Ashed's Weekly Freeware Thread

[Ashed]

I didn't know WiMP rips MP3s?

[reedfloren]

You need a plugin for it: http://trimurl.com/9I

[Ashed]

Why get a plugin when there are specific programs for the job?

[reedfloren]

I actually didn't use the plugin for my CD collection... just did the defaults in WiMP. I don't know why you'd choose one or the other, maybe convieniance?

[Bill]

What I need is a decent freeware ISO ripper. I can get an ISO burner, but a freeware ISO ripper is hard to find.

[reedfloren]

So what exactly are ISO's? I've heard of them but I've never seen a clear explanation.

[Bill]

An ISO as an "image" of a CD. It's the raw data off a disc, no compression, no fluffy, no nothin, just the raw, byte-for-byte data. When you burn an ISO back to a CD it's as simple as writing the ISO byte-for-byte to the CD. Of course the problem with that is that ISOs are usually quite large, but it's the best way to distribute a CD online without actually distributing the physical disc.

[reedfloren]

Ah, ok thanks Bill.

[Ashed]

Do you want to rip files off an ISO, Reed? I am currently using CDmage. Nothing wrong with it, never failed me.

[reedfloren]

I'll keep that program in mind Ashed, thanks.

[megacoupe]

Cdmage is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

[Ashed]

Nice.

I'll be posting this week's article later today.

[Ashed]

Recycle Windows Updates

Where has this lovely utility been for the past two years? I don't know Arcady Fedjushin, but this is one Russian I would buy a bowl of khao thom any morning.

His tiny utility is truly the missing link needed by all us beleaguered modem users, plus anyone who owns more than one computer and runs any version of either Windows 2000 or XP.

The idea is that you turn on WUtooL before you link to Windows Update, the Microsoft online service that gives you the latest bug fixes and, especially, security updates and upgrades.

It actually captures these fixes and saves them to your computer, achieving the very opposite of what Microsoft does, which is to update your computer in the mysterious background and then throw away the files it used.

If you have another computer in the house or office, you have to connect it to Microsoft Windows Update to upgrade it. If you have a friend, she has to connect separately.

WUtooL lets you share these updates, by e-mail or any other way, because they are simply .EXE files anyone can run to upgrade her computer.

I wonder how many computers in Bangkok are a couple of years behind the security curve simply because of the huge investment in time and online fees to try to upgrade through Windows Update.

The utility is simple to use. After download, click to "install" it, meaning pick a folder to keep the utility and copies of the Microsoft upgrades. It suggests making a new one, not a bad idea at all.

Before you connect to Windows Update through your Internet Explorer web browser, start up WUtooL.

The program keeps a log of all updates, to let you get at them and use them efficiently.

Arcady has more information and the download link at his English home page: ovacia.amicom.ru/wutool.eng.html.

[Ashed]

I'm back! It's been nearly 3 months since I last posted here. Here's one very good program so I want everyone to try it out. The link isn't working right now so get it from here.

[Bill]

Welcome back Ashed!
The forums will be alive once more

As for the software: Can't you download the updates off the microsoft site in EXE form?