2011 Free Communication & Chat Software

Free Communication & Chat Software

Trillian Astra 4
Astra is a multi-protocol chat client that supports most of the popular instant- messaging and social networks, including Windows Live Messenger (MSN), Yahoo, AIM, Google Talk, ICQ, Facebook, Twitter, Skype and POP and IMAP email. You can use the software to chat by text, audio and video.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7
File size:14.8MB
Download at: www.trillian.im

Seesmic for Windows
Originally (and still) available as a cross-platform application running on Adobe AIR, this popular Desktop Twitter tool has spawned a dedicated Windows version. It offers the same features, so you can manage and post from multiple Twitter accounts and create columns for searches and lists. But now it also allows drag-and-drop between columns and sports a smartly redesigned interface.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7
File size:.11MB
Download at: www.seesmic.com

Fishbowl 1.0 Preview
There are plenty of Desktop Twitter clients around, but Microsoft's Fishbowl is designed to help you get the most from Facebook. It offers lots of useful features, but it really shines when it comes to photos. Just pick an album to browse and you can flick though the images using your mouse's scroll wheel, zoom in and out and even display them in a slideshow. It fully integrates with Windows 7, making good use of Jump Lists and other features.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7
File size: 330KB
Download at: www.fishbowlclient.com

TweetDeck 0.32
Our favourite Twitter client displays tweets, replies, direct messages and lists in separate columns, making it very easy to keep an eye on what's going on - vital if you're following a lot of people. TweetDeck also works with Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn, letting you follow and update all three social networks at the same time.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7 or Mac OS X. Adobe AIR
File size: 2.52MB
Download at: www.tweetdeck.com

Skype 4.2 Beta
This popular internet communication tool lets you do a lot more than just chat via audio and video. You can get incoming calls forwarded to any number, share part of or your entire screen, pass on contact information and get birthday reminders. The new beta also lets you transfer calls to another Skype user, mobile or landline, and gain access to paid Wi-Fi hotspots using your Skype credit.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7
File size: 1.9MB
Download at: www.skype.com

Thunderbird 3
Mozilla has made adding new accounts to its powerful email client easier than ever and introduced some great new features. You can now open emails, newsgroup posts, blogs and feeds in tabs and its search feature has been beefed up too, making it much easier for you to find the message you want in even the most crowded of Inboxes.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7
File size: 8.4MB
Download at: www.mozillamessaging.com

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2011 Free Music & Video Software

Free Music & Video Software

MediaMonkey 3.2
Definitely one of the best free audio tools around, MediaMonkey can organise your digital music collection (managing up to 50,000 playlists), rip and burn CDs, convert tracks from one format to another, look up album art and other missing information, and synchronise any iPod or MP3 player. It even has a secure Auto-DJ & Party Mode.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7
File size: 7.4MB
Download at: www.mediamonkey.com

Foobar2000 1.0 beta 4
This very lightweight music player can handle most audio formats (including some very obscure ones), and its support for third-party plug-ins means you can add all manner of additional features to it. The software can rip CDs, convert one file format to another and fix ID3 tags. It offers full Replay Gain and Unicode support along with gapless playback. The new version squashes a lot of bugs and introduces built-in support for Windows Media streaming.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7
File size: 2.98MB
Download at: www.foobar2000.org/download

HandBrake 0.9.4
If you need to convert one video format into another, HandBrake is the tool for the job. All you need to do is select a file to convert, choose a new format and leave the software to get on with it. The program can also rip and encode DVDs to various video formats. The latest release is smaller and faster with improved audio-video synchronisation. It comes with 64-bit support for Macs (but not Windows, currently) and offers a smart preview mode.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7 or Mac OS X
File size:4.7MB
Download at: http://handbrake.fr

Orb 2.5
Orb is an excellent tool for streaming audio and video files to any computer or supported device, including the Nintendo Wii and Apple iPhone. It's incredibly easy to use - just install the software and point it toward your media, then go to http://mycast.orb.com, log in and begin streaming the files. The latest version is available for the Mac as well as Windows.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7 or Mac OS X
File size: 22.3MB
Download at: www.orb.com

iTunes 9.02
Apple's popular music software is essential for anyone who owns an iPod or an iPhone. The latest version boasts a redesigned Apple Store, improved navigation, Home Sharing, nested rules in Smart Playlists and support for sharing links in Facebook and Twitter. It also has a new Genius Mixes feature that can automatically generate up to 12 genre-themed playlists.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7 or Mac OS X
File size: 88.9MB
Download at: www.apple.com/uk/itunes

Windows Live Movie Maker
Windows Live Movie Maker is part of Windows Live Essentials and designed specifically for Windows 7 and Vista. Microsoft's video-editing tool offers everything you need to create impressive-looking home movies. You can trim and rearrange scenes and add music, transitions, effects, titles, captions and even photos. Completed movies can be uploaded directly to YouTube and Facebook and saved in a range of formats including HD (1080p).
Min requirements: Windows Vista/7
File size: 6.4MB
Download at: http://download.live.com/moviemaker

VLC Media Player 1.0.3
This program can play and stream virtually any audio and video file (including HD) without the need for additional codecs. It offers live recording, instant pausing, frame-by-frame playback, full-screen video scaling and AirTunes streaming. VLC can convert one file format into another with ease and can even play zipped media files (no need to unzip them first).
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7 or Mac OS X
File size: 17.2MB
Download at: www.videolan.org/vlc

Audacity 1.3.10
Audacity is a superb multi-track audio-editing tool that can be used to mix music, record audio, fix problems and more. It offers an impressive collection of filters that can (among other things) strip out background noise, boost low volume, change the speed/pitch and tempo and add cross-fades. The new beta version offers lots of useful tweaks including various interface improvements, a full-screen mode and a mixer-board view.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7 or Mac OS X
File size: 10.4MB
Download at: http://audacity.sourceforge.net

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2011 Most Demonded Security Softwares

Avast! Free Antivirus 5
Planned for full release in early 2010, the next version of Avast's free anti-virus tool is already available to download in beta form. The program has been given a major makeover, replacing the weird car-radio-style interface with a more traditional look. It's smaller and faster too and can protect you from most, if not all threats, including infected and malicious websites.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7
File size: 37.3MB
Download at: www.avast.com

CCleaner 2.26
This essential disk-cleaning tool can find and remove temporary files, cookies, cached internet data, file fragments and so on. CCleaner also comes with a gentle Registry cleaner, a program uninstaller and start-up and cookie managers. Files can be deleted normally or securely and the software can wipe free space, too.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7
File size: 3.2MB
Download at: www.ccleaner.com

Defraggler 1.15
Although Windows comes with its own disk defragmenter, Defraggler is a much better free alternative. As well as defragging your entire hard disk, the program can target individual files and folders, and even defrag free space to prevent future defragmentation. You can schedule scans and opt to run it on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7
File size: 3MB
Download at: www.piriform.com/defraggler

Comodo Internet Security 3.13
A powerful all-in-one security solution, Comodo's suite offers a firewall, anti-virus and anti-malware protection and a memory firewall. There are 32- and 64-bit versions available, and you can choose if you want to install the whole suite or just one of the core components. The firewall gives you complete control over which programs can and can't access the internet and the anti-virus element provides real-time and on-demand scanning.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7
File size: 39MB
Download at: www.comodo.com

Microsoft Security Essentials 1.0
This surprisingly good anti-virus program offers real-time and on-demand protection and, unlike similar tools, won't bother you unnecessarily. It automatically scans your system once a week and you can choose whether it should perform a Quick or Full Scan. The software comes with basic membership to Microsoft SpyNet, an online community that helps to prevent the spread of malware.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7
File size: 4.7MB
Download at: www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials

FortiClient Security Suite
This suite comprises an anti-virus tool, an intelligent personal firewall and an SL and IPSec Virtual Private Network (VPN) that lets you access another computer over the internet. Scans are fast and very thorough. The program checks for spyware as well as viruses by default, although you can specify the type of malware to look for if you wish.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7
File size: 10.4MB
Download at: www.forticlient.com

WinPatrol 2010
Scotty, WinPatrol's watchdog mascot, patrols your system on a regular basis, alerting you to any changes that may have been made without your knowledge or permission. As well as helping to thwart hijackings, the program lets you manage various tasks and processes and can delay non-essential Windows start-up items for up to one hour.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7
File size: 971KB
Download at: www.winpatrol.com

Partition Manager 2010 Free
This great tool lets you safely create, format, delete, copy, move and resize partitions without risking losing any data. Everything is done using simple wizards and there are express and full interfaces to choose from. You'll need to register the software to get a product key and serial number, but it's free to do so. There are 32- and 64-bit versions available.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7
File size: 29.9MB
Download at: www.paragon-software.com/

Ad-Aware 8.1.2
This well-known anti-malware program offers basic real-time protection, a choice of manual scans (Smart, Full and Profile), rootkit removal and a TrackSweep privacy cleaner. The latest version of Ad-Aware can identify threats, not only by their definitions but also by their actions, thanks to the inclusion of a system called Genotype and behaviour-based heuristics detection. A tool called the Neutralizer works to prevent persistent malware from restoring itself once it's been removed.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7
File size: 87.1MB
Download at: www.lavasoft.com/

WhoCrashed 2.0
Sometimes when your PC crashes, the cause is obvious. At other times it will be a total mystery. Knowing the reason for the problem is important because you'll have information that should help prevent your PC from crashing again. WhoCrashed will tell you what happened and which driver or piece of hardware or software was responsible.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7
File size: 755KB
Download at: www.resplendence.com/downloads

Ninite
If you need to install a lot of popular applications at once (if you're starting afresh with a new PC, for example), you'll find Ninite a godsend. Go to the website and select all the programs you want. The software on offer includes browsers, messaging tools, media players, imaging and security software and so on. When you're done, click Get Installer. Run this file and it will go to work installing everything for you in the background, choosing default install options and rejecting toolbars and other bundled junk.
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7
File size: 178KB
Download at: http://ninite.com

Seven Remix XP 2.3
Give XP a Windows 7 makeover with this transformation pack. It won't turn your aging operating system into an exact copy of the new one, but it will replace certain elements, including the Start menu, loading screens, Desktop backgrounds, icons, cursors and sounds. It creates a back-up copy of your set-up, so the changes can be easily rolled back if required.
Min requirements: Windows XP
File size: 22.9MB
Download at: http://niwradsoft.blogspot.com

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REPARTITION YOUR HARD DRIVE WITHOUT FORMATING

REPARTITION YOUR HARD DRIVE WITHOUT FORMATING IT FOR WINDOWS XP

Friends, this post is specifically for people who are using Windows XP and want to repartition their Hard Drives without formatting them. All the Windows 7 & Windows Vista users can do it in a simpler way using Disc Management tool. For more info. you can visit the link: Repartition your Hard Drive w/o formatting it.

For all XP users, here's the procedure:

When you buy a new computer, the hard drive partitions are usually already set up for you. If you put in a new hard drive, you need to decide on the partitioning at set up time. The problem with both of these situations is that things change. You may decide you don't want everything in one big partition for a variety of reasons, but Windows gives you no options for changing your partitions other than reformatting and losing all of your data. There are excellent programs, like Partition Magic, that will let you resize and create partitions without losing data. But Partition Magic costs around $60 and it isn't a program you are going to use everyday.

There is a way to change your partitions without reformatting and without buying any additional software.

It uses a Linux live CD to boot your computer and prepare for a Linux installation. Don’t worry; you are not actually going to install Linux. Every Linux CD includes a program to resize your Windows partition to make room for Linux because Windows usually takes up the whole hard drive. Once we create the space for Linux, we can actually format it as a Windows partition, either NTFS or FAT32.

First, you need to download the Linux live CD. I recommend Simply MEPIS 3.3, available here: http://iso.linuxquestions.org/distro.php?distro=11 . These directions will assume you are using Simply MEPIS. Download the ISO and burn it to a CD as an ISO image. Check your CD burning software for info on burning an ISO. Once you have your CD, you are ready to begin.

Before you start- it is recommended to do a disk clean up, get rid of unnecessary files and defragment your hard drive to create as much continuous free space as possible. If your drive is very fragmented, you may want to defragment twice.

WARNING- backup all important files. Although unlikely, it is possible to lose data. Even the programs like Partition Magic give you this warning.

Set your computer BIOS to boot from the CD drive as the first option. Most computers get into the BIOS by hitting the DELETE key during start up. The start up screen will usually tell you what to hit to enter set up. Look for something that deals with boot options; it is often under advanced bios options. Boot from the Simply MEPIS CD, choose the 2.6 option unless you have a CPU under 1Ghz. It will take a couple of minutes, but you will eventually have a sign in screen. Sign on as root with the password as root. It will boot to a red MEPIS Linux screen (actually running from the CD)

Click the K gear wheel (lower left). Move the mouse to System, File system, QTParted

Click on QTParted, that will open the program you are going to use.

Click on the drive you want to change. If you have only one drive, it will probably be /dev/hda. That will open a window with info about your hard drive. (My screen shot shows several partitions because I have Linux installed)

RIGHT click on the partition you want to resize and choose “RESIZE”. The free space will be created after the existing partition. Fill in the amount of free space you want. Remember to leave enough space on the existing partition for anything you may save in the future plus about 20% extra for free space. Then click OK.

No changes are being made to your hard drive yet, so you can change your mind. To make the change- click on FILE, the COMMIT.

The changes will be made to your hard drive. Click on your hard drive again in the left column. The free space should now show in the display in the right column. Right click on the free space, choose FORMAT, then either NTFS or FAT32. Click on FILE, COMMIT. The partition will be formatted as a Windows partition.

Shut down by clicking on the K gear wheel, logout, and restart.

Before it reboots, you will need to remove the MEPIS CD, it should now reboot to Windows, your computer will probably give you a message about new hardware being found and require you to reboot one more time. The new partition should now show up and be fully usable.

Source:http://www.help2go.com/Tutorials/Computer_Basics/How_to_Repartition_Hard_Drive_without_Reformatting.html

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Shortcuts - Run Commands

Shortcuts - Run Commands

You can directly open 'Run' by pressing Windows+R keys at a time and type the following to commands open corresponding programs:
cmd - To run MS - DOS (.com, .pif)
calc - To run calculator (.exe)
control - To open Control Panel (.exe)
defrag - To defrag the hard disk drives (.exe)
dialer - For dialing seups (.exe)
dosprompt - To get a minimized DOS window (.pif)
explorer - To open Windows Explorer (.exe., .scf)
ftp - For File Transfer Protocol if internet is connected (.exe)
ms- dos~1/ms-dos~2 - for fully MS-DOS mode. No Windows O.S. (.pif)
net - For net information cum help (.exe)
ping - For bytes information and bandwidth of internet connection information (.exe)
regedit - To open Registry (.exe)
telnet - Command runner if the system is conncected in a UNIX system network (.exe)
tuneup - For Task Scheduling wizard, i.e. Task Maintanance (.exe)
notepad - To run Notepad (.exe)
write - To run WordPad (.exe)
scanregw - To scan the Registry and to backup it (.exe)
progman - To maintain, run and view the files in all drives (.exe)
directcc - To join your computer in cable connection with other computers (.exe)
scandskw - To open Scandisk to scan the hard drives (.exe)
winfile - Windows File Manager
taskman - To manage current running open programs or files. Nice replacement for default Windows taskbar
msconfig - To maintain the configuration of computer. It will show the options like General, Startup including files Autoexec.bat, Config.sys, System.ini and Win.ini. (Autoexec.bat & Config.sys are MS-DOS files)
winrep - To run Windows Report Tool - Accessories>System Tools>System Information(.exe)
winver - To know the version of Windows
packager - Insert objects in documents, presentations or worksheets
winfile - Another Windows Explorer (.exe)

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Add “Copy To Folder” & “Move To Folder” In Right-Click Menu

Add “Copy To Folder” & “Move To Folder” In Right-Click Menu

To do so, follow the steps given below:

• Goto Start-->Run. Type regedit and press enter.


• Navigate to


• HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AllFilesystemObjects\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers.


• It tells you it's a shell extension key that lets you customize the user shell or the interface.


• Create a new key called Copy To.


• Set the value to {C2FBB630-2971-11d1-A18C-00C04FD75D13}.


• Create another new key called Move To.


• Set the value to {C2FBB631-2971-11d1-A18C-00C04FD75D13}.


• Exit the Registry. The changes take effect immediately.


• The Copy To Folder and Move To Folder options will appear when you right-click a file and choose one of the options, you'll be able to move or copy the file using a dialog box.


• Done!!!

Open Unknown Files With Notepad

Open Unknown Files With Notepad

Add Notepad to the contextual menu (right-button menu):

Create [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\Open with Notepad\command], click on command, then double-click on "(Default)" in the right pane and edit the string to read notepad.exe %1

Open unknown files in Notepad when clicking on them:

- Create [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Unknown\shell\open\command], click on command, then double-click on "(Default)" in the right pane and edit the string to read notepad.exe %1

- If Notepad still does not open unknown files when you click on them, delete the key openas (export it first)

Note: In Windows Explorer, Open With > Choose Program... will not work anymore.

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