Raymond.CC Blog

Category: Computer

  • Avoid Being Automatically Pulled Into Multiple MSN Conversation

    Windows Live Messenger is able to have group chat by simply inviting people in your contact list to your current chat window. Have you ever noticed that multiple conversation is really annoying because you’re automatically being pulled in when someone invites you? I’ve been invited many times to group chat but never really wondered how to disable the auto join into the chat. Thanks to Michael Y for bringing this to my attention because he wants to avoid getting automatically pulled into a multi convo every single time someone invites him. Sometimes, these conversations are so aimless that he leaves, but someone else always invites him in again!!! Moreover, this “feature” totally stops his downloads and he’ll have to download the file again from start.

    I tried looking for a setting in Windows Live Messenger to stop group chat or at least show a warning window before automatically joining into the group chat. I was so surprised that there’s no such setting! Did the developers of Windows Live Messenger forgot to add this setting.

    Fortunately, there’s a way to avoid joining into group chats automatically and you’ll also get a warning window first.


    Just follow the few simple steps below to on how to avoid being automatically being pulled into group chats.

    1. Make sure you have the latest Windows Live Messenger. If not, you can download from here and install.

    2. Download Messenger Plus! Live and install. Look carefully after clicking Next during installation. It says “Messenger Plus! Live comes with an optional sponsor program. Make sure you select “I refuse to give my support, don’t install sponsor”. If not, you’ll have spyware on your computer.

    3. Run Windows Live Messenger and sign in to your account.

    4. Download Group Chat Warning script. Double click the script (gcwarning0-5.plsc) once finished downloading. Check “I accept responsiblity of installing this script” and click Import button.
    Disable MSN group chat

    When you get a new chat with more than 1 person, a window pops up, shows you who’s in that conversation, and lets you:
    Disable auto join into MSN Group Chat Conversation
    Accept…
    – Does nothing but close the little warning window, so you can have the group chat like normal.

    Decline…
    – Tells the conversation “Please ask before starting group conversations”.
    – Closes the Conversation.

    The script did mention it does not actually avoid being invited into group chats, but it does make it easier to leave them. I tried this script, and I wasn’t automatically pulled into the group chat. The warning window appears first. Messenger Plus! Live is probably the coolest and most useful extension for Windows Live Messenger!

  • Use Download Manager with RapidShare Premium

    I’ve been using FlashGet as my default download manager for many years now. I’ve seen FlashGet developed into one of the best download manager so far today. However, I’ve encountered a problem with FlashGet and that made me uninstall FlashGet. I am the type of person who doesn’t like too many software serving the same purpose on my computer unless I have no choice such as having two web browsers.

    Problem I faced with FlashGet was, I wasn’t able to download files from RapidShare using queue even though I have RapidShare Premium account. I tried downloading 1 file at a time and queue the rest of the files, but when the first file completes downloading and starts to download the second file in queue, it will only download 4kb. After researching and testing, I’ve found a way to download and queue files from RapidShare using RapidShare Premium account. Now I can download tons of RapidShare links automatically, of course, with RapidShare Premium account.


    1. Log in to your RapidShare Premium Zone.

    2. Click on the Options button.
    RapidShare Premium Options

    3. Enable “Direct-downloads” by checking the checkbox and save it by clicking the Save button.
    RapidShare Direct Downloads

    After you’ve enabled direct-downloads, the file will immediately start downloading when you enter any rapidshare download links on your browser. FlashGet doesn’t work well with RapidShare even though you have Premium account. So I found another download manager software called Orbit Downloader. It is also free and the interface is quite similar to FlashGet.

    Orbit Downloader claims to support downloading Flash videos, including stuff from Youtube, Google, MySpace, MetaCafe, DailyMotion, etc. It can also make your downloads from RapidShare.com much faster, safer and more stable. Additionally, Orbit Downloader supports most of file-sharing service websites, including megaupload, badongo, sendspace, sexuploader, yourfilehost, uploading, filefront, 4shared, turboupload, depositfiles, filefactory and much more!

    I downloaded and installed Orbit Downloader. I entered 26 rapidshare download links to the queue and it automatically downloaded all 26 files without problems! You can say that Orbit Downloader solved MY problem and may not be useful to everyone. You’re wrong. You can use Orbit Downloader to download Youtube video, Dailymotion video, Metacafe video, Google video, Myspace video, flash video and flash games, rapidshare files and etc… It’s FREE, POWERFUL, EASY TO USE.

    [ Download Orbit Downloader ]

  • A Sad Day…

    The day started just like any other ordinary Sunday. Wake up, go to church, have lunch outside and then come back to check on the forum and blog. The forum displays that I have a private message from BigGuy conveying a very sad news that his uncle Barry with the nickname Bearcat was killed in an auto accident on Friday morning. If you don’t know Bearcat, he is 50 over years old and is one of the most active member in the forum. He may not be the geekiest person but I dare to say that he’s probably the nicest and friendliest person in the forum. This page is dedicated to Bearcat, so no more articles for today and will only continue tomorrow. Made me realize that life can be so fragile. You can be talking to that person today and the next day he’s gone.

    Rest in Peace Barry. You will truly be missed and always remembered.

  • Windows Genuine Advantage Validation v1.5.540.0 Cracked

    Just checked Windows Update today and saw that there’s a new Windows Genuine Advantage Notification (KB905474) to install.
    kb905474 crack
    It seems like you can still continue downloading and installing other security updates even if you skip updating your Windows Genuine Advantage Notification (KB905474).
    If you install the latest Windows Genuined Advantage Validation 1.5.540, it will only update 2 files which is LegitCheckControl.dll and WgaTray.exe. As for WgaLogon.dll, it still retains the old version 1.5.532.
    The latest LegitCheckControl.dll is 557KB in size.
    Crack WGA 1.5.540


    I’ve compared the LegitCheckControl.dll 1.5.540 with the previous version 1.5.532, and this new version looks like a complete update and not minor fix for the previous version. Take a look at the changed offset below. It reports 500,000+ offset differences.
    LegitCheckControl.dll 1.5.540 crack
    I strongly believe that the the LegitCheckControl.dll Crack by DTCG won’t work for this version.

    Seems like no matter how many versions of Windows Genuine Advantage Microsoft can release, crackers can crack it within minutes and it will be out in the internet less than a day. I manage to find ONLY one crack that removes the Windows Genuine Advantage notification nag and also allows you to use Windows Update. Please follow the simple 2 steps below.

      1. Download WindowsXP-KB905474-x86-1.5.540.0-noWGA.exe
      2. Run WindowsXP-KB905474-x86-1.5.540.0-noWGA.exe and it will automatically replace a cracked version of LegitCheckControl.dll to enable Windows Update and wgatray.exe and wgalogon.dll to disable the WGA notification nag.

    Update: Found another WGA 1.5.540 crack by Muiz. The cracked LegitCheckControl.dll, WgaLogon.dll and WgaTray.exe is exactly the same as the 1st crack.
    Download kb905474_1.5.540.0.exe by Muiz from 9Down
    Download kb905474_1.5.540.0.exe by Muiz from MegaUpload
    Download kb905474_1.5.540.0.exe by Muiz from RapidShare
    Download kb905474_1.5.540.0.exe by Muiz from Hyperupload

    Note: This information is for educational purposes and cracking Microsoft Windows is against their piracy law. None of the crack files are provided by me or hosted here.

  • Remove Nero Scout from Nero 7

    Here’s a quick tip on how to remove Nero Scout from Nero 7.

    Click on Start and select Run.
    Remove Nero Scout from Nero 7
    Copy the code/line below and paste it to the Run box and hit OK.
    regsvr32 /u “%COMMONPROGRAMFILES%\Ahead\Lib\MediaLibraryNSE.dll”

    Enjoy 😉

    Update: 7 February 2006
    The latest Nero 7.0.5.4 has the option to Disable Nero Scout and also includes an option to “Show Nero Scout in Windows Explorer”.
    Go to your Windows Explorer, right click on the Nero Scout icon and select Options.
    Just uncheck both of the options at the picture below and you won’t get the Nero Scout icon on your Windows Explorer.
    Nero Scout

    Download the latest version of Nero to have this option.

  • Free Genuine Nero BackItUp 4 and Nero 9 License Key for Lucky Subscriber

    It’s been a long time since I last gave out any genuine software license to my newsletter subscribers. So today I am happy that I have one Nero BackItUp 4 and Nero 9 genuine license key code that cost $49.99 + $79.99 to give away to one of my lucky newsletter subscriber.
    download Nero 9
    The only disc burning software that I use is Nero. I’ve tried Roxio but end of the day I still go back to Nero. No doubt that many of you will agree with me and Nero is a bloatware but if you do a custom installation and only install what you need, then the whole Nero suite won’t take over your computer… If you’d like to have a chance in winning this Nero BackItUp 4 and Nero 9 license key, then please continue reading.


    This Nero 9 license lucky draw is only for my newsletter subscribers. If you haven’t subscribe, just enter your email at the top right hand side and hit the subscribe button.

    Nero 9 key

    Next, you need to enter the random text characters and hit the Complete Subscription Request button. Finally, you need to check your email inbox for a verification message from FeedBurner’s “confirmations@emailenfuego.com” and click a link listed in this message to activate your subscription. If you got it right, you should see a message that says “Email Subscription Confirmed!” at your web browser.

    Nero 9 serial

    Final step is MOST important. Leave a comment below with the email address you’ve used to subscribed to Raymond.CC’s newsletter. The lucky winner will be picked and announced at this page in 3 days time. (3rd October 2008).

    Nero 9 is the next generation of the world’s most trusted integrated digital media and home entertainment software suite. It features new cutting-edge functionality that makes enjoying digital media content simple.

    Free Nero 9 license key

    This easy-to-use yet powerful multimedia suite, gives you the freedom to create, rip, copy, burn, edit, share, and upload online. Whatever you want – music, video, photo, and data – enjoy and share with family and friends anytime, anywhere.

    Nero 9 Highlights:

  • Fast and easy rip, burn, Autobackup, and copy functions
  • Backup files to CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs
  • Create professional-looking DVD movies with integrated 3D menus
  • Copy, burn, share, upload, and create music mixes like a DJ
  • Convert music, photos, and DVDs to play on your iPod® and other mobile devices
  • Quick photo and video upload to My Nero, YouTube, and MySpace
  • Watch, record, pause, and customize your live TV experience
  • Play AVCHD and other HD formats
  • Free Nero BackItUp 4 when Purchase Nero 9

    • From my desktop computer running Nero Burning ROM 8 in Windows XP SP3, nero.exe process takes up 33MB memory. But on Windows Vista with the latest Nero 9, nero.exe process takes only 29MB. Not much difference but at least it doesn’t take more memory than the previous version. Many people criticized that Nero is a bloatware because it includes way too many extra tools. You can however choose Custom during installation and install only what you need. As for me, I only select Nero Burning ROM, Nero RescueAgent, Nero InfoTool, Nero DriveSpeed and Nero WaveEditor.

    The trial version of Nero 9 (Nero-9.0.9.4b_trial.exe) is a whopping 370MB in size but the retail version of Nero 9 which I am purchasing for the winner will be downloading a 523MB installer. (Nero-9.0.9.4_esd_asknet.exe) I am actually still downloading the 523MB Nero 9 setup file and will report on what is the difference between this one and the trial version. You will need to have Microsoft .NET 3.0 installed in order to run Nero 9.

    Here’s the lucky winner for Nero 9. Only the FIRST in the list that has been randomized will be chosen as the winner.
    Win Nero 9 License

    And for Nero BackItUp 4.
    Win Nero BackItUp 4 License

    Congrats to Augie(aman12369) for winning Nero 9 and f1tzy(dfitzpatrick) for winning Nero BackItUp 4. You should be receiving an email from me shortly.

    [ Download Nero 9 ]

  • Do You Know Your CD or DVD Drive Burning Capabilities?

    Most newer computers are now equipped with at least a DVD drive because it is getting cheaper and also a lot of games and software comes in DVD instead of CD. Both my laptop and desktop PC is equipped with a DVD burner that supports burning double layer (DL) DVD disc. My boss gave me Mac OS X Leopard DVD disc and ask me to make a copy for backup purposes. He also informed me to use double layer DVD disc to burn. I went to a computer shop and bought two DVD-R DL disc in case one if it fails to burn, at least I still have another one to try before going to shop and buy more DVD-R DL discs.

    I use Nero’s DVD Copy on my laptop to try to duplicate the Apple Mac OS X Leopard DVD. After finished caching the files in my hard drive, I put in the new DVD-R DL disc. It took a while for Nero check the disc and then the drive automatically ejects with the following window:
    Nero Waiting for Disc
    I can’t believe that the recorder detected the disc as CD-ROM instead of DVD-R DL. I then tried using my desktop DVD burner on both disc and also got the same error!

    Suddenly it struck me that there are different standards for DVD disc which is +R and -R. I know for sure that my DVD drive can burn dvd double layer disc but not sure if it can support both +R and -R. I use this tool to check my DVD drive burning capabilities.


    Nero InfoTool is a free and portable tool that provides information about the most important features of installed drives, inserted discs, installed software, and much more. At the drive tab, it clearly shows that my DVD recorder doesn’t support writing to DVD -R DL disc. So coincidentally both my laptop and desktop dvd recorder doesn’t support writing DVD -R DL disc.

    Download Free Nero InfoTool

    Because I was careless and thought that my DVD recorder can support reading and writing all double layer disc, I wasted money on the disc that cannot be used on my drive. Double Layer DVD disc are not cheap and luckily I only bought 2, not 10 or 100. I guess it’s better you know your DVD drive burning capabilities using Nero InfoTool before you buy the wrong disc which is not supported by your CD/DVD recorder.

    [ Download Nero InfoTool 5 ]

  • Official Nero 8 Major Update is HERE!

    Latest version of Nero 8 is out! Actually Nero 8 was leaked out few weeks ago and the file size was 960MB in ISO image. I’ve downloaded the official Nero 8, installed it and the main graphical user interface looks very much alike as version 7.
    Download Nero version 8 ISO
    The new features of Nero 8 include:
    * Brand new, easy-to-use Nero StartSmart project launcher
    * Windows Vista Ready
    * Increased Blu-ray and HD DVD recording and playing support
    * New, improved graphical interface
    * A variety of new, user-friendly features and services
    * Improved video menu authoring and transition effects


    The latest version of Nero 8 file size is very close to Nero 7. Nero v7.10.1.0 is 173MB and Nero v8.1.1.0 is 178MB in size. It’s only 5MB bigger and I believe it’s as bloated as Nero 7. Nero has been accused of software bloat due to its inclusion of many applications including Visual Basic ActiveX control, CD/DVD label creator, sound editor, etc., which result in a large installer size. When I install the latest version of Nero, I make sure that I select the features that I use from custom setup.

    Nero 8 includes a new tool called RescueAgent which is can be used to quickly and easily restore data from CDs and DVDs. It’s like a data recovery for media disc.
    Recover Data from CD and DVD

    A guy named Acheron has created lite/micro versions of Nero 7 but not yet for version 8. Nero Lite which include only features deemed to be essential, resulting in installer sizes as low as 20MB for Nero Micro, featuring “just Nero Burning Rom with basic Audio/VideoCD support (English). Although many components can be removed from custom setup, but you still need to download that huge installer. That is why Nero Lite/Micro is used by many people.

    There’s already a keygenerator for Nero 8! It is not surprising at all because there are keygenerator for nearly all builds and versions of Nero. The Nero 8 keygenerator is able to remove previous used serial number by clicking the Clean button. The generate button will generate a new serial number for Nero 8.
    Nero 8 Key Generator

    My favorite version of Nero is still 6. It does the job and it’s not bloated. However, Nero 6 has been discontinued by Nero and there hasn’t been any updates since March 2007. I have Nero 6 on my laptop and the latest Nero 8 on my desktop. If you’d like to have both version of Nero on one computer, you can install Nero 6 and then use Nero 8 portable. But if you ask me to pick one from the 2 versions, my advice is to install the latest version AND do a custom installation removing whatever unnecessary.

    [ Download Nero 8 ]

  • Google Desktop Version 2

    Google Desktop gives you easy access to information on your computer and from the web. It’s a desktop search application that provides full text search over your email, computer files, music, photos, chats and web pages that you’ve viewed. By making your computer searchable, Google Desktop puts your information easily within your reach and frees you from having to manually organize your files, emails and bookmarks. It makes searching your computer as easy as searching the web with Google.

    Google Desktop doesn’t just help you search your computer; it also helps you gather new information from the web with Sidebar, a new desktop feature that shows you your new email, weather and stock information, personalized news and RSS/Atom feeds, and more. Sidebar is personalized automatically, without any manual configuration required.

    Google Desktop includes Sidebar, a panel on your desktop which provides convenient, one-glance access to all sorts of personalized information. Sidebar includes the following plug-ins:


    Google Desktop 2.0

  • Email: You can read new email, including your Gmail, as soon as you get it. Click on an email subject to read the full email in the details pane. In Options, you can add filters to prevent certain email from showing up in Sidebar. You can filter based on the “from:”, “to:”, “subject:”, words found in the email, and words not found in the email.
  • News: See the latest news headlines, personalized based on the news articles that you read in Sidebar and in the web browser. You can click on a news headline to read the beginning of the article in the details pane, and if you mark items as uninteresting by clicking the “Don’t show me items like this” button in the details pane, the News panel will show fewer articles that are related to the article you weren’t interested in.
  • Weather: Keep track of weather forecasts for multiple locations. Click on a weather location to see more details about current conditions as well as the 4-day forecast in the details pane. In Options, you can add new locations, delete existing locations, view temperatures in Fahrenheit or Celsius, and change the order in which locations are displayed. When this panel is minimized, all weather locations are shown one after the other on a single line.
  • Photos: Watch a slideshow of photos from the web and from your computer. You can click on an image to see a larger view. In Options, you can add photos to the slideshow by selecting folders on your computer and RSS/Atom feeds from the web. Photos from RSS/Atom feeds on frequently visited web pages are also automatically added to the Photos panel by default. You can uncheck “Auto Add Photos from the Web” under the “Photos Online” tab to disable this feature. You can also manually add recent RSS/Atom feeds from sites you’ve visited. Finally, you can set how long each photo is displayed under the “Slideshow Speed” tab.
  • Stocks: Keep track of up-to-the-minute prices for your favorite stocks. The prices shown are the real-time prices (not 15 minutes delayed), if available. Click the stock’s ticker symbol to see the current price, point change, percent change, daily graph, recent news, and other information in the details pane. In Options, you can add, remove, and change the order in which individual stocks and indices are displayed. Stock prices that you frequently look up on the web will be automatically added to the Stocks panel, unless you choose to uncheck the “Automatically add stocks” checkbox. When minimized, all stock prices are shown one after the other on a single line.
  • Web Clips: Read RSS and Atom feeds from the web. Click on an item to read the entire clip’s content in the details pane. Feeds are generally updated every 30 minutes. In Options, you can manually add a feed by entering its URL, or select a recent feed to add by clicking the “Add Recent Clips” button. Feeds are automatically added based on the web pages you visit, unless you uncheck the “Automatically add commonly viewed clips” checkbox.
  • Scratch Pad: Type and save notes for yourself. The Scratch Pad is automatically saved with every letter that you type, so you don’t need to save it manually. It also includes options to save your notes to a file and clear the Scratch Pad entirely.
  • Quick View: Keep a list of frequently used web pages and files handy. Double-click an item to open it. You can also star items to move them to the top of the list, which will prevent them from disappearing as well. In Options, you can toggle between showing frequently-used items and recent items.

    • You can also download additional plug-ins, and developers can learn how to use the Sidebar APIs to write their own plug-ins.

    Every panel also supports the following panel features:

  • Details Pane: Click once on an item in a panel and a window with more details will slide out of the panel. Only one details pane can be open at any given time in Sidebar.
  • Expanded View: Click the title bar or “< <” button in the panel to display a longer list of items from that panel, including a scroll bar.
  • Double-click to Open: Double-click an item in a panel to open it in a web browser.
  • Panel Menu: Click the arrow button in a panel’s title bar to display the panel’s menu.
  • Reorder: Change the order of the panels by dragging the title bar of the panel you want to move and dropping it into its new location.
  • Resize: Change the height of a panel by dragging its top or bottom edge. The panel next to it will also change in height.
  • Minimize: Compact a panel down to a single line by selecting the “Minimize” panel menu item.
  • Restore: When a panel has been minimized, select the “Restore” panel menu item to have it pop back to its previous size.
  • Options: Select the “Options” panel menu item to change a panel’s settings.
  • About: Select the “About” panel menu item to learn more about the panel.
  • Remove: Select the “Remove” panel menu item to remove the panel from Sidebar. You can always add it back by select “Add/Remove Panels” in the Sidebar menu.
  • Right-click menu: Right-click an item to open it, remove it, or take other actions.
  • Tooltips: Tooltips are displayed to show additional information. For email, it includes the subject, from, to, and date. For other items, it generally shows the full title and source if the title is truncated.

    • Sidebar also offers the following general features:

  • Sidebar Menu: Click the down arrow button in the upper right corner of the Sidebar to see a list of options.
  • Add/Remove Panels: Select the “Add/Remove Panels” menu item to add new panels and remove existing panels. You can also add any ActiveX control available on your computer to Sidebar.
  • Resize: Sidebar can be horizontally resized by dragging the left edge if it’s docked to the right side of the screen, and vice versa, to a maximum width of half the width of your computer screen.
  • Customize Alerts: Select the “Customize Alerts” menu item to enable plug-ins to display pop-up alerts that appear in the lower right corner of your screen. By default, you can enable alerts when Sidebar receives new web clips, news and email.
  • Autohide: Select the “Auto-If this feature is enabled, Sidebar will slide onto your screen when your mouse is near the edge. Sidebar will disappear again once your mouse is no longer above Sidebar.
  • Dock Sidebar: Dock Sidebar to either the left or right side of your screen. You can also change which side Sidebar is docked to by dragging the bar with the word “Google” in it to the left or right side of your screen.
  • Minimize: You can click the minimize icon in the upper right of the sidebar to minimize to the Deskbar or Floating Deskbar.

  • WinZip 10.0 is out!

    Yaay! WinZip 10 is out…
    WinZip 10
    WinZip, the original and most popular compression utility for Windows, is a powerful and easy-to-use tool that quickly zips and unzips your files to conserve disk space and greatly reduce e-mail transmission time. WinZip 10.0 is available as Standard or Pro.


    The new WinZip 10.0 offers powerful new compression technology that creates even smaller Zip files. And the new Explorer-style view makes working with complex, multi-folder Zip files a snap.

    WinZip 10.0 Pro includes the WinZip Job Wizard, a powerful tool that offers predefined data backup jobs, the ability to customize and schedule zipping tasks, and FTP-upload functionality. And with WinZip Pro, you can zip and burn directly on CDs/DVDs!

    Benefits of WinZip 10 Standard
    New Improved Compression (PPMd AND bzip2)
    New Attachment Management Support
    New Explorer Style View
    New Quick File Selection
    New Automatic Update Checking
    Flexible Interface; Wizard and Classic
    Tight Integration with Windows
    Large Zip File Support
    128- and 256-Bit AES Encryption
    E-mail Support (including one click Zip & E-mail)
    Split Zip File Capability
    Install Feature
    Create Self-Extracting Archives

    Benefits of WinZip 10 Pro
    Includes all features of Standard version and…
    New Predefined Data Backup Jobs
    New Create Custom, Automated Zip Jobs
    New Scheduling Capabilities for Running Zip Jobs
    New FTP Upload Functionality
    New Zip and Burn Directly to CD and DVD
    Command Line Support (Separate Download)

    WinZip 10 is NOT a free upgrade. Registered users of previous versions of WinZip are eligible to upgrade at 50% of the WinZip 10.0 list prices. The single-user upgrade to WinZip 10.0 Standard costs only $14.95 and to WinZip 10.0 Pro only $24.95.
    Yes it’s true because it accepts a longer string of serial number.

    [ WinZip 10 Website | Download WinZip 10 ]

  • Nero 7 Premium is here!

    Nero 7 Premium is finally here!
    Nero 7 Premium
    For those who don’t know what is Nero for, in my opinion is my best choice for burning CDs, DVDs and many more features.


    I managed to get and try out the “leaked” version of Nero 7 Premium and it rocks!
    Nero 7 Premium Burning ROM
    Nero 7 Premium Burning ROM

    Nero ShowTime 2
    Nero ShowTime 2

    Nero PhotoSnap
    Nero PhotoSnap

    Nero, leaders in digital media technology, today unveiled the much-anticipated Nero 7, the ultimate all-in-one integrated digital media and home entertainment software solution.

    Building on the award-winning World’s best selling digital media software, Nero 7 now delivers 18 applications in one powerful suite, including the addition of Nero Home, a new TV and PC multimedia management and distribution system that provides users with quick and easy access to all digital media files from the comfort of their living rooms using a remote control.

    “Nero 7 is the culmination of innovative engineering, end-user requests and demands, and industry direction and convergence,” said Richard Lesser, CEO Nero AG, “We have hit the nail on the head with the addition of Nero Home to Nero 7: users no longer need to be in front of their PCs to view and listen to their media files; they can access their entire libraries in front of the TV.”

    In addition, Nero 7 includes a number of enhancements and interface redesigns to familiar and popular Nero applications. Users now have the option of customized installation, meaning they can decide to install or not to install each application courtesy of Windows Installer Technology. To learn more about each of the applications included with Nero 7, visit www.nero.com.

    Complete Digital Home Entertainment Solution
    Nero Home is a new and innovative media manager that provides fast access to the user’s entire digital media library via remote control in the designated home entertainment room. Content can be viewed on a plasma, LCD or CRT TV. Nero Home integrates TV time-shifting, DVD playback, music playback and video playback, and has a simplified interface and a TV wizard to walk users through a simple setup.

    Search, Organize and Play Back Any Media File with Nero Scout
    A new, unique optimized media database provides instant access to the user’s library of media files of all types from any Nero application and Windows Explorer.

    Simple and Secure Data Backup
    The new and enhanced Nero BackItUp 2 allows users to run scheduled full or incremental backups, back up files directly from Windows Explorer, back up upon login or without logging in, create shadow copies, back up to disc images and perform FTP backup.

    Reliable and User-Friendly DVD and CD Recording
    Nero Burning ROM 7 and Nero Express 7, the most widely used optical burning software in the industry with the most powerful burning engine in history, have been radically redesigned to maximize ease-of-use, efficiency and speed. In addition, Nero 7 has a project launcher with a new user interface that can access all 18 applications, and has been enhanced to seamlessly guide users of any skill level through simple or advanced digital media projects. Users will have the ability to view, edit and improve their favorite digital photos.

    Comprehensive Video/DVD Editing and Authoring and With Blu-Ray and HD-DVD Support
    Nero 7 offers playback software offers vibrant picture quality for all DVD formats and is compatible with Nero Digital (MPEG-4), the world’s fastest MPEG-4 encoder, which enables the user to recode non-copy protected movies (DVD-9 to DVD-5) to a CDR/RW, DVD+/-R or a single DVD+R DL disc in DVD-Video format (DVD-9 to DVD-9). In addition, a standard drag-and-drop packet writing application, that supports BD-RE/R (Blu-ray) is included and full 5.1 capturing, editing, mixing, recording and menu creation options and DVD+VR and DVD-VR advanced recording abilities.

    Audio Advantages
    New features and applications now support 5.1 and 7.1 audio recording, editing and mixing, along with 32-bit audio and a professional program with the ability to mix and edit for the production of audio CDs and CD compilations. Audio enthusiasts will now be able to incorporate beats, sound sequences and melodies into audio projects, with surround sound mixing.

    Whether the user enjoys creating audio playlists of MP3s or entertaining slideshows of photos, editing home videos, burning a backup of DVDs, converting audio & video into MPEG-4 (Nero Digitalâ„¢) files, sharing content on consumer electronics devices or managing media files with a click of the remote control, Nero 7 in the ultimate digital media solution for digital entertainment.

    P/S: Downloads for Nero 7 Premium will be available on 26 October 2005.

  • MSN Messenger is dead, all hail Windows Live Messenger

    Yes, you did not misread the title, MSN Messenger is no more! The next version of MSN Messenger will no longer be called MSN Messenger 8 but will go under the name Windows Live Messenger 8.

    Now the first question that probably will rise to your mind is why?!?!


    To make a very long story short, Microsoft is re-branding its major sections. On one side you will have the MSN section, and the other hand you will have the Live section, consisting out of Office Live, Mail (previously hotmail) and Windows Live Messenger.

    And your next question will probably be what ?!?

    Apart from the name change the butterfly will retire, and the new client is going to be even more integrated with Mail, Search, Media Player and Office. The user interface is also getting a make-over and is going to be much like the new mail look.

    What’s new in Windows Live Messenger?

  • Call your friends’ mobile or land-line telephones with Windows Live phone call, and make affordable domestic and international calls (voip returns!)
  • Easily share documents of all kinds with Sharing Folders
  • A new design !

    • Yes, stunningly that’s it for now but maybe they have a few more tricks up their sleeves. But this is how Microsoft describes the new features:

    Voice calling? How will that work?
    This feature will let users who sign up for Windows Live phone call (provided by a Microsoft partner) to easily call landline and mobile phones. You will be able to set up a Windows Live phone call account through the Messenger interface and start making calls within minutes. You will be able to purchase minutes upfront, then add minutes when your balance runs low. One of the great things about this will be the affordable domestic and international calls you will be able to make.
    You will still be able to make PC-to-PC calls for free, with no need to sign up for Windows Live phone call account, so long as you and your Messenger contact both have compatible speakers and microphones (or headsets).

    What are Sharing Folders?
    Sharing Folders will be a new and simple way for you to share personal photos, documents, and files with your Messenger contacts. You will be able to create a Sharing Folder by simply dragging files onto a contact name in Messenger. This will create an exact copy of the files on both you and your contact’s computers, and create a Sharing Folder that can be accessed from Messenger, and on the desktop.

    I can already share documents using e-mail. So what’s the big deal?
    The Sharing Folder will be easier than e-mail for sharing photos and documents. In a Sharing Folder, any time a file in the folder is added, modified, or deleted, those changes will be synchronized with the person you’re sharing with. The Sharing File icon in Messenger will also show you a gleam on a contact so you will know when a Sharing File has been updated. And it’s a simple drag-and-drop to share files, even simpler than the “send file” and “save as” functions you are already familiar with in Messenger.
    The Sharing Folders will work pretty much like the PC folder experience you already know, so it will make sense right away. Just like in Windows, you will be able to drag-and-drop, get different views of files, copy, paste, etc. You will be able to access a Sharing Folder from your desktop, to manage files whether online or offline. And a Sharing Folder requires virtually zero setup or configuration, and efficiently handles file synchronization without any fuss.

  • Beware of PICS FOR MSN FRIENDS Phishing Websites

    Recently I’ve noticed more and more people sending me offline messages to my Windows Live Messenger that contains only a link and nothing else. The weirdest part was some of the message came from contacts that were really old which I’ve removed from my list long ago. I noticed that most of the link uses .info generic top-level domain name and some of the letters are being replaced with numbers such as number 1 for letter L, number 5 for letter S and etc. The messages are being sent offline and the main page uses indexxx.php file.

    Pics for MSN Friends phishing SCAM

    Clicking on the link will bring me to a page with a webform that looks like the latest Windows Live Messenger asking me to login with my MSN to continue. It is a phishing site which is supposed to represent “100% real and upcoming Messenger Community Site” called PICS FOR MSN FRIENDS (v1.1c).
    Pics for friends phishing

    If you got such message from your friends, do not panic because both you and your friends are not being infected by MSN virus. Only your friend’s account has been compromised. Here’s what you should do when you receive such message.


    First thing is to tell your friends to change their password. By doing that, the bots can no longer access your friend’s MSN account and spam their contact list.

    To change or reset the password for your Windows Live Messenger account, follow these steps:
    1. Go to http://login.live.com web page and then click Forgot Your Password.
    2. Type in your MSN e-mail address, type the characters that appear in the Picture box, and then click Continue.
    3. Click Send yourself a password reset e-mail message.
    4. Click Send Message.
    5. On the confirmation page, click Done.
    6. Sign in to your e-mail account, and then click the link in the e-mail message to reset your password.
    7. On the Confirm your e-mail address page, type your e-mail address, and then click Continue.
    8. Type your new password two times, and then click Continue.
    9. If you want to enter an “alternate” e-mail address, type the address two times, and then click Continue. If you do not want to enter an “alternate” e-mail address, click Skip.
    10. When you receive the “You’ve changed your password” message, click Done.

    Some examples of the links are the below but please DO NOT enter your MSN email and password! I’m sure there are a whole lot more, so be very careful not to simple enter your MSN login details.

  • username.bl1ng.info
  • username.jumphost.info
  • username.n1cestuff.info
  • checkdiz.info
  • username.awes0me.info
  • username.ther1ng.info
  • username.snapsh0t.info
  • username.da-real-deal.info
  • username.ch33se.info
  • c0ol-th1ng.info
  • imgeshack.info
  • m0bil3.info
  • imageloko.info
  • imagedino.info
  • imagealina.info
  • hostapic.info
  • holyimage.info
  • imagrshak.info
  • get-that-stuff.info
  • coooool.info
  • datsyou.com
  • is-thatt-you.com
  • is-dat-u.com
  • thatzyou.com
  • RealCoolThingz.com
  • yoimgz.com
  • partypartypics.info
  • specialofferforu.info
  • insanethingsforyou.com
  • bakblu.com
  • burnoutpeeps.com
  • picsforparty.info
  • nustuff4u.com
  • my-prime-pics4u.com
  • WOW USERNAME I found this great webpage that is giving away a free Best Buy Gift Card go sign up for yours before they are all gone http://username.colzop.com

    • If you know any other sites that is the same, please leave a comment so I can add it in the list. I am not sure if we can do anything to these websites because it does say that “By logging in you accept the Terms and Conditions”. The terms are “By filling out this form, you authorize TST Management, Inc to spread the word about this 100% real and upcomming Messenger Community Site. By using our service/website you hereby fully authorize TST Management, Inc to send messages
    of a commercial nature via Instant Messages and E-Mails on behalf of third parties via the information
    you provide us.” What we can do is to be cautious and do not simply enter our login information to any websites.

    Note: If you suspect that it might be a virus, try scanning your computer with free Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool or MSN Photo Virus Remover.

  • IntelliAdmin USB History Viewer

    In my opinion, USB flash drives are one of the best invention because it is fast, can be used on most computers without installing any drives and small which makes it portable. At the same time this will also allow data to be easily stolen from a computer if the owner of the PC is not on his desk. Windows does not provide an easy way for an average computer user to check if any unauthorized USB drives has been connected to the computer. For a more experienced user who are familiar with Windows registry, it is possible to analyze the USBSTOR registry keys and see if there are any unrecognized devices. I have previously written about using USBDeview to view all installed or connected USB devices on your system and if you find that the information displayed on the program is a little overwhelming, you can give USB History Viewer a try.


    USB History Viewer is a portable freeware developed by IntelliAdmin which allows you to view USB flash drive history in the simplest form. All you need to do is specify the computer name that you want to check, and click the Start button. In a few seconds, all USB drives that has been connected to the computer before will be displayed at the Step 3 window. Expanding the USB device name will show the ID which is the serial number of the device, when was it last used or connected, and if it is currently mounted/connected.

    USB History Viewer

    The default LOCALHOST computer did not work on my Windows 7 32-bit and had to change to my own computer name in order to check for connected USB drives. If you are on a domain network, you can also check other computers by specifying the correct username, password and domain.

    Download USB History Viewer

  • Google Books Downloader Saves eBooks in PDF or Images

    If you didn’t know, you can browse tons of books online at Google Books. According to Wikipedia, the number of scanned books was over 15 million as of 2010. You are able to read some of the ebooks online for free at Google Books if the book is out of copyright or the publisher has given Google permission. To know which books are available to read online, just look for “Full View” instead of “Snippet View” or “No Preview Available”. You may also noticed that some of the ebooks can be downloaded in PDF or EPUB format from the settings drop down menu if it is in the public domain.

    Some of the ebooks especially Magazines cannot be downloaded. You are able to view every pages without restriction but there are no Download EPUB or Download PDF option at the settings drop down menu. If you really need to read it offline or show it someone without an internet connection, probably your best bet would be taking screenshot of all the pages which is very time consuming and tedious. Alternatively, you can automate the process by using a free software called Google Books Downloader.


    Download Books from Google
    At the first step of installation, make sure you select Custom installation and then uncheck Install Arccosine as it doesn’t have anything to do with Google Books Downloader. If you’ve accidentally installed Arccosine, not to worry because it only changes the default Internet Explorer start page. All you need to do is go to Internet Options and reset the default home page.

    All you need to do is enter the Google Book URL, select the output format either in PDF or image (JPEG or PNG) format, select the resolution that would fit nicely on your screen and set the output folder which by default is your desktop. Then click the Start button and wait for a couple of minutes. If you’ve selected PDF as output image, it will save the book as PDF format at the output folder and as for image format, it will be saved into a new folder.

    Google Books Downloader

    Do note that Google Books Downloader can only download ebooks that you can view. It cannot bypass and download the full ebook that are not available for preview or snippet preview. Google Books Downloader is free and works on Windows and Mac.

    Download Google Books Downloader