Adobe Reader (which is also often referred to as Acrobat Reader) is a free program from Adobe for viewing PDF files. As its name implies, it is only for viewing (reading) these files, not for creating them. If you receive PDF files as message attachments, you are probably used to saving them, then opening them in Adobe Reader to view them.

If you decide to configure Outlook to view PDF files, you will be taking advantage of the same Adobe Reader technology, while eliminating the need to save attachments and open a separate program just see what they say. If you don’t have to go outside Outlook to view message attachments, you save time and effort, while better keeping your focus on what you are doing (handling email in Outlook).

Setting this up takes only minutes. All you need to do is download Acrobat Reader, install it, then configure Outlook 2007 to use it. In most cases, it will only take you a few minutes to complete the entire process. Even if you don’t normally make changes to the software running on your computer, if you can follow simple directions, you can set this up yourself. The benefits of a PDF previewing program make this small amount of effort a great investment.

Tech review: Microsoft Web Apps are limited free taste of Office
NEW YORK — This week saw the launch of a free version of Microsoft’s flagship Office software, available online.
Read more on San Jose Mercury News

Delete some files and free up some disk space. For your pc to run well, at least 25% of its disk space must be free. Ideally though, 50% of your disk space should be free.

Microsoft provides an excellent tool for freeing up chunks of space in your hard drives – the disk cleanup. It removes temporary internet files, downloaded programs, the contents in the Recycle Bin, temporary files, Windows components and installed programs that you rarely use, and shadow copies and unnecessary restore points from your System Restore. It determines and recommends as well and recommends which files to delete and which are best left alone. On top of these, disk cleanup also gives you options whether to delete or not delete based on your preferences.

Another good way to free up disk space is by deleting the programs directly from the Control Panel.

Defragment Your Hard Drives. Disk defragmentation is one of the top causes for computers to slow down. This is because a heavily defragmented disk takes up more computer resources before it can locate individual files, over all affecting the pc’s speed. Now, this tool is designed specifically to scan and consolidate files that are fragmented. With files that are properly sorted out, your pc will find it much easier to process information.

Detect Disk Errors and Repair Them. Bad sectors develop through many ways, among them heavy computer usage. These bad sectors cause general slowdown in the performance and sometimes even make saving and creating of data impossible. If you use your pc regularly, it is highly recommended that you periodically scan and fix bad sectors suing the error checking utility tools .

Check for any Malware. Malware such as spyware, adware, virus and Trojans typically prevent your computer to function at its optimal speed in addition to corrupting the targeted programs, in the case of viruses and Trojans and accessing your personal information, in the case of spyware. Seriously consider scanning your pc using a malware protection program and anti-malware software programs if you suspect the presence of a malware.

Use the ReadyBoost. For Windows 7 and Vista users, ReadyBoost is a new tool that instantly speed up computers. This adds additional memory to your computer by relying on a non-volatile flash memory. With the extra memory this tool provides, you will be able to enhance not only your pc’s overall performance but its speed as well.

• Valentine’s Day Superstore at Buy.com! exp 2/14/10

Here are some gadgets available through the lovey-dovey gimmick:

• Samsung NC10-13P 10.1″ Netbook – Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz, 1GB, 160GB HDD, Bluetooth, Windows XP Home (Pink) – $339.95 (expires 2/5/10)
• Kingston 4GB DataTraveler 101 USB Flash Drive (Pink) – $10.49
• Sungale 15″ HD LCD Digital Photo Frame – Remote Control, MP3, Holds Over 200 Pictures Internally SAVE $39.01 – $109.99
• Microsoft Zune 4GB MP3 Player (Pink) w/ Free Microsoft Zune Car Pack and Premium Headphone (v2) SAVE 60% – $82.99
• Sanyo VPC-TH1 HD Digital Video Camcorder Bundle (Red) – Includes 1GB SD Card, HDMI Cable, Extra Battery and Attractive Pouch – $199.99

All the above items above come with free shipping.

HP Online Store also has its own promos, but you’ll need the following coupon codes to avail of them:

• Additional $20 off web coupon for the purchase of an HP Desktop or All-in-One Desktop PC configured at $100 or greater at the HP Home & Home Office Store using coupon code DTAL89741. Offer excludes P6300z, P6310t, P6350z, S5300z, S5310t, CQ5300f, CQ5320f. Coupon valid through 4/30/10.
• Save up to $500 in instant savings using $300 coupon code NBLB654877 + Instant Rebate ($0 – $200 depending on model selected) for the purchase of a customized HP Pavilion Laptop PC configured at $1,499 or greater at the HP Home & Home Office Store. Offer excludes HP Minis, HP Pavilion dv8t Quad, Envy 15 & Compaq. Offer limited to the first 1,800 coupons redeemed.
• Save up to $300 in instant savings using $100 coupon code NBLB654853 + Instant Rebate ($0 – $200 depending on model selected) for the purchase of a customized HP Pavilion Laptop PC configured at $1,199 or greater at the HP Home & Home Office Store. Offer excludes HP Minis, HP Pavilion dv8t Quad, Envy 15, & Compaq. Offer limited to the first 500 coupons redeemed.

Take a look, consider your options, and happy shopping!

Post from: The Gadget Blog

If you’re still chugging along with the free Silver membership, here’s what upgrading to Gold gets you:

• Multiplayer games
• “TrueSkill matchmaking”
• Parties (not real-life parties)
• Gamer feedback (vote down jerky players)
• Netflix (you have to also have a Netflix membership)

Should the service be free? I vote for YES! But Microsoft will never listen to me. And $30 is better than $50, I guess.

Xbox Live 12-Month Gold Card [Walmart via dealnews]

Microsoft

By Chris Scott Barr

Whenever you purchase a new PC, one tends to notice all of the extra software that comes with it. If you ask the manufacturer, they’ll tell you that they’ve done you a favor by providing lots of “useful” trial applications for you. Of course any tech-savvy person with half a brain immediately goes through and systematically removes every bit of it. Well if you want a computer without all of these “extras”, apparently you’ll be able to get one at the Microsoft Store.

That’s right, Microsoft’s new retail stores are going to carry computers without any additional 3rd-party software. That’s of course nothing to say for first-party software, as they will be installing all of the optional Microsoft software that you would otherwise have to download. This includes Windows Live Essentials, Bing 3D Maps, Security Essentials and the Zune client. Sure, it’s not a completely crapware-free computer, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.

[ Method of Failed ] VIA [ Electronista ]

Microsoft

By Chris Scott Barr

Whenever you purchase a new PC, one tends to notice all of the extra software that comes with it. If you ask the manufacturer, they’ll tell you that they’ve done you a favor by providing lots of “useful” trial applications for you. Of course any tech-savvy person with half a brain immediately goes through and systematically removes every bit of it. Well if you want a computer without all of these “extras”, apparently you’ll be able to get one at the Microsoft Store.

That’s right, Microsoft’s new retail stores are going to carry computers without any additional 3rd-party software. That’s of course nothing to say for first-party software, as they will be installing all of the optional Microsoft software that you would otherwise have to download. This includes Windows Live Essentials, Bing 3D Maps, Security Essentials and the Zune client. Sure, it’s not a completely crapware-free computer, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.

[ Method of Failed ] VIA [ Electronista ]

Microsoft

By Chris Scott Barr

Whenever you purchase a new PC, one tends to notice all of the extra software that comes with it. If you ask the manufacturer, they’ll tell you that they’ve done you a favor by providing lots of “useful” trial applications for you. Of course any tech-savvy person with half a brain immediately goes through and systematically removes every bit of it. Well if you want a computer without all of these “extras”, apparently you’ll be able to get one at the Microsoft Store.

That’s right, Microsoft’s new retail stores are going to carry computers without any additional 3rd-party software. That’s of course nothing to say for first-party software, as they will be installing all of the optional Microsoft software that you would otherwise have to download. This includes Windows Live Essentials, Bing 3D Maps, Security Essentials and the Zune client. Sure, it’s not a completely crapware-free computer, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.

[ Method of Failed ] VIA [ Electronista ]

Microsoft

By Chris Scott Barr

Whenever you purchase a new PC, one tends to notice all of the extra software that comes with it. If you ask the manufacturer, they’ll tell you that they’ve done you a favor by providing lots of “useful” trial applications for you. Of course any tech-savvy person with half a brain immediately goes through and systematically removes every bit of it. Well if you want a computer without all of these “extras”, apparently you’ll be able to get one at the Microsoft Store.

That’s right, Microsoft’s new retail stores are going to carry computers without any additional 3rd-party software. That’s of course nothing to say for first-party software, as they will be installing all of the optional Microsoft software that you would otherwise have to download. This includes Windows Live Essentials, Bing 3D Maps, Security Essentials and the Zune client. Sure, it’s not a completely crapware-free computer, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.

[ Method of Failed ] VIA [ Electronista ]