Genuine Free Stuff Links

Genuine Free Tip - Android Live Wallpapers. Bamboo Forest.

2011-07-07T02:00:00.006+10:00

Here's the latest thing I've just put on my Android phone. Live wallpaper of Bamboo Forest.
Live wallpapers are hard to find in the 'good' and 'free' bracket.
Well, this one is one of the best I've sampled.

Here's the link -
https://market.android.com/details?id=fishnoodle.bamboo_free&feature=search_result

It's free. It's very pretty.
There's a paid donation version as well of course, but the free is all you need.

Pleasant.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Android offline dictionaries.

2011-07-06T02:00:00.002+10:00

Here's my latest find. I've just been over to Bali and was looking for offline dictionaries. They're kinda hard to find.
I found a few that may suit your needs for French, English and Italian and maybe a few other languages.

Here's the links - .

Offline Dictionaries.
Free, and there's a Pro for a small price.
https://market.android.com/details?id=fr.nghs.android.dictionnaires&feature=search_result
Download the app and then download the libraries you want.
Maybe hitch a free ride on someone's WiFi, or jack into your computer at home for these downloads.
.

QuickDic Offline dictionary
Free and with a pretty cool and geeky interface. Created by a coder with little time for a pretty interface, but it works and it like it.
Good for English, German, Italian.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.hughes.android.dictionary&feature=search_result

Bahasa Dictionary - Indonesian / English
Free.
Works offline after downloading library.
Good if you are heading off to Bali to chill out.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.gits.bahasa&feature=search_result

Try those. See how you go. Ciao. Sampai lagi.

Speaking in tongues. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Android sky and stargazer apps.

2011-07-05T02:00:00.008+10:00

Here's my latest toy for my Android phone. I like apps about planets and moons and stars.
These two Android apps will show you a picture of the night sky on your screen and show you the constellations, where the planets are and what satellites are flying overhead.

Here's the links...

Google Sky Map
Free of course. Easy to use. Fun.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.google.android.stardroid&feature=search_result

Satellite ARL
Free. Quite interesting to see if you can pick out the ISS.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.agi.android.augmentedreality&feature=search_result
.
There's a bit of trivial fun. Now head away from the city lights and see what you can find.

Gazing at the heavens, hoping nothing de-orbits on me. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - start your own website or blog for FREE on blogger.com

2011-07-04T02:00:00.002+10:00

Here's a tutorial on how to create your own website or blog on Blogger.com.
Free, of course.
A common question is what's the difference between a website and a blog ? Well a website tends to be more static and interactive - think online banking.

A blog or weblog tends to be more like a diary of events or new posts, rather like this one, where the posts are dated and time ordered. There's usually a history of posts and a few other boxes on one side.

Start at Blogger.com

It also helps to crank up a fresh "Gmail" to use specifically for this website or blog.
For example, I started up a fresh one called genuinefreelinks@gmail.com. It helps to keep things organised.

Blogger is a blog-publishing service that allows you to create private blogs with time and date stamped entries.
It was created by Pyra Labs, which was bought by Google in 2003.

Generally, the blogs are hosted by Google at sub-domain of blogspot.com.
For example, this blog is hosted at "http://genuinefreestuff.blogspot.com/"

You can also buy your domain name for a small fee, and still use Blogger to publish your blog.
Then I might use, say, "http://genuinefreestuff@simonblogs.com".

So, pick a name...

No spaces in the website address !
Click that orange button to continue...

Pick a template...

That's all it takes. Now all you need is something to say.

Here's where it goes next.
There's a NEW and an OLD editor. I still prefer the old for various reasons. You can switch between the two as often as you want.

So, you write a heading, insert some text, upload some pics from your computer.
Set a date to be published if not today's date. I tend to write a few at once and have them drop in at 2 a.m.

Click on that DESIGN button to bring up this page.
Here you can create all the items you see on the right of my blog - Google Search Boxes, Introduction, Adverts (Google will pay you money !), PayPal button, Various Indexes and so on.

If you click that ADD A GADGET you see this...
Simply pick from a choice of many standard boxes.

You can also copy chunks of HTML into a text box to create other gadgets or widgets.
It's quite common to go looking for exotic widgets for your blog. You tend to subscribe to a site like PayPal, enter your details, choose what you want and then receive a chunk of HTML to paste into a box to create, say, a PayPal button like mine. You don't need to know anything about HTML to do it - you just copy and paste.

You can open an "Adsense" account with Google and put Google adds in to earn a little pocket money. Don't expect big bucks though.

That's it in a nutshell. You should be able to work out anything else from the standard boxes and help guides.

Looking for something new to say...
Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Android Live Wallpapers. Solar System 3D. Celestial Bodies. TerraTime.

2011-07-03T02:00:00.003+10:00

Here's my latest thing I've been playing with. Live wallpapers of Planets and Solar Systems on my Android phone.
Two of these are free and also have a paid edition with more features, of course.
I've played with all of these and can strongly recommend them.

Here's a few links ...

Solar System 3D Lite.
Free.
This will put a live, running solar system as the live wallpaper on your Android phone.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.kreappdev.solarsystem3d&feature=more_from_developer

Celestial Lite Live Wallpaper.
Free.
This will also put a stunningly beautiful live solar system as your live wallpaper.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.gentlemandroid.android.CelestialBodiesLite&feature=more_from_developer

TerraTime
Not free. Gotta pay a few bucks for this one, but well worth it.
This comes with a very clever and intricate Clock showing sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moonset and other things, as well as a Map and a Globe.
The Map can be put as a live wallpaper and looks pretty nifty.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.daylightclock.android.license&feature=search_result
.
I have a clock as a 1x1 widget on my front screen, to lead to that bigger clock.
The Map looks pretty nifty as a live wallpaper. Hint, check the clouds off.

Wasting my battery watching those planets go around.
Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Winamp for all you music and videos needs.

2011-07-02T02:00:00.002+10:00

Here's the next addition to my Music and Media Player section - Winamp.

Here's the link - Winamp .

I quote from their site...

Don't conform, make your media player do what YOU want!
Other media managers are often a "take it or leave it" experience, with few if any options to personalize. Winamp is the media player that you can make your own... if you don't see it and you have the moxie and are a little tech savvy, you can build it yourself (on dev.winamp.com).

Listen, Watch & Manage
You can listen to, manage and organize your media catalogs, including audio, video, streaming media, podcasts and internet radio stations. It supports playback for 60 audio and video formats (including Webm). And also ships with robust tools for creating playlists, customizing playback preferences and listening remotely.

Customize
Winamp allows you to significantly customize your experience with over 6,000 add-ons (skins, plug-ins, online services and visualizations) created by a loyal development community. The Winamp Media Player is used worldwide and comes available in 16 different languages.

Extend
You can extend the value of Winamp and your media collection with Online Services that enable you to browse & buy tickets, find lyrics, & download music directly from your media player with the seamlessly integrated 7digital store. Winamp also has robust tools for managing your podcast subscriptions with our dynamic and searchable podcast directory. Last but not least you'll be able to listen over 40,000 internet radio stations via our seamless integration with the SHOUTcast Radio directory.

Running on my mainframe....

I tend to alternate between Winamp and MediaMonkey depending on what I'm playing.
They're both free, both good.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Media Monkey to play all your music and videos.

2011-07-01T02:00:00.003+10:00

I thought I had a section on media players but realised that I didn't. Here's one to kick it off.

Here's the link - MediaMonkey

I quote from their site...

Organise music and edit tags in your audio library with a powerful, intuitive interface.
Automatically look up and tag Album Art and other metadata.
Manage 50,000+ files in your music collection without bogging down.
Manage all genres of audio: Rock, Classical, Audiobooks, Comedy, Podcasts, etc.

Play MP3s and other audio formats, and never again worry about varying volume.
Record CDs and convert MP3s, M4A, OGG, FLAC and WMA files etc. into other formats.
Create playlists and let Auto-DJ & Party Mode take care of your party.
Sync iPhones, iPods, & MP3 players, converting & leveling tracks on-the-fly.

Running on my desk top...

It's free of course, and will play anything I can throw at it.
Version 3.2.4 at time of writing.
There are plenty of add-ons too, such as skins, device and languages.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - extend battery life for Android HTC Desire HD. How to charge my phone properly.

2011-04-05T00:56:00.008+10:00

Here's my totally useless and fascinating piece of information. Turn your Android HTC Desire HD phone OFF when doing a big charge.

I have spent many hours Google searching and reading about extending the life of my HTC Desire HD. I can sum it up for you in a few words...

What's killing my battery ? Come on, be serious, it's that great big beautiful screen of course.

1. You can make the juice last a bit longer by using a static wallpaper instead of a live one.
2. Turn off Bluetooth and GPS until you need them.
3. Turn the brightness down to 50%.
4. Turn your phone OFF when doing a big charge. Yup. Read that second link. I have quoted that interesting bit.

READ: WikiHow. How to make your cell phone battery last longer.

READ: Battery University. Charging Lithium-ion batteries. *** This is interesting.

Some portable devices sit in a charge cradle in the on position. The current drawn through the device is called the parasitic load and can distort the charge cycle. Battery manufacturers advise against parasitic load because it induces mini-cycles. The battery is continuously being discharged to 4.20V/cell and then charged by the device. The stress level on the battery is especially high because the cycles occur at the 4.20V/cell threshold.

A portable device must be turned off during charge. This allows the battery to reach the set threshold voltage unhindered, and enables terminating charge on low current. A parasitic load confuses the charger by depressing the battery voltage and preventing the current in the saturation stage to drop low. A battery may be fully charged, but the prevailing conditions prompt a continued charge. This causes undue battery stress and compromises safety.

Simple Guidelines for Charging Lithium-based Batteries

A portable device should be turned off while charging. This allows the battery to reach the threshold voltage unhindered and reflects the correct saturation current responsible to terminate the charge. A parasitic load confuses the charger.

Charge at a moderate temperature. Do not charge below freezing.

Lithium-ion does not need to be fully charged; a partial charge is better.

Chargers use different methods for “ready” indication. The light signal may not always indicate a full charge.

Discontinue using charger and/or battery if the battery gets excessively warm.

Before prolonged storage, apply some charge to bring the pack to about half charge.

Over-discharged batteries can be “boosted” to life again. Discard pack if the voltage does not rise to a normal level within a minute while on boost.

.
Lasting just that little bit longer. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Best free Android 2.2 app for HTC Desire HD. Task Killer. Do I need a Task Killer with Android 2.2 ?

2011-04-04T00:31:00.001+10:00

Here's my latest piece of investigation. You DO NOT need a task killer on an Android phone.

"Do I need a Task Killer for Android 2.2 phones ?"
No.

Here's the link - No link. You don't need a Task Killer.

You want to know what's eating all your battery ?
Come on, be serious, it's that lovely great big bright screen.
I love my HTC Desire HD. Yours isn't a phone, MINE'S a phone !

You see, Android 2.2 has a very good in built power manager and task killer.
It will hibernate and shut down any app not being used that is not essential to the running of the phone.

Apps like the Web Browser for example. When you are done with it, just tap the Home button.
You don't 'exit' the app as such. Android knows to shut down or hibernate the app.

If you open most apps again after tapping the home key, Android will open that app at the point where you left it.

Try this. Press and hold on the screen. Make a new Shortcut>Settings>Running Services.
Then you can keep an eye on what is running. You will find very few things open and running.

READ: Android Spin. Why you don't need a task killer.
READ: Android Forums. Should I use a task killer.
READ: Android Forums. App killer or no ?
READ: Lifehacker. Android task killers explained.
READ: InfoWorld. The myth that Android phones need task killers.

Got the hint yet ?

Need. Don't need. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Best free Android app for HTC Desire HD. Uninstaller. Uninstall apps. Remove apps.

2011-04-03T00:25:00.004+11:00

Here's an Android app I've been using a lot lately. Uninstaller.
I have been testing a lot of Android apps recently. Lots and lots. It's fun :).
But, I have to clean up the mess afterwards. So I went and found this app...

Here's the link - Uninstaller .

It gives a list of all the apps I have installed (not the pre-installed HTC apps) and I can then just tap to uninstall.
This is a 'must have' app if you are going to mess around with lots of apps.

Easy in. Easy out. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Best free Android app for HTC Desire HD. Handcent. SMS. MMS. Text Messages. Multi Media Messages.

2011-04-02T02:00:00.008+11:00

Here's my latest thing to brighten up my HTC Desire HD. Handcent SMS.
The standard SMS and MMS application is OK but a little boring.
Having a phone like the HTC Desire HD is all about eye candy.

I have tried a few SMS messaging apps, such as
Go SMS
Chomp SMS
... but settled on Handcent.
I just like the look and the feel and the customization of it.

Here's the link - Handcent SMS
and the link to one of the skins for Handcent... Chinese New Year Skin.

See if it works for you. You can always uninstall it.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Best free Android app for HTC Desire HD. Moon phases.

2011-04-01T02:00:00.001+11:00

Here's my latest toy for my HTC Desire HD. A Moon Phase Widget.
I like to know what phase the Moon is at.
Did you see it a few days ago when it was on it's closest approach to Earth ?! It was HUGE.

Anyway. I have tried out every Moon Phase app on the Android Market and I like this one the best. It's actually a Widget that takes up just one spot, not a full page.
The widget will show the moon in the phase it is now. Click on the widget to open up to a full page of info.

Here's the link - Moon 3D .

Not April Fool.
Not lunatic. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Best free Android app for HTC Desire HD. Relax and Sleep. Alarm Clock. Fade Out.

2011-03-31T02:00:00.001+11:00

Here's my latest laugh for your HTC Desire HD. An app to put you to sleep.
I use the 'Chorus Frogs' or 'Crickets' for thirty minutes, then fade out. Lovely.

Here's the link - Relax and Sleep.

Here's what it looks like. Try it out.
Press the stars on the right to make one a 'favorite' and bring it to the top of the list.

Zzzzzzzz. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Best free Android app for HTC Desire HD. Currency Exchange Rates. Gold Price.

2011-03-30T02:00:00.002+11:00

Here's my latest app I've just loaded onto my HTC Desire HD.
Currency Exchange and Gold Price.

I like to keep an eye on currency exchange rates and the price of gold.
I have a few shares in a gold miner called Silver Lake Resources, you see.

I tried quite a few Currency Exchange apps and settled on this one as the clearest, simplest and easiest to read.
Same with the Gold Price app. I tried five or six, but settled on this one as just what I want.

Here's the link - Exchange Rates
I have set my home currency to Aussie Dollars of course (AUD) and also locked in the USD, IDR, Euro and gold price XAU.

Here's the link - Gold Price Live if it interest you. Might be good when the party gets boring and you need a conversation starter.

Not rich yet. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - free wallpapers for HTC Desire HD. Toshiro Mifune. Seven Samurai. Sanjuro.

2011-03-29T02:00:00.003+11:00

Here's my latest little freebie. Wallpapers for HTC Desire HD.

Just a couple of wallpapers of Toshiro Mifune from 'Seven Samurai' and 'Sanjuro'.
These look good with the HTC Hub Skin "Chinese New Year."

This one too...

That's all. Not much today.

Want more ? Here's the link. Join for free - Tehkseven HTC Desire HD free wallpapers.

Big Fan. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Best free Android app for HTC Desire HD. Comics. Zits. Dilbert. Non Sequitor.

2011-03-28T02:00:00.003+11:00

Buzz buzz. I've finally gone Android, with the new HTC Desire HD.

I've Google searched "Best Android apps" many times.
Wanna know the best ones ???

NOT Facebook. NOT Twitter. Here they are. Comics !!!

Here's the link - DailyDilbert daily comic app

Here's the link - Non Sequitur daily comic app

Here's the link - Zits daily comic app

I can't live without my Daily Dilbert. Load 'em up, people.

Enjoying life. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Best free Android app for HTC Desire HD. Notes. Notepad. Note Sync.

2011-03-27T02:00:00.008+11:00

Buzz buzz. I've gone Android at last.
The trusty old Nokia E63 has gone back in the box as my back-up. I've scored a shiny new HTC Desire HD.

I needed the Best Free App.
None of that Facebook and Twitter stuff, I needed to organise my Notes.

One thing I miss from all my Nokia phones is the 'Notes' facility.
I had thirty or so with various bits of information, shopping lists and bright ideas.
I could back them up onto my computer as text files.
This is one big application that seems to be missing from Android handsets.

So... I went searching in the market for a good Note app. I tried quite a few such as ...

Colornote Notepad
CatchNotes
AK Notepad
Inkpad Notepad

But none of them were quite right. Then I found Evernote !!!
Here's the link - Evernote

This greatest thing about Evernote is that I can sync my notes on the phone with my computer.
If I change a note on the phone it also updates and syncs to my computer and vice versa. Yay.

This is it running on my main frame at home. That's just two of my many notes.

This is a screen shot I've taken from their page in the Android Market.

I can take a photo note or write a text and edit them easily.
I can update my notes on my PC at home and they will sync to my phone. That's clever.
This one truly is the 'Best Android App.'

I will remind you one more time. Back Up Your Computer Now.

An app worth noting. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Best free Android app for HTC Desire HD. File Managers.

2011-03-26T22:10:00.011+11:00

Buzz Buzz. I've gone Android.
Sigh, I've finally moved on from Nokia phones with Symbian operating systems.
I've put away the trusty Nokia E63 and scored me a new HTC Desire HD.

The old... The new ...

If you Google search "best free apps for Android or HTC Desire HD" you will find all sorts of things... blah blah Facebook, blah blah Twitter. Blah blah blah.

What I really needed was a File Manager because Android doesn't seem to do File Managers like the good old Symbian phones had.

My phones have always been my mobile office, carrying all my contacts and photos, most of my important Word and Excel documents, and quite a lot of various PDF files.

A quick search of the Android Market found me these two...

Here's the link 1 - ES File Explorer

Here's the link 2 - ASTRO File Manager

*** with Astro, I can press and hold on my screen to start a new Shortcut>Astro>Folder Name to leave a link to a specific folder on my front screen. This has been very useful.

I am still testing both and use both for slightly different things.
Both do want I want. Both are free.

Better organised now. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Batch Photo Picture Resizer. Resize mulitple images in one drag and drop.

2011-03-23T02:00:00.002+11:00

Here's my latest find. A batch photo or picture resizer.
I use this to resize many photos in one hit.

Here's the link - Batch Picture Resize

RTFM ! Read the manual. Download the file and save to desktop or anywhere handy.
I have multiple copies in all my picture folders. It's a very handy tool.

It will look like this "PhotoResize400.exe".

I copy and paste this into the folder of photos I am resizing, and 'rename' it depending on the job I am doing.

My usual file is renamed as "PhotoResizeP75Q75IO.exe".
This means - reduce to Percent 75% of original, at Quality 75%, I=overwrite original file, O=don't wait for the Enter button prompt (makes it a tad quicker).

I then select all the images I want to resize by holding down CTRL and right clicking on all the images I want, then drag onto program file. So easy.

This brings my huge 1Mb pics down to about 110kb. A size suitable for posting in blogs.

I have multiple copies of this file scattered through all my picture folders. So don't be afraid to copy and paste it all over the place.

Big thanks to the person who wrote this one.
There is a PayPal button on their site. Donate.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Resizing method

* PhotoResize400.exe - maximum side 400 pixels.
* PhotoResize_400.exe - minimum side 400 pixels.
* PhotoResizeF400x300.exe - frame size of 400x300 pixels. The resulting image width will be smaller or equal to 400 and its height will be smaller or equal to 300 pixels.
* PhotoResizeW400.exe - width set to 400 pixels. Height automatically computed to keep aspect ratio.
* PhotoResizeH400.exe - height set to 400 pixels. Width automatically computed to keep aspect ratio.
* PhotoResizeP50.exe - resize to 50%.
* PhotoResize400x300.exe - resize to exactly 400x300 pixels. Aspect ratio is not preserved.
* PhotoResizeD100.exe - resize to 100DPI. Physical size stays the same.
* PhotoResizeD100T.exe - overwrite the resolution information in the header without touching the pixels.
* PhotoResizeK20.exe - resize to approximate maximum size of 20kB.
* PhotoResizeG1024x768.exe - use content-aware resizing to change aspect ratio while preserving content.
* PhotoResizeA400x300.exe - crop and resize to 400x300 pixels. The central part is preserved and resized while the borders are cropped.
* PhotoResizeA400x300x5.exe - extend canvas and resize to 400x300 pixels. The last number (0-9) controls canvas brightness.

Additional options

* PhotoResize400R.exe - process recursivelly all sub-folders.
* PhotoResize400C.exe - place files to current folder (current folder can be specified in shortcut properties).
* PhotoResize400S.exe - skip files already smaller than the requested size.
* PhotoResize400O.exe - do not wait for Enter.
* PhotoResize400U.exe - skip files already existing in the destination location.
* PhotoResize400N.exe - sharpen image.
* PhotoResize400I.exe - overwrite source files.
* PhotoResize400M.exe - copy metadata.
* PhotoResize400E.exe - preserve file modification time in addition to file creation time.
* PhotoResize400Q50.exe - set compression quality to 50%.

Try it on for size. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - List of all Search Engines. Google, Yahoo, Bing and many more.

2011-03-18T02:00:00.006+11:00

Here's an interesting list for you to look at. All the Search Engines.

There's more than just one you know.

Yahoo has been around for a while.
We all know Google Search by now.
Bing is capturing the market with its pretty pictures and relevance searches.

There's many more than that. Have a read and try a few.

Here's the link - Wikipedia - List of Search Engines

StackOverflow is interesting. Go find that one.

You should be able to add most of these to Firefox or Opera (on your mobile phone as well) in the Manage Search Engines box, top right.
Or else just bookmark the Search Engine home page.

Happy hunting. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - "Woorank" to check your website or blog rank, SEO and Website Analysis.

2011-03-17T02:00:00.004+11:00

Here's a free tool I use to improve my simple blogs. Woorank.

Here's the link to their website - Woorank.com.

For example, here's the Woorank for Genuine Free Stuff.

Overall I score 46/100. Not so good

I have it as an extension for Google Chrome.

Here's the link for the extension - Woorank SEO and Website Analysis extension for Chrome

Check it out. It's a good free tool.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - PubMed Health. Up-to-date information on diseases and treatments.

2011-03-16T02:00:00.004+11:00

Here's today's read. Kinda interesting if you're feeling a bit poorly.

Here's the link - PubMed Health

PubMed Health
offers up-to-date information on diseases, conditions, drugs, treatment options, and healthy living, with a special focus on comparative effectiveness research from institutions around the world.

PubMed Health is produced by the National Center for Biotechnology, a division of the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health.

.
Feeling fine thank you.
Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Image Viewers and photo editing software. Full List and Comparison

2011-03-15T02:00:00.006+11:00

Here's my latest find if you need a new and better Image Viewer and Editor.
I stumbled across this from my readings about The Google Company.

Folks, there are lots and lots of free image viewers and editors around, and I have found you a good comprehensive list.

Here's the link - Wikipedia Comparison of Image Viewers

I use many and various image editors. See my Image Editor tagged posts
I use and recommend Paint, Paint.net, FastStone, SIB, GIMP, Picasa, Red Dodo, um, and probably more if I searched hard enough.

In the picture. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Google Docs. How do I back up my important files ?

2011-03-14T02:00:00.006+11:00

Here's today's update. Google Docs has lots of new features. Check it out.
Then back up your important files. Do it ! Back it up Save it. You've been warned.

Here's the link - What's new in Google Docs
I like the new drag and drop box for the uploads. How very !

Here's the link - Google docs

I use this to Back Up My Computer Now !
I save my important files that I don't want to lose in case of fire, theft, earthquake and tsunamis.
I have saved my excel sheets, my resume, and important family photos.
I can access these files from my phone or from any computer (that I hope is safe).

If you were to ask me "How do I back up my important files ?", well, this is one good way.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - FastStone free image viewer and image editor.

2011-03-13T02:00:00.009+11:00

Here's a useful tool for you. FastStone image editor and image viewer.

Here's the link - FastStone Image Viewer and Editor

FastStone Image Viewer 4.3 Freeware (Last Update: 2011-01-14)

An image browser, converter and editor that supports all major graphic formats including BMP, JPEG, JPEG 2000, GIF, PNG, PCX, TIFF, WMF, ICO, TGA and camera raw files. It has a nice array of features such as image viewing, management, comparison, red-eye removal, emailing, resizing, cropping, color adjustments, musical slideshow and much more.

Running on my mainframe ...

There's my little Daisy-Mae.... don't ask about the scarf...

This is a nifty piece of free software. Grab it and try it.

I just downloaded Version 4.3. Here it is running on my pooter...

Make sure you also drop in to the Fitzroy Australia Dog Blog to see Daisy-Mae and Monty.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - 'Jellybean" themes for Sony Ericsson mobile phones.

2011-03-12T02:00:00.000+11:00

Here's my latest find and this one's a cracker if you have a SE Sony Ericsson mobile phone..

Free mobile phone themes to trick out, bling up, shine and polish your SE mobile phone.

Here's the link - 'Jellybean' Sony Ericsson Mobile Phone themes

Jellybean
I make V4.5 Sony Ericsson themes. This means my themes will work for you if you have any of the following Sony Ericsson handsets: W350a, W350c, W350i, W380a, W380c, W580c, W580i, W610c, W610i, W660i, W850i, W888c, W880i, K530c, K530i, K550c, K550i, K550im, K610i, K770i, K790i, K800i, K810i, K818c, S500c, S500i, T650i, T658c, Z555a, Z555i, and Z610i

Here's what you're in for...

and this ...

Fantastic free stuff for you SE phone. Go get some.

All flavors. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - List of Google products

2011-03-11T02:00:00.003+11:00

Here's something to read about. Google products - well, all the free ones anyway.

Here's the link - Wikipedia List of Google Products.

This is well worth a look and is a very interesting read.
There might be a few freebies in there you didn't know about.

... and the list goes on and on...

Happy hunting. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Picasa free photo editing software and free online photo storage

2011-03-10T02:00:00.006+11:00

Here's a tool I use from time to time. Picasa photo editor and online photo storage.

Here's the link - Picasa free download from Google
You can download that free program to view and edit your photos.

You can also store them online at - Picasa web Albums

Read on - new features of Picasa 3.8

This is yet another good way to Back Up Your Computer Now.
If the house burns down or some nasty sod steals your pooter, you have your precious pics backed up online.

Read Wikipedia - Picasa for more info.

Running on my mainframe...

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Google Health

2011-03-09T02:00:00.002+11:00

Here's the latest thing I might use. Google Health.

Here's the link - About Google Health.
There's a "Try it now" button to start it.

You can organise, track, monitor, and act on your health information with Google Health.

Google believes you should have easy access to your own health information - anytime, anywhere. With a Google Health account, you can store, manage and share all of your health and wellness information in one central place. It’s available from Google at no charge. All you need is a username and password to get started.

Also read on Wikipedia - Google Health

This might be handy if you keep forgetting if you have had you vaccinations for those trips to strange countries.

You could access this from your phone or any internet cafe. It could be worth a try.

Very healthy thank you. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Alexa.com for website ranking, search analytics and traffic metrics.

2011-03-08T02:00:00.004+11:00

Here's a website and tool you should know about if you have your own Blog or Website. Alexa.com.

Here's the link - Alexa.com

Link for their top 500 websites - Alexa top 500 sites

Link for tools - Alexa site tools
Here's my account...

"Genuine Free Stuff Links" ranks about 11,500,000. Sigh, it's long hard road.

I rule the ranks. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Top 100 websites. Those banned or censored in China PRC

2011-03-07T20:26:00.005+11:00

Here's my latest interesting story.
I've been reading up on the Google company, following links, and found this.

This is a list of the top 100 websites rated by Alexa, and shows those currently censored or banned in China (PRC).

Here's the link - Top Sites Great Firewall of China .

One of the interesting things is seeing which of those sites you have or haven't explored yourself.
Did you know twitter.com is banned in the PRC China ?! Yes it is.

Very very interesting. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Nokia N8 mobile phone themes at Tehkseven. Sexy. Colorful. Blue. Green.

2011-03-04T02:00:00.004+11:00

Here's my latest find for tricking out your mobile phone.
That new Nokia N8 is out on the market. Have a read at GSMArena Nokia N8 review.

Now when you get your hands on this sexy beast, you are gonna have to trick it out.
Grab some free themes at Tehkseven. Join for free and away you go. (I only do FREE stuff here !)

Here's the link - Tehkseven Nokia N8 mobile phone themes

Load 'em up using Nokia PC Suite or Ovi.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - MR Tech Toolkit, Firefox add on. Manage your extensions and themes. Override compatability.

2011-03-03T02:00:00.000+11:00

Here's my favorite, truly essential Firefox add-on.
MR Tech Toolkit lets me override the compatibility of my Firefox add-ons.

Every time I update Firefox, some of my add-ons stop working because they are incompatible with this latest Firefox.
I can use MR Tech to override this and keep my add-ons working.

Here's the link - MR Tech Toolkit
Load it up in the usual way. Ya gotta have it.

This is just some of what it can do...

My prime use is the right click context menu in the add-ons menu, where there is a button for "override compatibility". Yay.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - download Firefox web browser now V3.6. Safe and secure.

2011-03-02T02:00:00.001+11:00

Here's today's reminder. Update your version of Firefox to V3.6.

Open up Firefox and click HELP > CHECK FOR UPDATES

If you have never tried Firefox as a web browser, here's where to download it...
Here's the link - Firefox home page then hit the big green button.

Regular users of Firefox will know how important it is to keep Firefox up to date.

If you have only ever used Internet Explorer as a web browser, try Firefox.
It's an awesome web browser and much safer than Internet Explorer.
There are also hundreds of Firefox add-ons, a bit like all the cool apps you get for Android or iPhone.

I quote

Whether it’s buying a gift, paying your bills or simply signing in to Facebook, it’s important keep your personal info out of the hands of any online bad guys who might be snooping around. Fortunately, Firefox is packed with advanced security features to help you stay safe.

and this ...

When you browse, you leave a trail of data that potentially contains all sorts of personal information. We believe this info belongs to you and you alone (and least of all to overzealous advertisers), and have built in features to ensure that’s the case.

And keep it up to date. Firefox regularly publishes security and new feature updates.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Facebook collect gifts for Castle Age, Mafia Wars, using Josh Miller bookmarklets

2011-03-01T02:00:00.003+11:00

Here's my latest find that will make a lot of you Facebook game players happy.
Grab all you gifts on Facebook on Firefox. Easily.

Here's the link - Josh Miller Marklets.

Open up you Firefox web browser with the bookmarks bar showing.
Simply drag and drop the bookmarklet to the bookmarks bar.
A bookmarklet is a java script that runs a small program on a web browser.

When you are on your page to accept gifts in Facebook, click on that bookmarklet to collect all gifts.
Easy peasy.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Avast free anti-virus program.

2011-02-28T02:00:00.000+11:00

Here's today's lesson. Make sure you have an anti-virus program and keep it up to date !
If you're protected, then I'm protected.

I have different free anti-virus programs running on various laptops and mainframes.
"Avast" is very good. This is a genuinely free version.
You can always pay more for the full blown thing of you like it.

Here's the link - Avast anti-virus at FileHippo.

Lock and load and keep it up to date.
If you're here from a search because you think you are virused, read my advice on external on-line virus scans

Keep it clean. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Paint.net image editor

2011-02-27T02:00:00.000+11:00

Here's the latest thing I'm using, Paint.net image editor.

Here's the link - paint.net

This is the download link - download paint.net

Watch out for misleading ads and banners, but persevere and grab this good free software.

I quote ...
"Paint.NET is free image and photo editing software for computers that run Windows.
It features an intuitive and innovative user interface with support for layers, unlimited undo, special effects, and a wide variety of useful and powerful tools.
An active and growing online community provides friendly help, tutorials, and plugins.

It started development as an undergraduate college senior design project mentored by Microsoft
, and is currently being maintained by some of the alumni that originally worked on it.
Originally intended as a free replacement for the Microsoft Paint software that comes with Windows, it has grown into a powerful yet simple image and photo editor tool.
It has been compared to other digital photo editing software packages such as Adobe® Photoshop®, Corel® Paint Shop Pro®, Microsoft Photo Editor, and The GIMP. "
...end quote
Running on my PC.

This is good if you can't afford 'Photoshop' and just want a simple picture editor.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Grease Monkey for Firefox, Facebook, Castle Age, Mafia Wars. Accept gifts. Auto play.

2011-02-26T02:00:00.000+11:00

Here's my latest find. This is a good one if you play Castle Age or Mafia Wars on Facebook.

GreaseMonkey will customise the way a web page displays or behaves by using small bits of JavaScript. You can find programs to auto-play Mafia Wars, programs to accept gifts, all sort of treats.

Here's the link - Greasemonkey at Firefox add-ons.

Install that Firefox add-on in the usual way.
Then go to userscripts.org and search for things like ....

CAGE Castle Age Game Enhancer

PS Facebook Mafia Wars auto player

You should see an "install" button. Once installed, these scripts then appear when you play your game. It's all pretty easy.

Just think of the fun you can have.
I'd show you a screen shot of CAGE but I just quit all those games because I was no longer writing blogs.

Just don't waste all your life there. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free tip - CCleaner updated to V3.04. Clean up your computer.

2011-02-25T20:14:00.005+11:00

Here's today's reminder. Please update your CCleaner to V3.04

If you're asking what CCleaner is, *sighs*, you really should know by now.
It used to be called 'Crap Cleaner' for a very good reason. Now called CCleaner.

It's a free and much used and trusted program to clean out old files, web browser downloads, old Windows installs etc.

It also has a registry cleaner and fixer - apparently much improved in this version.

Here's the link - CCleaner download at Filehippo and look for square green button, top right.

Keep yourself nice.
Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - PortableApps.com. Take all your free stuff with you.

2010-10-13T02:00:00.003+11:00

Here's my latest thing to try out, big thanks to Gary. PortableApps.com

Here's the link - PortableApps.com

I quote
"Now you can carry your favorite computer programs along with all of your bookmarks, settings, email and more with you. Use them on any Windows computer. All without leaving any personal data behind.

PortableApps.com provides a truly open platform that works with any hardware you like (USB flash drive, iPod, portable hard drive, etc). The entire platform is open source built around an open format that any hardware or software provider can use.

The PortableApps.com Suite and Platform is free. It contains no spyware. There are no advertisements. It isn't a limited or trial version. There is no additional hardware or software to buy. You don't even have to give out your email address. It's 100% free to use, free to copy and free to share."

They have a lot of nifty software included in the package, a lot of things that I use and recommend. I like that you can stash it all on a USB stick and take this mini operating system with you.

Very clever. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - refdesk.com, the fact checker for the internet.

2010-10-12T02:00:00.004+11:00

This one's a beauty. This website will let you check just about anything you can think of.

Here's the link - refdesk.com

File that one away for future reference.

Need to know basis only. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Open Source Mac. Free software for Mac.

2010-10-11T02:00:00.006+11:00

Here's a little something for the Mac users out there.

Here's the link - Open Source Mac

Go nuts. It's all free.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - The Daily Galaxy. Planets and stars and stuff.

2010-10-10T02:00:00.004+11:00

Here's my latest find if you groove on planets and stars and galaxies.

Here's the link - The Daily Galaxy

Off world. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - The Virtual Piano

2010-10-09T02:00:00.005+11:00

Here's today's digression. A Virtual Piano.

Here's the link - The Virtual Piano

Press those green buttons for chords. C, Am, G etc.

That's all. Now get back to work.

I can play chopsticks. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - flying with the fastest birds video

2010-10-08T02:00:00.000+11:00

Here's today's distraction. Bird cams.

Check out this. Wow !

10 g in that dive. I took 1.5 g in a glider once. That was enough.

10 g ! Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Save the Goldfish game

2010-10-07T02:00:00.001+11:00

Here's the latest dumb game. Just a small distraction. Turn the speakers on.

Here's the link - Save the Goldfish

"I'm melting, I'm melting". Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - free typing lessons from Power Typing

2010-10-06T02:00:00.004+11:00

Here's my latest find if your typing skills are not up to scratch.

Here's the link - Power Typing Online free typing lessons

That's all. Go practice.

QWERTY. Easy peasy. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Internet Anagram Server for solving cryptic crosswords

2010-10-05T02:00:00.004+11:00

Here's my useful site for those of you who do the Cryptic Crossword.

Here's the link - Internet Anagram Server

Very useful.
That's all.

Sorted. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Daft Punk Console. Harder Better Faster Stronger.

2010-10-04T02:00:00.011+11:00

Here's today's distraction. Turn up the speakers and annoy the crap out of everyone !

Here's the link - The Daft Punks' Console

Here's the YouTube link - Daft Punk Harder Better Faster Stronger.

Television rules the nation. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - free Cryptic crosswords, Chess, Suduko

2010-10-03T04:00:00.002+11:00

I like doing cryptic crosswords. Here's a good free site.

Here's the link - Thinks.com cryptic crosswords page.

Or maybe this one - Thinks.com daily soduku

It's all free of course, and it keeps your mind active.

Working it out. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - SAU St. Ambrose University Best Information on the net

2010-10-02T02:00:00.003+10:00

That's quite a mouthful for a blog post, but this is a good page to visit.
This page is aimed towards Physics Majors uni students, and it's full of interesting links.

Here's the link - SAU St. Ambrose University Best Information on the net

Go see what you can find to fascinate you.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology

2010-10-01T02:00:00.005+10:00

Here's my latest interesting website.

Here's the link - NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology

I found this site because I was looking for the history of time pieces and clocks,
so I ended up at this page - NIST A Walk Through Time

There's a bit of interesting reading for you.

Need to know. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - CIA The World Factbook and free world maps.

2010-09-30T02:00:00.006+10:00

Here's my latest piece of reading, the CIA World Factbook.

Here's the link - CIA The World Factbook.

It's good reading.
But ! But, this is the best bit, especially if you like maps - CIA Regional Maps.

Check it out. Free world maps. Do a Google search and try to find free world maps.
There's not many around. And these are good maps.

Watching the detectives. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - GSMArena.com for mobile phone handset reviews

2010-09-29T02:00:00.004+10:00

Here's my latest tip if you are looking for a new mobile phone. GSMArena.com

Here's the link - GSMArena

Here's the page for the HTC Desire review

Here's the page for the iPhone 4 review.

This is the best site that I have found for phone reviews.
This is my phone, the Nokia E63 review.

Connected. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - 6 most influential languages, learn for free

2010-09-27T02:00:00.002+10:00

Here's my latest find for the travelers out there.

Here's the link - Go Budget Travel, the 6 most influential languages and how to learn them online for free

Here's the Go Budget link for learning French for free, for example.

That will keep you busy. Ciao. Adios. Sampai lagi.
Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Google Pack. A pack of free stuff from Google.

2010-09-26T02:00:00.004+10:00

Here's my hot tip for today. Free stuff from Google.

Here's the link - Google Pack

It's all free and I use it all. You can't really go wrong.

Google gives good gear.
Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Tweak3D

2010-09-25T02:00:00.002+10:00

Here's today's tip. Tweak3D.

Here's the link - Twead3D articles

Here's a sample - Tweak3D how to build a PC

There's some good stuff there. Have a read.

I tweak you. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Cosmotography, imagery of the heavens

2010-09-24T02:00:00.002+10:00

Here's today's distraction. Cosmotography - images of the heavens.

Here's the link - Cosmotograhpy

This was in today's email from them - The Sunflower Galaxy.

Here's another ...

It's a good site to find some mind blowing wallpapers.

See ?!

Seeing stars. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Mindjolt games. It's addictive.

2010-09-23T02:00:00.002+10:00

Here's today's time waster. Mindjolt games.

** warning addiction alert ***

Here's the link - Mindjolt games.
Join for free to save your scores.

This my fave - warzone tower defense.

You've been warned. Addictive ! Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - ASX , the Australian Stock Exchange.

2010-09-22T18:20:00.004+10:00

Here's a good tip for those in Australia looking to invest in shares. The ASX.

Here's the link to the home page - ASX
Here's a typical page of company information - SLR Silver Lake Resources (buy gold !)

Here's some good articles to read on stocks to buy.
18 Standout sticks
Six of the best stocks

There's a lot of good stuff here to read and it's all free.
Subscribe to their free emails. That's where I found those two articles above.
As ever, if you're playing on the share market, DYOR ! Do your own research.

Combine this with Google Finance and you have two powerful free tools.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Recipes at Robertos' Blogs

2010-09-21T02:00:00.002+10:00

Here's my little gem. Recipes ! With pics.

Here's the link - Recipes at Roberto's Blogs
Food only. No techie stuff here.

I've only just discovered this and it's lots of fun. Take a peek.

Hungry now. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - 'Hack Tutors' for good tips and tricks on writing Blogs

2010-09-20T02:00:00.003+10:00

Here's my reminder for other blog writers. Hack Tutors.
I have no problem with promoting other websites that I really admire.

Here's the link - Hack Tutors.

Don't be put off by the name.
This is a very good site for tips and tricks on writing blogs and editing websites.
I use it and refer to it and subscribe to it.
I always read the latest feed email with great interest.

Do yourself a favor. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Kitco for gold and metal prices

2010-09-19T02:00:00.003+10:00

Here's my latest hot tip. 'Kitco' for gold prices, and metal prices and stockpiles.
This may seem a little off topic for me, but I play on the share market a bit.
See yesterday's post for example.

If you are thinking about buying into gold miners or copper or nickel miners, check out Kitco first.

Here's the first link - Kitco gold prices

That's a good reason to invest in gold and gold miners !

Here's the next link - Kitco copper prices and world stockpiles
Copper prices, for example...

Copper world stockpiles, for example...

You can see world gold prices. You can also check out world stockpiles and prices of the main metals traded on the London Metal Exchange.
At time of writing, copper is at an average price and average world stockpiles. Buy gold instead.
At time of writing, nickel is at an average price and average world stockpiles. Buy gold instead.

Investing in Heavy Metal. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Google Finance

2010-09-18T02:00:00.008+10:00

Here's a useful website if you play on the share market. Google Finance.
I love free stuff from Google. I particularly love Google Finance.

Here's the link - Google Finance

Here's what it looks like for me and my Australian shares...

This is the Silver Lake Resources page (ASX:SLR).
If you are in Australia, take a look at this one. They have lots of gold staked out and they have money in the bank.

This site is very useful for graphs and real time market news.
There is a wealth of good information and useful tools that you would normally have to pay for.

Google Finance also comes up well on a mobile phone. This is from my Nokia E63.

Grow fat and prosper. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Microsoft and Windows Updates.

2010-09-17T02:00:00.004+10:00

Here's today's reminder. Make sure you have all your Microsoft and Windows updates.

I think a lot of use Microsoft and Windows to mean the same thing.
Either way, make sure you download the updates regularly.
Crank up that old dust covered 'Internet Explorer' and go to this link.

Here's the link - Microsoft Updates. This will only work using 'Internet Explorer'.

Click the obvious buttons and be patient. Reboot and do it again.

Update. Reboot. Update. Reboot. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Google Chrome update to version 6.0.472

2010-09-16T02:00:00.002+10:00

Here's yet another prompt for you to keep your software up to date. All of it.

Google Chrome is now at version 6.0.472 at time of writing.
Never tried it ? It's a very good web browser. Better than Internet Explorer.
Here's the link if you don't have it - Google Chrome.

If you do have it, click on that spanner button at top right and 'About Google Chrome' and see if there are any updates.
It's even slicker and faster.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Firefox update to version 3.6.8

2010-09-15T02:00:00.003+10:00

Here's my latest reminder for you to keep everything up to date.

Firefox Web Browser is now at version 3.6.8. Make sure you have the latest version.

If you don't have Firefox, here's the link - Mozilla Firefox Web Browser.
If you have never tried anything but Internet Explorer, you should definitely try Firefox.

If you do have it, make sure you click on the 'HELP' in the top header, and 'Check for Updates'

Blogging in Firefox today. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - turn Windows Updates ON, repeat ON.

2010-09-14T02:00:00.000+10:00

Here's today's very important piece of advice. Turn Windows Updates ON, not off, ON.

Now that's a little obvious for a topic for a blog post, but I have just debugged yet another friend's computer. They could barely use it because all their software was out of date and they had weird pop-ups etc.

They were still using Internet Explorer version 6. They couldn't even view some websites because of this.
They now have IE 8.06 as well as Firefox and Google Chrome to play with as web browsers.
Their original one year anti-virus had lapsed. They now have free Microsoft Security Essentials anti-virus which is up to date.
But worst of all, they had turned off Windows Updates because they were 'annoying'. Sigh. My father does this too (hi Dad.)
They now have Windows Updates turned ON and they have all the latest Windows Security Updates, Windows Malicious Software Removal Tools, Windows updates for Word, Excel etc, and all the other good and useful things that come with those updates.

Check yours now !
Click on Start>Control Panel>Security Center and make sure that Automatic Updates are ON.

Then fire up Internet Explorer and click on the Safety Button and then Windows Updates.

You should arrive here. Click Express and go make a cup of tea.

Grab all the updates. Reboot. Grab all the updates. Reboot.
Make another cup of tea and do it again.

Turning you ON. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Back up your blog.

2010-09-13T02:00:00.001+10:00

Here's a way to back up your website, especially if you put a lot of work and research into your blog posts.

'Roberto's report' is where I first found it.
This is the link to the actual software... HTTrack.com
I've only had a brief play with it, but it seemed fairly straight forward.

I'm not going to repeat what Roberto has written. Read his post for the low down.

Back it up now. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - dlvr.it to publish your blog posts to Facebook, Twitter etc

2010-09-12T02:00:00.000+10:00

Here's my latest thing I have just joined up to use. 'dlvr.it'
I use 'dlvr.it' to automatically publish my blog posts to Twitter, Myspace, Buzz and Facebook

Here's the link - dlvr.it
It's pretty easy to use. One or two clicks, and add a link to your blog.

Go to my Facebook page, Genuine Free Links @ Facebook, to see the published posts.

Here's my two blog's posts being auto delivered to Si the Dogblogger@Twitter too.

Try it out. It's a good way to publish your blogs to other outlets.

Pumping out the blogs worldwide. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Microsoft Security Essentials anti-virus

2010-09-11T02:00:00.004+10:00

Here's my latest bit of free stuff, Microsoft Security Essentials anti-virus protection.

Here's the link - Microsoft Security Essentials

I quote...
"Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.

Microsoft Security Essentials is a free download from Microsoft that is simple to install, easy to use, and always kept up to date so you can be assured your PC is protected by the latest technology. It’s easy to tell if your PC is secure — when you’re green, you’re good. It’s that simple.

Microsoft Security Essentials runs quietly and efficiently in the background so that you are free to use your Windows-based PC the way you want—without interruptions or long computer wait times. "

Note that you must be running a legit copy of Windows.

Keeping you clean. Cheers. Si.
Links checked 7Sep2010

Genuine Free Tip - Spybot Search and Destroy

2010-09-10T02:00:00.000+10:00

Here's a program that's well worth having. Spybot Search and Destroy.

Here's the link - Spybot Search and Destroy at safer-networking.org
I use this as well as my free anti-virus program.

I quote -
"Spybot - Search & Destroy detects and removes spyware, a relatively new kind of threat not yet covered by common anti-virus applications.

Spyware silently tracks your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile for you that is transmitted without your knowledge to the compilers and sold to advertising companies.

If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you haven't intentionally installed, if your browser crashes inexplicably, or if your home page has been "hijacked" (or changed without your knowledge), your computer is most probably infected with spyware.

Even if you don't see the symptoms, your computer may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging.

Spybot-S&D is free, so there's no harm giving it a try to see if something has invaded your computer."

Here it is on my mainframe...

It's easy to use.
Make sure you download the updates regularly.
Then click Immunize. Easy peasy.

Cheers. Si.
Links checked 7Sep2010

Genuine Free Tip - Process Explorer to see what's running on your computer.

2010-09-09T02:00:00.000+10:00

Here's a program I added to my boot menu. Process Explorer.

As a techie geek, I am often curious as to what's going on in the guts of my 'pooter.

This is the link... Microsoft Sysinternal Process Explorer... to give it its full name.

I added Process Explorer into my boot using GlarySoft Quick Startup.
Now when my 'pooter boots, I can see exactly what's running and hogging my system resources.
I can also see what needs to be deleted from my start up menu.
Almost everything these days adds yet another program to your start up menu.

You need this. You want this. If only just now and then to keep an eye on things.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Google Chrome 6.0 released

2010-09-08T02:00:00.003+10:00

Here's my latest update for you. Google chrome 6.0 has been released.

Open up your Google Chrome browser and click on the spanner at top right, then click on 'About Google Chrome'. If you see an update message, click on that to update.
Keep all your software up to date !

Don't have Google Chrome ? Here's the link - Google Chrome web browser.
It's a good, free, fast, secure web browser, and well worth having.
Also look at the Google Chrome extensions.

Cheers. Si.
Links checked 7Sep2010.

Genuine Free Tip - Ownskin for making your own mobile phone themes

2010-09-07T02:00:00.005+10:00

Here's a good website if you want to personalize your phone. Ownskin.
Use their online program to make an entire theme for your phone.
You can use your business images, pics of the dog, racing cars etc.
You can alter the color of all the text, battery and signal bars, etc.

Here's the link - Ownskin

Here's what it looks like.

I have used this to make a few Star Wars and Matrix themes to stick on my old Nokia 5500.
The end result is a .sis file that I transfer to my Nokia using Nokia PC Suite.

Here's another theme. Note the icons, signal strength bars and panel colors.

It's easy enough and good fun.

Cheers. Si.
Links checked 7Sep2010

Genuine Free Tip - free Sony Ericsson W980 mobile phone themes

2010-08-25T02:00:00.002+10:00

Here's my latest piece of hot stuff.

Free mobile phone themes for Sony Ericsson W980 and most other Sony Ericsson handsets.

This stuff all comes free from Tehkseven

Here's the link... Sony Ericsson W980 mobile phone themes

Here's a taste...

This one is by Odbot, and the theme is B.H.P. Sony Ericsson mobile phone theme

Join for free and go nuts. Trick out your phone, no matter what the model.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - mobile phone themes for Nokia E63

2010-08-19T02:08:00.001+10:00

Here's something to brighten up your Nokia E63, or most other Nokia handsets.
Mobile phone themes.

Here's the link - Nokia E63 mobile phone themes by Simon@Tehkseven

My own favorite is Japanese Fish Nokia E63 Theme.
Here's two of the images from that theme.

You have to download the theme file and transfer it to your phone using Nokia PC Suite.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - how do I recover my password in Firefox

2010-08-18T01:30:00.002+10:00

Here's how to recover your password if you use Firefox for web browsing.

OK, this is not my idea. I found this on Ask Leo and it was too good not to pass on to you lot.

Here's the link - How do I recover my Facebook log in password, if you want to read a bit more.
It will work for any website that you have told your Firefox to remember the password.

Click on Tools> Options

Then in the Security tab click on the Saved Passwords button:
This lists all the sites for which Firefox has saved your password.
You can use the search box to find the website you want.
Then click on Show Passwords. There's your password.

Big thanks to Ask Leo.
That should be a help. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - AVG free antivirus. Use it and keep it up to date !

2010-08-17T02:00:00.002+10:00

Here's a really good must-have item. AVG free anti virus.
If you like it, upgrade to the full program for extra protection, but the free version is fine.

This is the link to the AVG website for the free version - AVG Antivirus

This is the link to the actual download button at CNET - CNET AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
Use this one and go straight to the source.

I have used this on my computer and laptop for years.
It's the most basic protection you cannot afford to be without. Load it up.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - here's a jigsaw to do.

2010-08-16T02:00:00.000+10:00

Here's a jigsaw to do, just for a break.

That's Jupiter and Ganymede, from the NASA astronomy picture of the day.
Be sure to drag and move the help box in case there are pieces hiding under it.
Turn your speakers on, the pieces click into place.

jupiter and ganymede

Thanks to Jigsaw Planet for the software. You can make your own jigsaws there.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - FLV to MP4 Convertor

2010-08-15T02:00:00.001+10:00

Here's my latest find. It's an FLV convertor.

I download You Tube videos as .flv files (read Wikipedia at that link).
If I want to transfer these to my Nokia mobile, I need to convert them to Nokia mp4 files.
I found this converter on Softpedia.com.

Here's the link... Free FLV to MP4 Converter 1.6.12: Free Download
Here it is running on my main frame. You can see the library of extensions it works with.

I browse to the file I want to convert.

I can choose mp3, mp4, gp3 and so on.

Click Convert and away it goes.

Job done.

The out put ends up in a folder it creates in My Documents, called 'Topseven Reviews'.

Now I can transfer these to my Nokia using PC Suite.

Bring the noise. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - How to add a 'StumbleUpon' badge to your Blog

2010-08-14T02:00:00.004+10:00

Here's my latest tutorial. How to add a StumbleUpon badge to your Blog, and why.

First up, here's why.
StumbleUpon is a peer voted way of finding and distributing cool and interesting websites.
If you have your own website, you need to send it out to your readers and have them distribute it too. See the buttons at the bottom of this post for example.
Tool buttons like Digg, StumbleUpon, Facebook share and AddThis are a good way to increase the readership of your website or blog.

I quote from StumbleUpon.
"StumbleUpon helps you discover great websites that match your interests. Simply click the Stumble button and see the best websites. There are over 500 topics to choose from, and, the more you use it, the better your recommendations become! "

Here's what it looks like.
It inserts a tool bar that can be clicked on and off by clicking that small round green icon. Then simply click the Stumble button to go to the next peer voted and peer entered website.

I can add new websites to Stumble.
I can vote for sites to improve their popularity.
I can add MY blog posts and hope that others see them through Stumble.

Here's the link to the Firefox StumbleUpon add-on.

Here's the link to the StumbleUpon home page to get the HTML code.
Look for StumbleUpon badges.

So click that link above and choose your style of badge as below.

I work on Blogger, so have chosen my Blogger badge.

There's my HTML.

This is the tricky bit, finding exactly the right place to put your HTML.
Make sure you 'expand widget template'.
Note where my scroll bar is on left, about half way down.
I have added my HTML code, as well as a comment so that I can find it again easily.

Note that this HTML code has been added inside the body of the post, so the Stumble badge will also be inside the body of the post. See below.
Note below that the AddThis button is below the body of the post. See my post 'How to add an AddThis button to your Blog'.

Now you can add your individual post links or your Blog link to the Stumble library and expand your reader base.

Phew. Good luck with that. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - SIB Icon Editor

2010-08-13T02:00:00.001+10:00

Here's my latest tip if you want to edit icons or avatars. Sib icon editor.

Here's the link ... Sib Icon Editor

Here's what it looks like.

I can make .ico or .png icons.
I can put gradients of colors across pictures.

I can make laser scroll bars or highlight bars for various graphics programs.

And so on. Oh, it's free of course.
See my post on how to make a Favicon using Sib, this thing in the bookmarks bar.

If you want to add a Favicon to your website so it appears in the bookmarks bar, see how to add a Favicon to your website.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Miniputt flash game.

2010-08-12T02:00:00.000+10:00

Here's today's time waster.

Here's the link... Miniputt.

Practice your putting.
That's all. Now get back to work.

Distracting you. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - FileHippo

2010-08-11T02:00:00.002+10:00

Here's my latest little secret. FileHippo.
FileHippo is a file storage site full of free software. I will be directing you here quite a bit

Here's the link... FileHippo

Here's what you'll see. Lot's of good free stuff. soak it up.

Here you will find CCleaner, Spybot, Defraggler and so many more bits of good free software.
Make sure you also download and use there file update checker. I use it.

Keeping you safe and warm. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - clean and remove browsing evidence with CCleaner

2010-08-10T02:00:00.005+10:00

Here's my latest piece of advice on keeping your computer clean. CCleaner.

CCleaner (was Crap Cleaner) is a useful program.

Here's the link to their home page... Piriform CCleaner
Here's the link to download it CCleaner at FileHippo.

I use it daily to clean and remove browsing history and temporary files.
It has a one button approach. Nice and easy.
It cleans out temporary files and cookies if you want, from Internet Explorer and Windows.

CCleaner will also clean up files and history from Opera, Google Chrome and Firefox.

It has a registry cleaner, so don't go paying for one.

It also has a program removal tool.
This is very handy for removing those pesky tool bars that every piece of software wants to install.

Got the idea ?
Use this to clean out all your rubbish before you backup your computer now !

Keep yourself nice. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - back up your documents to Google Docs

2010-08-09T02:00:00.001+10:00

Here's my latest trick. I have backed up and stored some of my documents on Google Docs.

Here's the link to Google Docs.
Here's why. It's free !

You can back up your documents to a site external to your computer and your house.
You can access these documents from any online computer, so if you need a copy of your resume for example, you can log on to anyone's computer, go online and print one up
You can have more than one person create a document online at the same time.

I quote Google Docs ...

"Here's what you can do with documents:

Upload and convert Word documents, OpenOffice, RTF, HTML, text (.txt), Open Office (.odt), and StarOffice Writer (.sxw) files (or create documents from scratch).
Easily format your documents, spell-check them, etc.
Invite others by email to edit or view your documents.
Edit documents online with whomever you choose.
View your documents' revision history and roll back to any version.
Publish documents online to the world, as webpages or post documents to your blog.
Download documents to your desktop as Word, OpenOffice, RTF, PDF, HTML or zip.
Email your documents out as attachments."

So, back up your computer now !

Cheers. Si.

New look, same old blog

2010-08-09T01:38:00.002+10:00

New look, same old blog.

I've been messing with Blogger's new template design, looking for a new look.

I like the colors. Not sure about those birds though.
Anyway, I'm still bringing you the good gear, day after day, so subscribe to the feed.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - How to change your right click context menu using TweakUI for Windows XP

2010-08-08T02:25:00.000+10:00

Here's a very useful post for you. Change your right click context menu using TweakUI.
Here's my right click menu.

Here's the link for Microsoft PowerToys for Windows XP

Here's what you can do with one of these tools called TweakUI.

"This PowerToy gives you access to system settings that are not exposed in the Windows XP default user interface, including mouse settings, Explorer settings, taskbar settings, and more.
Version 2.10 requires Windows XP Service Pack 1 or Windows Server 2003. "

I use this to change my right click context menu.
A lot of software will automatically install itself in your right click context menu.
Use TweakUI to have only what you want in there.

First up, download PowerToys from that above link and install.

Then run TweakUI.
Start>All Programs>PowerToys>TweakUI

Here's the menus. Select 'templates'.

Click the ones you don't want and delete any rubbish added in by new software.
Create new ones for whatever you use regularly.
Have a good play with this toy. It's very useful.

Keeping it clean. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - how to write a simple Batch Job to rename large groups of files.

2010-08-07T02:00:00.012+10:00

Here's my nifty trick. This will probably be the most useful post on this site.
Seriously, I am letting you in on trade secrets here, so listen up.
This is a leet trick. No messin'. You gonna love this one, kiddies.

Say you have a whole lot of, oh, JPGs, you know, full of propriety knowledge.
Or maybe some 'flv' or 'mp3' videos you treasure. You wanna keep them safe.
You wanna hide these files from anyone else messin' with you 'pooter.

Cut and paste them all to some secret folder, say in a sub-folder of Windows or a game like Half Life 2. Anywhere really.

Write yourself two batch jobs...
One to rename them to hide them and one to rename them to expose them.

Here's how.
Right click in that same folder and make two text files. They must be in that same folder.

Call them something not too obvious, not like mine. Maybe 'rn g to b.txt'. (rename good to bad)
Type in each exactly what I have typed. You can copy and post this below if you like.

in one text file
rename *.mp4 *.ttl

in the other text file
rename *.ttl *.mp4

Then rename those as the file extension '.bat' which is a Windows Batch Job.
If you need to change these batch jobs, right click on them and edit with Notepad.

You old crusty jugglers who started off hacking your computer with DOS will know those commands.
The 'rename' command renames whatever you want.
The * means all. So this batch job will rename all files of file extension 'mp4' to the random 'ttl'.

This tiny one line batch job will rename every file with extension mp4 to same file name but with extension ttl - a random picked extension, which makes the files unrecognizable and hence unsearchable.

Here's the pic - batch job has run.

Running the other batch job renames them as mp4 videos.

You can rename a hundred JPG files with a one line batch job and keep them safe from a search from curious hackers or mates or mothers or girlfriends ...

Do you realize the significance of this ?!

Incidentally you can also rename all those file names (not extensions) in one go, especially if they have naughty names.
Type CTRL-A or just drag and highlight them all.

Then right click on just one file and rename that one.

All the others will then be renamed to 'same name(1)' and 'same name(2)' etc as shown.

Renamed.

It would be wise to rename these secret naughty files as 'systemfile' or 'windowsdata' or something similarly arcane.

Also see yesterday's lesson on how to hide your personal files.
Your secret files are all safe now. Who's your daddy ?!

Your secrets are safe with me. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - how to hide your personal files, pictures, JPGs, WORD documents etc.

2010-08-06T02:00:00.010+10:00

Here's one of my secrets. This is how I hide my files if needed.

One way is to simply mark them as 'hidden'.
First, put that file or folder in a place where you won't lose it. Cut and paste it into some secret place.
First make sure that you have elected 'do not show hidden files and folders'.
Go to 'My Documents", select Tools>Folder Options >View>Do not show hidden files and folders

then ... Folder Options >View>do not show hidden files and folders

Then, right click on that file or folder and select Properties, and mark Attributes as hidden.

See ? Gone. Not deleted, just 'hidden'.

until you show all hidden files here at ...
Tools>Folder Options >View>Show hidden files and folders

Hidden to the average punter, but not to some leet hacker.
That's lesson one.

Another way is to rename that file.
Say I have my stupidly stored my passwords in a text file called 'passwords.txt'

Incidentally text files are very useful as they will not store fonts or formats, just plain text.

To rename it completely I right click on the file and select 'rename' and change it to 'systemfile.ggg". You will see a pop up message about changing attributes, but click OK.

Click OK

The result is an unrecognizable, unreadable and unsearchable file.

Firstly, "password" has gone, so anyone doing a search of your computer will not find this keyword. 'systemfile' is a wonderful general file name to call something you want to hide.

Secondly, this is now an unrecognizable 'file extension', so will also not show up on any searches.
To read you file, rename it back to a legitimate file extension of 'systemfile.txt'

Clever boys and girls. Go practice that one.

You can rename a large group of similar files using a very simple batch job, but that's tomorrow's lesson.

Helping you hide your secrets. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Note Anywhere. Sticky notes attached to a web page in Google Chrome

2010-08-05T02:14:00.008+10:00

Here's my new toy for Google Chrome. 'Note Anywhere.' It's of limited use, but it can be fun.
With this extension, you can make notes on any web page and in any position.
When you open that page again, the notes are loaded automatically.

Here's the link to Google Chrome extension Note AnyWhere.

I find it useful when writing this blog.
I leave myself notes on upcoming blogs so that I can bring you all the tasty gear.
Google Chrome extensions are easy to put in, and easy to take out.

The good gear is all here. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - view web page thumbnails in Google Chrome using 'Xmark Thumbnails'.

2010-08-04T02:22:00.001+10:00

Here's another extension for Google Chrome web browser.
This one shows a thumbnail view of websites from a Google Search.

Here's the link for Xmark Thumbnails Google Chrome Extension.

Here's what is does. See ?!

This can be useful on your searches for the good gear.
I like it and use it.

More good gear from the DogBlogger. Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - take a screen capture in Google Chrome using 'Webpage Screenshot'

2010-08-03T02:12:00.005+10:00

Here's my latest extension to my Google Chrome web browser. Webpage Screenshot.

The link is Google Chrome Extension Webpage Screenshot

Google Chrome extensions are easy to put in and remove, so try it.
This extension places an icon in my top right header.
One click takes a screen shot of the current web page, no matter how long it is.

After I take my screen capture, I can edit and change size.

It's a worthwhile addition. Try it out.
It can be very handy to take a screen capture of a website that scrolls off the page.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - web page auto-load using Google Chrome extension, FastestChrome.

2010-08-02T02:11:00.010+10:00

Here's an extension I have just added to my Google Chrome web browser.
I wanted to auto load web pages, so I found this one ...

Link for FastestChrome - Google Chrome Extension

It does quite a few things, one of which is to auto load the next page from a Google Search, or from a web page. Check it out.

I also have all my menus in a side bar, rather than having to go looking for them. Nice.

I can also highlight a word, hover my cursor, and see an entry from Wikipedia.

Nifty.
Try it out. You can always uninstall it if you want.
Google Chrome extensions are easy in, easy out.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - Google Chrome extensions

2010-08-01T02:10:00.005+10:00

Here's the latest thing I've been playing with. Google Chrome Extensions.
For some reason I've never really gone looking for them before.

Here's the link. Google Chrome Extensions.
And this is the link for Google Chrome itself, just in case you haven't had a play with it yet.

Here's the few that I'm using.
Stay tuned to GFSL for a run down on my favorites.

So, extensions for Chrome do exist. Go take a look.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - View web page thumbnails with BetterSearch for Firefox.

2010-07-30T01:41:00.005+10:00

Here's my latest, lovely add-on for Firefox. BetterSearch.

Here's the link. BetterSearch.

Here's what it does.
It lets me view a thumbnail of the website results from a Google Search.

Now that's a cool add-on.
Do I really need to say any more ?!
Bringing you the good gear once again.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - website page auto-load using FastestFox for Firefox.

2010-07-29T01:31:00.010+10:00

Here's my latest clever add-on for Firefox. "FastestFox".
I wanted a way to auto-load the next page in a Google Search or a website.

Here's the link. FastestFox.

Here's what it does.

It offers me these options in a side bar, rather than having to go looking for them.

I can see definitions by highlighting text, then hover my cursor over that text.

I can choose to auto-load the next page.

Control it from here. Tools > FastestFox.

Here's the Options box.

Tasty gear. I like this one. Load it up.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - take a screen capture in Firefox using Fireshot

2010-07-28T01:08:00.009+10:00

Here's my new toy - Fireshot for taking screen captures in Firefox web browser.

I wanted to take a full screen capture of a large website that scrolled off the page.
Google Search led me to this new add-on for Firefox.

This is the link for the add-on. Fireshot.

I will demonstrate with taking a screen capture of this page as I write.
Note that Fireshot resides as an icon at the top left of my Firefox web browser.

I have just clicked the "S" icon.
Turn your speakers on to hear a camera shutter noise too !
Here's the screen capture, with the editing, printing and emailing options along the top.

Note that Fireshot also adds itself to the right click context menu. This can be very handy.

Note also that this will capture the entire web page, not just what you see on the screen.

Go nuts.

Cheers. Si.

Genuine Free Tip - How to add an 'AddThis' button to your blog.

2010-07-27T02:00:00.008+10:00

Here's my latest tutorial. How to put 'AddThis' on your blog.

"AddThis" is another means of socializing a blog or website.
It allows a one button access sharing facility.
See below - one button lets me share this post on Myspace, Facebook, Digg, Stumble ...

Start here ... 'AddThis.com' home page.

I want to add this to my Blogger site, using this button, and add statistics.

Then I grab the HTML code. I copy and paste into a text document.

Follow the instructions.
Open up you Blogger template and click the Expand Widget box.

The only hard part is scrolling down to find that line of HTML "div class = post footer".

Paste in that lump of HTML. Save the Template.
Here's mine.

Now have another look at the "Share" button under this post.

Cheers. Si.