CCleaner a great product

CCleaner is a freeware cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history cookies etc. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner. But the best part is that it's fast (normally taking less than a second to run) and contains NO Spyware or Adware! :)

Besides a registery cleaner it also provides a stratup manager and a Uninstaller interface. This Application is a must for systems having critical disk space. Surely increases the computer speed , That is why I recommend you to download and use this Free Applciation.

 

Cleans the following:

• Internet Explorer
• Firefox
• Google Chrome
• Opera
• Safari
• Windows - Recycle Bin, Recent Documents, Temporary files and Log files.
• Registry cleaner
• Third-party applications
• 100% Spyware FREE

Download Latest Version

source : filehippo.com

Windows 8 Professional Edition Transformation Pack

Windows 8 is still in planning stages,though unofficial transformation packs has been released.

Here are the screenshots of the transformation pack-

Download Windows 8 transformation pack here

Thinking of migrating from Vista To Windows 7?

Sometimes you just get a sudden realization that there is something you’re forgetting but just can’t figure out what. I have quite a few these & in such a moment it dawned upon me that I hadn’t mentioned Windows SteadyState in the past 2 posts on making Vista look & behave like Windows 7. Anyhow, the past week we saw Aeropeek come to Windows Vista too, here are is another list of software that will give you some of Windows 7’s features in Vista :

1. Windows SteadyState: gives you the PC Safeguard facility of 7 in Vista & XP. It essentially creates a sand-box which allows people to do whatever they like but the moment they restart the machine any change made is gone. Yes, ANY CHANGE!

However, SteadyState requires validation for downloading, so if you have a genuine copy then by all means.

2. Aeropeek:

Finally the known & missing Aero feature of Win 7 that was not present in Vista has arrived. Requirements:

1. Windows XP/Vista
2. .net framework 3.5

3. Desktop Slideshow:

Windows 7 has an inbuilt feature of automatically changing the desktop wallpaper after a specified time interval, you can avail the same feature on your PC using Caledos Wallpaper Changer. Screen shot:

4. Beta Wallpaper Pack:

Here is the wallpaper pack of the wallies contained Windows 7 Beta.

~Enjoy

UPDATE:

5. Windows 7 Keyboard Shortcuts in Vista:

• Win+Left/Right arrows: Dock the window to each side of the monitor
• Win+Up arrow: Maximize the active window
• Win+Down arrow: Minimize the window/Restore the window if it’s maximized
• Win+Space: All windows are made transparent so you can see the desktop
• Win+Home: Minimize all windows but the current window

6. Taskbar Shuffle:

A simple, small, free utility that lets you drag and drop your Windows taskbar buttons to rearrange them. Here’s a full feature list:

• Reorder your taskbar buttons by dragging and dropping them

• Reorder your tray icons in the same way

• Reorder tasks in a grouped button’s popup menu in the same way

• Middle-click to close programs on your taskbar

[Update] Windows Vista To Windows 7

Here is an update to my previous post on the resources that you can use on Vista to emulate Windows 7.

1. Windows 7 Build 6956 Boot Screen

To apply the boot screen, you will need TuneUp Utilities. To change the boot screen:

TuneUp Utilities –> Tune Up Styler –> Under Interface “Boot Screen”

• Download TuneUp Utilities

2. Windows 7 Icon Set:

3. Windows 7 Wallpaper Set:

4. Wordpad 2009:

Make Vista Look & Behave Like Windows 7

Since Windows 7 has been unveiled at PDC 2008, coders and artists have been hard at work to emulate it’s look for it’s predecessor – Vista. Along with the theme, coders have come out with applications that provide you with 7’s features like Shake & Snap on Vista too. As a matter of fact, 7’s calculator can run on Vista too! To make your Vista look & feel like Windows 7 here are some resources that you can use.

1. Windows 7 Boot Screen

1. Open the folder “%windir%\System32\en-US” and replace the existing “winload.exe.mui” file with the one in zip file. You will need to take ownership of the file before copying it. Please take a back up of the actual file before replacing it.
2. Start->Run->msconfig and in the Boot tab and select “Microsoft Windows Vista” entry and enable “No GUI Boot” option and apply it. Restart your system to take affect and watch the new boot screen in action.

[via AskVG]

2. Logon Screen:

• Download Logon Screen
• Download & install LogonVista
• Load the logon which is in the rar file
• Take ownership for basebrd.dll from c:\windows\branding\basebrd\basebrd.dll
• Replace with the given dll
• Logout and see the changes

3. Theme – Windows 7 Vista Style FINAL by ~giannisgx89

4. Wallpaper – Here is the official blue Windows 7 wallpaper:

Click to enlarge.

5. Taskbar: To make your Taskbar show only the icons, you can use the manual registry edit method or this nifty little application. Project page.

To make your taskbar show large icons:

1. Unlock the taskbar
2. Right click in the Quick Launch area
3. View -> Select ‘Large Icons’

Also, to increase the height of the window tab, download this application:

6. Right Click Menu:

Just like Windows 7 has the Gadgets shortcut & the Display Settings shortcut in the Right Click Menu, this link will help you achieve the same as shown in the screen shot. [via AskVG]

7. Aero Snap: Just drag a window to a corner and it sticks there, if you liked this nifty feature added to Windows 7 you can rejoice for it is available on Vista too.

8. Aero Shake: Like the new Windows 7 feature, shaking the active window with your mouse will minimize all other windows; shaking it again will restore them. Dev Page

9. Win 7 Calculator

Some genius figured out that you can use the Windows 7 calculator in Windows Vista too. All you need to do is replace some system files and you’re done. [via DailyGyan]

To do this:

1. Make a backup of C:\Windows\System32\calc.exe
2. Replace it with the one in the archive.
3. Backup C:\Windows\System32\en-US\calc.exe.mui
4. Replace it with the one in the archive.

10. Sidebar: As Windows 7 won’t be featuring a ‘Sidebar’ you can simply drag your gadgets out of the sidebar then:

• Right click on the Sidebar.
• Select Close Sidebar.

Now you won’t be having the sidebar obstructing your desktop wallpaper.

~Enjoy.

How to password protect use of any application in Windows.

There may be reasons where you may want to restrict use of certain application. While we have already mentioned how you can password protect Internet Explorer natively, here is a way where you can password protect any application, including IE.

DeskLock is a good freeware utility to password protect applications and open applications using a hotkey. It will detect execution of your listed applications and prompt for a password before continuing.

One can also set hotkeys (eg. CTRL + SHIFT + 1) for most of the features used in the utility. Using a hotkey you can show/close/hide all the applications listed. You can also set a specific hotkey for the different applications, toggling the visibility of the application by pressing the hotkey. For instance, if the application is open then pressing the hotkey will hide it, if the application is closed/hidden then pressing the hotkey will show/run it.

You can also specify if you want to password-protect the application so that you can execute them without prompting for a password if you need it. The initial password is 2.

HomePage | Download.

Download Microsoft Office 2010 Mondo Beta 1 (Technical Preview v14.0.4302.1000) x86 and x64

Not feeling confident or miss out downloading the pre-beta version of upcoming Microsoft Office 2010 Technical Preview (TP) version 14.0.4006.1010 or 14.0.4006.1008?

A new version of Office 2010 build which is said to be the first official beta (Beta 1) build of 2010 Microsoft Office Systems have leaked to Internet.

The latest Office 2010 Beta1 has the build version of 14.0.4302.1000, and is compiled or signed off on July 8, 2009. Although it’s still been labeled as Technical Preview, it may be the build version of Office 2010 that goes out to registrants of Office 2010 Technical Preview Program (TPP), and is widely to be considered as Office 2010 Beta 1. Interestingly, after installation, it shows the Office 2010 programs as Microsoft Office 2010 Mondo (Technical Preview).

Both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) setup installer of Microsoft Office 2010 Mondo version 14.0.4302.1000 is available for free download. The leaked Office 2010 is Office 2010 Ultimate edition.

Download Microsoft Office 2010 Mondo (Technical Preview Beta 1) v14.0.4302.1000

Torrent (32bit and 64bit): MICROSOFT.OFFICE.2010.v14.0.4302.1000.BETA.1.VOLUME.X86-64.ENGLISH-WZT.torrent

The torrent will download 14.0.4302.1000_Mondo_volume_ship_x86_en-us_wzt.rar and 14.0.4302.1000_Mondo_volume_ship_x64_en-us_wzt.rar via BitTorrent (BT) client. User who prefers to directly download the setup installer can use the HTTP download links below.

HTTP (x86 32-bit): 14.0.4302.1000_Mondo_volume_ship_x86_en-us_wzt.rar
HTTP (x64 64-bit): 14.0.4302.1000_Mondo_volume_ship_x64_en-us_wzt.rar

Do take note that this build version of Office 2010 is still a pre-RTM, is a test version or even just an alpha build, and should not be used in production environment, as it may contains bugs.

source: mydigitallife.info

Windows 7 themes

Windows 7 brilliance , here are 15 spectaular themes which you can download for free and use on your Windows 7 computer. These Windows 7 themes are all provided by Microsoft and include a stunning desktop wallpaper as well as a brilliant new colour scheme. Just click to download the Windows 7 themes from below.

Windows 7 butterfly theme

Windows 7 fine arts theme

Windows 7 maple theme

Windows 7 stones theme

Windows 7 highway theme

Windows 7 rocky theme

Windows 7 Germany theme

Windows 7 blossom theme

Windows 7 Welsh theme

Windows 7 beach theme

Windows 7 sunset theme

Windows 7 vineyard theme

Windows 7 Tokyo theme

Windows 7 Scottish theme

Windows 7 lake theme

Foobar 0.9.6.4

Foobar2000 is an advanced audio player for the Windows platform. Some of the basic features include ReplayGain support, low memory footprint and native support for several popular audio formats.


Main Features:
- Open component architecture allowing third-party developers to extend functionality of the player
- Audio formats supported "out-of-the-box": WAV, AIFF, VOC, AU, SND, Ogg Vorbis, MPC, MP2, MP3
- Audio formats supported through official addons: MPEG-4 AAC, FLAC, OggFLAC, Monkey's Audio, WavPack, Speex, CDDA, TFMX, SPC, various MOD types; extraction on-the-fly from RAR, 7-ZIP & ZIP archives
- Full Unicode support on Windows NT
- ReplayGain support
- Low memory footprint, efficient handling of really large playlists
- Advanced file info processing capabilities (generic file info box and masstagger)
- Highly customizable playlist display
- Customizable keyboard shortcuts
- Most of standard components are opensourced under BSD license.

Download:
Foobar 0.9.6.4

Windows Defender

Windows Defender detects and removes spyware

Windows Defender is software that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software by detecting and removing known spyware from your computer. Windows Defender features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected, minimizes interruptions, and helps you stay productive.

The benefits of installing Windows Defender include:

Spyware detection and removal

• Windows Defender quickly and easily finds spyware and other unwanted programs that can slow down your computer, display annoying pop-up ads, change Internet settings, or use your private information without your consent.

• Windows Defender eliminates detected spyware easily at your direction, and if you inadvertently remove programs that you actually want, it's easy to get them back.

• Windows Defender allows you to schedule your scanning and removal times when it's convenient for you, whether it's on-demand or on a schedule that you set.

Improved Internet browsing safety

• Windows Defender helps stop spyware before it infiltrates your computer. Windows Defender also offers a continuous safeguard designed to target all the ways that spyware can infiltrate your computer.

• Windows Defender works without distracting you. It runs in the background and automatically handles spyware based on preferences that you set. You can use your computer with minimal interruption.

Protection against the latest threats

• A dedicated team of Microsoft researchers continuously searches the Internet to discover new spyware and develop methods to counteract it.

• A voluntary, worldwide network of Windows Defender users helps Microsoft determine which suspicious programs to classify as spyware. Participants help discover new threats quickly and notify Microsoft analysts, so that everyone is better protected. Anyone who uses Windows Defender can join this network and help report potential spyware to Microsoft.

• To help protect your computer from the latest threats, you can choose to have updates that counteract new spyware automatically downloaded to your computer.

Windows Defender is included with all versions of Windows Vista and is available to download for genuine copies of Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later, or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or later.

Learn more about Windows Defender and other Microsoft anti-malware solutions, and to learn more using Windows Defender, watch this demo.

Download Windows 7 Themes and Wallpapers from Microsoft

Personalize your PC - And just as Windows Vista, well, the Ultimate editions at least, came with the exclusive DreamScene video backgrounds, Windows 7 also offers tailored content unavailable to previous releases of the Windows operating system.

On top of the themes and wallpapers that are available out-of-the-box with Windows 7 Beta Build 7002 and later, including Builds 7022 and 7032, Microsoft has also made available for download a collection of items via its official Windows 7 hotspot on Microsoft.com. “A theme is a desktop background plus glass color, sounds, icons, and more to help you personalize your computer with one click. Clicking Download will download and install your chosen theme. You can revert to your original settings in the Personalization Control Panel,” the Redmond company stated. 

The company is allowing users to grab just 13 wallpapers: Arches Nat. Park, Azaleas, Bison, Carreg Coetan Arthur, English Bluebells, Grasmere Village, Mosel near Bremm, Purple Flowers, River in Bavaria, Rural Vermont, Trave in Lübeck, Waterfall, and Yumi-ike Pond. And the Redmond giant is promising that more content will be added for Windows 7 RTM. 

Download:
Personalize your PC

Apple Safari 4 beta - not for Windows 7

Safari 4 beta work only in Windows XP and Vista. Apple has released to public beta its Safari 4 web browser, and I thought I’d give it a hands-on spin to see what all the fuss is about. Here are my first impressions and review.

Installation

Quick and simple. The install file — offered with and without a QuickTime bundle, thankfully — is 25.5 MB. On install, three boxes are auto-checked: Desktop shortcuts, “Install Bonjour” and auto-update. I’m not a fan of auto-check tactics, so if you’re trying to avoid installing Bonjour, for example, don’t get too click-happy too soon. 

The Look

It’s slick. Not extraordinarily pretty, but Safari 4 does attempt to break up the monotony that is Windows with an updated interface that isn’t a complete Mac knockoff like Safari’s previous iteration (those who skin their PCs like Macs will be disappointed). 

The Interface

One thing I notice, at least using XP’s classic theme: the tab boundaries are pretty hard to differentiate. There’s just not enough of a strong visual boundary between them, especially considering how narrow they are horizontally. Otherwise, the tabs are nice, but they automatically expand to fill the entire title bar (no transition) which I don’t like. Some people don’t like the fact that Google Chrome doesn’t immediately auto-fill the tab space; I do, especially when there are only one or two tabs open in the window. 

Download:
Apple Safari 4 beta (link 1) 
Apple Safari 4 beta (link 2)

Top 5 must-have desktop Gadgets for Windows 7

Windows 7 Beta has been out for a while now and my take on it is that it is fast, stable and it gives more intriguing experience than any of its predecessors.

Among many changes, Microsoft has changed the way how Windows handles Gadgets on the desktop. In Windows Vista, Sidebar provided a containing environment which hosted mini-apps built using XML, DHTML and JavaScript. Now starting with Windows 7, Windows Sidebar is no longer required to run gadgets as these mini DHTML based apps can now be placed directly on the desktop without having to have Windows Sidebar running.

I have been fond of using gadgets ever since their inception in Windows Vista. With the right gadgets, you can get things done quickly and easily. Unfortunately the development of quality Gadgets has been real slow. Microsoft is to be blamed for this. The story would have been much different had Microsoft added support for Gadgets development in Visual Studio with a drag-and-drop interface. Now since there isn’t any free quality tool out there for Gadgets development, it is very difficult to find quality gadgets from third parties. Adding insult to injury, Windows 7 Beta includes only one new gadget which is for Media Center. All other gadgets included in Windows 7 are from Windows Vista’s era.

Without going into any further delays, here is my pick for the top 5 must-have Gadgets for Windows 7. Of coarse I use Gadgets other than the ones I have listed below but they are too obvious and common so I haven’t included them in my list:

Twadget (The Twitter Gadget)

I’ve become a regular user of Twitter over the last couple of months, both on the desktop and on the iPhone. Today I’ve discovered Twadget which looks like another great option for Windows (Vista & 7 only) users. I simply love this gadget. Twadget lets you do basic twitter tasks like sending and viewing all the tweets from your friends right from your desktop. If you’re one of those who use Twitter regularly, Twadget is for you! You can download it from here or download the complete Gadgets Pack here.

Remote Desktop Gadget

Remote Desktop Gadget enables Windows users to remotely connect to other computers in their network right from the privilege of their desktop. It uses Remote Desktop Connection client on Windows to achieve remote desktop computing. It is simple and acts as a great extension to Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection client. Click here to download it.

Blue Calendar Gadget for Windows 7

“rapha2” over at DeviantArt has modified the original Microsoft calendar gadget to make it blue in color. This new blue calendar gadget matches the cool bluish-wavy look of Windows 7. This gadget can be downloaded from here or you can download the complete Gadgets Pack here.

Windows Live ‘What’s New’ Gadget

With Windows Live ‘What’s New’ gadget, you can get all the latest updates from Windows Live and other web activities of your network.

The Windows Live What’s New Sidebar Gadget (Beta) is a Vista gadget that displays your Windows Live “What’s New” feed on your desktop. You can receive real-time updates on what your friends are doing across multiple social networks right from your desktop. Be the first to know when your friends upload photos, add new friends to their networks, change their status messages and post comments. It’s quick and easy to add the Windows Live What’s New Sidebar Gadget (Beta).

Surely Windows Live team could have done a better job on the looks. This gadget isn’t pretty but it does the job well, displaying all the feed items including thumbnail images from Windows Live Home. Download it from Windows Live Gallery or download the complete Gadgets Pack here.

Simple Search BarAs the name implies, this search gadget is truly the most simple & clean search gadget out there which lets you search the web using Google, Yahoo and Live Search. Download it from Windows Live Gallery or download the complete Gadgets Pack here.

Download Top 5 Must-have Sidebar Gadgets Pack for Windows 7