Kim Komando - Daily Download

What exactly is in your computer?

I have a little exercise for you. List the components in your computer. How far did you get? You probably know the CPU and how much RAM it has. What about the motherboard, hard drive and graphics card?
I don't know all of my specifications, either. But being able to find your detailed hardware configuration can be important.

Speccy makes it easy. It will list all the important components in your computer. You'll get manufacturers, model numbers and speed ratings. With the right equipment, it can even check component temperatures.
This is important if you're looking to upgrade your computer. Model numbers are necessary if you're trying to get technical support.

Speccy is still in beta testing. So, you may run into a few bugs. However, I saw no problems when I tested it.

Cost: Free
System: Windows XP, Vista and 7
Go HERE to download

Kim Komando - Free Download

I think I will make this a regular post! I LOVE the Digital Goddess!

A text editor for Web design and more

Word processors are a powerful way to create documents. Sometimes they're too powerful. Occasionally, you just need a place to put simple text. Maybe it's a quick note or piece of code. You don't need to spend the time booting Word.

Microsoft understands this. Windows comes with Notepad. This is a barebones text editor. You get some white space and a cursor. That's it. You're taking a big jump from a million features to none.

Is there something between those extremes? Sure. Try Notepad++. It's just as easy to use. But you can open multiple documents in different tabs. You have some formatting options. And there's a lot more.
But you aren't forced to wade through any of it. Use what you want; forget the rest.

Anyone who plays with code will also enjoy Notepad++. It supports dozens of programming languages, including HTML, C++ and Java. It will automatically color code correct syntax and tags. And it can auto-complete regularly used phrases.

Cost: Free
System: Windows XP, Vista and 7
Head to her site HERE to start downloading

Kim Komando - Downloads of the Day

I talked about her last week and the FREE GIMP PHOTO EDITING SOFTWARE. Today I got an email about a bunch of freebies you might be interested in. And you do not have to worry about malware with her website!

You get what you pay for, right? Well, plenty of great software costs nothing. Track your friends. Edit your photos. Check the weather. You can do practically anything for free.

You don't want to miss this week's free downloads.

Google Latitude – What if you knew what your friends were doing all the time? And what if you could locate them instantly? Meeting up would be easier and more fun. All you need is this program and a cell phone.

GIMP – You can do amazing things with a good image editor. Photoshop is the industry standard. It's also expensive. Thankfully, GIMP can do practically anything. Like Photoshop, it's got a learning curve. But it's free.

Secunia PSI – You keep your security programs up to date. You regularly update Windows. But what about Adobe Flash? And how about QuickTime? You use dozens of programs every day, often without knowing it. These develop security holes, too. This program will find them.

Krento – Your computer puts the world at your fingertips. But it could always be faster. This program organizes shortcuts to nearly anything. Have your favorite files, folders, programs and bookmarks a click away.

Weather Channel Desktop – The weather has a big effect on our lives. Knowing the forecast is important. But getting it from your local news is a pain. Instead, why not just glance at your computer? This program puts the weather on your desktop.

GIMP - Free photo editing software - (Kim Komando)

Kim Komando is pretty amazing. She has a nationally syndicated talk show about computers/gadgets/etc. I used to enjoy not only running her show from WDBO here in Orlando, but LISTENING TOO (when I worked at the radio station... And her Christmas giveaways are to die for.) She's pretty much a genius/ "The Digital Goddess" when it comes to programs and safety and NOT downloading something that might damage your computer. So I was quick to jump on this for my new netbook when I got her email this morning!

Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010  

A powerful image editor for free

You can do amazing things with a good image editor. Take any photo you've shot. Make subtle changes to remove blemishes and improve the lighting. Or add impossible effects that are just plain cool.

Almost anything is possible with the right tool. Photoshop is the best- known image editor. It has loads of features. And it can work wonders. But it will also dent your wallet.

Don't reach for that credit card just yet. Try GIMP. It's a free image-editing program. And it has an impressive set of tools. It can handle nearly any editing task.

Like Photoshop, GIMP is complex. It has a steep learning curve. In fact, it may be too much for a beginner.  But if you've found other programs lacking, this is what you want.

Find the download HERE

Free Scrapbook Software - Office Depot

This week at Office Depot you can get some great Free after Rebate Software Programs. Here are the 4 that are completely Free after Rebate. I think any of these would make a great gift!

Scrapbook Factory Deluxe 4.0 ($40 – $40 Mail in Rebate)
Punch Interior Design Software ($40 – 2, $20 Mail in Rebates)
Photo Explosion Software ($30 – $30 in Mail in Rebates)
Print Master Platinum ($40 – $40 Mail in Rebate)

All of these are limited quantities, so make sure you check your store early in the week if you want to take advantage of one of these!

Also, Check out the Weekly Deals Bonus Pages for even more Free after Rebate Software.
(Note: Most of these are only Free Upgrades)