There are a number of sites with lists of good free software. I thought I would put together a list of software I just can't live without.

All this listed software, I use on a regular basis and when I rebuild my machine it is among the first stuff to get reloaded.

The rankings are how I view the software in regards to useability, functionality and just pure joy to use

The List

1. Mozilla Firefox
Is there any better piece of software around? Seriously, I use this program more than any other program. I wrote this blog entry using it. I use it at work. I use it at home. I have a portable version I use whenever I am at an internet cafe.

Firefox has resurrected the browser wars with a passion and lifted the bar for Microsoft. (Would MS have included tab browsing or pop-up blockers standard if Firefox hadn't done so?)

This is a must have piece of software.

2.
VLC Media Player
Most of us have messed around with a video download that just doesn't want to play. Most of the time it is due to missing or incorrect codecs. I used to install an all in one codec pack before I came across VLC Player. Now this is my video player of choice. Very powerful yet very simple to use.

Well worth the download.

3. Winamp 2.95
Yes I know what you are thinking. "Man that is an old version". I know it is. But.... Quite simply I find it to still be the best music player available.

I don't know, I've tried Winamp 5 but it seems too bloaty for my needs. Winamp 2.95 starts up in the blink of an eye ready to play your music. Also I am not into the fancy iTunes style of accessing music based on the ID3 tags. I prefer to listen to whole albums or make my own playlists.

I couldn't imagine my computer without Winamp v2.95 on it. (And it always get the Phoenix skin as well )

4. AutoGK
I used to be proud of my skills at converting DVD's using Gordian Knot. For those of you who remember or still use it, you will know it is not the easiest process in the world, as the choices and configs are very large and daunting for the multiple step conversion.

Then along came AutoGK. The "one click" conversion program based on Gordian Knot. At first it was a bit clunky and unpredictable but the latest versions are so good that I've all but abandoned Gordian Knot.

5. DVD Decrypter
To work with AutoGK/Gordian Knot you require the CSS decoded VOB files. This utility dumps the contents of a DVD to your disk and conveniently removes the CSS protection in the process.

The original developers got pressured legally so they stopped development and dropped the download links however it is available above .

Interestingly enough a number of DVD makers are now not even bothering with the CSS protection.

This article will be continued.....

I've been playing around with some photos.
In particular I have been trying to get similar shots of Abi and Annabel from exactly a year apart (the time we have been back in Perth).

This is a sort of rough first draught of what I have been trying to achieve. The photos on the left are from October 2005 and the photos on the right are from October/December 2006.

The change in the girls faces are very noticable.



I will try and get one of Bonnie done soon.

Have a great christmas

Welcome to the world

Geoff & Andrea have had a baby boy. 7lbs. Still un-named, but healthy and happy.
Andrea is doing well.


Click Image for Large Size

Update 1: Photo's are up here in the gallery.
Update 2: He is no longer un-named. He is James Cooper White

I came across this interesting piece of software the other day while random surfing for some sort of Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) screensaver.

Microsofts own version of a BSoD screensaver is well worth checking out. It simulates a crash complete with correct system information for your system and then simulates a reboot followed by subsequent BS0d's.

Classic. I actually haven't had a BSoD on my machine for a very long time so this will bring back some memories.

Grab it from here Microsoft Technet Blue Screen of Death Screensaver

I suppose it would also be a great prank for friends computers. Sneak on, install screensaver, walk away and watch the fun.