To help count down the days until the release of the upcoming PC game, The Political Machine 2008, I created these gadgets for your desktop. One gadget will run on any XP or Vista desktop, and the other is for the Windows Vista Sidebar.
“Last year’s successful launch of the Apple iPhone made clear to cell phone makers that yes, the experience a “commodity” provides for the customer matters. PC makers have begun to take note and leading the way is Dell who began pre-loading the new Dell Dock on consumer PCs yesterday.
The new dock, represents a significant improvement for Windows Vista users over the default experience by seamlessly integrating programs and data into the desktop experience. It’s a first step to be sure but it’s a pretty bold move for one of the world’s leading PC producers to take.
While at a glance, one might try to argue that the dock looks like the MacOS X dock. But that would be akin to people saying that the dock in MacOS X is like the LaunchPad that came with IBM OS/2. What makes the Dell dock special is its ease of customization, low memory foot print, and raw performance. In addition, as pretty as the Dell Dock is, its focus is on usability rather than flash. Short-cuts get separated from folders, the category view is designed for ease of access, and dozens of small touches make it feel as if it were a natural part of Windows.”
Have you ever been writing that important report for your boss and suddenly, Word just “unexpectedly” stopped working? Or maybe the spreadsheet you have been working on for weeks gives you that strange corrupt file error? Regardless of the reasons, I’m sure it’s safe to say all of us have had some type of similar experience regarding losing important data.
Backing up data is always one of the first things people tell you to do, but lets face it, many of us just forget or don’t make a steady routine of it. So what do people like us, or anyone for that matter, do to ensure our data is kept safe and can be easily restored if needed?
First thing you need to do is grab yourself a copy of KeepSafe. KeepSafe is an application from Stardock that provides real-time backup of your data, and provides an easy to use interface for managing and restoring your saved data. You can choose to backup specific document types, or entire folders, and KeepSafe will only backup when the files are changed, saving disk space.
Once installed, KeepSafe will present you with a wizard for a quick and easy setup of commonly used files. You can always select more, and have access to more options in the full configuration window.
The main configuration window is where you can add and configure more file types, and also specify directories for backup. It’s not just for backing up document and spreadsheet files, you can select it to save nearly anything including media files.
One new feature in KeepSafe 2.0 is the ability to set a secondary backup location to an external hard drive or USB drive. save to local storage temporarily and copy to secondary drive when connected. There are also many different configuration options that lets you choose how often, or specify a backup size, allowing you to save even more space if needed.
If you are one who likes to keep tabs on what is being saved, and how much space it’s taking, then don’t worry as KeepSafe also has an easy to read Statistics section. This section gives a variety of options to view all your KeepSafe statistics.
In the event that you do lose some of your data, getting it back is what really counts. Another new feature in KeepSafe 2.0 is newly designed user interface of the recovery wizard. This makes recovering any of your lost data a snap. You can search through saved filed by time, file type, name, and more. Once you find your file you then have the option to open or save it.
KeepSafe works with both Windows Vista and XP. A free trial is available and you can find more information at the Keepsafe website.
KeepSafe is the ultimate real-time data protection technology that is as simple as set-and-forget it. It’s designed to work in the background and be as seamless as possible. Anyone who has ever lost that all important document due to a drive crash, corrupt save, overwritten, etc., then users will appreciate what KeepSafe can do. This new version of KeepSafe features several new features:
Improved User Interface to make more user friendly and intuitive.
Secondary backup location can be an external hard drive or USB drive.
Configure KeepSafe to save to local storage temporarily, and copy to secondary drive when connected. Very useful for when working mobile.
New statistics view to show file counts and disk space usage.
Updated might not be the right word, as this was almost a complete re-write. This guide, which I wrote a while ago shows you the best and easiest way to change Windows XP to look like Vista. The applications and skins that I show do not contain any spy-ware or anything like that. Some of the applications are a free download, and others might require a small purchase.
Stardock is pleased to announce the “official” public release of MyColors. MyColors makes applying premium suites a snap. A MyColors theme includes everything a user needs to completely and safely transform the Windows experience - a new Windows GUI, a new set of icons, gadgets, wallpaper, etc.
Now available on CNET, MyColors includes the “Diamond theme” which gives Windows XP and Windows Vista users a glimpse at Aero Diamond (one of the concepts Microsoft considered for Windows Vista before going with Aero glass).
The included Diamond theme is free, and MyColors itself is free as well. Additional suites can be purchased such as themes licensed by the NBA, NCAA, Ford, and others. Even if you don’t purchase additional themes, you still get a phenomenal suite for both Windows Vista and XP.
People often ask how we create articles and guides on some of the various sites like WinCustomize.com, JoeUser.com, etc., so they can also help out by writing something they specialize in. Several of us here use a variety of tools, some more complex than others, but most people who would like to write some articles don’t need some of the more high-end tools.
One of the more complex and expensive applications is Expression Web from Microsoft. While it’s pretty good at what it does, the casual user will not likely use many of it’s features. Live Writer, which we have spoken about before, is one of the tools I highly recommend for writing blog posts and things of that sort.
I was recently referred to another piece of software called KompoZer. It’s built off the former NVU web authoring application that is no longer developed. KompoZer is a simple WYSIWYG html editor with an easy to use interface. You can create and layout some really nice articles or posts using images, links, tables, etc.
Two other good points is that it’s free, and it’s cross platform so if you run a PC or Mac you are all set.
MyColors from Stardock is something you probably have been reading a lot about recently. The new MyColors Theme Manager has a slick new interface, and should now work seamlessly with other customization components such as Object Desktop. A question I am often asked is…”what is the difference between MyColors and something like WindowBlinds?”
Well are are some fundamental differences, but remember that MyColors uses the technology from products like WindowBlinds and IconPackager. The real big difference is MyColors is basically an all-in-one solution for customizing your desktop. Whereas with applications like WindowBlinds and IconPackager, you use each application independently and pick and choose the themes and skins you want to use. This is not a bad thing at all, but MyColors offers an ease of use, especially for people who do not want to have to install multiple pieces of software to personalize their desktop, or are not that familiar with desktop customization.
MyColors includes all the skinning technology, so all you have to worry about is which themes you want to use. MyColors themes typically include a new visual style, icon package, wallpapers, and several gadgets like media players and weather displays.
Object Desktop 2008 was just released, so I created a screencast which walks you through what is included with both Object Desktop 2008, and Object Desktop 2008 Ultimate. Each application gets a brief overview, along with a look at Impulse. This is great for anyone who might not be too familiar with the popular applications that are included.
Today, Stardock has officially launched Object Desktop 2008 and Object Desktop 2008 Ultimate. Object Desktop is a suite of utilities that enables users to completely personalize the Windows experience - change how Windows looks, feels, and functions to suit the user’s preference. The 2008 version of the suite is split into two tiers: Object Desktop 2008, and Object Desktop 2008 Ultimate. The standard version is set at $49.95, with the Ultimate edition tagged at $69.95. Customers with current Object Desktop subscriptions will be upgraded to the Ultimate edition of the software for free.
Object Desktop 2008 will included the following core components:
WindowBlinds
IconPackager
DeskScapes
SoundPackager
DesktopX
New exclusive skins, wallpapers, gadgets, etc.
Object Desktop 2008 Ultimate will include everything above, plus the following components:
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