Compress and decompress EXE’s with Free UPX
UPX is a popular open source tool which can pack Windows EXE and other executable formats to reduce their size.
The process typically compresses files more than zipping, but otherwise has no apparent effect on the file. Run a packed EXE and it quickly decompresses and launches the original image, with no sign that anything unusual has happened.
ripgrep is a fast, powerful cross-platform grep
Once you’re used to the power of grep, regular Windows text-searching tools can seem a little, well, basic.
Fortunately there some quality alternatives around, and ripgrep is an excellent open-source project with builds available for Windows, Linux and OS X.
Block unwanted hotkeys with Simple Disable Key
Well-chosen hotkeys make a program much easier to use, but there can be problems: you might keep hitting one by mistake, or maybe it gives users quick access to a feature you’d rather restrict.
Simple Disable Key is a free Windows tool which can disable individual hotkeys globally, by program or using a custom schedule.
Navigate the galaxy with Gaia Sky
Gaia Sky is what the developer calls a "real-time, 3D, astronomy visualization" package, which normally means you get to fly around like you’re in Star Trek, but with real-world deep-space images to make it more "educational".
The project is based around the European Space Agency’s Gaia mission to chart around one billion stars of our galaxy.
Protect your web privacy with ScriptSafe for Chrome
ScriptSafe is a free Chrome extension which has been helping users manage their web privacy for years, building up a huge list of features along the way.
The add-on can help block various content types, fingerprinting technologies, cookies, web bugs, Google analytics, cross media requests, social media buttons and a whole lot more.
TunnelBear 3.0 brings faster, more secure VPN connections
Canadian VPN provider TunnelBear has updated its Windows and Mac clients to version 3.0. The Windows release features a simplified, stripped-back interface and connects and reconnects up to 60 percent faster than before.
There’s a new option to mark networks as "Trusted". TunnelBear then connects to trusted networks rather than others, whenever there’s a choice.
MathMagic Lite is a versatile equation editor
Math is hard to avoid, even if you’re a total mathphobe, and anyone might find they occasionally need to use an equation in a document.
High-end packages like Microsoft Word have equation editors built-in, but if you’re not so lucky then MathMagic Lite is a convenient free-for-personal-use alternative.
Hands-on with Allo, Google's sort-of smart messaging app
Does the world need another messaging app? We’re not sure, but Google is giving us another one anyway, launching Google Allo for Android and iOS.
Key features include "Smart Reply", which analyses incoming messages and suggests appropriate responses you can send with a tap.
Bitdefender 2017 brings anti-ransomware, Wi-Fi vulnerability checker
Bitdefender has unveiled its 2017 consumer security range, including Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2017 ($39.99-), Bitdefender Internet Security 2017 ($59.99-) and Bitdefender Total Security Multi-Device 2017 ($89.99-).
New features include the Wi-Fi Security Scanner, a one-click tool which lists local wireless networks and quickly highlights any vulnerabilities.
mutool is a command-line PDF toolkit
Open-source PDF toolkit MuPDF has been under development in one form or another since 2002, and over the years it’s built up a host of document viewing, conversion and extraction features.
The package doesn’t get the attention it deserves on Windows -- probably because the key tools are console-based -- but if you don’t mind spending time at the command line, it’s certainly worth a look.
Flico identifies landmarks in YouTube videos
Flico is a clever Chrome extension which can identify landmarks in YouTube videos and tell you more about them.
It’s easy to use. If you spot a landmark you don’t recognize, pause playback, click the Flico icon, then "Scan Landmarks", and the add-on goes to work.
Boost speeds on busy PCs with Project Mercury
Modern CPUs are powerful devices which can run most applications without difficulty, but run enough processes at the same time and your performance will soon fall away.
Project Mercury (64-bit version) is a freeware tool which automatically optimizes process priorities and RAM usage to ensure your active application always has the maximum system resources.
Easily switch between 20+ DNS servers with Change DNS Helper
Switching your DNS servers can improve web performance, enhance security and help you reach some sites you can’t normally access.
It’s awkward to do this manually, but Change DNS Helper is a free tool which makes the process much easier.
ACDSee Ultimate 10 adds Smart Brushes and GPU support
ACD Systems has unveiled ACDSee Ultimate 10 ($149.99), the latest edition of its powerful image editor.
A new Smart Brush enable users to brush on image adjustments simply by painting over the image area.
Simulate color vision deficiency with Colour Simulations
Get involved in any graphic design project and you’ll probably spend an age choosing the color scheme -- but this shouldn’t just be about personal taste.
Around 5 percent of the population have some form of color vision deficiency, so it’s important to consider how they might see your finished design.
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