What's Up With eMule These Days? Is The File Sharing Network Slowly Becoming Obsolete?
Believe it or not, eMule is still alive and kicking. These days, file sharing is all about BitTorrent and file-hosting websites like RapidShare and the ill-fated MegaUpload. Many of the older file-sharing applications have long-passed - LimeWire, Kazzaa, AudioGalaxy, Napster – they’re no more. But eMule is still with us. It’s a peer-to-peer file-sharing application that uses eDonkey servers and its own decentralized Kad network.
How To Block Any Site Or Browser From Saving Recent Sites You Visited
Your web browser stores a list of your recently visited websites. Clearing this list is easy, but you’ll want to block your browser from saving history in the first place if you find yourself clearing it all the time. The privacy problems don’t stop there - out-of-date web browsers allow websites to snoop on your history. And if you’ve got a Google account, Google may know more about your browsing history than you think.
How to Create a Hidden Service Tor Site to Set Up an Anonymous Website or Server
Tor is an anonymous, secure network that allows anyone to access websites with anonymity. People normally use Tor to access normal websites, but they don’t have to. If you want to set up your own anonymous website, you can create a hidden service Tor site. Your hidden service website runs entirely within Tor, so no one will know who created and runs the website. Only people using Tor can access it, though.
4 Ways Google Failed to Change the World
“We celebrate our failures,” Google’s Eric Schmidt once said. Google’s had some amazing successes that have changed the world, but some of their attempts to do so have failed. With their famous “don’t be evil” mantra, they've sometimes been overly naive and optimistic. Here’s a list of some of Google’s big attempts to change the world that just didn’t pan out.
Make Free Phone Calls Over Wi-Fi/Data Using Talkatone [Android & iOS]
In the future, your phone will only need a data connection. Paying for voice minutes and text messages will be an outdated concept and you’ll be able to communicate entirely over Wi-Fi. Google already offers free calls from your web browser, but they don’t offer this feature on smartphones to avoid upsetting the carriers. Talkatone does what Google won’t and offers free calls and texts over Wi-Fi.
8 Ways to Help Open-Source Projects If You're Not a Coder
We’ve covered why it’s important to contribute to open-source projects, but what if you’re not a coder? You don't have to learn how to program to help your favorite open-source projects. Many non-programmers volunteer some of their time to help their favorite open source projects - and you can join them. If you have some free time - or money - you can give back to your favorite open-source projects and help them grow.
AkelPad vs Notepad Plus - Can It Even Compete As A Notepad Alternative?
There are lots of Notepad replacements out there, and it seems like everyone has their own favorite. Notepad++ is one of the most popular, but AkelPad is a more minimal option. AkelPad is a fast, simple replacement for Notepad - it's an improved Notepad with much more flexibility. AkelPad feels very similar to Notepad after you install it, but it can start to feel like Notepad++ if you enable enough plugins.
6 Ways Microsoft Is Killing The Traditional Desktop In Windows 8 [Opinion]
The traditional desktop is still around in Windows 8, and it’s probably the best Windows desktop yet (aside from not having a Start menu.) But Microsoft is setting it up for the kill. The writing is on the wall here -- touch and Metro are the future. The traditional desktop is a relic on its way out.
Please Whitelist MakeUseOf In Adblock: A Plea From a Former Adblock Filter Developer
It’s no secret that we’re not huge fans of Adblock here at MakeUseOf. But we know that some of you won’t let go of Adblock until it’s pried out of your cold, dead hands. If you must use Adblock, you can still support MakeUseOf and other websites you love by whitelisting us. It's time for a truce between Adblock users and respectful advertisers.
The Microsoft Malware Removal Tool - How Well Does It Work?
If you keep an eye on the updates Windows installs, you may notice the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool appearing every month. It removes some malware programs, but only a few -- it doesn't replace the need for an antivirus.
Windows 7 Firewall: How It Compares Against Other Firewalls
Windows 7 contains an unobtrusive, easy-to-use firewall that protects your computer from inbound traffic. If you're looking for more advanced options, such as the ability to control outbound traffic or view the applications using your Internet connection, you'll want a third-party firewall instead.
10 Really Cool Games From The Google Chrome Store [MUO Gaming]
The Chrome Web Store contains thousands of games - we've dug through them for you and unearthed some gems. Whether you're looking for casual fun, Zen puzzles, rich 3D graphics, arcade-style multiplayer action or interesting art, we've got a cool game for you. Some games are full applications that use Google's Native Client to deliver rich 3D graphics or HTML 5 for offline support.
Sick Of The Old Command Prompt in Windows 7? Upgrade To Console
Microsoft overhauled and updated much of Windows with Windows 7, but the Command Prompt hasn't been updated since the last century. It's not just ancient-looking; it lacks many of the features command-line users have come to expect on Macs, Linux and any operating system that isn't Windows. If you’re looking for an improved Command Prompt for Windows 7, look no further.
Dashlane - A Slick New Password Manager, Form Filler & Online Shopping Assistant
If you've tried a few password managers before, you've probably learned to expect some roughness around the edges. They're solid, useful applications, but their interfaces can be overly complex and inconvenient. Dashlane doesn’t just reduce the friction entailed with entering passwords, personal data and payment information on the Web; it also reduces the friction that’s accompanied password managers themselves.
Tame Password Chaos With SafeWallet [Giveaway]
Passwords -- who doesn’t have more of them than they can remember? A password manager can help you get your password situation under control, and SafeWallet is one of the best. This week, we're giving away 25 copies of SafeWallet in your preferred desktop client (Windows/Mac) and mobile client (iPhone/Android) worth almost $500 in total!
Encrypt Your Dropbox Files With BoxCryptor
Dropbox is a great service, but its security track record is nothing to be proud of. We’ve previously written about encrypted alternatives to Dropbox, but let’s be honest -- Dropbox stands out among cloud storage services for its zen simplicity. Much as we’d like encryption, it’s hard to give up Dropbox. BoxCryptor is an encryption solution for anyone who wants encryption but just can’t let Dropbox go.
The 5 Coolest Websites To Go On A Virtual Adventure
It's a big world out there, full of natural wonders, incredible monuments and fascinating culture. Much as we'd like to be out exploring it every day, very few of us can. It's a good thing we have the Internet. Do you want to explore the world's most famous locations, take a virtual safari, visit the zoo, tour a famous museum or travel almost anywhere? You can do it right from your web browser.
Use A Password Management Strategy To Simplify Your Life
Much of the advice around passwords has been near-impossible to follow: use a strong password containing numbers, letters and special characters; change it regularly; come up with a completely unique password for each account etc. It’s no wonder so many people have thrown up their hands and given up on password security. Here, we’ll show you some simple ways to get your passwords in order and save brain power.
5 Tips On Keeping Sensitive Information Out Of Your Chat Logs & Emails
So you’re talking to someone online and you need to share a password or another sensitive piece of information - what do you do? Send it in an email or instant message? Your sensitive information will sit around in email archives and chat logs forever. You'll need one of those tricks up your sleeve. There are many ways to share a piece of information without it appearing in your chat logs and emails.
How to Download & Back Up Your Gmail & Other Google Data
We’re storing more and more data in the cloud these days. Email, contacts, documents, photos, calendar entries - you name it, it’s on Google’s servers. But what happens when the services we rely on go down? When the US government seized Megaupload, many users lost data they were storing on Megaupload’s servers.