SpeedFan hardware monitor, updated to v4.41

SpeedFan 4.41 (Windows, Freeware) is a program that monitors voltages, fan speeds and temperatures in computers with hardware monitor chips. SpeedFan can even access S.M.A.R.T. info and show hard disk temperatures.

Changes:

• added full support for Intel 5 Series/3400 Series SMBus
• added full support for Intel QST 2.x
• added full support for fan control for Intel QST
• added full support for Fintek F71889F
• added full support for Fintek F71889ED
• added full support for SB8x0 SMBus
• added full support for Nuvoton W83677HG-I
• added full support for Nuvoton W83667HG-B
• added SB7xx/8xx PM2 fan speed readings and fan control
• added full support for MCP98242
• added full support for CAT34TS02
• added support for ITE IT8721F
• added support for USB hard disk enclosures with Cypress chipset
• added W83791D advanced settings for PWM MODEs
• improved ADT7490 PWM MODE advanced settings
• added ADVANCED options for Fintek F75387 PWM MODEs
• fixed Fintek F75387F PWM setting
• enabled SMBus on Intel ICH9-M, if needed
• added detection of LIS331DL
• added Intel QST 2.x advanced option to revert back to AUTO fan control
• upon resume from suspend only those fans that are automatically variated are initially set to 100%
• identified more CPUs
• Intel Atom Series 300 Tjmax set to 90C
• HECI support works only on Windows 2000 and later
• AMCC/3ware support works only on Windows 2000 and later
• added more names for SMART attributes
• added a new option to CONFIGURE / OPTIONS to disable SMART Summary Error Log on program start (this can dramatically improve SpeedFan startup time)
• the UI is now updated whenever new SMART data is read from the selected hard disk
• now, in CONFIGURE / EVENTS, when you press UPDATE to change some event, the editing fields are automatically cleared and the OK button is automatically enabled
• restored access to SMART attributes on AdvSmart, Areca and AMCC/3ware connected drives in Event configuration window
• events can now react to FITNESS and PERFORMANCE values of SMART hard disks
• added NOADVSMARTSCAN command line switch
• the first line of the email sent by an EVENT now has been changed to include the Machine Name

SpeedFan is a neat tool for finding out the current condition of your computer at a glance.

SpeedFan [alt DL]

Launchy updated to 2.5

Launchy 2.5 (Windows, Open Source, 4.3MB) [alt DL] is a free windows utility designed to help you forget about your start menu, the icons on your desktop, and even your file manager.

Also available for Linux and Mac OS.

Changes:

• Faster performance
• Icons displayed correctly
• Environment variables updated correctly when system changes
• Controly includes more items
• New shortcut keys
• New controls:
• Shift+tab or Shift+bkspc deletes previous tab
• Shift+Ctrl+Enter launches in elevated mode (Vista and Win7)
• Down arrow shows history (when there is no current search text)
• Default skin built into executable in case no other skin is found
• Launchy now has an icon in the system tray
• Skins are simplified and easier to create
• Directory browsing auto-completes correctly

IceRocket Tags: launchy, windows open source

CCleaner updated to 2.28.1091 – Free System Optimization Tool

CCleaner 2.28.1091 (Windows, Freeware, 3.2MB) [alt DL] is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool.

Changes:

• Added support for custom locations for applications. (e.g. CustomLocation1=FIREFOX|C:\MyFirefox\Profile)
• Improved detection and cleaning algorithm for new releases of Mozilla based browsers.
• Added news tasks to W7 jumplist.
• Added new command line parameters: /CLEANER, /REGISTRY, /TOOLS and /OPTIONS.
• Improved MUI cache cleaning for Vista and Windows 7.
• Added drive information to Wipe Free space status.
• Improved Wipe MFT free space routines.
• Improved W7 toolbar feedback.
  Improved several core processes and routines.
• Improved file search algorithm when recursing.
• Added support for cleaning Paint Shop Pro 12.
• Improved support for IZarc and Axialis IconWorkshop.
• Minor GUI tweaks.

IceRocket Tags: ccleaner, system optimization, windows freeware

Gentoo Linux - Linux/BSD OS with Advanced Features

Gentoo is a free operating system based on either Linux or FreeBSD that can be automatically optimized and customized for just about any application or need. Extreme configurability, performance and a top-notch user and developer community are all hallmarks of the Gentoo experience.

"Thanks to a technology called Portage, Gentoo can become an ideal secure server, development workstation, professional desktop, gaming system, embedded solution or something else -- whatever you need it to be. Because of its near-unlimited adaptability, we call Gentoo a metadistribution." [Gentoo.org]

Portage is the heart of Gentoo, and performs many key functions. For one, Portage is the software distribution system for Gentoo. Portage is also a package building and installation system. Portage also keeps your system up-to-date.

Looking for a Linux/BSD distro to try? Gentoo could be your next favorite Unix-based OS.

Technorati : bsd, gentoo, linux, operating, os, system

Tidy Start Menu 3.3 - Easily Arrange the Start Menu

Tidy Start Menu 3.3 (Windows, Freeware, 1.1MB) [download via FileForum] allows you to arrange all the shortcuts in the Start Menu. Your Start Menu looks neat, and you can easily and quickly find any program you want. For example, you can create a special "Games" category, and when opening the Start Menu you will see a "Games" section (instead of a list of the games) in which you will find the game you need.

Change: Windows Vista support.

Technorati : freeware, menu, start, tidy, windows

AutoPatcher Vista May 2007

AutoPatcher Vista May 2007 (Windows, Freeware, 6.9MB) [download via FileForum] is an installation package designed to get your Windows Vista system up to date quick and easily. This update package features a slick looking GUI and and can be customized to install as much or as little as you please.

Technorati : 2007, autopatcher, freeware, may, patch, vista, windows

Fresh UI 7.83 - Configure & Optimize Windows

Fresh UI 7.83 (Windows, Freeware, 870KB) [download via FileForum] is the fresh solution for configuring and optimizing Windows. Loaded with hundreds of useful hidden settings, this software covers the customizing and optimizing technique that you'll be glad to know.

Change: Automatically detects the new Vista OS, and hidden options for Media Player.

Technorati : configure, freeware, fresh, optimize, system, ui, utility, windows

CCleaner 1.40.520 - System Optimization Tool

CCleaner 1.40.520 (Windows, Freeware, 2.66MB) [download via FileForum] is a freeware system optimization and privacy tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history.

Changes:

• Fixed problem with Vista UAC compatibility
• Fixed bug in Secure Delete when emptying Recycle Bin
• Fixed bug in Secure Delete with 0 byte files
• Fixed bug in Uninstall Tool with non-standard entries
• Resource file loading optimizations
• Updated Windows Live toolbar cleaning
• Added Bulgarian translation
• Updated several translations
• Updated installer engine
• Minor bug fixes

Technorati : ccleaner, freeware, optimize, system, tool, utility, windows

Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility 8.3.0.1013

Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility 8.3.0.1013 (Windows, Freeware, 2.29MB) [download via FileForum] installs the Windows INF files. The INF files inform the operating system how to properly configure the chipset for specific functionality, such as AGP, USB, Core PCI, and ISAPNP services.

Changes:

• Fixed Vista "Program Compatibility Assistant" dialog that is shown when using the setup.exe file.
• Added signature support for Microsoft Windows Vista

Technorati : chipset, freeware, inf, install, intel, utility, windows

Shutter 2.85 - Shutdown Utility

Shutter 2.85 (Windows, Freeware, 662KB) [download via SnapFiles] is a shutdown utility that can automatically perform various shutdown operations including reboot, log off, hibernate etc. and also turn off your monitor or trigger an alarm. In addition, the program can also play a custom sound and/or run a program of your choice, in addition to a simple shutdown message.

Changes:

• Added option for the shutdown message to stay on top of other windows;
• Added option to minimize all windows before showing shutdown message;
• Added option to disable `Cancel` button in the shutdown message;
• Increased maximum length of the number of seconds in Low CPU Usage event;
• Increased maximum length of the number of seconds in Ping Stops event;
• Font has been changed to `MS Shell Dlg` for NT platforms to support ClearType;
• Fixed problem with unsaved settings caused by some shutdown procedures;
• Added `Offline Only` option to the Battery Low event, which will allow triggering the event only when computer is running on battery;

Technorati : freeware, shutdown, shutter, utility, windows

Sandra XI 11.35 - Diagnostic Utility

SiSoftware Sandra XI 11.35 (Windows, Freeware, 13.39MB) [download via Filehippo] is an information & diagnostic utility. It should provide most of the information (including undocumented) you need to know about your hardware, software and other devices whether hardware or software.

Technorati : diagnostic, freeware, sandra, utility, windows, xi

VMware Player 1.0.4

VMware Player 1.0.4 (Windows, Freeware, 28.67MB) [download via Filehippo] lets you evaluate new or pre-release software contained in virtual machines, without any installation or configuration hassles. You can also share existing virtual machines with colleagues or friends just use VMware Player to run any virtual machine.

Changes:

• Fixed various security issues.
• Fixed a problem with VMware Tools caused the guest to run out of memory.

Technorati : freeware, machine, player, virtual, vmware, windows

Keybreeze 2.1 - Alternative Launcher for Windows

Keybreeze 2.1 (Windows, Freeware, 3.32MB) [download via Download.com] is a small application that gives you an easier and faster alternative to use your computer. Instead of searching for programs in your Start Menu, or scrolling through your Favorites to get to a certain web page, you can open anything or perform any set of tasks from the Keybreeze toolbar. This is a command-line utility that lets you open files, folders, and websites by typing keywords.

The toolbar is only visible when you are using it. It disappears from your screen after you activate it and launch a command.

You can quickly activate the toolbar by pressing a global hotkey (semicolon by default). This will always activate Keybreeze, regardless of what program you are using. The hotkey can be changed to any key combination on your keyboard.

Technorati : freeware, keybreeze, launch, toolbar, utility, windows

Sandboxie 2.86 - Run Programs in a Sandbox

Sandboxie 2.86 (Windows, Freeware, 237KB) [download via Snapfiles] allows you to run your browser, or any other program, so that all changes that result from the usage are kept in a sandbox environment, which can then be deleted later. This allows you to remove traces of your internet or PC activities, as well as reverse any changes to your Favorites, home page, registry and more. Even files that were downloaded during a sandbox session will be wiped after the sandbox is cleared. The program runs in the system tray and if you want to start a sandboxed session, simply launch your browser, or any other program via the tray icon, rather than the regular way.

Change: New Immediate Recovery can recover files as soon as they are saved into folders configured as recoverable. Use Sandboxie Control -> Configuration menu -> Sandbox Settings -> Set Automatic Clean-Up Options to enable this feature.

Technorati : environment, freeware, sandbox, sandboxie, windows

CCleaner 1.39.502 - System Optimization & Privacy Tool

CCleaner 1.39.502 (formerly Crap Cleaner) (Windows, Freeware, 2.59MB) [download via Filehippo] is a freeware system optimization and privacy tool. It removes unused and temporary files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster, more efficiently and giving you more hard disk space. The best part is that it's fast! (normally taking less than a second to run) and Free.

Changes:

• Rewritten secure deletion code, now over 2x faster.
• Performance improvements deleting Internet Cache.
• Fixed bug in Recycle Bin cleaning.
• Fixed overflow error with a large number of temp files.
• Added AntiVir PE Classic and Premium cleaning.
• Removed PerfectDisk 8.0 cleaning.
• Optimized file size for language DLLs.
• Added Bosnian translation.
• Added Macedonian translation.
• Updated several translations.
• Minor bug fixes.

Technorati : ccleaner, freeware, optimize, privacy, system, tool, windows

Wine 0.9.35 - Run Windows Programs on Linux

Wine 0.9.35 (Linux, 11.78MB) [download via FileForum] is a project to allow a PC running a Unix-like operating system and the X Window System to run x86 programs for Microsoft Windows. Alternately, those wishing to port a Windows application to a Unix-like system can compile it against the Wine libraries.

Technorati : freeware, linux, software, windows, wine

Microsoft DirectX Redistributable April 2007

Microsoft DirectX Redistributable April 2007 (Windows, Freeware, 48.9MB) [download via FileForum] is a group of technologies designed to make Windows-based computers an ideal platform for running and displaying applications rich in multimedia elements such as full-color graphics, video, 3D animation, and rich audio. It includes security and performance updates, along with many new features across all technologies, which can be accessed by applications using the DirectX APIs.

Technorati : 2007, april, direct, freeware, graphics, redistributable, windows, x

Active@ KillDisk 4.1 - HDD & Partition Eraser

Active@ KillDisk 4.1 - Hard Drive Eraser (Windows, Freeware, 4.07MB ISO) is powerful and compact DOS software that allows you to destroy all data on hard and floppy drives completely, excluding any possibility of future recovery of deleted files and folders. It's a hard drive and partition eraser utility.

If you use FDISK, FORMAT utilities, or DELETE standard operating system command for data removal, there is always a chance to recover deleted data (using undelete file or some data recovery software) and use against the owner's will. We highly recommend you to run this FREE utility for the hard and floppy drives you want to dispose of, recycle, re-use, sell or donate to somebody.

Changes:

• New WIPE function that wipes out all unused space on existing drives, not touching existing data.
• Package now includes additional REAL-MODE application (KD_REAL.EXE) which is more compatible with different types of hardware and more compact in size.

Technorati : drive, erase, freeware, hard, killdisk, partition, windows, wipe

Fresh Diagnose 7.56 - Analyze & Benchmark Your PC

Fresh Diagnose 7.56 (Windows, Freeware, 1.29MB) can analyze and benchmark many kinds of hardware, such as CPU performance, hard disk performance, video system information, mainboard information, and many more.

Informational features include scanning your system and give you a complete report about computer s hardware and software, including mainboard, video system , buses, peripheral and, network information. Benchmark features include testing system performance, such as processor, hard disk, multimedia, memory and comparing your PC it with other systems. User friendly interface and well featured.

You need to register (FREE) to get software licenses for Freshdevices software.

Changes: NetBIOS Configuration module in Network & Internet section.

Technorati : analyze, benchmark, diagnose, freeware, fresh, hardware windows, pc

Java Runtime Environment 1.6.0.1

Java Runtime Environment 1.6.0.1 (Windows, Freeware, 13.16MB) [download via Filehippo] allows you to run applications called "applets" that are written in the Java programming language. These applets allow you to play online games, chat with people around the world, calculate your mortgage interest, and view images in 3D.

Changes: Various bug fixes

Technorati : environment, freeware, java, jre, runtime, sun, windows