Have you ever used Quicksilver on a Mac? Or maybe GnomeDo on a Linux system? If not, then I will explain what these programs do. They are programs that allow you to search for files/folders and even execute programs by just typing the name of that program. Type in ‘Firefox’ and it will allow you to open your website. Type in a song file name and it will allow you to play song in a media player.

Launchy is essentially the cousin of the above programs. Only this cousin runs Windows (although Launchy does have a Linux version too). Launchy runs in the background of your system and only appears (or disappears) when you press ‘alt-space’. The dialog box will open and allow you to search for the application/file/folder that you are looking for.

thanks to CNET for the above image

You may ask, why on earth would you need something like this? The simple answer is that it’s an easy, more efficient way of finding things on your computer. The Windows search function is put to shame when up against Launchy. You can launch applications, so that means your desktop space won’t need to be cluttered anymore. Even the start bar will become useless to you.

TIP: To search for something on Google just using Launchy, type in ‘Google’ then press TAB and then type what you’re searching for.

Here is the CNET video review of Launchy:

For the CNET editor and user reviews, click here.

To download Launchy click here.

For some cool tips and tricks when using Launcy, click here.

I like to use keyboard shortcuts mostly because I find that it’s faster. Since I keep my keyboard on a tray and my mouse on the desk above it, I find that if I use my keyboard to do as much as possible, I don’t have to reach up and use the mouse too much. So, here’s how to make a keyboard shortcut to open any of your favorite programs.

Step 1: Go to the start menu and navigate to your favorite program, then right click and select properties.

Step 2: In the properties menu, select the shortcut tab at the top.

Step 3: Where it says Shortcut Key you will be able to choose your own key combination. The system only allows you to choose a key combination in the form of ‘ctrl-alt-letter you choose‘. Just click in the box and then choose a letter. It should then say ctrl-alt-your letter. For example, I am making a shortcut to thunderbird in the picture below. I am using the letter T for thunderbird:

Step 4: Click apply and then OK. Now, test it.

Here’s how to get rid of that annoying pop-up bubble that tells you that you’ve installed a new program.

Step 1: Click the Start menu and right click on the blue bar with your name. Click properties.

Step 2: The windows below will open and you need to click Start Menu at the top and then click Customize.

Step 3: Once you click customize you will see the window below. Make sure that you are in the ‘Advanced tab’. Just uncheck ‘Highlight newly installed programs.’ Click OK until you’re done.

Do you use Windows XP? Do you like the look and feel of a Mac? Have you ever considered making your Windows PC look like a Mac? FlyakiteOSX is a program that helps you do this.

“The installer simply automates the process of replacing critical system files, setting registry tweaks, and installing extras such as cursors, sounds, visual styles, etc. FlyakiteOSX DOES NOT contain any spyware or ad-ware of any kind. All files needed for FlyakiteOSX are stored in the Windows directory in a folder named ‘FlyakiteOSX’ that is hidden by default. All registry values for FlyakiteOSX are written to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\FlyakiteOSX.”

The program is pretty safe, but it does make some system file tweaks so things could go wrong. Luckily, when you install the program it offers to make a system restore point so that if things were to go wrong you can easily fix it!

This is what your computer will look like after you install flyakiteosx

Click here to download — be sure to click the normal link to download it

Give flyakiteosx a try, if you like it, then keep it. If you don’t like it, you can uninstall the program and get things back to the way they were by just uninstalling it (through add/remove programs).

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If you are a Windows user and know someone who owns a Mac, you have probably heard the phrase ‘anything your computer can do, my Mac can do better’ . Obviously your friend is going to be partial to Mac since he owns one, but have you ever thought about which operating system is better for you? Everyone has different wants, needs, and uses when it comes to their operating system. Some people want an operating system that they are already accustomed to and familiar with because they are afraid to learn something new. Others want one that just works. They don’t want to worry about the blue screen of death, or viruses or any of that nonsense.

Below are some good and bad aspects of each operating system. Use these along with the links at the bottom of the post to decide what is right for you.

Windows:
Discover Windows Vista.

• Pros

1. Most popular operating system- software and hardware is geared towards computers running Windows. This means that almost all hardware will have drivers and support for Windows.
2. Games – Most games are written to run on Windows. If you are a gamer this is probably the operating system for you.

• Cons

1. Viruses/Spy-ware – numbers released in 2005 stated there were approximately 103,000 viruses that could potentially infect your computer; and you don’t want that.
2. Doesn’t run well on older hardware – I realize that as time goes on hardware will need to be upgraded. However, a good computer which currently runs Windows XP might not meet the minimum hardware requirements much less the recommended requirements to run Windows Vista.
3. Pricey – No matter which version of Windows you decide to buy, it is expensive (compared to Linux)!

Mac OS X:
Reasons to run Mac OS X.

• Pros

1. Great for media production – If you enjoy doing any kind of multimedia work (pictures, movies, podcasts, etc) this is probably the operating system for you. Not only does Mac have incredible programs like the iLife and iWork suites and Final Cut Pro, but it also has versions of Microsoft Office, and the Adobe suite designed to run on a Mac.
2. Can also run Windows – The new Mac computers have the ability to run Windows and Mac, as well as Linux. This gives you the most flexibility and the best of all three worlds. If you happen to have software that only runs in Windows, you can run Windows on your Mac.
3. Secure – While Mac OS X is not completely immune from viruses (yes there are a few), it is much more secure than Windows.
4. It just works! – If you are looking for an operating system that you don’t have to constantly fight with to get it to do what you want, keep Mac OS X in mind.

• Cons

1. Only designed for Apple hardware – Mac OS X is only designed to run on computers made by Apple, without having to do extensive hacking and breaking of copyright laws.
2. Not as many programs – Mac has less programs than Windows, including games. This is mostly because Windows is the most used OS.
3. Pricey – While each new version of Mac OS X is not that expensive, having to buy the new version every year can get expensive. Mac OS X is relatively inexpensive compared to Windows.

Linux:
Ubuntu Features

I realize there are a LOT of different distributions (flavors) of Linux, but I will focus on Ubuntu since it is one of the most popular distros. However, if you would like to see which distribution fits you best check out the following links:

Linux Distribution Chooser
What Linux distribution should you try?

• Pros

1. Open Source – This means that it is FREE and that the code is available for download. So if you are a developer, or just someone who wants to see what makes their OS tick, Linux is the way to go.
2. Secure – Linux is similar to Mac OS X in that there are a handful of viruses that can potentially inject a Linux computer, but this isn’t a drop in the bucket compared to Windows.
3. Customizable – There are an infinite number of plug-ins, programs, and widgets available for Linux. One of my favorites is Beryl which is now known as Compiz-Fusion. If you don’t believe me, just search Youtube
   for ‘beryl’ or ‘compiz-fusion.’
4. Runs on all platforms – Linux is designed to run on all kinds of computers. Both PC’s and Mac’s can run Linux. Using programs like Wine, you can run many Windows programs on Linux. There are also versions of Linux specially designed to run on old computers. For example, it is common to turn an old computer into a server (using Linux) where you store files.

• Cons

1. Can be difficult at times – Linux does require a little more knowhow than Windows or Mac. Whether or not Linux is difficult or not is dependent on which distribution you choose to install. The average computer user should have no problem using a distro like Ubuntu. Just because something is different, doesn’t mean that is it hard to use. Besides, who doesn’t want a challenge?
2. Few games – There are far fewer games that run on Linux than on Windows. However, look at the comment about Wine for running games in Linux.
3. Multiple monitor support – Using two monitors in Windows and Mac is usually pretty easy to setup. Some of the time it is more difficult in Linux. However, there are many tutorials on how to do this, and it is easy once you get the hang of it. Setting up multiple monitors is really dependent on what kind of video card you have (ie. if you have a cheap on board video card it will be harder to set up, if not impossible).

Here is a popular video that has aired on TV and is widely available on YouTube.

There isn’t an operating system that fits everyone. That being said, I would recommend doing a little research and playing around with each OS to find which works the best for you. And the best part is you don’t have to pick just one. You can always dual boot. In fact Mac can triple boot (Mac OS X, Windows, Linux). Look out for a later blog on how to dual boot the PC you already own!

Personally, I use Linux (Ubuntu) on my desktop and laptop. I have found that it is much more stable than Windows, and I like that I don’t have to worry about scanning for viruses, spy-ware, and other harmful files. It is nice to be able to enjoy using my computer. I still have Windows installed to play a few games (America’s Army, Trackmania, etc) and just in case there is something that I have to have Windows for (opening an MS Office 2008 file). Don’t just take my word for it, or anyone else’s for that matter. Do some research and find out which operating system suits you best.

Keep in mind that not all companies use Windows. In fact more and more are moving away from Windows, so familiarizing yourself with more than one operating system could only help you.

For more information, check out these links.

• What is the best operating system and why?
• A comparison of Linux and Windows
• Alternative to Microsoft Windows
• Why Linux is better