Digital pictures image resizer

I have previously mentioned this program in Little Bits but I am re-posting it here so it will be in the searchable archives.

Need to resize a picture(s) to be able to post them to a web site? This fast, very easy to use program from Microsoft is the way to go. (For Windows XP only). Go to the web site below, scroll down the page and click on the Image Resizer download on the right. Download and install it. Then using Windows File Explorer (or similar program) select the photo or photos you want to resize; right click on the photo(s) selected and select Resize from the menu. Bingo - re-sized photos saved in a new file(s). Very slick
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

RSS feeds with FireFox

From reader DT:

I have subscribed to your Little Bits blog using Sage as an extension within Firefox. See https://addons.mozilla.org/extensions/moreinfo.php?id=77&application=firefox

Windows 2000 becoming obsolete

Windows 2000 users should think about upgrading to Windows XP or prepare to pay for support as free support ends June 30 2005.

You are WAY behind the curve if you are still using Windows 98.

Microsoft offers a new update service

Microsoft has a new way of updating your computer. This service checks for both operating system and MS Office updates. Automatic downloading and installation is an option. You have to opt-in by visiting:
http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us

Microsoft has also recently enhanced it's Office Updates site by letting you choose to download Office updates that do not require the Office CD. That is something that has been needed for a long time.
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdate/default.aspx

Create free safety/HAZMAT/lock-out signs

Neat site that let's you create your own safety signs in PDF format.
http://www.stclaire.com/go/industrial_signage/sb2/html

I ran across this reading the Cool Tools blog that I subscribe to.
http://www.kk.org/cooltools/index.php

Animal care products site

This site seems to offer a very complete line of animal care products. I have not ordered from them.
]http://www.revivalanimal.com/Default.asp?bhcd2=1119489124

Inside Outlook Express

Help, tips, FAQs and technical information to help you use, understand, and repair Microsoft Outlook Express© for Windows
http://insideoe.tomsterdam.com/

Internet Security FAQ

This site has the answers to a lot of basic Internet security questions/problems.
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/security

X-RayPC Spyware tool

XBlock Systems is pleased to announce a new freeware product to help technical users regain control of their machines and to assist spyware researchers doing log analysis. This tool is not meant to replace your standard anti-spyware scanner, but serve as diagnostic tool to help identify questionable processes on a machine.
http://www.x-raypc.com/

Backup program

SyncBack2E: This backup program's claim to fame is that it will backup locked/in use files. Has gotten good reviews but I have not tried it. I still like/recommend SecondCopy for backup.
http://www.2brightsparks.com/
http://www.secondcopy.com/

Personal organizer/dairy

This might be of interest to someone.
http://www.csoftlab.com/products.html

Microsoft RAW image viewer

"The Microsoft RAW Image Thumbnailer and Viewer is a free “PowerToy” for Microsoft Windows XP that provides the ability to view, organize, and print photos captured in RAW image formats from supported digital cameras."
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=d48e808e-b10d-4ce4-a141-5866fd4a3286&DisplayLang=en

Neat tool - USB flash disk to car radio adapter

Copy your MP3 music onto a USB flash drive, plug this FM transmitter into your cars 12v socket, tune your car radio to the correct channel and presto! - all of your favorite songs on the radio. Also connects to iPod's. I just ordered one. A lot easier than convert MP3's to WAV files on a CD if you have an older radio.
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/nextpowerusa/viresolavr3v.html

Parental computer conrtrol with ControlKey

ControlKey combines a hardware-based "Ignition Key" USB token with sophisticated software technology to give you a straightforward way of managing your children's Internet use.
http://www.controlkey.com/

What kind of dog are you.

This is a cute Internet site. Follow the instructions and find out what kind of dog you would be.
http://www.gone2thedogs.com/


Saluki
The saluki has been developed over thousands of years as a hunter-killer. He is the coursing greyhound of the East and was once known as the Persian Greyhound. He is inclined to great independence of mind and usually makes his own decisions, so care must be taken when he is allowed to run free. Salukis are notorious for refusing to come back when called unless they are ready to do so

Microsoft's USB flashdrive backup/restore program

Microsoft wakes up and releases this minor backup/restore program for XP USB flash drives.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=94991901-BFC4-485E-BCAE-C9DF0ACCDAAE&displaylang=en

Sharing Outlook's calendar and contacts

Early versions of Microsoft's Outlook allowed you to share the Calendar and Contacts in a small office setting.
Newer versions require that you have Microsoft's expensive Exchange Server program. There are several third party programs that provide sharing without Exchange Server. This one looks pretty good - $25 per computer.
http://www.officecalendar.com/index.asp

This is another program that enables sharing:
http://outlook.4team.biz/

THE site for any kind of Outlook information is:
http://www.slipstick.com/

Flexible Renamer - A program for mass re-naming of files

Nifty looking program. Haven't tried it yet.
http://hp.vector.co.jp/authors/VA014830/english/FlexRena/

Image scanning

I have been thinking about purchasing a film scanner for converting our old color photo negatives. Lot's of very confusing (and out of date) info on the Internet. The following site is probably one of the best places to start. Great information for doing any type of digital scanning.
http://www.scantips.com/

And this is another good site.
http://www.sphoto.com/techinfo/wdtech.html#Scanner

Free photo editing programs

I have mentioned these free photo editing programs before but I am re-posting them here so they will be in the searchable archives:

Picasa from Google:
http://www.picasa.com/index.php?tid=Y2NpZD0zNzQ4

GIMP shareware developed:
http://www.gimp.org/

Paint.NET is another well thought of program developed by Washington State University students:
http://moab.eecs.wsu.edu/paint.net/

And a host of others. Search Google for ‘free photo editing programs’ or other file download sites like SnapFiles:
http://www.snapfiles.com/Freeware/gmm/fwgraphicedit.html

SpyBot v1.4 released

SpyBot ver. 1.4 has been released. Reported to have many updates and improvements including increased scanning speed.
http://safer-networking.org/en/index.html