Download Squad http://downloadsquad.switched.com Download Squad http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Download Squad http://downloadsquad.switched.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Unlocker now removes stubborn files on 64-bit Windows]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/07/05/unlocker-now-removes-stubborn-files-on-64-bit-windows/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/07/05/unlocker-now-removes-stubborn-files-on-64-bit-windows/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/07/05/unlocker-now-removes-stubborn-files-on-64-bit-windows/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If you've ever received an error message when trying to delete a file, then you know what Unlocker is for. It's a free utility for deleting or moving files that are locked by a Windows process -- which is why Unlocker has long been a part of my malware-busting toolkit.

If you've got a 64-bit Windows system, you might have tried an existing version only to find out that it can't work its magic. Fortunately, developer Cedrick Collomb purchased a Windows x64 machine a while back, and he figured he ought to be able to run his own app on his own machine.

Unlocker 1.9.0 beta was released just a few days ago and is (nearly) ready to rock on Vista and WIndows 7 x64. Bonus: the alpha version is also available for testing, and it even has fully signed drivers.

Two quick things are worth noting. First, it is a beta build -- so expect to encounter some bugs if you decide to test it. Second, your antivirus app may throw a false positive when you extract or execute Unlocker. There is no malware inside; check Collomb's blog for more on the topic.
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Download SquadUnlocker now removes stubborn files on 64-bit Windows originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deletefileslockedmalwaremoveunlockerMon, 05 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CinemaDrape blacks out distractions so you can focus on the task at hand]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/02/04/cinemadrape-blacks-out-distractions-so-you-can-focus-on-the-task/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/02/04/cinemadrape-blacks-out-distractions-so-you-can-focus-on-the-task/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/02/04/cinemadrape-blacks-out-distractions-so-you-can-focus-on-the-task/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Avoiding distractions on while working your computer can be tricky business. Fortunately, there are plenty of great, free apps out there to help you get things done!

CinemaDrape, for example, is a great way to turn off the "background noise" so you can focus on one particular app or area of your screen. You can download an installable version of CinemaDrape or grab the portable remix and run it from your USB flash drive.

If you install, you can invoke CinemaDrape by pressing ctrl + F12 (or re-map to your preferred key combination). The portable version has to be launched, since it's not hooked into your system files. The screen area around your active window will be instantly blacked out -- you can also hover over the side and bottom border to resize or the top border to move. To turn the effect off, just tap your escape key.

Right-clicking on the blackout will open the configuration menu, where you can set up to nine pre-defined areas, reset to default, and change the bacground color and opacity.

CinemaDrape is free for both personal and commercial use and it runs on Windows 7, Vista, and XP -- including x64 builds. The .Net 2.0 runtimes are required if you're using XP.

Download SquadCinemaDrape blacks out distractions so you can focus on the task at hand originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black outBlackOutblockcinemadrapedistractiongtdhideportableThu, 04 Feb 2010 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Giveaway: Altaro Oops!Backup is Time Machine for Windows]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/01/13/giveaway-altaro-oops-backup-is-time-machine-for-windows/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/01/13/giveaway-altaro-oops-backup-is-time-machine-for-windows/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/01/13/giveaway-altaro-oops-backup-is-time-machine-for-windows/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Let's start with a disclaimer: I'm strictly a Windows guy. Have never used a Mac. But I do know what Time Machine is supposed to do, and I was quite envious of my fellow Macheads when it was released. I have a serious backup fetish, and my combined backup strategy (remote + complete local mirroring) was lacking in just that one area -- intuitive versioning which stays out of your way but is there when you need it.

Thinking that there must be something similar for Windows, couple of months ago I set out in search for it. Surprisingly enough, I did not find many such solutions, and found no free ones. Nothing intuitive, anyway. But I did stumble upon Altaro's Oops!Backup. They were still beta-testing it at the time, and I thought I'd drop them a line and offer to help out. They're a very small company, and the reply I got came directly from the head honcho, David Vella. He was kind enough to let me beta-test the software, and was very responsive to my feedback.

I haven't had to rely on Oops!Backup many times, but when I did, it did not fail me. The intuitive interface shows your folder structure along with a bar along the right side of the windows which allow you to go back in time. Restores are snappy and take mere seconds even for large folders.

Oops!Backup auto-detects when you plug out the removable drive it's using, and does not make a fuss about it. When you plug the drive back in, you get a balloon popup telling you that backups are now enabled again.

Oops!Backup is normally $37.00, but we've managed to score 25 copies to hand out to Download Squad readers.

Gallery: Oops!Backup

Overview screenRestoring dataSystem Tray menu


Simply leave a comment and we'll enter you into the prize draw. You have until 11:59PM EST Sunday 17th January. Full terms and conditions after the break.

Continue reading Giveaway: Altaro Oops!Backup is Time Machine for Windows

Download SquadGiveaway: Altaro Oops!Backup is Time Machine for Windows originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backupgiveawaysharewareTime MachineTimeMachineWed, 13 Jan 2010 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Iomega v.Clone creates portable VMware machines from physical systems]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/01/05/iomega-v-clone-creates-portable-vmware-machines-from-physical-sy/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/01/05/iomega-v-clone-creates-portable-vmware-machines-from-physical-sy/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/01/05/iomega-v-clone-creates-portable-vmware-machines-from-physical-sy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Some sites are referring to Iomega's v.Clone as a backup utility, but that's not a very accurate description of what it does. Sure, it could come in handy if your system fails, but traditional methods are probably more useful to the average PC user.

What makes v.Clone interesting is the fact that it creates a VMware virtual machine from your system and then wraps it in a portable version of the Player. Take your drive anywhere and boot your v.Clone up, and you've got access to your complete desktop - apps, data, and all!

You will, of course, you'll need to have an IOmega branded drive to make the magic happen.

If your external is made by another company, you can always pull off the same thing (nearly, anyway) by using disk2vhd. VHDs can be opened by Microsoft Virtual PC and VirtualBox, so you just need one or the other installed on a PC to be able to boot your system image.

Download SquadIomega v.Clone creates portable VMware machines from physical systems originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>portablev.clonevirtualizationvmwareTue, 05 Jan 2010 12:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Download Driver Magician for free, today only!]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/01/05/download-driver-magician-for-free-today-only/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/01/05/download-driver-magician-for-free-today-only/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/01/05/download-driver-magician-for-free-today-only/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's not often that you find a decent commercial utility being given away for free. It's usually a marginally-useful app or a program for which there's a better (and often free!) alternative.

Today, however, you can score Driver Magician at no charge from Giveaway of the Day. It's a very good driver backup, restore, and removal utility - and there aren't a ton of good free programs that offer this level of functionality. You've got less than 18 hours to get in on the deal!

If this post happens to overwhelm the main page of their site, you can try heading directly to the download page or a mirror of the file.

Once it's downloaded, you'll need to run the setup first and then the activation file. Keep an eye on the activator - the last step will offer to bookmark and permatab GOTD in your browsers.

There are three details to be aware of about your free version (and they probably won't surprise any of you):

1) No free technical support
2) No free upgrades to future versions
3) Strictly non-commercial usage

Download SquadDownload Driver Magician for free, today only! originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backupcommercialdriverdriversmagicianrepairtechniciantroubleshootingutilityTue, 05 Jan 2010 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Free tool makes managing your Windows 7 library settings easier]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/28/free-tool-makes-managing-windows-7-libraries-easier/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/28/free-tool-makes-managing-windows-7-libraries-easier/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/28/free-tool-makes-managing-windows-7-libraries-easier/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Windows 7's built-in libraries are a great way to organize information on your system. Windows 7's libraries provide a powerful addition to Explorer. They simplify file sharing, speed browsing and searching, and improve organization. Libraries are also a fantastic way to group related content regardless of where it's stored - especially if you suck at maintaining a logical folder setup like me.

They could, however, be a little easier to manage. As is so often the case, when something can be done more easily on Windows a developer steps in to make it so.

Enter Win7 Library Tool, a handy, free application which acts as a central management console for your libraries. Just about anything you need to adjust can be done with the Tool - adding additional folders to existing libraries, changing the default save location, changing icons, creating new libraries and deleting unneeded ones, and more.

The Tool also allows you to save entire configuration sets to a file - useful if you're pondering a reformat and want to make sure your library setup survives the procedure. Just save your current set and re-load using the tool and you're good to go!

[via Addictive Tips]

Download SquadFree tool makes managing your Windows 7 library settings easier originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>configurelibrarieslibrarymanagesimplifywindows 7Windows7Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Want a Windows XP style start menu and Explorer in Windows 7? Try Classic Shell]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/23/get-windows-xp-style-start-menu-and-explorer-in-windows-7/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/23/get-windows-xp-style-start-menu-and-explorer-in-windows-7/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/23/get-windows-xp-style-start-menu-and-explorer-in-windows-7/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I'm not sure when the last time was that I needed to dig through my start menu. Between the Windows 7 Super Bar and the search box Vista added, there are just easier ways for me to find and launch programs.

Still, for some of my customers, friends, and family, the newer menus are just a distraction. They were fine with Windows XP's interface, and they might not want to be bothered learning something different -- no matter how many times I try to convince them it's an improvement.

If you're like me and will be getting phone calls and IMs from people asking you how to get their old menu back, do yourself a favor: download Classic Shell.

It's compatible with both 32 and 64-bit Windows 7, and it's just the thing to turn back the clock on the Windows menu. Apart from that, it also includes an optional classic Explorer toolbar which can put back the missing cut/copy/paste buttons and the file/edit/view/tools menu bar.

While it's still tagged as a beta release, Classic Shell worked nicely on both my 64-bit Windows 7 laptops and my son's 32-bit version.

[via How-To Geek]

Download SquadWant a Windows XP style start menu and Explorer in Windows 7? Try Classic Shell originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicopensourceretroshellstart menuStartMenuvistawindows 7Windows7xpWed, 23 Dec 2009 11:06:00 EST<![CDATA[JumpLaunch turns your Quick Launch folder into a Windows 7 Jump List]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/21/how-to-turn-your-quick-launch-folder-into-a-windows-7-jump-list/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/21/how-to-turn-your-quick-launch-folder-into-a-windows-7-jump-list/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/21/how-to-turn-your-quick-launch-folder-into-a-windows-7-jump-list/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Plenty of people were thrown off by the Quick Launch toolbar's disappearance from Windows 7. It hadn't actually disappeared, per se - it's just hiding where you're not likely to notice it.

You can handle this a couple of different ways. The Superbar still supports toolbars, so you can right click it, choose toolbars -> new toolbar and paste "%appdata%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick launch" in the folder box. That's a pretty Windows 95 way to do it, though.

Why not quickly convert your Quick Launch folder to a Windows 7 Jump List?

JumpLaunch is a small, portable app designed to do just that. Download and unzip the archive to a folder on your PC, launch the app, and you're presented with a window containing all the shortcuts currently residing in your hidden Quick Launch folder. Adding other items is as simple as drag-and-drop.

JumpLaunch is a free download, is tailor made for Windows 7, and works with both the 32 and 64-bit builds.

Download SquadJumpLaunch turns your Quick Launch folder into a Windows 7 Jump List originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jump listjumplistopensourcequick launchQuickLaunchsuperbartaskbarMon, 21 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[T3Desk is a slick, 3D window manager with Aero Peek support]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/15/t3desk-is-a-slick-3d-window-manager-with-aero-peek-support-for-Windows-7/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/15/t3desk-is-a-slick-3d-window-manager-with-aero-peek-support-for-Windows-7/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/15/t3desk-is-a-slick-3d-window-manager-with-aero-peek-support-for-Windows-7/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I'm not sure I'd ever go for the kind of 3D desktop BumpTop implements, but I don't mind seeing a little imaginary depth rendered on my 2D Windows desktop.

Enter T3Desk, a Window manager which does exactly that. It's a bit of an alt-tab replacement and reminiscent of the Window arranging wizardry provided by Compiz.

One of my favorite features of T3Desk is that all applications you minimize are grouped in the T3 taskbar icon on Windows 7. Hover over it, and you'll get thumbnail previews of each app. Hover a specific thumbnail, and Aero Peek kicks in to display the program's shrunken 3D view.

Customization options abound, from zoom, perspective angle, and animation settings to custom sounds and hotkey support. I'd like to be able to customize the hotkeys as well, but it's a small shortcoming - the default ctrl + \ works nicely. Have a few applications you'd prefer not to include in a bulk minimize? No problem - simply add them to your exclude list.

T3Desk worked flawlessly on my Windows 7 x64 install, and the developers report that it will work on everything back to Windows 95. Nice!

Download SquadT3Desk is a slick, 3D window manager with Aero Peek support originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3daero peekAeroPeekalt-tabdesktopfreewaremanagersuperbarswitchingtaskwindowwindows 7Windows7Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spacetornado Killer helps you end multiple processes with minimal fuss]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/11/spacetornado-killer-helps-you-end-multiple-processes-with-minima/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/11/spacetornado-killer-helps-you-end-multiple-processes-with-minima/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/11/spacetornado-killer-helps-you-end-multiple-processes-with-minima/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Task Manager is an extremely handy tool, but it does lack a few features that would make it even more useful. Say, for example, the ability to control + click or shift + click to quickly select multiple processes you want to terminate.

Like so many tiny omissions in Windows, there's a free utility which steps in nicely to add that missing functionality.

Spacetornado Killer is a tiny (44KB) portable application with a single purpose - to kill a group of processes in as few clicks as possible. Say I wanted to make all those Chrome.exe's over there. Click the top one, hold shift, click the bottom one, and then press F4. Nice! No confirmations to get in the way, just processes-whacking goodness.

To do the same thing in Task Manager would have taken more than two dozen clicks.

This is a great app for lazy efficiency-minded technicians to keep handy on a USB flash drive.

Download SquadSpacetornado Killer helps you end multiple processes with minimal fuss originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>endkillmanagerportableprocessprocessestaskunresponsiveFri, 11 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Opera 10.10 with Unite and Turbo now available]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/23/opera-10-10-with-unite-and-turbo-now-available/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/23/opera-10-10-with-unite-and-turbo-now-available/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/23/opera-10-10-with-unite-and-turbo-now-available/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Opera have released version 10 of their browser, now with Opera Unite and Opera Turbo included.

Opera Unite gives your web browser the ability to deliver content as well as consume it. The standard download includes a number of Unite applications, with more available for download from the application directory. The bundled applications include a file sharing server that allows you to make files available to the world (as well as allowing the world to upload content to your machine), a virtual fridge door for you to share notes with friends and family (pictured), a media player that allows you to play content from your Unite equipped machine remotely, an instant messaging server, a photo sharing application and a web server for serving your own web content.

The inclusion of Opera Turbo in the new browser marks the migration to the desktop of a technology that has long been a key feature of Opera's Mini product. Opera Turbo speeds up your browsing session by compressing content at Opera proxy servers before delivering it to your machine - particularly useful for those on low bandwidth connections.

Opera 10.10 is available free from www.opera.com for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.

We're intrigued to hear what you, our lovely readers, think about Opera's advancements. They have an excellent, solid browser base and some truly unique additional features... are you tempted to make the switch?

Download SquadOpera 10.10 with Unite and Turbo now available originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10freewarelinuxmacOperaTurboUniteupdatewindowsMon, 23 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Auslogics Disk Defrag buffs up, adds disk optimization in v3]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/20/auslogics-disk-defrag-buffs-up-adds-disk-optimization-in-v3/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/20/auslogics-disk-defrag-buffs-up-adds-disk-optimization-in-v3/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/20/auslogics-disk-defrag-buffs-up-adds-disk-optimization-in-v3/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Defragmentation (like backing up) is one of those chores I don't think about doing all that often. And I really should, since my desktop at work is a cluttered mess of downloads, screenshots, temp files, and other digital flotsam.

When Auslogics mentioned they've got a new version of their Disk Defrag tool available for download, I figured why not take it for a spin? My drive could use the TLC, after all. The app is available with an installer or as a portable app and is free for home use.

One small feature worth a mention is that Disk Defrag supports Windows 7's superbar progress indicator. You can choose to defragment your entire drive or target specific files or folders. It's also got a number of other smart features, like free space consolidation and intelligent system file placement. Disk Defrag can also be set to run automatically when your system is idle.

The installable version can also clean up your temp files prior to defragging, minimize to the system tray, run scheduled jobs, and integrate into your right-click context menu.

Tidying up my drive's 130Gb+ of disorganization took about 25 minutes. Disk Defrag also includes a new optimization feature which Auslogics recommends running once a week. It takes quite a bit longer, but if it helps keep your drive healthy and running at peak performance it's time well spent.

Download SquadAuslogics Disk Defrag buffs up, adds disk optimization in v3 originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auslogicsdefragdefragmenterfreewareportablewindows 7Windows7Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Turn your keyboard LEDs into network activity indicators with a free app]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/12/turn-your-keyboard-leds-into-network-activity-indcators-with-a-f/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/12/turn-your-keyboard-leds-into-network-activity-indcators-with-a-f/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/12/turn-your-keyboard-leds-into-network-activity-indcators-with-a-f/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Most keyboards built in the last twenty years or so sport three LEDs - number lock, caps lock, and scroll lock. I'm pretty sure that over those same twenty years I've used each one for a combined total of five minutes.

It sure would be nice if I could somehow force the LEDs to perform another duty. Say, for example, blinking in time with my network activity? That would be pretty slick.

And that's exactly what Network Lights does. Download the 44Kb .zip file, extract it, and run the executable and your LEDs will go to work, flashing in time with the flow of network packets to and from your PC.

I'd recommend against running Network Lights on a laptop which doesn't have a full numeric pad on the keyboard. As the app flicks the LED on and off, your dual-mode keys (usually on the right side around J-K-L) will periodically become unresponsive.

While this is an older app and hasn't been updated in quite some time, Network Lights runs just fine under Windows 7.

[via Raymond.cc]

Download SquadTurn your keyboard LEDs into network activity indicators with a free app originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freewarekeyboardlednetwork statusNetworkStatusnumlocktrafficThu, 12 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SheepDog rounds up stray application windows on multi-monitor setups]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/10/sheepdog-rounds-up-stray-application-windows-on-multi-monitor-se/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/10/sheepdog-rounds-up-stray-application-windows-on-multi-monitor-se/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/10/sheepdog-rounds-up-stray-application-windows-on-multi-monitor-se/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It doesn't happen often, but every now and then I receive a customer's laptop which just doesn't want to believe it's no longer attached to an external monitor. And it never fails - some important app is going to appear in the display Twilight Zone.

If only there was some kind of digital shepherd to corral those errant windows. Hey, if not a shepherd, why not SheepDog?

It's a tiny, portable application whose sole purpose is to bring apps that have wandered back to the primary display. Fire it up, and the tray icon listens for a hotket combination to be pressed. In the options screen you can customize your key combo and also change the system tray icon.

Hit the hotkey (or right click the system tray icon and select reposition) and any offending application windows are instantly moved.

At only 20Kb, this baby is going straight on my USB flash drive with all the other handy utilities I need once in a blue moon.

Download SquadSheepDog rounds up stray application windows on multi-monitor setups originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>desktopdisplayhidden windowHiddenWindowmultiple monitorsMultipleMonitorsopensourcerepositionwindow managementWindowManagementTue, 10 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Panda CEO and CTO talk Cloud Antivirus 1.0 as download link goes live]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/10/free-panda-cloud-antivirus-windows-now-available-for-download/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/10/free-panda-cloud-antivirus-windows-now-available-for-download/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/10/free-panda-cloud-antivirus-windows-now-available-for-download/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Panda Cloud Antivirus is one of the more talked about releases of 2009. Its new spin on the traditional antivirus model -- like many new programs which embrace cloud computing -- has been met with both praise and criticism. Panda themselves are bullish on Cloud AV, and I was fortunate enough to speak about it with CEO Juan Santana and Senior Research Advisor Pedro Bustamante.

To Santana and Bustamante, Panda's beta testing period was huge success. One way they measured is by taking a look at what Collective Intelligence -- the remote muscle powering Cloud AV -- has processed so far. "Right now, there is about 25 terabytes of data in the Collective Intelligence database," said Santana.

"About 60% of that," he continued, "is malware. We're receiving about 120,000 new files a day, of which 60-70,000 are malicious." In total, Collective Intelligence has processed more than 80 million files so far and generates about 150 gigabytes of log files per day.

On top of that, Cloud AV scored an impressive 99.4% detection rate in a recent round of testing. That figure put it ahead of free favorites like Avira, Avast, AVG, and even Microsoft's new Security Essentials.

Continue reading Panda CEO and CTO talk Cloud Antivirus 1.0 as download link goes live

Download SquadPanda CEO and CTO talk Cloud Antivirus 1.0 as download link goes live originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antivirusavbusinesscloud antiviruscloud avCloudAntivirusCloudAveducationfeaturesfree avFreeAvfreewaremsepandareviewsschoolsohoTue, 10 Nov 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Comodo Easy VPN is a fast, free Hamachi alternative for Windows]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/09/comodo-easy-vpn-is-a-fast-free-hamachi-alternative-for-windows/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/09/comodo-easy-vpn-is-a-fast-free-hamachi-alternative-for-windows/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/09/comodo-easy-vpn-is-a-fast-free-hamachi-alternative-for-windows/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Ages ago, I used a combination of Hamachi and UltraVNC for hassle-free remote support setups. At the time (again, this was a long time ago), Hamachi had a lot of reliability and speed issues - so I ended up switching to TeamViewer.

Recently, however, I decided to revisit my options. One alternative I happened upon was Comodo's free Easy VPN application.

Like Hamachi, Easy VPN supports multiple virtual networks. To give a friend access, simply provide the name and password and they're ready to join. When logged in, the icon next to their name will turn green and you can then ping, chat, and even remote control to your heart's content. All traffic is 128-bit encrypted.

Ping times and file transfer speeds are respectable and competitive with Hamachi. The remote control software (which feels and works a lot like many VNC apps) works well, and is perfect for quick, long-distance assistance.

Machines connected on a Comodo Easy VPN network function just like the computers attached to your home router. You can share files, folders, and even printers. Need to be able to print on the fancy color laser printer at work from the comfort of your kitchen table? Easy VPN is a hassle-free way to get the job done.

You can read more about how Easy VPN works over at Comodo's web site, where you can also download it. Easy VPN works on Windows XP or newer - both 32 and 64-bit builds.

Download SquadComodo Easy VPN is a fast, free Hamachi alternative for Windows originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comodoeasyvpnfreewarehamachinetworkingvpnMon, 09 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[7 Taskbar Tweaker gives you more control over the Windows 7 superbar]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/05/7-taskbar-tweaker-gives-you-more-control-over-the-windows-7-supe/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/05/7-taskbar-tweaker-gives-you-more-control-over-the-windows-7-supe/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/05/7-taskbar-tweaker-gives-you-more-control-over-the-windows-7-supe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The Windows 7 superbar sports some very cool improvements over the old Windows taskbar. But suppose you want to customize your taskbar a bit. Say, for example, you find the close buttons just a bit too small to be practical. What then?

Why not set your middle mouse button to close using 7 Taskbar Tweaker? By default, middle-clicking a superbar icon in Windows 7 opens a new instance of that program, the same way shift +left click does. I don't need to do that very often and holding shift really isn't an inconvenience for me.

On the flip side, I close windows and tabs from the superbar all the time. Right click -> close all windows works, but why not make use of your scroll wheel's clicking ability?

Taskbar Tweaker also allows you to change other superbar click actions. Another change I've made is swapping the default left click to open previews to cycling through windows/tabs. It's a welcome switch if your web browser happens to support per-tab thumbnails.

You can also use the app to disable thumbail previews if you choose, and the settings menu provides options to run at startup, hide the main window, and even hide the tray icon if you like keeping clutter to a minimum.

7 Taskbar Tweaker is a free download and versions are available for both 32 and 64-bit Windows 7.

Thanks for the tip, Miklos!

Download Squad7 Taskbar Tweaker gives you more control over the Windows 7 superbar originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freewaresuperbartaskbartweakwindows 7Windows7Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VHD Attach enables right-click mounting and dismounting of VHD files in Windows 7]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/03/vhd-attach-enables-right-click-mounting-and-dismounting-of-vhd-f/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/03/vhd-attach-enables-right-click-mounting-and-dismounting-of-vhd-f/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/03/vhd-attach-enables-right-click-mounting-and-dismounting-of-vhd-f/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


One of Windows 7's slick new features is its handling of VHD (virtual hard disk) files. You can use them for a number of handy functions - from discreetly archiving files and folders to booting a full-fledged Vista, Windows 7, or Windows Server 2008 install via your Windows 7 boot.ini.

But VHDs aren't as easy to work with out-of-the-box as they could be. To mount and unmount, you've got to head over to the Disk Management snap-in (diskmgmt.msc), wait for the screen to populate, go to actions->attach (or detach), browse for your VHD, and then wait some more.

VhdAttach speeds the process up by adding two entries to your context menu. Mouse over a .VHD file, right-click it, and you can mount and dismount right from Windows Explorer. Left click attach, and your VHD will pop up alongside your physical hard disks. When you're all done, detaching is just as simple.

The control app (inset in screenshot) which can open your VHDs and display information about them. You can also attach and detach from this screen.

VhdAttach is a free download and works with both Windows 7 and Server 2008.

Download SquadVHD Attach enables right-click mounting and dismounting of VHD files in Windows 7 originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>context menuContextMenudismountdrive imagedrive managementDriveImageDriveManagementfreewaremountright clickRightClickvhdwindows 7windows-7Windows7Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Security Essentials rated best free antivirus for Windows]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/10/31/best-free-antivirus-for-windows-microsoft-security-essentials/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/10/31/best-free-antivirus-for-windows-microsoft-security-essentials/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/10/31/best-free-antivirus-for-windows-microsoft-security-essentials/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Thousands of downloads. Countless positive reviews on software blogs around the Internet. It's been quite a ride so far for Microsoft Security Essentials.

In AV Comparative's most recent report on malware removal, MSE was the only free antivirus rated Advanced+. That ranking placed it alongside big names like Norton, Kaspersky, and F-Secure. Security Essentials also beat out technician favorite ESET, which managed only an Advanced rating.

It's also worth noting that only three antivirus apps - Norton 2010, eScan, and Security Essentials - scored marks of good or better in removal of malware and removal of leftovers. So not only has MSE beaten free competitors like AVG (version 8.5 tested, not 9.0), Avira, and Avast, it also posted test scores equal to or better than a dozen antivirus programs you'd have to pay for.

Well done, Microsoft!

[via Ars Technica]

Download SquadMicrosoft Security Essentials rated best free antivirus for Windows originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antivirusfreewaremalwareMicrosoft Security EssentialsMicrosoftSecurityEssentialsmorromsetrojanvirusSat, 31 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Paragon Backup & Recovery 10 is a great free imaging and partitioning tool]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/10/30/paragon-backup-and-recovery-10-is-a-great-free-imaging-and-partiti/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/10/30/paragon-backup-and-recovery-10-is-a-great-free-imaging-and-partiti/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/10/30/paragon-backup-and-recovery-10-is-a-great-free-imaging-and-partiti/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Paragon has long been a name respected by technicians and IT professionals. Their latest release is aimed squarely at home users, and it's a program well worth trying out.

Backup & Recovery 10 Free Edition is an excellent, multi-talented hard drive management app. So, what can you do with it? For starters, it will create and restore images of your hard drives and partitions. There's also a built-in tool for creating bootable rescue media (either CD or USB flash drive).

Tasks can be scheduled to run at regular intervals, and you can also create differential jobs (which only back up files that have changed since the previous backup). On massive partitions, the differential option can really speed up the imaging process.

You can also mount previously created images so you can explore them like any other folder or disk on your computer - or manually add additional files.

In addition to backup and imaging tasks, Backup & Recovery can also perform a number of partition management tasks. Use it to create, format (FAT32, NTFS, EXT2/3/4, Linux Swap), and hide partitions as well as check filesystem integrity and check for surface defects.

Paragon Backup & Recovery 10 Free is loaded with great features. It's simple enough for casual users and powerful enough to be of use to seasoned veterans.

It's free for non-commercial use and downloads are provided for both 32 and 64-bit Windows. You will need to register for a serial number, but it's well worth the minimal effort (just be sure uncheck any 'email me special offers' boxes).

Download SquadParagon Backup & Recovery 10 is a great free imaging and partitioning tool originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archivingbackupcloningdifferentialfreewareghostimagingparagonpartitionpartitioningFri, 30 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST