freeware

How to start Windows 7 faster

High-performance PC hardware doesn't always deliver the speed users expect. But you probably shouldn't blame the hardware. The slowdown may be due to a software conflict.

A reader named Abe Ibrahim contacted me last week to ask about his slow Windows 7 PC:

My system: Asus Rampage III Extreme MB, Intel i7 980x CPU, 12GB Tri-Bus Memory, 128GB SSD (OS), and 9TB RAID-5 storage. One would think no matter what you ran, the system would scream through it. That is not the case with my system: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit boots in 51 seconds... [When] I use it … Read more

Four free must-have iPad apps for road warriors

Nobody who uses an iPad will ever confuse it for a full-feature notebook PC (especially once they've tried to enter data via the device's built-in keyboard). But anyone who computes on the road knows there's more to business travel than keyboarding.

These four free iPad apps transform the tablet into a clock radio, weather reporter, file manager, and multi-talented notepad.

Free file manager simplifies transfers to PCs via Wi-Fi, USB If you store Word, Excel, and other Office documents online, you may not need to keep copies of the files on your iPad. But many iPad users … Read more

Get WinX DVD Copy Pro for free

A scratched DVD is a worthless DVD. I learned this the hard way after the kids destroyed half our Pixar movie collection. That's why I'm a strong believer in making backups.

Today only, Giveaway of the Day is giving away Digiarty's WinX DVD Copy Pro 3.4.3 for Windows. (I mention the version number because if you have an older freebie, here's your chance to upgrade.)

To get the program, click only the link marked Download WinX DVD Copy Pro 3.4.3 now. There's a lot of promotional clutter on that page, including … Read more

How to see the same view in all Windows 7 folders

I will go out on a limb and say that in the history of humankind no product has caused more irritation to more people than Windows. At least not since the invention of the pop-top can (and with the possible exception of the Ford Escort).

Terry from Moncton, New Brunswick, agrees:

"Probably a bad way to start, but I think Windows [stinks]. However, I have to use it vis-a-vis my business. Just bought a Windoze 7 machine and its idiotic permissions, among other things, are even more irritating than previous incarnations.... All I want is for the default for … Read more

Five free voice-recording iPad apps compared

People have been looking for ways to improve on the iPad's onscreen keyboard since day one. The constant screen-shifting and other shortcomings of the iPad key layout have led many people to use apps that let you communicate with minimum typing. Say "hello" to voice-recording apps.

Of the five free voice-recording iPad apps I tried, only two--Audio Memos Free and Smart Recorder Lite--let you record short sound bites and attach the resulting sound files to an e-mail or transfer them via Wi-Fi, ftp, or an online file-storage service. Dragon Dictation coverts the words you speak into text … Read more

Get MacX DVD Ripper Pro for free

Over the years I've written about numerous free DVD rippers, and even the occasional free Blu-ray ripper. But almost without exception, those programs were for Windows. Today, I've got something for the Mac crowd.

From now until November 29, Digiarty Software is offering MacX DVD Ripper Pro absolutely free. Regular price: $34.95.

(Fear not, Windows users, you can get in on the freebie action as well: Digiarty's MacX HD Video Converter Pro for Windows is also free, but only after you "like" Digiarty on Facebook. Don't like or use Facebook? Head over to … Read more

How to secure your PC in 10 easy steps

There's one thing you can do to avoid being the victim of identity theft: follow this 10-step PC security plan.

Encrypt your network connection Most popular sites offer HTTPS connections at least some of the time. In Gmail, click the gear icon in the top-right corner and select "Always use https" under the General tab.

To select Facebook's HTTPS setting, click the down arrow in the top-right corner and choose Account settings. Select Security in the left pane and Edit in the Secure Browsing section of the main window. Check "Browse Facebook on a secure … Read more

Sync Gmail and Outlook contacts automatically

A reader named Maribeth is migrating from Outlook to Gmail and asked about synchronizing her two accounts:

"I just read your blog about Outlook/Gmail [ Merge your Outlook and Gmail contacts]. I understand this is a fix to make them both the same, but do you know if there is a way to sync them continually? I still want to use Outlook on my desktop and also have IMAP movability on my Droidx2 phone and also on an iPad. Is it possible?"

In a July 2009 post I described how to "Sync contacts and calendars between Outlook, Gmail, and iPhone.&… Read more

Ad-Aware's efficacy remains questionable

The bottom line: One of the first applications built to find and remove malware and spyware, Ad-Aware's reputation has been well-justified. The latest version adroitly addresses some user concerns, yet performance-based annoyances remain.

Review:

Editors' note: Portions of this review are based on CNET's review for Ad-Aware 9.5 Free.

Ad-Aware 9.5 Pro Internet Security continues the development progress that publisher Lavasoft began in the previous version. No longer content with offering only malware protection, Ad-Aware now includes antivirus protections licensed from Sunbelt, the makers of Vipre, as well as interesting in-house improvements.

Lavasoft first started changing … Read more