Windows Software

WinDirStat knows what's eating your memory

Over the weekend, I found myself on a digital precipice. My laptop's hard drive had maxed out its 90GB, there were less than 5 to go. My external hard drive, The Tank, was about to get tanked: Out of the 250GB it could hold, I was down to less than 4. I still needed to upload a bunch of RAW format photos, with each image closing in on 10MB. What to do?

I remembered a recent article we ran about good system utilities and identifying where your precious gigabytes are going. Sure enough, WinDirStat came up. I was hoping that there was some unknown cache taking up all my space, or at least enough to be able to save without fear of outrunning the hard drive's limits.

Killer Download: Does your computer have what it takes?

No matter what kind of computer you're running--a brand new dual-core Alienware model or your aunt's old Dell laptop--it's hard to gauge the performance of your machine by factory specs alone. Especially with all the versions of Windows PCs out there using any number of hardware configurations; it's tough to really know how your computer measures up to today's fastest systems.

Finding complete system specs is especially important to gamers of course, but they're not alone in their need for system speed. Today's release of the graphics-intensive specs for Crytek's Crysis (from Crave, CNET's gadget blog) surely has many gamers praying their computers have what it takes to really bring the long-awaited game to life. But even if you're not a gamer, you might want to know, for example, whether your computer can handle the latest image- or video-editing software. Fortunately, you can find out in advance using a good benchmarking app. This category of software runs several diagnostic tests which check everything from processor speed and drive efficiency to the output of your graphics and sound cards.… Read more

Yoink'd creates video playlists in seconds

Like most of us who spend considerable time in the Web 2.0 universe, I love to embed content on blogs and social-networking home pages. YouTube is loaded with countless hours of entertaining videos, but it wouldn't be nearly as popular without the ability to embed those wacky movies all over the Web. Now, a new online service called Yoink'd hopes to capitalize on the embedded-video craze by providing a free method of compiling, presenting, and sharing Web videos with your friends.

Yoink'd is essentially an online media player that uses AJAX and DHTML to search for, collect, and share online video files. It is an entirely self-contained, Web-based application. All of your preferences and playlists are saved within the Yoink'd Mediabox itself. There's no profile page or settings page you have to visit each time you want to add videos or change your preferences. To me, that's the beauty of Yoink'd. The entire application lives in the embeddable widget. Once you pop it on your blog, you'll never need to visit the Yoink'd site again.… Read more

Build a better playlist

I love my Archos Gmini 220. It doesn't play movies, make phone calls, or take snapshots, but it provides me 20GB of digital music and files that I can take anywhere and transfer to any computer. It also only cost me $150 two years ago and is still going strong (with the help of one critical rubber band). It's also very solid as a lo-fi recording device for live shows.

While I don't need a portable music player that massages my back or sorts my laundry, I do need one that can shuffle my tracks randomly. Unfortunately, … Read more

iTunes: Master your music library

You likely use iTunes (download it for Windows or Mac OS X) to synchronize your music and movies from your PC to your iPod, but there's so much more you can do with Apple's powerful jukebox software. Digital-music master Molly Wood offers some excellent insider tips on using iTunes, including how to equalize tracks and create cool CD covers.

Camtasia Studio 5: Sturdier, sexier screen captures

If programs were people, the sleeker, trimmer-looking Camtasia Studio 5 would be the guy or gal who, after emerging from a months-long stint with a personal trainer, has now stretched out on the sand to enjoy the response.

Behind the scenes, TechSmith's Camtasia team has been pumping serious iron into a handful of new features for each of Camtasia's major recording, editing, producing, and playback functionalities. The final result is a more robust screen recording and producing app that's gained significant muscle without added fat. While there are still some flaws to work out, Camtasia Studio 5 offers streamlined performance for the same price as its predecessor--$299 new; $149 to upgrade.

Here's a look at the new and enhanced features in order of appearance.… Read more

Authentication gone, but IE still genuine

Microsoft has removed its Windows Genuine Advantage authentication system from the installation process for Internet Explorer 7.

For the average user, this means a quicker installation time. CNET News.com is reporting that Microsoft's decision was because of enhanced security fixes that replace the need for the WGA. However, some have speculated that Redmond's reasoning may have less to do with consumer protection and more with program distribution: Mozilla's Firefox 2 has eaten somewhere between 10 and 20 percent of the browser market, depending on whose metrics you believe, and that has Microsoft's bigwigs deeply concerned. … Read more

Comodo Pro is excellent for amateurs, too

Sometimes programs are born great, and sometimes they have greatness thrust upon them. There's a third tack, too: some program grow into their skins. Comodo Firewall Pro is one of those.

Living under the radar for too long, at some point out of the limelight it became a solid, state-of-the-art firewall with little reason left to ignore it. Providing a smorgasbord of information and options for advanced users, simple enough for beginners, and yet runs smoothly and silently in the background, Comodo is a prime example of what a program that mucks about with your Internet connection should be like.

Get serious with Internet Security 2008

As Trend Micro releases an upgrade to their PC-Cillin Web security product, they've renamed it Internet Security 2008.

It's a bit less glib and reflects the way in which malware attacks have proven to have serious, life-altering consequences in the real world. CNET's Rob Vamosi has given the trialware five stars, and it's hard to argue that Trend Micro doesn't offer a comprehensive suite of tools to keep you safe.

However, user complaints about previous versions indicate mixed reviews. Some loved PC-Cillin, others felt that the cure was worse than the disease. Take a look … Read more

Tweak search in Avant Browser

Although Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox are the most popular Web browsers, there are lots of surfers who prefer the style and features of Avant Browser, a customizable app that's based on on the same layout engine as IE.

Integrated search engines have quickly become one of the most used features in Web browsers, and Avant Browser's search is a bit different than Firefox or IE. Brian Cooley demonstrates how to customize your built-in search engines with Avant Browser.