Tips Of The Week

Tip 1:

If you enable "Clipboard Observation" in JDownloader Settings -> User Interface -> Toolbar Manager, whenever you copy a link from either a webpage or a text file, JDownloader's Linkgrabber will automatically parse the link. And, it doesn't matter whether you start JDownloader before copying the link or after.

Tip 2:

Java comes bundled with OpenOffice.org which means if you have installed OpenOffice in your PC, then Java is also there.

Tip 3:

I am using Windows XP Service Pack 3 without .NET framework. My PC is running smoothly with all programs except for a small problem. Scrolling through the menu of BS Player by a right-click becomes very slow while running videos in full screen.

What is .NET Framework?

Question Of The Week

What is .NET Framework?

Is it a Software Development Tool, Runtime Environment, Web Service Platform or Operating System? The answer is... it fits into each one in some or other way (For God's sake, don't ask me the explanations for those terms!! Kindly use GOOGLE SEARCH).

The Microsoft .NET Framework is a general-purpose software development platform, similar to Java, but built with internet in mind. It can be installed on computers operating on Microsoft Windows. It is a collection of tools and languages that all work together in a framework to build and deploy user programs. It includes a large library of coded solutions that address the common programming problems and a virtual machine that manages the execution of programs written specifically for the framework. Thus the .NET framework makes software development better, easier, and faster.

How does it concern the PC Users?

The answer is hidden in the above paragraph. In simple terms, if you want to use a program that has been developed with .NET framework, you should first install .NET framework in your Windows before installing that program.

But, it is not so simple to do it !! (That's why it became an issue to be discussed about). The complicating factors are large file sizes, frequent updates in the name of service packs and different versions which work in parellel.

Factor 1:
I know a program whose original file size is barely 2 MB, but it requires 200 MB of .NET Framework for its function!

Factor 2:
Frequent updates (service packs) to the .NET Framework are being sent via the Automatic Updates module of Windows. The problem is, if you want to format your C drive for some reason, then you'll have to lose sleep at least for a couple of nights to reinstall all these versions and updates correctly.

Factor 3:
Versions released so far are 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 and they work alongside each other. If a program has been developed with a particular version of .NET framework, you'll have to install that particular version of .NET framework in your Windows for that program to function properly. The result is just that you would be installing all of them.

If you want to install .NET Framework in your PC, here is the final piece of information. Windows Vista includes upto Version 3.0 and Windows 7 includes upto Version 3.5 while Windows XP includes none (Courtesy: Wikipedia). A consolation for Windows XP users is the fact that they can straightaway go for Version 3.5 (Web Installer) which will automatically install the previous versions also. But remember to reserve at least 1 GB in your C drive.

Java Vs .NET framework?
Although this is a valid question, it is beyond our scope. It can be discussed from two different views. The answer from the point of view of an ordinary PC user may be different from that of a software developer. My only suggestion is... if you haven't installed Java in your PC yet, kindly do it now!!

JDownloader

Program Of The Week

JDownloader

Do you prefer Direct Downloads over Torrents? This is a pretty good FREE software. JDownloader is open source, OS independent and requires Java Runtime Enviroment 1.5 or higher. Starting from Rapidshare and Megaupload, it supports downloads from nearly 250 file storage websites.

Just copy the download link and click on "Add URL" in Linkgrabber tab of JDownloader. If it is just a webpage (batch download for music files etc.), it will scan the webpage and will you the list of all files available for download in that page. You can right-click on whichever file you want and start the download.

Some websites may present the download links in a container file (CCF, DLC etc.,). Just download the container file and load it with "Add Container" button in the Linkgrabber tab.

Whozzat

Website Of The Week

www.whozzat.com

There are many websites in the net which offer free SMS service from PC to mobiles. When I tested a few websites for free SMS service, I found some problems.

1. Website's phone number in place of SENDER.
2. Website name in place of SENDER.
3. Advertisement following main message.
4. A preliminary message announcing that "The following user is trying to send you a message. Select REPLY after reading it".

Obviously a REPLY through the same path will cost more than an ordinary mobile to mobile SMS. It means that the website is earning from our friend for serving us free! Moreover, some websites ask our email's password! NEVER give and never visit that website again.

Whozzat doesn't have the above mentioned problems. It displays your mobile number in place of SENDER. This website offers Free SMS to Indian mobiles only and is one of the best in business. You can save your friends' mobile numbers in the PHONEBOOK.