Five free file managers that might make IT pros and power users dump Windows Explorer

The average Windows user would probably never consider using a file manager other than the one built into the operating system — Windows Explorer. But, if you aren't an average Windows users and like to optimise, customise your computers read below. 

• CubicExplorer

This is a full-featured, yet lightweight file manager. This tool has features such as tabbed exploring, bookmark files and folders, search filters, a built-in text editor, file preview, transparency levels for different programs, themes, shortcut key support, breadcrumb navigation, session saving and much more. CubicExplorer is divided into three panels: the Main navigation window, the Navigation tree and the Filter/Preview/Dropstack panel. Now, the first two panels should be familiar to most Windows users and work as you'd expect them to. The Dropstack panel, however, is unique. It lets you drag and drop files or folders into groups for temporary quick access

• Explorer++

Explorer++ offers Tabbed browsing, real-time file previews, keyboard shortcuts, a customisable user interface, full drag-and-drop support and advanced file operations. This file manager is completely self contained means put it on a flash drive, and you'll have it for using on your machine or on any machine you're working with.

• Xplorer²

Xplorer² comes in both free and paid versions. The free (or Lite) version doesn't have the full version's Advanced Search capabilities or come with Customer Support, but you can browse the entire shell namespace, preview documents, pictures, music files and videos, filter files and folders using wildcards, and even synchronise folders.

• NexusFile

This explorer alternative brings a bit of style to Windows. It is skinnable and also offers tabbed browsing, built-in FTP, built-in archive, advanced rename, Split and Join File support, and more. This is probably one of the most powerful Windows file managers out there, but its interface may not be as user friendly when compared with other file managers listed here.

• Q-Dir

Q-Dir, can be installed or used as a portable app from a flash drive. Its features are preview filters, drag and drop support, a screen magnifier, export files in XLS, CVS, TST and HTML formats. Q-Dir's unique feature is the amount of interface control it provides.

 

Via TechRepublic

Resolved: Set Outlook as your Default mail client (MS Office 2010)

Step 1: Click on "File Tab (push button) 

Step 2: Click on "Options

Step 3: Under Startup Options, tick the check box that reads make Outlook the default program for E-mail, Contacts, and Calendar 

Step 4: click on "OK (push button)" in "Outlook Options" 

Download android market place apps for free

This is fun. You must watch it. It really works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tI7VEh17VE&feature=player_embedded

Android Workaround

The following link explains why you should root your Android phone and what benefits you get from it. It includes stopping auto update and other guides. 

http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/how_to_hack_your_android_phone.php

Interesting links about Galaxy S and Captivate Devices

Easy to use online wizard to mod your favorite device

See:
http://romkitchen.org/

For any of the above two devices try the following link
http://www.theunlockr.com/

Resolved: An error occurred while gathering user information (Thinkvantage System Update)

Make sure you are logged in as an Administrator or a user with administrative rights to apply the following fix.
Step 1
 Remove all previous log files from C:\program files\lenovo\system update\logs

Step 2 

Click Start -> Run -> Secpol.msc

Click Security Options.

Find System cryptography: Use FIPS compliant algorithms for encryption, hashing and signing

Disable this setting

Step 3

Navigate to:

C:\Program Files\Lenovo\System Update\session\system\SSClientCommon

For 64 bit OS

C:\Program Files (x86)\Lenovo\System Update\session\system\SSClientCommon

Open file MappingInterface.xml using Notepad

Add the following lines:

<OS>

<OSTVIA>WIN7-PRO.SP1</OSTVIA>

<OSeGatherer>

<Name>Windows 7 Professional</Name>

<ServiceRelease>Service Pack 1</ServiceRelease>

</OSeGatherer>

<OSPCDPackSpec>7.SP1</OSPCDPackSpec>

<OSQuest>Windows 7</OSQuest>

</OS>

If you're using other version than Professional, just change WIN7-PRO.SP1 to WIN7-UTL.SP1 etc and 4th line to WINDOWS 7 Ultimate.

You should be able to run the System Update now.

This fix can work for any other Windows Operating systems as long as correct name and version is put into the above code.

For Windows Server 2008, try the following code, I've put together. Bare in mind that it is not tested so please take a back up of the original XML file stated above before making changes on the server.

<OS>

 <OSTVIA>WINSERVER2008-Standard.SP1</OSTVIA>

 <OSeGatherer>

 <Name>Windows Server 2008 Standard</Name>

 <ServiceRelease>Service Pack 1</ServiceRelease>

 </OSeGatherer>

 <OSPCDPackSpec>2008.SP1</OSPCDPackSpec>

 <OSQuest>Windows Server 2008</OSQuest>

</OS>