This week we learned how to restore the Wubi Ubuntu Bootloader, speed up OS X navigation with Quicksilver, integrate MS Office and Zoho online accounts, took a screenshot tour of the Windows Live Essentials beta, normalized the volume of MP3 files, and more. After such a busy week it is time to kick back and relax with our weekly roundup of geeky goodness.
Photo by Bootoyz.
Weekly Feature
Looking for a little something different to replace the default shell on your Windows system? Then you might want to have a look at the SharpEnviro (SharpE) shell replacement software.
Photo by SharpEnviro.
SharpEnviro (SharpE) Windows Shell Replacement
Random Geek Links
- IBM names Firefox its default browser
Firefox becomes the default browser for nearly 400,000 IBM employees. - Google to block outdated plug-ins in Chrome
A future version of Google Chrome will block out-of-date plug-ins and help users update them. - J Smiley Outlook Email: Problem and Fix!
Learn how to get rid of that smiling J problem in Microsoft Office apps. - Geolocators become a privacy problem
Learn how one developer’s script was able to trace and log the movement of Foursquare check-in service users. - Windows 7 SP1 Beta and Microsoft Security Essentials Can Fail to Play Nice Together
Microsoft’s Security Essentials & Forefront Client Security may cause problems with the Windows 7/Server 2008 R2 Service Pack beta. - Attacks Targeting Windows Help and Support Center Vulnerability Increase
The attacks targeting the critical zero-day Windows Help and Support Center vulnerability in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 are increasing (link for work-arounds included). - How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi Networks
Learn how to protect your computer on public wi-fi networks with this tutorial. - Trojan attacks now almost solely from legitimate websites
The majority of trojan attacks are now coming from hacked legitimate websites. - Inform the next of KIN: Microsoft’s tween phone is no more
Microsoft is killing the KIN phone, integrating KIN team into the Windows Phone 7 team. - Automatic origami: “programmable matter” can fold itself
Researchers are working on a sheet of material that can fold itself using electric pulses.
The Geek on Lifehacker
Unitasking is all the rage these days, and sometimes all you need to stay on task is an always-visible reminder of that one thing you should be doing. Here’s how to create a single-goal taskbar reminder with the Windows scripting application, AutoHotkey.
Create Your Own One Goal Taskbar Reminder
Random TinyHacker Links
- Use Classic Toolbars and Menus in Outlook ‘10
If you’re using Outlook 2010 but prefer the ‘retro’ look of 2007, MS-MVP Roady has a small download that may suit you. - Easily Convert PowerPoint Presentations to Video
A free tool to convert PPT presentations to video, and also upload them to YouTube directly. - Using HomeGroup To Share Files In Windows 7
Use HomeGroup to enable quick and easy file sharing among PCs using Windows 7. - TinEye Reverse Image Search browser extension (Firefox/Chrome)
Right click on any picture on the web and TinEye will scan over one billion images for a match. - Comodo Internet Security – How Good It Actually Is?
If you are wondering about Comodo Internet Security and how good this solution is, then check out this review.
Super User Questions
If you have questions then Super User has answers. Here are some of the hottest questions for the week.
- Does Linux store passwords in obscure places?
- Is dual boot worth-while?
- windows 7 turns off itself everyday at about 9am
- Text editor for Linux
- Flash vs Html5? What about Silverlight?
Latest Reviews at How-To Geek
Here is a collection of our latest software reviews.
- HippoRemote Pro 2.2
HippoRemote Pro turns your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch into a universal remote for all of your favorite Mac & PC apps. - Xobni Plus for Outlook
Xobni Plus is an add-in that will bring a sidebar to Outlook and allow you to search through your inbox and contacts a lot easier. - All My Movies 5.9
All My Movies is a movie database manager that allows you to catalogue your personal collection of digital media files (AVI, MP4, MKV, etc.), Blu-rays and DVDs. - CloudBerry Online Backup 1.5 for Windows Home Server
CloudBerry Online Backup version 1.5 is a front end application for Amazon S3 storage for backing up your Windows Home Server data. - Snagit 10
Snagit is one of the oldest and most popular existing screenshot tools. Snagit 10 was recently released with advancements that make it more useful than ever.
One Year Ago on How-To Geek
Another round-up of great articles from one year ago.
- Friday Fun: Castle Game Collection
- How To Rip DVDs with VLC
- How To Copy a DVD with VLC 1.0
- Manage Your Files Easily with CubicExplorer
- Get the Classic Start Menu in Windows 7
HP Lovecraft Fan? Get a Cute Cthulhu of Your Own
Whether you’re a fan of HP Lovecraft’s work, or just want to give somebody a non-traditional gift, these tiny stuffed Cthulhu figures might be just the ticket. You can get yours from the Cthulhu Chick store over on Etsy.
Note: This isn’t an ad…Ruth is a friend of ours, and the picture is a pre-release one that we ordered for the office to guard our 5×5 Rubik’s Cube and MVP trophy. Yeah, we’re a little weird.
The Geek Note
That wraps up another week, so take some time to get outside, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. Remember to keep those great tips coming in at tips@howtogeek.com.
Photo by Bladewood.