top 10 software for windows in 2014

In 2014 why not dump some of our same old software and try something new and better this new year. weknowwiki’s Editorial Team has come up with yet another smashing list of ten best free software for 2014, have a look ..

In this featured post we hope to make your download selection easy by providing 10 of the most useful, fresh and effective software for the year ahead.

1) Zoner Photo Studio Free 16

( Min req : Win XP / Vista / 7 / 8+ ) An excellent photo organiser, viewer and editor which makes it a great tool for every photography workflow. The best part about this software is that it keeps away the duplicates and remove the need to click copy and replace, with importing for images from camera itself.
Reading metadata, renaming multiple photos, creating 3D images, postcards, panorama and Zonerama, Facebook, Flickr and Picasa Web Albums are some of its salient features.
Alternative : Picasa

Office Suite

2) Apache OpenOffice 4

(Min req : Windows XP+, Mac OS X or Linux ) After OpenOffice.org got discontinued, this Apache OpenOffice took over where they left and the code used is same as the LibreOffice commonly found in Linux platforms.
It’s functionality is in between Microsoft Office and Google Docs, with capability to save in formats of .doc and .docx. It also has great print view facility which gives more control over printing and it makes more space on top of documents as the toolbars can be pinned in sidebars.
Alternative : LibreOffice

Media Player

3) VLC Media Player 2.1

(Min req – Win XP +, Mac OS X or Linux) One program that does it all, play any video or audio file, supporting maximum number of formats and Video Codings. It supports skins and has something extra that no other media player can have.
Alternative : GOM Media Player

System Optimiser

4) Advanced SystemCare 7

(Min req : Win XP/Vista/7/8+) A free toolbox providing Advanced system care which simplify and automate process of speeding up and cleaning your PC for smooth operations.
It also improve privacy by removing traces of your online / offline activities, defragmentation, fix registry errors, malware and other vulnerabilities.
Alternative : Wisecleaner

Security Software

5) Avast Free Antivirus 2014

(Min req : Win XP/Vista/7/8+) Today any anti-virus you choose gives you many options other than the usual protection from malware, the new version has auto updater to stay with current versions, a browser cleanup tool, do not track options.
With the new hardened security feature, Avast has made the antivirus protection more solid than ever before for the newbies, people starting to use internet will definitely feel more secured with Avast than any other antivirus software.
Alternative – AVG Free 2014

Web Browser

6) Midori

(Min req : Win XP/Vista/7/8+ or Linux ) Built on as same engine as Chrome, its a great lightweight and fast browser with great enhanced blocking scripts, cookie control and clearing history with time period settings. Midori also has an ad blocker an effective bookmark method.
Alternative : Maxthon Cloud Browser

Music Manager

7) MusicBee 2.2

(min req : win xp /7/8+) To manage your songs and play them on your computer this alternative to iTunes is a great tool that is also a lightweight as compared to iTunes. Features like importing of songs automatically by watching folders, streaming from radio and music blogs, playlists, rip / burn CDs, display lyrics etc. Right now it doesn’t support Apple devices which can be a real plus point if it does in future.

Desktop Tool

8 ) MetroSidebar

(min req : windows vista/7/8+) A very powerful software that provides the design of Windows 8, including the time, weather and remaining battery status. More features like program launchers, auto-hide, on top, separate panels etc.
Alternative : Thoosje Windows Sidebar 8

PC Rescue Kit

9) Emsisoft Emergency Kit Free

(min req : win xp/7/8+) – This kit acts as an second line of defence, if you have an antivirus which never does a complete job for you, then this free software will make your PC much security proof. Features likes anti-malware scanner, no installation required, you can easily carry it on USB device.
Alternative : Anvi Rescue Disk

Ebook Software

10) Calibre 1.1

(min req: win xp/vista/7/8+, OS X or Linux) – An absolute gem of an ebook manager, it has almost everything you could imagine like it supports all major book formats, syncs books between devices, converts ebook types, tagging, cover art, divide libraries into smaller sections and much more

how to change windows login screen

Be it screensavers, desktop wallpapers or font type and sizes, visual customization at the OS level is usually important to all kinds of users. Recognizing this, Microsoft has made it easier than ever to apply and adjust individual themes with Windows 7. We looked at this last week showing you how to find hidden themes buried in your hard drive as well as sponsored ones available through Microsoft's online Personalization Gallery.
This time around, we are going to show you how to customize the Windows 7 login screen. There are various methods to accomplish this, with and without third-party software. I understand many people might not want to rely on a third-party application, while others would appreciate a quicker, safer route. First up is the more hands-on approach, and then the utility.

Hands-on approach

This method will require you to modify the registry, and if that puts a knot in your stomach, you should move on to the next section.
Step 1: Open the Windows Start menu and enter regedit into the search bar.
Step 2: Right click on HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and select Find.
Step 3: Search for OEMBackground, which should be in ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionAuthenticationLogonUIBackground. If the key does not exist, add a new DWORD value with the name OEMBackground.
Step 4: Double click on the entry OEMBackground, and change the value from 0 to 1.

Step 5: Open Windows Explorer and go to the following path: %windir%system32oobe.
Step 6: Create a new folder named info, and open it.
Step 7: Create a new folder within info named backgrounds.
Step 8: Rename your desired wallpaper as backgroundDefault.jpg and place it inside the folder backgrounds (images must be less than 245KB in size).

That should do the trick, now just lock your PC, log off or reboot and enjoy.

Third-party software

If you are uncomfortable with manually tinkering with the registry -- or simply have better things to be doing with your time -- we understand. Various third-party applications can change Windows 7's default logon wallpaper, but our personal favorite is Tweak.com's Logon Changer.
The software is ridiculously easy to use, doesn't require installation, and it even has built-in tools to automatically resize and recompress your images while leaving the original file untouched. The Logon Changer also lets you quickly change your logon wallpaper back to the Windows 7 default.

Start by downloading the app here, and then unzip the executable. Run the program and it should present you with a preview of your logon screen along with a few self-explanatory options: "Change Logon Screen" lets you browse to a new image, "Test" will bring up your logon screen, "Revert to Default Logon Screen" reapplies Windows 7's original wallpaper.

g mail vs outlook.com whis is better

I have been using Gmail account since 2008 and almost liked it lot. But recently added my name to Outlook and hence, it impressed me more than a Gmail. But its not true that I am totally switched to new Outlook mailing service. I am still in beta phase of switching it. Outlook had impressed me a lot, and also confused me, confused because now I am having tough Question in my mind to whether have Gmail or Outlook.

This are the features of Outlook Vs Gmail:

#1 Security and Sign in

Outlook offers “Sign in with a single-use code” which allows network to send a one time password to sign in any of your Microsoft account, using this you may login to “Hotmail”, “Outlook” and even your “Windows live” account. This is better option for those who uses the account in public places, internet cafe, other than home personal computers.
In case of Gmail, it has the “2 step verification” process which adds same security to avoid hacking where after you Sign in through your password, a second layer of  a security code text is received on your mobile. This code must be verified to access your account.

#2 Create a rich text HTML Email

Both Gmail and Outlook allows you to create the HTML rich email including images, text, GIF images which ranks them almost same in this category.

#3 Storage and Space

Gmail allows you to store about 10GB of free space in your email, and to increase this limit you have to spend some buck to buy more space.
In-case of Outlook, It provides you the Unlimited GB of storage. It has the function that when there is increase in requirement of space, it automatically increases this free space capacity making it unlimited storage for email.
This adds plus point for the Outlook.

#4 Social Integration

Gmail does not support with the social integration, one bad thing about Gmail is that it is not even integrated by it own Google + Social networking site. Its allow chat only through Google Talk friends.
Other side, Outlook has all the main social networking integration includes Facebook, Twitters, its very own Windows Live, Yahoo, LinkedIn and many more. Outlook has integrated messenger in right side bar, which allows to chat with your friends on Facebook, Windows live, Google talk, Yahoo messenger all at one portal.
This again add plus point to Outlook.

#5 Import Contacts Automatically

Gmail can import the contacts form your old account, or any other email ID which you have like Yahoo, Windows Live, which is limite only up to mail service provider.
But, Outlooks allows you to import the Email ID through all those mention above web email service provider including social site making it simpler to add new contacts automatically. Also when you add anyone as friend on Facebook, the email ID of that particular person is retrieved and added into your contacts automatically.

#6 Sending large file is easier

Gmail has limit on file sending capacity. It can upload and send file upto 25MB. If limited exceed it cannot be uploaded to send. For that you have to upload those files in Google Drive or Google Doc to send such large files.
Outlook has a better feature for sending large file. When you upload a file and if it exceed the limit then, outlook automatically send that file to upload in Skydrive and a link is added to the email attachment making ti simpler and easier to send large file.
Adds the plus in Outlook.

#7 Recovery of deleted Mails

Deleting messages in Gmail cause it to move into “Trash” box and this trash box automatically delete after 90 days. Once it had deleted that trash box Email than it cannot be recovered.
While in Outlook, Mails are sent to “Deleted” box and even if you deleted those mails form “Deleted” box it has option to recover all those mails.
Adds the plus to Outlook.

#8 Import all your mail in one Inbox

Outlook have exciting feature of importing in one Outlook mail. This is done by POP mail server. This is exactly same feature of Microsoft Outlook Software to manage large Email addresses.
In case of Gmail, it does not have any kind of POP mail server to import other mails. But, it can forward incoming emails to any email address specified.

# Conlusion:

From above we can say that, Outlook has bought up with all new exciting features that Gmail doesn’t have, that make them drive more users but still Google is Google and we don’t know what will be Google’s next step.
Both are good at there own places.

Microsoft Outlook.com better than facebook sign up now

Now Microsoft is also added its services in mailing under the domain name “www.outlook.com” inspired by the famous offline mail handling software application “Microsoft Outlook”. It is not the first time that Microsoft has introduced mailing service, previously it had “www.live.com” made for windows live messenger. Due to introduction of Gmail by Google Inc, live.com market was blown off. But now after introduction of outlook.com, it seems to increase in demand of outlook mailing service.

Read: Outlook Vs Gmail !! Which is better option for Web Mail Services ?

Now create a new mail address under outlook.com

Step #1: Sign Up Now

Getting your new mail account at outlook.com is very simple and absolutely free of cost. Copy and paste http://www.outlook.com into URL of your web browser. Or simple click on this link.

If you have Windows Live account then, NO need to sign up for new account on outlook. Windows Live is already added on outlook.com and it is accessible to you

Look at the preview of the login page. At the bottom of this page you may see the “Sign Up Now” link

Once you click on this link, it will redirect you to another page to fill up the form and submit.

Step #2 Fill up the form

Fill up the form completely with your name and full details. Date of Birth, Gender, Enter the desire mail address you needed.

Always create your password strong and unique. Enter your Phone number correctly because, you may use it for the sign in sometime when you are logged in using public computer for security purpose.

Read: How to create a strong  and secure  password

Step #3: Submit and get an example@outlook.com

Complete the form, submit it and get a brand new mail address at outlook.com, the outlook is property of Microsoft Corp. you can use this Mail ID in future to access any kind of  Microsoft features including the Windows live Messenger which has been installed in new windows 8 operating system

new keyboard and mouse from windows microsoft

Microsoft Corp. has introduced hardware that helps people interact better and more easily with Windows. Today, Microsoft Hardware continues the tradition with the introduction of new products that work beautifully with Windows 8. They have introduced new wedge and touch types mouse and keyboard that are fully compatible with Windows 8 OS.

Wedge Touch Mouse

Microsoft Wedge Touch Mouse packs full functionality into an ultracompact frame that’s great for a mobile lifestyle. Small enough to fit in your pocket, the Wedge Touch Mouse is designed to complement your Windows experience in all its forms, providing four-way touch scrolling and navigation at your fingertips.

• Its artful and minimalist design also comes free of cables or USB transceivers — you simply turn it on and connect it to your Bluetooth-enabled laptop or tablet for a clutter-free experience.
•  It features BlueTrack Technology so you can use it on virtually any surface, whether you’re in a conference room, a coffee shop or at home on your couch.*
• It includes Backpack Mode to power down and sleep along with the computer it’s paired to, extending battery life.
• Pricing: estimated retail price of US$69.95.

Wedge Mobile Keyboard

The new ultraslim Microsoft Wedge Mobile Keyboard brings full-size keyboard comfort, efficiency and speed to a tablet. Designed specifically for tablet users, Wedge Mobile Keyboard includes some of the most commonly used features, such as Windows Hot Keys and built-in media keys.

• The lightweight design makes it easy to carry, and its full-sized keyset provides a comfortable experience that makes typing a breeze.
• Its durable cover not only helps protect your keyboard from scratches but also quickly converts into a tablet stand. When you’re done using it, simply snap the cover back on the keyboard to power it down before you stash it in your bag.
• Bluetooth technology lets you wirelessly connect to your tablet without a cable or transceiver.
• Pricing: estimated retail price of US$79.95.

Sculpt Touch Mouse

Designed to provide comfort matched with portability, the Microsoft Sculpt Touch Mouse is a great solution for smooth and easy navigation with a Windows 8-based PC.

• With a four-way touch scroll strip, you can breeze up and down, left and right, and through applications and documents with a simple finger swipe, making it great for navigating the Windows 8 Start screen.
• Sculpt Touch Mouse uses Bluetooth technology, so you can wirelessly connect to your tablet without a cable or transceiver.
• Pricing: estimated retail price of US$49.95.

Sculpt Mobile Keyboard

The Microsoft Sculpt Mobile Keyboard provides an ideal balance of mobility, comfort and productivity. A full-size keyboard with Microsoft’s Comfort Curve design and Bluetooth connectivity, the Sculpt Mobile Keyboard is built to be the ideal travel companion.

• At just more than one pound, the keyboard is perfect for on-the-go computing with high-quality construction built for travel.
• Its Comfort Curve design helps position the hands and wrists in a natural and comfortable resting position.
• Battery-saving technology powers the keyboard down into sleep mode after a period of inactivity. The keyboard wakes up and reconnects with the simple tap of a key.
• Pricing: estimated retail price of US$49.95.

Touch Mouse — Updated Gesture Settings for Windows 8

As promised, the Microsoft Touch Mouse will obtain updated functionality specifically designed for Windows 8 with new gesture settings to easily navigate the new UI.

• One-finger swipes allow customers to move naturally and intuitively side to side or up and down, shifting content on screen.
• Two-finger movements manage apps, switch through open apps and show app commands.
• Three fingers allow customers to zoom in and out.
•  Thumb gestures navigate backward and forward within apps.
• Pricing: estimated retail price of US$79.95.
  

Beginning with the introduction of the Microsoft Mouse, the Microsoft Hardware Group has designed its hardware to specifically light up features in Windows. Optimized for Windows 8, Microsoft’s new lineup of mice and keyboards are loaded with features including Bluetooth connectivity, BlueTrack Technology for tracking on virtually any surface,* and specific functionality that gives customers a fast and fluid way to navigate in their world with Windows 8. The hardware is designed by Microsoft and optimized for Windows, desktop, laptop and tablet so users can have the best computing experience for any lifestyle.

“Our new mice and keyboards really light up Windows, providing fast and fluid navigation, increased productivity, and enhanced mobility packaged in sleek, stylish designs,” said Brett Kelleran, general manager, Microsoft Hardware. “Microsoft Hardware is designed by Microsoft, optimized for Windows.”

From desktop and notebook to ultrabook and tablet PCs, Microsoft’s newest accessories are the perfect companion for Windows.

Product Availability

All products will be available soon at the online Microsoft Store and through other retailers.

Nokia Lumia 920 price and features

Nokia has recently last year introduce new series called Lumia, It has Lumia 610, Lumia 710, Lumia 800, Lumia 900 and still more to come in this category. All Lumia series launched still now were having “Windows phone 7.5″ OS. But, recently the Nokia has announced new Lumia Phone having Windows Phone 8 OS for the Nokia Lumia 920. With this phone the “Windows Phone 8″ OS made by Microsoft will be launched in the market.

# Price of Nokia Lumia 920 Windows phone 8:

Nokia Lumia 920 is been released in market in November, 2012. Actual price and date of release is not yet announced, but expecting it in November this year.
Price: 31,999 INR (in July 2013)

Release Date:  November, 2012

# preview of Nokia Lumia 920 powerd by Windows phone 8:

• 8.7 megapixels - Camera sensor (main camera resolution)
• Nokia PureView - Camera
• 4.5” -  Display size
• 10 h - Maximum 3G talk time
• 400 h - Maximum 3G standby time
• 67 h - Maximum music playback time
• 6 h - Maximum video playback time

Available in five different colors made with shining and beautiful aesthetic design.

# Features and Specification:

Design
As per design is concern, it is very slick and impressive with dimension 130 mm in height and 70.8mm wide. Light in weight around 200gm, occupying 99 cubic mm of space volume. Available in five different colors YELLOW, GREY, BLACK, WHITE, RED.
Wide screen display about 4.5 inch supporting 1280 x 768 screen pixels with 16.7 million colors and pure motion HD,  fully touch screen and soft buttons.

Network, Internet and Connectivity

Bluetooth, WiFi, 2G, 3G(HSPA) and 4G(FD-LTE) connectivity. Including WiFi WLAN hotspot, can be connected upto 5 device to mobile simultaneously.
Memory and Storage
Internal Memory 1000 MB, Mass memory 32 GB and 7 GB in SkyDrive (Microsoft Outlook).
Battery and Life
Battery model used in this phone is BP-4GW with capacity of 2000 mAh, voltage of 3.7 v. This battery support the life of:

• Maximum 2G standby time - 400 h
• Maximum 2G talk time - 17 h
• Maximum 3G standby time - 400 h
• Maximum 3G talk time - 10 h
• Maximum music playback time - 67 h
• Maximum video playback time - 6 h
• Maximum video recording time - 3 h

Camera
Camera of Nokia Lumia 920 is very standard and made up of Carl Zeiss Tessar lens with digital 4x zoom capacity and focal length 26.00 mm integrated flash.

• Main camera - 8.7 megapixels captures 3264 x 2448 pixels of image.
• Secondary camera - 1280 x 960 pixels of images.
• Video mode - captures 1920 x 1080 pixels by main camera and 1280 x 720 pixels by secondary camera.

how to add secured wifi in windows laptops

This tutorial provide on how to setup WiFi network on your Windows OS laptop. I use Windows 7 OS so my tutorial will be based on it. Setup is similar in other Operating System too like Windows XP, 7 and latest Window 8 OS.
Step for Setting up network working on Window 7 OS:

Step #1: Network and Internet

Under Control Panel, click on “Network and Internet”. In Network and Internet window you will have one option View Network status and task. You will be in “Network and Sharing” window.

Step #2: Network and Sharing

In Network and Sharing window, look for Set up a new connection or network option and click on it, this will open a new seperate window.

Step #3: Setup a new connection or network

In that Set Up a connection or network pop up window, scroll to the bottom and select the option Set up a wireless ad hoc network.

Step #4: Network Name and Passkey

This will show a Ad Hoc network connection set up, where can setup which kind of network you are needed? You can select security type as WEP, Open connection, WPA2-Persosnal.
There is no security for open connection, any one can connect to your laptop and access your shared files. So it is recommend to use secured connection set up.

Step #5: Connect and Wait for other users to connect

Once the set up is completed then you have to connect to the network and allow other users to connect and share your files to them easily.
Note: Any other WiFi connection will be disconnected automatically, you can be connected to only one connection at one time

essential softwares to run your pc soft and fast

This is list of online software available online for free to download and also very essential for your computer system for Windows Operating System
Most of people want to use software which are free available to download and use without licence key. These kind of software are called Open Source.

Free Open Source Software List for Windows OS

#1 Video and Audio Players

1. VLC Player
2. KM Player
3. Jet Audio

#2 Anti Virus and Security

1. Microsoft Security
2. Bitdefender
3. AVG Antivirus
4. Avast

#3 Web Browsers

1. Google Chorme
2. Mozilla Firefox
3. Safari
4. Opera Browser

#4 Photo Viewer and Editor

1. Picasa
2. GIMP
3. Photoscape
4. paint.NET

#5 Performance and Maintenance Software

1. CCleaner
2. Advance System Care
3. Eraser

#6 Document Viewers

1. Notepad ++
2. Sublime Text
3. OpenOffice
4. Adobe Reader

If you have more information on Free essential open source software, kindly comment below.