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General Laptop info (software, guides, graphics, etc.)

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    #2
    Nukem
    Moderators, Entertainment Moderators Posts: 4,082 Mod ✭✭✭✭Nukem


    This sticky was donated by Khannie computer mod. Thank you!

    Here's a list of favourite free software for windows as submitted by boards users .If you have software you think should be added to this list, PM (Nukem/Dubdvd/Micro) and we'll edit this thread.
    3dMark - Benchmarking tools
    7-Zip - compression software (very high compression ratio)
    Acrobat Reader - For reading PDF files
    Ad-Aware - Anti-spyware
    AnyDVD - Helps with DVD ripping (21 day trial period)
    Ant-malware Helps stop viruses,tojans,and those attacks on your computer that say "im looking at gay porn"
    AP Guitar Tuner
    Apache - Worlds most popular http web server.
    AudioGrabber - CD ripper / mp3 creator
    Auto GK (Gordion Knot) - foolproof dvd to avi software
    Autoruns - See what programs are configured to startup automatically when your system boots
    Avast! Antivirus - Antivirus software
    AVG antivirus - Free antivirus prog
    AVG Email scanner plugin for use with Mozilla Thunderbird. Setup instructions here.
    Belarc advisor - a snapshot of your system details
    BitDefender - Antivirus software
    BitTornado - Alternative BitTorrent client
    BitTorrent - Filesharing (There are other clients, this is the "original"
    Bloodshed Dev-C++ - Free programming editor
    CDBurner XP Pro - great replacement for Nero
    CDex - For Ripping CD's (also converts to compressed formats (e.g. MP3))
    ClamWin - AV software to use in conjunction with AVG
    CPUZ - provides some information on your CPU
    cygwin - a Linux-like environment for Windows
    cutepdf - PDF Creator
    Daemon Tools - For mounting ISO (and other) images
    Damn NFO Viewer - .nfo file viewer
    DBan - securely wipe hard drives
    DC++ - Filesharing
    Desktop Sidebar - provides lots of useful system / application information.
    DeviantArt - Free wallpapers
    Diskeeper - Shareware defrag utility
    DScaler - best video picture quality from TV card
    DU Meter - Upload/Download speed for Internet
    DVD Decrypter - needed for AutoGK, also handy for copying single layer dvds
    DVD Shrink - DVD Ripping program. Can also burn if you have nero installed.
    EAC - For those who demand the highest quality ripping their own music collection
    EphPhod - manage your iPod
    Eraser - securely wipe files or free space
    Ethereal - Packet sniffer
    Filezilla - FTP client and server software
    FilZip - compression software
    Firefox - web browser
    FLAC - Lossless (i.e. perfect cd quality) music compression
    Flash and shockwave players - For running flash and shockwave stuff inside your browser
    Foobar2000 - Audio media player
    Foxmail - Mail reader
    Fraps - handy for taking screenshots of games and monitoring their performance
    FreeReader - RSS and XML reader
    G4u - Hard Disk cloning
    Gimpshop - gimp with photoshop look and feel.
    Godfather - MP3, Ogg, etc. tagging
    GoogleBar - Google toolbar for Mozilla / Firefox
    Gordion Knot - DVD backup software
    GPGShell - Front endd to GPG
    Hijackthis - lists all installed browser add-ons, other features
    ID3-TagIT - manage your mp3 id3 tags
    Incredimail - Email prog add-on (emoticons, etc.)
    IrFanView - more graphics software
    iso buster - Rescue lost files from a bad or trashed CD or DVD
    isorecorder - Tool for burning iso files in XP
    iTunes - Apple's itunes music player / purchasing tool
    Java JRE - For running applets, or anything else java based.
    JCreator LE - Free Java editor
    K-Lite codec pack - every video and audio codec you could need (and media player classic)
    Kerio Personal Firewall
    Lavalys Everest - Gives you lots of system information (like sisoft sandra, but completely free)
    Limewire - File sharing prog
    Mame32 - Arcade machine emulator


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    #3
    Nukem
    Moderators, Entertainment Moderators Posts: 4,082 Mod ✭✭✭✭Nukem


    MaxLister - allows you to create virtual images of harddrives, floppy disks, CD-ROMs or other removable media
    Microsoft regclean - Cleans your registry. COuldn't find a microsoft.com link. This one is for download.com.
    mIrc - IRC (chat) client
    Motherboard Monitor - Shows you lots of information from your motherboard...temperatures, voltage rails, etc.
    NeoTrace Express - visual traceroute
    NetStumbler - WiFi diagnostic software
    NetTime - NTP client
    nmap - Network security tool
    Nvu - Website Manager,WYSIWYG editor like FrontPage and Dreamweaver
    O&O Defrag - Disk defrag tool
    Object Dock - Customizable Taskbar like in AppleOS
    Ogg Vorbis Codec - The new mp3 but free & apparently better (winamp plays ogg files)
    OpenOffice.org - Microsoft office replacement
    Opera - Web Browser
    Outlook Express - Email tool. Nice for managing multiple hotmail accounts.
    Password Safe - a password safe
    PDF Creator
    Plaxo - program for keeping your Outlook (and Outlook express) address book up to date
    Power Archiver - Compression utility
    Powertab Editor - Best prog out there for tab editing/playback
    Prime95 - Stress Tester to check stablility (also a distributed attempt at finding mersenne prime numbers)
    Privacy Mantra - "cleans your computer from online and offline tracks"
    proexp - Process Explorer - Alternative to task manager
    PuTTY - SSH client
    RBTray - allows you to minimise any program to the tray area.
    Real Alternative - alternative to real player
    Real VNC - An implementation of VNC. VNC allows you to control a computers desktop (or "x-windows" session) remotely.
    Realplayer alternative and Quicktime alternative
    Restoration - recover deleted files (better known as rest2514)
    Sam Spade - network query tool
    SiSoft Sandra - Information Tool for Checking your CPU,BIOS etc.
    Skype - VOIP application
    SmartClock - Clock tool
    Smart FTP - Free for non-commercial use
    SoulSeek - the best p2p for dance music
    SpaceMonger - to see what's wasting space
    SpyBot Seach and Destroy - Anti Spyware
    Stinger - McAfee anti virus prog
    Switch Off - Put your PC on switch off timer.
    Sygate Personal Firewall - Firewall
    Sysinternals apps - Various freeware apps available here
    Teamspeak - Talk program. Useful for talking to mates, or gaming.
    The Gimp - graphics software
    The Open CD - A cd full of open source software for windows.
    Thunderbird - email client
    TightVNC - VNC client
    Total Commander - Windows Explorer replacement
    Treesize - For working out whats taking up space on your system
    Trillian - multi IM chat client
    TrueCrypt - encryption software
    TweakUI - Allows you to change your windows UI in lots of ways. Link is for XP version. Google for others, or search microsoft.com
    Ultimate Boot CD - CD packed full of tools
    Various windows cusomisations
    VirtualDub - Free video editing tool
    virtualdubmod - Virtual Dub alternative. Video editing software.
    VLC - Video Player with lots of codec support
    Volo View Express - views autocad drawings
    WinAmp - Excellent music player
    Winbar
    Winbond hardware doctor - a basic server hardware monitoring tool which alerts a system administrator if a hardware problem occurs on their SAI2 based server system
    Windump - network sniffer
    winhttrack - View websites offline
    WinRar - (Shareware) Compression software
    WinSCP - GUI based SCP client
    Winzip - (Shareware) Compression software
    WorkRave - RSI recovery software (break reminder with exercise suggestions)
    XP Anti Spy - lets you disable some built-in update and authentication features in WindowsXP
    Xvid Codec - Free video compressor codec
    ZoneAlarm - Security suite


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    #4
    Tom Dunne
    Registered Users Posts: 23,212 ✭✭✭✭Tom Dunne


    Merged threads to create one bigger thread with loads of info.

    Notebook forums have a great comparison of laptop graphic cards.


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    #5
    petes
    Registered Users Posts: 8,382 ✭✭✭petes


    As a followup re graphics cards. Joeface on the computer/tech site pointed this out: http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=384&card2=378


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    #6
    pwd
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,284 ✭✭✭pwd


    http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Processors-Benchmarklist.2436.0.html

    benchmark list for mobile processors


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    #7
    AlmightyCushion
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,060 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    Cheers was gonna add that myself when I seen your other post.

    Edit: Handy comparison guide for graphics cards from the same site as above. Link (http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html)

    More indept comparison here. Link (http://www.notebookcheck.net/Comparison-of-Grafic-Cards.130.0.html)


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    #8
    Overheal
    Registered Users Posts: 81,996 ✭✭✭✭Overheal


    As its a common enough thing to want to buy one cheaper over there I thought I would lay down some basic information regarding US Laptops. Feel free to add.

    1. Power -
    Laptop AC Adapters (and most computer electronics) are rated to accept voltages between 100 - 240V. This will be written down as the Charger's Input Range on it's label/plug. In order to use the charger over here you need either a) A UK version of your charger's AC cord (available from your manufacturer) or b) A simple pin converter such as that shown here. These are available widely in most electronics shops in Ireland and cost €5-10.

    Incidentally this also means you can use your laptop just about anywhere on the planet you can find a wall socket. Great for traveling.

    2. Customs -
    There are NO SPECIAL CHARGES for bringing a laptop through customs. It doesn't matter if its in a box, in a bag, or if you have 2 or more. It is just another item that falls under generic Custom Laws and would be looked on no more poorly than a box of cigarettes.

    3. TSA -
    The Transportation Security Agency advises that any spare batteries that are not plugged into the Laptop for the duration of your journey must be part of your checked luggage. No loose spare laptop batteries are permitted in your carry on luggage. This is due to a security risk identified by the exposed metal contacts and the Lithium-Ion nature of the battery.

    During X-Ray screening laptops must be placed in a seperate container from all of your other posessions and screened sperately. The X-Ray scan will not cause harm to your computer but it is still advised to shut off your laptop or leave it in sleep/standby mode for the scan.

    With regard to the actual rigors of flight and potential harm to your laptop - you truly have little to worry about outside of the norm. Laptops were born for flying businessmen, and are hardly the delicate flowers the price-tag might suggest: they are built to take a few good hits. It will be safe to pack one in your check-in luggage, and safe to carry-on the plane, without risk of damage (unless you happen to spill your choice of coffe/tea/chicken/beef all over it, but thats entirely your fault).

    4. Warranty and Customer Support -
    This depends on your Vendor. It is recommended you buy direct from the manufacturer's website, rather than making your final purchase at a retail vendor such as Best Buy or Circuit City (though these stores are very good for window shopping at); for one retail is more expensive; for another if you have an issue with your computer you may have to take it back to the retailer, not the manufacturer in that case. Some brands may deal in direct-to-manufacturer service.

    Most online purchases within the Continental United States in my experience take between 2-7 days to deliver, but can depend on availability. Ensure you have ample time and a stable 'address' to receive it. If you are uncomfortable with this option by all means go to a vendor but ask firstly about your warranty and support.

    With regard to support when you return to Ireland all major vendors (Dell, HP, Toshiba, Acer) will typically have coverage available. Remind me to confirm/compile a complete list later.


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    #9
    joekelly123
    Closed Accounts Posts: 29 ✭joekelly123


    I'm currently looking for a new laptop and have found a list of sites with reviews that I though may be helpful to some:

    www.notebookreview.com/
    www.notebookforums.com/
    www.reviewsforlaptops.com/
    www.notebookcheck.net/
    www.laptopadvisor.com/
    www.pcworld.com/ic/laptops/
    www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/
    www.laptopmag.com/


    If anyone has some more maybe they can add them to the list


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    #10
    Tomk1
    Registered Users Posts: 776 ✭✭✭Tomk1


    http://www.daileyint.com/hmdpc/repair.htm


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    #11
    YDMHSSB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 237 ✭✭YDMHSSB


    any chance of updating this list!! :o

    also, im looking for software called bluesoleil for bluetooth. anybody have it freeware?


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    #12
    Overheal
    Registered Users Posts: 81,996 ✭✭✭✭Overheal


    High Temps, Loud Fan?

    I never put any stock in the idea, but yesterday I saw one in the shop and figured what the hell: I bough a can of compressed air and did what the manufacturer blithely suggests: just blast it into the heat sink.

    Im still kinda cheesed that its next to impossible to actually disassemble an HP Pavillion and get to the Heat sink the Old Fashioned Way (the way I expect to be able to do on a Desktop), but at least, the blast through the air sink has done some good. There was a sudden and surprising drop in the level of noise: you used to be able to hear the fan whirring from downstairs in the kitchen. Now sitting in front of it I've had to check a few times to make sure the fan was still running at all :D it is, and the temps have dropped a few degrees as well.

    Just a hot tip: if youre noticing high temps and loud noise, blow compressed air through the heat sink (keep the can upright or it will bleed liquid) and you should notice some improvement.


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    #13
    pwd
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,284 ✭✭✭pwd


    http://code.google.com/p/touchfreeze/
    Annoyed when you are typing a document and accidentally the palm of your hand brushes the touchpad, changing the position of the cursor in your document or accidentally clicking on an option? TouchFreeze is simple utility for Windows NT/2000/XP that solves this problem. It automatically disables touchpad while you are typing text. Like syndaemon on x-windows.


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    #14
    thegen
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,081 ✭✭✭thegen


    Sorry if this is in the wrong thread.
    I am looking to know how to load MS Office from a CD onto a 10" notebook with no CD drive. Will I need to purchase an externalCD drive or is there other ways?


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    #15
    AlmightyCushion
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,060 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    If you have a laptop/desktop with a disk drive, you should be okay. Use a piece of software called LCISO ripper to make an img of the disk. Then use something like daemon tools on the netbook to mount the img and use it as normal.


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    #16
    Handsome Bob
    Closed Accounts Posts: 22,905 ✭✭✭✭Handsome Bob


    Hey lads and ladies, my charger is fried. I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas about places in Dublin City Centre where I could get a new one? Also, what price am I looking at for a new one?


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    #17
    Overheal
    Registered Users Posts: 81,996 ✭✭✭✭Overheal


    ec9f4afa-6bc1-40c1-bbbb-ec43d693e080.jpg&size=4&dhm=ddf8bf40&hl=en1228139171888_Clover.jpg54ff0151-a775-4c9c-acda-b74de6b68099.jpg&size=4&dhm=d5089790&hl=en

    Supplemental note about US chargers: while the laptop Charger (3) is almost always able to accept any domestic voltage (~110-220V) you will find if you buy one in the united states that the Power Cable (1) is likely only to be rated for a carriage of ~125V tops. While it will work, its not recommended. Over time you are greatly increasing the odds of destroying the Charger. Instead of the previous Pin-Adapter idea I had, I would strongly advise buying a UK Power Cord altogether (2), which is rated for ~230V, then keep both. You can still opt to use a travel adapter for yknow - traveling, but make sure you are using the correct voltage supply cable depending on wether you are in a 110v country or a 220v country.

    I've bricked 2 laptop chargers before coming to this discovery.


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    #18
    Voodu Child
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,706 ✭✭✭Voodu Child


    Overheal wrote: »

    Supplemental note about US chargers: while the laptop Charger (3) is almost always able to accept any domestic voltage (~110-220V) you will find if you buy one in the united states that the Power Cable (1) is likely only to be rated for a carriage of ~125V tops. While it will work, its not recommended. Over time you are greatly increasing the odds of destroying the Charger. Instead of the previous Pin-Adapter idea I had, I would strongly advise buying a UK Power Cord altogether (2), which is rated for ~230V, then keep both. You can still opt to use a travel adapter for yknow - traveling, but make sure you are using the correct voltage supply cable depending on wether you are in a 110v country or a 220v country.

    I've bricked 2 laptop chargers before coming to this discovery.
    Technically most/all of the above is incorrect. Ampacity is far more important than cable voltage rating in this scenario. Its a simple power cable; the failure mechanism would be quote catastrophic (melting/burning insulation etc) and even then, should have no effect on the PSU itself. I suspect that if you bricked two PSUs it was through other factors.

    Purchase a C5 > UK mains lead for the additional fuse protection by all means. But scaremongering aside, using a US laptop charger & associated cable in Europe is quite safe.


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