The Webmaster will provide links to files or sites of potential interest to SPAUG members, which are suggested by other members. Just connect to the web and click on the hyperlinks. Some of the links will open a new page; when you're finished with the page, just close it and you'll be back on this page. If the link does not work when you click it, copy it into your browser URL address field and press enter.
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Confused by what to do first when editing your digital images? The process of image correction follows a sequence of steps that build upon each other. Doing things out of order can significantly degrade the final image. Following a sequence, or "workflow," in the digital darkroom not only helps you get the best results, but also ensures that you work with a high-resolution copy of the image for as long as possible. These tips are well explained in the article Image Editing Basics on the Microsoft website.
Submitted by Stan Hutchings
Check to see if your computer has hacker tools on it by accessing my Invisus web site at www.myinvisusdirect.com/usergroupstore. Look for and click on the small red button that is titled, “Test Your PC Now”. This will take you to a page where you can download a trial of the hacker tool removal program and see what hacker tools are located on your computer. You will probably be surprised at what you find.
Submitted by Gene Barlow
By Mary Jo Feldstein of the Post-Dispatch Chocolate that's good for you. Bissinger's dark chocolate has an ORAC-per-gram of 167. Blueberries come in around 25. The average for dark chocolate is closer to 130, about twice as high as for milk chocolate.
The three new candy varieties - Sunflower Crunch, Black Sesame Crunch and Walnut Crunch - each have nutritional benefits aside from the chocolate, the company said. Sunflower seeds contain vitamin E. Black sesame seeds provide a source of protein, iron and calcium. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
Bissinger's worked with Whole Foods to meet the grocer's standards on artificial flavors and preservatives. Check the article out, and enjoy!
Submitted by Stan Hutchings
Total Recorder records streaming audio, Mic input, Line-in input as well as CDs and DVDs. The resulting files are saved on your computer's hard-drive. The system also allows users to schedule any number of future recordings!
Total Recorder Standard Edition costs just $11.95 (USD). Most other recording packages cost more and deliver less. Additionally, all new program updates are available to purchasers at no cost! Now Available at www.highcriteria.com: Total Recorder Standard Edition and Total Recorder Professional Edition V5.2! With optional Add-ons: Spectrum Analyzer and Graphic Equalizer Add-on; Audio Restoration Add-on; and AGC and Speech Enhancement Add-on. Total Recorder Professional Edition retains all of the recording features of the Standard Edition, plus adds extended features for serious recording enthusiasts: a more sophisticated timer and Automated Start, many choices of audio file formats, an equalizer and several editing tools.
Submitted by Stan Hutchings
Investigate what's causing that mysterious Internet activity on your PC. See instructions at Microsoft's Port Reporter and its Parser and try it out. This is not for newbies…, but can be fun to play with and learn more about what goes on "behind the scenes" of your computer.
Submitted by Stan Hutchings
A recent article on Microsoft.com, How to monitor the health of your PC is an instructive read. There are suggestions for everyone. The link was in a Microsoft newsletter, and you can get this kind of information if you sign up for a Microsoft® Newsletter (you'll need to register with a Microsoft® Passport). Then subscribe to the newsletters that interest you - there are numerous choices.
Submitted by Stan Hutchings
An article published June 13, 2005 by Barb Bowman on the Microsoft website on how to set up a secure wireless network. She gives advice on hardware, software, and setup. If you're thinking about a network, read this. She demonstrates how to build a complete and secure wireless network from scratch. You'll need a computer running Windows XP SP2, a USB flash drive, and devices that support Windows Connect Now (listed in the article).
Submitted by Stan Hutchings
This is a little hack that uses Google's superb mapping application to help record distances traveled during a running or walking workout. The GMap Pedometer is the coolest Google maps application I've seen. Here's an example, the webmaster's bike ride home. Try all the views - Map, Satellite, Hybrid - at different zoom levels.
Submitted by John Buck
Fred Langa says, "I've been experimenting with BartPE for a while now, and enthusiastically recommend it. So much so, in fact, I devoted a new InformationWeek column to it. It starts with screen shots, showing you what BartPE does and exactly how it looks in operation (on one of my PCs here), and then goes on to provide links and info so you can download the free tools to build your own copy of BartPE.
In all, I think the latest BartPE is one of the best, if not *the* best, foundation for a CD-based repair/recovery toolkit I've seen to date. With native NTFS support, plus support for networking, file sharing, and Remote Desktop Connections, it's powerful and flexible, and yet the XP-derived interface makes it familiar and easy to use.
Click on over for full info on this must-have repair/recovery tool!
The article, like BartPE, is free!"
Submitted by Stan Hutchings
Read Steve Bass's Tips & Tweaks in the September 2005 issue of PC World magazine - Hassle-Free PC: Four Tips to Make IE More Secure. Some good advice and recommendations. You could subscribe to PCW's Tips & Tweaks Newsletter.
Submitted by Stan Hutchings
In his article August 2 at CNET.com, Never pay for software again by Tom Merritt (Editor), he shows how, "If you're not enmeshed in a Microsoft Exchange- or Lotus-only environment … you need never pay another dime for software."
Submitted by Stan Hutchings
PC World's Home Office Contributing Editor Steve Bass dispenses pearls of PC wisdom that enable you to work harder and play smarter. You can sign up for it here (to subscribe look for "signup" at lower right corner of the page). The newsletter posts online the week after it's sent via e-mail; back issues are here
Submitted by Stan Hutchings