Category: Geek Software of the Week

I love this! I needed a true “live” equalizer for my new microphone, the venerable Shure SM7B! I needed one that would allow me to adjust “on the fly” and tweak my recording and use for streaming as well. This is what I found, it works, and it is totally free and Open Source!

PC Equalizer is a Graphical User Interface for “Equalizer APO” which is a parametric / graphic equalizer for Windows. They are two separate prograoms that work togther, with APO providing the muscle, and the GUI providing a way to set it up and save the settings.

Designed for those who are looking for fixed frequencies equalizer, offering a quick and easy audio filtering with ability to control left-right channels (Stereo, Mono, Swap, Invert, Balance…etc), Expand or contract Stereo using Pan\Expand processing feature.

You can create effects using Multi-Delays feature e.g. Echoes, Delays, Reverb & many others.

Also you can assign a preset to a program such as (Rock preset with Winamp, Classic preset with Windows Media Player, or Pop preset with PotPlayer…etc).

How to install:
1) Download and install the “Equalizer APO” first, available for 32 and 64 bit from: http://equalizerapo.sourceforge.net/
2) Restart Windows.
3) Download and install the latest version of PC Equalizer from: https://sourceforge.net/projects/pc-equalizer/files/

The script I spoke about on the last Netcast used to “de-bloat” Windows 10 is available at: https://github.com/Sycnex/Windows10Debloater and is VERY powerful! Run this script if you ARE SURE that you want to fully slim down Windows 10! It WILL get rid of OneDrive, so head’s up to that!

If you DO commit to use this script, it is a good idea to run it every six months, or so. Microsoft, being evil, puts things back when they do updates “for your own good.” I believe in FREEDOM! YOU CHOOSE what you want enabled!

To run it, download the script to your Downloads directory, or Desktop. Then, run Powershell as Administrator (if you do not know how to do this, then this script is NOT for you!) Then simply run the Powershell script within Powershell. It will prompt you as it runs.

Two great new Geek Software(s) of the Week!

Eraser Utility

“Eraser is an advanced security tool for Windows which allows you to completely remove sensitive data from your hard drive by overwriting it several times with carefully selected patterns. Eraser is currently supported under Windows XP (with Service Pack 3), Windows Server 2003 (with Service Pack 2), Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, 8, 10 and Windows Server 2012, 2016.

Eraser is Free software and its source code is released under GNU General Public License.

WHY USE ERASER?
Most people have some data that they would rather not share with others – passwords, personal information, classified documents from work, financial records, self-written poems, the list continues.

Perhaps you have saved some of this information on your computer where it is conveniently at your reach, but when the time comes to remove the data from your hard disk, things get a bit more complicated and maintaining your privacy is not as simple as it may have seemed at first.

Your first thought may be that when you ‘delete’ the file, the data is gone. Not quite, when you delete a file, the operating system does not really remove the file from the disk; it only removes the reference of the file from the file system table. The file remains on the disk until another file is created over it, and even after that, it might be possible to recover data by studying the magnetic fields on the disk platter surface.

Before the file is overwritten, anyone can easily retrieve it with a disk maintenance or an undelete utility.

ERASER FEATURES
It works with Windows XP (with Service Pack 3), Windows Server 2003 (with Service Pack 2), Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7,8,10 and Windows Server 2012.Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000 can still be used with version 5.7!.It works with any drive that works with Windows.Secure drive erasure methods are supported out of the box.Erases files, folders and their previously deleted counterparts.Works with an extremely customisable Scheduler.”

Pinta – Paint and GIMP Lite?

Pinta is a free, open source program for drawing and image editing.

Its goal is to provide users with a simple yet powerful way to draw and manipulate images on Linux, Mac, Windows, and *BSD.

Drawing Tools
Use easy drawing tools to draw freehand, lines, rectangles, ellipses, and more.

Adjustments and Effects
Pinta includes over 35 adjustments and effects for tweaking your images.

Multilingual
Use Pinta in your language. Pinta is at least partially translated into over 55 languages.

Full History
Don’t be afraid to experiment, Pinta tracks your full history so you can always undo.

Multiple Layers
Use layers to help separate and group elements of your image for easy editing.

Your Workspace
Like docked windows? No problem. Floating windows? No problem. You can even mix and match.

This is a great Free Utility that works really well!

4K Video Downloader

“4K Video Downloader allows downloading videos, playlists, channels and subtitles from YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo and other video sites in high quality.

Enjoy your videos anywhere, any time, and of course even when you are offline. Downloading is simple and straightforward: just copy the link from your browser and click ‘Paste Link’ in the application. That’s it!

Save entire YouTube playlists and channels in MP4, MKV, M4A, MP3, FLV, 3GP. Subscribe to YouTube Channels within the application and get latest videos automatically downloaded.

Download annotations and subtitles in .srt format or embed ones for single video or entire playlist in one click.

Download video in HD 1080p, HD 720p, 4K, and 8K resolution and enjoy the high definition videos on your HD TV, iPad, IPhone, Galaxy Edge and other devices.

Direct transfer to iTunes
Get videos and songs downloaded directly to your iTunes library and enjoy them on your iPhone, iPod or iPad anywhere you go.

Support all popular video sites
Download video and audio from Vimeo, SoundCloud, Flickr, Facebook and DailyMotion, Tumblr, YouTube Gaming.

3D video download
Download video in 3D format, you will find a small special icon among available formats after video parsing. Everyone should try watching live shows and cartoons in 3D, it’s a one of a kind experience.

360° videos download
Videos created with a camera that simultaneously records all 360 degrees of a scene, change the viewing angle by dragging video with the mouse and enjoy this mind blowing novelty.

Smart Mode feature
Activate ‘Smart Mode,’ apply preferable settings to all further downloads and get videos and songs downloaded easier and faster.

In-app proxy setup
Setup proxy servers settings right from the application to download videos that are blocked in your region.”

This is a really good GSotW! I use this one all the time! It allows you to download YouTube videos, or Facebook videos, with no problem, in multiple formats and resolutions! Check it out!

Advanced Youtube Client – AYC

“Advanced Youtube Client – AYC is a unique console frontend for the popular program youtube-dl with additional tools like aria2c and FFmpeg added in the package for extra functionality and faster downloads.

It’s a different type of YouTube downloader.

AYC simplifies the experience of youtube dl’s advanced features by using pre-written commands and combines it with your input to make it one of the fastest and most advanced Youtube Downloader and Converter

Features

• Download 8K, 4K, 2K, 1080p, 720p, 480p, 360p videos with audio.
• Playlist Downloader with resume capabilities.
• Uses aria2c with parallel connections for faster download
• MP3, M4A Audio Downloader with Cover Art.
• Download Experimental VP9 Video codec.
• Compatible with Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10 (32/64-bit).
• Light on CPU Resources as it runs solely on CMD.
• Programmed as a Windows Batch file so you can edit the source code and make your own Youtube Downloader.
• Automatic Subtitle Downloader
• Universal Mode – Download from any websites
• Batch Download Jobs”

OK, so this one is even better! Check it out!

AeroAdmin – all-in-one solution for everyday tasks in professional and private life

AeroAdmin is a free remote desktop software which does not require installation or configuration. It is ready for use right after downloading and easily connects computers in different local area networks, behind NAT.

NO INSTALLATION OR CONFIGURATION
AeroAdmin is one application for both admin and client. To initiate a remote desktop connection you only need to download a small (about 2 MB) executable file and run it on local and remote computers. You will be able to take control of the remote partner PC in a couple of seconds.

CONNECTS COMPUTERS IN DIFFERENT LAN, BEHIND NAT
No matter how your computers are connected to the Internet and if they are located in one or different LAN. AeroAdmin automatically detects your network configuration and provides stable NAT pass-through connections.
In addition AeroAdmin provides remote connection via a direct IP. No Internet access is required.

UNATTENDED ACCESS TO REMOTE PCS AND SERVERS
AeroAdmin can be configured to run on Windows startup so you are able to administer computers and servers without human presence on the remote side.
You can log off/switch remote users, or reboot the computer in normal or safe mode.

TOTAL AES + RSA ENCRYPTION
All data transmitted between the admin and client during a remote control session is end-to-end encrypted with AES and RSA algorithms. These cryptographic standards are widely used not only in data security and encryption, but also in digital signatures of bank and government systems.

SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEMS
Microsoft Windows:
– 2003 / XP / Vista /7 /8 / 10
– Server 2003 / 2008(R2) / 2012(R2) / 2016
– 32 and 64 bit
Linux, Mac OS:
Works under WINE. AeroAdmin can be used to control remote Windows PC from Mac OS, Linux.

EXTRA FEATURES
– Clipboard synchronization
– System keys transmission (Ctrl, Alt, Del etc)
– Auto-scaling, auto-scrolling
– Remote Windows lock (auto and manual)
– Remote reboot (normal and safe mode)
– Multi-monitors support
– Screenshots during session
– Auto update
– Multilingual interface (15+ languages)

TRANSPARENT FOR FIREWALLS
Don’t worry about firewalls and blocked ports – AeroAdmin will find a way to any remote computer.

PARALLEL SESSIONS
AeroAdmin establishes numerous simultaneous incoming and outgoing connections. You can remotely control or view screen of several computers at once as well as to have several remote admins connected to your computer.

AUTO IMAGE SPEED/QUALITY BALANCE
AeroAdmin automatically detects your actual Internet connection bandwidth and adjusts image speed / quality balance to provide the best possible performance. This guarantees quick response and smooth picture even on low bandwidth mobile connections.
You can also manually configure this option as you need.

FLEXIBLE ACCESS RIGHTS SYSTEM
You can choose several types of admin authorization: manual, by password, by ID + password.
When an admin requests a connection, a client can accept or reject the incoming connection. Access rights can be easily configured to let admin with the current ID pass authorization in the future (unattended access).

This week’s Geek Software the Week is really powerful, and really interesting! If you are a technician that supports remote users, then this may be what you’ve been looking for! I had an interesting experience testing the software however. I downloaded the software and installed it, and within just a few minutes after downloading and filling out the form, I got a phone call! The phone call introduced me to the Comodo One set of tools, and offered a free session overview by one of their online representatives. I must admit, it put me off at first! I asked the person on the phone: is this set of tools completely free? They said, “yes, it was.” I asked if it would remain free? They said that it would. It turns out that their method for monetization of their platform is to introduce you to their free tools, and then offer paid tools as an extra benefit, as well as offering partnership with their company to sell add-on services to any customers that you might have as a technician.

This is an interesting paradigm for them to work from, I must admit! You can decide whether or not you want to have the attention that you garner by setting up the account and using their services. This is not to say that they are pushy, or heavy-handed, in any way. Obviously, they are hoping that you will use their services more often and perhaps use their paid services and become a new customer. Comodo also offers a very nice antivirus as well as managed services, so it is your decision whether to look into these offerings instead of just using the free remote access tool.

If, however, you are looking for a remote access tool that is easy to push out to, or provide to, users that are less computer literate than you are, you may want to look into the Comodo One remote access tool!

Comodo One Remote Access and Control

“What is Remote Access?
Remote access is the ability to access a computer, device or a network from a remote distance.

Why you need Remote Access?
In an enterprise, for business requirements, employees who are not physically in the enterprise location may need to access other devices (including mobile devices), computers and servers connected to the enterprise network. System administrators may need to access employee devices to monitor and troubleshoot in case of any issues. Remote access enables immediate addressing of any issues, as well as faster response to business requirements.

Benefits of Remote Access

• Remote administration – monitoring and control of devices connected to the network
• Faster troubleshooting from remote
• Access to files located on devices or servers connected to the network
• Accessibility rights to files and folders can be defined for different categories of users
• Faster access to files enables quicker and more efficient business response

Remote Desktop
A remote desktop is a remote access software tool that allows you to connect to another computer or device that is connected to the same network, or over the Internet.

Remote Access to Files
Remote access allows access to files on other devices, computers or servers connected to the network. The privilege and rights to access specific devices and folders can be defined based on business requirements.

Comodo ONE Remote Access and Control empowers technicians and administrators to manage servers, desktops, applications and mobile devices remotely so they can solve problems more efficiently. They can review performance data and roll out patches, updates and service configurations to address issues remotely.”

Open Source, totally free, and very light and fast. Claws Mail! (The screen shot above is my mail, so I have blurred out my actual email info.)

Claws Mail

“Claws Mail is an email client (and news reader,) based on GTK+, featuring:

• Quick response
• Graceful, and sophisticated interface
• Easy configuration, intuitive operation
• Abundant features
• Extensibility
• Robustness and stability

The appearance and interface are designed to be familiar to new users coming from other popular email clients, as well as experienced users. Almost all commands are accessible with the keyboard.

The messages are managed in the standard MH format, which features fast access and data security. You’ll be able to import your emails from almost any other email client, and export them just as easily.

Lots of extra functionality, like an RSS aggregator, calendar, or laptop LED handling, are provided by extra plugins.

Claws Mail is distributed under the GPL.

Claws Mail includes all of the features you’d expect, such as:

• Multiple accounts
• Threaded display
• Filtering
• Mime attachments
• Usenet news reading and posting
• SSL over POP3, SMTP, IMAP4rev1 and NNTP protocols
• GnuPG support (with GPGME)
• User-defined headers
• Color labels
• Multiple MH folder support
• Mbox import/export
• External editor
• Message queueing and drafting
• Automated mail checking
• Line-wrapping
• Clickable URIs
• Addressbook
• Printing”