class="align-right" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/chromium-lime.jpg?323f2c" alt="" />Like this idea of href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/chrome-os/">Chrome OS, but don’t want to fork out money for a ChromeBook? Good news! Chromium Lime brings the Chrome OS experience to a huge number of laptops and netbooks, thanks to a wide variety of drivers added by developer Hexxeh.

What’s Chrome OS? Basically: it’s an entire operating system that runs nothing but the Chrome browser. Obviously this isn’t for everyone, but it does have its advantages. It runs much faster on my netbook (EEE PC 900a) than Windows or Ubuntu, for example, and integrates really well with Google’s services. I spend so much time using my browser that href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/mac-linux-windows-matter-anymore-opinion/">which operating system I use really doesn’t matter anymore, so I’m a best-case user in many ways.

For everyone else, though, Chrome OS can turn a slow netbook into a fast netbook you can use to browse the web, with few hiccups. Everything, from YouTube to reading, goes faster with this operating system. It boots entirely from a flash drive or SD card, so it’s worth having around as an option.

Chrome OS, as released by Google, doesn’t really work on every computer: it’s mostly made to support the line of “ChromeBooks” already out there for sale. To use Chrome OS on your computer you need to use third-party releases bundled with extra drivers.

We’ve shown you href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/download-google-chrome-os-and-run-on-a-real-computer/">how to download and run Chrome OS on your computer, but that guide was written in 2009. A lot has changed since then: the operating system is now mature and third-party developers are getting much better at working with Chrome OS.

The highlight of this work is Chromium Lime, as released by developer Hexxeh. It’s updated daily, includes plugins such as Flash and Java and, most importantly, comes with enough drivers to run on pretty much any netbook or laptop. Here’s how to use it.

Download, Set Up, Boot

To use this system you’re going to need a 4 GB flash drive. If your netbook has a card slot, use a 4 GB SD card: it will fit nicely into your computer instead of sticking out, allowing you to easily dual-boot.

Got your drive? Good. Head over the to the href="http://chromeos.hexxeh.net/lime.php">Chromium Lime download page to get started. Here you will find instructions for creating a bootable disk, with clear explanations for Linux, Mac and Windows users. Follow these instructions!

Once you’ve created your disk, restart your computer. You’re going to need to boot from your USB disk; enter your system’s “Setup” and change the boot order if your disk doesn’t boot automatically.

You might see a black screen for a while: be patient, the system will boot eventually.

Using Chromium OS on your netbook!

Once you get Chromium OS booted, you’ll see a few questions followed by the login screen. What’s the username and password? Your own Google or Gmail account, of course! Log in with this and you’ll be ready to start! Chromium OS will remember you next time you boot up, meaning you’ll only need your password to get started.

If you use Chrome Sync, all of your bookmarks, apps, extensions and settings will follow you here. This makes for an extremely fast setup!

class="aligncenter" style="border: 0pt none;" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/chromium-apps.gif?323f2c" alt="" width="580" height="340" />

Browsing is pretty much what you’d expect: it’s Chrome, only faster. You can look at any website you like, or waste a few hours on Reddit.

class="aligncenter" style="border: 0pt none;" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/chromium-browsing.gif?323f2c" alt="" width="580" height="340" />

Naturally, being an operating system, this version of Chromium features a few settings the browser does not. For example: network settings.

class="aligncenter" style="border: 0pt none;" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/chromium-network.gif?323f2c" alt="" width="580" height="340" />

My netbook had no problems connecting to my WiFi, though I did type my passcode wrong a few times. Other settings include mouse speed, brightness and accessibility.

class="aligncenter" style="border: 0pt none;" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/chromium-settings.gif?323f2c" alt="" width="580" height="340" />

Sometimes you’ll be downloading files, of course. Chromium OS comes with a built-in file browser, so don’t worry: you can download stuff and easily move it to a flash drive if necessary.

Why?

So, why would anyone want to use this system instead of the full-featured ones out there? Well, like I said, it’s fast. Chromium OS is built to do one thing very well: use the web. If you use a lot of web apps, other operating systems are slowing you down.

Beyond that, though, Chromium OS is simple. If you know how to use a web browser, you know how to use this system. There’s not much to learn here: it just gets you onto the web. This probably isn’t what you want on every device, but it sure can make your netbook feel like a brand new toy. Try it out before you judge more.

Or you could just tell me I’m an idiot for liking this in the comments below. That’s fun too.

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class="align-right" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/recycle_logo_intro.png?323f2c" alt="donate old computers" /> href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-great-ways-donate-computer">Electronic waste, or e-waste as it is more commonly known, is a huge problem facing both the developed and undeveloped world. Many old computer parts contain materials that are href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-tips-on-how-to-go-green-save-money">hazardous to the environment and burying your old Dell in a landfill is not helping the situation.

Instead of throwing it out, why not donate your old computer? One person’s href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-lightweight-linux-distributions-give-pc-lease-life">box of outdated silicon is another’s treasure chest, and there are plenty of individuals, charities and href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/recycling">recycling schemes willing to take your old machine away for free.

Your Local Donation Or Recycling Scheme

This one might require a bit of a searching on your part, but a local resource means you don’t have to drive far and the charity or organisation might even pick up your old computer themselves.

There are all sorts of local schemes throughout the world, and the best way to find them is through local government. Your local council or authority should be familiar with local recycling schemes or charities that take old tech and be willing to point you in the direction of some worthy causes.

Examples local to me (Melbourne, Victoria) include the href="http://www.bytebackaustralia.com.au/locations">Byteback scheme and href="http://www.computerbank.org.au/">Computerbank (cheap $30 PCs running Linux), and when I lived in the UK there were plenty of local charities and community groups willing to take in components, boxes and laptops for refurbishment.

href="http://www.freecycle.org/">Freecycle

Devised and established as a way of href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/10-websites-recycle-reuse-stuff-protect-environment">redistributing items that are no longer wanted or required, Freecycle operates all over the globe. This means you can join your local chapter and simply advertise your freebies (any non-living, legally saleable item) before whoever wants them comes forward to claim.

Freecycle uses Yahoo Groups as its main engine, so you’ll need a Yahoo account to give things away (though you can sign in with both href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/facebook">Facebook and Google these days). It’s up to you who gets the goods and the claimant is responsible for collection.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/freecycle_melbourne.png?323f2c" alt="donate old computers" width="580" height="353" />

Freecycle is a very environmentally friendly way of re-using pretty much anything you can think of and I can’t think of a single reason not to use the service!

When signing up for a Freecycle group on Yahoo, unless you’re happy to be emailed hundreds of times a day choose “Special Notices Only” for your email preferences, otherwise each and every offer will make its way into your inbox.

North America: href="http://womeninbusiness.about.com/od/donateusedpcsequipment/tp/10donatecomputers.htm">About.com Donation Resources & href="http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/ecycling/donate.htm">EPA Advice

MakeUseOf is an international website with readers all around the globe, so I’ve split these next few resources by locale. About.com’s Women in Business section has produced a list of ten top donation and recycling organizations that are relevant to US and Canadian residents.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/earth911.png?323f2c" alt="donate used computers" width="580" height="497" />

Included is the excellent href="http://earth911.com/">Earth911 which searches for local businesses and partners willing to recycle or accept old machines, href="http://www.techsoup.org/">TechSoup, the href="http://worldcomputerexchange.org/">World Computer Exchange (which annoyingly only has US and Canadian chapters) and href="http://www.pcsforschools.org/">Computers for Schools amongst others.

The EPA Advice link contains a few other resources and another facility for finding local recycling projects. Regardless of who you donate to, the resources on both sites are more than worthy of your unwanted electronics.

UK: href="http://www.itforcharities.co.uk/pcs.htm">IT For Charities Resources & href="http://www.computeraid.org/">Computer Aid International

If you’re in the UK and looking to donate an old PC then you’re bound to find somewhere nearby on the IT For Charities list of links above. Included are links to companies, not-for-profit organizations and bonafide charities who will all take your unwanted computers away.

Computer Aid International are another charity who do especially good work with the donations they receive. The equipment is taken in, refurbished and shipped off to countries where computers and technology are not as accessible. Thus far the charity has sent nearly 200,000 computers around the world to help poorer nations get online.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/computer_aid_international.png?323f2c" alt="donate used computers" width="580" height="368" />

There are also a lot of community workshop programs and local outreach centres in the UK that use old computers for all sorts of tasks, including basic IT training and charity work.

Australia: href="http://www.recyclingnearyou.com.au/">Recycling Near You & href="http://www.givenow.com.au/otherways/electricals">GiveNow Resources

Recycling Near You is an Australian website that will help you recycle virtually anything, including old computers, monitors and accessories. The website uses your location to deliver relevant results that are local to you, including both charities, companies and recycling schemes.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/givenow_australia.png?323f2c" alt="donate used computers" width="580" height="333" />

Whilst the aforementioned website is probably the quickest way of finding a local recycling centre, there are some very valuable resources on GiveNow.com.au. Each is separated by state and region, making it easy to find the right links.

Worldwide: Retailers & Manufacturers

This is by no means a golden rule that is upheld everywhere, but many manufacturers and even retailers will now take in unwanted electronic equipment. Computer manufacturers such as href="http://www.apple.com/recycling/">Apple and href="http://content.dell.com/us/en/corp/dell-environment-recycling">Dell both have recycling schemes where in certain countries they will accept any brand of waste and waive a fee (note you might still be charged for pick-up).

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/apple_recycling_scheme.png?323f2c" alt="donate old computers" width="580" height="263" />

Retailers similarly offer recycling schemes, especially when new products are purchased. These sorts of schemes are popular with large items like refrigerators and ovens, but it might also be worth asking about computer recycling. A benefit to using a retailer like this is that they will often come to your house, remove the equipment for you and swallow any recycling costs that may apply.

Whilst many international and national laws state that these products must be recycled responsibly, don’t forget that this isn’t quite the same as donating to charity.

Conclusion

There are plenty of charities, organizations and companies who will accept your old computers to prevent them ending up in a landfill somewhere, so the next time you get rid of a PC or monitor don’t forget to look up both local and national schemes. By recycling or href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-crowd-funding-websites-support-favourite-charities-bands-projects/">donating to a good cause you can feel great about helping someone out and even better about the fact that your old kit isn’t sitting in a landfill.

How are you going to get rid of your next PC? Any other resources we should know about to donate old computers? Have you recycled a PC before? Let us know in the comments.

Image Credit: href="http://www.shutterstock.com/cat.mhtml?lang=en&search_source=search_form&version=llv1&anyorall=all&safesearch=1&searchterm=recycle&illustrations=on&search_group=&orient=&search_cat=&searchtermx=&photographer_name=&people_gender=&people_age=&people_ethnicity=&people_number=&commercial_ok=&color=&show_color_wheel=1#id=83630602&src=41b45515f80ba5b34cbae0a597e7171c-1-20" rel="nofollow">Shutterstock

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href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/7-ways-to-properly-dispose-of-those-old-cell-phones/" rel="bookmark"> class="title">7 Ways To Properly Dispose Of Old Cell Phones

href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-tips-on-how-to-go-green-save-money/" rel="bookmark"> width="125" height="125" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/0204-150x150.jpg?323f2c" class="with-border wp-post-image" alt="5 Sites And Tips on How to Go Green and Save Money" title="5 Sites And Tips on How to Go Green and Save Money" style="width:125px;height:125px;" /> class="title">5 Sites And Tips on How to Go Green and Save Money

href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-check-disposing-computers/" rel="bookmark"> width="125" height="116" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/computerdispossal-150x140.jpg?323f2c" class="with-border wp-post-image" alt="computerdispossal" title="computerdispossal" style="width:125px;height:125px;" /> class="title">5 Things You Must Check Before Disposing of Old Computers

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class="align-right" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/recycle_logo_intro.png?323f2c" alt="donate old computers" /> href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-great-ways-donate-computer">Electronic waste, or e-waste as it is more commonly known, is a huge problem facing both the developed and undeveloped world. Many old computer parts contain materials that are href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-tips-on-how-to-go-green-save-money">hazardous to the environment and burying your old Dell in a landfill is not helping the situation.

Instead of throwing it out, why not donate your old computer? One person’s href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-lightweight-linux-distributions-give-pc-lease-life">box of outdated silicon is another’s treasure chest, and there are plenty of individuals, charities and href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/recycling">recycling schemes willing to take your old machine away for free.

Your Local Donation Or Recycling Scheme

This one might require a bit of a searching on your part, but a local resource means you don’t have to drive far and the charity or organisation might even pick up your old computer themselves.

There are all sorts of local schemes throughout the world, and the best way to find them is through local government. Your local council or authority should be familiar with local recycling schemes or charities that take old tech and be willing to point you in the direction of some worthy causes.

Examples local to me (Melbourne, Victoria) include the href="http://www.bytebackaustralia.com.au/locations">Byteback scheme and href="http://www.computerbank.org.au/">Computerbank (cheap $30 PCs running Linux), and when I lived in the UK there were plenty of local charities and community groups willing to take in components, boxes and laptops for refurbishment.

href="http://www.freecycle.org/">Freecycle

Devised and established as a way of href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/10-websites-recycle-reuse-stuff-protect-environment">redistributing items that are no longer wanted or required, Freecycle operates all over the globe. This means you can join your local chapter and simply advertise your freebies (any non-living, legally saleable item) before whoever wants them comes forward to claim.

Freecycle uses Yahoo Groups as its main engine, so you’ll need a Yahoo account to give things away (though you can sign in with both href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/facebook">Facebook and Google these days). It’s up to you who gets the goods and the claimant is responsible for collection.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/freecycle_melbourne.png?323f2c" alt="donate old computers" width="580" height="353" />

Freecycle is a very environmentally friendly way of re-using pretty much anything you can think of and I can’t think of a single reason not to use the service!

When signing up for a Freecycle group on Yahoo, unless you’re happy to be emailed hundreds of times a day choose “Special Notices Only” for your email preferences, otherwise each and every offer will make its way into your inbox.

North America: href="http://womeninbusiness.about.com/od/donateusedpcsequipment/tp/10donatecomputers.htm">About.com Donation Resources & href="http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/ecycling/donate.htm">EPA Advice

MakeUseOf is an international website with readers all around the globe, so I’ve split these next few resources by locale. About.com’s Women in Business section has produced a list of ten top donation and recycling organizations that are relevant to US and Canadian residents.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/earth911.png?323f2c" alt="donate used computers" width="580" height="497" />

Included is the excellent href="http://earth911.com/">Earth911 which searches for local businesses and partners willing to recycle or accept old machines, href="http://www.techsoup.org/">TechSoup, the href="http://worldcomputerexchange.org/">World Computer Exchange (which annoyingly only has US and Canadian chapters) and href="http://www.pcsforschools.org/">Computers for Schools amongst others.

The EPA Advice link contains a few other resources and another facility for finding local recycling projects. Regardless of who you donate to, the resources on both sites are more than worthy of your unwanted electronics.

UK: href="http://www.itforcharities.co.uk/pcs.htm">IT For Charities Resources & href="http://www.computeraid.org/">Computer Aid International

If you’re in the UK and looking to donate an old PC then you’re bound to find somewhere nearby on the IT For Charities list of links above. Included are links to companies, not-for-profit organizations and bonafide charities who will all take your unwanted computers away.

Computer Aid International are another charity who do especially good work with the donations they receive. The equipment is taken in, refurbished and shipped off to countries where computers and technology are not as accessible. Thus far the charity has sent nearly 200,000 computers around the world to help poorer nations get online.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/computer_aid_international.png?323f2c" alt="donate used computers" width="580" height="368" />

There are also a lot of community workshop programs and local outreach centres in the UK that use old computers for all sorts of tasks, including basic IT training and charity work.

Australia: href="http://www.recyclingnearyou.com.au/">Recycling Near You & href="http://www.givenow.com.au/otherways/electricals">GiveNow Resources

Recycling Near You is an Australian website that will help you recycle virtually anything, including old computers, monitors and accessories. The website uses your location to deliver relevant results that are local to you, including both charities, companies and recycling schemes.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/givenow_australia.png?323f2c" alt="donate used computers" width="580" height="333" />

Whilst the aforementioned website is probably the quickest way of finding a local recycling centre, there are some very valuable resources on GiveNow.com.au. Each is separated by state and region, making it easy to find the right links.

Worldwide: Retailers & Manufacturers

This is by no means a golden rule that is upheld everywhere, but many manufacturers and even retailers will now take in unwanted electronic equipment. Computer manufacturers such as href="http://www.apple.com/recycling/">Apple and href="http://content.dell.com/us/en/corp/dell-environment-recycling">Dell both have recycling schemes where in certain countries they will accept any brand of waste and waive a fee (note you might still be charged for pick-up).

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/apple_recycling_scheme.png?323f2c" alt="donate old computers" width="580" height="263" />

Retailers similarly offer recycling schemes, especially when new products are purchased. These sorts of schemes are popular with large items like refrigerators and ovens, but it might also be worth asking about computer recycling. A benefit to using a retailer like this is that they will often come to your house, remove the equipment for you and swallow any recycling costs that may apply.

Whilst many international and national laws state that these products must be recycled responsibly, don’t forget that this isn’t quite the same as donating to charity.

Conclusion

There are plenty of charities, organizations and companies who will accept your old computers to prevent them ending up in a landfill somewhere, so the next time you get rid of a PC or monitor don’t forget to look up both local and national schemes. By recycling or href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-crowd-funding-websites-support-favourite-charities-bands-projects/">donating to a good cause you can feel great about helping someone out and even better about the fact that your old kit isn’t sitting in a landfill.

How are you going to get rid of your next PC? Any other resources we should know about to donate old computers? Have you recycled a PC before? Let us know in the comments.

Image Credit: href="http://www.shutterstock.com/cat.mhtml?lang=en&search_source=search_form&version=llv1&anyorall=all&safesearch=1&searchterm=recycle&illustrations=on&search_group=&orient=&search_cat=&searchtermx=&photographer_name=&people_gender=&people_age=&people_ethnicity=&people_number=&commercial_ok=&color=&show_color_wheel=1#id=83630602&src=41b45515f80ba5b34cbae0a597e7171c-1-20" rel="nofollow">Shutterstock

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href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-tips-on-how-to-go-green-save-money/" rel="bookmark"> width="125" height="125" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/0204-150x150.jpg?323f2c" class="with-border wp-post-image" alt="5 Sites And Tips on How to Go Green and Save Money" title="5 Sites And Tips on How to Go Green and Save Money" style="width:125px;height:125px;" /> class="title">5 Sites And Tips on How to Go Green and Save Money

href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-check-disposing-computers/" rel="bookmark"> width="125" height="116" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/computerdispossal-150x140.jpg?323f2c" class="with-border wp-post-image" alt="computerdispossal" title="computerdispossal" style="width:125px;height:125px;" /> class="title">5 Things You Must Check Before Disposing of Old Computers

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class="align-right" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bohdi-icon.png" alt="linux for old computers" />Try a lightweight, beautiful Linux distro that works on very old hardware. Bodhi Linux can run on processors with only 300 mhz so imagine how well it will work on your machine. With the Enlightenment desktop environment, class="vt-p" href="http://www.bodhilinux.com">Bodhi looks great and runs light. With the Ubuntu repositories, Bodhi has access to a plethora of quality free software. With a little work, it can become your perfect desktop.

You’ll need to install your favorite software of course, and you might want to spend some time tweaking things. In many ways Bodhi reminds me of time spent tweaking early versions of Ubuntu to make everything work just right. We’ve shown you class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-visually-pleasing-linux-distributions-enlightenment/">visually pleasing Linux distributions that use Enlightenment, and those are worth checking out. Bodhi Linux is different because it’s up to date, completely free to use and compatible with the Ubuntu repositories.

Choose Your Look

Bodhi, it seems, is committed to choice above all. The distribution boots quickly, and the first thing it presents you with is a decision. With various desktop modes to choose from and a few themes to check out as well, you’ll be wanting to explore a little:

class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bodhi-profiles.png" alt="linux for old computers" width="580" height="224" />

Pick a profile based on your needs and you’ll quickly see the main desktop for Bodhi. Here’s how it looked based on my decisions:

class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bodhi-desktop.png" alt="linux for old slow computer" width="580" height="290" />

This familiar (read: Windows-like) layout is unique in the world of Enlightenment-based distros, but don’t worry, you can customize the desktop quite a bit if this isn’t your style.

Use Your Desktop

So how does one use this thing? You’ll be wanting to pull up the menu to launch applications. You can do this by clicking anywhere on the desktop or by clicking the button.

class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bohdi-menu.png" alt="linux for old slow computer" width="497" height="340" />

Yep, it’s a start button. The menu, to begin with, is sparse, but you can explore the distribution by customizing the look and feel. Much of the fun of older Linux distributions was experimenting with the look and feel in order to get everything set up exactly the way you wanted it. Bodhi recaptured this spirit for me; you should explore it yourself.

Installing Software

Like I said earlier: there’s not a lot of software installed by default. That’s intentional, and is related to the previously mentioned commitment to choice. To quote Bodhi’s about page:

At Bodhi Linux, we believe in User Choice, so we don’t give you three pre-installed mail clients to choose from. It does not mean that there is every browser possible at the click of a button. What it does mean is that we have our own repositories and these are accessible via the apt-get command line, GUI package manager or better still our online software store ( see “Add Software” in menu above!). Out of the box we give you the tools to access the resources you need to be able to build your system.

So choice means the freedom to install whatever software you like, and there is quite a bit of freedom there to be sure. A handy website gives you quick access to many familiar programs:

class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bodhi-softwareonline.png" alt="linux for old slow computer" width="580" height="276" />

The site makes use of class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/singleclick-links-software-installation-ubuntu/">aptURL to provide single-click installs, but offline installation packs are also available if you prefer.

Want more control than a website with download links can give you? Don’t worry, all the standard class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/repositories-package-management-ubuntu/">Ubuntu package management tools are here for you to use. Synaptic, for example:

class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bodhi-software.png" alt="linux for old computers" width="579" height="268" />

You’ll find apt-get works from the command line as well, so there’s another choice for you.

Conclusion

What really impressive about this distribution is how fast it runs. This is Ubuntu stripped down without any sacrifice in terms of look and feel. Here are the minimal hardware specs:

• 300mhz i386 Processor.
• 128MB of RAM.
• 1.5GB HD space

If a computer is still running today it almost certainly meets those criteria, so there’s no harm in giving Bodhi a chance. class="vt-p" href="http://www.bodhilinux.com/">Download it now.

What do you think of Bodhi? Leave your thoughts in the comments below, along with any Enlightenment tweaks you can offer.

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class="align-right" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/pogoplugthumb.jpg?54167" alt="" /> class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-reasons-why-students-should-be-using-dropbox-as-a-study-tool/">Cloud services have become a popular way to share files with others, and they work well in most situations, making it easy to upload photos or documents and then access them on a variety of devices.

This is not the only way to send files between devices, however. Streaming software such as class="vt-p" href="http://www.pogoplug.com/products-pogoplug-free-software.html">Pogoplug has advantages, such as a lack of storage caps and a simpler user experience, since you don’t have to hassle with local and cloud copies.

Streaming vs. Cloud: What’s The Difference?

class="aligncenter" style="border: 1px solid black;" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/pogoplug3.jpg?54167" alt="" width="521" height="295" />

Before I go into detail about Pogoplug, let’s talk about how it’s different from popular and well-established services like class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/dropbox">Dropbox.

Pogoplug does not offer a cloud. At no point do you upload files to a server so they can be downloaded again later. Instead, you create an account when you install the software and then share folders on your PC. Those folders then can be accessed on other devices and computers, and you can share information on those as well, creating a network of computers that share files across the Internet.

As there’s no cloud to upload data to, there’s no monthly storage charge once you go over a certain limit. The storage is all on devices you personally own. You also no longer need to worry about the service possibly being hacked or inaccessible.

Streaming Made Easy

class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/pogoplug2.jpg?54167" alt="" width="570" height="333" />

Once installed, the Pogoplug software is easy to use. The included remote access controls are used to determine what is being shared on your computer. On my class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/two-tools-to-monitor-your-macbooks-battery-mac/">MacBook, for example, my Desktop, Documents, Music, Movies, and Pictures folders were selected by default.

Any folder can be de-selected by removing a check from the appropriate box, and new folders can be added as well. All remote access can be cut off using a big remote access switch on the interface.

Once shared, the files can be accessed using Pogoplug software on any other computer as long as you log into your account. Remember however, that this software depends on access to the various devices sharing information. Unlike a cloud service, this software won’t let you access data from a shared folder if the computer hosting it is turned off.

Pogoplug Mobile Access

One of the greatest advantages of a cloud service is the ability to access information while on the go. Pogoplug replicates this both via a web interface and on your mobile device.

class="aligncenter" style="border: 1px solid black;" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/pogoplug1.jpg?54167" alt="" width="462" height="243" />

The web interface is impressive, as it provides access to a wide variety of content and is quite snappy. All of your folders that are shared via your Pogoplug software will be accessible, and the class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/dir/dropmocks-create-picture-gallery-instantly/">Gallery tab lets you view photos as a class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-ways-to-create-beautiful-slideshows-of-your-digital-pictures/">slideshow. Those who pay for the class="vt-p" href="http://www.pogoplug.com/products.html">premium account (a $29 one-time fee) will also be able to stream music and video content via this in-browser interface.

Android and iOS users will have access to the same features via the Pogoplug app available for free on each operating system’s respective marketplace. This app provides mobile access to all of your content with the exception of audio and video, which again is restricted to those who have a premium account.

Backup and Printing

Although the ability to stream and share content between devices is the focus of Pogoplug, it does have two other notable features.

One is Active Copy, a simple but useful backup feature. It effectively links two folders together so that their content mirrors one another, making it easy to keep an up-to-date backup of important information on a multiple computers.

Another great extra is online printing, which can be used to send documents to a remote printer connected to a computer running Pogoplug. It’s even possible for friends to share a printer with you, which means you can use their printer while logged into your own account. It’s even possible to print from the Android and iPhone apps.

Conclusion

Pogoplug isn’t a perfect service, but it has definite advantages compared to cloud services. My situation is a great example. I have multiple computers that I need to keep synced, but Dropbox won’t work (for free) because the amount of data I need to sync is in excess of 10GB.

With this alternative, I’m not able to sync when one of my PCs is turned off, but that’s a trade-off I’m willing to make in exchange for the ability to freely transfer a very large volume of data. The Active Copy feature is an excellent way to keep my data backed up, as well.

class="vt-p" href="http://www.pogoplug.com/products-pogoplug-free-software.html">Give it a try and let us know what you think of it in the comments.  Any missing features you would like to see included?

href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/share-files-folders-computers-mobile-devices-pogoplug-windows-mac/">Share Files & Folders With Computers & Mobile Devices Using Pogoplug [Windows & Mac] is a post from: href="http://www.makeuseof.com">MakeUseOf

More articles about: href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/backup/" title="backup" rel="tag">backup, href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/cross-platform/" title="cross platform" rel="tag">cross platform, href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/file-sharing/" title="file sharing" rel="tag">file sharing, href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/mobile-phones/" title="mobile phones" rel="tag">mobile phones, href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/printing/" title="printing" rel="tag">printing, href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/streaming/" title="streaming" rel="tag">streaming />

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class="align-right" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/00_join_me_logo-1.jpg" alt="web conference call" />Your friend has called. They have a problem with their computer and are asking for your expertise. You want to help, but it’s a bit difficult to assist your friend if you can only rely on their limited oral description and your imagination. Everything would be so much easier if you could see what’s on the screen, and if possible take control of their computer from your computer.

You can probably think of several other occasions when you would need to class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/dir/tag/screen-sharing/">share computer screens and maybe do something on the remote computer. There are class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/7-easy-screen-sharing-and-remote-access-tools-all-free/">several applications – both desktop and online – that can help you to do that. But class="vt-p" href="https://join.me/">join.me is probably the easiest of them all. It’s the simplest way to have a web conference call between computers. The product comes from LogMeIn, the name behind class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/share-your-desktop-remotely-with-multiple-viewers-easily-with-logmein-express/">LogMeIn Express.

Let’s Start The Conference

To start a web conference, all you have to do is visit the class="vt-p" href="https://join.me">join.me website from any class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/windows/">Windows or class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/mac/">Mac computer and click on the orange “share” button. Registration is not needed, but you can register for the paid pro version if you need more bells and whistles.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/01a_share.jpg" border="0" alt="web conference call" width="580" height="200" />

If this is your first encounter with join.me, you will be asked to download a little application/java applet to your computer. The applet will be your main interface to access the web conference.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/01c_dl_Java_Applet.jpg" border="0" alt="web conference" width="525" height="131" />

After the download has finished, the application will open and connect to the web. You will see a set of numbers in a link that will identify your conference session. The link is called the “viewer link“. You can copy the link to the Windows clipboard to be used later or send it via email to your friends. The numbers will change every time you start another conference.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/02b_java_applet-2.jpg" border="0" alt="web conference" width="350" height="140" />

Now you are ready to have a web conference.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/02c_applet1-2.jpg" border="0" alt="web conference" width="310" height="120" />

There are five buttons on the interface: The first one is the “Get conference number” button, followed by “Chat“, start/pause “Share screen“, “Participants“, and the last one is the “Share control” button.

Let’s Join The Conference

Joining a conference is also easy. On the right side of join.me’s main page, put the viewer number in the “join” field and press the arrow button. If you are the one who started the conference, share the viewer number to your friends so they can join your conference.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/01b_join.jpg" border="0" alt="web conference service" width="580" height="200" />

The conference application will open after you click the green button. You’ll notice that the color of the buttons is green on the participant’s side. The features are almost the same. The only difference between the orange and green side is the middle button.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/05b_on_client_side.jpg" border="0" alt="web conference service" width="280" height="100" />

The number on the fourth button shows you how many participants there are in the conference. Clicking on the button will show you a list of attendees. You can edit your own name on the list by double clicking on it and retyping the word. However, you can’t edit other people’s names.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/04c_viewer.jpg" border="0" alt="web conference service" width="300" height="260" />

Using Join.me

Now that everybody has arrived, what’s next? What can you do with join.me?

For a start, if you are the host and you have more than one monitor, you can choose which monitor you want to share with the others. To do that, click the small arrow button on the right.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/03a_share_monitor.jpg" border="0" alt="03a share monitor" width="450" height="200" />

The chat button allows you to send messages to one of the participants, or to everybody. Click the button to start, then use the dropdown list at the bottom to choose the recipient(s).

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/04_chat.jpg" border="0" alt="04 chat" width="272" height="328" />

You can also send files to the participants. Click the “Participants” button and hover your mouse over one of the names. Then click the square button in the middle.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/04e_extra_menu.jpg" border="0" alt="04e extra menu" width="272" height="150" />

To let other participants control your computer, click the “Share control” button and choose one of the names. Only participants who access the conference from a personal computer can take over another’s computer. Those who access the conference from a mobile device can only monitor.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/04g_share_control.jpg" border="0" alt="04g share control" width="300" height="240" />

Let’s Go Mobile

Other than web access from a personal computer, join.me is also accessible from mobile devices. At the moment, the mobile access is only available from iOS devices like the  class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/iphone/">iPhone and class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/ipad/">iPad. But the developer has promised that the class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/android/">Android version is on the way.

After downloading and installing the iOS app, open it, write down the viewer code, and tap on the green button.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/07b_insert_code.jpg" border="0" alt="07b insert code" width="320" height="460" />

The shared screen will appear on your device’s screen. But there are only three features available via mobile access: Conference number, Chat, and Participants.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/07b_computer_screen_on_iOS.jpg" border="0" alt="07b computer screen on iOS" width="460" height="290" />

This kind of arrangement is good if the one with mobile access will only give comments and advice to other participants without the need to take control of another computer.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/07e_chat.jpg" border="0" alt="07e chat" width="320" height="460" />

The End Of The Conference

To end the conference, click the small “X” button on the application. First time users will be asked to install the app so future meetings can start faster.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/06_close.jpg" border="0" alt="web conference call" width="300" height="230" />

So if you need to set up a quick web conference call with your friends, try join.me and tell us what you think about it. But please note that the quality of the conference will really depend on the speed of your Internet connection.

If you know or use other similar services and applications, such as  class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/be-a-remote-support-superhero/">TeamViewer, class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/dir/almostmeet-online-group-collaboration/">AlmostMeet, class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/dir/dimdim-excellent-free-web-conferencing-solution/">Dimdim or class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/remote-pc-assistance-with-crossloop/">Crossloop, please share them using the comments below.

Image credit: class="vt-p" rel="nofollow" href="https://join.me/">join.me />
/> Follow href="http://twitter.com/MakeUseOf" target="_blank" >MakeUseOf on Twitter. Includes cool extras.

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class="align-right" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Future01.png"/>Predictions are a risky business. Even more so if they are about the immediate future. Once shown to be wrong, the words return to their origin like a boomerang and the quotes will forever haunt the speaker.

Over the past century, technology has advanced at a pace that almost makes Gene Roddenberry and other ‘futurists’ look like prophets. However, they were dreamers and many of those that made serious forecasts lacked both imagination and foresight. In this article I will review 8 famous predictions about computers and the Internet that, in hindsight, proved to be incredibly wrong.

id="more-67101">

Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons.

- Popular Mechanics, 1949

The first general-purpose electronic computer, the ENIAC, was completed in 1947 and weighed almost 30 tons. [Source: title="ENIAC" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ENIAC">Wikipedia] The prediction is actually correct, but maybe a tiny little bit too conservative.

I have traveled the length and breadth of this country and talked with the best people, and I can assure you that data processing is a fad that won’t last out the year.

- Editor of Prentice Hall business books, 1957

The Editor had turned down a manuscript discussing the science behind data processing and the above was his explanatory statement. The New York Times comments: “Fads have a way of sticking around long after those who call them that are gone.” [Source: title="Tomorrow Never Knows" href="http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990CE5D9173CF93AA1575AC0A960958260&pagewanted=all">The New York Times]

There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.

- Ken Olsen, 1977

Ken Olsen was the president, chairman, and founder of Digital Equipment Corporation. Besides mainframe systems, the company also developed minicomputers for science and engineering. Olsen, who himself had a personal computer at home, could not imagine that one day computers could be used to run the house, i.e. control doors, windows, and other electronics. [Source: title="Ken Olsen" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Olsen">Wikipedia] While this is not yet a reality for everyone, the technology has been around for a couple of years now.

We will never make a 32-bit operating system.

- Bill Gates, 1989

No one knows why Bill Gates felt compelled to make such a statement, given the fact that an advance from 8-bit to 16-bit had just been made, and subsequent developments were only logical. Subsequently, ‘never’ must have come and gone as the 32-bit Windows NT 3.1 was launched only four years later, in 1993.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Bill-Gates.jpg" alt="" />

I believe OS/2 is destined to be the most important operating system, and possibly program, of all time.

- Bill Gates, 1987

This quote originated from a foreword written by Bill Gates for the OS/2 Programmer’s Guide. OS/2 is an operating system created by IBM and Microsoft. It was later developed by IBM alone and supported until 2006. [Source: title="OS/2" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS/2">Wikipedia] Although it allegedly ran Windows programs better than Windows itself, calling OS/2 the most important program of all time certainly was a gross exaggeration.

One would think that if you’re anonymous, you’d do anything you want, but groups have their own sense of community and what we can do.

- John Allen, 1993

classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="580" height="356" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"> name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /> name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /> name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8Q2ci6OOm9A?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" /> name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /> type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="580" height="356" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8Q2ci6OOm9A?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true">

Spam will be a thing of the past in two years’ time.

- Bill Gates, 2004

Bill Gates made this statement at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The technology he suggested was the electronic equivalent of a stamp, payable only when an email is rejected. At the same event he also announced that Microsoft’s search technology would soon outpace Google. [Source: title="Gates forecasts victory over spam" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/3426367.stm">BBC] Soonish 7 years later and we’re still waiting for any of that to happen.

Next Christmas the iPod will be dead, finished, gone, kaput.

- Sir Alan Sugar, 2005

Sir Alan Sugar is the founder of the electronics company Amstrad. Over the years he has also become a celebrity in the United Kingdom and he is a member of the House Of Lords. Apparently, he should not be consulted when it comes to the evaluation of the potential of modern day electronics. [Source: title="Sir Alan Sugar" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Sugar">Wikipedia]

There are two very famous quotes that are actually urban myths and hence did not make the list above. Thomas J. Watson, former president of IBM, is often quoted for having said “I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.” The truth is that there is no record of Watson ever making this statement. However, the quote was traced back to a British professor, who said something slightly similar. [Source: title="Thomas J. Watson" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_J._Watson">Wikipedia]

Bill Gates is often mocked for supposedly saying “640KB ought to be enough for anybody.” Mr. Gates himself denies having said something so utterly stupid and until sufficient proof is provided, we have to believe him. [Source: title="Talk:Bill Gates" href="http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Talk:Bill_Gates">Wikipedia]

Current Prediction

The most likely way for the world to be destroyed, most experts agree, is by accident. That’s where we come in; we’re computer professionals. We cause accidents.

- Nathaniel Borenstein, co-creator of MIME

Let’s not let that last prediction come true!

If you liked this one, you should also check out title="55 Geeky One Line Jokes" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/55-geeky-line-jokes/">55 Geeky One Line Jokes and href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/history-operating-systems-infographic">The History of Operating Systems.

What is your favorite computer or internet quote?

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class="align-left" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: 20px; margin-top: 5px; float: right;" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/lanparty.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" />As family and friends gather for the holidays, there are some evenings where you may find everyone sitting around with nothing to do. One of the best ways to have fun with the whole family is by playing games together.

Usually, people bring along laptops with them when they travel. Since most homes are equipped with Wi-Fi, and since most people bring along their laptops wherever they go, there are a lot of ways you can use that network to host some excitement. What excitement, you ask? Well, if you’re trying to come up with fun party games this year, I encourage you to make use of that Wi-Fi network and host a few networked games amongst your guests with laptops.

id="more-61081"> /> If you need help setting up your Wi-Fi network for LAN gaming, make sure to check out Karl’s class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/set-wifi-network-play-lan-games-neighbors/">instructional guide.  I recently covered a cool LAN game you could play called class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/build-military-wage-war-warzone-2100/">WarZone 2100, but there are a few more games that especially lend themselves well to Wi-Fi LAN gaming with the family.

Play RISK

You’ve probably played the strategic board game called Risk, but you’ve never played it like the Yura.net class="vt-p" href="http://sourceforge.net/projects/risk/">SourceForge project. So fire up your laptops and then download and install this desktop version of the RISK board game.

When you first launch the game, one person can launch the server and the additional players can attach to the game server.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ngames2.jpg" alt="" width="361" height="224" />

Game play can get pretty grueling as each person takes turns situating their armies across the globe, and then attacking neighbors in order to conquer the entire world. The game automatically handles rolling the dice and calculating gained or lost armies.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ngames3.jpg" alt="" width="575" height="483" />

The game can get pretty heated as you completely wipe out your opponents. The game is pretty addictive so if you’re going to try it out, plan to set aside a couple of hours at least.

Play Poker

If you prefer classic card games more than board games, you’ll love the multi-platform game class="vt-p" href="http://www.pokerth.net/">PokerTH. When you play this game, it’s like sitting around a huge billiards table with your friends and playing round after round of Poker.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ngames5.jpg" alt="" width="458" height="382" />

If you’re hosting the game, just select option three from the main menu and configure the game settings, including the number of players, how much cash each player starts with, and other details.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ngames6.jpg" alt="" width="313" height="333" />

The graphics are pretty decent, especially considering the game is free. It’s a lot of fun to try your hand at bluffing to see if you can get the other players to fold.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ngames7.jpg" alt="" width="575" height="532" />

When you’re networked together on the same Wi-Fi network with this game, there’s no need to worry about dealing with cards, chips, or keeping track of everything. The application does it all for you.

Armagetron

There’s no getting around it, class="vt-p" href="http://www.armagetronad.net/">Armagetron is one of the best Tron clones out there. This game is built upon the lightcycle sequence from the movie Tron, and I have to say that it definitely does the movie justice. The pace of this game really does get your heart pumping. Setting up a multiplayer game is a breeze.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ngames11.jpg" alt="" width="409" height="366" />

Just configure network setup in a couple of quick steps and you’ve got your game server ready to roll. One very cool feature of this game is that you can split your screen into up to four views to see all four players.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ngames10.jpg" alt="" width="575" height="434" />

Racing through these levels are wild. You’ll either crash into your opponents forcefield, or you’re going to crash into your own, but one thing is for certain – you’re going to crash.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ngames12.jpg" alt="" width="575" height="456" />

The point is – who is going to hold out the longest? Do you have what it takes to stay alive as each of your opponents collides into a wall at full speed? Challenge your guests to a heart-pounding game of Armagatron.

Warsow – A Family Friendly First Person Shooter

The most popular type of LAN party game is definitely the first person shooter, but there aren’t many FPS games that are suitable for all ages. class="vt-p" href="http://www.warsow.net/">Warsow is unique in that way because the characters are more cartoonish than anything else, and when you shoot, you’re blasting electricity, not bullets.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ngames13.jpg" alt="" width="575" height="441" />

Once you’ve got your local server running, additional players can log in and look for your local server to join. Once they do, all of you will be in the virtual world where you can configure gameplay to be a free-for-all, deathmatch, duel, or anything else.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ngames14.jpg" alt="" width="575" height="431" />

The environment and scenery is of a quality that you’d expect from some of the latest FPS shooting games – it’s only the character and weapons, as you can see in the image above, that are cartoonized.

There’s a lot to be said for a good old-fashioned sit-down with family and friends for a coffee and a chat. There’s a place and time at every family gathering for that. But, once the conversations have died down and people start looking for something interesting to pass the time, give these games a shot and transform your holiday gathering into an event that your guests are sure to remember.

Do you know of any other cool games that would be great at a party? Try these out at your next gathering and let us know how it went. Share your experiences in the comments section below.

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Your computer’s registry is one of the most important databases in your computer. Simply put, the registry handles how your computer runs. If you experience a drastic slow down of your system speed or if you’re getting system errors such as the following:

Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: WINDOWSSYSTEM32CONFIGSYSTEM
Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: WINDOWSSYSTEM32CONFIGSOFTWARE
Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: WINDOWSSYSTEM32CONFIGSOFTWARE
System error: Lsass.exe
Then the problem is happening within your Windows Registry and should be fixed.

How to Fix your Computer’s Registry
Windows 98 used to have a program called the Registry Checker that automatically scans the registry for errors and also automatically fixes the problem by replacing a corrupted registry with a new one every time a user boots up the computer. However, Windows XP does not do this automatically. The program should be run by the user manually. Here’s how:

1.    Click the START button and then select Run. Or Click the START button and press the letter ‘R’ on the keyboard if you cannot find ‘Run’.

2.    In the Run box and in the field that says, Open, type scanreg then press ENTER on your keyboard or Click OK

3.    The Registry checker will now run and will also automatically fix errors and corrupted files

4.    After fixing the errors, Click Yes to make another backup of the registry.

If you start having the error messages, you can also try to go on SAFE MODE. To do this, continuously press F8 on your computer just seconds after you reboot the computer until you find another screen that gives an option to boot in SAFE MODE. If it doesn’t work in safe mode, repeat the process of pressing F8 and when the options come up, choose ‘Restore last known good configuration’.

You can do these instructions on your own but it is highly recommended that you let a computer expert do it for you especially if you’re not familiar with these processes. Do not attempt to do it on your own if you are not confident of your computer troubleshooting skills.

Registry Fix Software

Computer non-experts do not need to worry about finding an expert or being one. There is also an easier solution to fix your registry by using a registry fix software or what is more commonly called as registry cleaner.

A registry cleaner is a software that you can run to fix corrupt registry and to help make your computer system run faster. There are several cleaners that you can find on the Web although only a handful is most helpful so choose the best one.

Make sure that you choose a trusted software. Look for reviews for a software that you’ve been eyeing to get the opinion of existing users. Truly, a registry cleaner software is a big help for beginners to get your registry fixed right away without all the fuss.

Software, on a broader perspective, refers to any electronic media content. The term computer software is a term used to refer to computer programs, procedures, and documentation that perform specific tasks on a computer system.
For more details go to: www.pure-profit-software.com This term is also used to describe application software or productivity software, system software such as computer operating systems, and middleware – software that manages and coordinates distributed systems.

Computer software is may be viewed as the language of computers. There is a wide variety of software available and these are categorized into three different types: system software, application software, and programming software.

System software runs the computer system including all the hardware devices contained within the system. This software is used by the computer to interpret input from external sources into something a machine can understand. Software works with the computer’s hardware components and includes the computer’s operating system, diagnostic tools, device drivers, utilities and more. One may automatically think of computer operating systems when the words software system is mentioned – operating systems run the computer. The most popular operating systems today are those manufactured by Microsoft. Other competing operating systems are open source OS such as Linux and UNIX.

Programming Software provides tools that assist programmers in creating computer software and programs. These software tools use different programming languages and include text editors, interpreters, compilers, linkers, and debuggers. All these tools are merged into a software bundle through an integrated development environment or IDE. These IDE have a graphical user interface that makes programming easier by eliminating the need for programmers to type in numerous commands in order to compile, interpret, debug, trace, and perform other tasks on their code.

Application software provides a way for computer users to complete specific tasks. Common applications include medical software, databases, computer games, industrial automation, educational, and business software programs.

The different types of application software may be further subdivided into productivity software – also known as tools, this includes programs that may be used to produce spreadsheets, documents, databases and other products.
For help visit: www.quick-selling-software.com the most commonly used productivity software is MS Office from Microsoft; educational software – includes programs that provide an alternative method to teaching.

This includes drill and practice programs, problem solving programs, tutorials, presentation programs, and references; multimedia – generally includes any software program that is used to view or edit pictures, sound clips, video clips, graphics and other related content; and games – as the name suggests, games are computer programs mainly used as a manner of entertainment.

A computer is there to make your life easier. Remember, a computer is composed of several pieces of equipment. The latter is composed of a multitude of things, each of which needs the proper care so that they will endure.

There are many thing you can do to get to your goal. You won’t need any special skills to do this. If you are committed to having an optimally working computer then you are going to take care of it in the proper way.

You can get help in several different ways. Read the following procedures to achieve these.

It is easier to maintain the external parts of your hardware/as opposed to he internal parts. Guardianship of computer peripherals from moisture is the best thing one can execute.  When not in use cover your computer with cloth or plastic to prevent damage. Make sure your computer gets sufficient airflow. Excess heat can damage the system. If you will be using the system for an extended period of time, it is vital that you ensure that the processor does not overheat.

It is essential to check your system periodically. This is complete when you run the Scan Disk and Defragmenter often. You will want to do these at times when you aren’t using your computer. There are many sites on the internet you can browse to see what is needed to help your computer system maintain its speed and abilities.

It is also crucial to run anti-virus programs through your system occasionally. This is particularly accurate if you use the Internet often, as your computer may be frequently exposed to harmful viruses that can hinder its effectiveness.   Your whole system can be easily shut out by viruses. You should download the most recent upgrades from your virus protection company to avoid this happening to you.

These vital steps are only a few of the essential things you can do to keep your hardware working optimally.  To benefit from their industry-known tricks of the trade, it’s best to consult a professional in the field before rendering services.

Computers are essential tools today. Software demands and hardware capability tend to grow exponentially. So if you want to stay on top of things, it’s a good idea to get a new computer every two to three years. Now what do you do when disposing of old computers?

Whatever you do, there are a few things you must check before giving away, trashing, or recycling a computer. Backing up information and securely deleting private data is one major concern. You may also be able to reuse parts or the entire computer. This article provides a quick overview of your options when it comes to disposing of old computers.

1. Backup Data

Obviously, you will want to keep a copy of your data. Here is a quick list of information you should not forget to backup:

• Personal Files
  Pictures, Music, Movies, anything entertaining you have on your computer, don’t lose it. Same goes for any documents or files you have downloaded.
  The Best FREE Backup Software for your PC
• Browser Data
  This includes bookmarks, saved logins & passwords, extensions, and other personal settings. It’s much easier to transfer the data than to set it all up again, don’t you agree?
  Backup & Restore Your Internet Explorer Browser Settings
  Back up your Firefox Profile with MozBackup
• Email
  If you’re using a desktop eMail program like Thunderbird or Outlook, do backup your profile and take your conversations and your address book with you.
  5 Easy Ways To Back Up Your Microsoft Outlook Data
  Archive Your Browser & Mail Settings With MailBrowserBackup
• Program Data
  Did you create databases, make specific settings, or save other data with any of the programs you’re using? Think of calendars, bibliography tools, image editing software, games, or music playlists. Any of that information can be backed up and transferred to your new computer. Usually, these data are saved under documents & settings or in the respective program files folder. The easiest way would be to backup these two folders entirely.
• Fonts
  Have you downloaded and installed any additional fonts? They are likely compatible with your new computer, so save you the time of tracking them down again and just backup the fonts folder. In Windows, it’s found under C:/Windows/Fonts.

Is your computer no longer booting or is the hard drive dead? Check out the following articles:

• How To Back Up Data From Computer That Won’t Boot
• How To Get Data Off A Dead Hard Drive

2. Serial Numbers & Registration Keys

This point deserves special attention because losing a serial number or registration keys can actually cost you money. If you’re not sure where you stored that information, retrieve it before it’s too late:

• 3 Ways To Recover Serial Numbers In Windows

If you purchased software online and downloaded the installation file, rather than having it on a CD, be safe and back that up, too.

3. Wipe Private Data

If you seriously don’t want to keep your hard drive or can’t be bothered to remove it from your old computer, make sure all your private information is gone. Your data in the wrong hands could result in humiliation, financial loss, or worst of all: identity theft.

Neither deleting files, nor emptying the trash, or formatting your hard drive is enough! To be on the safe side, you must shred and overwrite your data. Follow the steps described in this article: How To Completely & Securely Erase Your Hard Drive [Windows]

Some great suggestions on how to delete, shred, and terminally wipe your private information are also given in the replies to this question on MakeUseOf Answers: How can I clean a laptop before donating it?

4. Strip Out Useful Parts

Basically, all parts of your computer, if still functional, may be useful for you or someone else. So think twice before you trash anything. If computer parts are alien to you, read this article first: The Basic Parts Of A Computer & How To Upgrade Them [Technology Explained]

• Monitor
  Keep it as a backup, set up a dual screen if your graphics card supports it, or hook it up to your laptop for a better screen.
• Cables and External Devices
  Keep one set of everything as a backup. Nobody wants a used mouse or keyboard anyways.
• Hard Drive
  Put it into a USB case and use as an external hard drive, hook up internally to your new computer, or wipe it clean before you give it away.
• RAM
  If your old RAM is compatible with your new computer’s motherboard, you may as well use it. However, never mix different RAM modules. Read the answers to this MakeUseOf Answers questions for some leads: How can I upgrade my RAM and hard drive?
• Power Supply Unit
  An often searched for replacement part.
• Motherboard & CPU
  You won’t need that with your new computer. But someone else may use it as a replacement.

• CD / DVD drive
• Card Reader
• Floppy drive
• Graphics Card
• Sound Card

Try to sell the parts you can’t use yourself on eBay, and give away leftovers via your local FreeCycle.

5. Re-Use Entire Computer

This may be the most important point! Maybe you can actually still use your old computer. So check out the possibilities before you submit it to the trash.

If your old computer is still running, it can serve many purposes. If it can connect to the internet, you could donate the CPU time. Your could also give it to someone who needs it or turn it into an entertainment center. These and many more ideas are summarized in my article Top 10 Cool Uses For Old Computers And Laptops. Finally, if your machine is really old, maybe the local tech museum is interested in it.

Can you think of any more uses of old computers or parts or alternatives for disposing of old computers? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

Image credits: speedy2, forwardcom, drizzle, Vyolett

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Are you looking for a way to protect your computer from viruses and other malicious threats? We all need protection on our machines to keep all of our precious data safe, and sometimes the free programs just don’t cut it.

Returnil Virtual System 2010 (RVS) is a new product that uses a combination of antivirus, antimalware, and a virtual system to protect your computer from all types of threats. Essentially, it clones your operating system and creates a virtual environment for your PC. This allows you to work in an isolated environment and keep your actual operating system from getting viruses, trojans, and malware.

This week, we will be giving away 10 licenses for Returnil Virtual System 2010 Home Lux worth $400 in total! Each license can be activated on 5 computers, securing your entire household.

Find out how you can get your hands on a copy below!

Allow me to walk you through some of RVS’s features. Once you download and install the app, you will be asked to enter your license information. After doing that, restart your computer and you’re ready to begin.

When your computer loads back up again, you will see a bar at the top right portion of your screen indicating that Returnil is set to Off. Left-clicking the button drops down a menu with options to enable RVS, check for updates, exit the program, and show the program on the desktop/tray area.

When you click Show Program, the main screen appears. From here, you can see if virus protection is enabled, run a quick or full system scan, enable virtual system, and check for updates.

Clicking on one of the options takes you to this tabbed screen. The layout is very simple and you can get to all of the available options by clicking on one of the tabs on the left or the links at the top of the screen.

When clicking on Quick System Scan, a box pops up and the scan begins. If the antivirus database is outdated (it will be at first install), it will start by updating it. Then it will scan all the essential areas of your PC. To scan every file on your computer, all you have to do is select Full System Scan.

On the System Safe tab, you can enable the virtual system. Simply click the Enable it now button and the system starts immediately. You will not notice any change to your system at all in this mode, but you are actually isolated from potential threats. You can alter how the program works after a restart and at startup.

When you have the System Safe enabled, the Tools tab provides additional functions. You can use the File Manager to save content to your computer’s real hard-disk, as well as create virtual disks and access files on your real system.

How do I win a copy?

It’s simple, just follow the instructions.

This giveaway begins now and ends Friday, 6th August at 2100hrs PST. The winners will be selected at random and announced via email.

Spread the word to your friends and have fun!

MakeUseOf would like to thank Virpi from Returnil for his generosity while participating in this giveaway. Interesting in sponsoring? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us via email.

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It is inevitable that your computer’s performance should reduce over time and after you have used it for a while. This rule stands even if you use a more advanced operating platform like Microsoft XP or Vista that should logically make your computer work better. You can improve the situation by cleaning out your registry. You can install good Winxp registry repair software to enjoy better performance of your computer.

Windows XP registry repair software is great at repairing and optimizing your registry. Windows Registry is the central warehouse of all data concerning your computer’s operation. You computer accesses registry every time you open your computer or when you download a music file. Similarly, every time you use a new hardware device, an entry is created in the registry.

Just imagine how much data is stored in your Registry if your computer is used frequently. A strange thing that you will encounter is that every time you install or uninstall a program, the registry makes entries for it as well. You will even find entries made by viruses and other malware long after the original malware have been cleaned out of your computer.

Cleaning out the Windows registry manually is not an option at all because it is too time consuming. Besides, you can easily do more damage than you were originally trying to rectify if you delete some crucial files. Going to a computer professional is also not a good idea because it will cost you quite a bit over time.

You will realize that the best way to optimize your computer’s performance is by using Windows XP registry repair software. There are many programs available, and you now have the difficult task of choosing one. The best one to optimize your computer’s performance needs to have various features. For starters, it needs to be able to do the scan very fast so that too much time is not wasted. Secondly, it needs to be able to identify the corrupt software so that it can delete it.

Look for a good option that manages to give you these features without being too expensive. It also needs to have good customer service that is available 24 / 7. Most people don’t realize how important this is until there is a problem and they have to wait to hear from customer service. You also need a Windows XP registry repair tool that is easy to use so that you have no problem optimizing your computer’s performance.

Along with the internet, we have a wide variety of programs that we can download and install. These programs come free or licensed and it doesn’t matter the purpose they have been written for as long as we can have our pick.

Have you ever asked yourself how you surf the internet. The answer is simple, through a browser. You can be sure that there are lots of browsers that are more than eager to be used, thus the question which one is the best. From Internet Explorer to Mozilla Firefox and Safary, every one of them has the exact same capabilities.

The only difference between them could be that they might have some options that the other doesn’t have, but the ultimate goal is the same, to ensure the user a firm and safe online navigation. Some of these programs have the ability to open multiple internet pages in the same window, making the navigation through different pages simpler.

The use of one program over the other is purely subjective and you have nothing to gain or to loose if you choose one over the other. The only question you need to ask yourself it is if you are capable to handle them, the way they wore meant to be used. For example, some browser can confuse the user with lots of buttons and additional instructions, while other can prove too simple in design. You have to make your own mind on what you want and only then install the appropriate software.

Quick Note: Taking the Nonsense out of looking for the right spyware remover

If you really want to take the work out of looking for that right Spyware Protection from a Spybot go to the Internet and get a Free Spybot Download or a Free Spybot Search and Destroy

Download, In order to prevent your vital information from being ripped from your computer get your Spybot Remover Today.

Browsing the internet as hard as is it because of the immense volume of information so, you don’t need to make your life any harder by using a browser that you find difficult to maneuver.

Every computer must have installed a detection tool against malware because this is the most common threat when we are going online. These malicious programs can cause all kinds of problems and we don’t need any of them because they are time consuming and they take lots of effort to rid ourselves of them.

In case that you have a computer and it is connected to the internet, then it would be a great idea to install some protection software, that can help you keep it protected from any outside invaders, because there are people that might be interested to see what you have on your computer. These people would stop at nothing to gain access to your computer and they will send malicious programs to test your security to see how much work they have to do and if it’s worth the trouble. If you have a great defensive matrix based on multiple detection tools that work all at the same time, then the programs that will try to corrupt you will have nothing to do buy to go away and bother someone else.

Quick Note: Taking the Nonsense out of looking for the right spyware remover

If you really want to take the work out of looking for that right Spyware Protection from a Spybot go to the Internet and get a Free Spybot or a Free Spybot Search and Destroy

Download, In order to prevent your vital information from being ripped from your computer get your Spybot Remover Today.

This technique of installing multiple detection tools should be used by more people because it actually provides results in the fight against malware and other malicious programs that want to infiltrate your computer so that they can get access to your personal information and corrupt you files system. This technique is the best idea I’ve heard yet and I strongly recommend it because I have seen on first hand how this process works.