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Steve Bass's Weekly Newsletter
TechBite's columnist Steve Bass writes weekly commentary on the technology products he loves, the strategies for getting the most out of them, and the gotchas that can cause computing misery. Plus a couple of weekly laughs.
4 Terrific Freebies and WinPatrol Plus for 99 Cents
In This Issue
WinPatrol Plus for Under a Buck
Easeus Partition Master Professional
Print Me a File List
NetMeter: Watch Those Downloads!
Where's That CES Report?
Time Wasters
Who I'm Listening To
Another Freebie
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WinPatrol Plus for Under a Buck
One of my favorite security programs can be had for under a buck. Yep, the current version of WinPatrol, normally $30, will cost you a mere 99 cents.
This is a one-day only experiment starting at midnight EST on Jan 29th and will last 24 hours. It will be available at WinPatrol.com. The 99 cent license will be good for life. The FAQ and other details are on WinPatrol author Bill Pytlovany's blog.
"LOL -- I can't believe that's the most often question asked," said Bill when I questioned him about the timing. To clear it up, Bill said, "on Thursday night at midnight, I'll be in bed. A little batch file will automatically flip the switch so the price will be 99 cents. The bottom line is every minute of Eastern Standard Time that exists throughout January 29 will have the experimental pricing." So there.
Ladies and gents, this is not a scam -- and a deal you ought not to pass up. [top]
Easeus Partition Master Professional
No strings giveaway: EASEUS Partition Master Professional gives you a way to fiddle with your hard drive's partitions. The offer ends on Feb 1st, 2010.
My friend Mike from Phoenix said:
"I've used the free version and it was GREAT! Helped me do something I have never done in 40 years -- un-partition a drive from 3 to one."
Chris Z. said:
"I used an earlier version of Easeus to partition both XP and W7 systems. The interface looks very much like the long-gone Partition Magic. Operation was quick, clean and without adverse events."
As usual, I'm just passing along this offer; I haven't tried the software and I strongly encourage you to use your favorite program to back up your system (and check the validity of the backup) before using. [Thanks to my Iraqi friend Bassim for the lead.] [top]
Print Me a File List
Question: I have a folder with 200 Word docs. I'd like to print out a list instead of manually typing them out. Is there an easy way to print a list of files within a folder? -- Chris.
Answer: Easy enough, Chris. Download Directory Printer from Karen's Power Tools. It'll print your list or save it to disk. The filters let you exclude any portion of the directory list, say, extension or date, or just print the first part of the file name. It's a handy, easy to use, and free tool. [top]
NetMeter: Watch Those Downloads!
Some of you are prolific downloaders and if your ISP is monitoring you, a good bandwidth throttling may be in your future. Robert C., from Wales, said NetMeter keeps track and helps you see if you're about to go over the threshold. [top]
Worried about too many
downloads? Use NetMeter.
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Dig into big bargain hunting with Groupon -- a group coupon. Businesses offer a product or service at an extreme discount and each day we feature something cool at an unbeatable price. If enough Groupon people sign up, the deal is on. Get discounts at restaurants, clothing, electronics, and grocery stores, nail and massage salons, and even sky diving. Over 800,000 Groupons have been sold saving consumers 35 millions dollars. Groupon is available in over 50 cities, including Vancouver and Toronto. Watch these YouTube videos here and here for more.
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Where's That CES Report?
I've got it, but I ran out of space in this week's newsletter. You'll see it next week.
Time Wasters
Life with a cat. Nothing more needs to be said. [Thanks to Nina Salerno.]
If you've ever driven in southern California, you'll want to see these old photos. And talking about pictures -- you know that the camera never lies. But PhotoShop sure does. Check these images and I think you'll agree.
The Fun Theory proves that there are smart ways to change behavior.
The question is -- are these whale smoke signals, just bubbles, or perhaps flatulence...? This video might have an answer.
Just another day at work. (Watch it a couple of times and you'll figure out the gaff.)
Don't go there! That was enough of a warning to ensure I'd ignore Brint K.'s advice and spend an hour with DesktopTD. It's not easy, for sure, but it's great for exercising your synapses. Fair warning, this isn't a shoot-'em-up. You'll have to spend some time reading the instructions and warming up to the strategies. [top]
Who I'm Listening To
Dave Graveline has been plugging me in his newsletter since, I dunno, 1963 or so. It's time I returned the favor (so he'll stop kevtching). Give him a listen and check out his weekly newsletter.
Dave Graveline, Radio Host Extraordinaire
Another Freebie
I'll trade you. I have another nifty freebie. That's provided you take a sec and forward the newsletter to a bunch of friends -- or send 'em this link: http://www.techbite.com. Here it is: Microsoft's offering a chance to try their Phone Data Manager (32-bit only) to back up and synch your smart phone (thanks again, Bassim). It'll save your contacts, images, videos, and music files, and keep them safe and sound.
By the way, if you're enjoying this newsletter and getting something out of it, become a TechBite member by sending us some financial support using PayPal. I promise, good things will eventually come your way...
By the way, if you're enjoying this newsletter and getting something out of it, become a TechBite member by sending us some financial support using PayPal. I promise, good things will eventually come your way. For instance, a special e-mail address that goes to the top of my e-mail list. [top]
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Steve Bass is the publisher and self-appointed Chief Content Officer at TechBite; he continues to experience the cool feeling of having his own newsletter. Send him your feedback at TechBite. To sign up for TechBite's free Steve Bass Technology newsletter, head for our signup page.
Steve's also the author of "PC Annoyances, 2nd Edition: How to Fix the Most Annoying Things About Your Personal Computer," available on Amazon. It covers XP, but not Vista. If you haven't purchased your copy today, don't wait, supplies are limited...
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