Computing articles and other putrefaction.

Ninite is a customized app installer for windows. Great if you reinstall often! The Url is http://ninite.com/

and here is my customized installer it made for me:

http://ninite.com/installer/9158a1cf64693d4041e2edfe30f925da07880944

Enjoy!

File indexing is a service in windows that keeps an index of all of the files on your computer. As these files change often (Installing/uninstalling a program, new documents etc) Windows needs to constantly update this index. Windows usually does this when the computer is idle, and can result in unnecessary disk thrashing, and slower system. If you don’t use the search function very regularly, or you do but can wait a little longer, then indexing can be turned off. Do do so:

• Go to my computer, and right click on the disk you wish to turn indexing off on.
  

  Disk Properties

• Uncheck “Allow indexing service to index this drive for fast file searching”

Uncheck indexing

• This may take a while…

Your computer should now access the hard disk far less when idle.

Best App Launchers

Using the windows start menu can be cumbersome at the best of times, and when you have more than 10 applications installed, it isn’t worth talking about. You could use icons on your desktop for a faster launch, but do you really want to clog your desktop up with icons?

If you have ever used a Mac with spotlight (Tiger and above), then you will appreciate the ease of use. Just type the first few letters of an app, and it will list all of the matches. Instantly. This is an app/keystroke launcher. Here are my Favourite (In no particular order.)

Google desktop: This application; provided by the king of search combines desktop widgets with a web searcher, desktop search, and app launcher. Pressing control twice reveals a semi transparent rounded box that you can search files, emails, history, and applications with. The amazing thing about Google Desktop, is that it manages to provide all of this while only taking up 8mb of ram (Varies depending on how many widgets are open) The widgets are readily available from Google desktop’s site, and the default ones aren’t too bad.

Launchy: Probably the most talked about app launcher; and for a reason. Launchy has a whole section on deviant art devoted to it, and has a very low memory load. It’s settings will even satisfy power users/control freaks. Adjust transparency; fade in and out time, and more!

Find and run robot: This app launcher is for true control freaks. Almost infinitely customizable, this is a fine program. The real wonder is when you take a look at its memory usage!

 If you have a personal favourite, then please comment below!