Author Archive
Taking goodbye
Dear dotnetwizard readers.
Some of you, who have been regular readers here know me by the name Thomas. I have been here with you for a few months now, posting articles more or less about software and tutorials. But recently I have decided it was time to build my own website and continue writing about computers there.
This of course does not mean there will not be any more articles here, because I have been only one of many content writers here. There will be more posts here I am sure, just without me.
So I want to thank you for all comments, gratefulness and interest you showed. You were great readers.
At the same time I am inviting you to my new website www.computorial.blogspot.com where I continue writing about computers, tutorials, software and news.
yours Thomas
CES 2009
Long awaited International Consumer Electronic Show 2009 has opened its doors in Las Vegas. Everyone is eagerly writing about new products which have been introduced so I am not going to do the same thing. Those, actually present at CES may write much better and informative news so this time I am just providing you with two links which in my opinion offer very good news about CES 2009.
Some of the most interesting gadgets and innovations this year include new Sony Vaio 8′ notebook, Windows 7 beta official launch, Toshiba 512 Gb fast SSD, induction (wireless) battery charging and much much more. For all those who are interested in new technology coming this year, move mouse pointer over links below and hit enter.
Picture source: tgdayly.com
Jing Project
Previously I wrote about Windows Vista built-in screen capturing tool. But sometimes desktop-taken pictures are not enough and we need more. Something like screen recording. And this is exactly what Jing is all about.
Windows Snipping Tool
Among many useful tools Windows Vista features is also a screen-capturing utility called Snipping Tool. For my screen-capturing purposes I used to use Gadwin PrintScreen utility, Jing and Evernote until I discovered similar tool implemented right into the Vista itself. What Snipping Tool does is to take pictures of your desktop, offering you to take full screen pictures as well as rectangular pictures. If taking pictures of your computer’s desktop is not enough you might want to use built-in pen to add some handwriting like arrows, text or personal signature and send clip by email directly from tool’s interface. Quite a nice, minimalistic and light-weight program that does the job perfectly.
Finding Snipping Tool in Vista is as easy as pressing Start button and entering snipping tool in search field
Find out what Windows version you are running
You can find out this in many ways but one of the fastest method is to use windows built-in tool called Winver. To call the tool simply press Start button in Taskbar and type in winver. (works in run box as well) This will pop up dialog box showing you the correct version of Windows and installed service pack (if any).
I find this tool useful to verify if I installed the latest beta service pack version or simply which version a friend’s computer is running in case I am configuring it.
Vista Nature – beautiful Firefox theme
After reinstalling Windows and applying all updates and programs, I usually decorate the looks of windows. I am not a hardcore Vista theme-changing enthusiast or appearance tweaker but I like changing the looks of certain programs the way I like them most. And one of them is Firefox.
Normally I only apply glasser add-on which adds transparency to Firefox and apart that I stick with native theme, but recently I have discovered Vista Nature theme, a beautiful mixture of Xp and Vista Firefox theme. It has completely overtaken me.
Compatibility: Firefox 3
Download Vista Nature
P.s.  For transparent effect you need firefox glasser add-on mentioned above.
Mission Impossible: Browse internet offline
You do not need to be Tom Cruise to do that.
A few months ago I went to my family’s country house which belonged to my great grandparents. Because the house is in a very rural place there was no internet at the time. But because I intended to stay there for a few days, I really wanted to surf the internet somehow. So I used google and came across an interesting application that promised to do exactly what I needed. To browse internet offline. Pretty cool huh 
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Avanquest gives away free software until Christmas
Recently I discovered a special offer from Avanquest software maker. From the 1st until the 24th December they will be giving away free software gifts. I cannot tell what this software is going to be. It is a surprise, but today they offer fix-it utilities 7 express you probably know about. But in case you do not, fix-it utilities is a suit of maintenance tools for windows, such is registry cleaning, erasing etc. A great tool if you want everything in one suit. Especially for free.
LaptopAlarm helps you against thieves
Do you happen to leave your laptop unattended at public places such is university or library, maybe just for a minute to say hello to a friend or fetch a cup of coffee and than continue to work on? What if you come back and your laptop is gone, stolen? Well, the best option is to always take it with you every time you go away, but for those who are let’s say lazy like me, there is something interesting to help you to prevent or even catch the thief if worst happens.
Is something wrong with Windows or with Microsoft?
Ever since I started being interested in computers I have been reading and listening to the complaints about windows. On the other side there are people who are in love with windows no matter what version. This seems normal for people have diferent tastes and needs, but at the end we all probably share the same opinion about these two issues: windows xp is definitely a mature system and windows vista is abnormally resource demanding like no operating system ever out there. Now, here is a question for you? If xp is a mature operating system, why do we need another one, and further why does Microsoft want to convince us, we need vista if we know vista brings little and takes more?
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