Google Talk

In 2007 Google enabled AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) users to log in via the Google Talk “Chat” area in the Gmail sidebar, bringing the two services closer together. This made it easier to stay in touch with AIM buddies, but still didn’t allow for direct communication with Google Talk users.

Not for long however, as the two are about to become interoperable; meaning Google Talk and AIM users will be able to chat regardless of which service they use for the first time.

As part of the change, AOL users will no longer be able to log into AIM from the Gmail sidebar. AOL suggests users continue to use AIM as a desktop (or mobile) client, slowly adding Gmail buddies or use Google Talk as normal and add your AIM buddies simply by their email address. The change might take some users a while to import contacts, and a notice on the AIM website suggests they’re working on a quicker migration process.

AOL are developing an importer which should allow users to migrate their entire AIM buddy list to Google Talk. Users who are already happy with the AIM client will be able to add Gmail contacts, though the process can be a laborious process: one at a time.

Mozy

Mozy is an incredibly smart, highly secure, set-it-and-forget-it backup solution that will not disappoint you. There are no restrictions — just about anything on your computer can be set to be backed up to Mozy’s servers. And you’ll be glad that you did.

First, let’s take a quick look at Mozy and see what it’s all about. Mozy allows you to back up any folder on your computer and select whether you want backups to run at specific times or when your computer is idle for the number of minutes that you choose. Files are backed up securely as they are “encrypted locally with military-grade encryption prior to transfer via a 128-bit SSL connection” so that means they’re backed up with the same technology used by online banking. Retrieving your backed-up files is also a breeze as there are five different ways for you to restore them. Prepping

You can also edit the Backup Sets so for instance, the Word Processing Documents backup set/folder includes or excludes files depending on file type, size, date of creation, etc.

Of course, if you would like to select specific folders with content that doesn’t fall in these categories, you can always check those folders on the next tab, File System.

Backing up

Mozy lets you choose when and how to back up so you can sit back and relax. You can configure Mozy to run at specific times or when your computer is idle.

You can also choose whether you prefer your computer to be relatively unintemrrupted while the backup process is running (Faster Computer) which means your backup will take longer or whether you want Quicker Backups. Either way, the entire process will be quick because Mozy’s incremental backup system is smart enough to automatically detect and back up only new and/or changed files.

Restoring your backups

Mozy lets you retrieve your backed-up files in several convenient ways. You can right-click on backed-up files in Windows Explorer to restore them to previous versions.

Alternatively, you can go to the Mozy virtual drive and restore from there.

The desktop client also has a Restore section in case you already have it open.

You can also head to the website to retrieve your files (select the version from up to 30 days in the past) or place an order for a CD of your Mozy-backed-up files.

If you have used Skype on Windows or Mac OS X recently then the changes won’t strike you as particularly new, but Linux users have been waiting a while for such an update. The Skype team have highlighted four main areas in which major improvements have been made, and they are:

1. A unified view for all text chats, rather than separate windows for each.
2. A brand new view for voice calls.
3. Improved audio quality.
4. Improved video quality as well as a wider range of supported cameras.

Avira Antivirus Premium 2012

Avira Antivirus Premium 2012 brings crucial anti-phishing and privacy protection to your busy online world. We know your time is too valuable to be spent on configuring your antivirus. In a matter of clicks, you'll remove incompatible antivirus software and install our perfectly configured, totally silent virus protection.

Shop, explore, share. Click after click, Avira's looking out for you.
Choose Antivirus Premium 2012 for smart, reliable and easy-to-use computer protection.

Revo Uninstaller

I have been looking for something like Revo Uninstaller for years. If you’ve ever used “Add or Remove Programs” on Windows, you know that it’s slow, uninformative, and sometimes not very good at its sole function: uninstalling things. Revo Uninstaller aims to correct those design flaws by being conversely fast, helpful and very effective at uninstalling just about anything you can throw at it. The interface centers around the main uninstaller which is very easy to use. You can view your installed programs as either large icons or in a detailed list view. I prefer the list view because it lets you sort by name, size, installation date or company. Revo Uninstaller also displays the version number and the product’s website, if applicable. When you find something you want to uninstall, simply click it and click the big, friendly ‘uninstall’ button. If you aren’t sure about the program or have had trouble uninstalling it in the past, Revo Uninstaller has several other options. Right-clicking any item give you the chance to:

• “Force Uninstall” it (probably overriding anything blocking the uninstaller from functioning)
• Remove it from the program list
• Search for it on Google
• Be taken to its location on your hard drive
• Open the program’s registry key

Digsby

If you’re a long-time MUO reader, you’ll know we’re fans of the multi-platform IM client Digsby. We’ve showed you some cool features, and even how to make it even better looking. We have also interviewed Digsby’s project manager, Steve Shapiro. Today, I’m going to put in my own plug for Digsby, an application I use every day, by showing you six things Digsby can do that will save you time, energy, and RAM space. Digsby has come to replace my use of several other applications ““ no longer do I need a Gmail window, Twitter window, Facebook window, and IM window open all at the same time. Instead, just use Digsby!!!!

Downloaders

GetGo Download Manager is the Best FREE Internet Download Manager with strong YouTube Download support as well as tons of Download Management features. It is being actively developed and updated frequently.
Designed for the new generation of web (2.0), GetGo Download Manager can easily download video/music/file from YouTube, Facebook, Google Video, MetaCafe, DailyMotion, iFilm/Spike, Vimeo, MegaVideo, Break.com and any websites with embedded FLV flash videos.


Internet Download Manager Corp. is a subsidiary of Tonec Inc. that develops Internet Applications since 1990. We have strong expertise in network programming, consulting and design services. Our company started Internet Download Manager project in 1998 when we where developing network libraries and console applications for accelerated files downloading.

We are proud to announce that Internet Download Manager recently became a popular application with more than one hundred thousand users worldwide. You are welcome to give Internet Download Manager a try to handle your downloads.

Internet Download Manager is a tool to download Internet files with comfort and speed. IDM can download several files and file segments simultaneously, pause and resume downloads with a single click, recover broken downloads from unexpected power shutoff or network related problems. Simple graphic user interface makes IDM application user friendly and easy to use.

IDM can take over downloads from Internet Explorer, Opera, Mozilla and Netscape for any file types of your choice. It then shows its own download dialog where you gain additional control over your downloads.

IDM has automatic update option and may check for the availability of a newer version once per week. Once a newer version has become available, IDM shows a dialog that describes all new features and suggests updating your current version. You can also download the latest version of IDM using Quick Update tool that comes along with IDM distribution.

When IDM is working, it shows its icon on the taskbar. IDM menu shows up when you right click on the icon. You can exit IDM by picking "exit" in the menuInternet Download Manager Corp. is a subsidiary of Tonec Inc. that develops Internet Applications since 1990. We have strong expertise in network programming, consulting and design services. Our company started Internet Download Manager project in 1998 when we where developing network libraries and console applications for accelerated files downloading.

We are proud to announce that Internet Download Manager recently became a popular application with more than one hundred thousand users worldwide. You are welcome to give Internet Download Manager a try to handle your downloads.

Internet Download Manager is a tool to download Internet files with comfort and speed. IDM can download several files and file segments simultaneously, pause and resume downloads with a single click, recover broken downloads from unexpected power shutoff or network related problems. Simple graphic user interface makes IDM application user friendly and easy to use.

IDM can take over downloads from Internet Explorer, Opera, Mozilla and Netscape for any file types of your choice. It then shows its own download dialog where you gain additional control over your downloads.

IDM has automatic update option and may check for the availability of a newer version once per week. Once a newer version has become available, IDM shows a dialog that describes all new features and suggests updating your current version. You can also download the latest version of IDM using Quick Update tool that comes along with IDM distribution.

When IDM is working, it shows its icon on the taskbar. IDM menu shows up when you right click on the icon. You can exit IDM by picking "exit" in the menu

Antivirus Software: What to Look For

All security software is not created equal. Like all consumer products, antivirus software has the good, the bad and the mediocre. The choices for antivirus protection are many and varied. We feature the best antivirus software available today from a number of providers and compare them. When it really comes down to it, effectiveness and usability can either make or break antivirus software. Our top-ranked antivirus software combine optimal security with user-friendly features and tools.

Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS uses to evaluate and compare antivirus software:

Scope of Protection
While most security solutions tout multi-layered protection and 360-degree defense, some are more thorough than others. The best antivirus solutions will include traditional protection from viruses, worms, Trojans and spyware, but should also include defense from keyloggers, phishing scams, email-borne threats and rootkits. While antivirus programs are by no means full-blown internet security suites, they should protect from as many threats on as many fronts as they can.

Effectiveness
Antivirus is specifically designed to protect your computer, so if it doesn’t do that well, what good is it? All the features, bells and whistles and sleek interfaces can’t make up for poor performance. We look at results from the industry-standard security software testers and professional security organizations to find the most effective software available.

Ease of Installation and Setup
Security software shouldn’t be a chore to install and should have you protected as soon as possible. From download to install, to the first scan, implementing antivirus software should be quick and easy.

Ease of Use
Antivirus software is complex stuff, but shouldn’t require a degree in computer security. The best security programs have all the features security experts want, but are just as easiy for a beginner. Everyday computer users want a security solution that they can install and forget about; software that doesn’t require constant maintenance or have annoying interruptions. The best antivirus software is flexible enough to do exactly what you want to (even if that means running by itself).


Features
A well-rounded feature set takes a security solution from good to great. More than bells and whistles, added features provide security, usability and performance benefits.

Updates
Security software is only as good as its latest update. Viruses are being identified and added to signature databases all the time. So it’s important that your virus definition list updates accordingly. Modern antivirus software are equipped with automatic updates that perform regularly enough that you get faster updates that don’t slow down your system. The best security providers push updates to you as soon as they’re available.

Help & Support
The best software doesn’t require reading an in-depth manual to use, but still has one available. For specific questions, troubleshooting and additional help, the best antivirus manufacturers provide superior product support online and off. Additional support for software may come in the form of assistance over the phone, email, live chat or through a number of additional resources (knowledgebase, FAQs, tutorials).

A well-balanced antivirus solution is effective, efficient and easy to use. Combining all the right features with a usable interface, our top antivirus software choices deliver the best security and usability without a serious investment in time, money or system resources.

TeamViewer

TeamViewer - the All-In-One Solution for
Remote Access and Support over the Internet
TeamViewer connects to any PC or server around the world within a few seconds. You can remote control your partner's PC as if you were sitting right in front of it. Find out why more than 100 million users trust TeamViewer!

Deep Freeze

Your computer, like new with every restart...
Deep Freeze by Faronics is the ultimate line of defense for your computer's security.
Memorising your computer's settings and configuration, Deep Freeze returns your system to its original state with every restart.
Forget spending hours troubleshooting hard-to-diagnose problems. With Deep Freeze, full system recovery is as easy as restarting your computer. It's that simple.

CCleaner

One of the most popular and free software today that deals with a lot of the computer issues that a user might encounter is the Piriform CCleaner download, and there is no other software just like it that can be downloaded free directly from their website. While the main objective of the program is to remove and fix any kind of computer program, CCleaner also serves a dual purpose of “PC optimization”, or making sure that your computer is completely running at top speed without a hitch or any possible glitches that might slow you down or cause any kind of frustration that you might encounter.

Easy Hide IP

Hide your real IP address and geograpic location with Easy Hide IP
Easy Hide IP is the worlds most advanced IP changer, bypass virtually any form of censorship or internet traffic blocking imposed on you by your ISP, your company, or third parties. Your internet traffic is routed through remote servers. On your ISP's log file, only the IPs of the remote servers will be shown, not the sites you have visited. Download Easy Hide IP now!

Easy Hide IP protects your identity by replacing your real IP address with a different one. You will appear to access the internet from a different location, not your own.

Why should I Hide my IP?
Your IP address can link your internet activities directly to you, it can be used to find your name and address. Easy Hide IP protects your online identity by hiding your IP address and giving you a new one.

How does Easy Hide IP hide my IP address?
Easy Hide IP routes all your internet traffic through our encrypted network of dedicated internet servers so that all remote servers that you connect to can only see the IP address of our server and not your original IP address.

Format Factory Converter

Format Factory is a multifunctional media converter.
Provides functions below:
All to MP4/3GP/MPG/AVI/WMV/FLV/SWF.
All to MP3/WMA/AMR/OGG/AAC/WAV.
All to JPG/BMP/PNG/TIF/ICO/GIF/TGA.
Rip DVD to video file , Rip Music CD to audio file.
MP4 files support iPod/iPhone/PSP/BlackBerry format.
Supports RMVB,Watermark, AV Mux.
Format Factory's Feature:
1 support converting all popular video,audio,picture formats to others.
2 Repair damaged video and audio file.
3 Reducing Multimedia file size.
4 Support iphone,ipod multimedia file formats.
5 Picture converting supports Zoom,Rotate/Flip,tags.
6 DVD Ripper.
7 Supports 60 languages
OS requirements: All Windows OS