#19

1. Seterra - learn geography

This is a cool little program that can really show you just how dumb you are when it comes to geography. There are many things you can learn in the game. I first tried country locations. It lets you choose areas of the world and gives you a map. Then it asks you to point to the locations of countries one at a time. If you get it wrong after three tries, the country turns red. They turn yellow for two tries and white is when you get it right first time. As you can see on the screen shot below, the former Soviet countries of Eastern Europe are giving me a hard time. Try it and see if you can beat my score of 64%. I'm sure I'll have an even harder time with Africa.

2. Get by Mail

If you do work in two locations--but don't want to messy with pricey, complicated remote-access software--consider GetByMail. This freebie lets you access another computer through your e-mail account. Your files bypass limited FTP access, firewall problems, and other roadblocks by going through the approved channel of e-mail.

"Well, duh, I can e-mail files," you might say. But there's more to GetByMail than that. The program lets you see remote directory listings and make changes, uploading and downloading files. GetByMail automatically compresses and splits files for downloads and uploads.

3. Web Surfer Watcher

Web Surfer Watcher will record the Websites visited on your (or another's) computer. The program operates in the background, so the user won't know he or she is being monitored. The adroit user may be able to uncover the application, but if you're using it to keep an eye on your kids, it's unlikely they'll find it.

Of course, any hidden recorder opens up a moral dilemma. Web Surfer Watcher won't help you with that, but it will track the sites visited. Works best with Internet Explorer or AOL browser.

4. Roboform

Top ratedPassword Manager and Web Form Filler that completely automates password entering and form filling. RoboForm was named PC Magazine Editor's Choice, and CNET Download.com's Software of the Year. RoboForm:

. Memorizes your passwords and Logs You In automatically.

. Fills long registration and checkout forms with one click.

. Encrypts your passwords to achieve complete security.

. Generates random passwords that hackers cannot guess.

. Backs up your passwords, Copies them between computers.

. Synchronizes passwords between computers using GoodSync.

. Searches for keywords in your passwords, notes and Internet.

. Portable: Pass2Go RF runs from USB key, no install needed.

. PDA-friendly: sync your passwords to Pocket PC and Palm.

. Neutral: works with Internet Explorer, AOL/MSN, Firefox.

5."PC Pitstop Full Tests WELCOME to PC Pitstop's Full Tests!

Just park your PC in one of our bays and grab a cup of coffee. Our automated mechanics will put your PC safely through a battery of tests to check its health, configuration and performance. In many cases, if our testing detects a problem you can direct our mechanics to fix it while you're online.

The diagnostics take between one and five minutes depending upon your system and modem speed. You'll be informed along the way on the status of our testing, and at the end you'll get a 'clickable' report on your PC's health and performance. We keep all the information you give us private. See our privacy policy for full details.

6. IncrediMail Xe Build 1184

Ever wanted to send e-mail messages that look livelier than standard e-mail? IncrediMail enables you to tailor your e-mail experience to fit your mood and personality.

You can be notified by animated characters, such as an opening mailbox, a jack-in-the-box, or a butler saying, "You have mail, sir." Choose the stationery on which you would like to type your message, and add sound, emoticons, 3D text, or animated graphics to get your point across. You can be notified of incoming mail even if the program is closed. Other features include the ability to add your own voice or handwritten signature to messages and to preview attached media files

7. TrafficGauge

Checking traffic isn't always as easy as looking out the window. If you live in one of the major metropolitan areas covered by TrafficGauge, though, you can check it on your PC. This program shows you a map of your area roads. A solid line indicates medium traffic, and a blinking line shows heavy traffic. You can also set the TrafficGauge screensaver to pop up when your PC falls idle.

TrafficGauge provides traffic information for Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles/Orange County, Minneapolis, Orange County and the Inland Empire of California, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, and Seattle.

8.Top 5 Monochrome Laser Printers

These low-cost laser printers churn out good-quality text quickly. Ratings and rankings can change due to pricing and technology changes, so check back frequently for the latest info.

9. Google Talk

Gloriously clutter-free, Google Talk's beta gives you text and voice messaging, smooth integration with Gmail, rudimentary customization options...and that's about it.

10. Top 10 Point-and-Shoot Cameras

Easy to use, point-and-shoot cameras are a great choice for the casual photographer. Ratings and rankings can change due to pricing and technology changes, so check back frequently for the latest info.

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from "desktop dave"

updated: 4-28-06 at 10:13 pm