January 8, 2006
Happy New Year! This week, I've written about some security issues that you should keep in mind while you are surfing. See my New News section about patching the new security hole in Windows, and be sure to check out my Tips section for the Ten Net Commandments from SpywareInfo. I've also written a few articles about screen savers this week. The wrong screen savers can be bad for your PC. I hope you enjoy this week's letter. Be sure to write me for advice or yell at me for messing up. |
Website - Freeware
reviewed by ClifNotes, Jan 2006
Why did I wait so long to try this great tool? I've seen WordWeb around for a long time and I was never tempted to try it. Now that I've got WordWeb on my PC you should start seeing some improvement in my vocabulary. This program is a keeper.
WordWeb is a 6mb download and is packed in a typical Windows installer. When the program first starts, you get the option of running it as a desktop application or as a system tray application. If you choose the system tray option, the program will start every time Windows does so that it's always available.
To use WordWeb, all you have to do is highlight any text word and press CTRL-ALT-W on your keyboard. WordWeb senses this and immediately pops up to offer you the definition, nearest correct spellings, synonyms, antonyms and more.
WordWeb is a cut-down version of the WordWeb Pro that is free for personal use. It includes a comprehensive English thesaurus and dictionary, and can be used to look up words from within most programs. Features of the free version include:
Definitions and synonyms
Proper nouns
Related words
Pronunciations 140 000 root words
115 000 synonym sets
Look up words in almost any program
Millions of people from all over the world use this top-rated software.
Website - Freeware
reviewed by ClifNotes, 14 Nov 2004
I am really impressed with this program. It works extremely well, and it's very easy to use. Another thing I really liked about it was the ability to export your diary pages to html so you can publish them on the web. This might be a really good application to store emails from your friends because you can copy and paste right from a webpage into your diary. When you minimize the diary, it goes to the system tray. When you click to bring it back up, it asks for your password. The password feature is a must with any personal diary software, and the encryption is an unexpected bonus.
iDailyDiary Free Version
iDailyDiary provides a simple interface that immediately gets you started taking daily notes, creating a journal, putting your thoughts into writing and much more.
The iDailyDiary editor is "richtext" with the ability to insert graphics, URL's, Hypertext links and links to other diary pages. iDailyDiary is fully searchable so you can always track down those important dates and reminders.
Key Features
• Data files encrypted and password protected
• Richtext Editor
• Fully Searchable
• Insert Pictures, URL's and Hypertext
• Multiple "pages" for each day
• Export to HTML format to create web pages
• Supports Unicode (non-western character sets)
• Mutli-Language GUI, including Chinese, Dutch, French, German and Italian
http://www.splinterware.com/products/idailydiary.htm
Website - AdWare - not recommended
reviewed by ClifNotes, Dec 2005
I can't say this often enough. Be careful when you go out on the web to find freeware. Stay at trusted sites. It's easy to be fooled, as I nearly was by this program.
I found this program at the website and it says "Freeware" but they are not telling us the truth. After I downloaded it, I fired up the installer program and the the license stated that I had to load some adware with the screensaver if I wanted to use it. I was fearless, because I had my protections on and I proceeded to install the screen saver and the WhenU adware. Needless to say, I wasn't happy with the adware or the screen saver program. It was not difficult to uninstall either one, but don't waste your time on adware programs like this. There are plenty of good freeware screensavers.
Date added: 11/30/2005
Time added: 11:47:17 AM
File size: 3.25 mb
Publisher: homepage
License: freeware
category: Screen Savers
Description:
A flight of fancy will get us somethere beyound our imagination. We will find ourself hovering about the Christmas paradise. Fasten your safety belts, calm down your mind and let your spirits fly in the winter sky!
Website - Freeware
reviewed by ClifNotes, Jan 2006
BootSafe is a very small program which allows you to easily reboot into safe mode and then back to regular mode again without the frustration of trying to hit the F8 key at the right time. Just download the program and double click it to run it. No installation is needed and it's so simple to use that no help files are needed.
Sometimes it's best to run virus scans or scan for adware and spyware from safe mode. Defragging your hard drive is also easiest to do from safe mode.
Website - Freeware joke program
reviewed by Giorgos, December 2005
Excellent fun program and a security suite against stress. This app doesn't require the free registration at the forum, which is required by most of the DonationCoder programs, although I can't see the reason why anyone wouldn't want to join the forum community.
Try to activate Dr. Windows, or try to enter a registration key. It's self cracking. :-) I have to go now. Dr. Windows informs me that I have to refill my cup of coffee.
Dr.Windows protects your computer against common errors.
Actually.. that's not true.
Dr.Windows is really a harmless joke/prank/trick program that will periodically display funny joke error messages to unsuspecting users.
Use it to play jokes on your family members - just don't be too cruel, or they'll come blaming us when they figure it out.
Comes with over 50 fun dialogs, but the main fun is making your own!
Polymorph Website - Freeware
reviewed by ClifNotes
Here is a safe and free screen saver. It's also very entertaining to watch. Polymorf is a small download and includes an installer. It also has a multitude of settings that will let you tweak it to make it look exactly how you want it to look.
The Polymorf3D screen saver displays a shiny colourful 3d shape that morphs and transforms itself over the screen, with an array of rainbow colours in the background.
Website - Freeware
reviewed by BillAllin
Though many freeware programs will play MP3s and other audio formats, only Passion Audio Player gives me chills of excitement when I listen to favourite tunes on my computer. In addition to the commonly included features of pitch, tempo and sample rate variations, playlist assembly, shuffle, streaming audio and so on. It has a preamp (with ON/OFF switch) and ten equalizer slides that cover an unusually wide range (which adds richness to the sound) and may be set on Auto. With so many features it includes and formats it accommodates (through BASS API 2.2), it's best to direct you to the web site.
NOTE: The latest version is 2.3, but some freeware sites still have the older v2.2 if you search for download sites. Version 2.3 is so complete that the author doesn't even have a plan for what else he could add in a future version. I can understand why.
The Audio Player for those who have passion with PCs and music. My ambition
is to make it the absolute audio player.
PricelessWare Website - Freeware index
reviewed by ClifNotes, Jan 2006
The beginning of a new year is always a good time to check out the Pricelessware list of the year's best freeware. It's difficult to find a better place to load up on great freeware that has been tried and reviewed. The Pricelessware list is the best of the best in Freeware that has been selected by the participants in the alt.comp.freeware Usenet news group.
If you ever have a question about any freeware application, or are looking for freeware for a specific job, go to ACF (news:alt.comp.freeware) to ask. You will rarely find this group at a loss for words of advice. One easy way to join the discussions at ACF, is to join them at the Google Groups site. Most of the people at ACF use a news reader application to access the group.
The Pricelessware slogan is "the best of the best in Freeware". Freeware is: Legally obtainable software that you may use at no cost, monetary or otherwise, for as long as you wish. All the programs listed are free but some are not Freeware. Freeware is noted as such. Other "ware" types are also noted. See alt.comp.freeware's Ware Glossary for definitions of the "wares" shown in program descriptions. There are NO Adware/Spyware programs on the Pricelessware List.
SpywareInfo - Article
reviewed by ClifNotes, Jan 2006
I couldn't have said these any better, so pay attention, play safely and have fun.
Just a little something to keep in mind, going into the new year.
Read the full article at SpywareInfo
Website - Adware - Not Recommended
reviewed by ClifNotes, 2 Jan 2005, updated Jan 2006
I wrote this review in January of 2005. Many of the details of downloads at Screensaver.com may have changed since then but I doubt if their attitude towards you, the customer, has changed much.
I decided to try out one of these free screen savers I see advertised all over the internet. I know what to expect when I go to places like this but I was a little surprised to see that they are improving their adware and spyware habits. Now they are asking you if you want the adware and spyware. Do you want a free screen saver? Ok, go ahead, but you better want it very badly. There are 14 or 15 steps and you have to be careful each step of the way or you'll get some really undesirable adware and spyware. Below I've detailed what I did to install my beautiful screen saver. By the way, the screen saver didn't work for me anyway and even if it had the screen saver itself is adware.
Notice that all my protection software is freeware, no bull, just free for everyone.
Click the number on the side to see the screen shot.
Just downloading and installing this program took at least 15 minutes of filling out forms and making sure I didn't get anything I didn't want. I'm not using anything from Freeze.com again. I'd say that the screen saver itself is adware or spyware and the license agreement allows Freeze.com to do anything they want to your computer so that they can serve you ads. They can connect to the internet and download and install more software. They can collect information on you and pass it along to anyone they want to. No thanks. I can find real FreeWare screen savers. There are a few here at FreewareWiki, just type "screen saver" into the search box.
Website - Free web services
reviewed by SarahInTampa
Google lets you add customized content to your personalized Google homepage, if you sign in to your Google account. It's a great feature that allows you to really customize the page with favorite RSS feeds, weather, stocks, etc. Now there is Google Modules, an unofficial website that offers up many modules you can add to your homepage. The modules are small widgets that go beyond what Google offers as far as just adding a feed or a link. There are games (Pac-Man, for example), Del.icio.us modules, to do lists, translators, images, and more. All you have to do is click "Get Module," then add the URL that's generated to your Google Personalized home. Very cool!
Google's Personalized Homepage (and its API) allows you to add all kinds of modules – from weather maps to a Yahoo search box to anything really. There was one problem though: there was no place to easily find or submit modules. Google has a directory of their own, but it doesn't update with new submissions often and it only shows few modules. That's why we hacked up Google Modules for you.
Website - Cool Website
reviewed by Tiffany, 27 Dec 2005
Who says an educational site can't be interesting and enjoyable? "My French Dictionary" (http://www.my-french-dictionary.com/) was today's "Cool Site of the Day" (http://www.coolsiteoftheday.com/), another favorite of mine. This is an incredibly easy way to learn a new language while having a great time. With bright, colorful photos and easy to read text, kids will think it's a game, while adults will find it entertaining and fun. I would recommend this site for all ages; from young children to senior citizens.
Pick a word and look it up, then choose a photo of your item to see the English pronunciation as well as the French. Now, excuse me while I go feed "le chat" (cat) and "le chien" (dog)!
samorost2 - Free online games
reviewed by DonationCoder, 14 Dec 2005
People have done some truly groundbreaking things with Macromedia Flash. samarost2 is not technically innovative, but it is one of the most lovingly and beautifully animated little games we have ever seen. You will be mesmerized by the music and sounds, and the personality and style of the images and animations. A completely engaging and sublime experience.
Chapter One: Main character is the little white gnome whose dog has been kidnapped by the aliens. Your mission is to rescue the poor puppy.
Hover over the links to see my comments.
The biggest news so far this year was the discovery of another big security hole in Windows. It's called the WMF exploit. Read this FAQ if you'd like to learn more about it. Microsoft has already released a patch for this exploit that protects the XP, 2000, and 2003 versions of Windows. Microsoft claims that the older Windows 95, 98 and ME machines are not in any danger and I've heard that many antivirus programs are supposed to protect you. If you don't trust Microsoft, you can install this patch at the NOD32 antivirus website. The NOD32 patch supports all Windows versions. If Microsoft ever decides to fix the exploit on older Windows versions, you can uninstall the NOD32 patch and get your older machines updated.
Last week at work we saw our first casualty due to the WMF exploit. One of my co-workers was randomly searching for and downloading "free" screen savers. The co-worker's machine got infected, but our I.S. department noticed the infected machine probing our intranet. The machine was quickly taken offline and given a complete wipe. My co-worker will now spend a few hours re-loading all the special software they were running. It's a hard lesson, but not nearly as hard to take as the chuckles around the water cooler. I'm guessing that it will be awhile before we see any new screen savers on that PC.
Carefree searching and installation of supposedly free programs is one of the easiest ways to get your PC infected. If you feel the need to go out and look for free software on your own, check out my links to safe sites.
I have mostly TeMerc to thank for keeping me up to date on security issues like the WMF exploit. Thank you Tom!
In the last newsletter I challenged you all to tell me about your favorite Freeware Games.
Freeware games submitted by the readers
Dec 2005, Jan 2006
Here are a few of the games and places to get games that all of you recommended.
From Peter:
More games thoughts. http://www.ysflight.com/ has a freeware flight simulator and a quick search on your favourite search engine for BVE leads to the free train driving simulation that, once the basic BVE program is downloaded from Japan, allows ad ons to be downloaded from worldwide enthusiasts. Even possible to build your own extras. Both games make a change from the kill, kill and kill again format of many games.
http://www.babala.org/ has a great little game. No fast action but the levels made me think. Maybe good for people fed up with solitaire or who cant get the hang of computer chess.
From CyberGuide:
Yesterday Friday afternoon I was getting bored...fortunatelly, my boss cheered me up with this flash game! I think this is an old favourite of cyberspace. Click on the yeti to make the penguin fall down and click again to hit them. It's hard...and addictive!
Hey cool! A fantastic selection of flash games! Quote from the site: "Unlimited Web Games is all about free online gaming! We have a listing of over 600 totally free web games! We have a huge variety of games including: Action Games, Arcade Games, Board Games, Online RPGs, Pet Games, Puzzle Games, Racing Games, Shooting Games, Sports Games, and more! We are always adding more web games so bookmark us and come back soon for even more free gaming!"
From David:
As for some very nice (and free!) "time-wasters" (short games used to kill few minutes of spare time) I go to http://www.smashinggames.com. My current favorite there is "All Hallows Eve" Also, http://www.synthetic-reality.com's "Well of Souls" is a great game. Does require a D/L but there are a number of worlds that can also be downloaded so the game never gets to be boring. Has a chat feature so you can join forces with others to adventure together. Highly recommended!
From Ken of WV:
You said you wanted to hear about free games. I'm into one that I'm *totally* sold on: Babala, from http://www.babala.org. It's an INCREDIBLE test of wits, with 200 mind-twisting levels! Of course, it won't be popular with everyone, because it makes you THINK like you've NEVER had to think before. I love it. Web high score posting is coming very soon (I've had a peek at the working test script!), and game sounds are coming in 2006, eventually. The guy who developed this game is a total GENIUS! Babala is diabolical, unique, prodigious.
From Clif:
Here are a few game sites I found. CaimanFreeGames, TenRealPcGames, The3dGames, Thinking Machine Flash Chess game, Download.com's 2005 favorite games
Tell me about your Calendar or Reminder programs. What's your favorite? How do you use it?
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.
Almost 200 readers have put their location down in my Frapper map. If you haven't seen this, take a look.
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 the frapper map. Click and drag to see the rest of the world.
I'm not much for dates but then I'm a minority "no sense of time"
Sorry it only works in 2K and XP.
Below is the description from the read me file
Description - Desktop Calendar from Glenn's Software
A small calendar and event reminder that unobtrusively sits on your desktop and is ready to use any time. No taskbar button, no system tray icon, the calendar is transparent so it's not an eyesore and consumes very little memory (less than 600KB idle). Enter as many daily or regular reminders as you like. Float your mouse over a day to see all reminders for the day. Shows a short list of upcoming reminders below the calendar. Fonts, colours and tooltips are customisable so it blends in with your desktop colour and font schemes. Reminders may be colour coded for quick identification. First day of the week is customisable. Please note: this application will only work on Windows 2K/XP.
About the ClipboardDanger article.
The Clipboard data does not and cannot go anywhere but to the page containing the script. This is very similar to a script trick that supposedly proves that a Web site can read the filenames on your hard disk. It can't, of course -- the file list is displayed in your browser, and is NOT generated by the Web site.
From Clif: Hi Me2, you seem to have checked it out pretty well. It seems that the World Start website may have been overstating the danger. I guess we can still play it safe and put the clipboard settings on "notify". That way if a website wants the clipboard, at least you have some warning.
From Danny:
Is mostz.com out of business?
From Clif: Hi Danny. Yes, it sure looks that way. I'll update my review to show that. See MostzWeb.
From Tutelage @ xanga.com
In case you're interested, here's a sweet little program that I came across recently.
Product: CPU-Z
Description: "CPU-Z is a freeware that gathers information on some of the main devices of your system." Devices include, CPU, mainboard. memory and system. No installation, just run the executable file.
Maker: cpuid
URL: http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php
Freeware: Yes
Comment: I've been meaning to upgrade my RAM, so I used this program find out about the bus speed on my notebook.
Other freeware from them: PC Wizard, ClockGen ( http://www.cpuid.com/software.php)
From Clif: Thanks Tutelage
From Tom:
Just thought I would let you know about some free software I found myself this week incase you want to feature it on your letter. I was looking for software which would allow me to capture/copy any part of my screen. I often work with images, adding them to my website, but usually I only need a certain part of an image, so I'm often copying things into Paint, cutting bits out etc etc. With this software I found I'm now able to press print screen and then select any part of my screen to copy. It's saved me so much time!
It's called ScreenPrint32, and it's free to download from this site or from download.com: http://www.provtech.co.uk
I hope it helps some of the other readers too.
From Clif: Thanks Tom. I trying out one similar with similar features called Screenshot Captor from DonationCoder.
From CC:
Rocket Dock - Its excellent in its simplicity
No problems at all, no bugs, no freezes...100% excellent
RocketDock is a smoothly animated, alpha-blended application launcher that is similar to ObjectDock. RocketDock renders quickly like MobyDock, has the visual sharpness of Y'z Dock, and the stability that neither seem to possess.
StartEx -If you do a lot of jumping around on your programs list and need a better way of accessing your programs; then help is this program http://www.zalentino.com/startex/
Help file and configure are:
1. How to move the yellow button
2. How to add a program icon to StartEx
3. How to delete an icon
4. How to arrange the icons in a category
5. How to add a category
6. How to rearrange categories
7. How to rename a category
8. How to change the background of a category
9. How to delete a category
fully configurable by category and color codes
From Clif: Thanks CC. You always seem to come up with cool stuff.
From: Venkatachalam
I would be obliged if you can kindly give your expert ideas on the following:
1. the best sites for windows freeware downloads
2. the best sites for windows xp tricks, tips etc.
3. the comprehensive lists for windows freeware (some examples l know are: ian richards techsupportalert lists, eshelman's lists and pricelessware lists etc)
4. the best books on windows xp
From Clif: Hi V. Wow! That's a lot to ask for in one letter, but you've waited patiently for at least two weeks. The list below shows my favorites, but maybe not the best. "The best" is a very subjective term.
1. PricelessWare, FreewareArena, Snapfiles
2. XP-Tips.com, WinXPTutor, WindowsXP Troubleshooting, Windows XP Central, Computer Help Club, Internet Fixes
3. PricelessWare, and too many others to name.
4. Best Books? I don't have a clue.
From Ivan:
I subscribed to your newslettter few weeks ago, and I must say thanks much for reviewing all these nice programs. You see, I am too somehow "obsessed" with trying new and new programs, however, mostly "non-setups", i.e. those contained in a .zip archive (or yet better; single-executables), with no installation procedure required.
Yes and also, please visit the "sofware" section on my own home-site (of course, if you want to): http://users.volja.net/tayiper/software.html, but of course, optionally take a look at other pages too.
From Clif: Thanks Ivan. Very cool web site. You are a deep thinker.
From Danny:
Everytime you send a new newsletter you send me to the 'top of the heap'. Since I may not get to your newsletter for a week and by that time a new 1 has arrived, I then have to start searching for the older one. I think a better way would be for each week to link to that week's letter, so if I wait a week or 2 I know I will link to the absolute date for that particular week rather every issue always pointing to the most current date.
From Clif: Hi Danny. I've been planning to fix that for a long time. It's done now. The first page you come to when you arrive shows a unique link to the current newsletter and all the older ones. (http://clifnotes.net)
From Jimi:
Speaking of free graphic editors, ya missed two of the best, particularly the first one! Irfanview is freeware that rules! It works on EVERYTHING, can play audio, flash and video, nice suite of effects, can use adobe .8bf filters. What more can I say?? Another killer one is Photofiltre, which is more strictly graphic oriented, but does some really cool stuff, like let ya turn coulour or b&w photos into LINE DRAWINGS!! Even with 3-400 plugins, I can't pull this off with Irfanview, bro! It has some really really cool filters and effects built in. It's all about graphics and has a few really cool tools in it....check it out. I really think you'll dig it Clif.
Example image from Jimi.
From Clif: Thanks Jimi. That's a cool image. I've been hearing about Photofiltre for a long time. I've never tried it mainly because I'm a real dummy when it comes to graphics. I use Irfanview every day as my default image viewer.
From Jim H:
In your Dec 18 Clif Notes mention was made of a software utility called WinPooch. Another great free program, which I've used for a long time is Prevx Home: http://www.prevx.com/default.asp
It prevents software from loading in your system without your approval. It is considered Intrusion Prevention Software.
The older version, which I'm using, has been replaced by Prevx1, which is in beta and which I've not tried. This might be worth you taking a look at.
From Clif: Thanks Jim. I've heard it's a great security program.
From ElderGnomie:
Two things, real quick. FastStone Image Viewer is the freeware image manipulator I use most. I've tried others and I keep going back, with PhotoPlus for the more complicated stuff.
From Clif: Thanks EG. I've never used Faststone, but I use Photoplus sometimes.
From Shannon:
Thanks Clif for the suggestion of the Font viewer. Just what I have needed for that silly old english font I have been trying to match. :-)
From Clif: No problem Shannon. I'm happy I could help.
I like getting messages from you. Don't hesitate to send me your comments.
Have fun and surf safely.
Clif
http://clifnotes.net & http://freewarewiki.pbwiki.com
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