Geek Thread

Subject: Geek Thread Tue Jul 10, 2012 11:16 am

Your resident Geek: Jim

Purpose of thread - To share info on great new free software, alert readers of recent internet dangers and virus scams.

Reason ? I read a lot. PCWorld and other PC mags as well as CNET, and updated Geek info that's emailed to me. I feel I should share some of this good info for anyone who's interested.

If you have anything to share as well, please do !

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Tue Jul 10, 2012 11:17 am

I posted this in the Random Thoughts thread, which is what gave me the idea for this thread.

Virus scam:
New virus I read about in latest issue of PCWorld: It's called Ransomware. Lures Internet users into installing a program only to later get a warning that they've violated Federal Law by viewing child porn and must pay a fine of $100 to the US Dept of Justice. Don't let Rasomware fool you !

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Tue Jul 10, 2012 11:19 am

Free software that Rocks ! (MANY more to come....)

Fences (Stardock) (9.04MB)

Fences lets users clean up their desktop icons in moments. Users draw "fences" on their desktop which enables users to drag and drop icons into them. Users can have fences show and hide by double-clicking on the desktop. In addition, users can control which icons show and hide when the desktop is double-clicked on allowing for easy desktop clean-up.
• Price: Free
• Operating system: Windows XP/Vista/7
Download from cnet: http://download.cnet.com/Fences/3000-2072_4-10909535.html?tag=mncol;1

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Tue Jul 10, 2012 12:07 pm

Inexpensive and useful GPSr: Garmin eTrex 30.

(the geocachers have to show up eventually. Razz

)

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Tue Jul 10, 2012 4:06 pm

Good thread. Geek Thread 676823

_________________
"I used to be indecisive.......... Now I'm not sure."

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:05 pm

Free software that Rocks !

Mp3 Gain (3.53MB)

Tired of burning compilations with songs that are at different volumes ? One song normal, the next song real quiet, then the next song's really loud !!!

MP3Gain analyzes and adjusts mp3 files so that they have the same volume.

MP3Gain does not just do peak normalization, as many normalizers do. Instead, it does some statistical analysis to determine how loud the file actually sounds to the human ear.
Also, the changes MP3Gain makes are completely lossless. There is no quality lost in the change because the program adjusts the mp3 file directly, without decoding and re-encoding.

• Price: Free
• Operating system: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7\

Download from source: http://mp3gain.sourceforge.net/download.php
Download from cnet: http://download.cnet.com/MP3Gain/3000-2169_4-10175552.html?tag=mncol;1

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:24 pm

I don't use windows... I use ubuntu..

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Wed Jul 11, 2012 8:51 am

Good thread Guilty/Forgiven.

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Wed Jul 11, 2012 9:20 am

Free software that Rocks !

Got music files on your PC in formats you don't want ? Here's an excellent program that converts from most formats to mp3.

Free Mp3 Wma Converter Plus ! (KoyoteSoft) (6.4 Mb)
Free MP3 WMA Converter enables you to convert your MP3, WMA, OGG, AAC, Mpc, Ape, FLAC, WAVE files:
• Mp3 to Ogg, Mp3 to Wma, Mp3 to Mp3, Mp3 to Wav...
• Wav to Mp3, Wav to Ogg, Wav to Flac, Wav to Wma...
• Wma to Mp3, Wma to Ogg, Wma to Flac, Wma to Wav...
• Ogg to Mp3, Ogg to Wma, Ogg to Flac, Ogg to Wav...
• AAC to Mp3, AAC to Wma, AAC to Ogg, AAC to Wav...
• Ape to Mp3, Ape to Wma, Ape to Ogg, Ape to Wav...
• Flac to Mp3, Flac to Wma, Flac to Ogg, Flac to Wav...
• Mpc to Mp3, Mpc to Wma, Mpc to Ogg, Mpc to Wav...
And even more possible conversions !
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/7
Download from source: http://www.koyotesoft.com/indexEn.html

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Wed Jul 11, 2012 9:25 am

Free software that Rocks !

We all have files and folders that are private. Scanned personal documents, taxes, password lists, even old love letters. It's only a matter of time before any of those files fall into the wrong hands. Lock them up with the free:

Truecrypt (3.33MB)
The ultimate freeware encryption program, TrueCrypt is loaded with powerful features that users concerned with protecting data from prying eyes will find robust and comprehensive.
• Price: Free
• Operating system: Windows XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7
Download from cnet: http://download.cnet.com/TrueCrypt/3000-2092_4-10527243.html?tag=mncol;1

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Wed Jul 11, 2012 11:28 am

Guilty/Forgiven wrote:: Free software that Rocks !

Got music files on your PC in formats you don't want ? Here's an excellent program that converts from most formats to mp3.

Wish I would have known about this one years ago, I had several WMA files of some seriously OOP Christian metal tunes and couldn't listen to them on my MP3 player. I have since replaced them with decent MP3 files...but it would have been nice to do it sooner.

_________________
"I used to be indecisive.......... Now I'm not sure."

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Wed Jul 11, 2012 12:01 pm

Sorry, too little, too late I guess.

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Wed Jul 11, 2012 4:05 pm

Guilty/Forgiven wrote:: Sorry, too little, too late I guess.

Well I'm almost certain you were the one who sent me the MP3s so it was still you who helped me out anyway. Laughing

_________________
"I used to be indecisive.......... Now I'm not sure."

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Wed Jul 11, 2012 5:21 pm

Guest

unworthy wrote:: I don't use windows... I use ubuntu..

That makes two of us! Thumbs Up

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Wed Jul 11, 2012 11:10 pm

windows = outragously expensive
ubuntu = free

windows = viruses and malware
ubuntu = free

Guest

Ubuntu ...I have never heard of this

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Thu Jul 12, 2012 9:25 am

it's a linux based os ... takes a little getting used to but I haven't had any issues thus far..

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Thu Jul 12, 2012 12:09 pm

So, what you're saying is none of these free softwares would work on your computer ? Bummer. At least you don't have viruses.

Anyways...

Back to Free Software that Rocks !

Any Video Converter (22.03MB)

Any Video Converter is an all-in-one video converting freeware with easy-to-use graphical interface, fast converting speed, and excellent video quality. It can convert almost all video formats including DivX, XviD, MOV, RM, RMVB, MPEG, VOB, DVD, WMV, and AVI to MPEG-4 movie format for PSP or other portable video device, MP4 player, or smartphones. Convert video files between multiple formats and download YouTube videos.
• Price: Free
• Operating system: Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7/NT

Download from cnet: http://download.cnet.com/Any-Video-Converter/3000-2194_4-10661456.html?tag=mncol;6

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Thu Jul 12, 2012 12:11 pm

no.. there is a thing you can download that'll run most windows apps... you just haven't given me any that I'd be that interested in Razz

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Thu Jul 12, 2012 12:16 pm

Stick around, I love free software that works.... you should find something cool here eventually...

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Thu Jul 12, 2012 12:41 pm

I've uninstalled and installed operating systems many times, but I've always been afraid to mess with Ubuntu. Read quite a bit about it and though it sounds great, I personally was afraid it wouldn't accept many of my expensive Windows programs that I work with daily.

I'm currently purchasing an Iconia W500 touch tablet and will have Windows 8 on it. Not a big fan of the new OS but again, it's the only product that can handle all my programs for work and play.

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Thu Jul 12, 2012 2:02 pm

I've never been a Windows fan.

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Sat Jul 14, 2012 8:39 am

We could also share free programs like Avast! Antivirus, Zone Alarm firewall, CCleaner that removes cookies and unwanted stuff in your registry, etc.

Also, if you don't want to pay for Microsoft Office, you can either use Google Documents or download the office suit OpenOffice. I use the latter for power point presentations and other things (like making geocache logs in spreadsheets).

Also, can anyone suggest apps (free) for my smartphone? I am not talking about games--I want apps that I would really use.

_________________
I might have decided, or maybe not, that I should or shouldn't, depending on the issue or non-issue, to possibly share or not share, any thoughts, opinions, or facts (that might not be deemed factual by some), due to possible fear of any misinterpretation or retribution.

https://christianhardmusic.niceboard.com/

Subject: Re: Geek Thread Sat Jul 14, 2012 12:38 pm

unworthy wrote:: I've never been a Windows fan.

I love windows! I have at least seven of them in my little house and open them all every summer to let in fresh air.

Very Happy

_________________
"I used to be indecisive.......... Now I'm not sure."

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