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7Zip Compression Utility

Posted by sporg

What is it
7Zip is a utility that uses a compression method called LZMA. What’s nice about the compression method is that in some cases it compresses files more than other compression systems out there. 7Zip also has support for opening and uncompressing quite a few other formats like Zip, Rar and Iso. Some users have 7Zip as the only compression tool they use while others still use winrar or other types of compression utilities. This is mostly due to some formats not being supported by 7Zip and also that the non open source solutions are legal to use for non business use.

What it can do for you
7Zip has many uses; one use could be compressing your work files to make them easier to back up onto a DVD. Also, if you are sending files over the Internet is always useful to make the files as small as possible. 7Zip can also be used to open zip files that you download from the Internet.

What support is available
Support is available from the community forums and there is help built into the software.

What we like
• Better compression on some files.
• Simple interface.
• Support for other compression formats.

Things to be aware of
• The ace compression format is not supported.
• As with all compression software always run a test after compression to ensure that the file is ok.

Technorati Tags: 7zip, Compression, Tools

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Use Launchy to start your windows programs

Posted by sporg

What is it

Launchy indexes the programs in your start menu and can launch your programs with no more than a few keystrokes. Launchy’s aim is to make users forget about the windows start button.

What it can do for you

If you ever had a problem finding an application in your start menu, then Launchy might be able to help. Launchy supports user made plugins that extend the functionality of the software. Some default plugins allow you to launch a Google search or associate a word with a URL or program. With all this, Launchy can be a nice way to work with your PC.

What support is available

Launchy is supported through its own website and has a community that is happy to help out. There is also information on how to use the software on the website and a few skins to change the way Launchy looks.

What we like

• The way Launchy stays out the way till you need it.
• How quick it is to start your favorite application.
• The different designs available for the Launchy bar.

I Would Like To Hear From You

I have been using Launchy for almost a year now and I don’t know what I would do without it. I find windows programs menu such a pain to use and I can’t bare working on computers that don’t use Launchy. I would love to hear from you if you have tried it. Also interested to find out if there are any people that don’t like Launchy

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Technorati Tags: Application Launcher, Launchy, Open Source

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Vuze Hi-def theatre

Posted by sporg

What is it?

The quote below is from the official site and describes it quite well I think.

“The Azureus platform is an application combined with a service that enables publishers to publish and distribute creations in high-quality (Standard-Definition or High-Definition quality videos, high-fidelity audio), with an unprecedented ease of use. The process takes minutes, and the videos can reach substantially more viewers - worldwide, almost instantly. Content creators can also distribute content to millions without paying any hosting or bandwidth costs. Azureus can also help create buzz, by spreading a particular movie across the internet as easily as if it was a short video clip”

Vuze is really version 3 of the popular bittorent software know as Azureus with a new interface added that extends the features to include the ability to view and upload your own movies and clips. The old interface is still there though.

What it can do for you?

Vuze is still a very good bittorent client, but now it is so much more. If you like independent films then Vuze is a great way to see what’s out there. If you by chance make movies as a hobby and looking for a way to get your films notice then it’s really worth checking out. There is also some well know channels that have become content partners with Vuze like BBC Worldwide, A&E Networks (including A&E, History, and Biography channels), National Geographic.

What support is available?

Quite a bit of support is already available from Azureus website and a lot of the information for Azuresus ver 2 is still valid. As it is still a new project the community support is building up.

What I like

• The new interface will be easier for new users.

• Loads of interesting content

• Still works as a very good bittorent client

I Would Like To Hear From You

I have used Vuze for quite a while. I love the idea of Vuze but I don’t think it is working just yet. I hope in time the content will improve and Vuze will get a chance to shine. At the moment it is just a challenge to YouTube. I would like to hear what you thing. Do you believe there is content worth watching?

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