Geek Ramble

Namebench Tests DNS Servers for You, Finds Optimal Configuration

2009-12-15T19:14:05Z

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

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.

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.

Automate Software Installs On Windows PC’s with Ninite

2009-11-05T20:23:24Z

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.

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.

Windows 7 Tips and Thoughts

2009-10-21T16:25:49Z

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.

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

Backup Your Gmail To you PC-Save All Emails

2009-10-15T16:25:26Z

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!

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

2009-10-06T17:09:34Z

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

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

Free Software Everyday – Legitimate Giveaways

2009-09-30T17:33:48Z

“Giveawayoftheday.com” has a variety of free software for you PC with life time activation / license for the PC each is installed on. Anything from games, utilities, graphics, card makers, system tweaks, and video encoders. Each day brings one new software made available from manufacturer with a special download and and activation.

I would caution anyone not to go nuts and fill up your PC with applications just because they are free. I would recommend though that you check it each day and see if what is offered would be useful. Most of the PC system tweaks and registry cleaners, I would avoid. Everything else though if fair game. Activation is only good for the PC it is installed on and cannot be transferred. Everything I ever received from here was fully functional and no features were locked out.

Another Great “Nintendo games in your Browser” Site.

2009-09-21T19:55:06Z

vNES is a very good Nintendo simulator with a huge selection of games and a save feature. Web sites like this a re good way to waste some time without having to install anything on your PC. Or if you just want to revisit an old classic for nostalgia purposes.

All games are free and using the keyboard is not to tough. They offer usb Nintendo controllers for that complete old school feel.

Go to: VNES to start playing!

This site seems to be a little better than the NESclassics site I wrote about previously. NES Classics

Find free Alternatives To Popular Paid Software

2009-09-16T19:30:58Z

This websites aims to help people find free and open source software solutions. If you need functionality of a program like Photoshop but can not afford it- you can search for comparable free solutions here.

Link: Alternative To

From the website:

AlternativeTo is a new approach to finding good software. Tell us what application you want to replace and we give you suggestions on great alternatives! Instead of listing thousands of more or less crappy applications in a category, we make each application into a category. Think of it like forever evolving blog posts about good alternatives to the software that you're not satisfied with. And the "blog posts" are generated by you through suggestions, comments and votes.

It even has sections for mobile based software and Unix or Mac operating systems.

Inoculate Your PC against Malware.

2009-09-02T18:05:27Z

I stumbled across this and decided to give it a try. It works pretty well as a passive way to block malware. Used in conjunction with other spyware blocking programs and a good antivirus, you can make your PC that much more safer. This program is free and has to be updated manually.

Here is description from the homepage:

Protect against over 14000 Malware and Spyware sites. You can use Inoculate to reset your Hosts file to default, backup your hosts file (Creates multiple compressed backups) and to restore your backed up Hosts files. Please, report any bugs and if you would like to have a spyware or malware site included into the database,…

This program works in a similar fashion to spywareblaster and spybot S&D of which I discuss here: Essential applications

Make Images of Removable / USB Drives

2009-08-28T09:24:22Z

This handy little software tool is great for making images or duplicates of USB drives. It’s free to use, but author has a donation via PayPal which I would encourage you to do if you end up using the program on a regular basis.