Jkwebtalks

FileWing: free utility for recovering/deleting files from USB devices & hard disks

2010-02-08T13:54:00.006+05:30

FileWing is a two in one program that allows you to recover deleted file (if they have not been overwritten) or can be used for permanently deleting files from your computer.

FileWing can recover mistakenly deleted files from internal, external HDD, Pen drives and Camera Cards.

Moreover this tool lets you delete sensitive data safely. You can choose between 7 different algorithms like Gutman, Bruce Schneider, which overwrite the files-to-be-deleted with different patterns from 1 to 35 times.

Features of File Wing;

Restores deleted files (undeleter)
Wipes files securely making undeletion impossible
Works for Pen drives and digital cameras
Free of charge and supports Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7.

The program required Microsoft .NET Frame work 2 or above to install. Moreover you need to register the program (which is free) to get full functionality. Download FileWing

Recover forgotten BIOS password

2010-02-07T15:14:00.002+05:30

Some times it may be necessary to change some settings in the system BIOS, for example boot preferences. But what if you forgotten your password?

Here is a simple solution to find, decode and delete the superior passwords stored in BIOS whatever the brand is.

PC CMOS Cleaner (now it is free) is a bootable CD that runs on x86 and x86_64 computers and is useful for users to get their lost BIOS password back, or clean passwords from an old computer bought from others.

It supports most BIOS, such as: AWARD, AMI, Compaq, Phoenix, Samsung, IBM, Compaq, DTK, Thinkpad, Sony, Toshiba and so on.

Download PC CMOS Cleaner

[Security Alert] Trojan found in two Firefox add-ons

2010-02-06T21:03:00.002+05:30

Mozilla has detected Trojans in two experimental Firefox add-ons. The add-ons Sothink Web Video Downloader (V.4) and all versions of Master Filer were found Trojans and it affects Windows users.

If installed, it would be executed when Firefox starts and uninstalling these add-ons does not remove the Trojan from a user’s system. These two add-ons has already been been removed from AMO.

It is said that Sothink Web Video Downloader (v.4) has been downloaded 4,000 times between Feb 2008 - May 2008 and it contain Win32.LdPinch.gen virus.

Master Filer was downloaded approximately 600 times between September 2009 and January 2010 and it contains Win32.Bifrose.32.Bifrose Trojan.

It is important that, if you have installed these two add-ons, you should perform a thorough system scan you system with your antivirus program.

Antivirus programs like Avast, GData, AVG, and McAfee are known to detect the trojans found in the affected add-ons. [Via]

Extend existing partition without formatting hard disk

2010-02-06T07:57:00.004+05:30

Extend Partition is a simple to use system utility which lets you increase a hard disk partition without formatting the hard disk. The program has a wizard like interface, so anyone can extend a partition without much trouble.

The program can shrinks large partitions and moves them to release more space to increase the capacity for the given partition.

Extend Partition support the disk with the largest capacity of 2TB and work on Windows 2000 Professional, XP, Vista and Windows 7.

However, the free version can not extend Windows installation partition which I think most people wanted. Download Extend Partition for Windows 7/Vista/XP

Solve Windows 7/ Server 2008 no responding issue while copying files to USB devices

2010-02-06T07:50:00.004+05:30

Have you got any issue like computer stops responding or copy operation fails while trying to copy files from your Windows 7 or Server 2008 (R2) to an external USB storage device.

There are chances for that on computers especially with 4GB of RAM and has NVIDIA USB Enhanced Host Controller Interface (EHCI) chipset.

According to the KB 976872 article “This issue may also occur when you are using USB devices other than storage devices or if you perform other input/output (I/O) operations on the USB storage device. In this situation, the I/O operations fail”.

Microsoft has released a patch for it (KB976972). You can download the update (for 32bit/64bit) from here.

Prevent virus infection via USB devices with KillAutorun

2010-02-05T12:46:00.003+05:30

Computer Viruses widely use Autorun. Inf file to infect other computers through USB devices like Pen drive, Camera card, etc. Windows XP is most vulnerable as it executes autorun.inf file automatically. Windows 7 and Vista requires user approval, however still vulnerable.

There are several tools and methods to protect your computer from autorun . Here is another simple tool KillAutorun which will help protect your Windows XP as well as Vista and 7system from autorun viruses.

The program does the followings to protect you:

Disabling automatic execution of autorun script upon insertion of removable device.
Automatic deletion of autorun.inf file from your removable drive upon insertion.

This is done to prevent accidental invocation of autorun script by double-clicking drive's icon from Windows Explorer. Download KillAutorun

Setup CCleaner to completely remove flash cookies [how to]

2010-02-05T07:58:00.007+05:30

As I told in the earlier posts flash cookies are toughest to remove from a PC. Even if you’ve deleted all your browsing history and normal cookies, flash cookies are still there and offer unlimited user tracking.

CCleaner is one of the best privacy cleaning software and it can also remove flash cookies from your PC, but there are Flash Cookies which aren't removed by CCleaner.

Here is how to completely remove flash cookies from Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7.

For Windows XP users: Run CCleaner and add the following two folders to the Include List. For that go to Options – Include – Add Folder, and then navigate to:

C:\Documents and Settings\ User name\Application Data\Macromedia\Flash Player\#SharedObjects

C:\Documents and Settings\User name\Application Data\Macromedia\Flash Player\macromedia.com\support\flashplayer\sys

Now add the following file to the Exclude list. For that go to Option – Exclude – Add file and browse the following file.

C:\Documents and Settings\ User name\Application Data\Macromedia\Flash Player\macromedia.com\support\flashplayer\sys\settings.sol

For Windows 7 and Vista users: Add following two folders to Include list

C:\Users\User name\AppData\Roaming\Macromedia\Flash Player\#SharedObjects

C:\Users\User name\AppData\Roaming\Macromedia\Flash Player\macromedia.com\support\flashplayer\sys

In the Exclude list add the following file:

C:\Users\User name\AppData\Roaming\Macromedia\Flash Player\macromedia.com\support\flashplayer\sys\settings.sol

[Note: 'Please enable ‘Show hidden files and Folder Option before proceeding. For Windows XP go to Windows Explorer – Tools – Folder Options – View and enable ‘Show hidden files and Folder’ option. For Windows 7 & Vista got to Windows Explorer - Organize - Folder and Search option - View – and enable ‘Show hidden files, folder, or drivers’] - [Via]

Get Prevx SafeOnline worth $14.95 for free

2010-02-04T11:22:00.003+05:30

Prevx SafeOnline is a security program for windows that can protect you while banking, shopping, social networking, tweeting, or just surfing.

It keeps your login, bank, and card details safe from the threats McAfee, Symantec, or any other Antivirus wouldn't even see...

If you have interested, now you can grab a free copy of Prevx SafeOnline worth $14.95 from this Facebook page.

More details and download

PDF to Word Converter free giveaway (save $29.95)

2010-02-04T07:39:00.005+05:30

AnyBizSoft PDF to Word Converter is one of the best programs for accurately converting PDF documents into an editable word document. It will retain the original text, layouts, images and hyperlinks exactly as in PDF.

With this tool you can convert PDF to Word 2010, 2007(.docx) and 2003(.doc) files. One notable feature of this program is its easiness to use. Just drag and drop PDF files into program’s window or right click on a PDF file to convert a file.

Features of AnyBizSoft PDF to Word Converter:

Support encrypted PDF files conversion
Support Microsoft Office 2010 and Windows 7
3 conversion modes—Batch, Partial, Right-click conversion modes
Preserve text, layouts, images and hyperlinks in an editable Word document

Anypdftools giving away free copy of AnyBizSoft PDF to Word for personal use. This free offer expires on Mar. 1, 2010. So hurry-up, if you need this tool. [Thanks to Daniel for inform me about this free offer].

How to hide running programs or task in Windows?

2010-02-03T21:44:00.005+05:30

Sometimes you may want to hide a running program or task that you are executing from others around you. Minimizing to taskbar or closing the program is not always practical.

Here is a tiny, portable program that allows you to instantly hide all or certain programs on your screen with a shortcut key. So that others near by you don’t see what you’re doing.

The program WinRap has a lock feature to forbid others from accessing this utility temporarily. The hidden application can also be restored exactly to the same state before it was hidden.

Besides that, it can clean your desktop by hiding unneeded windows applications while leaving them running.

Download WinRap (For Windows 7, Vista and XP)

Solve freezing issue of Rebound game on Windows 7 multi-touch

2010-02-03T21:39:00.003+05:30

Windows 7 is Microsoft’s most exciting Windows versions in years. It comes with many cool features and one new cool feature of this OS is its support for touch screen.

This topic is to inform you about a problem and its fix for Windows 7-based computer with quad-core processor that supports multitouch and installed Microsoft Touch Pack.

Microsoft Touch Pack is a collection of games and programs for touch screens running Windows 7. You can interact with these games and programs using your fingers. If you have installed Microsoft Touch Pack and when you try to start the game Microsoft Rebound, the game may stops responding.

If you have such issue there is a hotfix available for download at Microsoft’s support site.Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing the problem described above.

Google Apps shortcut plug-in for Google Chrome

2010-02-03T14:48:00.005+05:30

Here is a handy plugin for Google Chrome that lets instantly access your favorite Google apps - Gmail, Contacts, Calendar, Docs, Voice or Wave from your browser Google Chrome.

This extension is pretty cool and allows accessing all basic services offered by Google with few clicks.

After installing the plug-in, just click the Google Apps Shortcuts icon and select a service of your choice. Creating new email, opening your feed reader, creating documents, etc. are so easy now with this tool.

There is also an option to enable or disable any services from the Option menu. Just visit here and install the Google Apps Shortcuts.

Download Google App Shortcut for Chrome. Similar program for your desktop based on Adobe Air.

Download free eBook The Complete Windows 7 Keyboard Shortcuts

2010-02-02T19:35:00.006+05:30

As against Windows XP or Vista Windows 7 includes lots of new keyboard shortcuts that are unknown for a new user. Microsoft has already published a few important shortcut keys for Windows 7. You can find them here.

Here is an e-book ‘The Complete Windows 7 Keyboard Shortcuts eBook’ from Winvistaclub that comprises more than 200 shortcuts which help make your computer easier to use.

This eBook comprises of more than 200 keyboard shortcuts containing almost all the keyboard shortcuts that are available in Windows 7 and its default programs like Paint, WordPad, MS Office, Calculator, Help, Media Player, Media Center, Windows Journal, Internet Explorer, etc.

Download Windows 7 keyboard shortcuts e-book [home page]

Disable automatic Meta refresh/redirect of websites in browser for security reasons[how to]

2010-02-01T21:05:00.006+05:30

Generally speaking, Meta refresh is a method used by some websites to instruct a web browser to automatically refresh/redirect the current web page after a given time interval.

You can see this type of refresh/redirect especially in media sites. This is some times annoying or can be used for malicious purposes by redirecting you to a malicious site.

If you don’t like this feature, you can disable this in your browser. Here is how to disable this in Internet Explore/Chrome, Firefox and Opera.

Internet Explorer: Go to Tools - Internet options - Security tab - Custom Level button - Miscellaneous category - set "Allow Meta refresh" to Disable.

Firefox: Go to Tools - Options - Advanced - General - Accessibility and tick the option next to ‘Warn me when web sites try to redirect or reload the page’. Alternatively you can use extension RefreshBlocker.

Opera: Go to Preferences - Advanced - Network and uncheck "Enable automatic redirection".

Google Chrome add-on for quick downloading YouTube video

2010-02-01T14:41:00.005+05:30

There are several methods for downloading videos from YouTube. We had covered many of them in the previous articles.

Here is an add-on for Google Chrome that makes downloading videos from YouTube much easier. Users can download YouTube video in either MP4 or FLV format just with a click.

(There is another method for downloading YouTube video directly from Google Chrome, click here to see how)

The above mentioned chrome extension allows users to download a YouTube video in either MP4 or FLV format. The required format can be selected in the extension 'options' page. (See screen shot)

The Video Downloader icon appears on pages where you are viewing a YouTube video. Clicking on this icon will download the video in the chosen format (mp4/flv).

Install YouTube video downloader for Google Chrome

UltraDefrag v 4.0 released, download now

2010-01-31T14:33:00.006+05:30

Previously we had covered topic on a powerful defragging tool PuranDefrag, here is another tool UltraDefrag which also supports system locked files defragmentation (registry hives and paging file) and scheduled defragmentation.

UltraDefrag is the first open source defragmenter which is designed to do the job as fast as possible and you can also defrag single folder or file by just right clicking.

The new version (4.0) is fully compatible with Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, XP, Server 2003, Vista, Server 2008, Windows 7 and all of the 64-bit and 32 editions of Windows.

Features of UltraDefrag- v.4.0

Boot Time Defragmentation
Single File or Directory Defragmentation
Scheduled Defragmentationc
Enhanced Algorithm for Defragmentation
Available for both 32bit and 64bit Windows
Both GUI and Console Interface

Download UltraDefrag

GoogleSharing: Firefox Add-on & Anonymous Proxy Service

2010-01-30T19:55:00.005+05:30

GoogleSharing is a Firefox add-on and a special kind of anonymizing proxy service, designed for a very specific need.

This add-on will prevent Google from tracking your searches, movements, what websites you visit and what search results you clicked on when you are not logged in a Google services like Gmail, Gdocs, etc.

This add-on is not a complete proxy service. It only sends Google tracking related traffic through the proxy. If you browse a non-Google website traffic will be sent to the internet normally.

Interested users can install this add-on from Mozilla add-on site

Desktop Notepad for editing & creating Google Docs documents

2010-01-30T10:24:00.004+05:30

If you use Google Docs for text editing purposes, here is a very simple Notepad like application for your desktop.

The freeware application called Nocs lets you make changes to to your Google Docs documents or crate new documents without having to open the Google Docs website.

Nocs utilizes the Google Document List API for synchronizing text documents with Google Docs. This allows quick editing regardless of user or physical location.

Nocs requires Microsoft .Net Framework for installing and you can simply work with it just like Windows Notepad.

Download Nocs

Download intelligent defragging tool Puran Defrag for free

2010-01-29T14:29:00.007+05:30

One of the most important reasons of poor performance or decreased speed of a PC is its hard disk fragmentation. Fragmentation will contribute to a significant loss of PC performance.

Experts say that the hard drive needs to be defragmented once in a week or month depending on the PC usage for better performance of your PC.

Ok that Windows have built-in defragging tool, but its performance is poor, especially in the older versions of OSs.

If you are still using Windows own defragging tool, try Puran Defrag (now free version available which is identical to the paid version) and see the difference.

Unlike similar free tools, it offers many advanced options like Automatic defrag, Boot Time Defragmentation for system files like registry, Low Priority Defrag for work while defrag experience, etc.

Main features are:

Automatic Defragmentation for worry free defrag
Boot Time Defragmentation for system files like MFT
Low Priority Defrag for work while defrag experience
Individual File/Folder Defrag for selective defrag
Puran Intelligent Optimizer - PIOZR
Directories Consolidation for speed boost
Optimization by Freeing Space

It Supports Windows XP/2003/Vista/2008/7 (32/64bits). Download Puran Defrag [via -askvg]

[Security alert] Beware of Apple iPad SEO poisoning

2010-01-28T22:01:00.003+05:30

Apple iPad is one of the hottest topics circulating the Web today. The most awaited Apple tablet has now been officially released and most of you may already hear about it.

But, according to a recent report by the security company Trend Micro, malware authors utilize Search Engine Optimization (SEO) poisoning techniques (Blackhat search engine optimization) to redirects search results related to Apple iPad.

When clicked, the search results lead to the download of rogue antivirus software, which Trend Micro detects as TROJ_FAKEAV.EAM.

SEO poisoning is not a new thing. There are several examples. Most recent examples are search results related with Haiti Earthquake and Microsoft Security Essential.

So it is recommended that do carefully check the link before entering an unfamiliar site. More details here.

Download and update your hardware drivers quickly & easily with DriverEasy

2010-01-28T19:56:00.007+05:30

Surfing internet to find correct driver for a device is sometimes very difficult especially if it is an old one. To help you, there are few software tools like Device Doctor which auto detect and download hardware drivers for Windows easily and quickly

Now here is another free utility called Driver Easy that helps you update your hardware drivers quite easily.

With the friendly user Interface, Driver Easy can save you too much time & energy to find out the latest drivers of your computer.

The program is fully compatible with all Windows Windows XP 32bit/ 64bit, Vista 32bit/ 64bit and Windows 7 32bit/Window7 64bit .

Features includes:

Auto Detect and Download Drivers
1,000,000+ Hardware Driver Database
Supports Windows XP, Vista & 7
FREE for Personal Use
Extremely Easy-to-Use.

Download DriverEasy at source. Required Microsoft’s .NET Framework to install the application [via – Blogsdna]

Windows 7 partition manager software

2010-01-28T19:49:00.005+05:30

Most manufactures ship their desktops or laptops with Windows 7 or Vista pre-installed. Installing a new OS, for example Ubuntu on such machines while Windows remains safe requires the existing partition of the hard drive to be resized.

Of course Windows 7 and Vista has built-in facility for resizing the hard drive, but for complicated operations like partition recovery, rebuild master boot record, and the like required powerful partition manager software.

Partition Wizard is such a free tool that can perform various operations like resizing, copying, creating, deleting, formatting, converting and explore partitions, change drive letter, set active partition, recover lost partition, etc.

Following are some of the advanced features of Partition Wizard:

Create, Delete and Format partitions with simple steps.
Disk Copy to protect or transfer data.
Support disk and partition size larger than 2 TB.
Convert partition format from FAT to NTFS.
Copy the entire hard disk to another without having to reinstall Windows.
Rebuild MBR.
Convert Dynamic Disk to Basic Disk.
Disk Surface Test.
Change Partition Serial Number and more.

The program supports (download it here) Windows 7, Vista and XP -32/64bits.

Tiny, portable utility for deleting empty folders and sub-folders

2010-01-27T19:17:00.006+05:30

It is necessary that you have to remove blank folders and sub-folders from your PC to keep it clean and prevent from being messy.

Empty folder or directories are usually left behind by programs you uninstall from your computer or created by yourself. If it is too many, it’s not that easy to search and clean them manually.

Here is a tiny (40Kb), portable tool that lets you remove all empty folders and sub-folders from your PC automatically.

How to: Run the tool Vanity Remover and just select a drive and click to start button. It will remove all empty directories automatically. The program requires Microsoft’s .NET Framework to run.

Important: Note that some applications may require temporary directories that are empty for working. Such application may stop working if such a temporary folder gets deleted.

Download Vanity Remover for Windows 7, Vista and XP

Tiny, portable YouTube video downloader

2010-01-27T08:46:00.007+05:30

There are several methods are available for downloading videos from YouTube. We already had reviewed few of them on previous posts.

Here is another, very simple to use, portable and tiny (168Kb) utility for downloading videos from any language versions of YouTube. As it is a portable utility no installation required.

Just run the utility YouChoob, copy and paste URL of the video page and click Download button. YouChoob will automatically download high-quality versions of videos, if it detects they are available.

There is also an option for batch downloading YouTube videos. YouChoob requires Microsoft’s .NET Framework 2 or above to run. Download YouChoob (168Kb)

Download Google Chrome 4 stable version now with add-on support

2010-01-26T10:11:00.002+05:30

The new Google Chrome 4 stable version supports installing add-ons, which were previously launched on the beta channel only.

Extensions are small applications that let you add new features and functionality to your browser. You can now browse thousands of extensions on official or unofficial extension galleries and install them on your Google Chrome.

Download Google Chrome 4 stable version and make your internet surfing faster, safer, and easier.

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