The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Yewell's Jewels Ryan Yewell © |
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Ryan Yewell brings us his latest update on free software for PCs. |
Last time, we got our game on... Now we're switching back into tools and utilities that will help with a variety of things. First up is a small (6 kB) program called "Always On Top Maker". This will let you control ANY window to either always be on top, or alternatively, not. For example, if you'd like Windows Task Manager (an option when you press CTRL-ALTDLT) to remain open, but you don't like how it's always on top of your other windows, then use this. Some programs give you an "Always On Top" option within their menus, but with "Always On Top Maker" running, you'll never need to look for it.
Go to www.fadsoft.net/AlwaysOnTopMaker.htm. All you have to do is run the .exe, and then press CTRL-ALT-T on any active window to toggle its "Always On Top" status. I don't use this often, but when I do need it, it comes in very handy.
Very tacky
Next is "StickyPad". There seems to be quite a few sticky-note programs out there, but of all the ones I've tried, I like this one the best. When running, StickyPad puts an icon in your taskbarYou can click it at any time to create a new note. One of the cool features is that for alarms/reminders, you can use simple phrases instead of fiddling with a clock/calendar.
For example, I can select "Set A Reminder" for a note, and then type in something like "in 20 minutes", and sure enough, in 20 minutes, the note will appear, along with its corresponding sound (which is customizable). You can change notes' appearances (increase font size, change colour and so on) and even set how see-through the notes are on your desktop. StickyPad is practical, easy to use, and customizable. Check it out at www.greeneclipsesoftware.com/stickypad.html.
Next is another gem, "SpaceMonger". SpaceMonger scans your hard drive and gives you a visual representation of it, based on file sizes and how they are organized. I use this program whenever I'm running out of space, and need to find out what exactly is taking up the most space that I can live without (aka DELETE). The latest version of SpaceMonger has a 30 day trial (kind of a bummer), BUT one of the older versions (1.4.0) is FREE and still available for download, and it works with Windows XP.
To get it, go to www.sixty-five.cc. Click on the "Download" tab at the top of the page and you'll be shown "Official Releases". However, next to the text "Official Releases", you'll see "Betas", "Free Software", and "Add-ons". Click on, you guessed it, "Free Software". Scroll down the page and near the bottom you'll see "SpaceMonger v1.4.0". Click "Download It" and you'll download a .zip file. Now all you have to do is unzip and run the .exe. When you use SpaceMonger to scan your hard drive, the results looks like a bunch of multi-coloured boxes, the larger the box means the larger the file's size on your hard drive. SpaceMonger groups files/ directories to make it easy to see what's taking up the most space. You can delete files/folders within the program. It's a little hard to explain, you'll be able to figure it out really quick. Have a look at the accompanying screen shot to get an idea.
But wait a minute...
We've all heard how we should take a break every so often when sitting in front of our computers, but who actually does it? "Workrave" allows you to setup micro-pauses, rest breaks, and even set daily-time limiters if you feel the need. I find that if there's a program reminding me to take that break, I'm more likely to do it. Workrave even comes with a set of very simple suggested exercises (with illustrations). If you want to improve your health, but just keep forgetting to do it go
to www.workrave.org/ welcome to learn more.
Until next time.
Note: Ryan Yewell © Permission to copy or quote extracts from this article may only be done with the written permission of the author.
Reprinted from the November 2008 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
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