Improve your note-taking and dictation skills with web site Listen and Write. As opposed to most most typing applications, which ask you to copy words you see on the screen, Listen and Write plays back audio clips of current events and asks you to transcribe the content. Sometimes the application is a little too stingy on spelling—especially of proper names—but it could be a great tool to gear up for taking better and faster notes in lectures or meetings. On the other hand, if you’d like your computer to dictate what you are saying, we’ve got you covered there, too.
Windows only: Free, open-source application Copy Handler speeds up Windows file transfers up to seven times in addition to providing advanced features for copying and moving files, like pausing, resuming, and restarting transfers. Similar to previously mentioned TeraCopy, Copy Handler is a perfect tool for improving the default copy-and-move operations that your computer performs daily, especially if you’re frequently moving large files. With optional integration directly with your normal copy-and-paste shortcuts and right-click menu, the app can even auto-resume transfers on error or on system restarts. Apart from all of that, Copy Handler is also wildly customisable and provides several different views depending on how much power you need for any given copy. Copy Handler is free, Windows only. Copy Handler [via FreewareGenius]
If you rock Google Talk in your Firefox sidebar, you’ll be happy to know that it’s finally integrated the Invisible status a good three months after Gmail’s chat. Still no update on the desktop client, though there are still ways to manipulate your idle status.
One day after Firefox 3 RC 2 hit the streets, PortableApps.com has already released Firefox 3 RC 2 Portable Edition. If you’re keeping up with the Firefox 3 hype but still aren’t ready to ditch your solid Firefox 2 install, portable Firefox is the perfect way to test its improved performance and snazzy interface.
The internet is a glorious and exciting world, but unless you’re properly protected with a good antivirus application, it can also be a dangerous one. We’ve come a long way since the days of Norton, with handfuls of excellent freeware software that can keep your computer safe from malware just as well as their bloated, more expensive counterparts. Earlier this week we asked you to share your favourite antivirus application, and today we’re rounding up the five most popular answers. Hit the jump for an overview of the five best antivirus applications.
The New York Times interviews experienced athletes and researchers and finds that the wealth of so-called “recovery” drinks and protein bars, are mostly over-hyped. During and after a long exercise period, like a marathon or lengthy bike ride, you don’t need specialised products, or a four-to-one carbohydrate/protein mix, to boost your performance: Dr. Rennie said that 10 to 15 grams of protein is probably adequate for any adult. And you don’t need a special drink or energy bar to get it. One egg has 6 grams of protein. Two ounces of chicken has more than 12 grams.
Fruit, water, and fruit juice also work well after hard workouts, the article notes, and don’t have to be taken within any certain window after the exercise. Photo by epimetheus. Real Thought for Food for Long Workouts [New York Times]
Google adds a 3D tour of Disney World to the latest version of Google Earth (4.3), which lets you “zoom down Main Street, USA, fly around Cinderella Castle, explore Spaceship Earth and climb the Tree of Life.”
