background preloader

Maximum PC

Maximum PC
You have to admit, Windows is a pretty barebones operating system, feature-wise. After a fresh install of XP or Vista (perhaps following a Clean Start), you're faced with a barren Start Menu and an empty desktop that's beaming with limitless potential. The problem is that it's up to you to hunt and download those applications that you really need in your day-to-day computing experience. And chances are, it's often difficult to find good software that's also free. That's where this guide comes in. We've put together a list of what we think are the most essential PC apps for every Maximum PC reader. And at the end of the feature, we'll even show you how to install these apps in one fell swoop with a special configuration file we've created. WinDirStat Have you ever sorted a folder by file size, hoping to track down a hard disk hog, only to be frustrated by the fact that Windows doesn’t let you see the size of nested folders’ contents? AnyDVD Foxit PDF Reader VMWare Server Steam Dropbox

PICTURE JOKES » Just some advice :) First post, 3 years in the lurking. This is me and my Papa (grandpa) He went on a trip last Friday… … and returned on Sunday to find his home of 50 years burnt to the ground. He built that home, but had no insurance (the foundation was on lava rocks). He lived there with Granny until she died. My house burnt down 17 years ago. There was nothing left for me, my mother, sister, and brother. The shirt I had on my back… it’s all I have from my childhood. 0stumbleupon New How to Crack the Account Password on Any Operating System – Joe Tech This guest post was written by Blair Mathis from LaptopLogic.com – your premier source for the latest laptop software news and best laptop accessories. Computer passwords are like locks on doors – they keep honest people honest. If someone wishes to gain access to your laptop or computer, a simple login password will not stop them. Most computer users do not realize how simple it is to access the login password for a computer, and end up leaving vulnerable data on their computer, unencrypted and easy to access. Are you curious how easy it is for someone to gain access to your computer? Windows Windows is still the most popular operating system, and the method used to discover the login password is the easiest. Simply download the Ophcrack ISO and burn it to a CD (or load it onto a USB drive via UNetbootin). The computer will restart and Ophcrack will be loaded. Mac The second most popular operating system, OS X is no safer when it comes to password cracking then Windows. fsck -fy dscl .

How to Hide Files in JPEG Pictures If you’re looking to hide files on your PC hard drive, you may have read about ways to encrypt folders or change the attributes on a file so that they cannot be accessed by prying eyes. However, a lot of times hiding files or folders in that way requires that you install some sort of software on your computer, which could then be spotted by someone else. I’ve actually written quite a few articles on how you can hide files and folders in Windows XP and Vista before, but here I’m going to show you a new way to hide files that is very counter-intuitive and therefore pretty safe! Using a simple trick in Windows, you can actually hide a file inside of the JPG picture file! You can actually hide any type of file inside of an image file, including txt, exe, mp3, avi, or whatever else. Not only that, you can actually store many files inside of single JPG file, not just one! Hide File in Picture Create a folder on your hard drive, i.e. Now here’s the fun part! And that’s it! That’s it!

Hot Wire Your Car From Wired How-To Wiki Nine times out of ten, the term "hot-wire" summons images of car theft. Of course, anyone who's been stranded in a hostile environment without their car keys knows better. This article is a wiki. What you'll need Proof of ownership of the vehicle Slotted screwdriver Wire stripper Insulated gloves Try the screwdriver It's not pretty, but a screwdriver can save you some trouble. If you're considering hot-wiring your car, chances are you're already in dire straits. No such luck? Remove the ignition cover Be careful not to do permanent damage when removing the cover. Before continuing, be sure to exercise extreme caution. The first step is to gain access to the wiring. Identify the battery and starter wires Consult your vehicle's manual to get the correct wire color code. You'll typically see three pairs of wires running into the back of the cylinder. Here's where it gets tricky. Strip and connect the power wires Connect the starter wires to the power wires Things to consider

PortableApps.com - Portable software for USB, portable and cloud drives Save All Around by Powering Your Computer Down Experts discuss the costs of powering your computer down vs. leaving it in standby mode. Having to boot up your computer each time you want to use it can be inconvenient, but keeping it in sleep mode may not be the best alternative. The sleep mode on your computer is designed to keep the machine on while drawing a small amount of power. This only costs about $50 more per year on your electric bill, which seems low, but the true cost of leaving it in this mode may actually be higher. According to our experts, you shouldn't leave your computer on standby if you're going to be away for more than an hour. Doing so can result in more harm that good. Turning your computer on and off won't cause damage. So, when it comes to your computer, be mindful of letting it sleep for too long and power down instead.

15 Ways to Be Irresistibly Attractive Be true to your values. Be honest. Do your best. Do things that bring you closer to your dreams. Take care of yourself, your family, and your friends. In other words, invest love into your life. Do the right thing. – Never be afraid to do what you know in your heart is right, especially if the well being of another person’s feelings is at stake. Photo by: Lina Hayes Related 18 Ways You’re Making Your Life Harder Than It Has To Be Life is not complex. July 27, 2014 In "Happiness" 15 Ways to Live, and Not Merely Exist As Jack London once said, “The proper function of man is to live, not to exist.” March 19, 2012 In "Aspirations" 10 Signs it’s Time to Let Go Holding on is being brave, but letting go and moving on is often what makes us stronger and happier. April 2, 2012

Related: