Why?
I pose this question after a short but frustrating search for software.
Not software for me. Software for a Windows user I know.
The frustration I encountered happened while I was searching for a free online radio station ripper.
In Linux we have StreamTuner and StreamRipper.
Tune in a station, click record and save as much of the audio you want.
But doing a search for a free Windows app that does the same thing is an exercise in futility.
Oh sure, they say it's free. Free to try for 30 days. Free to try but limited functions until you buy.
Or you get that free version that will then impregnate your computer with more spyware then radio stations it will tune in. Every piece of software had some kind of catch to it. That catch being money.
You either paid up front for it or you install some piece of crap that was paid for by advertisers in the back alley that will spy on you in the hope of selling you something with the constant ad barrage you will unleash on your computer.
Now I'm not condemning all free software titles for Microsoft. There are several excellent programs available for Windows users. One of my favorites from day one is Irfanview. I like it so much that I have it installed in my Linux pc using Wine. Winamp was also a favorite of mine back when I was using Windows. And there are others that are just as good. Just not that many in a variety of categories.
Why can't free software for Windows be like that found in Linux. Open source software abounds in the Linux community but seems very stifled in the Windows community. I assume the motivation for money is what drives the Windows software writers while the Open Source community looks at the development of software as helping the community and fellow users.
I guess that me using Linux for so long has changed my attitude about software. I have nothing against developing and marketing software for profit. But there also needs to be an equivalent number of software titles available for free with no crippling or attaching hidden strings to it.
Why aren't there that many open source software titles for Microsoft users?
Why?
End of rant. Have a nice day!
BTW....... I am in no way condoning illegal downloading or theft of music. Unfortunately some people and forums feel that recording an online radio stream is illegal. I don't see it that way. They pay the fees to play the music and stream it to your computer. Recording it for your later listening pleasure is considered fair use. If it wasn't then all those cassette recorders and vcr's would have been illegal from day one. Of course a certain big company ( S***) sees it differently now that they don't produce vcr's.
TaZMAn
Showing posts with label Software. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Software. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
JDownloader - An Excellent File Downloader
Need a good tool for downloading files from Rapidshare, Megaupload or other file sharing sites?
Try a program called jDownloader. It's free and because it's written in Java, it's not platform dependent.
That means it will run in Linux, Windows, Mac or any other OS that has Java installed.
You can go to the site found here;
http://jdownloader.org/home/index
Download the installer that matches your OS. You will also need the Java Runtime jre installed.
If you have Ubuntu you can get it through the repositories. Other OS's can get it from Sun's website here;
http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp
When you unzip the downloaded file in Ubuntu you will have a folder with many files in it.
The one you want to use is the one named jDownloader.jar
Right click on it and select Java Runtime Environment as the launcher.
You will be greeted with a configuration screen. It will also ask if you want to install apt-get in your Firefox browser so it will automatically grab the links you selected and add them to the link grabber section of jDownloader.
I'm not going to provide support for this software. That can be found in their forums.
What I will provide is some basic info to make your life easier.
If you don't have a premium membership to Rapidshare or any other file share site make sure you set the number of maximum connections for each site to 1.
You may also set your maximum simultaneous downloads to 1.
You also have the option to set your download speed plus many other options although the above are the most important.
Below is a screen shot of my linkgrabber screen. It has all the links for my 20 in 1 multiboot DVD ready to be added into the download section.
So what can jDownloader do for you?
It can automatically grab selected links and add it into your linkgrabber screen ready to be downloaded immediately or later on.
No need to sit and wait in between downloads because of mandatory wait times. This software does it for you! It also grabs the captcha codes like at Megaupload and puts them in for you.
And after the download is finished, it extracts the file from the rar or zip file.
It also has the ability to download protected links like those being circulated in several forums.
JDownloader supports hundreds of file sharing sites.
You cannot believe how much this software improves life for non-subscribers of file sharing sites.
I add the links and start it before leaving for work and depending on the size of file and speeds, it is usually done by the time I get home.
No more wasted time watching the pc waiting for the 15 minutes to be up so you can start the next link.
This software does the waiting for you.
No more typing in the captcha code. jDownloader does it for you.
Make your downloading life easier and give jDownloader a try.
Enjoy!
TaZMAn
Try a program called jDownloader. It's free and because it's written in Java, it's not platform dependent.
That means it will run in Linux, Windows, Mac or any other OS that has Java installed.
You can go to the site found here;
http://jdownloader.org/home/index
Download the installer that matches your OS. You will also need the Java Runtime jre installed.
If you have Ubuntu you can get it through the repositories. Other OS's can get it from Sun's website here;
http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp
When you unzip the downloaded file in Ubuntu you will have a folder with many files in it.
The one you want to use is the one named jDownloader.jar
Right click on it and select Java Runtime Environment as the launcher.
You will be greeted with a configuration screen. It will also ask if you want to install apt-get in your Firefox browser so it will automatically grab the links you selected and add them to the link grabber section of jDownloader.
I'm not going to provide support for this software. That can be found in their forums.
What I will provide is some basic info to make your life easier.
If you don't have a premium membership to Rapidshare or any other file share site make sure you set the number of maximum connections for each site to 1.
You may also set your maximum simultaneous downloads to 1.
You also have the option to set your download speed plus many other options although the above are the most important.
Below is a screen shot of my linkgrabber screen. It has all the links for my 20 in 1 multiboot DVD ready to be added into the download section.
So what can jDownloader do for you?
It can automatically grab selected links and add it into your linkgrabber screen ready to be downloaded immediately or later on.
No need to sit and wait in between downloads because of mandatory wait times. This software does it for you! It also grabs the captcha codes like at Megaupload and puts them in for you.
And after the download is finished, it extracts the file from the rar or zip file.
It also has the ability to download protected links like those being circulated in several forums.
JDownloader supports hundreds of file sharing sites.
You cannot believe how much this software improves life for non-subscribers of file sharing sites.
I add the links and start it before leaving for work and depending on the size of file and speeds, it is usually done by the time I get home.
No more wasted time watching the pc waiting for the 15 minutes to be up so you can start the next link.
This software does the waiting for you.
No more typing in the captcha code. jDownloader does it for you.
Make your downloading life easier and give jDownloader a try.
Enjoy!
TaZMAn
Monday, December 22, 2008
Linux Is Saving Me Money $$$
I decided to see how much money I have saved by switching to Linux.
I took several of the software titles I had previously used (Except for Photoshop) and used Google to search prices. I believe that most of the prices fall within the average price range for each product.
So let's start off with the Windows PC. I prefer XP but seeing how it's going to be phased out
I would need to upgrade to Vista. The other software other then PS is pretty much standard fare for my needs.
Office 2007 Std. ...............119.99
Photoshop CS3..................649.00
CloneDVD and AnyDVD ...... 76.95
Nero 9 ...............................79.99
ConvertXtoDVD ................. 49.99
UltraISO ............................29.95
______________________________________
Total ............................. 1285.77
So we have a price tag of $1285.77 USD with the addition of Photoshop.
Without the Photoshop option the cost would still be $636.77 USD
Now to the Linux system using The Gimp, Xara and Blender as a replacement for Photoshop.
As you can see, it cost me absolutely nothing for the O.S. and the software.
I saved myself a minimum of $636.77 USD.
And I didn't even have to buy upgrades to run it unlike Vista.
Linux ........................... Free
Antivirus ....................... N/A
OpenOffice ....................Free
The Gimp,Xara,Blender ..Free
K9 Copy ........................Free
K3b ..............................Free
DeVeDe, WinFF .............Free
ISO Master ................... Free
____________________________________
Total ............................$0.00
Many of you will object to me adding the cost of Vista to the list as it is installed in store bought computers. Well I only use systems I build myself. Therefore I need to buy Vista and that is what I must pay.
And I added Photoshop more as a joke rather then a necessary application. I honestly used Paint Shop Pro 7 that I bought on a discount rack for $49 USD.
But anytime a Linux user mentions The Gimp many others scream that it doesn't have all the features as Photoshop.
Well most people will never use all the features of Photoshop and I'd like those nay sayers to cough up their license key and not the crack key that is so prevalent. No user that only does home photos and simple graphics will ever convince me they purchased a $649.00 piece of software to do so little graphics work.
Anyway............ Thank you Linux for saving me money and providing me with everything I require.
In these troubling economic times, every dime I can save is much appreciated.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
TaZMAn
I took several of the software titles I had previously used (Except for Photoshop) and used Google to search prices. I believe that most of the prices fall within the average price range for each product.
So let's start off with the Windows PC. I prefer XP but seeing how it's going to be phased out
I would need to upgrade to Vista. The other software other then PS is pretty much standard fare for my needs.
Vista Home Premium.........239.95
Antivirus ...........................39.95Office 2007 Std. ...............119.99
Photoshop CS3..................649.00
CloneDVD and AnyDVD ...... 76.95
Nero 9 ...............................79.99
ConvertXtoDVD ................. 49.99
UltraISO ............................29.95
______________________________________
Total ............................. 1285.77
So we have a price tag of $1285.77 USD with the addition of Photoshop.
Without the Photoshop option the cost would still be $636.77 USD
Now to the Linux system using The Gimp, Xara and Blender as a replacement for Photoshop.
As you can see, it cost me absolutely nothing for the O.S. and the software.
I saved myself a minimum of $636.77 USD.
And I didn't even have to buy upgrades to run it unlike Vista.
Linux ........................... Free
Antivirus ....................... N/A
OpenOffice ....................Free
The Gimp,Xara,Blender ..Free
K9 Copy ........................Free
K3b ..............................Free
DeVeDe, WinFF .............Free
ISO Master ................... Free
____________________________________
Total ............................$0.00
Many of you will object to me adding the cost of Vista to the list as it is installed in store bought computers. Well I only use systems I build myself. Therefore I need to buy Vista and that is what I must pay.
And I added Photoshop more as a joke rather then a necessary application. I honestly used Paint Shop Pro 7 that I bought on a discount rack for $49 USD.
But anytime a Linux user mentions The Gimp many others scream that it doesn't have all the features as Photoshop.
Well most people will never use all the features of Photoshop and I'd like those nay sayers to cough up their license key and not the crack key that is so prevalent. No user that only does home photos and simple graphics will ever convince me they purchased a $649.00 piece of software to do so little graphics work.
Anyway............ Thank you Linux for saving me money and providing me with everything I require.
In these troubling economic times, every dime I can save is much appreciated.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
TaZMAn
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Show Me How - Show Me Do Tutorials
Show Me Do is a website I stumbled across that stopped me dead. And that's hard to do!
A website loaded with video tutorials on just about everything Linux.
A hidden jewel that everyone needs to check out.
Want to learn programming like Python, Ruby, Perl or C?
How about graphics software such a Blender, Gimp or Inkscape?
And plenty of tutorials on Linux and Ubuntu.
Words can convey an idea. Videos can show you first hand how to do it.
For me, I can learn more from a 5 minute movie then if I read 30 minutes of tutorials.
So do yourself a favor and get over to Show Me Do and maybe you can now learn that new developer language or software you've been meaning to try.
That's Show Me Do at;
http://showmedo.com/
Enjoy the show and good luck on your new venture!
TaZMAn
A website loaded with video tutorials on just about everything Linux.
A hidden jewel that everyone needs to check out.
Want to learn programming like Python, Ruby, Perl or C?
How about graphics software such a Blender, Gimp or Inkscape?
And plenty of tutorials on Linux and Ubuntu.
Words can convey an idea. Videos can show you first hand how to do it.
For me, I can learn more from a 5 minute movie then if I read 30 minutes of tutorials.
So do yourself a favor and get over to Show Me Do and maybe you can now learn that new developer language or software you've been meaning to try.
That's Show Me Do at;
http://showmedo.com/
Enjoy the show and good luck on your new venture!
TaZMAn
Friday, November 21, 2008
Lock The Software or Kernel Versions
There are times you want to lock in your software or kernel version so that it won't upgrade to the next available version.
This article will show you how to do it and provide examples why you might want to do this.
You just got your Ubuntu system all tweaked out and running sweet. The Nvidia driver problems are all fixed and you are happy. BLINK! The updater has informed you about new updates.
So you click on the updater and start the download and install process. One of the updates is a new kernel. Cool! Might have some new features in it.
You finish the updates and restart your computer to enable the new kernel.
Disaster!!
The video is screwed again. The new kernel hosed your old settings. After a few minutes of making changes you toss up your hands and scream at the top of your lungs.
Lucky for you, you can reboot and select the old kernel for your boot up.
Then you can use one of the tips from my previous blog entry to remove that new kernel.
However, every time you start your computer, the updater informs you that you have a new update. That update is the kernel you just got rid of. How can we tell the updater to ignore it?
Here's how;
Open up the Synaptic Package Manager and do a search for linux-headers.
Find the version you are now using and highlight it.
Now go to the Package button and click on the Lock Version button.
Go back to the search field and do a search for linux-image.
Find the version you are now using and lock that version also.
Now the update manager won't bug you about an update for the new kernel.
You can also use this for software you have installed.
Use this technique to prevent update problems when your system takes a dive with a new kernel or software version.
Enjoy!
TaZMAn
This article will show you how to do it and provide examples why you might want to do this.
You just got your Ubuntu system all tweaked out and running sweet. The Nvidia driver problems are all fixed and you are happy. BLINK! The updater has informed you about new updates.
So you click on the updater and start the download and install process. One of the updates is a new kernel. Cool! Might have some new features in it.
You finish the updates and restart your computer to enable the new kernel.
Disaster!!
The video is screwed again. The new kernel hosed your old settings. After a few minutes of making changes you toss up your hands and scream at the top of your lungs.
Lucky for you, you can reboot and select the old kernel for your boot up.
Then you can use one of the tips from my previous blog entry to remove that new kernel.
However, every time you start your computer, the updater informs you that you have a new update. That update is the kernel you just got rid of. How can we tell the updater to ignore it?
Here's how;
Open up the Synaptic Package Manager and do a search for linux-headers.
Find the version you are now using and highlight it.
Now go to the Package button and click on the Lock Version button.
Go back to the search field and do a search for linux-image.
Find the version you are now using and lock that version also.
Now the update manager won't bug you about an update for the new kernel.
You can also use this for software you have installed.
Use this technique to prevent update problems when your system takes a dive with a new kernel or software version.
Enjoy!
TaZMAn
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Blog Entry Poster
Just downloaded and trying out a piece of software available through the Synaptic Package Manager called Blog Entry Poster.
It allows me to add new posts to this blog right from my desktop. No need to open up Firefox and log in to my page.
Well I guess I will still have to open my browser and go to my blog to see how this turned out. I do know one con about this software and that is the inability to add tags to any posts made with this software. It will require me to still log into my blog and edit the post to add the tags.
But this is still a good utility. Especially if I'm doing something and I want to do a quick post on this blog.
Enjoy!
TaZMAn
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Create a Software List In Linux
Real quick and easy technique that creates an alphabetical list of all software packages that you have installed on your system.
Open the terminal and type in the following;
dpkg --get-selections > installed-software
This will generate a text file in your Home folder named Installed-Software.
Now if you ever have to redo your computer or build a new one and you want the same software installed all you have to do is make sure the list is in the Home directory, open the terminal and type in the following;
sudo dpkg --set-selections < installed-software
And then this command;
dselect
That's it! Short and sweet.
Enjoy!
TaZMAn
Open the terminal and type in the following;
dpkg --get-selections > installed-software
This will generate a text file in your Home folder named Installed-Software.
Now if you ever have to redo your computer or build a new one and you want the same software installed all you have to do is make sure the list is in the Home directory, open the terminal and type in the following;
sudo dpkg --set-selections < installed-software
And then this command;
dselect
That's it! Short and sweet.
Enjoy!
TaZMAn
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Edit The Menu
Your Applications Menu can be used to install or remove software by using the Add/Remove link at the bottom of the menu.
And that menu can be customized to add or remove listings and/or category.
You can even add a new menu to the main menu.
Here's how;
Place your cursor over the Applications button in the tool bar.
Now right click on it and from the menu select Edit Menus.
There you will see each category and software listed within it.
Place a check mark next to the software to have it appear in the menu. Uncheck it to not have it listed in the menu.
You can even move a software listing from one category to another using the 'Drag and Drop' method.
One word of caution;
When you drag a software listing from one category to another you are actually doing a Copy and Paste.
The original stays put and a new listing will show up in the category you dragged it to.
So you will need to right click on the original listing and delete it unless you want it listed in 2 categories.
You can even add new categories (Menus).
There are many options and tools available to fully customize the menu to suit your liking.
TaZMAn
And that menu can be customized to add or remove listings and/or category.
You can even add a new menu to the main menu.
Here's how;
Place your cursor over the Applications button in the tool bar.
Now right click on it and from the menu select Edit Menus.
There you will see each category and software listed within it.
Place a check mark next to the software to have it appear in the menu. Uncheck it to not have it listed in the menu.
You can even move a software listing from one category to another using the 'Drag and Drop' method.
One word of caution;
When you drag a software listing from one category to another you are actually doing a Copy and Paste.
The original stays put and a new listing will show up in the category you dragged it to.
So you will need to right click on the original listing and delete it unless you want it listed in 2 categories.
You can even add new categories (Menus).
There are many options and tools available to fully customize the menu to suit your liking.
TaZMAn
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Ubuntu Software and Web Links
I decided to create a list of some of my favorite and helpful links.
Not just links to software but a mix of web pages and software for Ubuntu / Linux users.
This article will be updated on a regular basis so check back often.
Enjoy!
Top 50
Website that lists their top 50 Ubuntu Applications;
AcetoneISO
Mount, convert ISO's, Convert PSX1 disks, FLV's to AVI's and more!
Crack Rar, 7z, and Zip files
How to Crack Rar, 7z, and zip files with RarCrack in Ubuntu Linux.
Original Cheat Sheet
Unix/Linux Command Cheat Sheet.
Ubuntu Cheat Sheet
Command Cheat Sheet including Hardy Heron commands.
Linux Format Wiki
Linux Format magazine wiki page filled with tutorials and guides.
Linux App Finder
Find Quality Apps that Run on Linux or an alternative to a Windows software title.
HardInfo
System profiler and benchmark similar to Everest for Windows. Best to download the source and compile it as there is a crash bug in the version from the repositories.
PenDriveLinux
Carry a portable Linux version with you on a USB flash pen drive. Easily bring your portable desktop with you wherever you go.
42 Free Linux Games
42 of the Best Free Linux Games. Does not require Wine to run these games.
42 More Free Linux Games
42 More of the Best Free Linux Games. The list has grown enough that another 42 games were added.
80 of the Best Linux Security Applications
Security apps to keep your system secure, monitor traffic or detect any intrusions or changes to your files.
DistroWatch
Search for Linux O.S.'s, read the latest news on releases, see where your favorite distro ranks.
Linux Command
Your One Stop Command Line Shop. Learn how to use the shell, use and create scripts, customize your system to your specs.
freshmeat.net
freshmeat maintains the Web's largest index of Unix and cross-platform software, themes and related "eye-candy", and Palm OS software.
Wine App Database
Use the Wine database to search for your favorite Windows app or game to see if it will run in Wine.
Not just links to software but a mix of web pages and software for Ubuntu / Linux users.
This article will be updated on a regular basis so check back often.
Enjoy!
Top 50
Website that lists their top 50 Ubuntu Applications;
AcetoneISO
Mount, convert ISO's, Convert PSX1 disks, FLV's to AVI's and more!
Crack Rar, 7z, and Zip files
How to Crack Rar, 7z, and zip files with RarCrack in Ubuntu Linux.
Original Cheat Sheet
Unix/Linux Command Cheat Sheet.
Ubuntu Cheat Sheet
Command Cheat Sheet including Hardy Heron commands.
Linux Format Wiki
Linux Format magazine wiki page filled with tutorials and guides.
Linux App Finder
Find Quality Apps that Run on Linux or an alternative to a Windows software title.
HardInfo
System profiler and benchmark similar to Everest for Windows. Best to download the source and compile it as there is a crash bug in the version from the repositories.
PenDriveLinux
Carry a portable Linux version with you on a USB flash pen drive. Easily bring your portable desktop with you wherever you go.
42 Free Linux Games
42 of the Best Free Linux Games. Does not require Wine to run these games.
42 More Free Linux Games
42 More of the Best Free Linux Games. The list has grown enough that another 42 games were added.
80 of the Best Linux Security Applications
Security apps to keep your system secure, monitor traffic or detect any intrusions or changes to your files.
DistroWatch
Search for Linux O.S.'s, read the latest news on releases, see where your favorite distro ranks.
Linux Command
Your One Stop Command Line Shop. Learn how to use the shell, use and create scripts, customize your system to your specs.
freshmeat.net
freshmeat maintains the Web's largest index of Unix and cross-platform software, themes and related "eye-candy", and Palm OS software.
Wine App Database
Use the Wine database to search for your favorite Windows app or game to see if it will run in Wine.
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