Windows only: The VirusTotal Uploader adds an entry to your right-click Send To menu that automatically uploads a file to online virus scanner VirusTotal, which scans the file for viruses using 39 different antivirus applications. If VirusTotal sounds familiar, it’s probably because we recommended using it to find out if a file really has a virus. Of course the whole process of heading to the VirusTotal homepage, browsing for the file on your hard drive, then waiting for the upload to complete is a little tedious. With the VirusTotal Uploader, scanning that file with nearly 40 antivirus engines requires just two clicks (right-click the file in question, then select Send To -> VirusTotal). If you’re keen on the idea behind VirusTotal, you can also use it to scan email attachments before downloading them by simply forwarding the email to scan@virustotal.com. VirusTotal Uploader is a free download, Windows only.
VirusTotal Uploader [VirusTotal via Life Rocks 2.0]If you liked the look of previously mentioned digital photo application Poladroid—which adds a retro flair to regular digital photos—but your Windows life prevented you from using the Mac-only app, you’re in luck. Poladroid has made an alpha version of Poladroid for Windows available for download. Sure the idea of Polaroid-ing digital photos is a bit absurd, but considering that Polaroid no longer makes actual Polaroids, it’s nice to keep a little nostalgia alive. Thanks Moysauce!
Mac OS X only: The popular VoIP application Skype has released a killer new beta for Macs, adding new features like screen sharing and Skype Access, a great new Wi-Fi access tool.
According to researchers at Oxford University, playing the popular, classic puzzle game Tetris after a traumatic experience could significantly reduce emotional scars. Apparently Tetris—which requires serious brain power on your part—blocks your brain from storing those bad memories. The catch: It needs to be played immediately following the traumatic event, so break out your old Game Boys and stick ‘em in your emergency kit. Photo by Micah Taylor. [via CNet]
A lone flame against a dark backdrop makes a great scene, but, on most automatic cameras, a washed-out or drab picture. Digital Photography School has sound advice on capturing fire in a frame. For instance, if you’re practicing or shooting with a candle flame, don’t focus on the flame itself, but on the end of the wick: The flame itself will not be in super-clear focus as it is producing the light while being a three dimensional object, meaning the intensity and points to focus on it will be varied. If your camera has spot metering, use it and take a reading off the flame itself. This may produce a fairly dark image, so experiment with overexposing a little by slowing down the shutter speed.
Many of the principles of shooting fireworks apply, but DPS’ post goes into detail about getting tricky/nifty shots, like the fire trail pictured above. Drop links to your own successful flame shots in the comments below. Photo by Gaetan Lee. Playing With Fire – How to Photograph Fire [Digital Photography School]
