https://developer.paypal.com/devscr?cmd=_home

By Matt Hartley

No doubt about it, folks, “stop codes” are pain in the butt. Now before
you go postal on the PC throwing these up at you, remember that they are
there to help you troubleshoot issues that your PC is having. When a stop
code appears, this indicates that Windows XP/2000 has actually stopped
loading for some reason and needs your immediate attention. These errors can
be caused for a variety of reasons as we will examine below.

Actual Stop Codes

0×00000009: IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL
This is one of my favorites. Its Common cause can be from a new driver being
installed that simply did not take. Resolution is to try booting into Safe
Mode and using System Restore (Win XP). On 2000, try “last known good
config.”

0x0000001A: MEMORY_MANAGEMENT
If you are seeing this error, you may be dealing with a memory related
issue. If you are installing the OS for the first time, check to make sure
that you have sufficient RAM installed on that PC. If this just sprang up
out of nowhere, try rebooting and using the “last config known to be good”
option from the boot menu.

0×00000050: PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
See if the memory on the troubled PC has gone bad over time. This can
happen, you know – it is not that unheard of to have a stick of RAM go
“noses up,” although, granted, it is rare. This error can also reflect
issues with the L2 RAM cache and even video RAM from your video card.
Resolutions to this can range from swapping memory to trying another video
card for troubleshooting purposes.

A huge number of stop codes remain, but the previous are without a doubt
the most common and, quite frankly, the most annoying. So when you are
confronted with these blue paged foes, don’t panic. Just boot up your second
PC and head over to Google. With a little time and research, these errors
can be outwitted. As hard as it may be to accept, the idea behind the blue
screen of death is to stop your PC from becoming damaged while providing you
with pertinent troubleshooting information.

Feed2JS is a newly launched hosted service to convert RSS newsfeeds into Javascript code that can be easily integrated on any Web site.

The service runs off a reliable server at Maricopa Community Colleges but a PHP-based version that can be installed on your own server is also available.

Feed2JS: Using RSS Feeds in your web pages is just a cut ‘n paste away!

SimpleOCR Free

http://www.simpleocr.com/

Use SimpleOCR to add accurate character recognition capabilities to your custom software without the complexity and expense of runtime licensing. SimpleOCR is the only OCR API that's Royalty Free Save hundreds on every runtime license Get the SimpleOCR application for free Competitive OCR accuracy Recognizes many documents better than its high-cost competitors Implemented as a C++ library with ActiveX wrapper included for easy integration Based on WOCAR by Cyril Cambien

http://www.spamdel.com/

Spam, the set up for a million and one bad jokes, and the cause of
untold headaches.
Here’s a handy little spam fighting tool called Spamdel. It’s easy to
configure and use.
Works with most e-mail programs. It allows you to preview and slam
(delete) spam before it gets to your PC. Can be set to check e-mail
accounts at predefined intervals, and it has various tray notifications and
sounds to alert you with.

Will try to ‘phone home’ to check for new version of program.
[Scott]

HotKeycontrol XP – create hotkeys for volume control and more

http://www.digital-miner.com/

Hotkeycontrol XP allows you to set custom hotkeys for specific purposes like launching applications, opening documents, hiding windows, controlling your browser, ejecting your CD, restarting your computer and much more. It can turn any keyboard into a Multimedia or Internet keyboard. You can adjust your volume with a customizable on-screen-display and even send keystrokes which may be used to type in commonly used text. The program is completely customizable in all aspects, even the additional keys on your existing Multimedia/Internet keyboard can be used with Hotkeycontrol XP and all the hotkeys are functional even in games and in other full-screen Direct 3D applications.

License: Freeware
Price: Free
Windows: 2000/XP
File size: 631 kb
Author: Digitalminer
More: 1 other programs from this author
Version: 4.2.1
Last update: Jul 09, 2003 version history

Net Transport – download manager

http://www.xi-soft.com/default.htm

Net Transport is a multi-threaded manager that supports HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, MMS (Microsoft Media Services) and RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol). It speeds up download times by using multiple connections (if supported by the server) and helps you organize your downloaded files with the built-in file manager. Additional features include support for password authorization, cookies, IE integration, file drop basket, batch downloading, proxy support, modem disconnect and more. Net Transport also offers special support for streaming content. License: Freeware Price: Free Windows: 98/ME/2000/XP File size: 1419 kb Author: Kevin Wang Version: 1.87 Last update: May 18, 2004 version history Our Rating Popularity Overall Rank 328 User Opinions Read 1 user review Write a review

PHTML Encoder – encoding PHP scripts before distributing them

http://www.rssoftlab.com/

The PHTML Encoder allows encoding PHP scripts before distributing them. The script code is encrypted before saving. The PHTML encoder includes console and GUI versions of converter. It is possible to combine protected/unprotected scripts in one site. [Update | License: Freeware 0 | Requires: Win 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP | Size: 1680KB]

OE Reader – view Outlook Express .dbx files

http://www.mitec.cz/

OE Reader (formerly MiTeC DBX Viewer) is a viewer for Microsoft Outlook Express 5/6 message database files(.dbx). Just browse for the .dbx file, open it and the program will display a list of all contained messages and their header. You can choose to view the messages in text or HTML view, sort them and also save them as standard .eml files. Additional features include support for attachments and printing.

Service Controller XP – manage Windows services

http://www.deepeshagarwal.tk/

Service Controller XP is a handy interface that allows you to control your Windows (NT/2000/XP) services. You can instantly see which ones are running and view detailed information about all the standard Windows services. In addition, the program provides information that lets you decide whether to enable or disable a service. It prevents you from accidentally disabling critical operating system services and suggest whether to disable a service or not based on the use of your computer (e.g Default, Gaming, Internet Gateway etc.)

License: Freeware
Price: Free
Windows: NT/2000/XP
File size: 233 kb
Author: Deepesh Agarwal
Version: 1.0.19
Last update: May 11, 2004

http://www.badbossology.com

Have you ever had to deal with a bad boss? I can predict that
many of you are shouting “Yes!” harmoniously right now.
Unfortunately, bad bosses can be found in many workplaces today.
Studies show that 40% of employees have had to deal with a bad
boss. They may possess traits such as incompetence, or they might
even harass you. Whatever the case is, it’s good to get some help in
dealing with problematic leaders. Badbossology provides resources
that will hopefully assist you in your job. Resolving these problems
will help you to get more satisfaction out of your line of work.

You’ll find general solutions and advice, as well as information about
the different types of bosses out there. Links are also provided to
outside articles that will help you to manage and overcome bad boss
behaviors. You can take solace in examining some of the books that
are listed on the site. Titles such as “How to Work for an Idiot” and
“When Smart People Work For Dumb Bosses” are suggested for you
bookworms. If you would like to talk to others about your problems,
two discussion forums are available for your participation. The first one
deals with how employees can deal with difficult bosses, and the second
is for executives who want to protect their company from inept leaders.
Badbossology is worth a look if you find yourself dissatisfied with the boss
that you work for. Using these resources will probably be more successful
than calling your boss a “mean old grinch” like you did at the last company
picnic. [Brandon]

WinUpdatesList – view installed hotfixes

http://nirsoft.mirrorz.com/

WinUpdatesList displays a list of all installed Windows hotfixes and Service packs, together with detailed information, that includes the installation date, the user that installed it, and a link to additional information on the Microsoft web site.
License: Freeware
Price: Free
Windows: 98/ME/2000/XP
File size: 34 kb
Author: Nir Sofer
Version: 1.0
Last update: May 10, 2004

CurrPorts – view ports and programs using them

http://nirsoft.mirrorz.com/

CurrPorts allows you to view a list of ports that are currently in use, and the application that is using it. You can close a selected connection and also terminate the process using it, and export all or selected items to a HTML or text report. Additional information includes the local port name, local/remote IP address, highlighted status changes and more.

License: Freeware
Price: Free
Windows: 98/ME/2000/XP
File size: 39 kb
Author: Nir Sofer
Version: 1.0
Last update: May 10, 2004

http://www.mywebattack.com/gnomeapp.php?id=107951

{Back up MySQL databases} MySQL Backup allows you to backup your MySQL
databases and tables to an SQL file. You can schedule backups and name backup
files after the current time, allowing you to keep multiple versions of the
backup set. In addition, you can compress the SQL file into a zip archive and/or
upload it with the built-in FTP client. MySQL Backup also includes a wizard
interface that enables you to easily create or drop databases and tables, as
well as an option to execute SQL queries. [SnapFiles]

http://members.lycos.co.uk/codestuff/features.shtml

{Startup maximizer} First thing every morning I fire up my computer and go
grab my much needed first cup of coffee, and upon my return it is ‘go’ time. But
what if you returned to find your system still not ready to roll? The best area
to check into is your ‘Startup’ folder, OR you could use Starter, a handy
freeware program that allows you to view and manage all the programs that run
when you system starts up. It shows all hidden registry entries, startup folder
items, and some of the initialization files allowing you to optionally disable
them, edit them, create new items, or delete them. The program has a very sleek
look that can be customized. [Scott]

Reuters has published a list of RSS feeds for it’s news service. http://www.reuters.com/newsrss.jhtml

“Imagine you had a Web browser that said when you typed in a new address, “The Internet site you’re about to visit is known to steal credit-card numbers and use them in unauthorized ways.”

Now imagine that you can actually use such an application today. It’s already been developed and it’s being distributed — free.

The company behind this is Earthlink, one of the largest Internet service providers in the United States. The effort, known as ScamBlocker, is still in its early days, and its database of sites to warn users about is in its infancy. But the idea of fingering scam artists before they can do much damage is fantastic, and there’s a very interesting tale behind it.” The free download also includes a pop-up blocker.

Desktop Calendar
Freeware

http://web.onetel.net.uk/~tinnes/desktopcalendar/download.htm

Desktop Calendar is just what it says it is–a calendar that sits
on your desktop and make keeping track of the date, and of your
appointments, easier than ever before. We find that it’s much
easier to keep track of things when the calendar is right there
on your desktop. There are no programs to run, and no calendars
will pop up at the most annoying possible time.

By Diana
Huggins

For those users who were dying to try the latest and greatest from Microsoft,
you have probably installed Office 2003. During the installation, you probably
became aware that you can only have a single version of Outlook running on your
system. That isn’t so bad – Outlook 2003 has some great new features. However,
you may not be aware that the PST file is not compatible with previous versions.
The PST file isn’t even compatible with Outlook Express, so there is potential
for losing all of your contacts and historical messages.

Outlook has become an integral part of our day to day lives in the
professional world. If you know any user who has lost their Outlook data, I
guarantee they have implemented steps to avoid the loss again. So here is the
problem I encountered. I installed Office 2003 (beta version) and before it
expired, I exported my data to a PST. My thought was that I could install Office
XP and import my PST. No data lost! Wrong. Imagine my distress when I wasn’t
able to import my PST.

If you need to export the data from Outlook 2003 and import that data into a
previous version, you will receive the following error message:

The file file_name.pst is not compatible with this version of the Personal
Folders information service. Contact your Administrator.

Since you are the administrator, you need to resolve this problem. The actual
problem is occurring because Microsoft is using the Unicode format to export
information from Outlook 2003 into a .PST file. Earlier versions of Outlook
cannot open this file format; they can only read .PST files that are formatted
in American National Standards Initiative (ANSI).

To avoid this problem, follow the steps below:

1. Start Outlook 2003.


2. From the File menu, select the Data File Management option and click
   Add.


3. Select the Outlook 97-2002 Personal Folders File (PST).


4. Click OK.


5. Click OK to accept the default name and then click OK again. This step will
   create a compatible .PST file in Outlook 2003.


6. Click Close.


7. Open the Folder List to view the new .PST file.


8. Drag the contents from the existing Outlook 2003 .PST file into the
   compatible .PST file.

Ensure you note where the compatible .PST file is stored. When Outlook XP has
been re-installed, you will need to import this file to retrieve your Outlook
data. The key to this procedure is to have a working copy of Outlook 2003;
without Outlook 2003 you will be out of luck.

Process Explorer for Windows

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/processexplorer.mspx

The Process Explorer displays information about which handles and DLLs processes have opened or loaded.

As you can see in the figure, the Process Explorer GUI consists of two sub-windows. The top window always displays a list of active processes, CPU usage, Description and the Company Name. Some of the same information is available using the Task Manager, but the Process Explorer doesn't stop there.

The bottom window can be run in two modes: handle or DLL. If the bottom window is in handle mode you can see the selected process handles in the top window. However, if the bottom window is in DLL mode you can see the DLLs and the files that have been loaded into memory and their processes. From this window, you can search for specific handles opened or DLLs loaded.

This great utility can be run from any user account, which means anyone can use it; you do not need to have administrative privileges to use this utility. The unique features of the Process Explorer make it useful for tracking down DLL version problems or handle leaks. This utility can also display how Windows interacts with open applications.

EtherSnoop – network sniffer

http://www.arechisoft.com/

EtherSnoop is a basic network sniffer, that can capture all packets going through the network, including dial-up connection or network Ethernet card. It lists the captured data in real-time, using an easy-to-understand interface with a hex and text display of the packet content. EtherSnoop also offers basic filtering by protocol type and a tree-style packet explorer. The output can be saved to file and reloaded later if needed.
License: Freeware
Price: Free
Windows: 98/ME/2000/XP
File size: 2468 kb
Author: Arechisoft
Version: 1.00
Last update: May 01, 2004

Mysql Backup – backup MySQL databases

http://www.mindset.is/mysql-backup/

Mysql Backup allows you to backup your MySQL databases and tables to a SQL file. You can schedule backups and name backup files after the current time, allowing you to keep multiple versions of the backup set. In addition, you can compress the SQL file into a zip archive and/or upload it with the built-in FTP client. Mysql Backup also includes a wizard interface that enables you to easily create or drop databases and tables, as well as an option to execute SQL queries.
License: Freeware
Price: Free
Windows: 98/ME/2000/XP
Requires: .NET Framework
File size: 7744 kb
Author: Mindset
Version: 1.79
Last update: May 03, 2004

ZipGenius – unique zip and unzip suite

http://www.zipgenius.it/

ZipGenius is a powerful zip tool suite that offers a variety of features. It offers support for more than 20 different compression formats, including 7zip, ZIP64 and many others. It supports drag and drop, 5 compression levels, full customization and integration in Windows Explorer. The program also comes with a built in FTP client that allows to download and upload files from within the software. The signature features allows you to add your signature and contact information to any zip file you create. ZipGenius also supports the creation of self-extracting exe files, complete with custom setup launch and icon. This very complete and unique tool package also comes with additional features like encryption, scanner support (acquire pictures and zip them into files), backup, statistics, download time calculator, disk spanning, file export, support for OpenOffice and more. ZipGenius can also interact with your Pocket PC device. Very nice! License: Freeware Price: Free Windows: 98/ME/2000/XP File size: 8869 kb Author: Matteo Riso Version: 5.5.1.390 Last update: May 04, 2004 version history

Excel Powerutils
Freeware
http://www.powerutilsnet.com/ (main program page)
http://www.powerutilsnet.com/pwrutils.htm (details what the
program can do)
http://www.powerutilsnet.com/download.htm (Download page for
current and newest beta)

Magnifier-magnify areas of the screen

http://magnifier.sourceforge.net/

{Image enhancer} Have you ever been to a site and wanted to have a closer look at a thumbnail image without having to click and open some mega-sized image (which, in my case, is a pain in and of itself thanks to my dial-up connection)? Or how about being able to read the often lengthy readme files when installing a new piece of software (where the type seems to get smaller as they, themselves, get larger)? Virtual Magnifying Glass can handle this and many other instances where getting a close up view is advantageous. This app features a no-nonsense user interface and isn't a memory hog. [Scott]