Hak5

Hosted by Darren Kitchen and Shannon Morse. New episodes Tuesdays.

Put together by a band of IT ninjas, security professionals and hardcore gamers, Hak5 isn't your typical tech show. We take on hacking in the old-school sense, covering everything from network security, open source and forensics, to DIY modding and the homebrew scene. Then we wrap it all up with a... Read More

Our Favorite Free Tools to Unsuckify Windows

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011 – running time 26:48

This time on the show, Windows. You love it. You hate it. Maybe you're stuck with it. Today, we'll unsuckify it. Oh, and Kerby has a nifty DOS script for ya. ;)

This time on the show, Windows. You love it. You hate it. Maybe you're stuck with it. Today, we'll unsuckify it. Oh, and Kerby has a nifty DOS script for ya. ;)

Window Management That Doesn't Suck

You don't often hear me ranting and raving about a Windows app, but today, I'm in love. And that's because one of my biggest complains for all GUIs has been solved: Window Management.

Maybe it's because I'm oldschool and prefer keyboards to mice, but moving and resizing windows all day long harshes on my vibe hardcore.

Microsoft made an effort 7 to unsuckify window management with Windows 7 and, in my opinion, failed.

Holding Windows Key and pressing the Left or Right arrow keys will snap the active window to the left half or right half of the screen. This is completely useless. In this segment I explain why as well as demo the perfect window manager -- GridMove.

GridMove, which is sadly only for Windows, will allow you to quickly and easily snap windows to a grid on your deaktop. These grids are user defined with a simple script file. There are multiple options for snapping windows into these predefined grids, including draging the title bar with left or middle click or my personal favorite -- customized hotkeys.

What are your thoughts? Do you know of a similar utility for Linux? No, not screen.

00:30 | Play

Desktops That Don't Suck

I've always liked programs that give me simplicity and added value to my netbook, making my daily work and play much easier. One of these such programs is a tool called Rainmeter. It's an application that lets you place 'skins' on you desktop that can measure and display tons of information. Some things you can tinker with and enjoy are: System information, launchers and docks, music players, RSS feeds and a gmail inbox, weather apps, and others.

The skins are fully customizable and are merely .ini text files that you can change or alter to meet your specs. Rainmeter is open source and was made by geeks, for geeks. It runs on all versions of Windows including 64 bit and also has a portable version available for download.

My favorite part about Rainmeter is the ability to customize the skins. If you don't read Lifehacker, you don't have to keep that in the RSS feed illustro app. You can choose to edit it or delete it. I went into 'Edit Skin', browsed down to where the link to Lifehacker was, and changed it to the Hak5 feed at hak5.org/feed. Now, I'll immediately see every time we have a new episode come out. I also was able to change the clock.ini skin, so the date and time is formatted to my specifications, and I messed around with the color a little bit.

Once you get the feel of the .ini files and how to edit them, you can start creating your own.

Now, I haven't started creating my own personal skin, I've just customized some available themes. Have you tried it? Interested in seeing a skin that doesn't exist yet? Email me at feedback@hak5.org to check it out!"

10:40 | Play
p>If you're into Hak5 you'll love our new show by hosts Darren Kitchen and Shannon Morse. Check out HakTip!

Whether you're a beginner or a pro, HakTip is essential viewing for current and aspiring hackers, computer enthusiasts, and IT professionals. With a how-to approach to all things Information Technology, HakTip breaks down the core concepts, tools, and techniques of Linux, Wireless Networks, Systems Administration, and more.

And let's not forget to mention that you can follow us on Twitter and Facebook, Subscribe to the show and get all your Hak5 goodies, including the infamous WiFi Pineapple over at HakShop.com. If you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to contact us at feedback@hak5.org.


GoToAssist Express

Being in IT and not using the right tools to get the best results for your clients - Is like a surgeon not using the best, most reliable medical equipment...How can you expect your clients to work with you? That's why I use GoToAssist Express by Citrix - the BEST remote support tool available. GoToAssist Express is designed with speed and usability in mind which makes it easy to get in, diagnose and resolve the problem - fast! And with Unlimited Use - you can support all you want for one flat fee! Hak5 viewers can try GoToAssist Express FREE for 30 Days. For this special offer visit GoToAssist.com/Hak5.


Domain.com

If you want to build a video site or if your website has a play button, I recommend getting a dot TV domain. A dot TV website lets you showcase your original content and create a unique site, not just another YouTube channel. Just go to domain.com and search for the perfect dot TV domain for your new idea. Then use coupon code Hak5 at checkout to save an extra 15%. If you need to host your dot TV website, don't forget about Domain.com's web hosting plans. They're less than six bucks a month and have everything you need to build, maintain, and promote your site. Remember - when you think domain names, think domain.com.


T-Mobile

T-Mobile's great selection of tablets, laptop sticks and their new Mobile Hotspot give you the freedom to stay connected with high-speed Internet on the go. Affordable high-speed Internet when and where you want, without overages. Mobile Broadband data plans start at $29.99 per month and current T-Mobile voice customers save an extra 20%! Create your own personal hotspot on the go with the T-Mobile 4G Mobile Hotspot. Get high-speed Internet on up to five Wi-Fi devices, -laptops, tablets, music players, gaming devices, and more - using a single mobile broadband connection. 4G capable with theoretical speeds of up to 21Mbps. With a mobile hotspot from T-Mobile, you can share the power of America's Largest 4G Network. T-Mobile provides mobile broadband service that allows on-the-go wireless. Just plug the Rocket 4G Laptop Stick into your laptop and get high-speed Internet on the go-with convenient access through T-Mobile's blazing-fast 4G mobile broadband network.

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About the Show

Details
Show Title:
Hak5
Description:
Hak5 isn't your typical tech show. It's hacking in the old-school sense, covering everything from network security, open source and forensics to DIY modding and the homebrew scene. Damn the warranties, it's time to Trust your Technolust.
Categories:
How-To & DIY, Technology & Gadgets
Launch Date:
Sep 7, 2008
Episodes:
Credits