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Adobe Creative Suite 4 (CS4)
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9.23.2008 ::
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Remote control a PC anytime...anywhere
Sometimes, I need to troubleshoot my parents computer when something goes wrong. The best way to do that is to remotely control the computer. Im going to show you the most effective way to remote control another PC for free. Keep in mind that this method is only for circumstances in which you would like take total control and have instant access to the host computer whenever and wherever you want.
- Both computers need to be connected to the Internet...duh.
- DSL or higher internet connection
Instructions:
Host PC (computer you wish to control)
- Sign up for a free no-ip.com account
- Click Add under Hosts/Redirects.
- Enter a hostname and choose any domain name. For example, mydadscomputer.no-ip.org.
Choose something easy to remember as this will be part of your login. - Install the Dynamic Update Client.
This software ensures that the host computer ip address is always current and updated for the mydadscomputer.no-ip.org host. - Install VNC (free edition). During install, choose the server version.
Run VNC and in the options, specify a password. - Turn off Windows Firewall in the Control Panel.
- That's it. Both the Dynamic Update Client and the VNC server should automatically run in the background from now on.
Controller PC
- Install VNC (free edition). During install, choose the client only version.
- Launch VNC.
- Enter "mydadscomputer.no-ip.org" for the server name and the password that you set in step 5 above.
Voila! Now I can control my dads computer wherever and whenever I want with a click of a button. My dad doesnt even need to be at the computer when I take control as long as the computer is on.
Now you might ask, why not just use something like crossloop to remote control another persons computer. The big difference is that I wanted full control of the host computer without having to call my dad every time I wanted to do so. With crossloop and most other remote controlling software, there has to be physically someone sitting at the host computer.
Labels: computer, software, tips
3.11.2008 ::
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Verizon Wireless - Transfer your contact list to your new phone for FREE!
I just got a new Motorola KRZR K1m phone. I wanted to transfer all of my contacts on my old phone (Chocolate) to my new KRZR. What's the cheapest and easiest way? I found a way that is free and you dont need any cables. At a Verizon Wireless store, they will charge you $10.
- Go to verizonwireless.com and sign up for a my account.
- On your existing phone, follow the 4 steps in the image above. It will prompt you to accept a $1.99 monthly charge. Go ahead and accept it, because if you created a Verizon Wireless my account (step 1), they will NOT charge you. I know its scary to accept it, but just check your monthly statement to make sure they are not charging you. That's it. So from now on, your contacts will be backed up daily.
- On your new phone, follow the same 4 steps (in the above picture) and it will prompt you to download your backed up contacts.
Check out https://www.getbackupnow.com/ for more details.
Labels: electronics, software, tips
8.30.2007 ::
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My Favorite Free Software
Antivirus
Im currently using Clamwin which is open source. I've used all of the programs below and you should be fine installing any one of them to protect your computer.
Firewall
Before I used ZoneAlarm, but now I use Comodo. Whenever there was a software update for Zonealarm, I would have to reinstall the entire application. That's just too much work for me.
Office Productivity
I've personally never used it but heard good things about it. If you dont have Microsoft Office, I'd defnitely try out this replacement. 
Antispyware
I've used these to clean out some spyware, but if you really have a spyware problem, I highly recommend spysweeper, even though it is not free. 
Instant Messaging
Using Trillian and GAIM, you can log into multiple IM accounts all at once. If you are on a public computer, you can use a web based instant messaging site that also allows you to log in to multiple IM accounts called Meebo. 
- GAIM (Pidgin)
DVD Backup
Paired along with Slysoft AnyDVD (not free), you'll have the ultimate dvd backups. 
Utilities
This program cleans up all the unnecessary junk that starts to pile up on your computer when surfing the internet. After performing the cleanup, your computer will run faster. 
Remote PC Management
If you need to troubleshoot a problem on another persons' computer, the best (and coolest) way is to take control of their computer. This program is by far the simplest and easiest. Just install this lightweight program on the host and the remote pc and have your friend/family just give you the access code.
File Compression
Need to open a .zip file or to zip files up and send them? If you are going to send someone 10 files, please dont attach all of them in an email. Zip them all up and then send 1 zip file.
File Shredder
If you are selling your computer or you want to permanently delete private files make sure you shred them. That way no one will be able to retrieve them.
Uninstaller
Use this program to completely remove or uninstall programs and leave no trace behind.
Preinstalled Software Remover
Bought a new PC or laptop and have lots of unwanted software applications preinstalled? Want to get rid of that crap?
Other
Going on vacations, I would always bring my laptop to watch movies on the plane or at the hotel. I would lug around a couple of dvds with me. When I was done with one movie, I would have to swap the dvd out and put the other one in.But nowadays, I dont need to lug around dvds with me because of a software I found called Alcohol 52%. Dont ask me how they came up with their name. I just extract all the dvds I want to watch onto my laptop before I go on vacation. It only takes about 10 minutes for each extraction and each file takes up about 5gb of space. I extracted a bunch of Wiggles dvds for Caden which is totally a lifesaver. I think it also saves laptop battery life, since it doesnt have to use the dvd player. No need for fumbling around with dvds when you're in economy class and you have Caden sitting on your lap.
4.20.2007 ::
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Adobe Announces Creative Suite 3
3.27.2007 ::
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Online BackUp - Carbonite
I finally decided on online backup as a method of backing up my computer data. I never thought I would pay a subscription fee for any internet service, but it is well worth it. I was pretty good about backing up my data on hard drives and DVDs, but as gigabytes of Caden's photos started to accumulate, I started to worry. A while back, a bunch of Caden's photos were on my compact flash card and somehow the card got corrupted. We were so sad because those pictures meant a lot to us and there was no way to get it back. We would do (or pay) anything, just to get those pictures back. Luckily, it seems that memory flash cards crash frequently and there was software out on the internet that tries to rescue those files. It took many hours, but I was able to restore 99% of the photos :)
So I thought about all the ways to backup my data since they are more precious to me than anything.
1. External Hard Drive - Very fast and convenient. But what happens if my internal drive gets larger than my external drive? Then I would have to keep buying larger and larger external drives. Also, what would happen if I connect my USB external drive to back up my internal drive and something happens? Like a power outage or whatever. It could damage BOTH my external and internal drive in which my data would be lost on both drives. What if there was a fire?
2. DVD - Inexpensive. But a lot of my data is growing larger than the 4GB capacity. Therefore, I have to span my backup across several DVDs. And what happens if I change a file on my computer after I already backed it up on DVD? I would have to do burn another back up. You have to be diligent when it comes to backing up your data on DVD. You have to know what you have or have not backed up and you have to back up often. Also, I heard that DVD media just like CDs dont last forever. I just cant imagine that after my PC crashes, I would go into my binder full of DVDs and find out that they all arent readable. All that work for nothing. Again, what if there was a fire?
3. Online Back Up (Carbonite) - Let me just list some of the PROS that I experienced thus far with this service:
- Unlimited Storage: Go ahead and store you're terabytes of data. All other online backups have a limit.
- Set it and forget it: You dont have to manage it at all. It will automatically backup whatever you specify. It will do it in the background and will NOT slow down your internet connection. Its smart enough to detect that if you are using the Internet, it wont do any backup transfers.
- Inexpensive: The price is just right. $5 per month. Its actually cheaper than $5 in their 1 or 2 year subscription. So instead of buying that external hard drive or all your DVD media or paying someone to retrieve data on your crashed hard drive, use the saved money on the monthly fee.
- Restore deleted files: Ever delete a file and then empty the recycle bin and then wish you could take that back?
- Restore files easy: When you install the software, it will add a Carbonite drive in your my computer, just like your C: drive and your dvd/cd drives. Just double click it and you'll be able to navigate through your already backed up files. Then just right click the file or folder you want restored and select "restore". That's it. Just wait and presto, the file is back on your computer in it original location.
- Fire proof: So let's say that you have a fire and your computer is burnt to a crisp. No problem. When you get your new computer, just install the software and download all the files that were on your burnt computer.
Now you might ask, what can go wrong? Okay let me tell you how you can lose all your data even with Carbonite. All of the following need to occur at the same.
1. Your hard drive crashes
2. Carbonite's server hard drives crashes.
3. Carbonite's backup data center crashes.
If only 1 of the above occurs, you still have your data right?
If your hard drive crashes, your data is still safe with Carbonite.
If Carbonite crashes, well duh, you still have your data on your computer.
I just signed up for a 2 year term. I highly recommend them.
For more info, click here to go to their website.
Haha, as I was finishing up writing this post, I blew a fuse at my house and my computer shut off instantly. Luckily, my computer survived. Phew.
Labels: favorites, internet, reviews, software
1.17.2007 ::
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Free AVG Antivirus no longer free
AVG antivirus was the free program I used on all my computers. Starting January, it is no longer free.So I found another free antivirus program that I've been using to replace it.
Its called Clamwin.
UPDATE: Looks like AVG was trying to trick us into upgrading to a paid version with all of its warning pop up messages. But in fact, AVG will still be offering a FREE 7.5 version.
Available at www.free.grisoft.com
For more info, check out the forums
Labels: software
12.05.2006 ::
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Spy Sweeper
I just bought Webroot Spy Sweeper 4.5 for free after rebate (FAR) last week. It's an anti-spyware removal and protection software. I purchased it because it has excellent reviews, won many awards, and cleaned out over 90% of spyware (and did I mention that it was FAR?). Compared to like 60% with other programs like adaware and spybot. A lot of times I have to use multiple programs to remove spyware. Anyways, my take on it the internet these days is that its not safe anymore, unless you are SUPER careful. I've been SUPER careful and Spy Sweeper still found some spyware on my computer. And trust my I've cleaned out many machines already to prove it. I know its not me to suggest buying something that's not free, but Im going to do it anyways. Buy this program, you wont regret it.
12.01.2005 ::
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Macromedia Studio 8 Now Available
The newest versions of our products are out.Macromedia Studio 8 which includes Flash Professional 8, Fireworks 8, Dreamweaver 8, and Contribute 3.
9.20.2005 ::
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Free Opera browser
The Opera browser is now free, meaning no more ads. Its another alternative to Internet Explorer or Firefox. It has some pretty cool features and is very fast.
Google Talk and Google Desktop
Google continues to make cool free software.
Google Desktop 2 is now out. I must say its pretty cool. You can search for files on your computer and it will show up like a google search. If you use outlook, it can search your email, especially since outlook's search stinks. With this version 2, it has a sidebar which does amazing things. Instead of you going out to the internet, you configure it to grab content you want.
Also, just out but not really public yet is Google Talk. But like other IM clients, your friends also have to be on the same IM client network. Ive been using AIM, but since most of my coworkers are on YIM, I use Trillian which connects to both networks and then some. But with Google Talk you can connect with someone and literally talk using a microphone from anywhere in the world. So can somebody sign up and talk with me? hehe. Oh yeah, BTW, you need a gmail account in order to sign up.
8.23.2005 ::
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Firefox and Thunderbird
Sick of spyware? After cleaning at least 3 of my friend's and family's computers, I certainly am. After cleaning out their computers, I went ahead and installed Firefox for them. Firefox is a new and cool browser that will not infect you with spyware. Internet Explorer is a major culprit for spyware infections. They also came out with a new email client called Thunderbird.
12.07.2004 ::
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Free Photo Software - Picasa
Google aquired Picasa which is a digital software program. I must say, Im impressed with this software. If I knew it was this good, I would have paid for it. With Picasa, you can manage your photos, edit, make web albums and much more. I liked it so much, that I've converted all of my web albums. Ive also added my baby pics web album.Download Picasa
Labels: software
7.17.2004 ::
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