Killer Download: Get the most out of XP

Posted by Jason Parker on Aug 8 2007

Though we have several machines here at Download.com running Windows Vista for testing purposes, I have to admit I haven't made the switch yet at my workspace. Maybe it's because with Windows XP I like the way things are set up, I like the look, and I can rest assured that all my favorite downloads are going to work without fail. I'm not saying Vista won't support my programs and I'm sure I'll make the switch at some point, but for now I'm sticking with XP.

Even though XP is my choice for now, as a major league software nerd, I still try to find ways to improve upon a good thing. Rather than leaving well enough alone, I continually search CNET Downloads to see what programs I can find which will make my OS run even more smoothly. A few downloads I've come across trim down existing apps, clean out system flaws, and keep the whole XP operating system running at optimal speed.... (Read more)

Topics: Utilities & Drivers, Windows Software

Tags: Optimize XP, Auslogics Disk Defrag, CCleaner, RamBooster

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FreeMind: The eye of the brainstorm

Posted by Jessica Dolcourt on Aug 8 2007

When brilliant ideas smash against the banks of your brain and threaten to overflow the narrow borders of a digital sticky note or notepad, mind mapping software can contain the surge, and more: divert thought flows into manageable streams. Part brainstorming notepad and part presentationware, FreeMind's freeware canvas for Mac and Windows provides a visual, quasi-linear outlet for complex ideas.

FreeMind isn't the only software for the job, and it doesn't do everything, but when commercial mind mapping products like ConceptDraw MINDMAP and Mindjet MindManager cost between $150 and $300, quibbles over FreeMind's minor function limitations seem suddenly petty.... (Read more)

Topics: Mac Software, Office Software, Windows Software

Tags: FreeMind, mind map, brainstorm, concept mapping

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Every Windows XP user should drop their rights

Posted by Michael Horowitz on Aug 7 2007

If you are running Windows XP, you should install the free DropMyRights program. Hopefully this posting will convince you of this.

DropMyRights is a free program that greatly increases the security of Windows XP and has not gotten the attention that I think it deserves. Everyone running Windows XP should use it. Yes, everyone.

Windows, Macs and Linux all support the concept of restricted and unrestricted users. Restricted users are limited in the changes they can make to the system, perhaps the biggest restriction being on installing software. Windows unrestricted users are called Administrators, with Macs and Linux the sole unrestricted user is called root.

A big reason that Macs and Linux are safer than Windows is that running as a restricted user is the norm. Trying to run Windows while logged on as a restricted user comes with a host of problems, so the reality is that almost everyone runs their Windows XP computer as an unrestricted (Administrator) user. This is a shame, because it means that malicious software can be surreptitiously installed and once running, it can modify or delete critical Windows system files.

The way Drop My Rights makes Windows more secure is by running selected programs in a restricted environment (i.e. with lower rights) even when logged on to Windows XP as an Administrator.

Think you don't need it? I'm being alarmist? You're protected by antivirus software, so why bother?

A Windows XP computer can be surprisingly vulnerable to malicious software, especially ... (Read more)

Topics: Security & Spyware, Windows Software

Tags: windows, software, DropMyRights

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How to use security programs right

Posted by Jessica Dolcourt on Aug 7 2007

If there's one thing that the Black Hat 2007 conference in Las Vegas taught CNET Senior Editor Robert Vamosi, it's that criminals hackers, forgers, and malware chefs are getting more creative in their villainy, not less.

While stocking up on quality security software is an advisable method for keeping your distance from boogie-man code, the antivirus and removal applications are a lot more effective when used correctly. Some programs, such as Hijack This and CCleaner, benefit from deeper instruction; that's where CNET Download.com's security center steps in. Here you'll find guides for getting started with security stalwarts such as WinPatrol and ZoneAlarm, as well as cues for avoiding suspicious Web sites and family-proofing your PC.

Topics: Security & Spyware

Tags: How to, security center, Ad-Aware, AVG, CCleaner, WinPatrol, ZoneAlarm, Black Hat

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Find friends online

Posted by Peter Butler on Aug 7 2007

There may be an excess of social-networking sites starting up these days, but the concept seems to be a permanent fixture on the Web landscape. Whether it's MySpace, Facebook, Friendster, LinkedIn, or your own network, people love connecting with old friends and finding new ones online.

Most social-networking occurs via Web-based software in your browser, but there are several cool downloadable tools that you can also use to connect and communicate with friends and strangers online. ... (Read more)

Topics: Browsers & extensions, Windows Software

Tags: social-networking, software, webware, Camfrog, Paltalk, IMVU, Second Life

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