Grab Bag SIG – August 2009 – Recap
Grab Bag SIG Recap of the links and sites presented August 19, 2009
Topics Covered
o Water Saving Ideas
o Simple monitor turn-off
o Finding a lost product key
o Speed up your computer
o Consumer Reviews
o Brain Gain with Mental
Aerobics
Descriptions and Links
o Water Saving Ideas
Suggested by Ed Stillman
Austin water IQ site with tips and suggestions to save money and water.
Also, current water rules and regulations.
www.waterIQ.org
o Simple monitor turn-off
Suggested by John Wood
Save energy and money by shutting off your monitor when not in use.
This program allows you to use your keyboard to quickly blank the screen.
A touch of the mouse or keyboard activity turns the monitor back on.
www.nirsoft.net/utils/nircmd.html
o Finding a lost product key
In order to install or reinstall commercial software, you must have a product key (CD Key) for that version of the product. Usually the product key is a long series of numbers and letters that are printed on the installation CD envelope. If you lose the product key, you may not be able to reinstall the software. Magical Jellybean offers free software, KEYFINDER, that will display the product keys for the software installed on your computer. Also, KEYFINDER will usually find more product keys than other programs such as Belarc.
www.MagicalJellybean.com/keyfinder/
o Speed up your computer
Suggested by Les Carlton
Over time registry data becomes scattered within the registry file. When information is deleted from the registry, holes are left. Registry compacting optimizes system performance by removing gaps and wasted space,
www.registry-clean.net/free-registry-defrag.htm
o Consumer Reviews
Suggested by Rene’ Pingenot
Finding a good product is not always easy. ConsumerSearch.com helps users find which products are top-rated or best bets in their class.
www.ConsumerSearch.com
o Brain Gain with Mental Aerobics
Suggested by Marjie Wood
Mind games supposedly help you stay mentally alert and improve your memory. This site is certainly stimulating and also is fun.
www.lumosity.com
o Pillow Mints
Cell phones can be dangerous (30 sec video)
Suggested by Craig Deere
So this is Hell (3 min humor video)
Suggested by Les Carlton, available by request
