Free Download Software SR 3D Builder

SR 3D Builder
* Rating: 5 Star
* Version: 0.5.1.4
* Publisher: staff.polito.it/sergio.reano
* File Size: 20.37 MB
* Date: Jun 16, 2010
* License: Freeware
* Category:
o 3D Graphic
o Graphics


Create 3D Lego models. SR 3D Builder can construct virtual Lego models in 3D. It supports dat files, ldr files and mpd files.

You can easily load model from other known programs: it supports the following formats
* .dat files
* .ldr files
* .mpd files (most metacommand are currently not supported)

SR 3D Builder Features:
1. Great fully 3D building envinronment with reflection and transparencies
2. You will see your model during loading time and can pause for instruction steps
3. You can modify and save models (lDraw/MLCad .dat compatible format)
4. Fast selecting/moving/adding/removing you'll never see in MLCad
5. Copy/Rotation/Deletetion/Color change of single or multiple brick. Undo/Redo functionality
6. Real connections detection, not always the same near brick positioning
7. Brick selection by Block (means that solid connected bricks can be selected at once)
8. Grid positioning to speed up positioning of pieces
9. Automatic and precise positioning and orientering of most bricks according to connection detection
10. Automatic detection of rotation axles
11. Towball, HINGES and GEARS SUPPORT! Take a look to the Gallery to see what I mean
12. Connection Solver for quick connecting hinges and rotating parts
13. Enhanced instructions editor to easily modify the order in which bricks are loaded in your model
14. and/or take photos while building
15. Belt Generator with real connections
16. Now with support of UNOFFICIAL parts
17. Now with GROUP management
18. New exclusive MirrorBuilding features for quick build of symmetric models. MUST TRY !!
19. Complex gear driven hinges support (quadrilaters deformation and basic steering)
20. Support for RACKS and steering

Requirements:
* LDraw
* A graphic accelerator with T&L and Vertex Shader 1.1 abilities
* .Net Framework

SR 3D Builder Download -Free Download SR 3D Builder 0.5.1.4

The license of this software is Freeware, you can free download and free use this 3d graphic software.

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CyberLink YouCam Deluxe v5.0.1

YouCam 5 is the ultimate webcam software, providing you all the tools and features you need to get the most out of your webcam.

Whether you’re looking for fun features and effects you can use when chatting with friends, or powerful utilities to enhance your work presentations, tutorials or video conferencing, YouCam has it all.

For work, play and everything in between, YouCam is the only webcam software you’ll ever need!

New Fitur:

- Video chat using YouCam's range of effects, gadgets, and avatars
- Try out amazing 3D augmented reality and fully interactive particle effects
- Upload your webcam videos straight from YouCam to YouTube or Facebook in HD!
- Create webcam videos with PowerPoint files for effective work presentations
- Record your PC screen in HD for the ultimate tutorials
- Support for dual webcam streams to make real-time instructional videos a breeze
- Use new Face Login to sign into your PC and favorite websites like Facebook, Amazon & eBay
- Face-out safeguards your PC data when you're away
- Advanced facial tracking technology follows your face to better apply YouCam's fun effects

Click here to Download

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Facebook Photo Zoom

* Rating: 3 Star
* Version: 1.1008.4.1
* Publisher: www.regisgaughan.com
* File Size: 27.31 KB
* Date: Aug 04, 2010
* License: Freeware
* Category:
o Browser Plug-Ins
o Internet

Facebook Photo Zoom is a simple, facile extension that integrates directly into Facebook so you can see the larger images of photo albums, profile photos and more whenever you hover over a zoomable image.

Easy to use: Hey, sometimes a zoomed photo can just get in the way, but why waste time clicking through to some confusing options screen just to turn things on and off? FBPZ integrates directly into Facebook to allow you to turn the photos off with a simple click, or even faster with a keyboard shortcut.

How do I toggle FBPZ on and off?
Easy! When FBPZ loads up an icon will appear in the bottom right of Facebook next to your chat bar (see screenshot). Clicking on this icon will toggle FBPZ's functionality. Additionally, an even faster key shortcut exists! Simply pressing the CTRL + SHIFT + Z keys will also toggle its functionality.

SoftSea.com had fully tested and uploaded the install files, Facebook Photo Zoom does not contain any adware or spyware, the latest version is 1.1008.4.1, you can download this software (27.31 KB) from special server of SoftSea.com.

The license of this software is Freeware, you can free download and free use this browser plug-ins software.



Facebook Photo Zoom Download

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MEGA PSD graphics Blowout

PSD Graphics Mega Blowout Personal Use - Now You Too Can Create 'Guru-Style' Websites That Turn Visitors Into Buyers And Customers Into Affiliates Without Having A Bachelor's Degree In Art And design!

Now You Too Can Create 'Guru-Style' Websites That Turn Visitors Into Buyers And Customers Into Affiliates Without Having A Bachelor's Degree In Art And design!

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock or are completely new to the internet, you’ll know that graphics help SELL a product. I don’t care what you’re selling – words alone can only do so much, but graphics will help your visitors decide if they want to stay on your website and read your sales copy or leave there and then.

Good graphics represent you, your business and what you’re selling. If your site looks tacky, and looks like a home-improvement botched job, what impression does that leave about your product?
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Download Express Software

* Rating:
* Version: 1.9.341
* Publisher: www.metaproducts.com
* File Size: 710.98 KB
* Date: Nov 17, 2009
* License: Freeware
* Directory:
.o Download Manager
.o Internet

Get the highest speed of download with limited bandwidth is the optimal idea of us who are wild about surfing on-line. Using a powerful multi-threaded download manager is an ideal solution. But which one we should select among the numerous multi-threaded download managers in the market? I have used several multi-threaded download managers such as JetCar, Thunder, NetAnts, eMuleBT, BitTorrent and so on, but I insure that Download Express is the easiest, affordable way to increase the speed of download and it supports more formats than other download managers. If you want to increase the speed of download and save more money, well then use Download Express which is published by MetaProducts Corporation.

Download Express is a download tool, that allows us to download individual files from Web and FTP sites at the maximum possible speed. Multiple downloading channels technology significantly decreases time necessary to download files. Download Express automatically takes over as soon as we click on a specified link type (.exe, zip, msi etc) and replaces the standard download dialog. Download Express works with Internet Explorer and Firefox. MetaProducts Download Express is a small (about 680 Kb) application.

Download Express has the auto-learn feature. It will ask we about including filename extensions when we add files with a new extension using browser click hot keys. For example, Internet Explorer clicks monitoring hot keys: Hold the Alt+Control keys down when clicking to add any link to MetaProducts Download Express; Hold the Shift key down when clicking to have Download Express ignore a link. Mozilla FireFox 1.x - 2.x, Netscape 8.x, SeaMonkey, Flock browsers plug-in. To install the plug-in, please drag and drop the file to FireFox browser window using Windows Explorer. Then please restart FireFox. Now we can use the link right-click menu item "Download Express: download this file." Also, FireFox will offer us to use Download Express to download files. When we cancel, Download Express opens a file window for unwanted file types and asks if we want to exclude this extension from its file types list.

The key features and functions of Download Express include: HTTP, FTP, HTTPS protocol support; Cookies support; Very fast and reliable file retrieval from the Web and FTP sites; Maximum Internet connection bandwidth usage when loading several file parts simultaneously; HTTP and SOCKS Proxy support; Internet Explorer clicks interception; Checks downloaded files for viruses; Very easy to use; Can operate in the background; The ability to resume broken downloads. Besides the multi-channel download function, it offers us to stop and resume the download and displays the process in an attractive display.

Download Express is free for non-commercial use. If we want to use it for commercial purposes, or just obtain the advanced features available in the registerable version, then please purchase a license.

Download Express has an friendly and easy-to-use interface and we can mange and accelerate the download evidently. This means we can saving lot of our precious time. This is a very nice, easy to use and full-functions applications to mange and accelerate our download. The developer of this software wanted to ensure ease of use for the average home user with its simple, clean, great looking interface, but included features for even the most demanding, experienced users. It is an ideal solution for us who want to get the highest speed of download with limited bandwidth.

Download Express 1.9.341 is a Download Manager product from metaproducts.com, get 5 Stars SoftSea Rating, Download Express is a download tool, that allows you to download individual files from Web and FTP sites at the maximum possible speed. Multiple downloading channels technology significantly decreases time necessary to download files. Download Express automatically takes over as soon as you click on a specified link type (.exe, zip,msi etc) and replaces the standard download dialog. Besides the multi-channel download function, it offers you to stop and resume the download and displays the process in an attractive display. Download Express works with Internet Explorer and Firefox. SoftSea.com had fully tested, reviewed and uploaded the install files, Download Express does not contain any adware or spyware, the latest version is 1.9.341, you can download this download manager software (710.98 KB) from special server of SoftSea.com. The license of this internet software is Freeware, you can free download and free use this download manager software.

Download Free Software Express Downloads 1.9.341 Click Here

Hopefully useful... :)

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PhotoShine V3.5

* PhotoShine Rating:
* Version: 3.5
* Publisher: www.picget.net
* File Size: 29.48 MB
* Date: Sep 02, 2010
* Price: $39.95
* License: Free Trial Software 30 Uses
* Directory:
..o Digital Photo Software
..o Graphics

PhotoShine 3.5 is a Digital Photo Software product from picget.net, get 4 Stars SoftSea Rating, PhotoShine gives you an easy way to add your photo into different beautiful templates.Add your photo into a classical love style template, a pink girl style template, a baby cartoon template, or a magazine cover template etc by just one click in PhotoShine.

Main Features:
1. Easy to use
Just one click, you can add your photo into the template which you like.

2. Totally 9 themes (styles), more than 700 beautiful templates included.
The 9 themes are: GIRL,BABY,LOVE,BOARD, DREAM, MAGAZINE,CALENDAR,FRAME and OTHER. There are completely more than 700 templates are included in PhotoShine, which means you have more than 700 choices to make your photo more attactive. SoftSea.com had fully tested, reviewed and uploaded the install files, PhotoShine does not contain any adware or spyware, the latest version is 3.5, you can download this digital photo software software (29.48 MB) from special server of SoftSea.com. The license of this graphic software is Free Trial Software, the price is $39.95, you can free download and get a free trial before you buy. If you want to get a full or nolimited version of PhotoShine, you can buy this digital photo software software.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PHOTOSHINE SOFTWARE

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IM Buzz Riches

Hey ,

I just downloaded full private label rights to an awesome blogging software - for FREE!

>> http://www.IMBuzzRiches.com

It's released by my two friends Calvin & Jonathan who have a ton of software products under their name.

They've made over $20K selling the same blogging software when they launched it as a limited offer around 1 year plus ago.

And now they've giving away full PLR to it. Just so YOU can resell the software and
make money almost instantly.

>> http://www.IMBuzzRiches.com

I know it sounds insane, but there's honestly no catch. And you won't be hit by any OTOs.

The only catch is this will only be available for few days....

So get it now while it's still free:

>> http://www.IMBuzzRiches.com

To Your Success!

P.S. You'll also get awesome training content that
will teach you how to make more money reselling
the software.

>> http://www.IMBuzzRiches.com

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Automating Things with Batch Files

Automating Things with Batch Files
They Work on Today's Computers Too!

If you're familiar with MS-DOS at all, you'll recall that it's a command-driven operating system that performs functions issued at the C:> prompt. The only way to get an MS-DOS computer to do something was to type a command at this prompt and if you can imagine, it was a rather cumbersome way to use a computer.

As an example, to load up Microsoft's simple editing program, you had to type the name of the drive that the program was on, the directory that the program was in, and then the name of the program. So if Microsoft Edit was in a directory or folder named "Process," you could start the program by typing, "C:>process\edit.com" Then, and only then would the program load up for use.

This is a small command, but just imagine if you had a program that was deeply nested within a series of folder. You could end up typing a command as wide as your computer screen or worse, long enough that the entire command would have to wrap onto the next line! Now imagine having to type these long commands every time that you wanted to start a program. Yikes!

That's one of the reasons why batch files became so popular. Batch files are small text-based documents that contain a bunch of these commands on their own lines. When executed, they would process each command without the user having to type each and every one of them.

When Windows was developed, the need for typing commands was essentially eradicated thanks to the introduction of the point-and-click (mouse) interface. But this didn't stop the batch file fever that started under MS-DOS - and in some small circles, batch files are still as popular as they were in the beginning.

Even though you may use Windows XP or Vista, batch files can save you tons of time by automatically starting multiple programs and performing different tasks at the single click of a button. They don't require any extensive programming background and they don't need to be encrypted with some weird, expensive compiler. Batch files are plain text files, and you can build one for your own personal use with Windows' Notepad.

You could make a batch file that loads up your favorite websites at once for example, or you could make a batch file that fills your desktop with the most important applications for the day. To do so only requires a little knowledge about the locations of these applications.

Let's say that every day we need to load up the Yahoo web browser, Microsoft Word, and then the calculator that comes with Windows. Instead of doing this by hand, we could write a batch file to do it for us.

First, we'd load up Notepad and type in the following:

START "http://www.yahoo.com"
START "c:/program files/microsoft office/office/winword.exe"
START "c:/windows/calc.exe"

We would then save this data into a file named, "mytasks.bat" onto the Desktop for easy access. Each time we double-clicked on this file, the Yahoo website would load up, Microsoft Word would start, and the simple calculator would pop up.

Since we want these programs to load every day, we could create a shortcut to this file and then place the shortcut inside our computer's Start Up folder. That way, these three programs would load every time we turn on the computer. If you wanted these programs to start minimized, you could type the following into a batch file instead:

START http://www.yahoo.com /m
START "c:/program files/microsoft office/office/winword.exe" /m
START "c:/windows/calc.exe" /m

This will run all three programs as before, however the "/m" parameter will minimize them so that they don't clutter up the desktop.

Other people have found much more creative and effective ways to use batch files, but the important thing is that you know they're a resource you can use to save a few seconds or minutes in performing important tasks. We've come a long way from MS-DOS, but it's still a valuable source of automation that anyone can use with no programming knowledge at all.

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Viruses ; Why People Make Them

Viruses
What They Are And One Reason Why People Make Them

Over recent years, computers have become synonymous with viruses and viruses don't show any signs of disappearing any time soon. In recent news, LiveScience.com reported that "Before the month is even done, April has set a record for virus e-mails."1 In the past, we would be comfortable in telling new computer users not to worry about viruses and that catching a computer virus is rare. Today, that would be some of the worst advice we could give anyone. As reported in countless news reports, computer viruses are rampant and they're extremely worrisome. This article will describe what viruses are and then point you in the direction of some rather unique protection and prevention.

In short, a computer virus is a software program designed to destroy or steal data. It attacks computers via distribution - often unknowingly - through email attachments, software downloads, and even some types of advanced web scripting. Viruses that destroy data are known as Trojan horses, viruses that explode their attacks are called bombs, and viruses that duplicate themselves are called worms. Some viruses are a combination of each, however they can be further identified according to where they're located on a computer.

A virus originating from the boot sector of a computer is a boot-sector virus and this nasty devil does its dirty work the moment a computer is turned on. A virus that attaches itself to (infects) other programs is a file virus and activates the moment that an infected program starts. File viruses may also be referred to as parasitic viruses, however should a virus work from both the boot-sector and from an infected program, the virus is then known as a multipartite virus.

Why viruses exist remains a mystery, however we had privy access to the mind behind a virus programmer who explained his motivation behind his destructive inclinations. Apparently, this person had a deep grudge against a popular online service which shall remain unnamed. In this hacker's mind, the online service failed to do a quality job in protecting children from online smut and as retaliation, he created and distributed a virus to as many file libraries of this service as he could. His intentions were to disable the computers of the online service's users so much that they wouldn't be able to connect for days. In his mind, the loss of connection meant loss of revenue for the online service.

Although the malicious code that this person generated may have worked for a small percentage of users, sufficed to say, the online service continued on and still exists today. Despite his motivation or intention, his efforts were null.

We wouldn't be surprised to learn if other motivations behind spreading viruses were similar to this person's, but that doesn't justify the damage that viruses do. Innocent people become pawns for the evil plans of others who've convinced themselves they're doing the "right" thing.

To protect a computer from getting a virus, or clean a virus from a computer system once infected requires the use of an antivirus utility. But may be something else we can do. Perhaps we could make an effort to educate the people who want put viruses into the public about ways to display dissatisfaction with a service or product that don't involve harming innocent parties. In doing so, we just might reduce the number of virus news stories and protect our own investments at the same time.


Source: http:// news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20070426/sc_livescience/recordsettingspameffortturnscomputersintozombies

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The Best AntiVirus Software for Home use

Trend Micro is by and far one of the most professional and trusted names in antivirus software. Each and every year they exceed the expectations of their customers with their unique, powerful and cutting edge antivirus protection suites that are designed both for home use and business use. If you are considering the use or an upgrade in antivirus software, then you should consider the many features of the Internet Security suite from Trend Micro. It is one of the most powerful and affordable antivirus protection applications in existence.

First and foremost, the antivirus software from Trend Micro is very easy to use. All you have to do is insert the installation disk or download the utility online and click “install.” From there the program will immediately go to work protecting your entire computer system in a matter of minutes. This amazing antivirus protection security suite will protect your entire system including your email box.

Additionally, this antivirus protection program will also protect your personal information when you use your email account or surf the World Wide Web. The program can quickly and easily scan your entire system in a matter of minutes and will highlight any and all threats that you should be aware of. It will immediately remove all viruses and spyware even from general downloads that you make to your computer. Additionally, it features cutting edge spam protection that has been proven to block and ignore nearly 99% of all spam related messages! No other antivirus software utility can say that!

This antivirus software can also stop websites from illegally downloading dangerous viruses and programs to your computer without your knowledge and it can also find and block spam related links in email and instant messages. It is in fact the most powerful and effective antivirus protection program of its kind! And it can only be found and obtained from Trend Micro. The good news is that you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for this amazing technology. Trend Micro offers each and every one of their programs at very affordable and competitive rates. Additionally, they back all of their programs with a money back customer satisfaction guarantee.

If you are concerned with protecting your children while they are surfing the web or using Messenger based programs, you will also be happy to know that Trend Micro’s antivirus programs also come equipped with child protection utilities! If your children use the Internet while you are not monitoring them, you will find this power software to effectively baby-sit and protect your children while you are away.

If you want to protect your entire system from potential damage and breakdown, while also protecting your family, then don’t hesitate to seek out and obtain an antivirus utility from Trend Micro. There is no easier or more affordable manner in which you can go about protecting your computer and family! Turn to Trend Micro for all of your antivirus needs, and you will never face a crucial computer related virus threat again!

Antivirus software : Download

If you own and use a home computer : Download

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Published by AliceBrooks

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Anti-Virus Software for Companies

When considering the future and well-being of your business you must have a strong focus on your companies Internet Security. This is specifically true if your company uses an Internet connection or a network connection which connects all the computers in your business to the same network. Failure to have a strong focus on business Internet security could result in detrimental consequences for your company’s online performance.

If your company uses internal and external email features, then you have no excuse for not using anti-virus software. Nearly 75% of all Internet based viruses are spread through email accounts. If you fail to use anti-virus protection, a single email opened by one person in your company could end up infecting every single computer on your company’s business Internet network. Therefore, any company who does not have a strong focus on anti-virus software and anti-virus protection is a company who doesn’t mind forking over thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars each year on computer repairs.

One of the main reasons that many businesses neglect to focus on Internet security and anti-virus protection is due to cost. Most business owners assume that installing and purchasing anti-virus software is too expensive for them to afford. However, in this day and age there are a variety of anti-virus software companies who are both affordable and effective. Therefore, this is not a legitimate excuse.

Additionally, you should consider how much money your company would lose if your entire computer network was attacked and disabled by a virus. Imagine how many customers you would lose if their personal information was hacked and stolen from your computer network! With these things in mind, there is no doubt that you should see the importance of anti-virus software.

Trend Micro has a highly extensive anti-virus protection suite known as the Worry-Free Business Security software utility. This unique protection program comes in an advanced version for businesses or a standard version. However, both versions are highly capable of protecting entire computer networks from possible virus attacks including spam related virus attacks. In fact, this anti-virus program from Trend Micro is effective at stopping 99% of all spam from entering the mailboxes of employees within your company!

This amazing utility is easy to install and can cover every aspect of your computer network in a matter of minutes. Additionally, this software is designed to download and install immediate updates on your network each and every day! This means that you will be completely protected from each and every new virus that is introduced on the World Wide Web.

If you are looking for an affordable and effective way to protect your entire computer business network, then look no further than Trend Micro and the Worry-Free Business Security software that they offer. There is no easier or more reputable manner in which you can go about protecting your entire computer network! No longer will you have to worry about a virus potentially crashing your entire system! All you need to do is turn to Trend Micro for all of your anti-virus protection needs.

The best anti-virus software http://us.trendmicro.com on the Internet today is created by Trend Micro. If you are concerned with anti-virus http://us.trendmicro.com/us/products/sb/worry-free-business-security/index.html protection then you should seriously consider the powerful programs designed by Trend Micro.

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How to Connect Your PC to Your TV

There are many people who do not know that they can connect their PC to a TV. This may look remedial to a lot of people, but it is simple. There are many reasons to connect a PC to TV. Today, DVD player is a standard hardware in PC and using it will eliminate the extra expenditure on buying 50 to 100 dollar DVD player. In addition to watching cable television programs, one can watch a lot of network television programs that stream over the Internet on the TV itself. Finally, connecting PC to TV is a great way to play music during parties.

The Requirements
You can connect your PC or a laptop to TV, if the PC has Windows XP or above. There are many ways to connect a PC to a TV, all the needed is the proper cabling.

Check the TV and PC features to see exactly what is required to connect. If it is an older TV, it may have only a composite connection (three wire cable with red, yellow, white connectors). Newer TV’s will usually have HDMI, component, VGA, and/or DVI inputs. Modern computers will have VGA or DVI outputs. A lot of laptops will also have S-Video or some variant of Mini/Micro-DVI.

TV with a VGA or DVI input is the best-case scenario. In this case, an adaptor is not required but an additional audio cable is required. Check the TV for either a 3.5mm stereo plug or the white and red plugs from a composite cable associated with the VGA/DVI input. If it is the red/white composite audio inputs, the cable will have to be red/white plug on one end and a 3.5mm stereo plug on the other. The 3.5mm plug will go into the PC’s headphone/speaker output socket.

Another best-case scenario would be if the PC has an HDMI or DVI (with sound) output and the TV has an HDMI input. For this scenario all the needed is an HDMI cable or an HDMI cable plus a DVI to HDMI adaptor. For the rest of the connections suitable adaptor is required.

The PC Settings
Once the connections are made, there is just one last step to get the PC display on the TV. For this the PC display settings are to be configured. Follow the steps below -

• Go to Menu -> Settings -> Control Panel -> select Display. Select the Settings tab and click the ‘Advanced’ button.
• The options displayed in the dialog box vary based on the video graphics card.
• Find the tab that is specific to the video graphics card. It will usually have the manufacturers name on the tab.
• In the graphics card tab, see if it has options such as Clone or Dual or Multiple Display, etc.
• Check the appropriate box or radio button for the desired configuration and click Apply.

Older TVs won’t display high resolution. Also, some newer TVs will only accept certain resolutions. If the display does not work right away, try changing the resolution. If that still doesn’t work, try rebooting the PC with TV connected. The PC may auto detect the display and configure it for you.

The thedailycontributor.com is a website where you can find reviews on movies, music and good places to visit. Also, we identify popular blogs on various topics for your convenience.

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About Compression

Understanding Compression
What It Is and What's Involved

Downloading files from the Internet has always been one of the most popular activities on the Internet - third to sending email and browsing the web. We download files from software libraries, ftp directories, YouTube and Google Video, MP3 sites, and we download files sent to us as email attachments.

Being so popular an activity, it's imperative that you compress the files destined for another computer. File compression combines a number of different files into one file, and it can also significantly reduce a very large file to a smaller one. As a result, the transmission of a compressed file across the Internet is faster and smoother. This article looks at compressed files a little closer and it describes how to compress and decompress them using two of the most popular archiving programs.

Identifying Compressed Files

Most files are compressed in .zip format (if you're using Windows) or .sit format (if you're using a Mac). The two most popular software programs used to compress and decompress files are Winzip and StuffIt respectively. There are other programs that do the same thing and there are even programs that can compress and decompress files for both the Windows and the Mac system. However since Winzip and StuffIt are the most popular, we will assume you will use either one to compress and decompress your own files.

If you download a compressed file from a website or file library that ends in an .exe extension, take note that although the file is compressed, it's typically a file that will install a program onto a computer. .Zip or .Sit files don't install software - they merely archive a collection of them into one, or they significantly reduce the size of a larger one.

Decompressing Files

Assuming that you have Winzip or StuffIt installed on your computer, you can access the files archived inside a .zip or .sit file by simply double-clicking the archive (a file ending in a .zip or .sit extension). Double-clicking one of these kinds of files will open up a window that displays the contents of the archive. In most cases, you can double click a file inside this window to use it, or you can select it and drag the file to a folder to view later.

Depending on how you elected to install Winzip or StuffIt, you may be able to right-click a .zip or .sit file and have the program extract its contents into a new folder for you.

Compressing Files

When you want to upload a file or email a collection of files to a friend, it's best to archive it as a .zip or .sit file first. This will decrease the time it takes for your computer to send it elsewhere, and it will also decrease the time it takes for someone else to download it.

To create your own .zip or .sit file, you can select a single file or a group of files from within Explorer, and right-click the selection. Again, depending on how you installed Winzip or StuffIt, you can click the "Add to Zip" or "Add to Sit" option and have these programs automatically archive the file(s) into one.

Some files compress better than others and in some instances, you may not notice that much of a difference. The files that compress the best are images, documents, and multimedia files. Executable files (files that end in an .exe extension) don't compress that well, however when they're archived with a sizable number of other files, they compress rather well. Go figure!

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First Post : Open Source Software

Open Source Software

If you've spent any lengthy amount of time on the Internet, you've probably heard of open source software but might not have fully understood what it is and why it even exists. This article will describe this recent phenomenon and describe some of its benefits for the software using community.

In a nutshell, open source software is software made by everyone - for everyone. The hopes behind its development is that through its open access, it will evolve into something that represents the true desires of computer users. Through a wide network of user involvement, the software in question is enhanced and debugged without costs or administrative politics.

Traditionally, software is developed behind closed doors. A team of professional coders build it but the community at large isn't part of its conception. It's costly to produce and as you can probably guess, that cost is passed on to the end user: the consumer. Open source software on the other hand is free. Free to download, free to install, free to use, free to modify, and free to share.

Started over twenty years ago, it's a phenomenon that is gaining in both popularity and exposure. In its first conception, open source gave birth to the World Wide Web as we know it today. The Internet as a whole is the result of free permission to access the web, use the web, contribute to the web, and share the web with others. But it certainly hasn't stopped there. In the not too distant past, Netscape converted its once commercial version of its Navigator web browser to open source. And today, open source is venturing into the commercial realm as well.

At first thought, the idea of open source may sound just plain crazy to those who earn a living from software development. But the facts point to a different prediction. Open source software puts companies in a terrific position to re-brand and re-position themselves in a market that they may have not been able to reach before. In the business world, open source is all about image and when consumers witness corporations contributing (instead of selling) to the buying public, they gain big favor in the eyes of their users (plus tremendous opportunities to sell other items).

Inviting the public inside a product's development builds community and trust. It also sets the platform for increased reliability. Fans of open source programs are adamant about reliable software and highly criticize commercialized versions for being buggy and error-prone. Avid fans even proclaim commercialism is the cause of shoddy software.

Another benefit that open source brings to light is the speed at which its products are developed, enhanced, supported and distributed. This is because the people who regularly contribute to an open source product do so for unmotivated reasons (other than perhaps to feed the ego.) They're highly talented, they're available, and they care. Bringing money into any project can almost mean instant death. It can kill motivation, desire, and a true willingness to create a good product. In a commercial setting, participants work for a paycheck rather than for the product. And this is what puts open source projects far ahead of its monetized competition.

As a software user, this means you can contribute to an open source project as well, and help to develop it into a product that reflects your direct preferences. You aren't "stuck" using open source software the way you would be stuck using an expensive word processor or database. You have the same access to open source software as its programmers have and in essence, you are your own customer!

Perhaps at this point you're wondering where you can get in on this wonderful opportunity. There are plenty of open source opportunities sprinkled across the Internet and they can be easily found though any search engine. Google "open source project" and you'll be sure to find more resources than you can shake a stick at!

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