Hide your private folders.

1)Free Hide Folder is a free computer security software to hide your private folders. It is very useful to keep your personal data away from others. Others will not know where your personal files exist and they will not be able to accidentally view them. You can hide folders simply with a few mouse clicks. Free Hide Folder is protected by a password that you can change or remove at any time.

Free Hide Folder will protect your files avoiding them to be being modified, seen or erased by other users.
Platform: Windows 9x/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista
File Size: 743 KB
License: Freeware
Publisher

Download and use for free
Key Features:

• Hide your folder completely. Unless you unhide it yourself, nobody can find it.
• Password protection when running program.
• No file system structure modifications needed.
• Any number of folders may be hidden at the same time.
• Easy-to-use user interface.

2) HideWizard
* Hide application automatically without any marks when they startup.
* Hide window and running application quickly via hotkey.
* Hide files,hide folders.
* Hide any process.
* Define activities that execute at hiding items, such as muting all sounds, bring a window to TOP.
* Prohibit creating specified windows.
* Password protection.
* Apply transparency effect to any window.
* Make specified programs safely quit by hotkey.
* Launch some programs on virtual desktop.
* Lock screen and turn off monitor use a hotkey.

Producer Download Page
Platform: Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista

Download HideWizard.7.2

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LightScribe Enabled Drive

LightScribe is an optical disc recording technology that utilizes specially coated recordable CD and DVD media to produce laser-etched labels with text or graphics, as opposed to stick-on labels and printable discs. Because the labels are laser-etched—not printed—there's no ink, no smudging, and no peeling. Special discs and a compatible disc writer are required. The etched label will show no noticeable fading under exposure to indoor lighting for at least 2 years. Optical media should always be stored in a protective sleeve or case that keeps the data content in the dark and safe from scratches. If stored this way, the label should last the life of the disc in real-world application. Before or after burning data to the read-side of the disc, the user simply turns the disc over and inserts it with the label side down. The drive's laser then etches into the label side in such a way that an image is produced. The LightScribe System Software (LSS) is required for proper operation of your LightScribe system. Your LightScribe product manufacturer will have the best knowledge of your specific configuration and needs, and they are recommended as your first source of updates whenever possible. As an alternative should you have problems with obtaining an update limited support universal version of the LightScribe System Software offered here.

Create one-of-a-kind designs with your own photos, text, and artwork using your label-making software. Or choose from the many free backgrounds the software provides. You may also visit LightScribe's Design Center for free downloadable designs.

Once you create your design, be sure to follow these three steps:

1)Burn your data (music, photos, video, etc.) in the LightScribe drive.
2|When your data burning is complete, open the drive and flip the disc over.
3)Burn your LightScribe label. Remember, the same drive that burns your data burns your label, too.


LightScribe.com


Label-making software:DROPPIX LABEL MAKER
Simple and intuitive software for creating and printing your high-quality CD and DVD labels with just a few clicks. Compatible with all LightScribe drives; many free downloadable designs.Windows Vista, XP, or 2000; LightScribe enabled drive, media, and LightScribe System Software
Droppix Label Maker ver 2 9 2 0

Droppix Label Maker Deluxe 2.7 Portable

Droppix_Label_Maker_v2.9.6.rar

Droppix Label Maker 2.9.6


Label-making software:SURETHING LABELER 5
Compatible with all LightScribe drives; Simple intuitive user interface; Import or scan your own images; Alpha-blend Text and Images; Create and Manage Playlists; multiple LightScribe drive printing; Photo Touchup and Editing; many free templates and images.
Requirements Windows Vista, XP, or 2000; LightScribe enabled drive, media, and LightScribe System Software

SureThing CD DVD Labeler LightScribe Deluxe v5.0.581.0 Retail


Drawbacks

Special storage precautions are necessary to prevent LightScribe discs from fading. HP's LightScribe website warns users to "keep discs away from extreme heat, humidity and direct sunlight", "store them in a cool, dark place", "use polypropylene disc sleeves rather than PVC sleeves", and also notes that "residual chemicals on your fingers could cause discoloration of the label image". Such chemicals include common hand lotions and hair care products. Users not observing these precautions have reported LightScribe discs to become visibly faded within two months in the worst case. This drawback makes the technology unsuitable for applications involving continuous handling, and for such popular uses as car music compilation disks which typically have unavoidable high exposure. Since many disc players present internal temperatures significantly higher than room temperature, LightScribe discs should also not be left in disc players for long periods of time.

Lightscribe discs may form a visible white powder coating. This is due to crystallization of some of the label-side coating. It is not harmful and can easily be removed with a water-dampened cloth. Wiping the disc with a damp cloth does not harm the inscribed label. Up until now, LightScribe support has not explained which conditions lead to this reaction, nor the precautions that can be taken to avoid it.

Multiple Lightscribes of the same image increases contrast, but the image quality decreases with increased burns. Noticeable contrast variations are seen in solid shades.

Finally, burning Lightscribe labels can sometimes be considerably slower than burning the data onto the same disc. The average burn time for a cover is approximately 20 minutes.

Related Article: µTorrent file download

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Defective pixels on a liquid crystal display

Testing a new LCD monitor before purchasing, or an already purchased monitor during the warranty period (you may get a replacement according to the manufacturer's dead pixel policy) with the following freebies:
1)DefectPX
DefectPX allows you to easily check for dead or defective pixels on LCD monitors. DefectPX fills the entire screen with one of the colors that make up a pixel, allowing you to inspect the screen for pixels that do not match the selected color. DefectPX is easy to use and it has a very intuitive interface.

DefectPX by PCFreed can be run directly without having to install it on your computer: just download and run. An installer program is also available. Windows XP & Vista
Standalone
Installer

2) Dead pixel tester
Dead Pixel Tester, with display tests. TFT screens have thousands of pixels, on a 1024x768 monitor, there are three cells for each pixel - one each for red, green, and blue - which amounts to nearly 2.4 million cells (1024x768x 3 = 2,359,296). There's only a slim chance that all of these will be perfect; more likely, some will be stuck on (creating a "bright" defect) or dead (resulting in a "dark" defect). DPT was written to help me check my own screens (Couldn't find one that worked across multiple desktops so had to write my own!) by cycling through the three primary colours used (red,green,blue) and all on (white) and all off (black).

Simply select a colour then closely inspect your monitor in each of the primary colours checking for pixels that are not operating as expected. Stuck pixels (always on) are easier to notice than pixels that are not on due to their size (normally under .5mm). This application is freely distributable for non commercial gain, for any other usage please contact publisher.

All Windows
Download


3) Updated 9 Feb 2009.

Provide a photo capture and supplier would be glad to verify if it is within the industry standard.

Monitor Self-Testing
a. Shut down your computer and leave the power cord to the monitor connected and power on only the power socket.
b. Unplug the VGA cable (blue head connector with 2 screws) that is connected to the monitor itself.
c. By doing so, it will trigger the monitor self test.
d. A small box with horizontal line (red, blue, green) will appear on the screen.
e. Let the small box to move around and please observe any symptoms while it is moving.

Test in BIOS mode
a. Shut down your computer.
b. Power on your computer, upon seeing the log, tap on the button to enter the BIOS setup menu.
(Note: If after restarting, it goes into Windows, please turn off your computer and repeat step b)



Dell LCD Display Pixel Policy

During the LCD Monitor manufacturing process, it is not uncommon for one or more pixels to become fixed in an unchanging state. The visible result is a fixed pixel that appears as an extremely tiny dark or bright discolored dot. When the pixel remains permanently lit, it is known as a “bright dot.” When the pixel remains black, it is known as a “dark dot.”

In almost every case, these fixed pixels are hard to see and do not detract from display quality or usability. A display with 1 to 5 bright or dark dots is considered normal and within industry standards. Dell LCD Replacement Policy

------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A defective (dead or stuck) pixel on a liquid crystal display (LCD) is a pixel that does not illuminate properly or does not display the correct color output. It usually looks like an annoying black, white or colored spot on your screen. ISO 13406-2 distinguishes between three different types of defective pixels:

1. Hot pixels (always on)
2. Dead pixels (always off)
3. Stuck pixels (one or two sub-pixels are always on or always off)


A permanently lit white pixel is called a glowing pixel. Hot pixels are usually best seen against a dark background. A dead pixel is a defective pixel that remains unlit. Dead pixels are usually best seen against a white background. A stuck pixel will usually be most visible against a black background, where it will appear red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, or yellow, although stuck red, green, or blue pixels are most common. A stuck pixel results from a manufacturing defect, which leaves one or more of these sub-pixels permanently turned on or off. Stuck pixels are not guaranteed to be correctable, and can remain faulty for the life of the monitor, however might be fixed by flashing numerous colors with a very rapid intensity.

1) Fix Stuck Pixel on LCD monitor with video flashing numerous colors with a very rapid intensity
Repair dead pixels on your LCD screen with this video
Download Video here.
This video here has rapidly changing colors play it and drag the video to the stuck pixel to fix stuck pixel.

2) Fix Stuck Pixel on LCD monitor with Dead Pixel Tester.


Defective pixels in LCD screens can sometimes be improved by mechanically manipulating the area around a defective pixel by pressing or tapping. This can help to evenly distribute the oil inside the screen, but it can also damage it.
(For more information read this Wikipedia article.)

Related external post: How to Fix a Stuck Pixel on an LCD Monitor

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How to Prevent "Shortcut to" Prefix from Being Added to New Shortcuts

1)Right Click any file you may wish to create a shortcut to send to desktop.
2)Right-click the shortcut, and then click Rename. Delete the prefix "shortcut to".
3)Right Click again of the same file and create another shortcut to send to desktop.

You will see the 2nd shortcut created is without the prefix "shortcut to".
Delete both created shortcut and repeat step 3 to confirm . You should have the shortcut created without the prefix "shortcut" and an any other file shortcut creation hence onward.




From Microsoft as reproduced:

Method 1: Rename a Shortcut Five Times
Right-click the My Computer icon, and then click Create Shortcut. This places a shortcut named "Shortcut to My Computer" on the desktop.
Right-click the shortcut, and then click Rename.
Rename the "Shortcut to My Computer" file to "My Computer."
Delete the "My Computer" shortcut.
Repeat steps 1 through 4 four times. The sixth time you create the shortcut, the "Shortcut to" prefix is not added.
NOTE: You do not have to use My Computer to create the shortcut. You can use any file, folder, drive, computer, or printer. To restore the "Shortcut to" prefix, delete the registry key listed in method 3 and then restart the computer.
Back to the top
Method 2: For Windows 95 and Windows 98 Use the Tweak UI PowerToys Tool
Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click the TweakUI icon.
On the Explorer tab, click to clear the Prefix 'Shortcut to' on new shortcuts check box, and then click OK.
Restart the computer.
For Windows 98, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base for information about obtaining TweakUI:
190643 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/190643/EN-US/ ) How to Install and Uninstall the TweakUI Tool in Windows 98
NOTE: Windows 98 Second Edition and Windows Millennium Edition (Me) do not include TweakUI. For additional information about this issue, refer to the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:
237920 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/237920/EN-US/ ) TweakUI Not on Windows 98 SE or Windows Me CD-ROMs
Back to the top
Method 3: Edit the Registry
WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

Start Registry Editor.
Locate the following registry key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
Modify the data value of the Link value to be 00 00 00 00.

NOTE: For Windows 95, the Link value does not exist by default. Create the Link value as a Binary value, with a data value of 00 00 00 00.
Restart the computer.
To implement this change for all users on a computer with user profiles enabled, modify the Link value in the following registry keys:
HKEY_USERS\.Default\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer

HKEY_USERS\username\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
To restore the "Shortcut to" prefix, delete the Link value.

Related Articles: Remove shortcut Icon Arrow & Shortcut suffix for new shortcuts

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Update Your Windows Using Mozilla Firefox, Opera or Any Other Web Browser

Now you are able download and install Windows critical updates ( 32-bit updates only & not 64-Bit friendly just yet ) using any other web browser like Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Netscape or K-Meleon. Enjoy Microsoft Updates in your favorite browser: and scan for new updates and install them without IE. "WindizUpdate" is a plugin which allows users of Mozilla Firefox, Firebird, Opera, Netscape and K-Meleon to update their Windows using Microsoft Updates.
Also it is not restricted to just Microsoft products. Software from other vendors can also be updated.

WindizUpdate site will quickly check your computer to make sure you have all the required security updates and patches for your operating system, and software from other vendors. It will also prompt you to install WindizUpdate plugin was originally developed by Michael Ventnor if you haven't it yet. As of version 0.51 it has been updated by RealityRipple Software which extension also include the free WindizUpdate plugin as part of the install, and the extension makes sure you have it installed every time you start Firefox.

WindizUpdate scans part of your computer and provides you with a selection of updates tailored just for you.

Good reasons to use WindizUpdate

* No personally identifiable information is collected from your computer.
* No more unwanted spyware -- Microsoft Internet Explorer can finally be removed from your computer (if that were possible).
* It lists just the updates you need. If an update has been superceded by a newer one, it will not ask you to install the older one.
* Using enhanced data from MBSA, WindizUpdate will find more security patches needed for your O/S than the "other" website.
* If there is a security issue with a component that is not yet installed, it will not ask you to update it. For example, if you have not installed hyperterminal, it will not update it.
* It is not restricted to just Microsoft products. Software from other vendors can also be updated.
* Upgrading to the latest version of Internet Explorer is not considered a Critical Update!
* Works on Windows versions no longer supported by Microsoft -- Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 95
* The plugin is not an ActiveX control.
* Integrated download manager with error detection -- you can cancel downloads at any time, and the next time you wish to install the cancelled update, it will continue from where it left off. Only corrupted sections of the file are redownloaded.

If you are still not convinced that WindizUpdate is the site for you, please check out the page titled "do we need to say any more?

Disadvantages

* There is a delay from when new updates are released from Microsoft to when they appear on this site.
* If you're using Internet Explorer, you will need to use Microsoft's Windows Update site for updates -- this site will be of no use to you.
* You'll need to upgrade your browser if you're using MSIE 4.xx -- This site won't work, neither will Microsoft's.

Related Post: AutoPatcher Comeback

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Fingerprint Reader

Imaging Fingerprint API provides a simple high level interface for fingerprint recognition and matching. Algorithms of comparison are based on methods which have been used in the field of criminalistics for more than a hundred years. The basic feature of our algorithm is its ability to process qualitatively bad images.

This software is a freeware. It can be used privately as well as in commercial projects without any restrictions

Platforms: Windows 2000, Windows XP, Linux

Supported (and tested ) fingerprint sensors

Optical
Morphosoric I, II
CrossMatch "V300"
Digital Persona
"U.are.U 4000"
Identix "TouchView II"
Biometrika "FX2000"
KeyTronic "Secure Desktop Scanner"
Identicator Technology
"DF-90"

Capacitive
Delsy
Precise Biometrics "100 SC"
ST Microelectronics "TouchChip"

thermo-electric
Atmel "FingerChip FCD4B14CB"

Optical
(touchless)
TST AG

Fingerprint Reader Download Version 1.0.0 for Windows XP

Product Homepage

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Hide Programs and Hide Window Plus

Hide Programs 1.0 allow you to hide items from add\remove list in Control Panel and Start Menu items. You can use Hide Programs 1.0 to

prevent others from uninstalling the programs you have installed
prevent other users from knowing what programs you have installed
remove the programs which cannot be uninstalled correctly to speedup loading Add\Remove programs list in Control Panel

Hide Programs 1.0 is absolutely free. Click here to download Hide Programs 1.0.

Hide Window Plus allow you to hide any running program to background from taskbar, screen, and system tray with a single keystroke or a right click on the Close button. Reveal all hidden programs with a keyboard shortcut. This tool also allows you to run a screensaver, turn off the display or mute the sound in no time using keyboard shortcuts. Window Plus helps you to protect your privacy, solve taskbar cluttering problem & save batteries power of your laptop.

Key Features:
Hide any running program from screen and taskbar without terminating it [See also HotKicks ( Hotkey Utility )]
Hide and show hidden programs with customizable keyboard shortcuts
Hide by clicking right mouse button on system Close button
Mute sound with keyboard shortcut
Mute sound when a window is hidden
Run screensaver with a hotkey [See also HotKicks ( Hotkey Utility )]
Turn off monitor with a hotkey
Hotkey to terminate hidden programs
Customizable shortcuts [See also HotKicks ( Hotkey Utility )]

Runs invisibly in background

Click here to download free trial version. This full featured version will expire 10 days after installation.
Homepage

Download Free older Hide Window Plus 2.0

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Add programs to windows startup

This is how you add programs to the Windows Startup so that you do not have to start it manually every time.:

Open a Explorer window and navigate to the following folder C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup, replace C:\ with the drive where Windows is installed.

This folder contains the items that are scheduled to be launched on Windows Startup, to add your program here you need to create a new shortcut to the program. To create a shortcut click right click any where in the folder and select new shortcut. Once the new shortcut windows pops up click on browse and select the application executable you want to add to startup. Once you have selected the appropriate file click on next and give a relevant name to it and click on Finish. That’s it the next time you boot up your windows your selected application will automatically startup.

To disable the application from loading up at windows startup you simply need to delete the shortcut that you created.

Alternatively use AutoRuns for Windows

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