Carputers News and Computer Tips

Lee Mathews writes at Download Squad: 

Now, it’s not my intent that anyone actually follow this horrible, horrible advice. It’s just that so many people seem to think this type of behavior is perfectly normal computer use. 

So here it is: my 5-point method for turning your computer into a quivering pile of malware-infested, hacker-friendly trash. 

Though this is written tongue-in-cheek, it is good advice! 

Unfortunately, as is the case with most good advice, it is indeed a pity that the people who would benefit most from it also are the least likely to read and heed it…

We’ve posted several free games links in the past.  Here’s one more - WoobaGames…

There are ads currently running on Craigslist selling TV on PC software for $9.95.  Why pay for what you can get for free? 

JLC’s Internet TV is a FREE program for watching and browsing thousands of TV channels freely available on the internet. It’s probably the biggest and most up to date database of channels ever, and users are able to submit, rate and flag channels.

Here’s a screenshot: (click image below to open enlarged in a new tab or window)

You definitely will not get the same channels or shows that your cable/satellite provider gets, but it is free.  It is worth a look.  Many of the available channels are from all over the world. 

We would also recommend downloading and installing VLC Player and then setting JLC’s Internet TV to use it (rather than Windows Media Player) by default.  To do this, click on Options, Settings in the Menu Bar.  When the Settings window opens, click on the Media Player tab at the top: 

As shown in the graphic above, make sure there’s a checkmark in the box labeled “Use VLC to play ALL streams“.

Online help, including a “Get started tutorial” is available here. 

You can also see the same channels right in your internet browser here.

See also our post titled Watch TV via the Internet.

Nelson Doyle, on Webupon:

Delivering the best of the best free music on the Internet is what these Top 45 Music websites are best known for and now, they are presented to music lovers the world over as an easy reference guide to bookmark.

In addition, Mashable has compiled a list of 30+ awesome streaming music sites along with a list of 30+ sites for free, legal music downloads we know you’ll enjoy.

Regardless of your choice or taste, what would life be like without music?  Getting it free is the icing on the cake!

Easter Eggs in computer-speak are hidden features in software.  They can also be found on movie DVDs as well.  Some examples can be found in this Lifehacker post, this PC World magazine article, and on two websites - eggheaven.com and eeggs.com.  Happy hunting!

Edit 04/04/2008:

The IT Security website has a great article entitled The 101 Coolest Easter Eggs Hidden in Your Software, DVDs and Video Games.      

Claus Valca’s Grand Stream Dreams blog has an excellent entry called Wallpaper Extravaganza which features a long list of sources for desktop wallpaper plus a couple of wallpaper management tools.  If you’re into desktop wallpaper and have been looking for some new sources we think you will be pleased with the choices listed. 

Edit 03/25/2008:

The PC Fastlane blog recently posted Top Free Desktop Wallpaper Sites.  From the unique and weird to the stunningly beautiful, wallpapers fit to please all can be found here.

Edit 05/19/2008:

Here are even more, courtesy of Smashing Magazine…

Apple makes it easy to copy music from your PC onto your computer using iTunes.  They’ve never made it easy to move your music OFF of your iPod (in the other direction).  Many iPod owners have lost computer hard drives full of music due to hard drive failure.  The following links will show how to “reclaim” your music off of your iPod should you ever need to.

The Wired Wiki has a good tutorial on this, as do our friends over at Lifehacker.  

Finally, why not use (or at least try) an alternative to iTunes that will make the process of managing your music collection easier?

From the TEDBlog:

“TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from those three worlds. Since then its scope has become ever broader.”

“The Web is constantly turning out new and extraordinary services many of us are unfamiliar with. During TED University at this spring’s TED2007 in Monterey, Julius Wiedemann, editor in charge at Taschen GmbH, offered an ultra-fast-moving ride through sites in many different areas, from art, design and illustration, to daily news, blogs and curiosity. Now, by popular demand, here’s his list of 100 websites you should know and use.”

Categories include Curiosity and Knowledge, Graphics, Music and Arts, E-Commerce Experience, Searching and Finding, Online Resources, and Top Interactive Experience Creators.

More from the Free Geekery blog:

“With all the pricey cameras and equipment, filmmaking isn’t exactly a hobby that screams ‘cheap.’  Here are a few freeware and shareware programs to help you save a few bucks and still make a film that can ‘wow’.”

In addition, we get questions all the time about movie making and copying.  For the best tools and tutorials on how to get your home digital movies to play on your video iPod, visit VideoHelp.com and AfterDawn.com.

Edit 07/31/2007:

JaypeeOnline has a list of Free Video Editing Software for Windows.  Mashable has a Video Toolbox: 150+ Online Video Tools and Resources list.  Both look to be good resources. 

Over 600 free games, each with an informative description and direct download link, are available on the Freeware Database.

Edit 08/15/2007:

Here’s a forum that lists Free Games That Don’t Suck.

Edit 03/25/2008:

101 Free Games 2008 - Another round of the best games money can’t buy, courtesy of 1up.com.  Also, here’s 15 free to own games for Windows from the tech.blorge.com blog.