Windows only: Free task managing application Process Manager for Windows adds options to the global context menu for all applications—adding quick access to control running tasks. We’ve mentioned this application before, but it has since updated with more features including minimising applications to the system tray, setting windows always on top, and assigning per-window transparency. Readers using Windows XP will also get extra features—the ability to completely hide a single window, or hide all windows except the current one behind the PMW tray icon—making this low-resource, portable application worth a look for anybody interested in better control over running processes. Process Manager for Windows is free and open source, available for Windows only.
Process Manager for WindowsLifehacker reader StE823 has managed to squeeze a large amount of practical workspace out of his bedroom, while still keeping it very minimalist and livable. The two separate desks are divided into work and play areas, the larger and apparently custom-built desk serves as a play space for videos and gaming. The smaller and appropriately white desk is a dedicated schoolwork station sporting a MacBook. Aside from the ascetic considerations in planning out a room with nice modern styling, StE8823 has included practical touches like a hook under the desk to hang a Swiffer duster on for quick touch ups on clutter free surfaces.The placement of the monitor on the larger desk makes for an excellent media centre screen, well positioned for watching a movie from the bed. And who isn’t a sucker for well placed ambient lighting? Blending Work and Play [Flickr]
Windows only: HoeKey is a tiny portable application that helps you create user-defined hot key combinations that control a wide variety of Windows functions. HoeKey uses an astoundingly low amount of system resources—on my system it used a mere 252k of memory. By comparison, the next most intensive non-system process was Notepad, consuming 1,298k of memory. Users can script a variety of macros going well beyond basic application launching. HoeKey has commands for emulating keystrokes, running applications, moving and manipulating windows, adjusting speaker volume and media playback, and a host of other things you might not want to do manually. The application is completely portable and, because it doesn’t modify the system at all, you could safely use it for custom keyboard shortcuts on a work computer. Use HoeKey with some of the free ways we’ve suggested for syncing your files, and you’ll have the convenience of the same keyboard shortcuts at both your home and office terminals. HoeKey is a free download for Windows systems only. HoeKey [via gHacks]
Web application Meet-O-Matic is a meeting organiser that picks an available date easily with a simple, no-nonsense web interface that requires no registration—making short work of picking your next meeting date. Using the application, which requires no signup for anybody involved, is as simple as picking your available dates from the calendar, adding the meeting name and email address, and then sharing the generated URL with your friends or family, who will also be prompted to pick a date from the list. Once all the responses are in, you can view the next available date for everybody, and schedule your meeting from there. As an unregistered user, the application only allows you to get as granular as AM/PM—for more granular scheduling you will have to sign up for an account. Business users and more tech-savvy readers will probably continue to use Outlook and Google Calendar for scheduling, but if you are trying to find a free day to schedule the next family reunion, this free webapp might be just the ticket. For other web-based meeting pickers, check out previously mentioned Congregar, Timebridge, When Is Good, and Diarised.
Meet-O-MaticWindows only: Font organiser AMP Font Viewer handles all of your font management tasks—installing, removing, and categorizing fonts with ease. Using the utility is as simple as launching the executable (Windows Vista users will need to right-click and Run as Administrator), typing your sample text in the right-hand pane, and choosing a font. You can also organise your font collection by grouping fonts into categories, or uninstall fonts that you don’t need (with the option to save them into a folder). One of the more interesting features of the application, however, is the option to temporarily install fonts for a single session—so you can use new one-time fonts without cluttering up the Windows font list. AMP Font Viewer is a free download for Windows. If you really want to personalise your font collection, you can always create a font from your own handwriting.
AMP Font ViewerEarlier this week you learned how to properly erase your physical media using primarily software methods. If you prefer physical destruction as the path to true data security, these videos are for you. Photo by jon_a_ross.
One rather feisty (and—surprise!—Linux-savvy) Slashdot reader writes about his DRM discoveries in Windows 7. Along with complaints about seemingly big-software-friendly firewall access and registration DLLs, the author’s chief discovery is that Windows 7 doesn’t allow for any kind of software audio capture. In other words, if you’ve got one application playing sound, Windows 7 doesn’t seem to allow you to use your same sound card to also grab the audio from that app.
Windows 7 testers, are you seeing similar findings? I don’t trust my ThinkPad’s built-in sound to be a reliable testing rig, so let us know if you’re also blocked from in-system recording in the comments.
