Bug Shooting

Bug Shooting is "a free screenshot utility that was developed for software testers who use bug tracking systems including FogBugz, Gemini, Ontime and BugTracker.NET. Screenshots can also be sent to Skype or a default E-Mail application (e.g., Outlook).

Since screenshots are frequently used to show system bugs or to reproduce the steps for a failed test, it is often very helpful to highlight, notate and/or crop areas of the screenshot. With Bug Shooting this can be done in a matter of seconds."

Free Anti-Virus Programs

In no particular order:

• AVG
• Comodo - includes firewall as well
• Avira AntiVir
• MoonSecure - open source. Uses ClamAV.
• avast!

Note that some are free for home use only.

Online Malware Scanning

Infected with Spyware / Malware? Try some of these online tools:

• Ewido (Internet Explorer Only). There is a downloadable tool as well.
  
• Trend Micro HouseCall
• Kaspersky Online Scanner
  

Fix Windows Update Problems

"Initialization Error 0x80040FF2"!!

You could try the Windows Update Troubleshooter (Internet Explorer only).

But you might want to try this firs: DjLizard's Dial-a-fix

"Dial-a-fix is an advanced utility for 32-bit versions of Microsoft Windows written by DjLizard in Borland Delphi 7 that repairs various Windows problems, such as:

• Windows Update errors and problems with Automatic Updates
• SSL, HTTPS, and Cryptography service (signing/verification) issues
• COM/ActiveX object errors and missing registry entries
• and more.

Dial-a-fix (hereafter known as "DAF") is a collection of known fixes gleaned from Microsoft Knowledgebase articles, Microsoft MVPs, and other important support forums, that will assist you in repairing problems with your system. Although this tool is ordinarily meant for power users, technicians, and administrators, it is quite safe to use even without technical guidance (although guidance is recommended). Simply choose the solutions you wish to apply via checkmarks, and click GO. There are other buttons and tools present on the main dialog as well, such as the policy scanner. All tools and checkmarks identify their purpose when you mouse over them.

DAF's primary philosophy is to fix problems by setting various things back to their original Microsoft defaults. DAF currently does not interface with or repair any third party programs (and there are no plans to do so).

DAF works on all pertinent 32-bit versions of Windows: 98, 98SE, Me, 2000, XP, and Server 2003. Dial-a-fix dynamically disables functions that are not applicable to your version of Windows. The version of Windows with the most support and functionality is currently Windows XP."

Transfer Large Files

Free file transfer services:

• www.box.net
• www.SendSpace.com
• www.SendThisFile.com
• www.YouSendIt.com

Optimize Firefox for Broadband

Did you know that Firefox is by default optimized for dial-up?!? Here's how to fix that:

1. Type into the address bar about:config
2. Filter for network.http
3. Set network.http.pipelining to true
4. Set network.http.pipelining.maxrequests to a higher number than the default of 4. Try 15.
5. Set network.http.proxy.pipelining to true
6. Create a new integer value called nglayout.initialpaintdelay and set it to 0