Negative Sun Posted January 12, 2008 Share Posted January 12, 2008 Astro--could you set up an index in your first post perhaps? There's so many good things in this thread, and an index will make the programs/sites easier to find (and to check to see if the site/program has been mentioned by someone already. ) Great idea, saves me digging through this thread going: "where on earth is that post about this program dammit!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serpentine Cougar Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 Found a couple more cool programs: BurnAware - a free CD/DVD/Blu-ray burner, nice alternative to the expensive Nero Suite. K-Lite Codec Pack - a complete (and free) video and music codec pack that allows you to play all the different file types you'd ever use, including Real and QuickTime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negative Sun Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 K-Lite Codec Pack - a complete (and free) video and music codec pack that allows you to play all the different file types you'd ever use, including Real and QuickTime. How does it play QuickTime stuff cause I'm trying to get rid of QT but I can't see the codec for it in the list, even in the "Mega" version of it... To stay on the same topic, I dunno if I've posted it here before but I'll mention XP Codec Pack which includes the awesome Sherlock Codec Detective, which you can see in action here: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted February 3, 2008 Author Share Posted February 3, 2008 How does it play QuickTime stuff cause I'm trying to get rid of QT but I can't see the codec for it in the list, even in the "Mega" version of it... Negsun - IIRC - youre a vista user - if so - you cant go past the vista codec pack Everything the k-lite pack has, and more, I can verify it has quicktime filters Even a superb x64 add on if you are using vista x64. if you want to unload just QT, and not install anything else > there is also Quicktime Alternative (basically just the QT filters on their own, so you can open them in other players.) for xp users, apart from using something like vlc player, if you like the control that codec packs allow(they do if you know what youre doing!) then the most comprehensive is the CCCP mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negative Sun Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 Negsun - IIRC - youre a vista user - if so - you cant go past the vista codec pack Everything the k-lite pack has, and more, I can verify it has quicktime filters Even a superb x64 add on if you are using vista x64. if you want to unload just QT, and not install anything else > there is also Quicktime Alternative (basically just the QT filters on their own, so you can open them in other players.) for xp users, apart from using something like vlc player, if you like the control that codec packs allow(they do if you know what youre doing!) then the most comprehensive is the CCCP mtfbwya hehe sorry Astro, I was still editing my other post when you posted this (duh) It's XP I've got and I use XP codec pack like I posted, but it was that Quicktime Alternative that I was looking for, thanks It's just that QT has been making my FireFox or IE crash whenever I try to open QT media, so I just want to get rid of it and still be able to browse the media and such. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted February 13, 2008 Author Share Posted February 13, 2008 Here's a couple that some might find useful AVI Recomp > sure, a zillion other apps can recompress an avi, but the beauty of this is that it allows you to easily crop frames, without having to install a mega-editing app to achieve this.. FREEWARE I was getting a frame overlap issue from recorded tv, but found out about it from people who use it to slice out subs and watermarks etc from vids works great in xp or vista. Nice visual UI AVI Trimmer >> ever wanted to slice a portion out of an avi - eg. opening/end credits, ads etc. This great little freeware app can do it quick and easy, giving you a lossless end file Nice visual UI mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted March 2, 2008 Author Share Posted March 2, 2008 Here's another lil gem. Ever wanted to tweak your affinity settings? ie. have an app which controls which CPUcores do what when other apps or process are started. Helpful in getting some games to perform better, or improving multitasking by setting single cores per different app. etc. You can do it while tasks are running via task manager, but there is no easy way of setting it in windows that will launch each time you launch an app/game I trawled and found this great little freeware app called "Get n Set affinity" Small footprint, does exactly what you want it to It says ''not recommended for Vista'', though I have been using it with Vistax64 with no probs mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tk102 Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 Nothing too exciting here, but thought you all might want to know that XP SP3 and Vista SP1 are available from Microsoft Windows Update. Field Guide to Windows XP SP3 (Lifehacker.com) For the most part, Microsoft is doing their best to avoid pulling Vista features into XP, with just a few exceptions. They are: * Network Access Protection (NAP): A new system in Vista and Windows Server 2008, this feature sets system "health" requirements to validate a computer's health before it allows that computer to connect to yours. * "Black Hole" Router Detection: This new feature detects when your router is silently losing or discarding packets and is intended to protect from such problems. * Product Activation Not Required on Installation: Like Vista, you can now install XP without first providing a valid product key. Windows will prompt for a product key after installation, though, if you want to take advantage of Windows Genuine Advantage. * Kernel Mode Cryptographic Module: In a nutshell, this Vista back-port makes it easier to encrypt data through a single algorithm. Enjoy that one! Aside from these Vista back-port features, other new features include more descriptive security options that better explain your security settings and improved administrator security. @Astro, Niner et al.: Feel free to merge this with this thread if you like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted May 7, 2008 Author Share Posted May 7, 2008 Rather than merge, I'll use this to kick off something I was pondering for a while... an important updates thread, where people can post links to newly released drivers, hotfixes, updates, handy utils etc they think may be useful to others. Keep the killer apps in their thread, but feel free to post a version update her if you want... I'll do my best to keep it updated on the GPU/codec side of things (my main area of interest) @Linux pros >> feel free to add info, links you feel are important * * * Current drivers: Nvidia WHQL: May/June 2008 175.16 (XP x86) 175.16 (Vista x86) 175.16 (Vista x64) If you have older >6100, FX/MX etc cards, it is suggested you read the release notes before downloading any current version. If you have a non windows OS, please check nvidia.com, of course) For the adventurous, non-WHQL beta drivers(usually those packaged with new cards or leaked by beta testers). Recommended only if you are after a specifically mentioned bugfix, or are a driver junkie Courtesy Guru3d May 2008 175.70 (XP x86) 175.70 (Vista x86) 175.70 (Vista x64) ATI Catalyst WHQL May 2008 Catalyst 8.5 (XP x86) Catalyst 8.5 (Vista x86) Catalyst 8.5 (Vista x64) * * * Vista Codec Pack Contains Updated FFDshow, Xvid, DivX and common tools. Custom install allows you to select only bits you want. Current versions and release notes at compilers site >>HERE: JUN 2008 4.70 VCP for Vista x86 1.4.9 x64 Components add-on for Vista x64 >>a must for x64 Users! (Install along with the standard VCP) Site includes links for Quicktime alt add on for VCP and some very useful tools/apps K-lite Codec Pack JUN 2008 XP/2000/Vista > 3.9.5 standard, basic, full versions & releases notes >>HERE Or those that prefer the XP Codec Pack JUN 2008 XP Codec Pack 2.3.8 * * * Have fun mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negative Sun Posted May 25, 2008 Share Posted May 25, 2008 I've added an index of all the apps/sites mentioned in this thread in the first post, I was gonna add the descriptions of them as well but I thought it would make it look too cluttered, and if you want to know what the program's about, either click the link or look around in this thread Since doing that alone took me ages, I didn't check to see if all the urls were working ok, if anyone notices a dead link or such, let me kow and I'll fix it ASAP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negative Sun Posted July 17, 2008 Share Posted July 17, 2008 Update July 17, 2008 Current drivers: Nvidia WHQL: July/August 2008 175.19 (XP x86) 175.19 (Vista x86) 175.19 (Vista x64) These would be the most common drivers for most of us to use, namely with the 6, 7, 8 and 9 series of GeForce cards, for others, see below... If you have a 200-series card (GTX260/280), use this for Vista x86: 177.41 Check the site or ask if you need ones for XP or Vista x64. If you have older >6100, FX/MX etc cards, it is suggested you read the release notes before downloading any current version. If you have a Non-Windows OS, please check nvidia.com, of course. For the adventurous, non-WHQL beta drivers(usually those packaged with new cards or leaked by beta testers). Recommended only if you are after a specifically mentioned bugfix, or are a driver junkie Courtesy Guru3d July/August 2008 177.66 (XP x86) 177.66 (Vista x86) 177.66 (Vista x64) 13/8/2008:GeForce Power Pack For nvidia series 8 or above only. This pack includes a selection of *PhysX and CUDA enabled drivers v 177.83 (currently not in standard drivers) *nvidias folding@home client \o/ *Games and tech demos. including an unreal tournament physX mod ATI Catalyst WHQL July/August 2008 Catalyst 8.6 (XP x86) Catalyst 8.6 (Vista x86) Catalyst 8.6 (Vista x64) * * * Vista Codec Pack Contains Updated FFDshow, Xvid, DivX and common tools. Custom install allows you to select only bits you want. Current versions and release notes at compilers site >>HERE: July/August 2008 4.7.1 (Final) VCP for Vista x86 1.5.0 (Final) x64 Components add-on for Vista x64 >>a must for x64 Users! (Install along with the standard VCP) Site includes links for Quicktime alt add on for VCP and some very useful tools/apps K-lite Codec Pack July/August 2008 XP/2000/Vista > 4.0.0 standard, basic, full versions & releases notes >>HERE Or those that prefer the XP Codec Pack July/August 2008 XP Codec Pack 2.3.9 * * * Have fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tk102 Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 Here's a list of some of the commands/apps you can launch quickly via Start -> Run Accessibility Controls - access.cpl Accessibility Wizard - accwiz Add Hardware - Wizardhdwwiz.cpl Add/Remove Programs - appwiz.cpl Administrative Tools control - admintools Adobe Acrobat (if installed) - acrobat Adobe ImageReady (if installed)- imageready Adobe Photoshop (if installed)- photoshop Automatic Updates - wuaucpl.cpl Bluetooth Transfer Wizard – fsquirt Calculator - calc Check Disk Utility - chkdsk Clipboard Viewer - clipbrd Command Prompt - cmd Component Services - dcomcnfg Computer Management - compmgmt.msc Control Panel - control Date and Time Properties - timedate.cpl Device Manager - devmgmt.msc Direct X Control Panel (If Installed)- directx.cpl Direct X Troubleshooter- dxdiag Disk Cleanup Utility- cleanmgr Disk Defragment- dfrg.msc Disk Management- diskmgmt.msc Disk Partition Manager- diskpart Display Properties- control desktop Display Properties- desk.cpl Display Properties (w/Appearance Tab Preselected)- control color Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility- drwtsn32 Driver Verifier Utility- verifier Event Viewer- eventvwr.msc Files and Settings Transfer Tool- migwiz File Signature Verification Tool- sigverif Findfast- findfast.cpl Firefox (if installed)- firefox Folders Properties- control folders Fonts- control fonts Fonts Folder- fonts Free Cell Card Game- freecell Game Controllers- joy.cpl Group Policy Editor (XP Prof)- gpedit.msc Hearts Card Game- mshearts Help and Support- helpctr HyperTerminal- hypertrm Iexpress Wizard- iexpress Indexing Service- ciadv.msc Internet Connection Wizard- icwconn1 Internet Explorer- iexplore Internet Setup Wizard- inetwiz Internet Properties- inetcpl.cpl IP Configuration (Display Connection Configuration) - ipconfi/all IP Configuration (Display DNS Cache Contents)- ipconfig /displaydns IP Configuration (Delete DNS Cache Contents)- ipconfig /flushdns IP Configuration (Renew All Connections)- ipconfig /renew IP Configuration(RefreshesDHCP&Re-RegistersDNS)-ipconfig/registerdns IP Configuration (Display DHCP Class ID)- ipconfig/showclassid IP Configuration (Modifies DHCP Class ID)- ipconfig /setclassid IP Configuration (Release All Connections)- ipconfig /release Logs You Out Of Windows - logoff….. Malicious Software Removal Tool - mrt Microsoft Access (if installed) - access.cpl Microsoft Chat - winchat Microsoft Excel (if installed) - excel Microsoft Frontpage (if installed)- frontpg Microsoft Movie Maker - moviemk Microsoft Paint - mspaint Microsoft Word (if installed)- winword Microsoft Powerpoint (if installed)- powerpnt Minesweeper Game - winmine Mouse Properties - control mouse Mouse Properties - main.cpl Nero (if installed)- nero Net Meeting - conf Network Connections - control netconnections Network Connections - ncpa.cpl Network Setup Wizard - netsetup.cpl Notepad - notepad Outlook Express - msimn Password Properties - password.cpl Performance Monitor - perfmon.msc Phone and Modem Options - telephon.cpl Phone Dialer - dialer Pinball Game - pinball Power Configuration - powercfg.cpl Printers and Faxes - control printers Printers Folder – printers Registry Editor - regedit Remote Desktop - mstsc Removable Storage - ntmsmgr.msc Scanners and Cameras - sticpl.cpl Scheduled Tasks - control schedtasks Security Center - wscui.cpl Services - services.msc Shared Folders - fsmgmt.msc Shuts Down Windows - shutdown Sounds and Audio - mmsys.cpl Spider Solitare Card Game - spider System Configuration Editor - sysedit System Configuration Utility - msconfig System File Checker Utility (Scan Immediately)- sfc /scannow System File Checker Utility (Scan Once At Next Boot)- sfc /scanonce System File Checker Utility (Scan On Every Boot) - sfc /scanboot System File Checker Utility (Return to Default Setting)- sfc /revert System File Checker Utility (Purge File Cache)- sfc /purgecache System File Checker Utility (Set Cache Size to size x)-sfc/cachesize=x System Information - msinfo32. System Properties - sysdm.cpl Task Manager – taskmgr TCP Tester - tcptest Telnet Client - telnet User Account Management- nusrmgr.cpl Utility Manager - utilman Windows Address Book - wab Windows Explorer - explorer Windows Firewall- firewall.cpl Windows Media Player - wmplayer Windows Messenger - msmsgs Windows Update Launches - wupdmgr Windows Version (to show which version of windows)- winver Windows XP Tour Wizard - tourstart Wordpad - write Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted August 12, 2008 Author Share Posted August 12, 2008 I like FF3 but FF2 has an extension I *really use alot* which seems will never get updated for FF3... Hence, with a tiny bit of fiddling, you can use FF3 and FF2 concurrently. http://www.troyrutter.com/2008/06/18/firefox-2-and-3-living-together-in-harmony.html I use FF3 for most stuff, and then just jump into FF2 for when I need to use said extension mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tk102 Posted August 21, 2008 Share Posted August 21, 2008 Just a followup to my post above: If you want to view all the possibilities of what you can run from the Start->Run command or if you want to add NEW commands, take a peek in your registry at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ App Paths You'll see here a bunch of keys that are listed as "blahblah.EXE" and each of these keys contain a string entry named "Path" which point to the real path of the exe. The blahblah part is what Windows will recognize in the Start->Run command and will execute the command listed in the "Path". Source Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Det. Bart Lasiter Posted August 21, 2008 Share Posted August 21, 2008 I like FF3 but FF2 has an extension I *really use alot* which seems will never get updated for FF3... Hence, with a tiny bit of fiddling, you can use FF3 and FF2 concurrently. http://www.troyrutter.com/2008/06/18/firefox-2-and-3-living-together-in-harmony.html I use FF3 for most stuff, and then just jump into FF2 for when I need to use said extension mtfbwya with a lot of extensions you can open the extension's xpi file in in winrar or whatever then edit the install.rdf file to let it install on 3.x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted August 21, 2008 Author Share Posted August 21, 2008 with a lot of extensions you can open the extension's xpi file in in winrar or whatever then edit the install.rdf file to let it install on 3.x A few have already done this. It will install, but wont really work anywhere near as effectively as the FF2 version. It's one of the most requested extension updates for FF3. The extensions name is unplug(I mentioned it in first post) and there are some things it does that other video downloaders simply cant. If you can get it fully working, then there's a beer, or a pretty dress coming your way [/not sure about jmacs gender] mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Det. Bart Lasiter Posted August 21, 2008 Share Posted August 21, 2008 Try the one from http://lummox.wz.cz/misc/unplug.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted August 22, 2008 Author Share Posted August 22, 2008 great stuff jmac! I think the author of that tweaked extension has the same destination in mind I do. I probably won't post a link to it here though mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tk102 Posted August 23, 2008 Share Posted August 23, 2008 Ever search for transparent gifs or pngs on Google and you find one that looks great against Google's white background only to find that later it has a white fringe when placed against a colored background? You can determine that a little faster by first viewing just the image in your browser, and then pasting something like this into the address bar: javascript:document.body.style.backgroundColor="#AA0000";void(0); Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jawathehutt Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 http://www.dvdvideosoft.com/free-dvd-video-software.htm Its a handy little program that does almost everything involving changing music and audio files into a different type of file. It can also download youtube video and audio quite well. And its free, yay! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negative Sun Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 Update Sept 12, 2008 Current drivers: Nvidia WHQL: September/October 2008 175.19 (XP x86) 175.19 (Vista x86) 175.19 (Vista x64) These would be the most common drivers for most of us to use, namely with the 6, 7, 8 and 9 series of GeForce cards, for others, see below... If you have a 200-series card (GTX260/280), use this for Vista x86: 177.41 Check the site or ask if you need ones for XP or Vista x64. If you have older >6100, FX/MX etc cards, it is suggested you read the release notes before downloading any current version. If you have a Non-Windows OS, please check nvidia.com, of course. For the adventurous, non-WHQL beta drivers(usually those packaged with new cards or leaked by beta testers). Recommended only if you are after a specifically mentioned bugfix, or are a driver junkie Courtesy Guru3d September/October 2008 177.98 (XP x86) 177.98 (Vista x86) 177.98 (Vista x64) 13/8/2008:GeForce Power Pack For nvidia series 8 or above only. This pack includes a selection of *PhysX and CUDA enabled drivers v 177.92 (currently not in standard drivers) *nvidias folding@home client \o/ *Games and tech demos. including an unreal tournament physX mod ATI Catalyst WHQL September/October 2008 Catalyst 8.8 (XP x86) Catalyst 8.8 (Vista x86) Catalyst 8.8 (Vista x64) * * * Vista Codec Pack FFDshow, Xvid, DivX and common tools. Custom install allows you to select only bits you want. Current versions and release notes at compilers site >>HERE: September/October 2008 4.7.3 (Final) VCP for Vista x86 1.5.2 (Final) x64 Components add-on for Vista x64 >>a must for x64 Users! (Install along with the standard VCP) Site includes links for Quicktime alt add on for VCP and some very useful tools/apps K-lite Codec Pack September/October 2008 XP/2000/Vista > 4.1.7 standard, basic, full versions & releases notes >>HERE Or those that prefer the XP Codec Pack September/October 2008 XP Codec Pack 2.4.2 * * * Have fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChAiNz.2da Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 May be something everyone knew, but I just stumbled across it yesterday.. In Vista.. if you <Shift + Right-Click> in/on a folder, you'll have a new function option "Open Command Window Here". Pretty handy if you do alot of command line functions and don't want to create cmd.exe shortcuts in each folder you use them in (or too lazy to type out the path.. hehehe). ^^^ Discovered that one by pure accident.. so curious if there were more, I did a Google search and turned up these other shift + right-click options: <Shift + Right-Click> on any file and you'll get 3 new options: -Pin To Start Menu -Add To Quick Launch -Copy As Path <Shift + Right-Click> on any Office document and you'll get a "Open As Read Only" option. suh-weet since I'm a right-click junkie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted September 16, 2008 Author Share Posted September 16, 2008 if you enjoy R click powah...here's something you'd like then chainz.... copy and paste text below into a notepad .txt document. Rename whatever.txt to whatever.reg This should change filetype to a registry key. Double click to add to your registry. If successful, you will now get a ''take ownership'' option when you r.click a file. Handy for fiddling with system/locked files... to ensure you have changed filetype correctly, ensure you have ''hide known filetypes'' OFF (in folder and search options) [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\runas] @="Take Ownership" "NoWorkingDirectory"="" [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\runas\command] @="cmd.exe /c takeown /f \"%1\" && icacls \"%1\" /grant administrators:F" "IsolatedCommand"="cmd.exe /c takeown /f \"%1\" && icacls \"%1\" /grant administrators:F" [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\runas] @="Take Ownership" "NoWorkingDirectory"="" [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\runas\command] @="cmd.exe /c takeown /f \"%1\" /r /d y && icacls \"%1\" /grant administrators:F /t" "IsolatedCommand"="cmd.exe /c takeown /f \"%1\" /r /d y && icacls \"%1\" /grant administrators:F /t" mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted September 21, 2008 Author Share Posted September 21, 2008 great stuff re- indexing negsun here's one for you ipod users... I dont use an ipod meself, but the gf has an old school shuffle she intermittently uses. She recently wanted some new crappy girly music added to it, so off I went a'googlin I wanted to avoid installing the bloaty itunes so tracked down this beauty... sharepod 500ish KB, runs as a standalone executable app(no installation reqd!) FREE. Nice little GUI. Did the trick mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted October 16, 2008 Author Share Posted October 16, 2008 heres one for those using Vista... do you like an uncluttered desktop? Not only does it contribute to your sense of tidyness but having more "black" on your screen actually reduces the power consumption of your monitor(just like a screensaver) Heres a cool vista sidebar gadget called sidelauncher that allows you to put all your apps shortcuts and folders into a nice neat launcher. It actually uses what in in the quick launch tray, but that tray, and desktop icons can subsequently be hidden.. all you get is this: quite nifty[/iMO] Immediately below that is the multi sensor gadget. It works with the everest system utilties app to display key readings. Only allows 5 readings on there, though you can pick which 5. I find it great to monitor the impact of folding of my kit It also means you can hide those garish everst icons from your system tray. Heres what they look like on an overall deskie: mmmm...power saving minimalism seeing power consumption has been mentioned, might as well mention Blackle. Its basically google search but will minimal colours/no white background, thereby saving just that little but of power each time you use it. The site has a 'watt hours saved' meter, which is quite cool to keep track of if you are into that type of stuff mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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