Newsletter Archive Reviews Archive 
Welcome to Clif Notes Newsletter
February 3, 2008
 Hi Everyone. Thanks for reading my newsletter. Each week, I will have freeware reviews, tips, tricks, news, and lots of cool websites for you to check out. I hope you enjoy this week's letter. Be sure to write me for advice or yell at me for messing up. |
REVIEWS
MediaCoder - free Open Source audio converter and extractor
Notes from ClifNotes, Feb 2008, permalink Audio Encoders and Converters
I tried this program briefly. It does way more than I need. Everything I tried seemed to work just fine. It's an Open Source freebie, so I'd never complain if it wasn't perfect.
- Convert to and from many audio and video compression formats and re-multiplex into various container formats in batches
- Full control over transcoding parameters, you can learn about audio/video encoding and play with various codecs
- Strong decoding capability for partial or corrupted contents
- Simplified UI for popular mobile devices (e.g. PSP, iPhone/iPod)
- Fully standalone, no dependance on system codecs/splitters
- Extension (scripting language) infrastructure to expand user interfaces and improve user experience
click to expand picture
Quote from the website
MediaCoder is a free universal batch media transcoder, which nicely integrates most popular audio/video codecs and tools into an all-in-one solution. With a flexible and extendable architecture, new codecs and tools are added in constantly as well as supports for new devices. MediaCoder intends to be the swiss army knife for media transcoding in all time and at this moment, it already has millions of users from 170+ countries all over the planet.
http://mediacoder.sourceforge.net/
Movie Organizer - get your collection organized
Notes from ClifNotes, Feb 2008, permalink Movie Organizers
Here are two good tips from Lesley:
I've already reviewed MeeMix, but the other one sounds good.
Here are 2 cool sites I found in an Ezine.
I love the meemix site, almost broke my chair LOL
Enjoy :)
Lesley
http://www.movieorganizer.com/default.asp
About Movie Organizer:
Get your movie collection organized with the OXD Software Movie Organizer.
The most advanced Movie Organizer of all, and it's completely free.
Download movie information and images online using UPC, title, actors or MOODb ID. Upload your movie collection online and get your own URL to your collection.
Advanced printouts including the possibility to print DVD covers. And much more.
It's fully integrated with MOODb and IMDb. Soon also integrated with Moviegap.com,
which will be a movie site where you can buy/sell/trade used movies.
Movie Organizer can be run on Windows 9x/NT/2000/Me/XP/2003.
http://www.movieorganizer.com/default.asp
VideoSpin - create your own videos in minutes
Notes from ClifNotes, Feb 2008, permalink Video Tools
I saw a review of this program at PC World:
It looks good.
Quote from the website
VideoSpin is a brand new tool that allows you to create your own movie clips in minutes using your own videos and pictures.
With this fully functional video editing software you can:
• Mix videos, photos and music together
• Add titles and transitions
• NEW! Upload to the web in a snap!
• NEW! Direct upload to YouTube and Flash support*
• And it's FREE!
Kantaris Media Player - open-source alternative to Windows Media Player
Notes from ClifNotes, Feb 2008, permalink Multimedia Players
I found a description of this media player.
I haven't tried it yet. Has anyone here used it? Add a comment below.
click to expand picture
Quote from the website
Kantaris can play almost anything you can throw at it -- AVI, MPEG, MGEG-AVC, WMV, MOV, MKV, quicktime, matroska, divx, xvid, H264, MP3, WMA, OGG files and more. Kantaris can also play DVDs and audio CDs. The player also displays some of the most beautiful music visualizations ever seen. All this is completely free.
NewsGator FeedDemon 2.6 - the best of both online and on PC
Notes from ClifNotes, Feb 2008, permalink RSS Feed Readers
I recently ran into a blog that interests me. The blog is called ...
Confessions of a freeware junkie
Here is a recent post that you may find useful.
Quote from the blog:
I've been so torn between keeping my RSS feeds online via Google Reader vs. a local installation, such as Omea. I love the way Omea looks, and how responsive it is after it loads, but I don't like the lengthy startup and shutdown time. Alternatively, I like Google Reader's ability to be accessed anywhere there is an Internet connection, but I'm not a fan of the interface.
What to do?
Well, now I can have the best of both worlds! NewsGator's RSS reader, FeedDemon has been available for quite awhile, but for a fee. Since this isn't "Confessions of a freeware junkie" *ahem*, I hadn't looked at it until now - because finally it is available for those of us budget-challenged geeks! ...
ComicRack - comic ebook reader and manager
Notes from ClifNotes, Feb 2008, permalink Info Management
Here's a great review from the freewaregenius blog:
Quote from the blog:
ComicRack is a free comic ebook reader for CBZ, ZIP, CBR, RAR, TAR and PDF formats. It is designed as a full-feature reader with bells and whistles as well as being a manager for your library of comic ebooks and metadata. It can also convert ebooks to other ebook formats.
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
Unlikely Friends
Notes from ClifNotes, Jan 2008, permalink Funny
Thanks for this video tip, goes to Tiffany.
January 2008 visitors to these pages.
Notes from ClifNotes, Feb 2008, permalink Web Service
Who is visiting my wiki?
Where do they live?
Below is a table showing all the visitors to this website during January.
Thanks to all of you freebie junkies out there for making my wiki so popular.
I used the free web services Google Analytics and Google Docs to gather and display this information.
Quote from the Google Analytics website
The new Google Analytics makes it easy to improve your results online. Write better ads, strengthen your marketing initiatives, and create higher-converting websites. Google Analytics is free to all advertisers, publishers, and site owners.
Quote from the Google Docs website
Create, edit and upload quickly
Import your existing documents, spreadsheets and presentations, or create new ones from scratch.
Access and edit from anywhere
All you need is a Web browser. Your documents are stored securely online.
Share changes in real time
Invite people to your documents and make changes together, at the same time.
It's free -- you don't pay a nickel
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.
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1. Is it possible to open a program and when it opens have it Minimize to the Task Bar?
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01984.htm
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2. I am trying to rename the icon to a blank name or Just No Text At All. Is this possible?
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01985.htm
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3. I have four other Users on this computer and I would like to Create a hidden folder that cannot be found real easy.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01986.htm
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4. Is there any way that I can Scan For Dead Links in my Bookmarks? I have years and years worth and would like to weed out the dead ones.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01987.htm
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5. Reset the Administrator Password in Windows XP.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01987_A.htm
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6. Would you recommend a program (Freeware if possible) with a few more features that the bland XP Calculator?
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01987_B.htm
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7. Instantly Create A List Of All Files In Windows XP.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01987_C.htm
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8. Locate that Missing Download In Windows XP.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01987_D.htm
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9. Fix an Unbootable Windows XP PC.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01987_E.htm
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10. Fix A Mangled XP PC With A Repair Install.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01987_F.htm
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150 WINDOWS XP RUN COMMANDS!
http://www.internetfixes.com/xp_run_commands.htm
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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
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Download 1000 Of My Tips On Ebay!
Over 600 Windows XP Tips!
11/11/2007 Added 100 Vista Tips To The Download!
http://www.internetfixes.com/main_paypal.htm
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Function Keys F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 F10 F11 F12
http://www.internetfixes.com/definitions/IF01424.htm
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PC Problems? Use My New Detailed Help Form.
http://www.internetfixes.com/customer_support/help.asp
To Expedite The Answer I Send You Please Check Your Event Viewer And Include Any Errors It May Be Recording.
http://www.internetfixes.com/xp_event_log/index.htm
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TIPS WITH FULL GRAPHICS! ALL ONE LOCATION!
http://www.internetfixes.com/tips_with_full_graphics.htm
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Last Wednesdays News Letter Tips.
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1. Speed Up XP Boot with a Boot Defrag.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01988.htm
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2. Minimize Running Programs to Boost Your Available Memory in Windows XP.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01989.htm
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3. If I Unload My Unused Fonts Wouldn't It Make My Computer Boot Faster?
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01990.htm
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4. Can I Disable The Unread Mail That Displays on Logon Screen In Windows XP?
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01991.htm
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5. Do You Have Any More Performance Boosts For Windows XP?
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01992.htm
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6. You Can Add Any Program Or Location To Your "Send To" Menu In Windows XP.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01993.htm
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7. Ensure That Your Hard Drives Are Set At Maximum Speed!
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01994.htm
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8. You Can Enable the Shortcut for Run in Vista's Start Menu.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01995.htm
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9. Here is How To Run a Complete System Diagnostic with Vista!
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01996.htm
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10. Backup Important System Files the Easy Way in Windows XP.
http://www.internetfixes.com/readers_questions/IF01997.htm
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Hardware And Software Vendor Phone List, A-K
http://www.internetfixes.com/IF01051.htm
Hardware And Software Vendor Phone List, L-P
http://www.internetfixes.com/IF01052.htm
Hardware And Software Vendor Phone List, Q-Z
http://www.internetfixes.com/IF01053.htm
Computer Motherboard And Chipset Drivers.
http://www.internetfixes.com/IF01057.htm
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QUESTION OF THE WEEK!
============================
How Do I Prevent CHKDSK From Running Every Time My PC Starts
http://www.internetfixes.com/question_of_the_week/IF01129.htm
*******************************
FIVE VERY POPULAR TITLES!!
*******************************
IF01766 Easy enable real Administrator Account in Windows Vista Home Premium
http://www.internetfixes.com/administrator_account_vista_home/index.htm
==============================
IF01767 Keep User Account Control active, but get rid of annoying popups in Vista.
http://www.internetfixes.com/keep_vista_account_control/index.htm
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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
DeepBurner - create usable CDs, not drink coasters •
Kryptonite - helps you learn HTML while you design •
Docx2RTF - convert Office 2007 formats to something you can use •
WinLibre - a collection good freeware with a pick and choose installer •
Google Docs Uploader - now an easy way to take your office docs into Google Docs •
FEEDBACK
Last.fm helps to free the music •
Lifehackers Exclusive Line of Productivity Software •
COOL
MeeMix - web radio exactly as you want to hear it •
Verify Email Address - who emailed you, are they real? •
instaSaver - create your own screen savers •
COOL WEBSITES
Top 10 Anti-Malware Tools
Notes from ClifNotes, Feb 2008, permalink Security Tools
Here's another tip from Lesley:
After reading it, I determined I don't care for all the Anime and other useless info at this site. However, if you manage to get past that, there are some good recommendations in this post.
Here is a great site I found while searching
Top 10 Anti-Malware Tools
http://grandstreamdreams.blogspot.com/2005/12/top-10-anti-malware-tools.html
Hope it can be useful to someone.
Lesley
Quote from the website
"I'm making a list, and checking it twice! Valca Claus is going to take on malware that's been naughty with some security tools that are nice.." Let's see what Claus's lovely Hina Girl elves have in the gift-bag for you.
http://grandstreamdreams.blogspot.com/2005/12/top-10-anti-malware-tools.html
Freeware Bulletin Board - nice place to browse
Notes from ClifNotes, Feb 2008, permalink 5oftware Collections
Here's a great site I found. If you just want to relax and look through a nicely categorized forum with all the descriptions and download links. As far as I can tell, they've been pretty selective and are including only safe freebies.
Quote from the website
FreewareBB is quite unlike a lot of other freeware sites due to the fact that we are first and foremost a forum (or as our name says a "Bulletin Board") and as such we aim to offer more of a community than just a web site. We actively encourage our members to add to our content submitting software they have themselves found, installed and proven to be useful. Anyone is free to register although you need only register if you wish to add or reply on our site.
FreewareBB does not use any form of 'auto-submission' system from author's or developer's. Traditionally, some sites offering freeware, shareware, trialware, etc use auto-generated means of populating their sites with content which usually involves the author using a third party application to enter the particulars of their creation which would then update all those sites which were subscribed to the technology. Using this technology means anything and everything is posted by the authors themselves meaning most submissions are not impartial and could potentially be used by spammers thus increasing the workload for the webmasters which takes their efforts away from day to day business. More importantly, this technology would appear to be no longer under any kind of support or further development and is running the risk of becoming seriously outdated or even vulnerable. We instead, like to source our freeware from a variety of locations and not rely on authors submitting hundreds of articles to thousands of sites. Our site is 100% human edited and is updated manually, either by us or by our members.
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.
• Free legal forms and business templates. Scribd has the biggest document collection, but it's not focused on professional documents alone: http://www.scribd.com/
• Freeware at IanSharpe.com - Downloads: http://www.iansharpe.com/downloads.php
• Freeware by Shock: http://update.docs.kr/entry/Products-Summary-en
• Freeware. YouGetSignal.com is a collection of network tools: http://www.yougetsignal.com/about/
• New. AlfaClock. taskbar clock (tray clock) enhancement, full featured atomic clock, talking clock, alarm and pop-up calendar.: http://www.alfasoftweb.com/alfaclock/
• New. Asman accounting bookkeeping software software covers all business and office needs in accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, general journal, double entry, single entry, small business: http://www.hotkeysoft.com/
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.
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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