Windows SIG for 11-17-2009

For the Windows SIG for November 17th, 2009 I will be presenting several free utilities dealing with file recovery for the times that we accidentally delete files. FreeUndelete, Recuva, UndeletePlus, PC Inspector File Recovery and Zero Assumption (For Digital Cameras)

Windows SIG for 10-13-2009

I will be going over the different options in CCleaner. CCleaner is a tool for cleaning your Windows PC. It protects your privacy online and makes your computer faster and more secure, getting rid of temp files, unwanted cookies, etc. And also can remove some invalid registry entries.

Windows SIG for 9-1-2009

I will be bringing in my external hard drive and using the clubs laptop computer and the Acronis imaging software already installed to demonstrate how easy it is to back up your computer for when your computer needs to be restored. Either because of a software or hardware failure.

Possible CSS coding for personal web page

I was thinking about converting my personal page site; www.dmanns.org to CSS coding. From the research I have done so far, it looks like a rather large undertaking. If anyone has any books or programs; freeware; that would make this easier, it would be greatly appreciated. Otherwise, I will probably just leave the site as it is.

Update: 8-20-2009 - I have just downloaded a few freeware CSS editors. I will try installing one or two tomorrow and see how they work.

Windows SIG on 6-23-2009

For the Windows SIG on 6-23-2009 I plan to demonstrate two small programs. One is Easy Read, which attaches to Internet Explorer and can change the zoom of a web page making it easier to read. The other is Magnifier which can magnify and screen capture different parts of the screen. These programs can be downloaded from http://iconico.com/easyRead/ & http://iconico.com/magnifier/, respectively.

Windows SIG for 5-12-2009

For the Windows SIG on 5-12-2009 I will be discussing passwords, their importance and generating new ones. A program that allows you to create passwords and test their strength can be downloaded from http://www.pctools.com/guides/password/

Password Strength Checker

I found a Password Strength Checker at a Microsoft web site. Just type in your password. (Nothing is transmitted across the web.) As you type the rating changes from Weak to Medium to Strong to Best - The link is http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourself/password/checker.mspx

Windows SIG for 3-31-2009

For the Windows SIG on 3-31-2009 I will be presenting a program called Karen's Computer Profiler. This program allows you to learn more than 200 interesting facts about your computer. Details about your CPU, memory, operating system, even your computer's power source, can be displayed. You can also copy the information to the Windows clipboard, and paste it into a document for permanent storage. This program can be downloaded from
http://www.karenware.com/powertools/ptprofiler.asp

Windows SIG for 3-3-2009

For the Windows SIG on 3-3-2009 I will be presenting a program called Virtual Drive Creator. This program allows you to create virtual drives, that are really only a folder but appear and act as if they were an additional hard drive. The program is easy and simple to use: Just enter the drive letter to create and the folder to substitute and click OK to create the virtual drive. To remove a virtual drive, click the Drive Letter and Click the Remove Virtual Drive button. This program can be downloaded from http://www.snapfiles.com/get/vdrivecreator.html

Acronis True Image

I have now actually used Acronis True Image 2009 to recover my hard drive. I had done a full image on Saturday morning and during the day, in changing some of the partitions, I changed something (in other words, messed it up). So I used Acronis True Image 2009 to restore the image I had made and verified that morning. It works great. With all the authentication and verification that I had the software do it took several hours, compared to days, weeks or possibly never to get my machine back where it should be.

Gasoline prices going back up

Gasoline prices, as you know, are on the way back up. The station I usually go to is at $1.79 now.

Windows SIG for 2-3-2009

For the Windows SIG on 2-3-2009 I will be presenting a program called Taskbar Shuffle. This program can be used to shuffle the icons on the task bar. In other words, change the order on the task bar. For example, if you always want your icon for OE on the left side of the task bar and the program closes for some reason, when you reopen it, by default it will be on the right. This program can be downloaded from http://www.snapfiles.com/get/TaskbarShuffle.html

Windows Update

I tried to use Windows Update (WU) this last weekend to install Vista SP1 on my PC. Got error 80072F78. When I googled the error message the responses I read suggested that either the date and time were off; not the case; or that I should shutdown any unnecessary processes running in the background. I don't want to shut down my firewall or AV programs. I will just try redownloading the update again and see what happens. - The error message changed to 80200010 - The web suggests deactivating all of "Norton" type products. Again, I don't want to shut down certain programs. - The third time appears to have been the charm. SP1 is now loaded and everything 'appears' to be working fine. - Update, the Search function seems to be missing from the start menu, but since it is in several other locations that is not an issue.

Gasoline Price III

The gasoline price at the station I go to is at $1.51 now.