[Freetime Fix-up] How to setup a budget Media Centre
![[Freetime Fix up] How to setup a budget Media Centre](http://voato.com/wp-content/uploads/Howtosetupabudgetmediacenterinthelounge_BD51/image.png "[Freetime Fix up] How to setup a budget Media Centre")
On this guide I wanted to talk about how I’ve managed to setup a media centre at home on a shoe-string budget by re-using lots of old and aging tech. This budget media centre has been setup for years now, and has worked extremely well for music, media, music and the internet. More >
Free tools and resources for web designers and developers
In this ultimate guide of design web sites, I’ve rounded up 30 of my favourite resources I use for putting together web sites. You’ll find a whole hodge-podge of recommendations here including CSS design, cross browser testing, color palettes, browser plug-ins, and so much more. I’ve also included some my favourite web sites for inspiration, and tools for the budget developer.
4 ways to create temporary disposable email addresses
Having a temporary disposable email address is really useful to register for web sites which insist you provide a valid email address. If the site insists on sending you a password, and you don’t want to dish out your own identity, why not try one of these free great services.
Send huge files with wetransfer.com
I came across this really useful and free tool for sending huge files over the web. Many mail servers have a limit to the size of an attachment so this service helps you get around that limit. Also, if you’re near your mailbox quota then this service is a real life-saver.
Faster web browsing using a quicker DNS server
If you’re a techie user with a bit of time to spare, you can use this tool to track down a faster DNS server to improve your web browsing experience. Every computer uses a DNS service to get the exact address of the web site you’re after. The faster the DNS service, the quicker you’ll connect to a web site. Available for Windows, Mac and Linux. More >
10 silly and addictive Flash Games
In this post I round up 10 addictive and silly Flash games which will keep you hooked for hours. I know this blog is all about productivity, and some people might say these are a little counter-productive! But I couldn’t resist. They really will ensure you don’t get any work done today. Just make sure your boss doesn’t catch you. More >
Use Ping.FM to update status on all your social networks
It can be a full time job updating your status on all your social networks. There’s a great site you can use to post to all of your favourite networks with just a single post. You can post to all the sites you’d expect including Twitter, Facebook, Delicious, MySpace and many, many more. You can even post using SMS, email, WAP, Skype and GTalk. More >
BumpTop 3D desktop acquired by Google
You may not have heard of BumpTop previously, but now Google have acquired it you’re sure to hear lots more about it. With everyone jumping on the 3D band-wagon, it won’t be too long before 3D desktops become the defacto standard. With this great Windows and Mac add-on, Bumptop turns your desktop into a room were you can stick almost anything on the walls, and rotate the room using your mouse. More >
Set free your photos with PhotoJoy Free
PhotoJoy is a beautiful program to set free your photos bringing them to your desktop using a choice of striking collages and desktop gadgets. No longer will your pictures be confined to the My Pictures folder. Use them to brighten up any Windows Desktop. More >
Reduce night-time eye strain with f.lux
Relieve tired eyes and eye strain with F.lux
If you’re staying up on the laptop too late, and developing square eyes syndrome, you could try installing f.lux on you PC, Mac or Linux based system. F.lux makes the colour of your computer’s display adapt to the time of day – warm at night and like sunlight during the day. More >
Use a Media Centre Remote as a mouse and keyboard
RemoteKC is freeware and allows you to use your Windows Media Centre remote as a mouse and keyboard. Extremely useful when you want to browse the web from your sofa. RemoteKC works inside many different media centres including MCE, Team Media Portal, Meedio and so on. RemoteKC also works directly in Windows XP, Vista, Win7 and allows you to navigate the desktop, use a web browser or control a media player. More >
Find out passwords hidden by asterisks
Many Windows applications which contain usernames and passwords to accounts such as email, and web sites only show the password back to you as a series of asterisks. Once you’ve typed in the password you won’t be able to see it again. However, for the occasions where you need to see the password again, this cool little tool can help you. More >
Your comments on Voato