Tag Archives: windows

CDBurnerXP: how to burn your CD/DVD/HD-DVD or Blu-Ray just using a freeware!

How to test a new OS without installing it: VirtualBox

This week in our Linux Page (in Spanish) we have tested VirtualBox: a multiplatform virtual machine for x86 machines which allows you to test an OS from a simple .iso image. VirtualBox is easy to install and, just following the instructions contained in its interactive menus, you can setup your virtual OS in few minutes. We strongly recommend to be careful when you decide the quantity of RAM for your virtual OS. It is better to well balance it with the total RAM of your PC. When configuring the virtual HD for your OS it is better to select the “Dynamically Expanding Image” option. By doing this, your virtual OS will use all the hard disk it needs when in use. Last but not least, VirtualBox has a specific virtual USB controller which allows you to connect any USB devices to your virtual machines without installing specific drivers. Strongly recommended for all that people who like to test new OS without formatting their HD each time!

BitNami Stacks: a multiplatform opensource program to install your favourite applications and all the dependencies necessary to run them!

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This week, in our Linux Page (in Spanish) we have posted a short description about some features regarding BitNami when you decide to install CMS under Linux. Anyway, BitNami is a powerful application which allows you to easily install your favorite software and all the necessary dependencies to run it. BitNami Stacks is a multiplatform software and all its stacks are available for Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X. Using BitNami you will fastly able to install software for:

-Infrastructure (DjangoStack, JRubyStack, LAMPStack, MAMPStack, RubyStack, SAMPStack, WAMPStack)
-Blog (Roller, WordPress)
-Bug-Tracking (Mantis, Redmine, Trac)
-CMS (Alfresco, Drupal, Joomla, KnowledgeTree)
-ECM (Alfresco, KnowledgeTree)
-Forum (phpBB)
-Planning (Tracks)
-Poll Management (Opina)
-Portal Server (Liferay)
-Version Control (Subversion)
-Wiki (DokuWiki, MediaWiki)
-eLearning (Moodle)

Moreover, BitNami Stacks do not need any virtual machine to run and they do not interfere with programs already installed on your PC. Last but not least, all the software installed by BitNamiStacks are free to use under the terms of the Apache License 2.0, so… try BitNami and enjoy the freedom!

XAMPP: how to easy install an Apache server with MySQL, PHP and Perl.

Sandboxie: the best sandbox for your Windows peace of mind!

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There are almost two different good reasons to install a sandbox on you Windows OS: email/internet security and the possibility of trying new software without risking to damage your OS configuration. About the first point we can say that it is useful to read the attachments of your emails or freely browsing the web without risking to infect the PC. I know, we all do not usually open attachments from unknown email senders but at least, once a month (for example when we are under pressure at work) it happens and then we have to scan the PC with antiviruses and antispywares to check if we have involuntary open one or more backdoors. Moreover, when we decide to test a new software we could prefer not to take unnecessary risks running them. This week, in our Freeware Page, we have tested Sandboxie, a freeware which allows you to use one or all the programs installed on your computer with no risks. In fact all the data are stored in a temporary area (sandbox) and not written on the hard disk of your PC and they are deleted as soon as you decide to quit them. You can legally use Sandboxie free of charge for any length of time that you desire but, after 30 days, the software will occasionally remind you to consider paying the 30 USD registration fee. Last but not least, Sandboxie is simple to install and after not more than one hour you will be able to use it in a complete way. Very useful!

The best way to always have your favourite mind-mapping with you: FreeMind and WiseMapping!

FEBE and CLEO the best solution to save (and reinstall) your Firefox settings: extensions, themes and bookmarks!

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Today, in our Freeware Page (traditionally in English) we have added an effective post (in Spanish) about FEBE and CLEO: two fantastic Firefox extensions which allow you to backup all your personal Firefox settings. FEBE is a multiplatform add-on (Linux, Windows, and OS X) easy to install and to manage. In fact, the “FEBE Options” is a complete menu where it is possible to choose: what to save, where (destination folders) and frequency of the backups. Personally, I do suggest to change the default options and not to backup your usernames, passwords and cookies using FEBE. In fact, the backup file, a .xpi, could be stolen and easily reinstalled on a third part computer. Last but not least I want to underline the key role of CLEO which allows FEBE to create the installable .xpi file with all your settings. Recommended!

How to create free tutorials and presentations: the multiplatform Wink

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This week in our Freeware Page we have posted a brief but complete tutorial about Wink: the best free “tutorial and Presentation creation software” for Windows. We installed Wink with just few clicks and after a reboot (recommended) we were ready to try its features. Wink is easy to use, includes audio features and it is possible to add notes directly to every single frame. Anyway Winks has many output formats as Macromedia Flash, EXE, PDF, PostScript and HTML so you can decide if you prefer to create a video, a standalone .exe for pc users, a printable manual or a webpage. Moreover, Wink allows you to choose your best ratio between performance and video quality. Unfortunately its Linux version runs only with x86 computers and we have to wait next release to completely enjoy Wink’s features. Recommended!

MusikCube: the opensource competitor to iTunes

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In our Freeware Page we have posted a review about MusikCube, the most powerful competitor to iTunes. It is superfluous to remind that this opensource software has exactly the same features than iTunes (e.g. tags and dynamic playlist), personally I prefer to underline that MusikCube is extremely lightweight (12,792K on my XP), fast (due to the sqlite database engine), compact and easy to use (it has also a good integrated CD ripper) . Unfortunately it is not possible to personalize (or create) the skin but there are more than 20 plugins you can choose between. Moreover I tried to connect my IPod but I did not succeed; with Zen and Rio I had not any problem. To conclude, I suggest MusikCube to all people who are loking for a modern mp3player with a terrific integrated library manager!