Ewert Technologies Blog

Link: http://www.ewert-technologies.ca/products/pwminder/index.html

PWMinder 2.6 is the next release of the popular Desktop Password Manager PWMinder.  PWMinder 2.6 contains the following changes and updates:

New Features

• PWMinder now supports Internationalization, and has been translated into German and French
• PWMinder can now import data (from tab-delimited files)
• Some User Interface enhancements, especially for Mac OS/X
• PWMinder now remembers and restores previous window settings (window size and location)
• Quick-Search on the Repository Tree
• Code is now digitally signed

Changes

• When starting PWMinder, for the first time, the New Repository screen, is automtically displayed
• When creating a new Repository, the filename field is automatically filled, with a suggested name and location to save the file (these can be changed)
• Quick entry of previously used logins, when creating a new Record
• In HTML export, any expired passwords are displayed in Red
• Record details panel, has been slightly re-designed
• PWGenerator User Interface, has been re-designed

To see a complete feature list, and to see some screen shots, please visit the PWMinder Product Page.

Repositories created with PWMinder Desktop, are compatible with PWMinder BlackBerry, so you can have access to your passwords both at home and on the road.  PWMinder Desktop is available for Windows, Mac OS/X and Linux.

If you want an easy to use, secure way to manager your passwords and other sensitive data, give PWMinder Desktop a try.

PWMinder can be downloaded either directly from from Ewert Technologies, or from CNET:

PWMinder Desktop 2.6 will be available by the end of March.  PWMinder Desktop 2.6, is the next release of the popular cross-platform Password Manager.  PWMinder Desktop 2.6 includes the following new features and improvements:

• Localization for German and French languages
• The ability to import data (tab delimited)
• Minor UI improvements
• For Mac, closer adherence to Mac UI standards, and optional use of Quaqua Look and Feel
• Quick Search for Records in the Repository Tree
• Auto-Complete of previously used login names, when creating a new Record
• Windows installer and PWMinder Executable are now digitally signed.
• Many minor bug fixes and improvements.

PWMinder Desktop 2.6 is compatible with Repositories created with PWMinder Desktop 2.5 and PWMinder BlackBerry 1.0.

The planned release date for PWMinder Desktop 2.6 is March 31, 2011.

PWMinder Desktop works with the following Operating Systems:

• Windows XP
• Windows Vista
• Windows 7 (32 and 64 bit)
• Linux (tested with Ubuntu)
• Mac OS/X 10.5.2 Leopard
• Mac OS/X 10.6 Snow Leopard

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H4FeqXZnD0

My son David, and my technology crazy nephew, have recently collaborated on creating a 'How To' video, describing the process David uses for his Claymation.  David provided the content, while his cousin provided the video and tech support, and their results can be viewed on You Tube, check it out:

Excellent job guys!

You have just bought a new Personal Computer, but before you can get any use out of your computer, and be productive with it, you will need some sofware.  Your new computer  may have come with some bundled 'free' software;  if it did, be careful, much of the software that you thought was free, is actually only a free trial, which may expire.

In this series of articles, I will tell you how to set up a powerful, productive computer, for free!   In this first article I will discuss security software.

The first thing you need to do, after getting a new computer, is to make sure it is secure.  To secure it, you will need, at a minimum, a good firewall, good anti-virus software and anti-malware software.

A firewall, is a software program that acts as a shield or wall around your computer, sort of like a castle wall.  With the firewall, you can control which programs on your computer are allowed to access the internet, and can help block hackers on other computers from gaining access to your computer.  A good firewall provide a balance between giving good protection and bombarding you with too many prompts and warning about potential problems.

Your anti-virus software's job is to find any viruses on your computer, warn you about them and then erradicate them.  A good anti-virus software should be able to run scans of you entire computer, scans of individual files and folders, allow on access scans (scans files as you use them), and allow scanning of emails and attachments.

Anti-malware software's job is to find any malware or spyware programs that may be on your compter.  These programs are designed to find and track some of your personal information, and then send it back to its creator.  Anti-malware software should be able to find and remove these types of programs.

Hackers, virus and malware programmers are continually changing their tactics, and so it is very important that you keep your security software up to date.  Any security software you use, should prompt you when updates are ready, and/or make it very easy to update.

The following is a list some of the more popular security software that is available.  Some of them come in suites (i.e. contain combination of firewall, anti-virus and anti-malware).  They all have free versions available, and most have paid versions as well.

1. Zone Alarm (http://www.zonealarm.com) - Firewall
2. AVG Free (http://free.avg.com/) - AntiVirus
3. Avast!  (http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download) - AntiVirus
   
4. Comodo (http://www.comodo.com/products/free-products.php) - Firewall
   
5. Malware Bytes (http://www.malwarebytes.org/) - Anti-Malware

I have used all of the above, at some time in the past, and think they are all good.  Currently, on my main computer I use:

Firewall: Comodo
Anti-virus: Avast!
Anti-malware: Malware Bytes

In my next article I will discuss general productivity software.

My son David has been busy animating, and has finished the next installment in his Mario series.  He has now added sound effects!

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D377d2hxEIM

Keep up the good work David!