CrypTool – Cryptography Tutorial and Software

CrypTool is a free e-learning program to teach the fundamentals of encryption and cryptology.   Link

CrypTool is a freeware program which enables you to apply and analyze cryptographic mechanisms. It has the typical look-and-feel of a modern Windows application. CrypTool contains exhaustive online help, which can be understood without extensive knowledge of cryptography. CrypTool is available in English, German, Polish and Spanish. CrypTool has implemented almost all state-of-the-art crypto functions and allows you to learn about and use cryptography within the same environment…more

Using CrypTool in Education

Dawn Babian, GSAE

Data Recovery Freeware Roundup

It will happen.   As a home user, you will probably accidentally delete a file or picture and empty the recycle bin.  With several applications available for a home user, you may be able to retrieve the file.

• Do NOT defrag your computer
• Do NOT install any additional software
• Do NOT use the internet
• Do NOT recover to the same drive where lost files are
• Avoid using your computer until you can run one of the software applications below-

DiskDigger – An excellent application that has a high recovery rate, DiskDigger does not require an installation.  DiskDigger can be carried on your jump drive for data recovery.

Pandora – Another excellent program that allows for the recovery of all forms of data on your computer.  Pandora has an excellent recovery rate and can find almost any lost file.   Be careful during the installation not to accept the homepage change and search engine change.  Pandora’s wizard makes it a snap for the novice user.  During this test Pandora found 43 deleted files (Several were marked as not recoverable) – 3 Recoverable

Recuva – A good program that also allows for the recovery of data.  Made by the same people who offer CCleaner, Recuva is freeware . Watch for a toolbar installer.  During this test Recuva found 15 deleted files – 1 Recoverable

EASEUS – EASEUS requiring a little more skill, is a good recovery program.  EASEUS found 14 deleted files – 3 Recoverable

PC SmartRecovery – This software is one of the best utilities to scan memory cards and cameras for lost pictures.  Absolutely one of the best software applications for this recovery type.

While each of these programs have primarily the same features, I found that each could recover the same files and each application found different files than its competitor.

So which should you use?  All of them.  They are all good tools to have readily available in the event you delete something you shouldn’t have.

Slow Computer Shutdown – Speed It Up!

If your computer takes forever to shutdown, use Waresoft’s Superfast Shutdown.

This program stops programs instantly and shuts your computer down fast.   Because this program has its own shutdown.exe file, it WILL probably be detected as a virus.  Don’t panic.  In fact, don’t download it if you think it may be.   If your anti-virus software sees it as a virus, add it to the exceptions.

EMCO Malware Destroyer

EMCO Malware Destroyer is a freeware software for malware and viruses.  Link

Defragging Windows – Defragging Ubuntu

Linux -  Linux has a very efficient file system but to think that when you delete files or clear cache that the file system won’t become fragmented or have gaps between files is purely misleading.   Many forums on the web will tell you that it is not necessary.  Think about it….OK now, you can download defrag utilities for Ubuntu.  Defrag for Ubuntu

Manual for Ubuntu

Windows – The best defragging utility now is Auslogics.   This freeware out performs any other defrag utility.

Find out What’s on Your Harddrive

Find out What’s on Your Harddrive – Disktective is an excellent piece of freeware that allows you to examine your hard drive and find out the space that is being used.  Link

Windows 7 in a Box

So there I am searching the internet for freeware and discover Windows 7 in a Box.  Well guess what?  I find it on Rick’s site at Whatsonmypc.wordpress.com.  Nothing new, Rick is on top of it!   This little program is a great add-on to your Windows 7 computer giving you a shortcut to almost everything in 7.

Windows System Control Center – Portable

Windows System Control Center is portable software that allows you to look at a million settings in Windows.

Link

Get Detailed Information on Your Open Ports – MyPorts 2010

Geek Squeaks of the Week has delivered an excellent freeware through their recognition of Lifehacker’s article on MyPorts 2010.   MyPorts is an excellent program to get detailed information on port numbers on your computer.  Link

Be SURE to check out our June post -

See What Ports are Open on Your Computer and What is a Port Number?-Updated

 

 

Ubuntu Tweak – Show Icons on Desktop

Ubuntu Tweak can be automatically installed to Ubuntu by going to Ubuntu-tweak.com.  This package is installed automatically and can be ran under applications after the installation.  You can customize many features and add software (opensource/freeware) to your OS easily.

 

Free Portable Software – Lupo PenSuite

Free Portable Software – Lupo PenSuite   -

A collection of over 200 software titles that are freeware. Browsers, utilities, add-ons, networking and tons of other apps.  This freeware software is an excellent (200 mb of software) you can download for free!  Excellent collection.   A hefty 200mb version is available and a lite version can be downloaded and ran from your portable drive.

Link

Ubuntu Tweak

If you want to tweak Ubuntu, this freeware utility is a great way to tweak the desktop, security and other options.