Category: Geek Software of the Week

Would you like to have your own, self-managed and provided “DropBox-like” sync-ed folders among your systems? Goodsync might be just what you are looking for!

Goodsync File Synchronizer

“GoodSync is an easy and reliable file backup and file synchronization software.

It automatically analyzes, synchronizes, and backs up your emails, precious family photos, music, contacts, financial documents, and other important files locally – between desktops, laptops, servers, external drives, and Windows Mobile devices, as well as remotely through FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and more.

You’ll Have Complete Peace of Mind with GoodSync

Automatically backup all your critical files to ensure you’ll never lose them. Easily Synchronize your files between multiple computers and devices. Completely portable with GoodSync2Go for USB flash and portable hard drives.”

So, you want to run multiple Linux distros from one (large) USB stick? Cool. Here’s a utility to help you set that up! Go forth and be geeky!

Xboot – A Utility for creating multiboot usb/iso

“XBoot is a easy-to-use utility for creating Multiboot USB/ISO. You may have seen many bootable ISO files like Linux live CDs, Anti=virus rescue CDs, etc. XBoot can combine these ISO files in to one Multiboot ISO file or create Multiboot USB in just few clicks.

Simply Drag and drop ISO files into XBoot and click the ‘Create ISO’ or ‘Create USB button.’ Support for some ISO files have been added, support for some other ISO files will be added later on the request of users.”

Now when you are out and about and need to connect to a public WiFi, you can do so safely, with this week’s GSotW: AnchorFree HotSpot Shield!

AnchorFree HotSpot Shield

“Ensure you are private, secure, and anonymous online!

• Secure your web session, data, online shopping, and personal information online with HTTPS encryption.
• Protect yourself from identity theft online.
• Hide your IP address for your privacy online.
• Access all content privately without censorship; bypass firewalls.
• Protect yourself from snoopers at Wi-Fi hotspots, hotels, airports, corporate offices.
• Works on wireless and wired connections alike. Provides Unlimited Bandwidth.
• Works on the PC and the Mac, including new operating systems (Windows 7, Snow Leopard, Lion)”

Want to be sure that your computer is optimally tuned for your Internet connection? Thne you need this FREE utility!

SpeedGuide TCP Optimizer for Windows

“The TCP Optimizer is a free, easy Windows program that provides an intuitive interface for tuning and optimizing your Internet connection. There is no installation required, just download and run.

The program can aid both the novice and the advanced user in tweaking related TCP/IP parameters in the Windows Registry, making it easy to tune your system to the type of Internet connection used. The tool uses advanced algorithms, and the bandwidth*delay product to find the best TCP Window for your specific connection speed. It provides for easy tuning of all related TCP/IP parameters, such as MTU, RWIN, and even advanced ones like QoS and ToS/Diffserv prioritization. The program works with all current versions of Windows, and includes additional tools, such as testing average latency over multiple hosts, and finding the largest possible packet size (MTU).

The TCP Optimizer is targeted towards broadband internet connections, however it can be helpful with tuning any internet connection type, from dialup to Gigabit+.”

Linux has had multiple desktop capabilities since, well, forever! And, it IS nice to be able to truly “multi-task” between two separate desktops… but in Windows… well, you are stuck! Until you get this week’s GSotW!

Dexpot Windows Virtual Desktops

“With Dexpot you may have separate virtual desktops for different applications. One desktop might feature applications for graphic design, for example, and another might feature your business applications.

Switch between virtual desktops in order to keep track of your open windows. Using Dexpot, you’ll considerably increase your workflow.

• Tremendously increases your work efficiency.
• Looks up to date, tidy and has a lovely design.
• Fast set-up. Plenty of features. Yet easy to use.
• Can be expanded with plugins. Results in small memory footprint.
• Stunning 3D transition effects. Only if you like them.
• Supports stylish wallpaper clocks. (*.wcz)”

This is a nice, free, Java-based app that discovers your large disk “hogs” and reports them to you! Sort of like WinDirStat, but a bit “cleaner” in terms of the interface. It DOES require that you have Java installed, which is available here.

JGoodies’ JDiskReport

“JDiskReport enables you to understand how much space the files and directories consume on your disk drives, and it helps you find obsolete files and folders.

The tool analyses your disk drives and collects several statistics which you can view as overview charts and details tables.

This is ad-free uncrippled no-charge binary multi-platform software that never expires.”

Are you REALLY, REALLY paranoid these days? Do you want to be ABSOLUTELY SURE that nothing bad can “get” you while surfing? Then you need this week’s GSotW!

Trustware BufferZone

“BufferZone creates an isolated environment called the Virtual Zone. The Virtual Zone ‘buffers’ your PC from all forms of known or unknown attacks that originate from the Internet and external devices. All of your private information is secured in a trusted and separated environment.

How does BufferZone Technology work?

When you use the Internet, programs from the Web can enter your PC uninvited or invited (by downloading). In order to run, these programs make modifications to your hard drive and registry (operating system). Usually such modifications are harmless. However, when they’re not, infected programs or files can do serious damage to your computer.

BufferZone patented ‘Threat Virtualization’ technology

With BufferZone, all programs or files that enter your computer through downloading, browsing or uploading with external media devices are redirected to a Virtual Zone (C:\Virtual). C:\Virtual is a special directory in your computer’s registry that keeps external programs and files in an isolated environment, separated from your trusted personal files and your PC’s operating system.

All files, personal information, drivers and system resources remain invisible to threats and therefore protected from costly or irreversible damage. Viruses, bots, worms, Trojan Horses, phishing, keyloggers, spyware and other malicious code are prevented from covertly installing on your PC.

Modifications from infected programs, files or problematic websites will run only inside C:\Virtual. Inside the Virtual Zone, infections are easily contained and changes can be reversed. The Virtual Zone keeps your computer and trusted files clean and safe.

Anti-virus programs identify only known viruses and then react. This conventional method allows unidentified threats to penetrate and infect your PC. BufferZone technology isolates all threats (known, unknown/zero-day) inside the Virtual Zone. This way, with BufferZone Pro, you can use all browsers and chat programs, share with P2P and use external devices and download from the Web with total peace of mind.

As you know, backing up your computer is extremely important! If you don’t backup your critical files, you will lose them, because all computer hardware will fail at some point! So, the question is, how do you do backups? You can backup to tape, or you can backup to another computer that you have locally, but that requires additional hardware, and it requires lot’s of effort to set up and administer, AND you have to remember to do it, or, in some way automate it with scripts.

Crashplan FREE On-Line Backup to the Cloud!

This week’s Geek Software of the Week will back up your data to “The Cloud,” automatically and, once installed, you’ll never have to deal with again… and, it’s FREE for individuals! How cool is that!?! Now, I realize that CrashPlan is an advertiser here on Dr. Bill – The Computer Curmudgeon, but I would not recommend them if I didn’t believe in them, and use them myself, and since it IS FREE for individuals, I am making it a Geek Software of the Week… because it’s just that cool! so, forget Mozy… forget Carbonite… CrashPlan works on the Mac, and on Linux, and on Windows… truly something we can all agree on! Get it, try it, you will be impressed!