AppGet is a free version control utility to keep track of software updates, third-party software vulnerability is one of the biggest security risk to your computer making your operating system prone to attacks. Appget periodically checks for updates to software's installed on your system and provide direct links to update downloads.
DriveImage XML is a HDD backup and restoration software similar to Norton Ghost but FREE, the software enables you create a complete backup image of any drive or partition, You can restore later restore the image to same or another partition, you can also clone a drive to another. The program also includes an image explorer similar to Norton Ghost Image Explorer that lets you explore previously created backup images and extract individual files.
Here is the Extract from the Developer Website:
"DriveImage XML is an easy to use and reliable program for imaging and backing up partitions and logical drives.
The program allows you to:
# Backup logical drives and partitions to image files
# Browse these images, view and extract files
# Restore these images to the same or a different drive
# Copy directly from drive to drive
# Schedule automatic backups with your Task Scheduler
Image creation uses Microsoft's Volume Shadow Services (VSS), allowing you to create safe "hot images" even from drives currently in use.
Images are stored in XML files, allowing you to process them with 3rd party tools. Never again be stuck with a useless backup!
Restore images to drives without having to reboot.
DriveImage XML runs under Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista only. The program will backup, image and restore drives formatted with FAT 12, 16, 32 and NTFS."
Here is How to Video:
Microsoft released the much awaited animated desktop add-on "DreamScene" for windows vista under there "Ultimate Extras" program, With DreamScene the desktop background comes to life with videos, many high resolution desktop videos are already available and Microsoft has also tied up with StarDock to release several more desktops for DreamScene. Windows DreamScene supports .mpeg and .wmv video file formats.
Published by Acclaim Games in collaboration with Nexon from South Korea, 9Dragons is a relatively new free martial arts fantasy MMORPG game, depicted in the historic times of the Ming Dynasty of China, the game immerses players into the world of ruthless clans, epic battles for the survival of China.
The game features cutting-edge 3D graphics, it includes real Chinese historical and geographical features and facts like the famous Great Wall of China and the Shao-Lin Temple.
A player may join clans in 9Dragons which are based upon several schools of Kung Fu which are separated into two major factions, The Black Clan and The White Clan. The White Clans include: Shaolin (male disciples only), Wu-Tang Clan, and The League of Beggars. The Black Clans include: Sacred Flower (female disciples only), The Brotherhood of Thieves, and Heavenly Demon Clan. Each Clan has its own separate but very similar requirements for admission.
S.W.I.N.E. is a real-time tactical strategy game in which you must carry out extremely varied missions while taking advantage of the terrain and your units’ special abilities.
Game Features:
12 missions for each race plus additional multiplayer maps with a
variety of playing modes for hours of entertaining gameplay
15 different combat and service units for each race, with their own unique roles and attributes
Units gain experience and can be upgraded by the player continuously for progressive gameplay
Dynamic weather effects, day and night missions, a variety of landscape types heighten realism
Microsoft is doing it again, users are reporting stealth updates at Microsoft Windows XP and Vista forums, files are getting updated without consent and even while Windows Update is turned off.
The new update has the version number 7.0.6000.381,A user Dean-Dean at the Microsoft forum states:
"Windows Update Software 7.0.6000.381 is an update to Windows Update itself. It is an update for both Windows XP and Windows Vista. Unless the update is installed, Windows Update won't work, at least in terms of searching for further updates. Normal use of Windows Update, in other words, is blocked until this update is installed."
Dean-Dean names several files that are changed on XP and Vista as below:
µTorrent got updated to version 1.7.5, the updates includes fixes for a rare crash bug with malformed UPnP response and downloads getting stalled in rare cases.
A new threat named "Warezov Trojan horse" has hit the leading VOIP service provider Skype, the target Skype user receives a message stating "Check up this" and a link to the infected file "file_01.exe" with the Trojan payload, once a user is fooled into downloading this malicious file more files are downloaded automatically and installed. The infected computer now acts as the propagator and all their contacts are sent the same message to spread the Trojan.
Fileplanet the gaming website is offering free full-version game downloads for leading titles, catch being all free games having in-game advertisements, currently four games are being offered:
Electronic Arts is giving away its popular PC game Command & Conquer Gold for free to celebrate 12th anniversary of the C&C franchise, the latest version also works on Windows XP.
The game is available for free download on EA servers as a single .iso image file, you can burn it on a CD or mount using a virtual cd emulation software like Daemon Tools.