Essential software for a PC running on windows XP

First software I would ever install would be MS Office 2007. I have used few office packages, but MS Office 2007 is unparalleled. Especially I find Onenote very useful for me.

Second software would be Mozilla Firefox. Nothing much to say. Simply it is the best. With add-ons you can do virtually anything with it.

Third is a pdf reader. If possible a pdf creater as well. Adobe is the best. Foxit reader is good as well.

Then I would go for a good text editor; ie a notepad replacement. Ultra edit is the best text editor I have ever used. Column mode, enhanced search facilities and the ability to handle very large files are specialties of UE. JEdit and Crimson editor are good free alternatives for UE.

Then it is the time for a good file manager. File manager is an enhanced version of inbuilt my computer or windows exlorer. Most file managers support two frames and tabs. Two frames helps you to perform copy and paste operartions easily and tabs give you less clutter when working with many folders. FileAnt and Explorer2 are very good user friendly free file managers.

A good compression utility is essenstial as well. 7zip, winzip and Winrar are good compression utilities. I personally prefer 7zip

Test from scribefire

Found this. Let's give a try.

It is working.

Now this text is typed off line. Let's save this. Done

When
I open it back... I can find the saved note. Also I can preview my blog
in an environment similar to blogspot. That means offline preview!
Wonderful.

Ok let's try to publish this.

Yea it is working :-)

Login to Linux without password as root

This is a very interesting fact. There is a method to log in to any Linux OS as root (super user) without a password. Further it is possible to change root password as well. Here is how to do it.

1. When you get the Grub boot loader screen select the linux OS
2. Press 'e'
3. You will be directed to another screen which is similar to Grub boot menu. Locate the entry having the word 'kernal'.
4. Press 'e' again.
5. You will be directed to a screen where you can edit the line having linux os. Type a space and single there.
6. Hit enter. Now you will come back to the Grub screen. Note that Linux Os line now has single attached to it.
7. Press 'b'

Now you will be logged in as root in to a shell.

Type passwd and hit enter. Now you can give a new root password. Enjoy...