JkDefrag is good

After running CCleaner and clearing what I could from my C:, was still left with only 500MB of space there...

Then after running JkDefrag, the free space consolidated...and registered as 5GB =D

Windows Vista's defrag probably isn't working as it should...

You can get JkDefrag from here:

http://www.kessels.com/Jkdefrag/

PortableApps junkies can get it as a portable format:

http://portableapps.com/apps/utilities/jkdefrag_portable

WireShark 1.0.0 is out

Get it here!

[Link to PortableApps WireShark package]

Portable Wireshark

Wireshark is now available in PortableApps format!

Download links page

Enso is free

For the uninitiated, Enso has two products: Enso Launcher (similar to Launchy) and Enso Words (universal spellchecker)

I use Launchy a lot now, but have yet to compare this with Enso Launcher. Another time perhaps =P

Windows SteadyState

Windows SteadyState is a tool to help manage shared computers, where there's a need to control the state of the OS and what programs can users run/install easily. Those who have administration roles for multiple computers may want to consider using this tool. ;)

The description from the site:

Share computers, not headaches What state is your shared computer in at the end of the day? Hard disk filled with downloaded files? Strange options configured? Programs installed that you don't want? System infected with viruses and spyware? Computer bogged down for unknown reasons? Windows SteadyState, successor to the Shared Computer Toolkit, is designed to make life easier for people who set up and maintain shared computers. An easy way to manage multiple users You can manage whole groups of users as single user accounts. The new Windows SteadyState console makes it easier than ever to create and modify user profiles. A locked-down platform for stable shared computing Not every computer user should have access to every software capability. Your system can be more stable and consistent when you limit user access to control panel functions, network resources, and other sensitive areas. Set it and forget it Once you have everything set up the way you want it, you can share the computer and rest easy. Any changes a user might make to the configuration or hard disk can be undone by simply restarting the machine.

Microsoft Installs New Software Without Permission

Get ready for another big hoo-ha...

On one hand, it is worrying to find out that M$ does this kind of things. But on the other hand, I'm looking forward to someone (or myself?) finding out how it is/can be done.

Microsoft Installs New Software Without Permission (Slashdot)

Microsoft downplays stealth Windows Update (Digg)

Blocking Unwanted Parasites with a Hosts File

For those who want to block sites (in Windows) by the domain names: There're HOSTS files that people generate and maintain. Use this only if you have some understanding of what's happening "behind the scenes". ;)

Microsoft ClearType Tuner

For those who use M$ Windoze, you can use the ClearType Tuner to help enable/disable and set your cleartype settings. Pretty nifty. =)

After installing the file, you can find the tuner in your control panel.

AutoPatcher

For those who need to reinstall a Windows system, or who regularly help others to "maintain" their computers, AutoPatcher is a good tool to use. =)

A short description from the site:

In short, AutoPatcher combines the advantage of both Windows Update (presentation and description of updates and automated installation), and the special administrative updates (portability and installation without the need of an Internet connection).