Tuesday
Dec152009

Namebench Tests DNS Servers for You, Finds Optimal Configuration

DateTuesday, December 15, 2009 at 2:14PM

  Namebench is an open source DNS test service. Spawned from the new Google DNS service. 

nb1

DNS is a major part of how the internet works.  Simply put, it resolves names to the actual numbered address for a webpage. Every webpage has a unique number.  We use names and letters in our address bar for simplicity.  However, the web actually moves around via numbers.  Google is www.google.com.  But it’s real address is 64.233.181.147. 

  Your ISP automatically provides a DNS name server with your connection.  However, it is not always the fastest or safest.  You can change setting in your router or modem  of even on your PC to use a different DNS.  A faster DNS means webpage's load faster.  Also, other DNS services can be safer as they warn you about potential Phishing sites or other problems.  Open DNS allows for configuration based on a free account.  You can block websites or keywords via DNS.

  Namebench is a small application you download and run on your PC.  It takes about ten minutes to complete.  It will they give you results for the best DNS choices based on your location.  DNS is location specific, so one DNS may be better in one area and worse in another.  You can only really one this application once from your PC.  Since running it multiple times messes with the DNS resolves and will produce false results.

nb2

  I still prefer Open DNS ( Open DNS ) and the free version they provide.  I also prefer to change the DNS setting in my router rather than run the tray application they provide.

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Thursday
Nov052009

Automate Software Installs On Windows PC’s with Ninite

DateThursday, November 5, 2009 at 3:23PM

  Ninite is a new freeware application that helps install all the 3rd party applications most people want after a clean installation of Windows.  If your getting Windows7 This is a must have, but also works for XP and Vista.

 

ninite

  It is pretty simple to use, but you do need a internet connection.  Simply go to Ninite, check off which applications you want installed, download the custom installation file, and run the Ninite file.  Just sit back and it will do the work for you.  What is nice is that Ninite is intelligent enough to avoid toolbars, crapware, or offers that me be snuck in with any of the programs!  Once finished, Ninite leave no other traces behind except the install file – which you can delete.

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Wednesday
Oct212009

Windows 7 Tips and Thoughts

DateWednesday, October 21, 2009 at 12:25PM

  Windows 7 is set to release October 22, 2009 ( tomorrow as is being posted ).  I would highly recommend installing this on any PC you might own that is not older than 6 years. Win 7 runs circles around Vista in terms of functionality and performance. Microsoft really did a good job on this operating system.

DSCF0723 

I already have a release copy that is activated.  I received my “Steve Ballmer Win 7 Ultimate Special Edition” for being a host of a Win7 party from Houseparty.com!  One of the nicest aspects is that media codec support is amazing.  No longer do you need to install any media players to play oddball codec's like.avi,H.264,  ect. Media center and Windows media player have been vastly improved.  Also the new Library's function allows for file aggregation without have to actually move files on various hard drives, network storage , and even other PC’s running Win7 on the same network.

  I would recommend anybody consider the Home Premium version and to avoid Business or Ultimate.  There is no compelling reason to get these versions for the average user.  Plus it is way cheaper.  Also consider there is a 3 license/PC family pack upgrade if you have 3 PC’s running XP for around 150.00.

Here is a few lists and links to various Win 7 tips and features.

77 Windows 7 Tips

15 Windows 7 hacks and tips

Windows 7 Media Features

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Thursday
Oct152009

Backup Your Gmail To you PC-Save All Emails

DateThursday, October 15, 2009 at 12:25PM

   While I’m a big fan of Cloud computing;  I realize there are some inherent risks.  Saving all data in the cloud can be dangerous as much as it’s useful.  Outages, server crashes, loss of internet, or even account hijacking can remove your accessibility to our data!

cloud

I was motivated by these articles here:  Sidekick users loss data to Cloud and Cloud Cautions .  To find and write a solution to Gmail backup. Since I, along with millions of others, save important email in cloud folders with Gmail.

With Gmail backup, all of your saved, sent, archived, folders, and even trash are downloaded to text files for safekeeping on your PC.  This application will also let your upload back to a Gmail account and restore your email- even if it’s a different Gmail account.

gmailbackup

  The application is super simple to use and does not take long to run.  The actual emails are small and do not take up much space.  You will need to tell Windows to associate the files as text files on some systems if you want to read the emails on your local PC..

The program only asks for a folder to save email too ( you can make one and back that up to secondary devices also) and that Imap settings for Gmail are enabled ( most new Gmail accounts this is already active and Gmail backup has instructions to set this correctly ).

gmailbckup2

  This application is free and has no other crapware trying  to install itself with it.

  Get it here: Gmail Backup homepage

  I would advise anybody that uses Gmail to do this at least once every few months.

  More on Cloud Computing here:  Cloud 1

                                                  Cloud 2

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Tuesday
Oct062009

Free Anti-Virus from Microsoft for all Windows PC’s

DateTuesday, October 6, 2009 at 1:09PM

   Finally! Microsoft is now providing a free solution for anti virus protection software for any supported windows PC.

msse

This new application is based off of the old Windows Live security pack sold up until last year. Microsoft decided to make it free for all windows users and they tweaked the program out to run nice on just about any type of system.  I ran it on a XP and Vista machine for testing purposes.  It’s runs very nice and seems to not bog out the system.

  Now that this is available, there is no real need to pay for any anti virus software anymore.  Often, Third party AV “suites” are bloated, ineffective, and run poorly.  The best AV’s will run without you having to do anything. 

  Sixty percent of your online safety depends on you.  Use good habits, watch what programs you install, only go to trusted sites, keep you system up to date, avoid toolbars and other add on programs, and keep a constant level of suspicion.  These aspects will keep you system safe more than any one program could do.

Get MS security essentials here: Security essentials

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