10 Essential Windows 7 Downloads

Windows 7 may be brand spanking new, but that doesn't mean you can't find free or cheap tools to tweak its settings, add features, or smooth an upgrade from XP or Vista.We've compiled a list of ten valuable software tools -- many of them free -- that can make your Win7 experience a lot more rewarding.
(Click on each of the images for a closer look at the tool.)

Microsoft Security Essentials

Windows 7, like its predecessors, doesn't provide built-in protection against malware such as viruses and spyware. (It does have a firewall, however.) You could pay McAfee or Symantec for this service, but why bother with their protection racket when Redmond's does the same thing for free? Microsoft Security Essentials provides solid protection for home PCs, and it's gratis. If you prefer third-party security, check out AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition instead.


Ninite

Brave souls upgrading to Windows 7 from XP must do a clean install, a tedious process that includes, among other things, reinstalling all of your apps. Why not load most of your free and open source programs all at once? Ninite does just that. First, go to the Ninite site and pick the programs you want (e.g., Firefox, iTunes, and Skype). Next, download Ninite, which installs the apps on your PC without additional crapware. Ninite is free for personal use.

 

Windows Live Photo Gallery

To keep Windows 7 slim and trim -- and avoid the code bloat that slowed Vista -- Microsoft left a few utilities out of its new OS.
One such app, Photo Gallery, is a free, easy to use photo manager/editor that's worth a download, particularly if you're not already using Google Picasa to organize your pics and videos. 




Windows Easy Transfer

Anyone moving to Windows 7 from XP and Vista should check out this free download, which helps you copy files and settings from one PC to another. (Windows 7 comes with Easy Transfer.)
The new version of Easy Transfer adds a file explorer, which simplifies the task of selecting the exact files you want to copy. Easy Transfer won't hang if it comes across a file or setting it can't move. Rather, it'll complete the transfer and provide a report of everything it couldn't copy. The bad news: Easy Transfer won't copy your programs. For a PC-to-PC connection, you'll need an Easy Transfer Cable (about $20). Other transfer options include a USB flash drive, external hard disk, or network connection.

  

Ultimate Windows Tweaker v2

This free customization tool detects whether you're running Windows 7 or Vista, and offers only those tweaks that are relevant to your OS. "Ultimate" is a fitting description for this mega-tweaker, which provide dozens of configuration options for UI, network, security, and system settings. If you're all about personalizing Windows 7, this app's for you.

WinZip 14 Standard

So you're about to ask: If Windows 7 has zip compression built in, why do I need the latest version of WinZip? Well, if you seldom use zip archives, you probably don't. But zip fans will appreciate the improvements in WinZip 14 Standard, which has simplified the process of zipping and mailing archives in Win 7.
The latest version offers better compression ratios too. WinZip 14 Standard costs $30.

 

EnhanceMySe7en Free

Windows 7 may be easier to use than Vista or XP, but diagnostic and maintenance chores can still be tricky. EnhanceMySe7en is a handy utility for anyone doing a little system housekeeping.
This free app makes it easier to select which programs will load when Windows starts, monitor your hard drives' performance, "health," and temperature, and fiddle with the Registry -- if you dare.

 

Image Resizer Powertoy Clone

Need to resize pictures in Windows 7? This free utility makes it easy -- simply right-click one or more image files in Windows Explorer. You can select one of four sizes: small (640 by 480); medium (800 by 600); large (1024 by 768); or handheld PC (240 by 320). You can create your own custom sizes too.

 

Systerac Tools for Windows 7

This bundle of 16 tools from Systerac has everything you'll need to keep Windows 7 running smoothly. You can tweak Windows' performance and appearance, optimize memory, clean up the hard drive, cover your tracks by shredding files, and so on. The Systerac interface is aesthetically appealing, nicely organized, and easy to learn. The $20 Windows 7 version runs on Vista too.

 

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

Don't upgrade to Windows 7 before running this free utility from Microsoft. Upgrade Advisor scans your PC to see if it's ready for Win 7. If it detects any potential problems, including insufficient memory, incompatible hardware, or outdated software, it'll let you know in a brief summary report.

PCWorld

Sony Recalls AC Adapters For Shock Hazard

Check yourself before you wreck yourself.

While Sony may have figured out its laptop battery technology, there is now an unfortunate case for the recall of some of the company's AC adapters that pose a shock hazard to its users.
Owners of the AC adapter model VGP-AC19V17, used on the Vaio all-in-one desktop models VGC-LT series and VGC-JS2 series and the Docking Stations VGP-PRBX1 and VGP-PRFE1, are subject to the voluntary recall by Sony. The defect affects around 69,000 units.
Sony has received four reports of adapters short circuiting, but thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
Those who own products that use this AC adapter are advised to turn off their computer, unplug it, and contact Sony to arrange for a free replacement.
Read the full details of the recall here.

Source : Tom's Hardware US

Pivottables and Data Modelling For Excel Dashboards

The whole idea of a Dashboard is to provide a graphical interpretation of the most relevant data, such as a balanced scorecard. Moreover, the updating of new data into the dashboard every week or month should be automated as much as possible. This is where the data model becomes crucial if you want to achieve this. If you get the data model correct at the beginning, the more successful any dashboard will be. The easiest way to understand this concept is to ask -how will my performance report be updated with new data?
Pivottables provide an excellent way to dynamically update dashboard charts and tables when new data appears. Pivottables should be your starting point for a data model. New data is added to the source data list for the pivottable. These pivottables are then hidden in staging worksheets. Through the use of excel functions, links and VBA we can update pivottables when new data is added, which will subsequently show in the reports.
For example, When the pivottables are updated using the refresh button, the various pivottables within the staging worksheet are updated, which consequently shows in all the other dashboards components. Links from pivottables to individual cells within a dashboard report can be done using the 'getpivotdata' formula. This needs to be switch on in order for this to work. If it is switched off, then all you get is a direct link to a cell rather than a dynamic link. If i wanted a cell to show quarters 1,2,3 and 4 when the data appears, i would use the getpivotdata to show this. This means if i were to change the layout of the pivot, the cells would still show the value of quarters 1,2,3 and 4, but if i did not use the getpivotdata function, then i would only get the value of the cell - which is now likely to be something different now after the pivottable has been pivotted. It is simple to use. Select the cell and type in the = sign. Then point to the value in the pivottable you want the cell to link to. TIP: If this doesn't work then click on the generate get pivotdata icon to switch the formula back on.

Benefits of Using PDF For Newsletters

In the today's modern world, newsletters are created in various formats. A marketer can create newsletter in Portable Document Format or Hyper Text Markup Language. Newsletters in Portable Document Format provide a user with a number of options and security features. A PDF format renders a professional appearance to a document. The advantageous features of PDF enable a marketer to present the company's information to a client emphatically.
Advantages of a PDF newsletter:
There are a number of advantages of a newsletter being formatted in PDF. A PDF newsletter becomes portable in nature. In other words, you can have access to a newsletter on any computer system with different configuration. In a PDF application a marketer can use any font type. All fonts are embedded in a PDF so that it becomes feasible to view all fonts when a newsletter is accessed on different computer system. The format can be used to exchange abundant information. In other words, one can include graphics, images, charts or other visuals in the format. PDF application has the compression ability feature with which the size of the images and graphics can compress. This compression feature makes a file size smaller. A smaller file size becomes easily transmittable to the recipients in far flung areas. Therefore, one can also use graphics to demonstrate a company message effectively. A newsletter can become visually appealing if you integrate multimedia elements in a PDF file. PDF has a great ability to support multimedia elements like animation, audio or video clips. The document size of a newsletter remains compact. PDF format supports hyperlinks as well. One can provide additional information in a newsletter by giving hyperlinks to a viewer. PDF file also offers security features to keep the content intact. The contents of your newsletter remain unhampered if you integrate the security features. You can protect your newsletter from unauthorized printing, viewing or editing. One can choose the security settings as per the requirement.
There are various tools available that can make the task of creating exquisite newsletters expedient and instant. A person can create a newsletter in Word document and then convert word to PDF. A person can also deploy newsletter publishing tools that create PDF newsletters. These tools make a user more flexible and efficient to deliver the best output.

Computers Have Come a Long Way Baby

Like many of us, there are occasions when I fuss and fume over how slow a web page is loading or how long it's taking to download a file. And, since I'm a programmer by trade, I also mumble to myself at times about how limited the command set is for a particular programming language or how slow a particular PC is at updating a large database file. At times like that however, I can calm myself by closing my eyes and thinking back to when I first started working with computers.
In 1972, fresh out the army (and one semester of grad school) I decided to move to Tulsa. My aunt had an accounting practice and was trying to computerize, and I thought it would be interesting to help her do that while I looked for a job. After a good deal of research I suggested that she should buy a Litton 1241; it seemed reasonably simple to operate and it had a number of software packages that came with it. The local sales rep had sold quite a few of them and his customers included several accountants, so it seemed like a perfect fit.
Unfortunately my aunt had no idea of how to use a computer, so I decided to stay around a little longer and try to get some of her workload transferred to her bright, shiny new computer. And it was a real whiz-bang of a computer for the time. It featured a magnetic drum memory that could hold 64 data items and it had 128 program registers, each of which could hold four instructions. There was no monitor of course -- the printer doubled as the input display. And since the internal memory was volatile (your data disappeared when you shut off the computer), the 1241 also had a paper tape reader/punch. All your data files were punched onto paper tape when you finished a job, and were read back in through the paper tape reader the next time you ran that job. The 1241 also came with a free electric paper tape roller-upper thingy to keep your tapes neatly rolled into reels.
Actually the 1241 was pretty fast once you got your data loaded from tape, assuming you could make do with those 64 data registers. Any sizable application had to be done in stages; for example a job cost package that was available from Litton had to done in a number of steps with pauses in between to punch intermediate data to tape and then read it back in for the next step. All in all, not exactly a speed burner if you were running anything very complicated.
After a while, I managed to teach myself to program the darn thing and eventually wound up being offered a job with the local Litton office. I got plenty of experience there with the venerable 1241, but over the next few years Litton made great strides in modernizing their computers. First came the 1251, which was basically a 1241 with a larger drum. I helped run a demo for the manager of the local Coca-Cola bottling plant and he was so impressed with the speed of the new system (it sorted 2000 items in just over two hours) that he bought one on the spot.
Next came the Litton 1281, which featured magnetic ledger cards. No more messy paper tape rolls; the 1281 stored data on magnetic ledger cards. It seemed like a giant leap forward at the time and we immediately arranged a demo for a big-time prospect. The sales manager and I practiced running through the complete demo the night before our presentation and everything went smoothly. The next morning at the actual demo absolutely nothing worked -- like the frog in the old Warner Brothers cartoon the 1281 just sat there and bleeped occasionally. It turned out that there were a set of "micro routines" on a special ledger card that had to be loaded each time after the initial use of the 1281.
The 1281 was followed a couple of years later by the 1300; a much more modern system. The 1300 had a monitor and cassette tape drives for storage. It was so impressive that we actually got an appointment with Walmart and went to their headquarters to make a presentation to them. When they showed us into their data processing area it seemed like old times -- by golly, they were storing everything on paper tape. There were giant loops of paper tape everywhere and the chad from the paper punches was scattered all over the floor. Walmart didn't buy from us but they did modernize their computer department shortly after that -- which probably had a lot to do with Walmart growing by leaps and bounds over the next several decades.
Once thing I forgot to mention; newer isn't always better. On one occasion we tried to update a construction company in Oklahoma City that had a Litton 1230 (basically a teletype with a mag drum and paper punch attached). The customer turned us down flat. The boss's wife ran their job cost estimating program and worked on the front desk and the only way she could tell when to go start another estimate running was when the 1230 rang it's teletype bell at the end of each job. We could offer all kinds of new features but we couldn't ring that bell for her.
Programming those systems was fun too. It definitely required some ingenuity at times to produce complex programs with only a handful of commands and storage registers available. Do I miss those days? You bet -- right up until I decide to go look through some merchandise on Amazon or check out the latest stuff on YouTube. Maybe the best part of reminiscing about those times is that it reminds me of how far we've come and makes me much more tolerant of that slow-loading web page.

Using Excel Dynamic Named Ranges in Pivottables

On of the best technique to reference data in excel is to use named ranges. This can be extended if you want dynamic named ranges which adjust with new data.
Normally we hard code the source range for a chart or pivottable, especially if the full range is fixed for the year. However, if the final range is not fixed, then we have to manually update the range for the charts or pivottables every time the new data is added to the database or excel list. To update a pivottable manually, you need to select the table and then pivottable wizard, select back and then reselect the range. The source range also needs to be open.
You can use VBA code that opens up the source and updates the relevant pivottables automatically instead of having to do the above. If all the updating was left to the end, you could easily call all macros and update with one click!
However, in excel version 2003. A new data List feature provide dynamic lists. Another benefit is that there is no need to load the source file first as when using the OFFSET formula. The list range is usually given a named range. If you are using an older version then use the offset formula outlined below.
Once the formula or list range has been completed, go into the relevant pivottable and add the name of the dynamic range after the file name e.g. yourworkbook.xls'!yournamedrange
This means that when new data is added to the database, the named ranged should automatically expand to include the new data. When you refresh the pivot tables manually or by using the code, the pivot tables should now show the new data. This is a great way to start the development of an excel dashboard. Dynamic pivottables are a useful data model.
Go to: Insert>Name>Define and in the Names in workbook box type any one word name (I will use MyRange) the only part that will change is the formula we place in the Refers to box depending on if you are using offset or are using the list feature.
For the offset formula only use this:Expand Down as Many Rows as There are Numeric Entries.In the Refers to box type: =OFFSET($A$1,0,0,COUNT($A:$A),1)
If it is the data list you are using, then Go to: Insert>Name>Define and in the Names in workbook box type any one word name. Use this formula in the refers to box. Adjust the sheet name and range accordingly: ='yourworksheet'!$A$5:$G$339

Computer Slow Repairs

The new computer runs fast even with low specification rates. The computer runs slow after a few months when you install some programs or when you save data on the hard drive.
There are three reasons to make the computer or the laptop slow:
1- Hard drive issue: the hard drive is full or more than 80% full, this issue could slow down the computer. The seek time of a hard disk measures the amount of time required for the read/write heads to move between tracks over the surfaces of the platters.
2- Memory issue: one of the most important part to make the computer fast and smooth is to increase the memory. When you have many programs run in the background like the Anti Virus, the Weather, Printer, Messenger...etc, these programs consume the memory. I suggest 1GB of Ram for Windows. If you add more, this will help your PC to run faster.
3- Virus and Spyware: Viruses and Spyware one of the main reasons could slow down the Computer. When you turn on the computer, the viruses and Spyware run in the start-up mode or in the background, they infect Windows files, registry values and the internet connection. Spyware record everything you do online and on the keyboard. It usually sends a report to the hacker with some confidential information about you. Some of them re-direct you to some scam websites.
Now after we knew about the reasons, we need to fix this problem without calling the computer repair technician.
Regular Maintenance: Windows has a special tools to do the Computer maintenance.
• Hard drive error Check : this way makes your hard drive healthy and fast.
• Defragmentation: defragment the hard drive and re arrange the information and Data on the hard drive. The system will tell you if you need the defragmentation or not.
• Uninstall Programs: try to filter your programs and uninstall unnecessary programs. Free up your hard drive as much as you can.
• Temporary Files Clean up: Free tools from Microsoft help you to clean up your Computer from Temporary files.
• Virus and Spyware Scan: Update your Anti Virus always and run full scan to clean up your Computer from Viruses, Trojan, Worms, Ad ware and Pop-ups. If you do not have an Anti Virus, try to download a free Anti virus or Anti Spyware, install it, do the update then scan your Computer.
• Add More Memory: When you have an old computer, the best way to optimize your computer and make it fast.
If you have good experience you could add some memory by your self, or you could hire a Computer repair Company in Toronto.

The Advantages of Surface-Mount Technology For PCBs

PCB (printed circuit board) technology has come a long way since they were first invented in the 1930's! The construction of electrical circuits via through-hole technology was largely the norm until IBM began to seriously improve the practicality of surface-mount PCBs. Today's surface-mount technology allows for the mass production of electronics and has greatly reduced the cost to the consumer. Here are some of the other advantages of surface-mount technology for PCBs.
-- Surface-mount allows for much smaller components to be used which, in turn, allows for smaller, more portable and lightweight electronic device applications.
-- Because the components can be so much smaller, the complexity of the PCB can be increased over the same or a smaller surface area. There can be many more components and many more connections as well than there could ever be using through-hole techniques.
-- The soldering process involved with surface-mount can be done on a large scale via automation. This expedites production and reduces the need for man-power.
-- Placement of components is much more reliable than it would be if it were done via through-hole or even if humans soldered by hand. The reason for this is that the natural surface tension created when the soldering sheet becomes molten in the oven naturally pulls the components into their exact proper positions.
-- Surface-mount PCBs are much stronger and resistant to external stress than their through-hole counterparts. When an electronic device is dropped or shaken, if the components have been surface-mounted the electrical connection is much more likely to remain intact.
Most PCBs today are manufacturer using surface-mount technologies. Although the processes may vary, the concept remains the same: surface-mount is still the best thing going.

The 3 Different Types of Printed Circuit Boards

If you've ever used a computer, pager, cell phone, or any other device requiring electronic components, then underneath all of those layers of metal you will eventually find a printed circuit board. Printed circuit boards (PCBs) have been used for more than 40 years, but today's models are so technologically-improved that they bear only the most basic resemblance to their forebears. Here's a little information about the 3 different types of printed circuit boards.
1. Single-sided board: Adequate for simple games and other non-complex electronics, a single-sided board is compromised of just one substrate with a fairly straight-forward set of components. An extremely thin layer of conducting material is applied to the board and electronic components are soldered to a set of interconnecting circuits. A series of contact fingers along the edges of the board serve to either connect this PCB to another or to a power source.
2. Double-sided board: As its name implies, an increase in application complexity may make it necessary for additional electronic components to be soldered to the other side of the substrate. Now that there are circuits on each side of the board, the components are connected via a series of strategically placed through-holes which allow for an unimpeded electrical connection between the two. The holes must therefore be coated with a conductive material to allow the PCB to work correctly.
3. Multi-layered board: With these printed circuit boards, the substrate is actually compromised of multiple layers of printed circuits. Separated by layers of specialized insulation, these printed circuit sheets are also connected via plated holes and allow for more complex applications.
PCBs have revolutionized our world in so many ways that their influence is mind-boggling. Improvements in manufacture procedure as well as technology are continually evolving; so much so, perhaps, that in another 40 years they just may bear no more than a passing resemblance to today's models.

Benefits of Online Computer Repair Services

In today's high tech world, on line computer repairs are rapidly taking a hold. Getting a computer repaired online is one of the best options because you do not have to drag your computer to a repair shop and then wait for many days to get it back. Another benefit of the computer repair services online is that it is pocket friendly. You do not have to spend a lot of money in getting your system repaired. Most of them charges only 90 dollars to remove a spy ware or virus.
Majority of the online computer repair companies offers a free or fix it policy. It means that you pay only when your damage is fixed. Common types of repairs that online companies provide are system tune-ups, driver issues, spy ware and virus removal, internet issues and registry issues.
Many issues remain unsolved as repair takes place online. For example, if your computer fails to boot, then online computer repairs company cannot help you. If any part of your computer damages, then also they fail to assist you. This is where no pay no fix comes handy. Ensure to ask about any such policy.
Nowadays it is common to do anything on the internet and the computer. From education, research to shopping everything has become possible with the help of these two tools. Now, a large percentage of people across the world have access to the internet. With an increase in the computer usage, there is also a rise in computer problems. Even the most careful computer user experiences some or the other kind of non- technical or technical problem. The usual way to get your problem solved is to take your computer to the computer repair shop. However, this an effective way to get a computer repair yet it brings with it inconvenience that very few people are able to accept. With onsite computer repairs, you get an opportunity to look at computer repair services from different and new angles. Here are the few reasons explaining why online services are better:

• Online tutorials for computer processes and repair services are available. Although an expert fixes your problem, you also follow the guidelines on how and what to do to fix the problem. It provides an education approach to any computer user.
• Online technicians aim to offer exceptional customer care. Every problem, big or small receives same amount of expertise and attention.
• Getting your computer repaired on line saves your time that you have to spend waiting for your chance in a long line.
• Online repair services offer remote tech support seven days a week. You can avail these technical services anytime, without worrying about weekend breaks.
• Experts and qualified technicians are at your service. This means that the experts who assist you in fixing your problem have wide experience and professionals credentials.

Therefore, online computer repair services offers lots of benefits and solves your computer problems instantly without any wastage of money and time.