Software For Your Hard-Drive

Software For Your Hard-Drive by John Deprice

All your software is stored on a hard-drive. But how about software FOR your hard-drive - private disks, partition managers, disk defragmenters? Here is the scoop on the latest tools.

Paragon Partition Manager

The program is suitable for both professionals and home users. Basic partitioning operations are: resize, convert, move, split, copy, and mount partitions. You can restore accidentally deleted partitions. It also offers free space redistribution and hard drive defragmenter. It lets you install several separate operating systems on one hard drive. The Paragon Boot Manager is included into the package. Smart Partition technology that performs all operations without losing a single byte of data. Supported file systems are FAT 16/32, NTFS, Ext2/3FS, and ReiserFS.

Additonal Information - http://www.deprice.com/paragonpartitionmanagerpersonal.htm

Dekart Private Disk

Dekart Private Disk creates one or more virtual disks on your hard drive and/or other external storage devices. Once a user creates a virtual encrypted disk, that disk is assigned a new drive letter and appears to the user like any other system drive (like the A: or C: drive). When the disk is mounted, the data is automatically encrypted and decrypted when the user writes or reads this data respectively. Dekart Private Disk encrypts and decrypts all data stored on the encrypted disk with virtually no performance penalty. When the disk is unmounted, either manually or by logging out of Windows, the secure data it contains becomes completely unreadable and undetectable by the operating system.
Dekart Private Disk allows you to store your information on a host of media such HDD, FDD, CD, CD/R, CD/RW, MO, MD, ZIP-disks, flash drives, all types of flash memory cards, PDAs, and even digital cameras. You have the flexibility to allow multiple users to share a single PC.

Additional Information - http://www.deprice.com/dekartprivatedisk.htm

HDD Regeneration

If your hard drive is damaged by bad sectors, it is not only becomes unfit for use, but also you risk losing information stored on it. If you suspect that your hard disk drive is damaged and contains bad sectors, you have difficulties to copy data from your disk, your operating system is unstable or you unable to boot to Windows altogether - don't rush to throw out your disk and don't think that your important information is irretrievably lost. HDD Regenerator will regenerate your hard drive by magnetic reversal. As a result, not readable damaged information will be restored. With all this going on, the existing information will not be lost! HDD Regenerator regenerates hard disk drives exclusively at physical level. It ignores file system and can be used with FAT, NTFS or any other file system, and also with unformatted or unpartitioned disks.

Additional Information - http://www.deprice.com/hddregenerator.htm

John Deprice owns and operates Deprice.Com. For latest software tools, check out http://www.deprice.com/utilities.htm

Article Source: Software For Your Hard-Drive

Don't Choose Adobe When Working With PDF

Don't Choose Adobe When Working With PDF by John Deprice

While Adobe is the most known maker of PDF tools, your business will be much better off, if you select third party tools to work with PDF documents.

ABC Amber PDF converter

Priced at eleven dollars, this tool may very well be the cheapest PDF software on the planet. ABC Amber PDF Converter is a powerful tool which allows you to convert PDF to any document format (HTML, CHM, RTF, HLP, TXT, DOC, DBF, XML, CSV, XLS, MDB, DB, MCW, WPS, SAM, RFT, WS4, WS7, WRI, etc.) easily and quickly. You can export all pages or just selected pages, as plain text or as preview pictures.

Download: http://www.deprice.com/abcamberpdfconverter.htm

GuaPDF

Write the name down if you ever forget the password to the protected PDF documents. This is a utility that allows you to bypass the security on PDF documents. Both protection methods are bypassed:

* restricted operations on file can be disabled (instantly, any Acrobat version up to 6.x, even with 128-bit encryption)

* password encrypted file can be decrypted (in a several days or weeks, Acrobat ver. 3.x, 4.x, 40-bit key).

Download: http://www.deprice.com/guapdf.htm

PDFCamp Pro

PDFcamp (pdf writer) installs as a printer driver, making the creation of PDF documents as easy as printing. This gives users a simple way to share any type of Windows document through the standard, universal PDF format. PDFcamp (pdf writer) answers the need of corporations and individuals for an easy to implement low-cost and rapid PDF creation solution.

PDFcamp (pdf writer) Pro includes all of the features in PDFcamp (pdf writer) plus:

* Supports three modes for creating PDF files:

- User interface to manually select output filename

- Automatically convert many files to PDF at one time, without user intervention

- Use BatchToPDF software to create PDF files

* Bundle BatchToPDF software.

Batch convert .doc, .html, .txt, .rtf or any printable files to PDF files on the fly; convert any type and any number of documents to PDF files at one time!

- Supports command line operation (for manual use or inclusion in scripts)

- Supports drag and drop files

- Easy to use; integrates into Explorer right shortcut menu

* Convert multiple files (.doc, .html, .txt, .rtf, .tif, .jpg, etc.) to PDF at one time (batch conversion)

* Batch Word to PDF conversion

* Custom Windows applications, including Visual Basic/Visual C++/Delphi/etc., can easily interface with PDFcamp (pdf writer) and control the PDF file name without user intervention.

Download: http://www.deprice.com/pdfcamppro.htm

John Deprice was one of the earliest adopters of the PDF format. He keeps a small archive of helpful PDF tools at http://www.deprice.com/utilities.htm

Article Source: Don't Choose Adobe When Working With PDF

Five Steps To Create Your Software Product With Outsourcing

Five Steps to Create Your Software Product with Outsourcing by Steve Mezak

Many executives and investors are skeptical that software products can be developed using outsourcing. Even more skepticism is expressed at the idea of outsourcing version 1.0 of a product. Yet Accelerance clients are using outsourcing to create their products right now. What is the secret to using outsourcing to successfully develop a software product?

Many people believe outsourcing is useless when you are in the Fuzzy Front End - that fuzzy zone between when a market opportunity is known and when serious software development can begin. They think you need to slog through the Fuzzy Front End by coding a prototype of your product. If so, you need the development team here, not several oceans away.

Another false assumption is that you need to write a comprehensive specification for your software during the Fuzzy Front End. Many companies use a very formal product definition process, optimized to remove as much "fuzz" as possible. How long should it take to design a software product before development can begin?

Obviously time is of the essence when developing a new product, but before the development process can begin you must have some idea of what your software will do. It is best to find this out from your prospective customers. But how can you involve your customers early and often in a collaborative process, when both of you are not sure of what they need or want? And what does that have to do with outsourcing?

According to Steve Blank, founder of several software startups and now lecturer at the Haas School of Business at Berkeley, you don't need a product development process. You need a customer development process. You need a process to discover what ornery problem your potential customers have that will cause them to part with their hard-earned money to solve that problem by buying your software.

The first step of Blank's customer development process is Customer Discovery. Here are his steps of customer discovery:

* Create a product (or product demo)

* Meet with customers and answer these four questions of customer discovery:

1. Have you identified a problem customers want to solve?

2. Does your product solve these customer needs?

3. If so, do you have a viable and profitable business model?

4. Have you learned enough to go out and sell?

* Change your product to reflect what you learn

* Iterate until all questions can be answered positively

Is there a way to shorten these iteration cycles? The Accelerance answer is, don't code up your product or prototype at the start. Use an HTML editor to create screen mock-ups. Then link them together to tell the "user stories" of your software product. They show the major use cases of your product. Demonstrating the use cases this way is like putting your product requirements in motion. It simulates how the real product will be used.

HTML is easy to edit and requires no programming. You can make quick iterations before committing your product ideas to code.

Here is the five-step Accelerance formula you can follow to successfully design your product:

1. Describe your product idea and its benefits

2. Create a demo of the major use cases showing the biggest benefits of your software

3. Perform the Customer Discovery steps described above, iterating until you & customers are satisfied

4. Write an MRD using screen shots from your demo as illustrations

5. Develop and test your software

In modern business, you should focus on your core competency and outsource the rest. In the Accelerance five-step process, the first 4 steps of defining your product idea, completing the customer discovery process and documenting the requirements must be part of your core competency. The last step is not.

***

Anybody can develop software. But only you can figure out what your customers will buy. And that makes your software development a non-core process. Use this five step formula to take advantage of low cost outsourcing as an effective way to get your product developed quickly.

Steve Mezak is a successful Silicon Valley technical entrepreneur and international outsourcing expert. Get your copy of his free report on "Outsourced Development - A Secret Weapon for Quickly Creating Software Products" by visiting his Accelerance outsourcing company web site now.

Article Source: Five Steps to Create Your Software Product with Outsourcing

Linux Dual Boot-How To Format

Linux Dual Boot-How To Format by Patrick Sadler

Just the thought of a duel-boot scares many people away, but over the years it’s developed into an easier process. Most people are running Windows, so I’m assuming it’s your choice of preference:

1.Re-install Windows. Look for a three line menu that reads something like; Do you want to install NTFS. Do you really want to install NTFS. The third line should read, Install FAT 32. These are just partitioning schematics.

Note: If you can’t locate FAT 32, reboot and look for FAT 32 again. If you don’t succeed the second time, repeat until you can locate it. At the current (07.27.05), installs tend to work in this manner. It’s there, but you must go through this reboot procedure. When you locate FAT 32, install it. You will see it on a three-line menu, usually at the bottom. Install normally takes about 30-60 minutes.

After installing Windows, install the Linux CDs. It should recognize your FAT 32 Windows partition. On a three or four line menu screen it should ask you if you want to keep the FAT 32 partition. Click yes. It’s that simple, with a good distribution of Linux.

When installing, always study the different installation screens whenever the system ask you if you want to install to a, b, c…drives. Writing this information on scratch pads, in case of mistakes, is also a good idea. With a good Linux distribution, you should be able to sail through the installation with nary a problem.

Patrick Sadler has over 12 years of past Internet experience. He is sole proprietor of Knowledgeworks, Inc. Knowledgeworks manufactures and produces Developers Linux CDs, specializing on the latest stable versions of the Linux Networking Operating Systems. You are able to reach him at the factory website: http://knowledgeworks.org.uk

Article Source: Linux Dual Boot-How To Format

Music Bytes - Tips For Saving On Professional Software For Musicians, Part I

Music Bytes - Tips For Saving On Professional Software For Musicians, Part I by John Deprice

If you are outraged by the prices software giants demand for their tools, it's time to check out shareware. Small independent developers often provide similar solutions that cost three to five times less AND you get to try them before paying.

John's First Pick - MIDI Maestro

MIDI Maestro is music software designed for use by amateur and professional music directors, conductors, and soloists in live musical theater and similar musical accompaniment situations. Dynamic, intuitive performance control and powerful sequencing and editing capabilities combine to make MIDI Maestro the only music software you will need for your production.

These are the views and the layout used most often during a live performance. It's always easy to see what's coming up: tempos, cues, instrument changes, etc. The current position indicator remains in the center of the display. Tracks may be color-coded.

Most views may be zoomed both horizontally and vertically. You may choose to open and work with individual files, or "sets" of songs as used for a performance. The current beat number is always prominently displayed. The current measure number is also emphasized. A "bouncing ball" metronome may be used to assist you with conducting in slow or tempo-dynamic passages. A "tempo ratio" control allows you to make real-time adjustments to the tempo during performance. All commands critical during a performance may be mapped to your MIDI keyboard. Cues are color-coded and easy to read. Cue icons remain visible at all times in most views, even as views are scrolled or resized.

The staff view organizes music into standard notation. Printing is also supported. There're also lead-sheet, karaoke, piano roll, event list, and controller views.

MIDI Maestro may also be used as a virtual "Karaoke machine" complete with bouncing ball or highlighted text. Waveform audio clips may be combined with your MIDI tracks. MIDI Maestro also includes some very powerful waveform audio editing and visualization features. Other features include high-quality MIDI/Audio synchronization and support for VSTi software synthesizers.

Additional Information: http://www.deprice.com/midimaestromm4.htm

John Deprice owns and operates a large music software archive http://www.deprice.com/audio.htm

Article Source: Music Bytes - Tips For Saving On Professional Software For Musicians, Part I

Free Microsoft Word Online Training Tutorial Resources

Free Microsoft Word Online Training Tutorial Resources by Ramona Davidson

Microsoft Word is one of the most popular office applications that provide many features such as word processing, web publishing and database creation. Tapping into these Word resources, however, is not always easy and straightforward, leaving users stumped and puzzled.

So where can you find out how to perform these great features in Microsoft Word? Below I have listed some great, free resources for help with Microsoft Word.

Free Online Training Tutorials

There are a number of websites that offer free online Word training tutorials. These training tutorials range from quick tips and tricks, to step-by-step instructions with screenshots to video tutorials. To find free online training tutorials, do a Google search (or any other search engine for that matter) for [free online training tutorials].

Microsoft Corporation’s Microsoft Word Portal and Knowledge Base

It’s always good to get information first hand from the horse’s mouth, right? Well, to find out about Microsoft Word, go to the Microsoft Word portal of the Microsoft website. There they offer tips and tricks on how to use Microsoft Word, have a huge knowledgebase of frequently asked questions, any related patches to update or fix current application functionality, and even offer additional free downloads of templates and other tools to use with Microsoft Word. You can find the Microsoft Word Portal of the Microsoft website at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/FX010857991033.aspx for Windows PC users and http://www.microsoft.com/mac/products/word2004/word2004.aspx?pid=word2004 for Apple Macintosh users.

Computer Help Bulletin Boards and Forums

People like to help. Pure and simple. Message boards are proof of this concept. Every day thousands of people log onto message boards and ask questions and receive prompt, free advice and answers. There are all kinds of message (bulletin) boards out there that specialize in computer software. One I’ve found that I like is TekTips.com. They have users from all kinds of technical backgrounds with advice on just about every software application imaginable. They require membership to post a message (most forums and message boards do), but it is a quick and easy process. There are other computer training message boards out there, just do a Google search for [software forum] and you’ll be on your way.

Microsoft Word Training CDs

Not too many Microsoft Word training CDs are available for free, but there are few available. For instance, Video Professor offers a wide variety of computer training resources for some of the most popular word processing, spreadsheet, database and graphics packages around. They have Microsoft Word training CDs and other training CDs for most of the Microsoft Office application packages. They offer you one free training CD, in the hopes that you will want to buy others. You can find the Video Professor at http://www.videoprofessor.com.

College and University Website Searches

Some of the best resources for computer help of any kind are college and university websites. They usually have instructions for faculty and staff on how to do computer functions from the most basic to quite advanced. They also provide screen shots lots of times that show you step by step how to perform a particular function. Some colleges have the latest technology like Word XP (2003), but some universities still have Word 2000 or even Word 97, so no matter what version of Microsoft Word you have, there is most likely a free college or university resource where you can find useful information.

Microsoft Word’s Built-in Help Feature

By far, the quickest place to get help on using Microsoft Word is the built-in feature, Microsoft Word Help. Located on your menu bar, it is easy to access and doesn’t require you to leave your house or even have an internet connection or phone line. You can search in Microsoft Word Help a couple of ways. First, there is the Office Assistant, the cute and lovable (even sometimes annoying) little paperclip that appears when you first open Microsoft Word (this feature can be disabled if desired). When you have a question on how to perform a function, simply click on the animated paper clip type in what you are looking for help on and press enter. A list of relevant suggestions on how to do the functionality that you want to perform is displayed.

In addition, the Microsoft Word Help feature offers a substantial knowledgebase of instructions on how to perform Microsoft Word functions. You can search by drilling down in the Contents section, typing in a question in the Answer Wizard section, or typing in a phrase or term in the index section to see all of the relevant help instructions that are available.

Temporary Employment Agencies

It may seem unusual to list a temporary agency as a place to get free training, but the opportunity does exist. Consider this; temporary agencies (such as Manpower, AppleOne, and Spherion to name a few) want their employees to have skills that are marketable to their clients so that they market that employee and get a contract, therefore getting paid. Lots of jobseekers coming to the agency are lacking the skills necessary to get them that a position, and that is not profitable. To get those employees up to speed, they offer free training tutorials on some of the most popular word processing packages. Most of these trainings are computer-based trainings that you have to schedule an appointment to come and learn, but they are self-paced so there is no rush. All you need to do to utilize this free training is register with a temporary employment agency (mainly ones specialize in administrative work) and then schedule an appointment for your free training.

About the Author:

Ramona Davidson has been a Microsoft Word user for over 12 years and has provided help desk and technical support on Microsoft Office applications for over 10 years.

She runs a Washington DC and Northern Virginia temporary employment agency website, DCTempJobs.com, that offers free Microsoft Word online training tutorials and other free Microsoft Office online training tutorials to her site visitors. You can visit her site by going to DCTempJobs.com

Article Source: Free Microsoft Word Online Training Tutorial Resources

Three Software Applications That Will Surprise You

Three Software Applications That Will Surprise You by John Deprice

When you think software, you probably think e-mail, backup, antivirus and other technogeek stuff. Belive it or not, software can be fun. Here is the proof.

Living Cookbook (Radium Technologies)

Living Cookbook is cooking and recipe management software. You can use it to create, organize, print, and e-mail your recipes. It's packed with cool features like a meal planning calendar, cookbook publishing, nutritional analysis, menus, an ingredient database. Even kitchen novices will feel like master chefs after using the encyclopedic Living Cookbook. A battery of recipes is here, of course, offering detailed ingredients, instructions, and even images. But most notable is the comprehensive glossary offering up insight into arcane cooking terms and data. You even can edit entries if your kitchen tests reveal necessary tweaks or tips. Printing and sharing tools also are handy. Anyone looking to sharpen their culinary chops will find Living Cookbook an excellent resource.

River Past Screen Recorder (River Past)

River Past Screen Recorder lets you capture AVI video from the full screen, a window, a rectangle region, or a defined area around the cursor. You decide whether you want the cursor image to be included or not. You can even record audio into the AVI, from the microphone, line-in, or speakers. The Pro version allows you to record to WMV files using Microsoft's Windows Media Screen codec, which is specialized in producing high quality and small screen videos. You have the full control over the codec of the AVI file. You can choose the video compressor, and its compression quality. You can minimize River Past Screen Recorder, and start and stop recording by the hot keys. You can even pause the recording. What are some possible apps? You can record your PC screen to show what you did to fix a problem.

CTube! (East Bay Technologies)

CTube! is one of the largest resource available for viewing Internet Television, with over 1500 channels of TV, Live video channels and Web cams, plus an Internet Video Search, with over 2 million videos. You can watch uncensored news, music videos, education, and entertainment channels from around the world. CTube is ideal for people interested in alternative programming, learning languages, foreign cultures, entertainment, or news.
CTube! gives you all the benefits of Internet Television without having to do tedious searches or view online ads. You know what kinds of programs you like - CTube! gives them to you all in one place without the stuff you don't like - hassles and online advertisements.

Download Links:

Living Cookbook: http://www.deprice.com/livingcookbook.htm

River Past Screen Recorder: http://www.deprice.com/riverpastscreenrecorder.htm

CTube! http://www.deprice.com/ctube.htm

John Deprice owns and operates http://www.deprice.com

Article Source: Three Software Applications That Will Surprise You