The most repetitive and frustrating part of my job is having to install commonly used programs. Very often it’s antivirus programs or updates to Adobe Reader, Java, Silverlight… etc. And getting the software has never been a fun, or easy task. You have to go to the different websites for each of these programs. Find the correct download page. Then spend a good deal of time reading most of that page trying to sift through the random download links and buttons that always seem to be in a different spot each time that you go looking for them.

Once you’ve found and downloaded the setup file, then there’s the actual install. You have to click next at least 10 times for each program and make certain that you’re not installing some random toolbar or unwanted software along with the one you actually need. (This is becoming more common; which, in my opinion, should be illegal to have it default to install.)

Maybe I’m whining a bit, but when you do this as often as I do it all this becomes extremely time consuming and annoying.

That is until a friend of mine showed me the wonders of the Ninite website.

This is a basic website that allows you to choose from a list of commonly used programs and click a download button that will send you a single install file. The install file will download the latest version of the software without any add-ons or toolbars and install it with little user interaction. I’ve been using it for several months now and it makes setting up a new computer a breeze.

::Ninite.com::

Here’s a quick tip for Windows 7 enthusiasts. Thanks to my boss’s incessant whining, (hi Randy) I dug this little tip up. If you think your icons in Windows 7 are too big, or maybe you’re Mr. Magoo and want them even bigger, it’s pretty simple to resize them.

First you’ll need to have your computer sitting at your desktop. Easiest way to do this is hold down the windows key (the key between the Ctrl and Alt keys on your keyboard) while pressing D. You can also do this by holding down the windows key while pressing the down arrow twice.

Second, right click on your desktop, and choose the View option, you’ll have a choice between Small, Medium, and Large.

If you prefer to have a few more size choice: Left click once on your desktop to make sure its selected. Hold down the Ctrl key and scroll up or down using the scroll wheel on your mouse.

That’s it, simple and easy, just like everything else in Windows 7.

(Not only am I a Google shill, but I’m a Microsoft shill as well. I’m just waiting on my bucket loads of money to come in.)

Xerox is running a program called Lets Say Thanks. It allows you to select a card, fill out a form with your name and hometown and they will print it out and send it to our troops overseas. Even if you don’t agree with the war, supporting our troops and enhancing their morale is vital to their survival. Take 5 minutes out of your day and send them a card with this program.

The mission of Let’s Say Thanks is to provide a way for individuals across the country to recognize U.S. troops stationed overseas. By submitting a message through this site you have the opportunity to send a free personalized postcard greeting to deployed servicemen and women.

The postcards, depicting patriotic scenes and hometown images, were selected from a pool of entries from children across the country.

All you have to do is click on your favorite design and either select the message that best expresses your sentiment or draft a personal note. The postcards are then printed on the Xerox iGen3® Digital Production Press and mailed in care packages by military support organization Give2TheTroops®.

Xerox is committed to helping people across the nation express their gratitude to our troops overseas. The launch of this program is aimed at reminding them how much Americans appreciate their service.

via ::Let’s Say Thanks::

Thank you Troops!