The inner chaos of a web guy's mind.
Must have FreeWare Windows Apps
Apr 17th
As a Multimedia business owner workflow and efficiency are the keys to success. I use a multitude of shareware and freeware applications to increase my efficiency at the office. There are a few that really stand out and deliver the ultimate in time saving so I decided to share them here.
DupFinder
Duplicate File Finder is a simple, but effective tool to locate duplicate files in one or more selected search paths. It scans the files and compares them based on Byte for Byte Comparison, which ensures 100% accuracy. You can then choose to delete the selected duplicate or original files. The program is multi threaded and performs scans quickly.
ImageResizer
Resizing hundreds of images is now extremely fast and simple.
Just drag and drop the images you want to resize onto the dialog.
%name variable can be used to retain the original file name (without extension).
Supports saving files into the same directory, or subdirectories.
BulkRename Utility
Bulk Rename Utility is a free file renaming software for Windows. Bulk Rename Utility allows you to easily rename files and entire folders based upon extremely flexible criteria.
Add date/time stamps, replace numbers, insert text, convert case, add auto-numbers, process folders and sub-folders….plus a whole lot more!
Rename multiple files quickly, according to many flexible criteria.
Rename files in many ways: add, replace, insert text into file names. Convert case, add numbers. Remove or change file extensions.
Check the detailed preview before renaming.
Rename photos using EXIF meta data (i.e. “Date Picture Taken”, “Resolution” and other information embedded in all JPG photo files) Rename your holiday pictures from a meaningless dsc1790.jpg to NewYork1.jpg in a flash.
Rename MP3 files using ID3 tags (a.k.a. MP3 ID3 tag renaming).
Change files’ creation and modification time stamps.
It’s free. Easy to Install. Download and start renaming your files now!
Download BulkRenameUtility >>
CCleaner
CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system – allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner. But the best part is that it’s fast (normally taking less than a second to run) and contains NO Spyware or Adware!
Wampserver
WampServer is a Windows web development environment. It allows you to create web applications with Apache, PHP and the MySQL database. It also comes with PHPMyAdmin and SQLiteManager to easily manage your databases.
WampServer installs automatically (installer), and its usage is very intuitive. You will be able to tune your server without even touching the setting files.
WampServer is the only packaged solution that will allow you to reproduce your production server. Once WampServer is installed, you have the possibility to add as many Apache, MySQL and PHP releases as you want.
WampServer also has a trayicon to manage your server and its settings.
Review
I have tested this software on Vista 32bit, Vista x64 and windows XP and have had no problems with any of these tools on any of the systems tested on. These utilities are FAST and efficient at what they do. A must have for anyone looking to speed up some of the mundane tasks involved in the Webdesign business, Graphic Design business and Programming.
Hope you enjoy…
Windows 7 Review Redux
Mar 12th
Well I figured its time to re-review Windows 7, in my previous review I did hammer on it a little bit but the major issues were due to the age of the machine that I was trying to install it on. There was a lack of driver support for some of the older equipment in the box.
Well I have built another machine for the office and decided to test Windows 7 again and see what it is all about.
Computer Specs
Mainboard Gigabyte EP45-UD3P
4GB DDR2 Corsair Dominator 5 5 5 25 Ram
250GB Seagate 7200.11
Intel Q6600 Quad core
BFG Nvidia 9600GT
Seasonic 650W PSU
Antec 300 Tower
Install
The previous disk that I had for Windows 7 would not allow an install to occur. Missing win install dll was the error that came up during the installation. So I grabbed a fresh copy of Windows 7 (this time I opted for the 64 bit version) and started again, just as the previous time I installed 7 it went very smoothly and installed as quickly as Vista does.
The majority of the drivers required were automatically installed with the installation. Again though there was no drivers for the onboard lan, out comes the driver disk from the motherboard box. Once the driver was in I was able to activate windows and the updates began to download. So far so good!
Features
The first things that I noticed was the new desktop tools. The side bar is now removed making way for free gadget placement on the desktop. Right Click >Personalize to find that the interface for desktop customization is much easier to navigate through. The options are listed on the bottom of the panel with nice big icons. The same old customization tools are present however there is more choice of color for the windows and there are some nice default themes. But wait what is that desktop slideshow tool I see? Using the browse tool I was able to navigate to my favorite wallpaper folder and I see a select all button. When pressed it selects all of the images in the folder and the slideshow options are available below. I cannot beleive what I am seeing here, the one feature I have wanted in Windows for years, can it be real? YES it is Windows 7 uses a slideshow for the desktop wallpaper. I am overwhelmed with awe as I am now able to have my favorite wallpapers change at set intervals.
The rest of the interface is just as described in my previous review.
Glitches
Just as I was thinking all is good with this new installation, time to play some video files and check out Media Player 12. The interface in media player 12 has changed again, I am not sure if I like it this time. The enhancements tools are nowhere to be found and the player seems to be separated from the library all together so that you can have the library and the player open at the same time. BSOD oh yes part way into the video the dreaded Blue Screen Of Death! well thats not very good. After a few attempts at playing videos with constant Blue Screens its time for diagnostics.
- Updated all drivers for sound and video – No fix!
- Downloaded Windows 7 Video codec pack – No fix!
- Disabled sound in biot – No fix!
- Switched to the 64 bit player (Vista and 7 Default to using x86 player) – No fix!
- Checked the error logs!
After getting into the error logs I was able to find out that there is a hotfix for a transer protocol which was causing the BSOD. Send off email to Microsoft and request the hotfix. 5 minutes later I recieve an email with the hotfix download and install it on the machine. Very hesitantly I open up a video and to my amazement I am able to watch through the entire video. Keep in mind this is the Beta 7000 Build so I cannot expect perfection.
Experience Index
The dreaded experience index is still present in windows 7. Although there is a much larger range of numbers so no cap out at 5.9 like in Vista. Something is not right here however my index is listed as 2.9 due to disk data transfer rate. I tried to enable AHCI instead of IDE in the bios for the SATA drive but it caused BSOD on boot. Not willing to go through another hassle of debugging this glitch I reverted back to the IDE control interface for the SATA drive.
I was able to get the drive performance to 5.3 by disabling the Write Caching on the disk which is good for now. The rest of the Experience Index was acceptable so no need for any major tweaks here. Now that the system is up and running I move some files around, the transfer speeds of files is far superior to that of vista.
Other stuff
I use multiple computers with same keyboard and mouse utilizing Multiplicity by Stardock. The application installed smoothly and needed no addition setup to run on Windows 7 and I am able to use concurantly with Vista 64bit on the other computer.
Conclusion
I haven’t had a chance to go any further into the OS and play with performance but Windows 7 really does feel more responsive than Vista and even with the hassles I faced it does seem more stable than Vista aswell. The OS itself seems like it is lighter as there are less applications integrated with it now. The live essentials pack is downloadable and there are WAY more options for removing windows components in the control panel. Overall I would have to say the Microsoft has gotten it right with this OS. I cannot wait to see the Release Candidate.
Psyc3d Updated Rating 8.5/10
25 Random things about me…
Mar 4th
Well I have finally caved and decided to submit a 25 random things about me list. I normally hate these things as they share too much personal information. In this case though I have had a colorful life so there is lots of things that I can share. Some are humouros. I hope you enjoy.
So here goes.
- I hate shoes, seriously I could live barefoot or in flip flops and I usually do in the spring and summer. Expect to see me in flip flops when coming to my board room for a meeting.
- I used Used to walk around and smack people on the forehead cause it made a neat sound. At least this is something that I have grown out of.
- I was Born in England, lived in Winnipeg, Ontario and BC where I reside now.
- I was at one time in my life a “homeless Person”. Slept on the street and worked hard to get off the streets. I have no respect the Bums that are capable of getting of the street but choose not to.
- I am a Workaholic, I have to be creating something I’m writing this post while watching TV and answering my wife/accountants questions on invoices etc.
- I Generally like animals and sea life more than people, animals are so innocent, loving and bring us so much joy. People well they start wars, hurt each other and are generally ignorant for the most part.
- I am a die hard Breast Man I’m totally Addicted to Boobs seriously its and obsession. If you keep reading there is proof of just how much of a boob man I am. They have to be real all natural though. I hate fake boobs.
- I Was once arrested at gun point – long story and no I don’t have a criminal record it was all a big misunderstanding. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
- I have never been to a strip club. No seriously NEVER BEEN. Don’t know why, I guess I have just never really had the inkling to go. Maybe it’s because most of the boobs are fake who knows. Come to think of it I have never gone to a funeral either, I have never seen the point in funerals. I have always gotten together with friends and family of those that have died and done something that we would do if the deceased was with us and remember them that way.
- I love to build stuff, anything, RC(Planes, Boats, Cars, Helicopters), Computers, random s**t around the house
- I can guess any woman’s bra size and 99% of the time I’m right seriously I’ve been tested over and over again by so many women that don’t believe a man can know that much about bras/boobs.
- I refuse to own any vehicle that is completely stock. I have modified in some sense EVERY car that I have owned. Come to think of it I modified my boat and my motorcycles as well.
- I have been involved in a high speed car chase (long time ago) in one of my modified cars. Young and Stupid is all I have to say for myself on that one.
- I too often have to say “I warned you!” or “I told you so!” TOO many times do I have to say those words. Read the post I AM THAT GUY for more info on this one.
- I am a born again TECHNOLOGY GEEK circa 1997 and loving it. I have 2 laptops, 5 computers, 2 home theater setups, assorted Radio Controls models, toys all over my office.
- Sometimes when I am bored I Google myself. Ok I am lying here its actually a daily event. Gotta check my placements you know.
- I actually KNOW everyone on my Facebook friends list. At sometime in my life I have had actuall conversations with everyone in my friends list.
- I have never broken a bone larger than a toe (knock on wood). Although I did dislocate and break a pinky toe once and had to set the toe myself while I was in shock about the strange angle it was pointing at.
- Some of the people closest to me swear I am psyhcic, I have predicted many events and occurances related to people around me. When tested for personality traits my strongest were Analytical & Empathetic. I am really good at reading situations and make very educated guesses on outcomes that are most often right.
- The most annoying sound in the world is people eating with their mouths open. This sound instantly throughs me into a negative state of mind, it is angering. I stopped dating a girl (way back when) for eating into the phone all the time. It is the grossest sound!
- I love the feel of new socks IF I was a millionairre I would never wear the same pair of socks twice. When I am not bearfoot of course.
- I don’t keep up with the fashion trends I wear what I am comfortable in. The only time I think I am in fashions is when I am on the golf course. The rest of the time it’s comfort clothes. If I am wearing a suit someone better be getting married or I am signing a REALLY BIG DEAL.
- When I was younger I thought golf was the dumbest game ever now I can’t get enough of playing it. Half to play everyweek. I even own a golf webiste YourGolfStats.com.
- I think reality TV shows are a joke and wishes they would stop making them, they are the epitome of what is wrong in this world.
- I took me 2 weeks to get this list together.
Well there is probally a lot more than 25 things in this list. Oh well makes for more reading. Thanks to my viewers for reading my space on the web. It is about time that I told you all a little more about me.
Check out some of my other favorite posts while you are here:
nerd-vs-geek
Artists-vs-Programmers
Men’s Simple Rules for Women
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