Mp3 Audio Editor 6.9.6

Mp3 Audio Editor is a multi-award winning mp3 editing software tool. The Mp3 Audio Editor software includes a powerful MP3 editor feature that can edit MP3 as well as WMA, WAV, and OGG files with ease! This software lets you make and edit voice and other audio recordings. You can cut, copy and paste parts of recording and, if required, add effects like echo, amplification and noise reduction.

With Mp3 Audio Editor you can:
* Play, record, edit, mix, and analyze mp3 / audio files
* Make perfect digital copies of audio CD tracks using the CD Reader tool and save them in wav, wma, mp3, or ogg files
* Record audio from cassettes, vinyl records, radio, etc. through your computer’s line-in
* Record dictation through a microphone or from DVD Player, WinAMP, RealPlayer, Windows Media Player and more
* Mp3 / audio editing functions include cut, copy, paste, delete, insert, silence, trim, mix and more.
* Apply various effects (Amplify, Compressor, Delay, Equalize, Fade In and Fade Out, Flanger, Invert, Normalize, Phaser, Reverb, Reverse, Silence, Shrink, Stretch, Vibrato, etc.);
* Batch processing supports up to 32000 files allowing you to apply effects and/or convert your files as a single function.
* Real-time effect preview is supported
* Powerful noise reduction tool
* Easy to use bookmark and region manager
* Easy to use interface will get you started editing in just minutes.
* Supports a number of file formats including wav (multiple codecs), mp3, wma, ogg and many more.

Download:Mp3 Audio Editor 6.9.6 | 12.8 MB

Stardock DeskScapes 2.00

Stardock DeskScapes is a program that allows users to have animated wallpaper on their Windows Vista desktop. It supports playing video as animated wallpaper, dynamically generated content as animated wallpaper, and more.

DeskScapes supports the new .Dream format. The .Dream format has been specifically designed to contain content intended to be used as animated wallpaper (making it much easier to find on the net than looking for video files). The .Dream format supports triggers, dynamic content, MPEG video, WMV video, and author information.

Features:
• Extends Windows DreamScene to support dynamic animated wallpaper
• Adds support for the new .Dream format - know a file has been designed to be an animated wallpaper!
• Supports event-based triggers for changing animated wallpapers

Download:Stardock DeskScapes 2.00 | 39.4 MB

Simplyzip 1.1 Beta 71

Simplyzip is a FREEWARE multi archiver. It does not write any entries to the registry or anywhere else. Version 1.1 has been rewritten from scratch.

• Main Features:
• Open: ZIP, CZIP, ACE, CAB, RAR, TAR, GZIP, LZH, BZ2, SQX, RS, UUE, XXE, BASE64, UCL, ARJ, ZLIB, ALIB, RPM, DEB, 7-ZIP
• Create: 7z, ZIP, CZIP, Cab, LHA, TAR, TAR GZ TAR BZ2, ACE (optionale DLL), Deepfreezer, SQX, UCL, RS, ZIP-SFX/LHA-SFX, RAR-SFX, UUE/XXE, ZLIB and Base64.
• Multi-ZIP
• Backup to disk (e.g. CD)
• ZIP-Rpair
• Crypt files with:Rijndael AES/Twofish (both 256bit keysize) and Blowfish (448bit keysize) incl SFX creator and an ArcConverter
• Optional: See ArcConvert below
• Create RAR/ACE (new version) and LHA SFX (with optional files from my site)
• Localisation: English, German, Italian, Spanish, french, portugues-br, Swedish, Thai and Russian
• ZIPSFX now in English, German, French and Spanish (in the setup)
• Standalone: After installation you can copy all files from Simplyzip folder (excepted the uninst.exe) and use it whereever you want

Download: Simplyzip 1.1 Beta 71 (2.22 MB)

Nero Lite 8.3.6.0

Here’s a new created installer for Nero 8 based on Inno. Nero 8 Lite is a full functional Burning Software Suite including:

* Nero Burning Rom
* Nero Express
* Nero CoverDesigner
* Nero WaveEditor
* Nero Toolkit

Download: Nero 8 Micro 8.3.6.0 (20.85 MB)
Download: Nero 8 Lite 8.3.6.0 (33.45 MB)

Freebie Notes 3.20

Freebie Notes is a great little program for users who just want sticky notes with an alarm timer. With Freebie Notes you can create notes displaying on your desktop. Your notes can be displayed immediately after creation or in the certain moments of time. You can create notes of custom sizes and colors and set different types for your notes.

Features:

• create electronic notes (stickers)
• edit stickers in the advanced mode
• specify the date and time of reminder
• customize the default parameters of electronic notes (their size, text, background and title color, position on the desktop, transparency)
• Extra small stickers creation
• “Don’t Show” alarm settings
• Interface languages: English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Maltese, Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, Chinese, Greek, Portuguese, Korean, Romanian, Danish, Serbian, Finnish, Czech

What’s New in version 3.20:

• Optimization: Windows Vista compatibility improved
• Fixed bugs: Some minor bugs

Download:Freebie Notes 3.20 | 1.58 MB

WhereIsIt? 3.93 Build 715

WhereIsIt is easy to use for both beginners and advanced users. It features a familiar and well thought-out, Explorer-like user interface, combined with strong searching and reporting capabilities, multi-language support, automated description and thumbnails importing through extendable plugins from more than 70 different sources, and much more.

Download: WhereIsIt? 3.93 Build 715 (4.85 MB)

Hard Drive Inspector 2.98 Build 475

Hard Drive Inspector is a powerful, convenient and effective program based on the S.M.A.R.T. technology, which allows controlling the state of your hard disk drives. Most computer users argue that information stored on their computer is the most valuable element of the computer system. With the help of the S.M.A.R.T. System, this program allows you to predict a possible failure of the HDD before this occurs. As the access to electronic information becomes more and more vital in business and at home, it allows exceeding the traditional limits of HDDs reliability, thus extending the level of valuable user data protection.

Download: Hard Drive Inspector 2.98 Build 475 (2.44 MB)

Virtual CloneDrive 5.4.0.4 Beta

Virtual CloneDrive works and behaves just like a physical CD/DVD drive, however it exists only virtually. Image files generated with CloneDVD or CloneCD can be mounted onto a virtual drive from your hard-disk or from a network drive and used in the same manner as inserting them into a normal CD/DVD drive.

Probably the best virtual drive software, Virtual CloneDrive allows you to enjoy the freedom of a virtual drive and is completely free.

Features:
- Supports all common image formats such as *.ccd; *.dvd; *.img; *.iso; *.udf…
- Supports upto 8 virtual drives at the same time
- Easy to use - just double-click an image file to mount as a drive
- Virtual CloneDrive Setup for Windows 98, ME, NT 4, 2000, XP and Vista (32-bit).
- Virtual CloneDrive is freeware, you may use it at no cost.

Download: Virtual CloneDrive 5.4.0.4 Beta (1.37 MB)

AnyDVD & AnyDVD HD 6.4.5.4 Beta

AnyDVD is a driver, which unprotects DVD-Movies automatically in the background. This DVD appears unprotected and region code free for all applications and the Windows operating system as well. With AnyDVD’s help copy tools like CloneDVD, Pinnacle Instant Copy, InterVideo DVD-Copy, etc. are able to copy CSS protected Movies. With the help of AnyDVD you can watch movies with non matching region codes with every DVD Player Software you like! AnyDVD decrypts not just DVDs: AnyDVD allows you also to play, copy and rip protected Audio CDs! But AnyDVD does much more, of course. For example, it is possible to control the rotational speed of your DVD drive, so you can watch DVDs on your PC with far less noise!

Features

• Works automatically in the background
• Removes encryption (CSS) and region code (RPC) from DVDs
• Removes analogue copy protection (Macrovision)
• Removes features such as forced subtitles and warnings
• Decrypts without the need to save the data onto your hard-disk
• Decrypts ‘on the fly’
• Prevents automatic launching of ‘PC-friendly’ software on video DVDs
• Allows adjustment of your monitor refresh rate for both NTSC and PAL monitors
• Allows execution of external programs on disc insertion and removal
• Allows speed control of your DVD drives
• Compatible with all DVD media
• Works with all DVD-drives, regardless of region code
• Works with all DVD copying, such as CloneDVD, and all DVD player software
• Works transparently for the operating system: DVDs can be shared over the network and copied with the command prompt or with Windows Explorer, etc.
• Proven to be stable and fast and does not require an ASPI driver
• Provides its own Universal Disk Format (UDF) reader. Discs which cannot be read by Windows can be copied using the AnyDVD ripper.
• Features AnyCDDA: play, copy and rip protected audio CDs

Download: AnyDVD & AnyDVD HD 6.4.5.4 Beta (2.47 MB)

Kerio MailServer 6.5.2 Build 6426

Kerio MailServer represents a new generation of mail servers designed for corporate networks. To help combat increasing security threats, it offers a wide range of features to keep email from being intercepted, infected by computer viruses, or sent as spam. It offers modern email services, such as email access via IMAP protocol, secure web interface, or a cellular phone with WAP support. It also allows for creating public folders or setting up automatic replies.

Download: Kerio MailServer 6.5.2 Build 6426 (65.40 MB)

Advanced WindowsCare Personal 3.0 Beta 2.7

Advanced WindowsCare v3 Personal is a comprehensive PC care utility that takes an one-click approach to help protect, repair and optimize your computer. Always Free. New Features, New Interface, New Functions, Improved Scanning, Cleaning, Repairing, and Optimizing, Triple Backup Mechanism and Faster Loading.

Features of this fantastic, award-winning, 100% free program include:

• Ending slow downs, freezes, crashes, and security threats.
• Scanning and finding what other utilities miss on your PC.
• Keeping your PC error-free and running more smoothly than ever.
• Designed for Windows Vista, XP, and 2000.
• Over 10,000,000 downloads since 2006.
• Availability is free of charge for private use.
• Plus, Advanced WindowsCare Personal is 100% safe and clean with no adware, spyware, or viruses.

Download: Advanced WindowsCare Personal 3.0 Beta 2.7 (4.54 MB)

EmEditor Professional 7.02 Final

EmEditor is a text editor for Windows that fully supports Unicode, enabling you to edit multiple languages. EmEditor also utilizes an assortment of plug-ins in order to extend the functions of EmEditor for specific needs while maintaining a small and fast core program. In addition to its stability and advanced capabilities, EmEditor features useful functions such as user configurable syntax highlighting, clickable URLs, OLE drag and drop, search and replace, and keyboard, toolbar, and menu customization.

BWMeter 4.1.1

Key features of “BWMeter”:
· Graphical and numerical display of bandwidth
· User definable filters for measuring bandwidth
· User definable graphs to visualize bandwidth
· Can monitor all network interfaces / adapters
· Can monitor and display all traffic on the network
· Traffic control, access control and speed limits
· Creates daily, weekly, monthly and yearly statistics
· Shows statistics of other computers running BWMeter
· Alerts and notifications
· Shows hostile internet traffic (hackers, viruses, etc.)
· Statistics can be exported / imported
· Easy installation and configuration with default options
· Supports LAN, WAN, VPN, ADSL, xDSL, Modem, Dial-Up, etc.
· Can run as a Service (Windows NT, 2000, XP and 2003 only)
· Absolute flexibility
· Many options for full customization

Download: BWMeter 4.1.1 (605 KB)

Any Video Converter Free 2.6.2

Any Video Converter is an All-in-One video converting tool with easy-to-use graphical interface, fast converting speed and excellent video quality. Any Video Converter provides just that, allowing you to effortlessly convert video files between every format, for FREE!

Any Video Converter is a professional video converter which can convert video files from various formats with fast converting speed and excellent video quality . It can convert almost all video formats including DivX, XviD, MOV, rm, rmvb, MPEG, VOB, DVD, WMV, AVI to MPEG-I, MPEG-I, DVD NTSC , DVD PAL, Flash for Video (FLV) , AVI Video and Customized WMV movie formats. It also supports any user defined video file formats as the output. It has an unmatchable speed and high quality.

Any Video Converter makes batch file conversion simple. Create a batch list of any different formats and convert them all to a single selected format. The converted files will be saved to a pre-selected directory folder and the original files will remain untouched.

Download: Any Video Converter Free 2.6.2 (13.8 MB)

DVDFab 5.0.6.0

DVDFab is simply the easiest way to copy a DVD movie. Just insert the movie and a blank DVD then press Start. Your entire movie - including menus, trailers and special features - is copied to a single DVD with just one click, and everything happens automatically.

Features Highlight:
A. DVD to DVD

1. 8 DVD to DVD copy modes available: Full Disc, Main Movie, Split, Customize, Customize Split, Clone, Merge and Write Data.
2. Full Disc: All movies, menus and trailers, is copied to a DVD with just one click.
3. Main Movie: Just copy the movie, with specific audio/subpicture.
4. Split: Copy a DVD-9 onto two DVD-5 discs with 100% quality, and preserve original menus on both discs. Ideal for episodic/season DVD movies, TV series, etc.
5. Customize: Personalize your DVDs! Want to make a DVD with only your favorite titles? How about cutting out those annoying commercials? Or selecting specific audio/subpicture? No problem! You can select just your favorite titles, specify the title playback order, with or without original menus, to create a DVD with only the stuff you want!
6. Customize Split: Copy a DVD-9 onto two DVD-5 discs using “Customize” way. Ideal for episode/season DVD.
7. Clone: Make perfect 1:1 bit-to-bit copy of DVDs:
   • Make perfect dual layer DVD copy by using the original layer break position.
   • Copy data DVD disc, like PS2 DVD.
8. Merge: Combine several titles of several sources into one DVD:
   • Combine two DVD-9 like "The Lord of the Rings" into one DVD-9.
   • Merge season DVDs to fewer discs.
   • Create your own special features collection disc.
9. Write Data: Burn existing DVD folder or ISO image file to DVD writer, or convert DVD folder to ISO image file.
10. Burn to any blank DVD Disc (DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL).
11. Constantly updated to support latest DVD burners and blank DVD discs.

B. Benefits

1. Remove all DVD copy protections, like CSS, CPPM, RC, RCE, APS, UOPs, ARccOS, RipGuard, FluxDVD, CORE X2, etc.
2. Constantly updated to support latest DVD copy protections.
3. Very fast copying speed, normally it’s about 10 - 20 minutes.
4. Backup scratched/dirty disc:
   • Even if some information (IFO) cannot be read, you can still copy Main Movie or Customize.
   • Recovery from DVD reading (VOB) error.
5. Support both NTSC and PAL DVD.

Download: DVDFab 5.0.6.0 (7.13 MB)

KMPlayer 2.9.3.1432 Beta

KMPlayer is a video player plugin for Konqueror using MPlayer, Xine or GStreamer.Like MPlayer, the Xine and GStreamer backend are out-of-process players. So it will not crash konqueror when Xine or GStreamer crashes.

Also a simple tool for video playing and recording. Supports many playlist formats, including podcast RSS/Atom, plays all links directly from the internet. Other specialties are DVD, VCD and VDR support.

Here are some key features of “KMPlayer“:
· play movies from file/url using MPlayer, Xine (with *kxineplayer) or GStreamer (with *kgstplayer), making the plugin support as many as possible and, because all three are embedded external programs, keeping konqueror from crashing,
· keep movie sizes ratio
· volume slider using backend players’ volume control and a volume slider using kmix or sound mixer applet (kicker) in the pop-down menu,
· position slider
· Javascript support for controlling the plugin from web page’s javascript, and of course preventing script errors on pages calling these functions,
· ‘Click to Play’ support for QuickTime’s HREF attribute,
· lots of attributes supported, AUTOSTART, FULLSCREENMODE, CONSOLE, CONTROLS etc. Also, the CONSOLE/CONTROLS for RealPlayer plugin, allows KMPlayer to ’split-up’ over multible objects,
· bookmark menu in the popup menu, so you can easily bookmark a stream for later w/o having to visit the web site all the time,
· support for typical used playlist formats as ASX, RAM, m3u, pls and partially SMIL and a dockable viewer for it. This allows you to easy navigate or bookmark certain streams.
· recording using mencoder, mplayer -dumpstream or ffmpeg
· resize/fullscreen support
· proxy settings from konqueror are used to set http_proxy environment variable for backend processes,
· configurable pattern matching for MPlayer and easy Xine configuration editor

The stand-alone player (libkdeinit_kmplayer.so) shares its core (libkmplayercommon.so) with the plugin’s (libkmplayerpart.so) one, keeping both plugin and stand-alone player as lean (and secure) as possible.

Actually, I wouldn’t be suprised if the majority of KMPlayer users only use the plugin and use one of the other great movie players for KDE for other means.

Download: KMPlayer 2.9.3.1432 Beta (20.4 MB)

µTorrent 1.8 Build 11439 RC2

µTorrent is an efficient and feature rich BitTorrent client for Windows sporting a very small footprint. µTorrent was designed to use as little cpu, space and memory as possible while offering all the functionalites expected from advanced clients. With BitTorrent, you can download files faster and contribute by sharing files and bandwidth.

Features of “µTorrent”:
· Multiple simultaneous downloads
· Smart bandwidth usage
· File level priorities
· Configurable bandwidth scheduling
· Global and per-torrent speed limiting
· Quickly resumes interrupted transfers
· UPnP support (WinXP only)
· Supports popular protocol extensions
· Trackerless support (Mainline DHT)
· Localized to different languages
· Typical memory use less than 6 MB
· Incredibly small: about 250 KB

Download: µTorrent 1.8 Build 11439 RC2 (261 KB)

Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.16

Firefox is a free, open-source web browser for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X and is based on the Mozilla codebase. It is small, fast and easy to use, and offers many advantages over Internet Explorer, such as the ability to block pop-up windows.

Features in Firefox include:
- Easy migration: Switching to Firefox has never been easier now that Firefox imports data like Favorites, history, settings, cookies and passwords from Internet Explorer. Firefox can also import settings from Mozilla 1.x, Netscape and Opera.
- Smaller Download: Continuing efforts to make this the most efficient browser, the Windows version of Firefox is now only a 4.7 MB download, making downloading Firefox a breeze for dial-up and broadband users alike.
- New Default Theme: A new default theme provides a bright new look for Windows and Linux users.
- SmartUpdate: A new SmartUpdate feature notifies users of new versions of Firefox to ensure that the browser is always up to date.
- Help: A new online help system makes this one powerful, friendly browser.
- Extension/Theme Manager: New Extension and Theme Managers provide a convenient and secure way to manage and update the hundreds of add-ons that set Firefox apart from other browsers.
Mozilla Firefox also includes numerous bug fixes and incremental improvements, including faster page load speed.
- Popup Blocking: Stop annoying popup ads in their tracks with Firefox’s built in popup blocker.
- Tabbed Browsing: View more than one web page in a single window with this time saving feature. Open links in the background so that they’re ready for viewing when you’re ready to read them.
- Smarter Search: Google Search is built right into the toolbar, and there are a plethora of other search tools including Keywords (type “dict ” in the Location Bar), and FastFind (start typing the first few letters of some text in the page and Firefox takes you there).
- Privacy and Security: Built with your Security in mind, Firefox keeps your computer safe from malicious spyware by not loading harmful ActiveX controls. A comprehensive set of privacy tools keep your online activity your business.
- Hassle-Free Downloading: Files you download are automatically saved to your Desktop so they’re easy to find. Fewer prompts mean files download quicker.
- Fits Like a Glove: Simple and intuitive, yet fully featured, Firefox has all the functions you’re used to - Bookmarks, History, Full Screen, Text Zooming to make pages with small text easier to read, etc.
- S M L XL XXL XXXL: Firefox is the most customizable browser on the planet. Customize your toolbars to add additional buttons, install new Extensions that add new features, add new Themes to browse with style, and use the adaptive search system to allow you to search an infinite number of engines. Firefox is as big or small as you want.
- Setup’s a Snap: At only 4.7MB (Windows), Firefox only takes minutes to download over a fast connection. The installer gets you set up quickly, and the new Easy Transition system imports all of your settings - Favorites, passwords and other data from Internet Explorer and other browsers - so you can start surfing right away.
- A Developer’s Best Friend: Firefox comes with a standard set of developer tools including a powerful JavaScript and CSS error/warning console, and an optional Document Inspector that gives unheard of insight into how your pages work.
- Read Mail—Not Spam

Download: Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.16 for Windows (5.76 MB)
Download: Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.16 for Linux (9.25 MB)
Download: Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.16 for MacOS (17.1 MB)

WordPress 2.6 Final

WordPress is a free and useful state-of-the-art semantic personal publishing platform with a focus on aesthetics, web standards and usability. What a mouthful. WordPress is both free and priceless at the same time. More simply, WordPress is what you use when you want to work with your blogging software, not fight it.

Here are some highlights:

• Performance improvements for the Dashboard, Write Post, and Edit Comments pages.
• Better performance for those who have many categories
• Media Uploader fixes
• An upgrade to TinyMCE 3.0.7
• Widget Administration fixes
• Various usability improvements
• Layout fixes for IE

Download: WordPress 2.6 Final (1.44 MB)

Notepad++ 5.0.1

Notepad++ is a free source code editor which supports several programming languages running under the MS Windows environment. This project, based on Scintilla edit component (a very powerful editor component) are written in C++ with pure win32 api and STL (that ensures the higher execution speed and smaller size of the program), is under the GPL Licence.

• Syntax Highlighting and Syntax Folding
• WYSIWYG
• User Defined Syntax Highlighting
• Auto-completion
• Multi-Document
• Multi-View
• Regular Expression Search/Replace supported
• Full Drag ‘N’ Drop supported
• Dynamic position of Views
• File Status Auto-detection
• Zoom in and zoom out
• Multi-Language environment supported
• Bookmark
• Brace and Indent guideline Highlighting
• Macro recording and playback

Download: Notepad++ 5.0.1 (1.98 MB)

RemotelyAnywhere 8.0.747

RemotelyAnywhere is a small HTTP daemon that must be installed on a Windows NT computer. You can then access that computer over the network via TCP/IP from any other machine capable of running a browser. You’ll be able to manage services, processes, users, files. It empowers you with remote control, remote booting, etc. And best of all, you don’t need any sort of special client software, apart from a javascript-enabled browser.

Download: RemotelyAnywhere 8.0.747 (17.8 MB)

SPAMfighter Standard 6.3.21

SPAMfighter Standard - if you are looking for a Outlook/Express tool to remove spam from your inbox, look no further. SPAMfighter is the tool you are looking for. Simple, reliable and efficient. A lot of anti-spam products rely on filters and other rule based technologies, but spammers work every day to stay out of these filters. What works one day doesn’t work the next. SPAMfighter Standard is an Outlook utility software that filters spam and phisning attempts.

Key features of “SPAMfighter Standard”:
· SPAMfighter Standard is 100% free for private use
· Award winning spam blocking technology
· Protects against “phishing”, identity theft, and other email fraud
· Used by more than one million happy users around the World
· Protects all the email accounts on your PC
· Unique language filtering tool that empowers you to stop emails written in specific languages
· Unique picture filter that can recognize spam which is sent as a picture
· Automatic “real mail” protection - means no lost business mails!
· Blacklist domains and emails
· Spam Abuse Reporting with one click
· Automatic Whitelist management
· Privacy Guaranteed - we don’t see any of your email
· Does not filter based on simple phrases or “trigger” words. Allows any content
· Language support: English, German, Spanish, Chinese, French, Italian, Greek, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Suomi, Russian, Bulgarian, Portuguese, Japanse and Danish

Download: SPAMfighter Standard 6.3.21 (12.5MB)

Outpost Security Suite Pro 2009 Build 6.5.2358.316.0607

Agnitum Outpost Security Suite - a robust combination of award-winning firewall, fast and effective anti-malware, personalized antispam and proactive Host Protection module to defend against the majority of Internet risks. Includes automated configuration service and other user aids.

Outpost Security Suite Pro provides the first line of defense against rogue software by proactively controlling how programs behave and interact on a PC. The Host Protection safeguard, which proactively monitors for and blocks the kinds of sophisticated hacking techniques used to compromise or steal data, means that malicious activity is no longer possible. By analyzing threats and displaying actionable alerts, Host Protection stops zero-day attacks and shields the computer against inappropriate operations, rendering it “defended in advance” against security risks like botnets and inadvertent data disclosure.

What you get:
* Advanced firewall for secure connections
* Combined antivirus and antispyware for all-in-one malware defense
* Host protection to block zero-day threats
* Web control to protect your PC from web-borne threats
* Antispam to automatically keep your inbox junk-free

Benefits:
• Safety on the Internet. The two-way firewall stops inappropriate or malicious access to your computer from both internal (LAN) and external (Internet) sources. As a frontline defense, it prevents malware from spreading or “phoning home”, providing protection against hackers, loss of personal data, unknown malware, and unauthorized program activity.
• Preemptive threat protection. Outpost’s Host Protection module monitors how programs interact to protect your system against high-level security breaches and has passed all well-known leaktests to prevent unauthorized transmission of information from your PC.
• 360-degree protection against malware. The lightweight, highly-effective scanning engine combines award-winning anti-virus and anti-spyware to detect, disinfect or remove malicious programs automatically. The on-access monitor is constantly on guard against malware attempting to enter or activate on your PC, and flexible architecture ensures high-speed, low-resource scanning.
• Personalized antispam. The antispam module will keep your inbox free of junk. You can train it to recognize and use your personal definition of spam, so it becomes more efficient and an even greater time saver the longer you use it.
• Secure web surfing. The versatile Web Control module safeguards you against the Internet’s darker side. It steers you away from websites infected with drive-by downloads, prevents the inadvertent disclosure of personal information, limits your exposure to potentially unsafe web properties, and keeps your identity private.
• Bulletproof self-defense. Outpost cannot be deactivated by targeted attacks, ensuring continuity of protection.
• Power without complexity. Whether you’re a security novice or expert, you can easily configure Outpost Security Suite 2008 to meet your needs. Thanks to automated and context-sensitive help, the software can learn how to handle firewall alerts and more efficiently adjust to them, so you can focus on what you want to do, and leave the security to Outpost!

Download: Outpost Security Suite Pro 2009 (6.5.2358.316.0607) (41.2 MB)

Tag Clinic 4.3.7.1

MP3 Tag Clinic displays all tag data from all files, all at the same time in a convenient, editable table. Tag fields can be edited individually, or any combination of tag fields or whole tags can be easily selected to apply the same editing function to all of them at once. Tag Clinic quickly and easily renames MP3 files based upon the tag data they contain, or creates the tag data itself by instantly extracting it from file names that already exist.

Download: Tag Clinic 4.3.7.1 (5.76 MB)

Avant Browser 11.7 Alpha 3

Flash Animation Filter
Built-in AD/Pop-up Blocker
Built-in RSS/ATOM Reader.
Additional Mouse Functions
Multi-Window Browsing
Real Full Screen Mode and Alternative Full Desktop mode
Built-in Search Engine
Full IE Compatibility
Control Your Privacy
No security holes
Safe Recovery
Skins
Available in 41 languages

Download: Avant Browser 11.7 Alpha 3 (1.92 MB)

Mozilla SeaMonkey 1.1.11

SeaMonkey is the new name of the formerly known Mozilla Application Suite. SeaMonkey is a free, cross-platform internet suite, whose components include a tabbed web browser, email and news client, Pop-Up Stopper, HTML editor, and an IRC client. Licence: Open Source.

Under the hood, SeaMonkey uses much of the same Mozilla source code which powers such successful siblings as Firefox, Thunderbird, Camino, Sunbird and Miro. Legal backing is provided by the Mozilla Foundation.

Download: Mozilla SeaMonkey 1.1.11 for Windows (12.4 MB)
Download: Mozilla SeaMonkey 1.1.11 for Linux (14.0 MB)
Download: Mozilla SeaMonkey 1.1.11 for MacOS (22.3 MB)

XnView 1.94 RC1

XnView, a software to view and convert graphic files, really simple to use. Support of more than 400 graphics formats. XnView exists for Windows, MacOS X, Linux x86, Linux ppc, FreeBSD x86, OpenBSD x86, NetBSD x86, Solaris sparc, Solaris x86, Irix mips, HP-UX, AIX. The most important features are: Import about 400 graphic file formats and Export about 50 graphic file formats.

Here are some key features of “XnView”:
· Import about 400 graphic file formats
· Export about 50 graphic file formats
· Multipage TIFF, Animated GIF, Animated ICO support
· IPTC, EXIF
· Resize
· Copy/Cut/Crop
· Adjust brigthness, contrast…
· Modify number of colors
· Apply filters (blur, average, emboss, …)
· Apply effects (lens, wave, …)
· Fullscreen mode
· Slide show
· Picture browser
· Batch convert
· Thumbnail create
· Screen capture
· Contact Sheet create
· Multi-page file create (TIFF, DCX, LDF)
· TWAIN support (Windows only)
· Print support (Windows only)
· Drag & Drop support (Windows only)
· 44 languages support (Windows only)

Download: XnView 1.94 RC1 (5.60 MB)

VLC Media Player 0.9.0 Test 2

The VideoLAN project targets multimedia streaming of MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 and DivX files, DVDs, digital satellite channels, digital terrestial television channels and live videos on a high-bandwidth IPv4 or IPv6 network in unicast or multicast under many OSes. VideoLAN also features a cross-platform multimedia player, VLC media player, which can be used to read the stream from the network or display video read locally on the computer under all GNU/Linux flavours, all BSD flavours, Windows, Mac OS X, BeOS, Solaris, QNX, Familiar Linux.

Download: VLC Media Player 0.9.0 Test 2

KDE 4.1 RC1 released

KDE is a powerful Free Software graphical desktop environment for Linux and Unix workstations. It combines ease of use, contemporary functionality, and outstanding graphical design with the technological superiority of the Unix operating system.

What will KDE 4.1 bring?

• Akonadi is among the new big things in KDE 4.1. Akonadi is the desktop-independant storage engine for Personal Information Management (PIM) data. While not yet based on Akonadi, KDE 4.1 also brings a KDE 4 port of PIM applications such as KMail and KOrganizer.
• With KDE 4.0 being available for X11 platforms, KDE 4.1 will also be available on Windows, Mac OS X and OpenSolaris. The ports are not yet completely finished yet, but good for a first preview nevertheless.
• KDE 4.1 Alpha1 is based on Qt 4.4. Qt 4.4 brings improvements in performance and functionality to KDE 4.1. SVG rendering speed has vastly improved, and widgets and layouts can now be used on canvases such as the Plasma desktop and panel. Migrating the Plasma codebase to these new features is still work in progress, so some instability here is to be expected.

Download: KDE 4.1 Release Candidate

Magic Utilities 2008 5.50

Magic Utilities is a cute program designed to make your computer clean and more stable. These utilities include Uninstaller Plus, StartUp Organizer, Process Killer, Disk Cleaner, File Shredder and File Protector.

Feature highlights include:
- More user-friendly interface to list and uninstall programs that have been installed on your computer.
- Support drag and drop. Automatically analyse your operation when you drop a file on Magic Utilities 2007 icon on the desktop.
- Automatically detect the bad entries left behind in registry by misbehaved uninstallers.
- Automatically detect the files lefted after a program has been uninstalled.
- Automatically detect the new programs have been installed on your computer or added to your startup configuration.
- Full control all program’s unistall info.
- View, Edit, Delete and Add entries to your startup configuration.
- Display a list of all running programs and allows you to force-quit frozen applications.
- Rate all your startup programs to list potential harmful program.
- Display details of an certain running program so you can find harmful background processes like spyware, viruses and worms infect 90% of computers with an internet connection.
- Export uninstall programs,startup programs and current running programs list to file.
- Clean up temp files and unnecessary files on your computer.
- Delete your files in a secure way.
- Offers an easy way to encrypt any of your files.
- Includes multi-language support.
- Windows Vista/2003/XP/2000/Me/98 compatible.
. . . . . .

New feature include:
* Add function to open greate built-in Windows Utilities.
* Other small bug fixed.

Download:Magic Utilities 2008 5.50 | 1.67 MB

Hide IP NG 1.25

Hide IP NG (short for Hide IP Next Generation) is the software you are looking for! Keeping your privacy is simple and easy: just run Hide IP NG! It will find the proxy server available to you and set it as your proxy server automatically. There is nothing need you to concern. Hide IP have done everything for you!

Hide IP NG searches for high anonymous proxy server and makes you complete invisible to any Web sites you are surfing. With Hide IP you can hide your ID in the Internet, avoid your personal information be used to send you spam and junk e-mails by many marketers and advertising agencies who have information about your interests and know your IP address as well as your e-mail. It can also keep your computer away from hacker attacks by hiding your IP address.

Key Features of Hide IP NG:
- A single click and ready to go. Hide your IP address without any configuration. Everybody can use it.
- 1024 bits encryption prevent your ISP and your Boss from spying on you!
- Prevent others from reading any data you transmit in Wi-Fi Hotspots.
- Use with a web based mail service to send anonymous email.
- Post on bulletin boards without displaying your real IP address.
- Bypass the restrictions by some owners of Internet resources on users from certain countries or geographical regions.
- Great for monitoring your overseas search engine campaigns.
- Keeping your computer away from hacker attacks by hiding your IP address as well as information about your operation system.
- Protect you from any website that wants to monitor your reading interests and spy upon you through your unique IP address - your ID in the Internet.
- Avoid your personal information be used to send you spam and junk emails by many marketers and advertising agencies who having information about your interests and knowing your IP address as well as your email.
- Works with Internet Explorer, Opera, Netscape, Mozilla Firefox in Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista

Download: Hide IP NG 1.25 (859 KB)

StrongDC++ 2.21

StrongDC++ is designed as an alternate DC++ which is based on the popular Direct Connect clone “DC++”. Since DC++ is open source, you can download the source code and start modifying it. This is what I have done. To do this, you need to stick to GPL (GNU General Public License). That’s why I release my modifications as well. This client support separate downloading. Direct Connect allows you to share files over the internet without restrictions or limits. Because DC++ is a self contained C++ program it doesn’t need installing as such - simply download and unzip the zip file, copy the contents into a directory and double click the .exe application. Setup is simple too - once the application is running simply go to File>Settings… or click the icon on the Toolbar and you should see the settings pop-up. Licence: Open Source.

Download: StrongDC++ 2.21 (4.08 MB)

webcamXP 5.3.1.75

WebcamXP is one of the most popular webcam software for private and professional use. it offers unique features and unequaled ease of use to let you broadcast / manage your video sources or secure your company with up to 10 video sources per computer. the software supports all video for windows / WDM sources and most file-based or ip based sources (providing jpeg stream).

Key features:
· Very easy to setup
· Supports up to 10 video sources on the same computer
· Flash client module with images smoothing
· Fast & double buffered java client module
· HTTP server AND FTP upload AND HTTP POST upload mode integrated
· Motion detector and alert manager (send email / notify url / run file / ftp upload / …)
· Scheduler to planify tasks
· Generates and broadcast a gallery from your latest pictures
· Ban ip / password protect to prevent unwanted visitors
· Add you text over the picture
· Detailed visitors activites / log files by day with all HTTP requests
· Customize the position, the size or even add stroke to your overlay texts
· Real-time effects can be added over your pictures
· Automatically refreshes at the maximum speed if no limit fixed
· No need to open an account on a website the server is on your computer you can unlock an unlimited and free version by joining and sharing your cam on http://www.my .net (which is free too)

Download: webcamXP 5.3.1.75 (3.94MB)

phpMyAdmin 2.11.7.1

phpMyAdmin is a tool written in PHP intended to handle the administration of MySQL over the Web. Currently it can create and drop databases, create/drop/alter tables, delete/edit/add fields, execute any SQL statement, manage keys on fields, manage privileges,export data into various formats and is available in 50 languages.

Download: phpMyAdmin 2.11.7.1 (4.30 MB)

ConvertXToDVD 3.1.3.38d

ConvertXtoDVD (formerly DivXtoDVD) is a software to convert and burn your videos to DVD. With ConvertXtoDVD and in a few clicks you can backup your movies to DVD playable on any home DVD player.

ConvertXtoDVD supports most popular format such Xvid, MOV, VOB, Mpeg, Mpeg4, MP4, AVI, WMV, DV and stream formats.It converts your files into a compliant DVD Video set of files and burns it on a DVD media.

The aspect ratio can be automatically selected or forced to a specific format. The program works for NTSC and PAL video formats and creates chapters automatically. Multiple audio tracks are supported. Version 2 uses a completely rewritten interface with subtitles support and a lot of new settings.

FEATURES:
* Video formats supported: avi, divx, xvid, mov, mkv, flv, mpeg-1, mpeg2-, mpeg-4, nsv, dvr-ms, tivo, ts, ifo, vob, asf, wmv, realmedia, rm, rmvb, ogm, existing files from digital camcorders, TV/Sat, capture cards, etc. No external codecs needed like avi codec download
* Create DVD menus with different templates available, possibility to add background video, image or audio, have chapter and audio/subtitle menus
* Conversion advisor wizard, control of the conversion speed vs. quality
* Fast and quality encoder, typically less than 1 hour for converting 1 movie, and supports Multi-Core processors!
* Included burning engine with burn speed control choice of SAO or packet writing methods, supports all DVD formats
* Custom and or automatic chapter creation with markers and preview window
* Advanced file merging possibilities
* Audio formats supported internal and external: AC3, DTS, PCM, OGG, MP3, WMA and more…
* Subtitles files supported internal and external: SRT, .SUB/IDX, .SSA with color and font selection, and supports tags like italic, bold
* Video output for video standard (NTSC, PAL), TV Screen (Widescreen 16:9, Fullscreen 4:3) and DVD Resolution (Full D1, Boradcast D1, Half D1, SIF), or choose automatic for all choices listed above. Also convert video from NTSC to PAL or PAL to NTSC
* Video post processing settings like video resize-pad/cropping and de-interlacing options
* Multilingual support
* Optimized for Windows 2000 / XP / Vista

Download: ConvertXToDVD 3.1.3.38d (14.8 MB)

Flock 1.2.4

Flock is a free web browser that makes it easier than ever to share photos, stay up-to-date with news from your favorite sites, and search the Web.
Flock is built on fast and secure Mozilla technologies. Share photos, get your news, blog freely, and search your world with Flock.Flock makes it easier than ever for you to connect with your friends. Download the first beta and let us know what you think.

When you use Flock to do something cool, you’re a Flockstar. It could be anything you want to share with your friends or the world: a photo of your new ride or a song your band just recorded.

Download: Flock 1.2.3 for Mac OS X (20.5 MB)
Download: Flock 1.2.4 for Windows (10.71 MB)
Download: Flock 1.2.4 for Linux (10.95 MB)

Exercises To Keep You In Shape For Free

By Bob Thomas

Have you ever been so exhausted when you returned home from work, seeing your three kids playing basketball, that you had to refuse play with them? You promised them instead that you would play later after you'd had some time to rest.

Instead of disappointing your children, why not say, "yes" after all? You will be surprised by the amount of energy you will have after that 30-minute activity.

Did you know you can improve your mental state, exercising at reasonable rate, even if it is only for 30 minutes? Studies have proven exercise helps your appetite and improves problem solving abilities. You will also rest better at night if you exercise at least 30 minutes each day.

In what ways does exercising on a regular basis help you? Most people who exercise have more discipline and have a better self-esteem. Exercise raises your spirits and can help you feel better when you are depressed. When you are first starting out, it may be best to start out at 15 minutes a couple of days a week. Over a period of time, you can up your workout length when your body has adapted.

DON'T you ever force your body! If you get hurt, then stop. You can take a break from exercising for a few days and then you can start again but you need to start from day 1.

Try these medium level exercises you can perform:

1. Walk! Use your local environment. Take your dog along or bring your spouse or family. Try to get your family to walk every day and you'll find you're getting rid of calories, loving the outdoors, and taking in plenty of sunshine which is also great for you.

2. Try Yoga. Yoga is an excellent workout that is great for mind, body, and spirit. Try learning the basic yoga poses which aren't overly complicated but are still a great workout. Even just spending a few minutes on yoga exercises can help revitalize you and raise your levels of energy. Yoga can be a stress reliever and good way to stretch all at once!

3. Engage yourself into sports. Play basketball, football, baseball, tennis or badminton. Many doctors have recommended sports as an effective way to stay fit and healthy. Sports can also be done in moderation. Do not take it seriously. Shooting basketball with a friend is one moderate exercise that is also considered a sport.

4. Join a work exercise group. If your place of employment doesn't have any, you can start one up yourself. Talk you superiors about it and begin with your colleagues. You won't just be shedding pounds, but you will also be bonding. It doesn't take much, just 30 minutes for a few days.

5. Combine chores and exercising. Washing the tub, raking, carrying laundry and washing and drying your vehicle are decent exercises you can do while home. Try to use the chores as way to increase your heart rate and break a sweat. Rather than use a leaf blower, try raking those leaves yourself and burn off some fat.

Making exercises as part of your daily routines will surprise you how many calories you will lose. Doing these moderate exercises of the same amount every day can burn 150 calories up to 1,000 calories a day!

About the Author:

This post, written by Bob Thomas, can be viewed at WellnessBooth where you will find much more outstanding information on wellness, health, fitness, beauty, self-improvement and great exercise information

Planning Your Kitchen Remodeling Design

By Greg Hansward

When planning to remodel your kitchen, the design and layout of the room will be a significant factor when starting any such project. Just because certain items have been in a certain place for years does not mean they cannot be moved to another part of the kitchen, or even removed completely. During a planned project is a great time to make the kitchen layout more functional and user-friendly while allowing for individual touches to be added to the overall design. The planning stage of remodeling projects of such grandiose is the time to look around the kitchen and find ways to improve not only its appearance but also functionality. During kitchen remodeling, arrangement of the larger appliances, such as the dishwasher or refrigerator for instance, are certainly items to be considered in the planning stage. Everything should be within easy reach thus reducing the number of steps required to prepare and serve meals. Convenience in food preparation can make a big difference in the enjoyment of the kitchen space.

In cases when singles or singles or a couple are sharing the kitchen and cooking meals at home is not a regular activity, arranging the kitchen to allow more room for general use is something to consider in the kitchen?s floor plan. However, many find that the kitchen is a meeting place for the family even when meals are taken into a dining room. With so many options available today when it comes to kitchen design, there is nothing that requires the stovetop top be directly on top of the oven, for instance. This is just one of the many unique ideas you might want to consider in the planning stage.

In line with the increasing value of counter space, many people have begun installing kitchen islands where small tables had been at one time. By eliminating the wall that once separated the kitchen from the adjoining dining area, the extra floor space adds to the utility of the kitchen.

A stove top can be purchased separately and installed onto the top of the island. You can also install a small-sized sink for use in food preparation. The remainder of the island can be used as extra counter space or, if there is an extended part of the island available, you can pull up tall chairs or stools to add to the seating availability in the kitchen area. Of course, you want to opt for the end that seats away from the stovetop area for obvious reasons.

You can then place the oven against another wall with additional countertop space above it. You can also have additional cabinet space under the island which is commonly used to store small items, dishes or pots and pans. Including an island in kitchen remodeling design plans can be a great bonus for larger families or individuals who regularly entertain. Naturally, a kitchen island may not be for everyone, but it is certainly something to at least consider. You may find that you appreciate the extra space and functionality once it is there!

About the Author:

Concentrating on the topic of kitchen cabinets remodeling, Greg Hansward is publishing almost entirely for http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com . You might discover his publications on step by step kitchen remodeling and parts of the kitchen here.

Building Muscle Diet Is Key To Build Muscles

By Frankie Mills

Even though most strength trainers focus on repetitions and sets, much of the success behind an effective muscle building program is eating a certain diet. Experts often argue that the muscle building diet is even more important than the exercise program when it comes to losing fat and building success. There is one thing everyone agrees on; when you eat right, the results are that much better.

Specifically, body builders require more fats and proteins than others. These greater requirements are due to the intense physical demand placed on them through hard workouts. Protein and fat sources are especially helpful during the thirty minutes after a workout to encourage repair and build new muscle.

Fat is sometimes tricky because some of it is helpful and necessary while others are unhealthy. Avoid saturated fats including anything fried. Olive oil and other healthy fats are ideal as well as the fat found naturally in fish and poultry. Be careful not to avoid fats completely since the good ones enhance your workouts and they provide health benefits to you.

A number of body builders get both fats and proteins from meats such as beef, chicken, pork or fish. Chicken and fish are particularly recommended because they are lower in fat than the others. Red meat can be healthy as well and is sometimes called the complete protein since it contains every amino acid the body needs. Egg whites are also a popular lower fat protein source for many. Good fats is sometimes derived from healthy oils and nut butters as well.

In addition to removing fried foods and saturated fats, body builders should avoid refined sugars, white bread and potatoes. These white foods are classified as simple carbohydrates and they cause a sudden burst of energy that quickly drops. The body is tricked into believing it has more energy than it actually does and then will crash and burn during a tough workout. Likewise, many so-called energy shakes and specialty bars are bursting with sugars and may not help much.

On the other hand, foods made of whole grain and sweet potatoes are good additions to the diet and provide benefits when eaten several hours before a tough workout. These complex carb sources are burned slower than their simple counterparts and offer a steady stream of initial energy to remain strong during weight lifting.

One secret of several body builders is including baby food in their diet. Baby food is very easy on the stomach and digestive tract and is filled to the brim with vitamins. Any foods or substances that might irritate your stomach should be avoided at least 12 hours before a workout. In addition, a lot of body builders like to remove all dairy products during the 12 hours before a workout to minimize the build-up of lactic acid in the muscles.

Building muscle is the target for an ever-increasing number of people regardless of age. By working a good muscle building diet into your program, you'll make the most progress in the shortest time possible.

About the Author:

Build muscle fast - it's easy once you know these how to build muscle secrets!

Solar Solutions for Lighting the Outdoors

By Thomas Fyrd

Outdoor night lighting along paths and stairways provides safety, beauty and convenience. It directs company to your door, keeps guests from stumbling in the dark and can highlight an artistic landscape

Getting electricity to appropriate places in your yard can be a barrier to installing landscape lighting. It can be costly and time-consuming to dig trenches and gardening tools can cut through buried wires. Improper electrical connections are another potential hazard.

Solar-powered lights, which use DC electricity generated from sunshine, are a great landscape lighting option. They require no wiring and can be easily relocated. They have photo sensors and automatically switch off and on, day and night. Best of all, solar-powered lights require no burning of fossil fuels and generate no carbon dioxide or pollutants.

SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) ELECTRICITY

Beach sand is made of silicon, the second most abundant element on Earth. Many PV cells are made from a purified form of silicon.

PV cells have two sides, one with extra electrons (negatively charged) and one with a shortage of electrons (positively charged). When sunlight hits it solar energy detaches electrons from the negative side of a PV cell to its positive side. This begins a flow of electrons through tiny wires connected to each cell.

Electrons flowing from all the PV cells form one circuit, generating direct current (DC) electricity. This energy is used to recharge batteries built right into landscape lights, where it is stored until night and then used to power the lamps.

Electrons are the only things that move in a PV cell. Because there are no moving parts to break, cells can last over twenty years.

SOLAR PV LIGHTS: TYPES

There are many kinds of PV lights to light landscape pool plants. Use small, red-glowing safety lights to line driveways and brighter, 4-watt florescent lights (comparable to 16-watt incandescents) to mark gates or dock ramps (Table 1). For shady spots there are lamps with detachable PV panels. There are even PV security lights that are triggered by heat or motion. Choose those that suit your landscape and your needs.

SOLAR PV LIGHTS: TIPS

To work well, PV cells need as much sunlight as possible during the day. Most current PV landscape lights have cells built into their lamp. These must be positioned to receive the fullest sunlight. Walk through your yard several different times during a sunny day to ensure that your selected installation sites receive enough sunlight.

Install lamp stakes firmly in the ground before attaching lamps. Never apply force to the PV panel itself.

PV lights are easy to install - and easy to remove. If theft is a concern install your lights securely. Drill two or three holes, large enough for a 3-inch galvanized nail, through the stake near the pointed end. Fill a wide plastic pot with cement. Stand the stake - with the nails - in it and wait for the cement to harden. Bury in the selected site and attach the lamp appropriately.

PV landscape lights should come with at least a 12-month warranty.

About the Author:

Thomas Fryd shares his vast knowledge at http://www.plant-care.com. We've just scratched the surface looking at the topic of pool plants.

Brennan Saddle - Tan Suede and Brown Wax Veal - Style and Comfort

By JD Theis

There are shoes that are stylish and work to be noticed and when you add an element of comfort to these, you know you've got a winning combination. More often than not, these shoes come from one of the best manufacturers in that niche and in this case the discerning consumer need not look any further than the Brennan Saddle - Tan Suede and Brown Wax Veal that comes from Johnston and Murphy.

These are the ones that are crafted of stain-resistant nubuc or suede and wax veal for easy care. Because these are a classy shoe that makes a fashion statement like the Brennan Saddle - White Nubuc, it's best in anyone considering buying either pair learn some simple cleaning rules for suede.

Many Johnston and Murphy shoes need special care only because they are of the highest quality and this can be especially true of suede. One of the first things that you'll need to so to clean a pair of these shoes is take a dry towel and gently rub away all the excess and loose dirt that you can find on them. There's really no point in continuing on with the cleaning process until you've prepared the shoes and this first step is important in that any loose dirt that is already there will be knocked away.

Some of the most common household elements can help you with the job as well because the next step involves using as pencil or suede eraser. You can take either one to rub off any deeply embedded stains next from your Johnston and Murphy shoes, and then you'll need to scour the surface of the shoe with a metal suede brush. Of course you also need to be aware of the limitations of where you can and can't go with your new suede shoes.

It's important to remember that you can't wear them like you might wear other kind of shoes like sneakers. You need to keep in mind that a pair of high-end suede shoes are not designed to put up with the rigors of an athletic or versatile life. These are shoes that are fashioned by top of the line manufacturers like Johnston and Murphy and to that end they need to be treated with a special care.

About the Author:

JD Theis is the author of this article on Brennan Saddle. Find more information about Brennan Saddle at www.onegoodpair.com

Ecco Leads The Way In Dress Shoes

By JD Theis

It easy enough to go out and get yourself a pair of casual shoes as there's lots to choose from and following the current trend is the way that many people select these ones. So the over riding deciding factor in buying a pair of casual shoes from a prominent company like Ecco shoes is what the other guy is wearing and what feels good on your feet.

Things are a little different when it comes to buying the right dress shoe. Of course style here is one of the biggest considerations and when you first see the Ecco Mens Arlanda Apron - Black Leather you'll understand the difference that quality makes.These are the ones that boast a soft, flexible and shock absorbent outsole, and they are of such obvious strong workmanship that you'll want to buy a pair for yourself right away.

However, there are a few things about buying a pair of dress shoes that are a little different than purchasing any other kind of shoe and one of the first of these is the fit. Even the easier to put on varieties like the Ecco Mens Arlanda Slip On - Rust Leather require that you get the shoe fitted properly. Ecco shoes are some of the most comfortable in the industry.

One of the first things that you'll want to do is let a professional handle the job. A local store should have clerk that's familiar with the Brannock Device. That's a special tool that will measure your foot in heel to toe, arch length and finally the width. It's a little known fact that your shoe size will change slightly as you age so it's a good idea to get a quality dress shoe fitted professionally.

There are some other things that you should know. For example, it's better to choose a dress shoe that's got a leather upper rather than one that's made from artificial materials. Although not always the most popular material with animal rights groups, leather allows the foot to breath more and it's the material that will keep your feet nice and cool. Remember too that leather will stretch with your foot and once they're broken in, leather shoes will provide a custom fit on your feet that will be comfortable and last for years. You'll also want to try on a variety of different shoes to test the arch support for each.

About the Author:

JD Theis is the author of this article on Ecco Shoes. Find more information about Ecco Shoes at www.onegoodpair.com

New Games for Online Casinos

By Steve Briggs

New games keep life spicy for those who like to play the online casinos. Sure gamblers have their steadfast favorites but we all like to try something new and for gamblers it is no different. Playing online makes it much easier to try the new offerings however. For one thing the new games come just about every month if playing at a Microgaming software powered casino compared to perhaps once a year at land based casinos.

In fact I don't recall the last time I saw a new slot machine in the three reel version at land casinos although they must by now be feeling the pressure to start bringing in new machines considering the on line competition continues to roll out new games at a rate of about three a month. Online casinos powered by Microgaming now have as many as three hundred and fifty games. It is unlikely you could find any casino in Las Vegas or Atlantic City which can boast they have over three hundred and fifty separately individual games of chance to offer their customers.

Many of those games are slot machines of course and they have so many different means of getting money back to the players that it would take an entire article just to list all of them but suffice to say that there is probably a slot machine with features to fit almost any taste that favors playing the one armed bandits. This is not to say however that the online games are limited in other areas because that would be a very false statement. One online casino powered by Microgaming has fifty versions of blackjack, a number no land casino ever dreamed of being able to offer.

The new games also include new versions of the old favorite table and poker games as well as slot machines. Just recently in June of 2008, Microgaming released yet another version of Roulette which is based on the European rules but has improved graphics and sounds that include the sound of the crowd as the ball is put into play, the metallic sound of the ball hitting the wheel and many other small details that had been until now overlooked.

Also just recently released is a game that is an example of a trend that is increasing in popularity where an old favorite slot game is updated to include all the new gadgets and gizmos that have since been invented to increase the attractiveness of slot gaming. This game is fashioned after the original Big Kahuna video slot game and this one includes a bonus screen which is actually like a slot machine inside a slot machine.

Each new monthly addition of games at online casinos seem to push the boundaries of those that had preceded them so there is a never-ending supply of new games at Microgaming powered online casinos.

About the Author:

Steve Briggs is the author of this article on Online Casinos. Find more information about the subject at www.slotstipper.com

Freshwater Fishing Reels

By Jake Killen

Bass fishing has been increasing in popularity in the U.S. for more than two decades. What was once a million-dollar industry has grown into a $4.8 billion industry in the last few years. Bass fishing's rise in popularity is due primarily to the interest of new anglers.

Bass fishing is a freshwater sport that naturally appeals to a lot of outdoorsmen. It's a relaxing way to spend the day outside, enjoying the scenery. And once you snag a fish, the activity becomes very rewarding. Some bass fishing enthusiasts decide to go pro and compete at the pro level. Bass fishing tournaments are the place to put your angling and fishing skills to the test, against the best of the best.

What is it about this freshwater sport - well this is an outdoor activity that is very relaxing as well as rewarding when the fish start to bite. Bass fishing can be a hobby taken to a pro level status where tournaments are entered to show off the anglers fishing skills.

The action of a fishing rod is the behavior of the rod while being cast by an individual. The action of the rod may be the same for all the people who cast with it and it may be different for every person who casts with it. Very few casters cast exactly alike. Their hand, arm, muscular and nervous systems are never exactly alike and they consequently perform a cast with a rod differently than any other hand and arm, etc.

The action of most rods will react substantially the same for all casters, however. When a rod does not react the same for one caster as another, the action of the rod for each caster is different. That is, a rod may be called a stiff action by one caster and a medium stiff action by another, and both are correct. The action of a rod, then, depends directly on the particular caster using it and may vary from caster to caster.

Monofilament fishing lines are generally much stronger and cheaper than other fishing lines on the market. They are available in many sizes, colors and thickness levels.

Monofilament fishing lines feature a unique coating designed to reduce snapping. They're bulky and strong, which gives fisherman a distinct advantage. In addition, they are easy to knot and appear transparent in the water. The only drawback to monofilament fishing lines is that the material they're made out of does not stretch as well as other fishing lines.

Another great advancement in the world of fishing is a device that can locate a school of fish nearby. Just picture yourself out on the lake, trying to catch some fish, and you turn on the toy you got online. Wait for a few beeps and then the device tells you that just 500 yards from your current location is a big school of fish. This device is like a high-tech scanning machine that surveys the entire body of water to find a school of fish, just waiting to be caught!

About the Author:

Jake Killen is a fantastic fisherman, author and a great guy. You can visit his website about discount fishing reels or his freshwater fishing reel site that specializes in spinning reels, spinning reels and fishing rods.

Cellulite Treatments for Orange Peel Skiin

By Rinzel Aguire

The 'orange peel' effect seen on some people's thighs and buttocks are fat cells beneath the skin and is known by the general term 'cellulite'; the thighs and buttocks might be the main areas that experience this but it can actually be found anywhere. This is not a situation purely confined to those who carry excess weight; the cottage cheese appearance so familiar with this condition can affect slim women as well.

Cellulite forms just below the surface of the skin in the thighs and buttocks region, where areas of fat collect and force themselves against the tissue creating a puckered look to the surface of the skin. The real cause of is unknown so is the reasons why some women are more prone to suffering with it than others but scientists believe that it could be due to the way the cells are structured beneath the skin of each individual.

Two components of the skin that decrease with age are elastin and collagen, both of which may be responsible for the increase of these fatty cells as women grow older. The condition is almost exclusive to women and has been attributed to hormonal changes that take place as a woman gets older as the fat in the thighs and buttocks of men is the same as fat found in other parts of their bodies.

Cellulite often goes unnoticed for the majority of the time for most people and is only seen when a person has their thigh muscles compressed in the case of squatting for example or when the skin is pinched in the thigh area and the puckered skin becomes apparent; when the fatty tissue can be felt but most women suffer with this. After a great deal of research, certain conditions do help with the formation and retention of the fat cells; the age of the person, their gender, how thick their skin is and the amount of extra fat they carry, all play a part.

As medical science cannot prove conclusively what causes the problem, it makes it difficult creating a cure even though a number have been tried including special burning creams. Massage has been found to help hide the indications of cellulite even though it cannot remove it; but is does reduce it's visibility for a temporary period and is available from some beauty clinics.

Liposuction has now started to be used to try and remove the fat cells and even by injecting drugs directly into the affected sacks directly. Only temporary relief can be gained from both these procedures and liposuction despite its success at removing deep fat from large areas of the body, is not designed for the fats close to the surface as in the case of cellulite.

A number of cosmetic manufacturers claim their creams are an effective method of removing the fat cells but it would seem these are just a method of masking the condition making it less visible and so far no definitive treatment exists. Although no treatment can really help, adjustments to lifestyle habits seem to be a better option which means adopting a healthy diet, with regular physical activity and an overall reduction in weight.

In addition, increasing the intake of water will help cleanse the system and flush out damaging toxins plus smokers should stop smoking or at least reduce it which will also be beneficial as smoking impacts negatively on the capillaries in the skin and reducing stress will help reduce cellulite.

About the Author:

Rinzel Aguire is a former nurse and professional on skin care products likewrinkle cream samples and also the latest thinking in wrinkles treatments

What Causes Insomnia?

By Keira Adams

There are all sorts of things which cause you to be awake through the night. For example, there are many physical factors such as the time you get up in the morning and the time you go to sleep at night along with what time you eat before you retire, which can all affect your sleep patterns. Even taking a look at the mood you are in before going to bed or what is running through your mind may help you to discover exactly what is causing your insomnia.

When you understand the source of your sleep troubles you will be in a better position to treat your insomnia, even though it might be the result of a health issue.

External Causes of Insomnia

Is your bedroom a place to relax? Or is it simply an extension of your office? If the answer to the latter question is yes, then it could well be your environment which is causing your insomnia. After all, your bedroom should be your sanctuary.

If your bedroom is not in any way an inviting place, then there are things you need to do to make it so. Make it cozy and this will help to sort out your sleeplessness. It's a good idea to invest in blinds or heavier curtains to make sure your room is dark. This usually helps to prevent insomnia.

Do you drink a lot of coffee throughout the day? If you have more than a couple cups, it's bound to aggravate your sleeping problems. Indeed, overindulging in caffeine or alcohol is a leading cause of chronic insomnia.

How's Your Health?

We have mentioned coffee above but the cause of your insomnia may be much more menacing than this. You could have a recently diagnosed medical condition which is keeping you awake at night.

The diagnosis as well as the knowledge of the disease could have you up all night worrying about it. Some of the medical conditions that are behind the questions of what causes insomnia are high blood pressure, heart disease and Parkinson's.

If you think you are suffering from any of these medical conditions, and relaxing before going to bed in a calm and safe environment does not do the trick, then you really should see a doctor to get your suspicions either confirmed or eliminated.

Insomnia often seems like something trivial but it might hide a more serious medical condition that has gone undiagnosed.

About the Author:

Keira Adams is a health and wellness writer who is a regular contributor to Insomnia Relief at http://insomnia.i-knowhowonline.com/, where you can learn all about the causes, cures and treatments for insomnia.

Five Myths About How to Eliminate Stretch Marks

By Maia Pells

It's easy to get lost in the sea of stretch mark elimination methods. Before you pick a method however, it is well worth your time to first check what works and what doesn't.

Myth #1: There are many medical procedures that can eliminate stretch marks.

Currently, only abdominoplasty is the only known surgical method that works on stretch marks. This method however will only eliminate stretch marks in the tummy area and is very risky and expensive. It is not even originally intended for stretch mark removal but for extra fat removal. Only those who are close to their ideal body weights and have only a little fat to remove are considered good candidates for abdominoplasty.

Dermabrasion and laser treatment are two other procedures for stretch mark but these are medical and not surgical. As most people would know however, dermabrasion is simply a more complicated form of exfoliation which is only a marginally effective method to eliminate stretch marks. Laser treatment on the other hand is a new method that does not have a long and proven track record in removing stretch marks.

Myth #2: Getting a tan can eliminate stretch marks.

Because of silvery color, most people have the misconception that they can cover up stretch marks with a tan. This however, will only serve to worsen the whitish appearance of stretch marks as the surrounding healthy skin darkens in color. This is because stretch marks are scars and if you've ever tried to tan a scar, you would know that they are particularly resistant to color changes. Most of us also know that tanning is not always very safe.

Myth #3: Apply make-up on stretch marks to cover it.

Make ups are not stretch mark solutions. These products do not eliminate stretch marks but just mask them. This may be a good technique but only for a limited time. Even the most water resistant make-up will eventually lose its grip at the beach or in the water.

Myth #4: Weight loss can eliminate stretch marks.

Some people think that because gaining weight can cause stretch marks, losing weight can also eliminate it! As scars, they will stay put even if you manage to agreed thin. You may however, be able to reduce your chances of getting stretch marks if you have never been overweight to begin with. A healthy diet and exercise can keep you from rapidly expanding in body size.

Myth #5: Stretch mark product is the answer to eliminate stretch marks.

The reason why stretch mark creams have received a lot of criticism is because there are really a lot of products out there that cannot effectively eliminate stretch marks. These products put a bad name on reputable brands.

To get the best out of your stretch mark lotion or cream, make sure you read product specifications, contents and ingredients. If you have very sensitive skin, you would do better with an all natural product that will not expose you to dangerous side effects.

About the Author:

Be careful of fake products claiming to eliminate stretch marks. When it comes to stretch mark solution, trust only the professionals!

Buying Real or Replica Handbags

By Francis Sinclair

Have you noticed how cheap clothing and accessories are today when compared to only a few decades ago? Of course designer products are still extremely expensive and even famous label products can hold a premium price. This is especially the case when it comes to designer handbags and it has led to a massive increase in the popularity of replica handbags.

The choice of replica handbags available online and off is absolutely astounding. As these items have been manufactured to closely emulate the originals it is often rather difficult to distinguish the replicas from the originals. You will be surprised at the range available with names such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci appearing with incredible regularity.

Do not be shocked if you discover that the price of the replica handbags which appeal to you are a little bit more expensive than you would expect to pay for a copy. Remember that you are still making considerable savings when you purchase a replica handbag for say two or three hundred dollars a real designer handbag could cost you well over $1,000.

With the advent of the Internet it is now just a simple task of shopping online for replica handbags. The most important thing to remember is to do a little research about the average price charged. As there are so many sites selling replicas it should be relatively easy to compare the prices on three sites just to make sure that you get the best price possible.

Buying replica handbags online is very easy as the Internet is worldwide. However, depending on where in the world you live, you will need to check the laws of your country with regards to buying and selling replica items. In Europe the law can vary widely and there are a number of contradictory web sites stating whether or not it is legal in one country or another. Alarmingly it would appear that in France it is illegal to even wear replica handbags.

Of course buying replica handbags can carry some risks especially if you are buying one of the really cheap examples. To keep the costs lower most replicas use cheaper materials which, unfortunately, are usually inferior to those used in the authentic designer handbags, such materials are often not as long lasting. Another area in which the manufacturers save cash is by using cheaper labor and such handbags can sometimes have poor stitching that is more likely to fail. It is therefore very important to look at the item closely before purchasing.

One thing that you may not have considered, when buying replica handbags, is the manufacturers warranty. Often replica handbags do not carry any form of guarantee. The genuine designer handbag will have a warranty but also a reputation to maintain. As the manufacturers of replicas do not concern themselves with such things as reputation the consumer can be at far greater risk.

The vast majority of us now shop online and many have heard some of the many horror stories associated with this type of trade. Fortunately there are a few things we can do to protect ourselves and this is extremely important when buying replica goods such as replica handbags. Firstly, and most importantly, we should always pay for our items by credit card. Credit cards often include an element of insurance against such transactions (such as the item not being delivered). We can also check the site itself, does it look professional, how long has it existed, does it belong to any retail organizations and many other things can tell you if it is safe or not.

About the Author:

Francis Sinclair, copywriter for various web sites writes about fashion handbags, especially about and why to buy real Chanel Handbags.

Honeymoon Suite Is No Longer the Norm

By Jerry Blackburn

A unique honeymoon suite is part and parcel of many a hotel's offering for their guests. Unfortunately, with so much money spent on the wedding itself - and then the reception that follows - it is next to impossible for many a couple to also afford a resort's or hotel's special honeymoon suite; part and parcel of the dcor are the many little touches that make the room so special and romantic for a newly wedded couple on their special night and throughout the week.

Fortunately there are some ways that a bride can ensure that any room will be special and also unique even as she plans on saving a few bucks by not staying at the bona fide honeymoon suite. For example, if she has some friends whom she wishes to entrust with putting the decorative touches on a nice hotel room in town, they can get busy before the vows are even said!

Conversely, even though the major resorts are still making big business out of their honeymoon suites, the smaller hotels or resorts will no longer appoint a room for this purpose since in their minds it takes valuable room space away that could be utilized in a different manner. After all, there will not be too many families with children traveling the country in the hopes of staying at a resort that offers a heart shaped Jacuzzi for the nightly bath. In the same vein, business travelers will not return to stay in such a place simply because it is not considered professional and might require some explaining when it shows up on the bill.

If you are in the hotel business or even run a bed and breakfast, you know that honeymooning couples mean big business yet it is not the kind of steady revenue stream you can rely on to make the payments on the property or keep the lights on. Thus it pays to be wise when choosing your decorative touches and at the same time have a chest of special honeymoon decorations that will quickly turn any of your available spaces into a true blue unique honeymoon experience for your guests.

Begin by having a neutral yet at the same time warm color scheme that complements a wide array of decorations and is neither to particular in that it cannot be paired with several red shades, nor too bland so that without any decorative touches whatsoever it has little if any character. Appropriate color options are beige, egg shell white, and any neutral brown tones you might wish to use.

Useful decorations include throw pillows, blankets, rugs, accent vases, and glass trinkets. They are easily removed and added back to the mix to ensure that a regular room turns into a honeymoon suite or any other dcor option in no time at all.

About the Author:

Jerry Blackburn usually produces short articles on things similar to diamond dolphin engagement ring. You can come across his contributions on diamond dolphin engagement rings over at http://www.engagement-rings-tips.com .

Back Pain and its Causes

By Molly Cardella

Our backs take a beating, with up to 80% of the total population suffering pain at least once in their life. It isn't just an ailment of the elderly, either. 4 out of 5 people under the age of 45 suffer enough to take time off work at least once because of their back pain. Back pain is the second leading cause of missing a day.

These are horrifying statistics for a disorder that is often simply due to bad back health.

Some describe their back pain as a dull ache, while say others say it's a sharp, stabbing pain. Some describe it as a feeling of stiffness or numbness.

Some injuries and illness can leave you in so much pain that you are immobile, while other minor injuries can simply cause a mild pain. Severe back pain that is accompanied by other symptoms should be evaluated by a professional, who can help you determine the proper treatment.

Sufferers agree, however, that this is a condition that lays a patient low both physically and emotionally. Furthermore, it is often, in itself, the cause of further back problems. The condition can create a vicious circle: bad back pains result in bad posture as the sufferer stoops, bends and shuffles at home or at work in an effort to ease the pain. The result: increasing chronic back pain.

What are some causes?

-- Growing old. An unavoidable part of life, growing old also includes losing muscle mass, which may in turn cause back pain.

-- Back pain is also associated with medical conditions like pregnancy, and the pain usually dissipates as the condition ceases.

-- Everyone knows someone who suffers with arthritis, a very common cause of back pain, particularly in the elderly and sports people.

-- Accidental injury, which may be treatable for short or long term.

-- Poor posture is perhaps the leading culprit of back pain. Those who work manual labor for a longtime can suffer, as well as can those that perform occupations that require sitting or standing for long periods of time, such as secretaries and office jobs.

-- Certain viral and bacterial infections, e.g., meningitis or a urinary tract infection, may cause back pain.

-- Congenital back pain may be caused by certain inherent diseases (those a person may be born with, e.g., curvature of the spine).

-- Illness, such as liver or kidney disease.

As terrible as back pain is, it can be reduced, and often eliminated, by diagnosing the root cause. Degenerative disease and poor posture related pain can be reduced by conventional or homeopathic exercises and painkillers. Pain resulting from injury and disease can be completely eliminated.

About the Author:

For more information on back pain during pregnancy, visit Curing Back Pain

Five Myths About How to Eliminate Stretch Marks

By Maia Pells

It's easy to get lost in the sea of stretch mark elimination methods. Before you pick a method however, it is well worth your time to first check what works and what doesn't.

Myth #1: There are many medical procedures that can eliminate stretch marks.

Currently, only abdominoplasty is the only known surgical method that works on stretch marks. This method however will only eliminate stretch marks in the tummy area and is very risky and expensive. It is not even originally intended for stretch mark removal but for extra fat removal. Only those who are close to their ideal body weights and have only a little fat to remove are considered good candidates for abdominoplasty.

Other medical procedures include dermabrasion and laser treatment. As most people would know however, dermabrasion is simply a more complicated form of exfoliation which is only a marginally effective method to eliminate stretch marks. Laser treatment on the other hand is a new method that does not have a long and proven track record in removing stretch marks.

Myth #2: Getting a tan can eliminate stretch marks.

Because of silvery color, most people have the misconception that they can cover up stretch marks with a tan. This however, will only serve to worsen the whitish appearance of stretch marks as the surrounding healthy skin darkens in color. This is because stretch marks are scars and if you've ever tried to tan a scar, you would know that they are particularly resistant to color changes. Most of us also know that tanning is not always very safe.

Myth #3: Using make-up to cover stretch marks.

To at least eliminate the appearance of stretch marks, some people have resorted to applying the area with make-up. These products do not eliminate stretch marks but just mask them. This may be a good technique but only for a limited time. Even the most water resistant make-up will eventually lose its grip at the beach or in the water.

Myth #4: Weight loss can eliminate stretch marks.

There are some people who believe that since gaining weight caused the stretch marks, losing weight can remove it. As scars, they will stay put even if you manage to agreed thin. You may however, be able to reduce your chances of getting stretch marks if you have never been overweight to begin with. A healthy diet and exercise can keep you from rapidly expanding in body size.

Myth #5: Stretch mark product is the answer to eliminate stretch marks.

The reason why stretch mark creams have received a lot of criticism is because there are really a lot of products out there that cannot effectively eliminate stretch marks. These products put a bad name on reputable brands.

Make sure to read product specifications, ingredient content and instructions for use to get the best out of your stretch mark lotion or cream. If you have very sensitive skin, you would do better with an all natural product that will not expose you to dangerous side effects.

About the Author:

Don't buy fake products claiming to eliminate stretch marks. When it comes to stretch mark solution, trust only the pros!