Download Archives • Computer Tips And Tricks, Gadgets, How-To, Life

March 11, 2012

Download / Play Digger Online For Free – Windows / Unix / DOS

I’ve been a Digger fan since my childhood. I was recently searching for a downloadable version or online version for free found these links.

You can download DOS version of Digger for free from this link: http://www.digger.org/download.html

It’s best if you can download as you can play the game even if you are offline. However, if you prefer playing it online, here’s the link: http://www.digger.org/java.html

Apart from the DOS version, they have Windows / Unix version too for free download.

Tip: To make the ‘Digger’ experience more exciting you can play the game upside down, i.e, by flipping windows screen upside down. I’m trying to train my mind to play the ‘up-side-down’ version and it’s quite a challenge. Must try I suggest 🙂

February 20, 2012

Slow PC? Fragmentation Could Be a Reason

If you are a daily user of computers then a slow running computer is the last thing you want during your day to day activity. There could be many reasons for your PC slowing down. One of them can be fragmentation of disks. Fragmentation occurs when your files are scattered all over your disk in no particular format.

What exactly is Fragmentation?

To keep it simple, your hard disk consists of blocks of memory. Whatever you store in your hard disk gets stored in these blocks according to the size of the object being stored. Different files occupy different number of these memory blocks. When you use a computer, you may not need a file tomorrow that you need today. So you delete the unwanted files.

When you delete these unwanted files, the memory blocks occupied by them is freed and remain empty. Thus as you go on adding and deleting files the newly added files will occupy new blocks of memory and those of the deleted files remain empty. Once all the new memory blocks are occupied by new files, there are no more new blocks for new files to get stored. Thus these files now look for empty blocks left by the deleted files.

This is a time consuming process as all the free blocks many not be large enough to accommodate this new file. This is called fragmentation. You might have enough memory to store many more files in your hard disk but since they are scattered, those files might not be able to get stored or might take a lot of time to find a space large enough for it to get stored.

How do we get rid of fragmentation?

A solution to fragmentation is defragmentation. Defragmentation means to congregate free and occupied blocks of memory separately. When you defragment your disk the blocks of memory occupied by files are grouped together and those that are free are grouped separately in the memory. Now the new files can get easily get stored in the memory without taking much time of yours.

For a normal user it is advisable to perform defragmentation once in a month. When you experience problems while saving a word document or an image file, fragmentation might have occurred and it means that you need to check for fragmented segments in your memory.

How do we perform defragmentation?

To perform defragmentation is not a task at all. You can easily do it even if you are not a computer expert. A lot of defragmentation tools are available within the operating system you use. Windows comes with a built in Disk Defragmenter. If you need advanced functionality, you can also use Auslogics Disk Defrag or O&O, both of which can be downloaded free of cost.

When you use Disk Defragmenter for Windows, you just have to follow some simple steps. You’ll find the application in your start menu’s programs. Just start the application and then you’ll find the option to analyze your disk and see which of the files are already defragmented and which of them need defragmentation. Here is a step by step tutorial to defragment your hard drive using the built in defragmenter.

February 13, 2012March 7, 2017

Fixing Problems with Your Hard Disk

All data on your computer is stored on the hard disk drive. Whenever you click on a file, the hard disk spins at thousands of rotations per minute in order to access the file. Over time hard disk storage has grown tremendously, while improving speeds all the time. These devices are also the most prone to errors and failures, which paralyzes your computer.

Not all hard disk problems are unsolvable though. Below are a few problems with your PC that boil down to problems with your storage device.

Disk full

Your hard disk needs some breathing space in order to function normally. When you fill your hard disk entirely with music, videos, documents and other files, it has to work harder to go to the file that you need. That is because files are scattered over portions of the disk. The more disk space you consume, the greater the seek time for your disk.

Ideally, you want your hard disk to be about 40% free. However, you should leave at least 10% free for optimal functioning of your hard disk. If you find your hard disk to be full and slow, try uninstalling any applications or programs that you don’t use. Over time, there is more software installed on your PC than you would like. Uninstalling them will free up a lot of space and make your PC run faster.

Add storage

Alternatively if you think that you need all the programs and files and don’t want to delete any of them, consider upgrading your hard disk. If you are running a desktop, you can buy a second hard drive and transfer all your music, videos and documents to the new drive, thus freeing up a lot of space for system files.

If you upgrade the hard disk on your laptop, you might need to reinstall Windows and all the applications, because there is no place for the older drive. You can also buy an external storage drive and transfer all your media and documents to it. Hard disks are quite inexpensive today. You can buy disks worth 1TB for less than $80.

Avoiding problems

If you use a desktop PC, and find that the hard disk slows down periodically, it might be due to excessive temperature. The hard disk operates at its best when its temperature is between 30?C and 40?C. Install a program such as SpeedFan. It monitors the temperature of your disks and alerts you when it runs too hot.

You might want to ensure that your desktop is placed in an airy part of your room so that it gets proper ventilation. Also take care to ensure that there are minimal chances of dust entering your PC. If you are using a laptop, place it on a raised platform, so that the base is completely touching the ground. The base has a few system fans that run to keep your whole PC cool.

Just follow the above few tips and you should have no problems with your PC and it will run just fine for a long time.

February 10, 2012March 7, 2017

Extra Software Could Be the Reason behind Your Slow PC

It often gets annoying when you are working on something important and your PC slows down. There could be many factors behind this. One of the reasons for your PC slowing down could be installation of extra software. Software requires some amount of memory to get started. Thus, the more number of software you install on your PC the more memory they need.

For an individual who uses computer for most of his jobs might certainly require separate software for each job. This does not imply that he needs all the programs installed by the software. While installing software one must carefully go through the installation process and see which programs are being installed along with the software.

So what is important and what is not?

Most of the software you use, provide you with three options during installation –

To install the complete software
To install the most commonly used programs in the software
To choose the programs you want to install.

It is advisable to choose the third option if you use advanced software as you would have a better idea of which programs you want to install. If you are a new user, the second choice is better as that option installs programs that are commonly needed by new users. The first option is advisable only if you want to study the software or know its complete usage.

Also, software comes with additional programs that you might not need at all. For example, when you download a YouTube downloader, it comes with additional anti-virus software. You do not need this software if you are a typical PC user as you would have advanced anti-virus software already installed on your PC. It is important to take care to check what is getting downloaded along with the software and if it is something you do not need, avoid them.

What if we need all the software that is installed?

There might be times when your PC gets too slow because of installing too much software but you need all of them. A solution to this problem is to increase your RAM memory. Whenever you start any software, it gets loaded onto your RAM memory. Thus, the more software you have, the more RAM memory you need.

You can check the specifications of software installed on your PC and find out the maximum amount of RAM required for the software to run smoothly. If you do not have enough RAM memory for software to run, your PC tends to run slow. Even if you manage to start the software, you cannot use any other application while running that software. If you try to do so, neither of your applications would work and your PC may hang.

For example, Oracle database software requires 1 MB of RAM to get started while a Visual Studio can do with 512 MB. This means that your PC needs minimum 1MB RAM if you are using both of these software. If you try to run Oracle using a 512 MB RAM it won’t work. Anti-virus software that uses powerful scanning tools also requires more RAM memory to scan your PC completely and effectively.

December 11, 2011March 7, 2017

Download Latest iPhone Apps For Free

Latest iPhone Apps Launched in the Market iRecycle, Maps HD and Textalyzer

There is not doubt that the iPhone gives you the power to explore enumerable things in no time. The compatible app enhances its functionalities and turns it into a perfect gadget that allows the user to simplify the tedious tasks. Here are new bunch of iPhone application rolled out in the market to be used.

The first one is iRecycle, which gives you details of the disposal and recycling facilities in your surroundings. Next most talked about application is National Parks Maps HD, which helps you to know the route of all the national parks in the world. The final one is Textalyzer app, which helps you to manage your forbidden list at various special moments. Let’s see in detail about these applications.

iRecycle – iRecycle is the application that assists you in finding the recycling and disposal facilities in your surroundings by using the GPS feature on the device. It has details about 110,000 disposal and recycling centers all across the US including 240 materials. You can easily search the particular areas that belong to the recycling facilities in the locality. In addition to this feature, iRecycle has other things that the users can take pleasure in. It is developed by the Earth911.com, which keeps you updated regarding environmental news by sending articles and e-magazines.
National Park Maps HD – This application assists you in finding the navigation route of the 15 national parks. Using the GPS technology on your iPhone device, you the can get information regarding maps of the parks, so that you can easily reach there without any trouble.
Textalyzer – This application is used when you don’t want to use your cell in particular situation such as when you are drunk. In that case this application prevents you to send some annoying messages to the others from your phone book.

Our Opinion

All these applications have their specific features and usefulness. You can download them on your device as per your requirements. If you want to get the information about Park Maps and recycling facilities, then you can go with them. Overall, they all are safe to download and easy to use. A Textalyzer costs you about $0.99 and $4.99 for National Park Maps HD. IRecycle is free to download.

November 20, 2011March 7, 2017

Update Windows 7 Device Drivers

Update Manually Windows 7 Device Drivers

Updating the device drivers of your computer might help you to get rid of error code problem of device manager and some hardware. It also enables you to enjoy the updated features of your device. Updating drivers of hardware for windows 7 is just like updating software program drivers in other windows, although there are some minor differences. Therefore, users who have knowledge of updating drivers in the earlier operating system might understand the below mentioned steps.

Download frequently the most recent version of drivers for your hardware components directly from the website of hardware manufacturer. For instance, if you have built in camera in your HP laptop, the right spot for you to download the webcam driver is HP laptop website.

Several device drivers have the ability of automatic installation, which is done by just clicking run button. Occasionally, this is simply not the situation and in case you are in this scenario then you will have to execute manual updates for you hardware. The following are the steps to be followed for this:

Download device driver from the website of hardware manufacturer. Always avoid third party installation like “automatic software detection”
Open the device manager from the control panel window.
Now right click on the hardware you want to update and select properties.
Now look towards properties window, you will find update driver tab, click> update driver.
Now a new window “’How do you want to search for driver software” will open? click > “Browse my computer for the driver software”
After that, click “let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer” accompanied by “Have Disk” button.
Click>Browse
Click>INF button.
Click>New Hardware>Next

October 23, 2011March 7, 2017

Enjoy Disney Jellycar3 On Apple Devices

Latest Disney Jellycar3 Game For iPad and iPhone

This is the biggest news for the fans of JellyCar series game. The latest version of the JellyCar series has been ultimately rolled out at the app store of apple to download and install on your devices. It is a universal application so you can download and install the game on your devices like iPad or iPhone. The mechanics of the game is sufficiently creative to keep you entertained. Moreover, this version has few more features that enhance the enjoyment of the game.

In this game you have to control the jelly car and drive it through the several obstacles in search of the small stop sign. Once, you reach the stop sign, the level comes to an end. Overall, you are competing against the time or the set clock. Make sure that you have to finish each level within the prescribed timeframe to win the game and earn points. The more points you earn, the more new levels will be unlocked.

As far as the entire graphics of this latest JellyCar 3 game is concerned, you will get more vivid and interesting themes to play. The obstacles course of this new version is refined and developed with latest barriers to pass. In one level you have to fly your car with balloons and in other level you have to drive car into the foam slingshot.

The controls of the game are very easy to handle, as you just need to touch the right side of your screen to move the car forward. You need to press the left side for moving your car backwards. This is the best ever iOS device game app that can give you interesting experience of playing JellyCar game.

There is a rewind feature available to correct your mistakes committed while playing the game. However, there is a limitation of using rewind feature as you can use it only up to 10 times. Additionally, you can personalize your car type and color easily. However, customizing will not improve the performance of the car.

Our Suggestion

There are several Walt Disney games available especially for the iOS devices including JellyCar2 version. You can download other Disney games from the apple store such as Tron: Legacy, Toy story, Alice in wonderland and etc. All these games are especially designed to support iOS devices without any bug and glitch. You can avail these games directly from the Apple store or other third party websites that offer these games for download. However, the best way to download genuine games is from the official store.

August 9, 2011March 7, 2017

Install APK Non-Market App On Android Phone

Steps To Install APK Non-Market App On Android Phone

Almost all apps for Android mobile are available at the Android app store, which is official place to download and install app for all Android tablets and smartphones. Unlike the iPhone, Android is a system that is completely open and doesn’t support any hacks for the app that are not available in Android app store.

Technically, all apps of Android use .apk file format. This extension indicates that the file is only meant for Android Smartphone. This special fire format carries the applications and makes them compatible to download on the Android power devices. However, Android app store allows users to download and install apps automatically from the store, but what about the non-mkt .apk app to download on Android powered devices.

Android powered devices don’t include any file manager and cannot be installed on double click as the Windows and Mac OS X operating system. Nevertheless, there are numerous ways to install .apk non-market app onto the Smartphone and tablets powered by Android. Check out the below given tweak to install .apk app.

Action 1 – Use APK installer to install .apk files

Android store app cannot install .apk format app directly, it is possible only after installation of the apps installer for free from the Android store.

Launch Android Market
You will get numbers of app that are developed only for installation of non-market app onto the Android market such as FastAppInsatll, Installer, AppsInstaller, Onymous App Installer, Fast Installer, and etc, download one of them and install on your system.
Copy .apk file to root directory of SD card
Start apps installer program
Each app installer scans the root folder automatically from the SD card and explores the .apk files.
Now, tap on the particular Android app that you need to install on your device. You will be prompted with a dialogue box to continue installation, confirm the installation.
Once the process is completed, user can easily use the app right from the menu.

Action 2 – Push Install APK apps using Android SDK on the computer

In order to install .apk format app directly from the computer to android powered devices, users don’t need to navigate to Android Market. Thus, they don’t need to associate Google account with Android device.

Download and Install the Android SDK on your system by simply opening the starter package to a secure location and add location to systems’ path.
Windows users can download USB driver and install adb by tapping on SDK Setup.exe at root of the SDK directory to raise Android SDK and AVD manager.
Launch the file directly from the root of the SDK directory by taping on SDK Setup.exe. From the given panel choose USB Driver Package to install.
Connect Android Smartphone and tablet to computer using the USB cable
On your android device, navigate to Settings>> Applications and enable Unknown Sources box.
Navigate to Settings >> SD card and phone storage and mark Disable Use for USB storage.
Copy .apk android setup package to your computer inside the SDK folder.
Open Command Prompt box
Execute the following command

adb install <path to the .apk file><.apk file name>

These methods to download non-market .apk apps on Android system are quite safe and easy to perform. However, there are some multi-purpose utility and file manager available that includes compatibility to install APK file onto your Android Devices such as ASTRO File Manager, AndroZip, File Manager, Android Mate, App ToolKit, EStrongs File Explorer and etc. Users can use these applications to download .apk file format app onto their Android systems.

July 4, 2011

Auto Repay YouTube Videos / Playlists in Firefox, Chrome, IE And Other Browsers

Auto replay / automatically repeat YouTube videos feature allows you to replay your favorite songs without the need for you to press the ‘Play’ button every time a particular video ends.

Some browsers, with built in capacity to add extensions / apps, make the auto repeat feature a breeze when compared to others. Since this particular feature is not provided by YouTube by default, you HAVE to rely on third party products / services to enjoy this service.

Let us take a look at how it can be achieved on individual browsers:

1> FireFox:

Loopy, a handy Firefox Add-On, along with GreaseMonkey provides a platform to auto repeat videos in Firefox. One of the main advantage of this set up is, not only can you play individual videos, you can auto loop playlists too.

For those who do not have GreaseMonkey installed – this Addon will serve the purpose, however, with this addon you’ll not be able to auto look playlists, but only individual videos.

2> Google Chrome:

The Auto-Replay extension on chrome provides you with different set of features when compared to Loopy of FireFox. One of the interesting feature – Selective video clip auto replay – i.e., it provides ‘Replay From‘ – ‘Play Till‘ option. With this option, you can repeat / replay only that part of the video which you want to.

Other browsers have limitations because of which the process is not as easy as with FireFox and Chrome. If you are using any other browser then you can visit websites like: http://www.youtubereplay.net/ and http://www.tubereplay.com/ where you can watch your favorite videos repeatedly.

The limitation with all the above is you need to have internet connection in order to stream the video the first time before you can play it. To over come this situation you can download the videos from youtube / playlists from youtube and use any offline media player like VLC to auto repeat the videos.