One of the easiest thing one could do to speed the computer is to defrag the hard drive. However, this has always been overlooked by many. In fact, Windows Operating Systems has a built-in defragment tool.

That is precisely the reason why I am initially skeptical of a third-party application since there is a built-in one. This is before Darryl, COO of Blog2U, kindly gave us one copy of Diskeeper 2008 (Professional Edition). And its been 3 weeks since I installed it on my notebook.

First I shall assess the differences between Diskeeper 2008 and our windows built-in disk fragmenter.

1. Auto-Defrag. Diskeeper 2008 runs in the background. Windows' is a manual program that you run it when you need it. Diskeeper 2008 uses its InvisiTasking Technology that provides automatic defragmentation to increase the system speed. This the single most important reason why anyone should get Diskeeper.
2. Defrag-Shield. Diskeeper 2008 also prevent crash-inducing fragmentation of critical system files.

Hence, I think we are looking at something really useful but again, not widely used. Perhaps my observations would give you a clearer picture.

Day 1: Installation

It was a breeze. No problems at all. And Diskeeper 2008 took up a mere 15MB on the computer. There is no icon in the system tray as well.

Day 2: I totally forgot about it

I fail to realise that I have a new application running in the background.

Day 3: The start-up time seems to be slightly faster.

Day 4: Timing

It is indeed faster. The loading of start-up programs seems to be faster by about 10 seconds.

Day 15: Generally

Everything is working well and ... fast. It is especially significant for major applications such as Microsoft Office and Photoshop.

For a casual computer user like me, I think Diskeeper 2008 have improved the efficiency and at the same time making itself invisible. Fundamentally, it is cool. How about technically? I made several screenshots of its functions.

First of all you can actually off the Auto-Fragmentation if you want to.

Then you can actually see the process in which the software is put to work.

You can also exclude files that you do not want to defrag.

Auto defrag feature can be shut off automatically when the notebook is running on battery.

Being a professional edition, Diskeeper 2008 even has analysis tools for the performance of the hard drives. Though, this is probably going to be useful for advance computer users. Also check out the other tools on the right hand side of the screenshot.

And lastly an overview of Diskeeper 2008 again.

I recommend Diskeeper 2008 for all who thinks that their computers are optimized but is still unable to fulfill their potential. For advanced geeks, its going to be useful. And for the rest, installed Diskeeper 2008 and forget that you did that while enjoying a faster computing experience!

PS: Thank you Darryl and Blog2U again for Diskeeper 2008!

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"It is more dangerous than you think." I think it sums up the current state of consumers' awareness in protecting data in their computer. It is the trend that consumer and small-medium enterprise tend to be have this mindset.

The fact is people these days takes "personal" photos or keep private dairies in their computer.

More critically, professionals and managers that keep sensitive documents and data in their notebooks. Documents such as invoices and contracts are the underlying value of the businesses and the pillar behind profits. The protection of such data are of the utmost importance.

Some may argued that protecting the documents and worksheets with password is sufficient. If you are still in opinion of that, meet him. And them. So you know; "It is REALLY more dangerous than you think."

Perhaps FAST easySafe could give you a hand. In short it is a USB key that "locks" up the specific documents that you would want to keep absolutely confidential to yourself.

Slot the key into the port of your computer and a new drive shows up. Put the specific folders and files that you want to keep to yourself into that particular drive. Then take out the key to "lock" that drive. The drive disappeared once the key is taken out.

Technically, FAST easySafe provides a 2 factor authentication. Like the key device given to us by the banks for Internet banking. Besides the physical key, a password would be needed to access the folder. With a physical key, its really unlikely anyone else, less those with extraordinary hacking skills, will be able to access whatever that is in that folder.

In short if you are searching for a straight-forward security device to provide trusty protection to for your data, the search probably end here.

PS: Its fantastic to see our local companies' products hit the market. FAST easySafe has the looks of a winner.

Fast And Safe Technology Pte Ltd (FAST)

FAST easySafe can be purchased at the following locations:

*E2000 shop at Funan #05-02.

*Tec-Drome Technology at Sim Lim Square #05-78 and #06-74.

*IMM Challenger L2-49.

Ads by BLOG2u

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Yahoo! came up with their latest attempt to grab more share in the free email market. Their plan? To come up with new domain names for users. Now we have another shot to make yourname@ymail.com or yourname@rocketmail.com a possiblility. Well, I think this is erm... innovative.

Link

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Making its second appearance on a IT show, Axioo managed to put more models of notebooks on sale. Currently, Axioo is still craving its niche out in the market. But serious competition from the field and more crucially, I see major brands like Fujitsu and Toshiba producing budget notebooks as well.

Axioo therefore, has to survived on consumers looking for a second notebook. In my opinion at least. I mean if Fujitsu has a model at sub-S$1000 why would I buy it from a relatively unknown brand when its only a few hundreds cheaper? 

Axioo TVR052C, its cheapest notebook on sale, featured a single core processor and other basic specifications. S$699 is attractive on the first look. The built-quality is great as I have seen them several times.

Nevertheless, it seems that Axioo is here to stay and are making quality notebooks (I think so.)

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So its been about 2 shows when ASUS EEE PC 701 makes its spectacular launch and 2 shows later it saw a S$200 price cut. It does not mean that the Taiwanese brand has built an unpopular device. In fact it is a huge success. This price cut is due to the fact that ASUS listens to the consumer and gave them what they want; more storage and a bigger display.

The creation of EEE PC 900 hence pushed the price of its predecessor down. Even now, as many would already know there is a long queue lining up to give EEE PC 900 a run for its money.

EEE PC 900 is retailing at S$798 with a 8.9" display and more storage (WinXP - 12GB and Linux - 20GB). And nearly all other remains the same as before. Oh, and it comes with a free Bluetooth dongle.

Moving on, again keeping an eye for interesting gadgets and trends, I saw the ASUS F8Sp! Nothing usually until I read that it has a in-built hybrid TV Tuner. Presuming it is able to tune in to our local channels (not that they are interesting), it will make a great notebook for school as ChannelNewsAsia will be readily available.

At S$2,598, it also comes with the Pearyn Processor T8300 and ATI HD3650 (1GB delicated vram). Well I guess with so many notebooks manufacturer on the show, it is important to be unique. F8Sp surely is.    

ASUS also push out a wider range of PDAs. P320 stands out for me. Reasonable price and good design.

However, with the exception of P320, I think they lack abit of atyle. For one thing, their PDAs are all really too business-like. Even business people these days prefer more exciting designs for their gadgets (on the prerequisite of good functions of course).

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In the mist of an outstanding range of products at The PC Show 2008, I saw something that really does stand out from the rest. Introducing the Creative Vado.

My first thought is "Not another entry-level" audio player?" Indeed it is not. It is something else and it is shocking. Creative Vado is actually a pocket video cam. A portable one that only produces 640 x 480 video quality. And this really sums up Creative's latest product. Unless you count the "online sharing with YouTube and Photobucket".

With 30 fps, like our most of our mobilephones, I am not sure what exactly Vado has to offer. Due to the average video quality, the display has to be reduced so that the video will not appear worse. In a unlikely situation, I think if you need to take fun/causal videos everyday, Vado will be suitable. And in my opinion, Vado is recommended for the kids to play around with instead of snatching their parents' mobilephone.

While Creative claims high quality video, I am really not sure. But the price tag sure surprise me. S$169 is probably too steep for such a entry level gadget. Price slash is on the cards and by then it would be more worthy to buy it for the kids.

When will Creative recreate the fighting spirit? 

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That time of the year is here again! Time for men to bring their wives and girlfriends to shopping! Time to take leave from work. Time to spend big money! Because the "squeeze-st" consumer IT fair has started today.

Check out the latest products and pricing here. Link (You probably have to register but its got 180+ flyers!) 

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