Month: January 2010

You may have seen icons like these ones before. Don’t worry, there’s nothing wrong with your computer.  They just indicate that there’s some kind of problem with that specific file type: either you don’t have the appropriate application to open it, or the file extension hasn’t been associated yet – that is, Windows doesn’t know which program to use to open them, even if it’s already installed on your system.

Fixing this issue is easier than it seems: it only takes a couple of minutes and doesn’t require extended computer knowledge. All you have to do is double click the file as if you were actually going to open it and the system will display a dialog window asking you which program should be used. The question has two possible answers:

Continue reading “Manage and edit file associations in Windows”

Touch DJ is a recently-approved MP3 mixing app for the iPhone. At $19.99 it’s certainly not cheap, but it’s one of the most impressive apps I’ve ever seen for Apple’s device.

Really convincing you that the iPhone is a powerful little computer, Touch DJ is almost as good as desktop mixing applications. Currently in version 1.0, it’s missing a BPM counter and the library has to be imported – it can’t access your iTunes library. Nevertheless, it makes incredible use of the minimal real estate on the iPhone. There’s a wealth of useful information on screen, but it doesn’t feel cluttered.

To get around the fact you can’t pre-listen to tracks while playing, Touch DJ uses innovative ‘visual mixing’ to allow syncing of your tracks. Bass sounds are highlighted on the moving waves, and the beat makes them flash. Using this you can – with some practice – beat match very well and do some impressive mixes. There are also effects, spins and the touch interface means manipulating tracks feels very tactile.

It’s not a magic DJ tool – you still need practice and it’s essential to know your tracks back to front to mix them well, but just the fact there is such a complete application on the iPhone is amazing. Read my review here, and check it out at the iTunes store.

So you’ve listened to the warnings and read the horror stories, but you’ve still come back for more. You must be a brave soul, because CCleaner‘s advanced options are pretty scary.

I’ll say it again, while CCleaner will positively shout it – don’t use the Advanced options unless you are very, very sure that you know what you are doing. These options are precisely the tools that could do some serious damage to your system if used wrongly. Bearing this in mind, let’s go through what some of these Advanced bits actually do.

Advanced

Old Prefetch Data – this is actually a controversial option. Pre-fetch files are basically parts of programs that Windows caches (‘pre-fetches’) so they are easily accessible when needed. Some people argue that over time the function becomes overcrowded, hence the need to delete. Others argue that Windows deletes them automatically, so there is no need. Nobody seems to be able to agree, so this one is completely in your own hands.

Menu Order Cache – this is where Windows stores information about the items that appear or have appeared in your Start menu. As CCleaner warns, any custom preferences will be reset, although nothing will actually be removed.

Tray Notifications Cache – again, where Windows stores information about the items that appear or have appeared in the Tray Menu. If you have any special set-up, it will be reset. Continue reading “CCleaner’s advanced options – should you risk it?”

Imagine being able to access and control your computer from anywhere on Earth using your iPhone. Sounds pretty futuristic, right? Actually, it’s not because there are apps  available already that let you tap into your PC or Mac on your phone. And these remote control apps do a lot more that just allowing you to view your files and folders. In fact, they actually let you use your operating system interface, running apps, carrying out commands, and even typing. Essentially this means you can turn your iPhone into a PC!

1. The creme de la creme of remote access apps is LogMeIn Ignition. To use the service, you first need to sign up for a free LogMeIn account on the developer’s web site.

2. Now you should download the LogMeIn desktop client when prompted and run the installer. Once it’s running, you’re ready to starting accessing this machine. If you like, you can install multiple clients on multiple computers, then you can access all of these on your iPhone. Continue reading “Remote control your computer from your iPhone”

If you’re thinking about starting a business from home, congratulations! It’s a great challenge for the new year and could turn into a lucrative venture. You’re brave too, starting out in difficult financial times, which is why we’ve decided to make things a bit easier by gathering together some of the best free, home-business oriented tools around.

First, make sure your clients know you exist. Unfortunately, free business card software is thin on the ground. Luckily it’s easy to order them online cheaply and, in the meantime, you can download a trial version of a program like Business Card Designer Plus or Advanced Business Card Maker and experiment with possible designs and layouts.

Having a website is crucial. If you fancy building your own, take a look at a tool like MoreMotion Web Express. Bear in mind that you can also use a blog as a website; WordPress is a great place to start. It’s easier than making a website and, if you have little or no experience, the finished product is much more likely to look professional.

Now they know you’re there, make sure your public can get in touch! Skype is the first stop – there’s a professional version, but it’s oriented towards multiple-employee situations. It’s good to aim high, but you’ll have to wait a while for that! If you’ve decided to use Outlook (and many don’t) there are some great tools out there to keep your inbox spam-free and under control.

Once your name is out there and the emails and calls start pouring in, you’ll need tight management to make sure everything’s under control. For a start, don’t even think about spending your hard-earned cash on Microsoft Office. OpenOffice will do a perfect job and is completely free, while Open Workbench will help you keep a close eye on your projects. Sooner or later, the money’s sure to start pouring in. Make sure you’re up to the accounting with a suitable program – GNUCash is sure to do a great job!

 

Paradox Embrace is a puzzle platformer in which you travel between different times to complete puzzles.  You character can flip between three eras, using portals that exist amongst the platforms.

To progress you’ll need to find keys and potions, which will only be accessible in particular eras. You may need to move from the future to the stone age to avoid a machine, for example. While it could be very confusing trying to essentially play three games at the same time, the creators have put in a great hint system that keeps you on target, without making things too easy.

You can play Paradox Embrace from your browser, and it requires Flash.  It’s not a short game, and thankfully your progress is automatically saved, so as long as you don’t clear your browser history, you’ll be able to play through at your leisure.