Most use the stateful inspection and proxy method and will walk you through installation. You want to look at how many users you have, less users = less RAM. You want NAT capabilities, which most will have. If you’ll be streaming, you want a VPN. And you want it the ability to log as many different events (by IP address, date, time, domain name, etc.) as possible with different content filters. Most importantly, ask questions.

Even with these access limitations, clicking on the wrong webpage or opening an undesirable file can cause havoc with your system. That’s why it’s advisable to implement programs like Norton Anti-Virus and Spybot as support to your firewall defense.

Norton Antivirus 2009: $14.95

That way, you can probably avoid most compromises to your system from intruders, spyware and viruses.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for firewall hardware and security software.

Top 8 Helpful Gadgets for the Unemployed

gadgets — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:00:23 +0000

Just about everyone knows someone who recently got the dreaded “pink slip” or is that unfortunate person himself.

Hopefully, these items can aid in a speedy recovery.

1. Laptop – For your remote job searching and resume storage, something like the HP Business Notebook 2133 is small but mighty. With a 120GB 5400-rpm hard drive, 8.9″ widescreen display, and Wi-Fi capability, this notebook can help you find your next job and then at 2.6 lbs. it slips easily back into your bag for mobility. Save $30 on your first purchase at Buy.com (until April 30 no code required) off the $479.99 price, and you can save $40 with a manufacturer’s rebate.

2. All-In-One Printer/Scanner/Fax/Copy – If you haven’t already, there’s no better time to set up that home office. Gone are the days of exploiting the office printers for your CD covers and Borders coupons. You’re going to be printing and faxing applications and resumes so you need a machine that does it all. Like the LexMark X3470 All-In-One or HP Officejet J4580 All-in-One Printer Fax Scanner Copier at about $70, it’s a good investment in yourself. Think of all the money you’re saving by not having to go to Kinko’s every time.

3. Nova Development Winway Resume Deluxe – Affordable at $34.99 and because you want to stand out from the crowd, it’s time to revise and renew the old resume. Features enhanced Resume Auditor to catch mistakes before employers do and a Merriam-Webster English Language Resource disc with a 70,000+ word dictionary, a 157,000+ word thesaurus and other reference tools.

4. Nova Development Berlitz Spanish Premier- Learn a new and valuable skill while waiting for employers to call you in. Imagine the opportunities adding “bilingual” to your list of abilities can bring. Italian, French and German are also available. Starts at $35 and up.

5. Total Training Educational Software – For Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, any of these educational training softwares can aid you in becoming adept in these popular programs and can build your resume skill set, helping you gain an extra edge over the competition. From $32-$190.

6. Stamina InMotion E-1000 Elliptical Trainer - At $70, or about 2 month’s gym membership, bring the gym to your house. Stay fit and motivated, hey, you’ve got the time now so no more excuses! Replicates the elliptical machine, but without the bulky arms and front console resulting in lightweight and easy closet storage.

7. Apple iPod shuffle 2GB – Affordable musical entertainment. At $60, it can store up to 500 songs and be worn on your arm, sleeve, belt, bag, etc. Upload some motivational tunes to keep you going through those workouts and prep before interviews. Maybe something like Joe Esposito’s “You’re the Best”, ala Karate Kid soundtrack. Classic.

8. Solo Business Cases Leather BiFold Padfolio-At $28, appearances count, whether for the interview you’re going to score or even at the coffee shop, you gotta look professional. Great for keeping resumes and calling cards on hand — you never know who you might run into, and how embarrassing to be unprepared. Also available with a zip around feature, to keep those important docs from falling out, for about $35.

H&R Block Deal: Save 15% off TaxCut at H&R Block

nick — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:02:08 +0000

If you haven’t done your taxes yet, you still have some time. I’m not here to tell you you’re late on filing with Uncle Sam.

But what I am here to share with you is a way to save on filing your taxes.

Maybe you thought of H&R Block as a place that only prepares your tax returns, but you’d be surprised, as they also sell software to allow you to prepare it yourself. Right now, you can save 15% off the tax preparing software TaxCut from H&R Block. All you have to do is click on the product and the savings is applied for you.

Why pay someone else to do it when you can do it yourself at a discount price.

To check out more deals and coupons for H&R Block on Smarter, click here.

To go to H&R Block, click here.