Adam Beltz

New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:10:00 +0000

Part of my 2012 Resolution was to post more to AdamBeltz.com. I originally started this as a way for me to keep track of some of the tips and tricks that I've found or have discovered through various projects I've worked on.

I still intend on doing that but look for at least one valid post a month if not more.

Security on the Internet

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 01:41:00 +0000

Security on the Internet

Guide to all things as the way I see them for how to be secure on the Internet in the modern age. First and foremost I am not an expert. I have managed to not accumulate any ridiculous viruses since the days of ICQ / and dial-up.

Antivirus

The best antivirus in the world cannot protect everything you are doing if your in an unsecured area (public Wifi).

I use Panda Cloud Antivirus. Its free, and it theoretically is always up-to-date being on the cloud. This will protect you when your about to download something dumb (illegal music / porn / anything that sounds too good to be true)

Email

The days of using outlook explorer should be dead and gone. Using mail providers like gmail or yahoo are excellent at filtering out malicious attempts. Using common sense is also important.

Any link that looks like its jibberish or even “you bank account has been stolen ...click here to correct it”. Don’t Click It. This is known as Phishing.

I use Gmail. Agrain Free, tons of storage, well organized and only a few scam type emails sneak in.

Surfing the Web

This is possibly the biggest one. Don’t think that the web is a safe place. Its a cesspool of disturbance. So first and foremost, stay away from that trash. If you feel the need to be a part of that, get yourself a seperate computer, one thats not connected to your home network in any way. Then I’ll teach you how to install linux and you can have at it.

For the rest of the world who wants to play farmville, talk on skype, and generally does not want to be bothered by the delinquents there are a few things you can do.

I use Google Chrome for 99% of my web browsing but I also still keep firefox because it has some good tools to use and may be a little better at keeping you safe on the web with its add-ins

Go download firefox. Then go pick up and install all of these add-ins (aka “The Paranoid Kit”. Not because I want your computer to chug but because it will help you notice when your computer is trying to tell you to GET OFF THIS WEBSITE...ITS BAD.

One more time. Just stay away from anything that you don’t know. If all else fails google what your about to do before you do it. Other people have already been there and done it.

Torrent/Downloading Anything

Just don’t....don’t

Back It Up

I use 5 forms of backup/sync programs. Paranoid, why yes..yes I am. But when my computer goes down I’m covered for everything I need. Needless to say. I might not need all of these things if I “lived” in the cloud. But were still working on that part.

#1

I use Mozy Home for my files that I really need (my documents 2gigs free)

#2

I use SugarSync for “desktop” and some random game saves or program saves that I want to ensure I have (5 gigs free)

#3

I use Picasa to back up my photos (all of them - 1gig**).

Side note: if you sign up for google+ they give you additional storage for free plus let you save a higher resolution for free. I can keep my pics all private or share selected ones.
Check it out even if you have more than 1gig of pictures. Fantastic service.

#4

I use dropbox for files that I want to take with me here and there.

Good example would be tax forms, resumes, budgets, ect. I also keep this on google docs
They provide 2gigs free and you can work yourself up to more by referral. So click that link and get me more space. Please!

#5

I use Amazon.com to back up my MP3 collection (5gig free) / Google Music to stream it then

Cleanliness

After your done getting yourself prepped for the internet. Remember. All of those cookies and random bits and pieces you install stay until you get rid of them. I start every restart with running ccleaner. There is a setting to run each start up. This cleans out the crud and keeps you flying along the information super highway.

Populate Create Date, Last Modified Date, Modified Time, Author, and File Location into Excel 2003

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 02:25:00 +0000

I had a task for a project in which I searched only to discoverer that everyone was saying the same thing but in different ways. Here is what I was tasked with:

Display Create Date
Display Last Date Modified
Display Modified Time
Display Save Author
File Location

1. Right Click on the "Excel Logo" within Microsoft Excel
2. Select "View Code

3. Copy in this block of code and save changes
4. Re-open workbook

Private Sub Workbook_Open()
   Range("B1").Value = Format(ThisWorkbook.BuiltinDocumentProperties("Creation Date"), "short date")
   Range("B2").Value = Format(ThisWorkbook.BuiltinDocumentProperties("Last Save Time"), "short date")
   Range("B3").Value = ThisWorkbook.BuiltinDocumentProperties("Last Save Time")
   Range("B4").Value = ThisWorkbook.BuiltinDocumentProperties("Last Author")
End Sub

File Location uses:

=CELL("filename")

Source(s)
http://excel.tips.net/Pages/T002875_Adding_a_File_Path_and_Filename.html
http://www.exceluser.com/explore/questions/docproperties.htm

Open Source & Free Software Lists

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:28:00 +0000

Over the years I've been quite the collector of these types of list. Occasionally I'll see if there are any new offering but I didn't have the time to post each of these individually so instead here are the links to other lists.

lists

Best 101 Free Computer Software For Your Daily Use - Make Tech Easier: Check out this 101 list of free computer software.
Daily Cup of Tech » 35 Web Based Application Alternatives
Download Essential Free Software: Download Essential Free Software
Freeware Replacements For Common Commercial Apps
Freeware Utilities - Downloadpedia
Handy programs to put on a USB stick. at SnapFiles.com: These FREE programs do not require any installation and can be run directly from a USB drive. Keep some useful apps handy while on-the-go!
List of free awesome programs for Windows - WikiPaul - Paul Swanson's wiki
The 46 Best-ever Freeware Utilities: There are a lot of great freeware products out there. Many are as good or even better than their commercial alternatives. This list features my personal pick of the best of the best.
35 Portable Applications That Every Tech Needs | EmergingTechs.com: USB Flash Drive Over a year ago I wrote an article called 18 Portable Apps Every Tech Needs. Since then a lot has changed. I have compiled a new, more exhaustive list of 35 portable applications specifically for techs. All of these apps run directly from
Mohawke's Best of the Best Free and Open Source Software Collection: Mac OS X and Windows software Collection: Mohawke's best of the best free and open source software: Everything you can imagine from free OS X and Windows software, games, and even operating systems.
10 Freewares to Keep Your PC Efficient: After the increase in the number of free wares available, it is often confusing what to download and what not. Here are ten free wares that can increa
74 Great Web Apps for Web Designers we have forgotten about | Speckyboy - Wordpress and Design: The amount of Web Based Apps available are phenomenal, some we forget about...some we are glad we forgot about...others are handy to bookmark for another
40+ Ways To Access Your Computer Remotely: There are lots of reasons why you'd want to access your PC remotely, and luckily there are also plenty of ...
5 Free alternatives to Adobe products - OnSoftware
OPEN SOURCE GOD: 480+ Open Source Applications: Open source software is booming: here we round up over 480 open source applications for you to use or build ...
20 Tools to Make the Life of a Web Developer Easier - Nettuts+

Online Office, Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Presentation, CRM and more

Zoho offers a suite of online web applications geared towards increasing your productivity and offering easy collaboration. Zoho's online office tools include a word processor, spreadsheet application, presentation tool, hosted wiki, notebook, CRM etc

Open Source Alternative to Commercial Software - Downloadpedia

Open Source Fusion Applications

This is the list of open source web application you can use right away if you click

Open Source Templates | Free CSS and XHTML Website Templates

Open Source Website Templates. Free Website Design Templates. Brought to you by STUDIO7DESIGNS

Rob's Index of Superb Stuff : The Ultimate USB Drive Toolkit

USB Flash drives are a tremendously useful invention. Not only can you store and transfer files that would fill a ...

Tech-Recipes.com - Computer help Windows Solaris Linux Cisco MySQL Programming

Free Cisco, Windows, Solaris, UNIX help and more

Open Source Freeware : 400+ free applications and utilities : eConsultant

Server2Go - Self configurable WAMPP Stack

FreeScreencast.com - Features

Hive Five: Five Best Media Converters

We've all been there you've downloaded an episode of your favorite TV show to watch on your commute or stream

Screenshot Tour: Share Files and Remote Control Desktops with Gbridge

More than a few commenters had questions about the Gbridge tool for Windows we featured last week which works on

Geek to Live: Build an internet jukebox with Jinzora

by Gina Trapani Just because you're away from your home computer - and all the beloved gigabytes of music you've

Yawcam - Yet Another Webcam Software

Top Web-Based Online Tools ~ TopWebBased.com

No Download, No Install ! All the top web-based tools running on your browser

The 32 Totally Essential (and Free) Apps for Every New PC | Maximum PC

MaximumPC.com is the best online resource for PC Features. Visit Maximum PC and read about The 32 Totally Essential (and Free) Apps for Every New PC.

FRAPS show fps, record video game movies, screen capture software

Fraps can show your frame rate in games! Fraps performs video capture, screen capture and can benchmark your fps! Supports both DirectX capture and OpenGL capture!

Vyew.com - Vyew - FREE Anytime Collaboration and Live Conferencing™

Online Storage: Online Storage Feature-by-Feature Comparison Chart

Seems like every day a new online data storage service opens its servers to the world practically begging users to

DropBox - Best Sync according to...me

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 20:41:00 +0000

I like to provide everyone with tools that people like me find either amuzing or things that they cannot live without. I typically write on the blog so that I don't forget about the great apps that are out there. I felt like it was a homerun with DropBox.

What is DropBox?
In my own words its a folder that is on your computer that is in sync with the web. That allows flexibility with file sharing and backups

What does that do for me?

It lets me share files between my PCs Online/offline
That can be either on my LAN or accross the internet to a friend
It promotes the "Living in the Cloud" mindset that I like to embrace.

What is it lacking?

Being free it comes with only 2 gigs, so its not realistic to share your MP3 collection freely (there are other tools for that).
Each Referral earns you a little more space and there is always the pay model but 2 gig is plenty. I also was able to work with my current setup. I have 3 machines. 1 has media files, 2 is basically a back up machine, and 3 has work related files. I can make 3 accounts at 2 gigs each and then share the folders to all my PCs. This creates 6 gigs free. But again you would want to have multiple computers for this.

Referral Link (you can always give me more space): Dropbox.com

Sync Lotus Notes With Google Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 03:53:00 +0000

This was one that has been bugging me for quite some time. I use Google Calendar for everything I do. However, like so many others the corporate world ties us to Lotus Notes.

Luckily for us the Open Source community comes through. The "Lotus Notes to Google Synchronizer" is still currently in the Beta and has some flaws but right now its the best option I've seen.

http://lngooglecalsync.sourceforge.net/

Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:21:00 +0000

I was recently looking for a quick way to view the specs on my PC while also looking at some serials for my software. Not only that but I wanted to see what all I have installed on spare PC.

The quickest way happens to be Belarc Advisor. It creates a nice local webpage with all of your specs along with a detail of any missing patches.

Link to homepage

ScreenToaster

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 02:26:00 +0000

I quite literally stumbled onto ScreenToaster. Its a great way to record your desktop without the need of any software. I recently wrote about CamStudio which is a great little app but when you are on the go or at work ScreenToaster is going to come in very handy.

http://www.screentoaster.com/

Ways to increase your laptop battery

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 02:25:00 +0000

There is a really good article on MakeUseOf.com on 20 Ways to increase your laptop battery life.

Delete the files that you can't delete

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 02:17:00 +0000

Sometimes a download gets stuck or corrupt. Your clean desktop suddenly gets messed up by an ugly half downloaded file. There is a free and very easy to use solution called FileASSASIN. Its available as a standalone or as a usb app. Either of which are extremely useful.

- Download from developer
- Good Article on FileASSASIN

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 02:12:00 +0000

Sometimes I get phone calls or emails from long lost friends and family or friends of friends or friends of family( you get my point) on how to fix their computer. After spending a few minutes on the phone and hearing how bestbuy or the local computer shop charged $XXX. I always end up saying why didn't you call me first?

1. You live far away
2. I didn't want to bother you
3. I know nothing about this stuff

Luckily for all three of those reason there are applications out there that let you help these folks. Keep in mind there are MANY. My favorite has been and will likely always be LogMeIn. LogMeIn does just as it sounds. It allows me to remotely connect to your PC over the internet. Granted if your hard drive crashed I can't magically pop in through the phone lines, but if you can connect to the net. I can help you out!

LogMeIn is a program for Mac/Windows that is installed and runs in the background. It can be turned on or off with a mouseclick in case your worried about getting an unwanted IT support visit.

They offer a wide variety of programs from the simple free version that I use to the more advanced corporate IT version.

The free version allows you to connect directly to the user's desktop and take control.
Some features include:

256 bit encyption

laser pointer - Very useful for training purposes

Chat

Magnify

Changing screen resolution

I know Magnify and changing screen resolution sound like minor features but when your on someone's screen who has icons the size of notecards it is a bit annoying.

The Setup

First you will need to create a new free account. Once this account is setup you can start adding machines to your "virtual network"

To do this you simply click "add computer". It will prompt for an install and off you go. One important security measure is that each PC will have its own password. Beyond that, if the PC has a username and password, those also must be given. This ensures pretty strict security. The user may also change his/her logmein computer password.

I have included a video of the download process and then a quick glimpse of what it looks like when controling another computer from your browser.

New Computer Purchase/Setup

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:55:00 +0000

I always seem to get a questions from family and friends about what to do when you get a new computer. Of course its going to have junk on it you don't need. Of course its going to start up slow because of all the junk. Yes, I will tell you that you paid too much. So lets walk through the basics:

Basics
1. If you are surfing the web and reading emails don't buy the most expensive computer in the store.

There are several computers and netbooks within the $300 - $500 range that will perfectly meet your needs. No it will not have Microsoft Word on it, but do you want to spend another $150 or so? Use OpenOffice or other tools. I'll get to this point later.

If you don't understand gigs, hard drive space, RAM, and you know you aren't going to be doing any cutting edge gaming or video rendering I say go cheap.

2. Do not take their "Anti-Virus" package

Remember when I said your computer will start up slow because of all of the junk? Well chances are they want you to pay another $40 - $60 to put their anti virus software on there that will make your computer noticeably slower. Again, were going with a free solution.

3. Extended Warranty?

Ask what the manufacturers warranty is first. If it will suffice that save the cash. Companies make their money on those warranties but if you are buying a bargain laptop I may consider taking that warranty.

4. Don't pay for someone to set it up.

If you fear technology and "plugging things in" then why would you want a computer in the first place? Most computer out of the box have a very easy to follow guide for hooking up everything you need. Plus, its always more satisfying doing things yourself. If you get stuck give the neighbor kid a call. But please, try!

Software/Services
I'm going to provide you with things you will likely need.

AntiVirus
There are many options and its very likely you have a trial on your machine when you bought it. Please go and remove this in Add/Remove programs (if your using a windows operating systems). I use BitDefender just because its quick and intrusive. There are several viable options. Actually pick anything other than Nortons. I have provided a few free ones below.

Office Suite
You don't have to have Microsoft products. There are several online office suites that will probably meet your needs such as Google Docs and Zoho but for the standard desktop office suite I highly recommend OpenOffice. It will come with everything you need and the interface is very much like Microsoft.

OpenOffice.org

PDF Viewer
PDF is a format that is used quite often on the web and typically how your eBills / bank statements come. So it is important to have a viewer. While the widely accepted PDF viewer is the Adobe Acrobat Reader. It is a large download and its not really needed. Foxit Reader is a much better alturnative.

Foxit Reader

Email
You are probably saying that my service provider gives me an email account. I can also use Outlook Express. If you wish to change your ISP they will not let you keep your email account. I strongly recommend going with Gmail. Several gigs of space and very intuitive. It is web based but provides excellent instructions on how to use with your existing email client like Outlook Express or maybe even try Mozilla Thunderbird

Gmail

Backup
Backing up files is very very important. You don't want to lose your school or work things because your computer went down. Make the easiest decision ever and install a backup program that is web based just in case. Hopefully you will never have to use it. I have a list of several alternatives on my blog. For this kind of setup I'd recommend Mozy. Just select their Home user. This will give you 2 gigs of storage and will run automatically for you.

MozyHome

That about covers what you "Need". Please let me know if there is anything else you'd like to discuss.

Back Up

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 02:06:00 +0000

Backing up your PC, your work, your school papers, pictures, videos and game saves is something often neglected. You never know when that flash drive or hard drive is going to fail you. No matter how many people remind you to back things up the message never seems to get across. So what tools help you automate this

1. Mozy
The free version of Mozy is very nice, however, he limitation of the free version is 2 gigs. So I'd recommend only the most crucial documents get backed up. Save the MP3 collection for another tool, or shell out the extra cash to have Mozy cover it for you.

2. ADrive
I am a big fan of Adrive. Popping in at 50 gigs, it will allow you to back up nearly anything you can throw at it. The automatation aspect isn't quite as clean as Mozy but so far I am a big fan of what its doing for me.

3. DriveImage XML
Here is where I wanted to tie it all together. What if you could back up your entire PC right now or even just partition of your harddrive? This tool gives you that ability. I've reformatted my PC one too many times to know its a difficult task to track down all of the drivers and cd's to get your pc the way you want it after a distaster or a clean install.

DriveImage XML will do that for you. So the real trick is save off your disc image and then upload it to ADrive. Then anytime you do a major change to your pc save a new image and upload it again. I'll add a step by step if requested.

CDBurnerXP

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 01:57:00 +0000

I like so many others love to find free / open source alternatives to commercial products. My plan is to put links to all of these sites as I find them but ultimately call out the ones that I do use.

1. CDBurnerXP
Multi purpose cd/dvd burner tool just like nero. Also allows you to create ISO's.