5 Best Windows7 applications

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Windows 7 has been well received both critically and on the street. And while Lifehacker readers love Windows 7, a well-built OS isn’t a perfect OS. Check out these five applications that tweak Windows 7 and customize it to your heart’s content.

A stock Windows 7 installation a fairly pleasant place to work, judging from our readers’ reports. Even so, a little tweaking of its behavior, looks, and other features lets you optimize and personalize that desktop. Check out these five great tools for doing so.

God Mode (Windows, Free)

The “God Mode” in Windows 7 isn’t quite like a video game God Mode—alas, no infinite laptop battery life or unlimited bandwidth—but it is a pretty nifty hack, and doesn’t require any new installations. Create a new folder on your Windows desktop, save it with the name God-Mode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}, though you can substitute whatever name you want for “God-Mode.” The folder will change icons, and when you click on it, you’ll see every configuration option available in the control panel. That’s the real power of the Windows 7 God Mode—it takes all the toggles you have to dig through the control panel menus and sub-menus to get to, and puts them right in one master list. It’s worth trying out God Mode just to see settings you may not have even been aware of.

Regedit (Windows, Free)

The Windows registry is a treasure trove of tweak-friendly variables and values. You shouldn’t muck around in it blindly, but by reading up on specific variables, you can tweak all manner of things that slightly irk you. Stroll through#registry here at Lifehacker to read up on all sorts of neat tricks, like how to speed up the Windows 7 taskbar,customize the login buttons, and tweak Aero peek . While you’re learning about the registry, you’ll want to check out our guide to the registry and registry cleaning. If you’re not comfortable directly editing your Windows registry, we’d advise you to check out some of the other Windows tweaking applications in the Hive Five. Many of the settings they provide are just a neat graphic interface for the variables hidden in the bowels of the registry.

Windows 7 Manager (Windows, $40)

Windows 7 Manager doesn’t do anything that you can’t do with various pieces of freeware or registry tweaks, but it does roll together dozens of functions into a unified, simplified interface. Not only can you tweak the GUI of Windows 7 but you can also tweak your boot routines, find duplicate files, securely erase files, retrieve and backup software keys, and more. Windows 7 Manager comes with a 15 day trial, so you can pit it against the free options in today’s Hive before shelling out your hard-earned cash.

Rainmeter (Windows, Free)

Rainmeter is a skinning application for Windows, but that doesn’t quite do it justice. You can do nearly anything with data using Rainmeter, from embedding the weather into your desktop to massaging the entire way you interact with your OS into something new. The best testament to the versatility and outright coolness of Rainmeter is wandering through the #rainmeter tag here at Lifehacker, and checking out all the unique desktops and tweaks readers have shared with us—also worth a peek is the best desktops of 2009, many of them featuring Rainmeter. If you look at your Windows desktop and go beyond thinking, “I wish the taskbar had different spacing,” and more toward, “I wish my Windows interface looked like something totally new and Star Trek-flavored,” then Rainmeter is for you.

Ultimate Windows Tweaker (Windows, Free)

For those of you that remember and loved the TweakUI utility from Microsoft, Ultimate Windows Tweaker is a freeware tool that takes the concept of the old TweakUI and supercharges it for Windows Vista and 7. You can tweak hundreds of settings and variables—system tray icons, the menu pop-up speed, security settings for the control panel, and a lot of other things you can’t normally get to. It’s a 380 KB, stand-alone portable application, so if you’re curious to see just how many things you can tweak, it’s no hassle at all to take it for a spin.

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Facebook Shortcuts...!!

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Using keyboard shortcuts not only help you to increase your productivity and accomplish more tasks, but also more efficient. Moreover, it makes you look like a pro, right? 

In Windows, it is too common to find people using keyboard shortcut keys. For any Windows user, they should know the basic combination keys like Ctrl+X, Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V.

But have you seen people using keyboard shortcuts in Facebook? Guess what, Facebook has it’s own set of built-in keyboard shortcuts.

If you are a hardcore Facebook user that spends hours on Facebook, you might want to check out the keyboard shortcuts. It helps you to navigate around Facebook with ease and saves you time in the process.

Here is the list of key combinations which you could try in Facebook by using Google Chrome.

• Alt+1 : Return to Home
• Alt+2 : To view the Wall tab
• Alt+3 : To pull down the Friends Requests list
• Alt+4 : To retrieve the Messages list
• Alt+5 : To call out the Notification list
• Alt+6 : Account setting page
• Alt+7 : Account privacy configuration.
• Alt+8 : Facebook fans group page
• Alt+9 : Facebook’s Statement of Rights and Responsibilities
• Alt+0 : Facebook Help Center
• Alt+m : Create new message
• Alt+? : Cursor in the Search Box

As the shortcuts are browser-specific, so please refer below for your specific browser:

• Google Chrome : Alt + #
• Internet Explorer : Alt + #, then Enter
• Firefox : Shift + Alt + #
• Mac OS : Ctrl + Opt + #

Now, this should make you a pro Facebook user! Thanks

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ThinkPad T410 - Lenovo _ Review

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ThinkPad T410

The new Lenovo ThinkPad T410 is the very latest in its range of business notebooks. This 14.1 inch laptop, with its Core i5 CPU and sleek design, promises high levels of performance. The design of this particular laptop is rather nice – the sides are angularly shaped, and there is a new stylish keyboard/LCD light layout. The system, as a result, looks not only attractive but also more modern. This laptop also promises to be more durable, because of the materials used. The lid in the chassis is made from ABS plastic and a strong carbon-fiber reinforced plastic bottom. And if you are worried about your notebook getting damaged, don’t worry as there is an internal roll cage.

This laptop weighs about 5.2 pounds, there is a standard 6-cell battery, in size and weight it’s almost equivalent to the Lenovo ThinkPad T400, but this one is different in the sense that it is more compact, and far easier to carry around. This is probably due to the tapered edges as well as the plastic bottom.
You will see the ThinkPad logo on the black rubberized screen, the shiny matte-black chassis and palm rest are also there – as with previous models, and of course, the strong and visible stainless steel screen hinges are also there. But there are more ports than with previous models, and also some new types of connections. The bottom of the laptop has also changed – there is now a user-access panel which allows you to install more RAM, or even a wireless card, without having to open up your notebook.

Overall, the build still seems more or less the same – but there are a few negative things to say here. Firstly, the screen lid seems a little weak on the left side – thus pressure applied to the lid shows as distortion of the LCD. This is just true for the left side of the screen cover, though. Another point is the access panel at the bottom – this is quite weak because it bows slightly when installed, and flexes much more than any surrounding panel. Perhaps a metal panel might have worked, who knows?
All the T410 models come with LED backlighting now. But there hasn’t been much change in the increase or decrease of display quality, from the previous models. There is good color reproduction as well as contrast, on the WXGA screen, but unfortunately there is a slight blue tint as compared to a neutral white. The speakers are also of pretty good quality – you can easily fill a small room with the sound, but the bass and the midrange seem a little low.

Photo by cai~cai~

The keyboard is also pretty much the same – but there is a new function key layout, for example the Escape and Delete buttons have been increased in size, and a backlit power button and a microphone mute button have also been added. In fact, if you are one of those people who like the Control key being the last in the row, there is a new feature which allows you to change the Function and Control keys through specific software!

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Gadgets for Bathroom

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Tile Vision:

Photo by ArtistOnline

A waterproof TV, totally based on LG Philips TFT technology. Feasible to install in a bathroom without having fear of being spoiled by water or lather of your shampoo. So, you can enjoy your favorite show while taking shower, brushing your teeth or while having a hair style. This dynamic technology can be installed in your living and bedroom as well.
Mirror finish, black and silver are the colour choices available.

Toilet Floor Internet:

Though seems alien to hear or imagine about but you can browse your internet settings on toilet floor. Created by “Media Plaza”, a complete computer under your feet.

Intelligent Shower:

Here comes a miracle in the world of Bathroom Gadgets, a smart shower which changes colour with difference in water temperature. Actually the head of the shower shows change in the “lights” colour. Batteries are not required to run this, but total costs around $105.

Photo by Rolled Fondant

Shower with a MIC:

Here we are giving a reason to be happy for all “BATHROOM SINGERS”. Revolutionary addition in bathroom gadgets is a shower Mic, so go on singing and bathing. Its antimicrobial properties made it hygienic and durable. Sponge material facilitates washing. Available in clear nice packaging.

Photo by Al B Sure Unibrow Foundation

Wireless Digital Shower:

Grohe’s TURBOSTAT technology enables you to press a button, adjust temperature of water shower while lying in your bed. As Grohterm’s new Wireless Digital Shower can be controlled from any where in the house. Moreover, this smart bathroom gadget automatically controls the temperature while any instant change occurs in water pressure. Thus preventing too hot and cold water coming from shower.

Photo by Cleveland Modern Homes

Such smart gadgets are bit heavy on pocket to be installed as prices ranges from $ 1,306 including installation charges.

Toilet with MP3

You can enjoy your favorite music in your toilet as this TOILET MP3 works with your toilet. SD memory based system can be installed on the wall above your toilet wall, having a receiver under toilet seat.

Photo by onzornela32d

Nose Shaped Shower Gel Dispenser:

A rubber nose is installed on a wall having two cups for shower gel fillings. Either press it or squeeze the nose, green coloured gel comes out from the right side of the nose making you smile, a funny bathroom gadget to use and interesting for first look. Just 9 inch high and easy to refill.

Photo by ArtistOnline

Modern Toilet Paper Dispensers:

So, here is another technology supported by “Atech”. It’s an iPod designed with a toilet paper dispenser having a USB slot and a dock connector, smart speakers are arranged in the arms of dispenser and are not visible. But operational buttons are located at the top for convenience sake. Enjoy your music collection in washroom with this gadget.

Photo by alicia.lee

Waterproof Notebook:

If you are the one working with creative products of an author and usually get ideas while shower, this Aqua Notes is your absolute choice. A waterproof notepad is extremely good in terms of durability and allows you to continue writing even under water surface. As its pencil is made of 100% CEDAR (a water resistant material in nature).

Photo by DC Fotofeed

A Cleaning Device (SWIPE)

Designed in shape of a little smart Razor with a squeeze, to wipe the mirror when it get frosty due to seam, its funny because stick up to mirror or tile due to its double suction cups and smart because cleans up very rapidly.

Photo by Prozac74

Smart Shaver:

It’s not like ordinary shavers. In fact a smart one which keeps your fashion identity safe – a Goatee Shaver. A novel tool created to ensure the perfect shape of your goatee every time. Thus reserving your style individuality.

Photo by Mygiftsmine

Wall Hooks:

Here we mention two. One as the shape of Dog – but that is the ends of Towel holder. Now an “excited man” is in the market. Giving you a real reason to laugh when you hang your clothes on this holder. A very simple and innovative bathroom gadget.

Photo by tengtan (busy, will catch up)

Shower Curtains:

An essential bathroom gadget, but if you are bore of the traditional ones and you are a mere fan of suspense horror movies, this “Psycho” shower curtain will add a more mystery into your bathroom. As in most horror movies something fishy happens during shower.

Photo by Not Jane Doe

Toothpaste Squeezer:

If you are the person got irritated when someone push your toothpaste right in the middle, this smart squeezing bathroom gadget will prevent you from getting furious. A simple wall mountable device which compresses your toothpaste tube when winds up, ensuring the full usage of your toothpaste.

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Samsung Caliber

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Samsung takes the cake with the advanced touchscreen which it has developed using the TouchWiz interface which is unique to Samsung. The touchscreen has several advanced features which includes certain Widgets which are specially designed so as to let users personalize them and adapt them according to their phone.

All the social networking websites like Facebook are accessible due to the phone’ s browser which is a full HTML enabled browser. There is mobile IM along with email facilities. The camera is a 3 mega pixel one and comes with a camcorder.

The Bluetooth comes with a stereo facility along with a speakerphone.  The Caliber has the MetroPCS applications too. Other than these features the phone has a video and music player which is built in to the phone. The memory is expandable up to 16 GB using an external microSD.

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