Make Windows Explorer Suck Less (StExBar)

Cool app StExBar adds a new and useful toolbar to Windows Explorer. You can also add custom commands to do whatever you want.

Good for those of us that spend way too much time in Explorer.

Windows Tools I'm Testing

So I'm an IT guy and I periodically try new software, hardware, etc... I normally just peruse my LifeHacker RSS feed and get my newest list of cool stuff. I figured I'd share with ya'll what I found of interest:

Windows Search 4.0 - Ew, yeah I know. I normally don't use it but I know some of you do. Anyway, it's available for XP/Vista now on Windows Update if you want it.

DVD Catalyst Free - Gotta love FREE. This rips DVDs into various other formats in a pretty simple way. If you have an iPod, iPhone, PSP, Windows Mobile, etc you should give it a look.

Windows Update Downloader - For all you IT Admins out there. This allows you download packaging Windows updates and add them to slipstreaming or imaging scripts. Very slick.

AccelMan - Hate Explorer? Try this free replacement. Annoying download registration, but the products looks like a definate improvement over Explorer. (Hmm, link is jacked--I think they got bombed by the publicity)

Opera Mobile 9.5 - It's out. And if you have a Windows Mobile like I do, you hate PIE (Pocket Internet Explorer). Get it while it's hot (and until M$ Deepfish is out).

XRecode - Converts audio formats. I've needed to do this on occasion, maybe you will need it sometime.

Microsoft Live Mesh Tech Preview - It's open to the public and allows you to sync files across computers. Looks pretty slick so far, but then, I'm not syncing much yet.

And finally, Microsoft is offering free tech support for Vista SP1 until March 2009. Wow. Interesting ploy M$. Well played.

WTF? Windows XP Does Suck...At Least with PPTP.

Well, XP is fine, I just like to grab your attention. But we've been fighting a new issue here in IT and the solution sucks. Apparently, Windows XP SP2 doesn't like to correctly use DNS when connected via PPTP (I know, why don't we use a real VPN solution).

After much gnashing of teeth and pulling of hair we found this Microsoft KB that not only IDs the problem but actually fixes it.

You win another round M$, but don't think I'll stop saving for an iPhone...