What is Windows prefetch?

Prefetch is a feature, introduced in Windows XP, that stores specific data about the applications you run in order to help them start faster. Prefetch is an algorithm that helps anticipate cache misses (times when Windows requests data that isn’t stored in the disk cache), and stores that data on the hard disk for easy retrieval.

This data is located in \Windows\Prefetch, and, as the theory goes, periodically clearing out the data in this folder (say, once a month) will improve performance.  Prefetch files are files with a “PF” extension inside the Prefetch directory:

 

As new applications are subsequently started, new prefetch data will be created, which may mean slightly reduced performance at first. But with older entries gone, there will be less data to parse, and Windows should be able to locate the data it needs more quickly. Any performance gains you may see will be minor (if you see any at all), but those users wishing to squeeze every last CPU cycle out of their computers will want to try this one.

Note that deleting Prefetch data may increase boot time slightly, but only the next time you boot Windows. Each subsequent boot should proceed normally, since the prefetch data will already be present for the programs Windows loads when it boots.

The Prefetcher’s configuration is stored in the windows Registry at

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\PrefetchParameters.

The EnablePrefetcher value can set to be one of the following:

• 0 = Disabled
• 1 = Application launch prefetching enabled
• 2 = Boot prefetching enabled
• 3 = Applaunch and Boot enabled (Optimal and Default)

It is a known myth to change the default value to anything other than 3 to speed up performance. If you notice a performance issue caused by an “optimizer” software that changed this registry value to non-3, bring back the original value to 3.

MessenPass

MessenPass is a password recovery tool that reveals the passwords of the following instant messenger applications:

• MSN Messenger
• Windows Messenger (In Windows XP)
• Windows Live Messenger (In Windows XP And Vista)
• Yahoo Messenger (Versions 5.x and 6.x)
• Google Talk
• ICQ Lite 4.x/5.x/2003
• AOL Instant Messenger v4.6 or below, AIM 6.x, and AIM Pro.
• Trillian
• Trillian Astra
• Miranda
• GAIM/Pidgin
• MySpace IM
• PaltalkScene
• Digsby

MessenPass can only be used to recover the passwords for the current logged-on user on your local computer, and it only works if you chose the remember your password in one of the above programs. You cannot use this utility for grabbing the passwords of other users.

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/mspass.html

10 Ways To Give Gmail More Power

Multiple Inboxes: You can see different sections like starred messages, drafts, unread mails, etc in the Inbox window itself. You can choose which category you want to view. If you want to display starred messages, go to Settings | Multiple Inboxes and in the search query plane type is:starred.

Undo Send: You can recall the email which you have sent by mistake/accident. This feature can stop the messages being sent. It lets the users to abort or stop the delivery of any Gmail message within seconds of sending it. To activate go to Gmail account | Settings | Labs and you will find a feature called Undo Send . Now just click on the “Enable” radio button.

Docs and Calendar Gadgets: You can easily access Google services like Docs and Calendar in Gmail itself by enabling the Google Docs and Calendar gadgets. They are placed in the left column. You can easily view starred docs, add reminders and so on.

Inserting Images: Usually when we want to send images, we’ll send it as an attachment, right ? These attachments are not seen on the email body. Those are old times. You can directly insert the image in the body of the message. To activate, go to your Gmail account, then Settings | Labs | Enable Inserting Images Feature.

Tasks: By enabling this feature you can easily list down reminders and tasks without opening another application. To use this feature, click inside the task window and enter your to-do list. You can also create directly from emails also, select the email you want to add and from the More Actions dropdown button, click on Add to tasks to add it to the list.

Quick Links : You can quickly access frequently search pages or important messages by this tool. It helps you to add links to any page that you have opened up in Gmail. You just need to click on Add Quick link and type in a name for the page being current viewed. By clicking that link you can directly go to that page.

Mouse Gestures : You can quickly navigate Gmail Pages with your mouse using this feature. Right-click and moving to the right will take you to previous pages, moving upwards takes you to the main inbox if you have opened a particular message.

Canned Response: You can use this feature for sending the same content to all of your friends. You need to create a template. To do this, click on the Canned responses link in the compose mail window and select New canned Responses, type in a name and select the template you have created. To insert a response, click on the Canned Responses and select the particular template you want to insert from the Insert section.

Offline: You can now access Gmail even when you are offline. You can do tasks like sending, reading, labeling, searching and so on. It will synchronize your mails from Gmail server to your computer when you are connected to the net. You need to have Google Gears installed if you are using IE or Firefox. Chrome users no need to install.

Search Autocomplete: If you are searching Gmail frequently then this feature will be useful for you. It helps you in searching Gmail faster by providing suggestions as you type. It displays contacts name and also similar phrases.

Dropico

Dropico is a new service that lets you drag & drop pictures from one social media network to another without the need to upload. It can be any picture uploaded to one of these services before: Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, Twitpic, Myspace, Photobucket, and Bebo. You can easily copy pictures from friends albums directly to your service account or any other service. Once you opened Dropico system, it enables you to manage all of your albums from a single interface, you can create albums, copy or delete pictures, load your PC files, and import files from Internet addresses. Additionally, Dropico backup all of your files.

www.wropico.com

TATA Indigo MANZA

The new Tata Indigo will be unveiled in Mumbai on October 14th by Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Motors. The new Indigo will be christened ‘Manza’ and is essentially the saloon version of the Indica Vista.

The Manza comes with a huge boot and promises best in class interior space. Typical of Tata cars, the Manza promises to offer good value for money as it is expected to be packed with equipment. Some of the features that can be expected are projector headlamps and steering mounted audio controls. The dashboard design is similar to the Vista’s but will embellish with superior trim.

The Manza is expected with two engine options, the same that powers the Fiat Linea. The mainstay is expected to be the 1.3 litre, 90 bhp diesel while the 1.4 litre 95 bhp petrol will be the entry level model.

Prices are not yet announced but we estimate the base version of the Manza petrol to cost Rs 5.8 lakh while the top-end diesel should be in the region of Rs 7.4 lakh (on road, Mumbai).

The new Tata Indigo will be unveiled in Mumbai on October 14th by Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Motors. The new Indigo will be named as ‘Manza’ and is the saloon version of the Indica Vista.

The Manza comes with a huge boot and promises best in class interior space. Typical of Tata cars, the Manza promises to offer good value for money. The dashboard design is similar to the Vista’s but will embellish with superior trim.

The Manza is expected with two engine options, the same that powers the Fiat Linea. The mainstay is expected to be the 1.3 litre, 90 bhp diesel while the 1.4 litre 95 bhp petrol will be the entry level model.

Prices of Manza petrol to cost Rs 5.8 lakh while the top-end diesel should be in the region of Rs 7.4 lakh (on road, Mumbai).

Scoop of Tata Indigo new version : SOURCE – TeamBHP

MoCoLive

MoCoLife is a networking platform wherein the mobile phone user gets an easy and convenient interface to send messages, get daily subscription alerts, gift a ringtone, put reminders for important dates, buy keywords for business promotion, and create phonebook of your contact network.

Through MoCoLife, you can send Free or Paid bulk SMS to mobile phones across India, from your computer. You can set free SMS reminders and free SMS alerts for important tasks, dates, anniversaries, birthdays, meetings, etc. You can choose and gift your favourite ringtone to your friends instantly across India or schedule it for a delivery later. You can also subscribe to daily SMS Alerts on News, Jokes, Astrology and more.

My Photo Index, Organize find and share your photos

My Photo Index is a free open source photo organizer. It focuses on image tagging and cataloging and offers a clear & simple user friendly interface. My Photo Index handles major file types as well as Avi clips and can read and convert RAW image formats, My Photo Index can help you hide private images from prying eyes, and let you easily share your images with family and friend.

Check http://www.myphotoindex.com/

Honda CRV 2010

Microsoft Vine

Microsoft Vine, in simple English, is a web based service that lets you form groups of people (who you think are most important to you like your close friends, family members or even your trusted neighbors) and it provides a way for you to contact any of these groups at the same time through email, text messages, and even social networking. The software is designed to make our loved ones only a click or text away at any time.

Whether you need to inform your members that your car just broke down or need to send a message to your friends that your child’s birthday party has been rescheduled, Vine lets you send that message using your preferred method of communication and all the people who you want to send the message to will receive it in the method of their choice as well.

Microsoft Vine therefore acts like a bridge between all of your most important contacts and the diverse communications platforms that they use be it email, mobile phones, IM or something else.

My Macro Shots