What would you do if someone sent you a .GAN file? Or one that ended with .DJV? Or something with a .MD5 tail? Or, for that matter, any file type that you’re unfamiliar with? Instead of foaming at the mouth and flapping your arms about in frustration, we suggest you follow through to OpenWith ( www.openwith.org ). Besides offering detailed information about most file extensions that you can encounter, the site conveniently provides links to free programs that you can download and open such atypical files with.
Ashish Bhatia
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Check out Nero’s new BackItUp and Burn software
For those whose computers bulge at the seams with photos, documents, music and videos. Nero’s new BackItUp and Burn software, $50 in the box ($40 to download), offers lots of space to park copies of all your files. It even guides first-time users through setting up a backup session, but it offers more advanced controls for experts who want to manually adjust options such as compression and encryption settings. It runs on Windows XP and later versions, and can also make a disaster recovery disc of your OS to get the computer running after any unfortunate incident.
©2009/ THE NEW YORK TIMES
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Microsoft’s new compact webcam
Looking for a good webcam? Check out the Microsoft LifeCam VX-5500 (Rs3,781, http://is.gd/134hB). The 1.3 megapixel webcam with a built-in microphone can deliver superb VGA video-imaging even in low-light conditions. Its collapsible design makes it a compact travel companion. The clever claw-like base can also grip notebook screen frames. Interchangeable faceplates and 3D video effects add to the fun. It supports Windows Live Messenger, Skype and other video instant messengers. Downers? Mac incompatibility and average software.
Ashish Bhatia
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Connect to Wi-Fi spots easily
WeFi, an app that runs on Nokia and other Windows Mobile phones, helps you locate Wi-Fi hot spots and can connect you automatically. It runs in the background, looking for the best open Wi-Fi signal and, when it finds a good connection, signs the phone on. From the WeFi app screen, you can see how many verified spots are within range, how many are open and how many require logging in. The spots you find are sent back to WeFi, which creates a map that can be searched online using a computer.
©2009/ THE NEW YORK TIMES
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