Hamachi 2.0.1.66 (Windows, Freeware, 3.2MB) [alt DL] is a VPN service that easily sets up in 10 minutes, and enables secure remote access to your business network, anywhere there's an Internet connection. Change: contains a fix for the "Loss of Hamachi IP" issue. Useful for playing network games with your buddy, using the internet. IceRocket Tags: hamachi, vpn, remote access, windows freeware

WhoCrashed 2.0 (Windows, Freeware) reveals the drivers responsible for crashing your computer. Supports x86 and x64 Windows systems. Whenever a computer running Windows suddenly reboots without displaying any notice or blue screen of death, the first thing that is often though about is a hardware failure. In reality, most crashes are caused by malfunctioning device drivers and kernel modules. In case of a kernel error, most computers running Windows do not show a blue screen unless they are configured to do so. Instead these systems suddenly reboot without any notice. WhoCrashed shows the drivers which have been crashing your computer with a single click. In most cases it can pinpoint the offending drivers which have been causing misery on your computer system in the past. It does post-mortem crashdump analysis and presents all gathered information in a comprehensible way. Normally, debugging skills and a set of debugging tools are required to do post-mortem crash dump analysis. By using this utility you do not need any debugging skills to be able to find out what drivers are causing trouble to your computer. Another app is BlueScreenView 1.15 (Windows x86 only, Freeware), which scans all your minidump files created during 'blue screen of death' crashes, and displays the information about all crashes in one table. You could use this for x86 (32-bit) systems. IceRocket Tags: whocrashed, blue screen, crash, windows freeware

Mozilla Firefox Portable Edition 3.5.5 (Windows, Open Source, 9MB) is the latest Mozilla Firefox browser released as a portable app, so you can take your browser, bookmarks, settings and extensions on the go. Change: Firefox main component has been updated to 3.5.5. This is a great app that lets you use Firefox on a Windows computer without having to actually install it. Run it on your thumbdrive, or on the local drive. IceRocket Tags: mozilla, firefox, portable, windows open source

K-Lite Mega Codec Pack 5.4.0 (Windows, Freeware, 23.1MB) [alt DL] is a collection of codecs and DirectShow filters. It contains everything you need to play all your audio and video files. Changes: Updated Media Player Classic Home Cinema to version 1.3.1330.0 Added version 1.2.1008 of MPC-HC as alternative for those who have problems with the newer versions Updated ffdshow to revision 3126 Added preferred filter tweaker for Windows 7 Updated MediaInfo Lite to version 0.7.24 Options to install secondary decoders: DivX H.264 decoder, Monogram AAC decoder, Gabest AVI splitter Secondary decoders are disabled by default and can be activated with the Codec Tweak Tool Fixed settings issue when user chose to store MPC settings in an INI file Moved Media Player Classic DXVA options to a separate page so that people notice it better The DXVA H.264 decoder is now disabled by default to prevent people with a buggy graphics driver to get playback trouble Minor changes IceRocket Tags: k-lite, codec pack, directshow, filter, windows freeware

Firefox 3.5.5 (Windows, Open Source, 7.7MB) [alt DL] is a web browser that sets the pace with dozens of new features to deliver a faster, more secure and customizable Web browsing experience for all. Also available for Linux. Change: Fixed several stability issues. IceRocket Tags: mozilla, firefox, browser, windows open source

Flock 2.5.5 (Windows, Freeware, 12.8MB) [alt DL] is a social Web browser, freeware, cross platform and based on Mozilla technologies. Also available for Linux. Changes: Based on the Firefox 3 technology, providing a faster, safer, and more stable web surfing experience. Incorporated Mozilla's 3.0.15 patch for Firefox. Incorporated the latest Adobe Flash Player version. If you want a browser that has built-in support for Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, and much more social web services, you’ll surely like to try Flock. IceRocket Tags: flock, social, browser, windows freeware

Winyl 1.7 (Windows, Freeware, 1.96MB) [alt DL] is a new music player for windows with media library support. This is full skinnable, small size and minimal use of system resources. It offers great new ways to organize and enjoy all your music. Changes: Proxy support 32 bit sound processing (improves the quality of the equalizer) Visual effects (buttons and cover fade) Advanced settings for popup window Bugs fixes and other minor changes I’m currently trying this out, and I like it! Scans your selected audio folders really fast. IceRocket Tags: winyl, music, audio, player, windows freeware

Dexpot 1.5.0 Build 1003 (Windows, Freeware, 3.8MB) [alt DL] optimizes the window management of your PC, eliminates the problem of the disorder on your desktop and has many more functions. Dexpot makes working with your system substantially faster and more comfortable. All functions use a unified graphical interface which is very easy to operate. IceRocket Tags: dexpot, window management, virtual desktop, windows freeware

Java Runtime Environment 1.6.0.17 (Windows, Freeware, 16MB) [alt DL] allows you to run applications called "applets" that are written in the Java programming language. These applets allow you to have a much richer experience online than simply interacting with static HTML pages. Changes: contains Olson time zone data version 2009m specifies the 1.6.0_17 version security baselines for use with Java Plug-in technology Added one new root certificate for SECOM Added one new root certificate for GlobalSign Various bug fixes If you already have a previous version installed, it should alert you of a software update. IceRocket Tags: java runtime environment, jre, windows freeware

Nokia recently released firmware 20.0.019 for the N97 Symbian smartphone. Changes: Improved touch screen scrolling Ovi Maps 3.1 with 3–D maps Nokia e-mail, Ovi Contacts, Ovi Store VoIP support Improved memory and battery performance Improved image and video stability You can update to the new software using your phone, or using your PC. To update via PC, you need a USB cable for your phone, and must download the Nokia Software Updater (23.3MB). Read more at the Nokia site >> Technorati Tags: nokia, n97, software, update, firmware

CCleaner 2.25.1025 (Windows, Freeware, 3.2MB) [alt DL] is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. Changes: Improved Windows 7 jump list cleaning. Improved Windows 7 thumbnail cache cleaning. Added support for Windows Server 2008 R2. Improved 64-bit support and performance. Fixed issue with Windows 7 task scheduler. Fixed issue with Startup tool, displaying incorrect folder contents. Added support for AVG Antivirus 9.0. Added support for ExcludeKey in INI files. Improved support for wildcards and RECURSE/REMOVESELF. Fixed minor GUI bugs in non-English versions. Fixed minor GUI usability issues. Improved input validation. Lots of minor bugs fixed. IceRocket Tags: ccleaner, optimize, registry, windows freeware

K-Lite Mega Codec Pack 5.30 (Windows, Freeware, 22.5MB) [alt DL] is a collection of DirectShow filters, VFW/ACM codecs, and tools. Codecs and DirectShow filters are needed for encoding and decoding audio and video formats. Changes: Updated Media Player Classic Home Cinema to version 1.3.1311.0 Updated Cyberlink MPEG-2 decoder to version 8.4.0.923 Updated MediaInfo Lite to version 0.7.23 Updated Codec Tweak Tool to version 4.0.0 Added file association options for: The KMPlayer Moved speaker configuration to a separate page in the installer Moved thumbnail options to a separate page in the installer For 64-bit systems the thumbnail options have been moved to the 64-bit K-Lite Codec Pack Added option to use the DC-Bass Source filter for decoding .m4a files Minor changes and fixes IceRocket Tags: k-lite, klite, codec pack, directshow, windows freeware

Firefox 3.5.4 (Windows, Open Source, 7.7MB) [alt DL] is a web browser that sets the pace with dozens of new features to deliver a faster, more secure and customizable Web browsing experience for all. Also available for Linux. Changes: Several security issues. Fixed several stability issues. Added the ability to re-submit crash reports After using Clear Recent History some SSL sites would not load all images and styles without pressing reload IceRocket Tags: mozilla, firefox, windows open source

Pidgin Portable 2.6.3 (Windows, Open Source, 14MB) is a versatile instant messaging client packaged as a portable app, so you can take your IM settings and buddy lists with you. It has all the same great features as Pidgin, including support for AOL, Yahoo, MSN, ICQ and Jabber networks, but there's nothing to install on the local PC. Changes: Fix a crash when performing DNS queries on Unixes that use the blocking DNS lookups. Fix a crash when some clients send contacts in a format we don't understand. Fix blocking and other privacy lists. IceRocket Tags: pidgin, portable, windows open source

Choosing the right processor (CPU) proves to be a daunting task. The deciding factor is usually games, since we don’t really need a very powerful processor for surfing and creating/viewing documents. Tom’s Hardware makes the task of picking the right CPU easier with their recommendations: Top Picks: Athlon 64 X2 5200+ [Brisbane, 65nm, 2.7GHz, AM2] (US$55) Dual-Core Pentium E5300 [Wolfdale-2M, 45nm, 2.6GHz, LGA 775] ($70) Athlon II X2 250 [Regor, 45nm, 2.8GHz, AM2+] ($80) Pentium Dual-Core E6300 [Wolfdale-2M, 45nm, 2.8GHz, LGA 775] ($80) Phenom II X2 545 [Callisto, 45nm, 3GHz, AM2+] ($90) Phenom II X3 710 [Heka, 45nm, 2.6GHz, AM3] ($100) Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition [Callisto, 45nm, 3.1GHz, AM3] ($100) Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition [Heka, 45nm, 2.8GHz, AM3] ($120) Core 2 Duo E7500 [Wolfdale-3M, 45nm, 2.93GHz, LGA 775] ($120) Phenom II X4 945 [Deneb, 45nm, 3GHz, AM3] ($170) Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition [Deneb, 45nm, 3.2GHz, AM3] ($190) Core 2 Quad Q9400 [Yorkfield, 45nm, 2.66Ghz, LGA 775] ($190) Core 2 Duo E8500 [Wolfdale, 45nm, 3.16GHz, LGA 775] ($190) Core 2 Quad Q9550 [Yorkfield, 45nm, 2.83GHz, LGA 775] ($220) Core i7 920 [Nehalem, 45nm, 2.66GHz, LGA 1366] ($280) Core i7 975 Extreme [Nehalem, 45nm, 3.33GHz, LGA 1366] ($1000) The budget processors picked were the Athlon 64 X2 5200+ and Dual-Core Pentium E5300, both having two cores, and a 2.7 or 2.6 GHz clock. These can be purchased for about $55 (X2 5200+) and $70 (E5300). In the other end of the scale, is the Core i7 975 Extreme, which features 3.33GHz, LGA 1366 socket, and a ridiculously high $1000 price tag. Only for the extremely rich. For the mid-priced processors, it would be a good idea to target the Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition or Core 2 Quad Q9400. These can be had for around $190. Whatever processor you choose, keep in mind that the chipset of the motherboard or mainboard would also play an essential role for determining the overall efficacy and performance of your new system. Happy choosing! [Source: Tom’s Hardware | Best Gaming CPUs For the Money: August ‘09] Technorati Tags: processor, gaming, cpu, best bang per buck

Google Chrome Portable 3.0.195.27 (Windows, Partial Open Source, 672KB) is the portable package of the minimalist design web browser from Google. Now, you can have Google Chrome in your USB drive, so you can take it anywhere you go. ;) IceRocket Tags: google chrome, portable, windows open source

Google Chrome 4.0.222.12 Beta (Windows, Open Source, 11.35MB) [alt DL] is a browser that combines a minimal design with sophisticated technology to make the web faster, safer, and easier. Changes: Extensions loaded "Load unpacked extension" (and --load-extension) will no longer change id's when they're reloaded Browser Actions (windows only at the moment) Can now set an image dynamically with an ImageData from a canvas. Can close popups using window.close. Popups now have a bubble border. some sample extensions converted to use browser actions. (gmail checker, buildbot, mappy) a number of other misc bug fixes. Extension packing now works on Linux and Mac. IceRocket Tags: google chrome, windows open source

CrimeCraft is a persistent online action game from Vogster Entertainment. Story: “It began with a disaster unlike any humanity had ever faced. The details of what exactly occurred remain unclear, but its results were rapid and widespread. In the aftermath of this global crisis, the world’s energy reserves were devastated. The magnitude of the predicament faced by humanity was amplified by a series of crippling natural disasters that occurred almost simultaneously with the energy collapse. Worse still, governments around the world drained resources like never before in reaction to these events, but the aid they offered came to little end. Instead of solving the crisis, this gargantuan consumption by the world’s governments exacerbated its effects, leaving millions homeless across the planet.” IGN gave it a 5.6 out of 10 (‘Mediocre’) rating: “There's not a lot about CrimeCraft that would encourage me to recommend it as an alternative to the wealth of cheaper alternatives in the PC catalog. Yes, it's true that most PC shooters don't have the persistent element found in CrimeCraft and, yes, even the upcoming persistent shooters like Combat Arms and Parabellum don't have MMO standards like crafting or guilds, but those additions are so irrelevant in CrimeCraft that it's hard to justify the cost of the disc, the vanity-driven micro-transactions, the in-game ads and the subscription fee. The shooter element may be fun in the short term, but it's ultimately forgettable and not nearly strong enough to make you ignore the unfulfilled potential here.” [IGN | CrimeCraft Review] Probably a good idea to look at other Shooter or Action titles, although a good idea is to try out the game and see for yourself. Technorati Tags: crimecraft, action, shooter, online, game

The Dext MB220 [a.k.a. CLIQ] is Motorola’s smartphone that has Android OS v1.5 (codenamed Cupcake). It should already be out on the store shelves this month of October 2009. Features: 2G Network: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 3G Network: HSDPA 1700 / 2100 / 900 Android OS, v1.5 (Cupcake) Qualcomm MSM7201A 528 MHz processor 5 megapixels camera, 2592 x 1944 pixels, autofocus, w/ geo-tagging 3.1-inch 320x480 TFT capacitive touch screen Accelerometer sensor Proximity sensor for auto turn-off Full QWERTY keyboard with 5-way navigation key MOTOBLUR UI with Live Widgets Memory: 1 GB storage, 256MB RAM, 512MB ROM microSD card slot, up to 32GB Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP microUSB v2.0 connectivity Dimensions: 114 x 58 x 15.6 mm Weight: 163 g CNET gave the Motorola Dext an 8 out of 10: “If you're drowning in a social-networking deluge of updates and messages, the Motorola Dext may be the answer for keeping everything under control. Throw in a full QWERTY keyboard, you've got an excellent phone that's built for staying in touch, as long as you don't actually want to make calls.” [CNET Asia | Motorola Dext] Sometimes, smartphones become too smart, that its main purpose is no longer making calls. ;) Technorati Tags: motorola, dext, cliq, smartphone

NVIDIA Forceware 191.07 WHQL Vista (Windows Vista, Freeware, 99.9MB) [alt DL] unleashes the full power and features in NVIDIA's desktop, gaming, platform, workstation, laptop, multimedia, and mobile products. Changes: Adds support for OpenGL 3.2 for GeForce 8, 9, 100, and 200-series GPUs and ION GPUs. Accelerates performance in several gaming applications. The following are examples of improvements measured with version 191.07 drivers vs. version 190.62 drivers (results will vary depending on your GPU, system configuration, and game settings): Up to 12% performance increase in ARMA 2 Up to 8% performance increase in Batman: Arkham Asylum with GPU PhysX enabled Up to 50% performance increase in Call of Juarez: Blood in Bound with SLI enabled Up to 14% performance increase in Fallout 3 (indoor scenes) with antialiasing enabled Up to 10% performance increase in Far Cry 2 (DX9 version) with antialiasing enabled Up to 34% performance increase in Prototype with antialiasing enabled Adds SLI support for Aion, Darkfall, Dawn of Magic 2: Time of Shadows, Dreamkiller, Fuel, Majesty 2: The Fantasy Kingdom Sim, Need for Speed: Shift and more. Includes numerous bug fixes, including the following key fix (additional bug fixes can be found in the release notes on the documentation tab): For graphics cards supporting multiple clock states, 3D clocks correctly return to 2D clocks after exiting a 3D application. Users without US English operating systems can select their language and download the International driver IceRocket Tags: nvidia, forceware, driver, vista, windows freeware, whql