Computer geeks like me are not contented with software that resolves the computer problem just like that, and ignorance about our own computer system and tech terminologies make us feel ashamed. In almost every way, we want to dig out as many detailed information about our machines and master it ourselves. We even try not to rely on existing antivirus software and dare to solve the problem ourselves. So if you are one of us, you’d love to have these little and very useful system utilities meant for your Windows-based computer.

1. CPU-Z – This is a freeware popular to those who frequently overclock their computer system. With CPU-Z program, you’ll get to know the technical details of your computer processor (CPU), and memory (RAM). Geeks usually use this when they "overclock" their PCs. Overclocking, in geeks understanding, means pushing your processor and other computer components’ speed higher than its specification. I don’t know why but computer masters usually have pathetic computer systems specs and they always feel their system performance is not enough.
2. PC Wizard -  is known to be one of the most advanced system information programs on the market. PC Wizard is a powerful utility designed for detection of hardware, but also some more analysis. It can analyze and benchmark many kinds of hardware, such as CPU performance, cache performance, RAM performance, Hard Disk performance, CD/DVD-ROM performance, Removable/FLASH Media performance, Video performance, MP3 compression performance and a lot more.  This utility receives frequent updates to make sure that results of benchmarks are always accurate. Guess what? This utility is completely free and lightweight.
3. Autorun – Autorun a small program developed by SysInternals (now acquired by Microsoft) which allows you to see the programs configured to run after system boot and Windows login. This utility helps geeks by showing to them advanced registry information that is very useful to spot a malicious program without the need of antivirus products. This works like Windows Defender, but with more technical air that geeks like.
4. Process Explorer – If you feel that some malicious programs are running on your Windows system, this is the best utility to use! With Process Explorer, you’ll find out which files, registry keys and object processes are open and which DLLs (dynamic link libraries) they have loaded. Personally, what I loved with this program is that it shows the path or location of the files that are running on the memory. So, if you team this utility with Autorun (#4), viruses and trojans are easy to spot and stop! You may also want to check other SysInternals programs.
5. Putty – Oh yes, this little utility is a popular terminal emulator for Windows and Unix platforms. It is a client program for the SSH, Telnet and Rlogin network protocols, to be specific. Of course, geeks love this to access remotely their beloved Linux systems — well, from Windows (though it works vice versa as well). The console command utility to open a remote session is very powerful. Much like what you have seen on Die Hard 4 movie! If you don’t have technical know-how, you may find it difficult to use this utility. If you are eager to learn though, here are heaps of information about Putty. I highly recommend that you use Putty along with WinSCP, an FTP and SFTP client.

Of course, the news got me excited as I am a Vista lover myself despite the odds that were brought about by its original package. I am certain that many patient Vista users are hopeful that the service pack would deliver solutions to the major issues of the operating system and improve further significantly its overall performance. I once posted in this blog how I love Windows Vista but I also pointed out some gray areas that I wished to be improved. The service pack most likely would address them.

To end users like me, here are the major features we have to care for included in Windows Vista Service Pack 1:

• Previously-released updates, security patches, and fixes (if you missed them).
• Windows Vista kernel update from version 6.0 to 6.1 for Windows Server 2008 compatibility.
• Changes to Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) that will remove the Reduced Functionality Mode (RFM) and Non-Genuine State (NGS) mode. If you’re using a genuine Windows Vista, then you don’t have to worry about this.
• Changes to Kernel Patch Protection “PatchGuard” feature. This lets antivirus products to integrate tightly to the operating system.
• Changes to Vista’s Instant Search feature. Now, third party desktop search products like Google Desktop can integrate more with Windows Vista.
• Device compatibility improvement: Windows Vista SP1 will now support over 80,000 devices than its original package support of 40,000 devices.
• File operation improvements. Microsoft says SP1 will enhance the file copy operations both local and network from 44 to 71 percent. I am definitely very happy for this.
• Increased reliability and security. Windows Vista SP1 is expected to deliver higher number of hours between disruptions. Meaning, things like non-responding applications, application hangs and crashes, and system crashes, are significantly reduced.

So, what do you think?

How Vista SP1 Will Be Distributed and When

How and when Windows Vista SP1 will be distributed is a bit confusing. What is certain is that Microsoft will deploy Service Pack 1 release starting the second or third week of March.

To those who have Windows Vista on their PCs and laptops (like me), you will be able to install the service pack in a staged manner through Windows Update. Last week, I got one of the two prerequisite updates of Windows Vista SP1 installation. Microsoft will also release standalone download installations of Vista SP1 through Microsoft Download Center on mid-March. PCs and laptops with Windows Vista SP1 pre-installed, Windows Vista SP1 for enterprise customers, and Windows Vista SP1 retail copies, will be released in the coming months after the upcoming distribution on March.

Oh well, while I’m still waiting for its release, I’ll just keep my fingers crossed. I trust Microsoft with this. How about you?

Are your ready for Vista SP1?

Braindump Exams: PMI-001 is almost as complicated as 640-816. This is why both are awarded same level of credibility and hence qualify one for 650-393. For those who want to go for 70-648, it is compulsory to write 1z0-042

The open source program that awed me is called Paint.NET, a raster graphics editing program for Windows, developed under .NET Framework using C# and C++ languages. When I saw the program running on my screen for the first time, I doubted if the program is really free – and it really is.

Paint.NET program has a familiar user interface. The toolbox looks similar to that of Photoshop. The whole program looks actually like a downsized Adobe Photoshop version. It supports layers as well, transparency, blending, plug-in and has dozens of in-built image effects to choose from. The program is amazingly fast and lightweight. Paint.NET can be downloaded here for only 1.6 MB disk space.

I love Paint.NET because of the following things:

• Better than Paint – if you are still using Microsoft Paint until now, you’re still in the cave. Paint.NET provides many image and photo editing functionalities that Microsoft would never put on their paint.
• Frequent Updates – I love the creators of this program. They keep on upgrading this free application and adding new features. Probably better than being stuck in the simplicity of Microsoft Paint. lol
• Less than Photoshop, But Free – Professionally, I use Photoshop for my graphics editing needs. However, I got the benefits because I paid for them. With Paint.NET, you’ll get dozens of Photoshop effects and filters without stripping out your wallet.

You will appreciate for yourself when you try running this great program. Paint.NET opened my eyes that I would never ever underestimate the power of open source applications because they could contend, in a way, far better than the ones created by commercial companies.