Monday 7 September 2015

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Best Free File Compression Software for Windows

A file compression software would allow you to compress one or more files into a smaller file to save space and to shorten the time to upload and download the files. Compression tools are very useful and very handy with its modern graphical interfaces and drag and drop capabilities. Winzip is one of the most popular compression software. However, it is not free. Hence, we created a list of free Top 5 compression utilities that you can use if paying is not an option for you.

1. 7-Zip

7-Zip is probably the leading free file compression software for Windows with its amazing ability to shrink files on the fly. It has advanced functionalities that include the capacity to produce solid and self-extracting archives as well as to modify password protection and compression level. Albeit it has a minimalistic interface, it is easy to understand and operate. 7-Zip supports 7z, ZIP, CAB, RAR, ARJ, GZIP, BZIP2, Z, TAR, CPIO, RPM, and DEB. For a free software, the performance is close to perfection.

  • Our Rating: 5 Stars
  • Download 7-Zip
  • Home Page
  • Pros: easy to install; excellent performance; provides error messages; functionality to uncompress from several embedded files; great archive utility
  • Cons: minimalistic interface
  • OS: Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista, 98/Me/2000/XP/2003/Server 2008/NT (Supports 32-bit and 64-bit)

2. IZArc

IZArc is one of the best file compression software out there which is compatible with a huge number of archive formats such as ISO, 7-zip, black hole, TAR and many others. It can also convert and save to 12 different formats and has a similar interface with WinZip.

3. PeaZip

PeaZip is packed with features that are great for the experts while also giving a user friendly interface to novice users with its drag and drop functions. It has a WYSIWYG (What you see is what you get) platform that is so easy to navigate. Peazip currently provides three types of installer including a portable one.

4. ZipGenius

ZipGenius is another great compression software that provides a lot of functionalities such as being able to add your signature and contact information to any zip file you create. It also offers encryption,  antivirus scanner support, download time calculator, disk spanning and a lot more. It also offers a multi functioning plug-in support and is available in several languages.

5. Hamster Free Zip Archiver

Hamster compression software has a colorful interface with vividly labeled buttons that will make navigating a breeze. It has a clear guide on how to add files by dragging, dropping or browsing. It has a great functionality to right-click a file and choosing the zip options directly from the context menu.
Five Best File Compression ToolsClick to viewWhether you've been sent a simple ZIP archive, you need to create and share your own compressed files, or you're staring down the barrel of some obscure archive format you've never seen before, having the right file compression application in your corner is a must. Earlier this week we asked you to share your favorite file compression tool, and over 500 comments later, we're back with the five most popular answers. Read on for a closer look at the five best file compression tools, then get ready to punch the chad for the app you like best. 

7-Zip (Windows/Linux, Free)

Five Best File Compression Tools7-Zip is a free, open-source file archive utility with a spare interface but powerful feature set. With support for most popular compression formats (and quite a few not-so-popular), this lightweight, open source option does the job quickly and without fuss. While some 7-Zip users complain about its spare interface, others are happy with 7-Zip's no-nonsense approach and fast operation.

IZArc (Windows, Freeware)

Five Best File Compression ToolsIZArc is the compression tool that may take home the prize for most-supported read and write formats for this Hive Five. IZArc is also the only featured archiver apart from PeaZip that distributes a portable version on their web site (though third parties have made other apps portable—like 7-Zip Portable). Users go for IZArc for its attractive interface and its low pricetag. IZArc is freeware, but donations are accepted.

WinRAR (Windows, Shareware)

Five Best File Compression ToolsWinRAR is a powerful file compression and decompression tool that's been around since 1993. As the first result in a Google search for RAR, it's probably the first option most of us stumbled onto when we ran into our first RAR file. That said, WinRAR supports a wide range of formats. It's also one of the few archivers capable of writing RAR archives—though overall it's limited to creating only RARs or ZIPs. WinRAR costs a pretty steep $29 for a license, but several users are happy to suffer through the nag screens to avoid the cost.

PeaZip (Windows and Linux, Free)

Five Best File Compression ToolsPeaZip is a free and open-source archive manager that supports a boatload of formats. Unlike its open-source sister, 7-Zip, PeaZip also has a very attractive interface, from the main application interface down to the desktop icons it uses when you set it as your default compression tool. Like IZArc, it's also available in a portable version—so even if you don't go with it for your default, it's worth tossing on your thumb drive just in case you need a little compression on the road.

The Unarchiver (Mac OS X, Freeware)

Five Best File Compression ToolsThe Unarchiver is the built-in default file compression utility for Mac OS X. Unlike Windows, which only supports the ZIP format out-of-the-box, The Unarchiver handles most major formats. The catch: The Unarchiver is a read-only application, so if you're on a Mac and you want to write to more obscure archive types than ZIP, you may need to add an extra tool to your arsenal. Most OS X users, however, are happy to stick with The Unarchiver for all their decompression needs.
Now that you've seen the best, it's voting time. This week's honorable mentions go out to jZip and ALZip. Whether or not your app of choice made the short list, let's hear more about it in the comments.
             
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Top Best Windows Secure File Deletion Software

Are you looking for free and effective secure file deletion software to delete your files permanently? We have tried and tested several deletion software and based on our experience and reviews, here are the Top 5 Windows Secure file deletion software that you can use to delete your files permanently.







1. CCleaner

This is one of best file shredders available that thoroughly cleans several places where possible data are still stored. It erases data where you would normally find it difficult to locate and erase on your own. It also erases traces of your online activities and contains a featured-packed registry cleaner that runs really fast and doesn’t contain spyware or adware.

2. Eraser

Eraser is one of the popular free and secure file deletion soft wares for windows. It is designed to delete files permanently from your disk and allows you to totally eradicate all the sensitive data from your hard drive by overwriting it multiple times. This software will also prevent any attempt of retrieval with the use of disk maintenance and undelete utility. Eraser also comes with a flexible and customizable scheduler to ensure that your system memory is overwritten from time to time to avoid data thefts.

3. Darik’s Boot and Nuke (DBAN)

Darik’s Boot and Nuke is a boot disk that that securely deletes any contents of any hard disk. It is ideal for bulk or emergency data destruction as it can automatically wipe away the contents of any detected hard disk without a trace. This is the ultimate shredder.

4. File Shredder

This is also a reliable source of secure file deletion that will completely erase files from your hard drive. It has a user-friendly interface that even the most novice will understand. It has the functionality to let you browse and choose which files you want deleted. You can also choose 5 options for shredding algorithms and it performs its tasks very quickly.

5. Prevent Restore

Prevent restore comes with a wizard that will make installation a breeze. It also ensures permanent deletion of files that can no longer be restored unless the space marked by windows is not overwritten.
             
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Top 5 Best Free Alarm Clock Software for Windows


If you are a busy person and wanted a convenient way of being reminded of an appointment or to basically just wake you up from your sleep, the alarm clock software for Windows is your best solution. With  the plethora of available alarm clocks on the internet, we have reviewed some and come up with a list of FREE Top 7 alarm clock software for Windows that you can immediately download and use to your purpose.


1. Alarm Clock

It’s a straightforward and simple program that will provide you with a total of eight alarms for each day of the week and an additional one-time alarm that can be used at any time. You can choose an MP3 or WAV file for the alarm sound; otherwise it will default to the old-school bell option. If you need a solid and simple alarm clock program then this is the perfect one for you.

2. Free Desktop Clock

The Free Desktop clock offers more attractive interface and customizable clock settings to perform several functions such as using a transparent background, load at start up, use 12-hour format, among other things. It has a variety of skins to choose from to spice up the look and feel of your alarm clock.

3. Cool timer

Cool timer live up to its hype as one of the coolest alarm clocks with a free 99-hour timer with countdown and stopwatch functions. It plays MP3, WAV and MIDI sound file as an alarm and also provides a scrolling message to display your purpose of setting the timer. It is a simple and straightforward tool with a cool and customizable interface that is very handy and reliable.

4. Free Alarm Clock

Free Alarm Clock has a user-friendly interface that is simple and yet attractive; It has great alarm functions to loop, snooze, turn on the monitor and wake up the computer from sleep mode. Alarm sounds can also be customized with user’s own audio files as well as built-in options of 11 sounds. It also provides an online help file to explain its features, albeit the whole program is very easy to understand and operate without using a manual.

5. Multilingual Speaking Clock

If you want a clock that announces the time in different languages then you should go for multilingual speaking clock. This simple and straightforward program will effectively remind you of the time in your own native language. It is a simple digital clock with black numbers on a gray background. The alarm setting is so simple and easy to set up. This is the best way for anyone seeking out a free speaking clock that reminds you what time is it.





             

Friday 21 August 2015

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Everything You Need to Know About Your Salary Slip

Every month, your finance department will send you a salary slip once the salary gets paid out.
For most people, the importance of salary slip is only when they apply for a loan or a new credit card. Otherwise, the confusing terms and figures seem like a puzzle you don’t want to solve.
But here’s why you might want to understand your salary slip better.
  • Choose smartly from competing offers when you are looking to switch jobs
  • Optimize tax liability by making full use of the deductions available
  • Understand what percentage of your salary is forced savings (EPF, ESI etc.)
sal-slip1

The income part of your salary slip

#1: Basic Salary
It’s the most important component of your salary and generally comprises 35-50 % of your total salary. Most of the other components are structured around it.

Tax Implications: 100% taxable
Adds to in-hand? Yes

# 2. House Rent Allowance:

It’s an allowance to pay your house rent. Normally, HRA is 40-50 % of the basic, based on your location (metro or non-metro).
Tax Implications: You get tax exemption based on whichever of the following is lower
  • 40% of your basic pay
  • Actual rent minus 10 % of basic
  • HRA component specified on your salary slip
Adds to in-hand? Generally Yes

# 3. Conveyance Allowance:

It’s paid by the company towards cost of travel from home to work and back and is exempt from Income tax.

Tax Implications: Rs 1600 per month or the conveyance allowance component in your salary slip, whichever is lower, is exempted from tax.

Adds to in-hand? Yes, depending on how much you actually spend.

# 4. Leave Travel Allowance:

It’s given by employers to cover the cost of employee travel while on leave. It includes travel expenses of your immediate family members as well.

Tax Implications: Proof of journey required to avail deduction subject to certain limits. Any expenses incurred during the trip apart from travel does not count towards your LTA tax exemption. The exemption is also applicable only for 2 journeys undertaken in a block of 4 calendar years.

Adds to in-hand? No.

# 5. Medical Allowance:
It is given by employers to cover any medical expenses incurred during the period of employment. It is also generally a reimbursed expense and thus subject to providing proof of expense.

Tax Implications: The allowance is exempt up to 15,000 per annum subject to proof of expenses such as medical bills.

Adds to in-hand? Yes. If you fail to provide the proof, you still receive the amount, but will be fully taxed.

# 6.  Performance Bonus and Special Allowance:
It is given to reward or encourage employee performance and varies with performance or company guidelines.

Tax Implication: 100% Taxable

Adds to in-hand? Yes. It can be variable and therefore, difficult to assess as part of your in-hand.

Other Allowances: There are quite a few other kinds of allowances based on the industry or the company. Most such allowances are fully taxable. They might or might not add to your in-hand salary based on the conditions they are subject to.
Make sure you talk to the HR and get a clear understanding of the in-hand and tax implications of your salary components.

The deduction part of your salary slip

# 1. Provident Fund:
PF is typically 12% of your basic salary which is put into a government controlled body, Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation. Your contribution is typically matched by the company subject to certain maximum amount, defined as per the company policy.  You can also choose to opt out from the PF scheme.

How to lower this deduction? You can choose to opt out of the PF scheme. In case you opt out, make sure you invest it regularly in better investment options like equity mutual funds that gives you a higher return. If you are unsure of investing the money, it’s best to stay invested in PF.

# 2. Professional Tax:
This is payable only in the following states-Karnataka, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Tamilnadu, Gujarat, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Meghalaya, Orissa, Tripura, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. It normally amounts to just a few hundred rupees each month and is subject to your gross tax slab.
This amount is deducted from your taxable income.

How to lower this deduction? This deduction cannot be lowered.

# 3. Tax deductible at source:
This amount, which is decided based on your overall tax slab, is deducted on behalf of the income-tax department by your employer.

How to lower this deduction? You can reduce this burden by investing in tax savings instruments under Section 80 C or other sections under the IT act.

Things to keep in mind when comparing salary slips in offers:

# 1. Your basic salary is critical as most of your allowances will be based on that figure.
# 2. Look for special allowances and check whether they are performance or event based.

#3. Do not focus only on the in-hand salary. Look at the other benefits the company provides (health insurance, accident insurance, free food, bus transport, better career growth) which might outmatch a higher in-hand salary offer from some other company
             

Monday 17 August 2015

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Top Mobiles in India

There’s always a battle to own the best and the latest in mobile phone industry. You see a phone launch every week and people rush to grab the best device available. However, in a rush to own the latest, most consumers forget about the reliability and value for money the device offers.
This article is an attempt to introduce the top rated latest new mobiles in India. If you wish the compare the prices and  in-depth features of the mobile mentioned here, add them to the comparison basket with other phones you have been eyeing on at Price Raja and you will get an honest outlook of the mobile’s performance.

Sony Xperia Z3 Plus


Price: Rs. 40,920
This quick-to-charge device is dust and water resistant and boasts of a powerful processor with a brilliant display. The device offers a premium set of features with 20.7 MP camera and a 3GB RAM.

Key Features

Android, v5.0 (Lollipop)
2 GHz, Octa Core Processor
3 GB RAM, 32 GB Memory
5.2 inches, 1080 x 1920 pixels Display
20.7 mp Primary, 5 mp Front Camera
2930 mAH Battery Capacity

Lenovo K3 Note


Price: Rs. 9,999
Lenovo K3 Note comprises a powerful hardware packed with high-resolution cameras and a big display. This is one of the cheapest 4G phablets in the market with promising features in a budget.
Key Features
Android, v5.0(Lollipop)
1.7 GHz, Octa Core Processor
2 GB RAM, 16 GB Memory
5.5 inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels Display
13 mp Primary, 5 mp Front Camera
3000 mAH Battery Capacity

Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen)


Price: Rs. 11,999
The Moto G flagship was in itself an enormous success. The latest 3rd generation banks it all on the upgraded camera of 13 MP (primary) and 5 MP (front).

Key Features
Android, v5.1.1(Lollipop)
1.4 GHz, Quad Core Processor
1 GB RAM, 8 GB Memory
5 inches, 720 x 1280 pixels Display
13 mp Primary, 5 mp Front Camera
2470 mAH Battery Capacity

Sony Xperia C4


Price: Rs. 21,010
The most tempting feature for selfie-freaks is the front flash. With a 2 GB RAM, Xperia C4is a decent bargain considering that it is specially made of photography enthusiasts.
Key Features
Android, v5.0(Lollipop)
1.7 GHz, Octa Core Processor
2 GB RAM, 16 GB Memory
5.5 inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels Display
13 mp Primary, 5 mp Front Camera
2600 mAH Battery Capacity

Samsung Galaxy J5


Price: Rs. 11,999
Another device with front flash that is well under the budget is Galaxy J5. The mobile is characterized with good looks.
Key Features
Android, v5.1(Lollipop)
1.2 GHz, Quad Core Processor
1.5 GB RAM, 16 GB Memory
5 inches, 720 x 1280 pixels Display
13 mp Primary, 5 mp Front Camera
2600 mAH Battery Capacity

Intex Aqua 4G Plus


Price: Rs. 8,949
Two of the key temptations of the Aqua 4G Plus are the 88 degrees wide-angle and slow motion camera lens and the dragon trail glass display. This is another 4G budget device that offers enticing features.
Key Features
Android, v5.0(Lollipop)
1.3 GHz , Quad Core Processor
2 GB RAM, 16 GB Memory
5 inches, 720 x 1280 pixels Display
13 mp Primary, 5 mp Front Camera
2300 mAH Battery Capacity

Yu Yureka Plus


Price: Rs. 9,999
With good performance and a great display, this weird-sounding mobile phone is equipped with a much desired 13 MP. The device is said to deliver a power packed performance.
Key Features
Android, v5.0 (Lollipop) with CyanogenMOD v12
1.5 GHz, Octa Core Processor
2 GB RAM, 16 GB Memory
5.5 inches, 1080 x 1920 pixels Display
13 mp Primary, 5 mp Front Camera
2500 mAH Battery Capacity

Samsung Galaxy A8


Price: Rs. 32,499
USP? Super Slim Unibody Design. Temptation? Fingerprint scanner. This device is a spec monster and offers a powerful battery of 3050 mAH.
Key Features
Android, v5.1.1(Lollipop)
1.8 GHz, Octa Core Processor
2 GB RAM, 32 GB Memory
5.7 inches, 1080 x 1920 pixels Display
16 mp Primary, 5 mp Front Camera
3050 mAH Battery Capacity

So, now that you have a list of latest mobiles in India, you know where to research on the specifications and the prices. However, latest does not mean the best, so, before you decide to buy a fancy gadget, compare it with gadgets that have already been established as monster gadgets in the market.
             

Friday 14 August 2015

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Fastest Ways to Transfer Files Between PCs and Mobile Devices

Remember when files had to be split between multiple floppy disks to move them between computers? Or the inconvenience of burning data to rewritable CDs? Thank goodness we’ve moved on from those primitive methods.
The truth is, file transfers have never been faster than they are today. Yet, to many of us, transfer speeds still seem like they inch along and take forever to complete. It’s funny how inconvenient it can be finding a quick and easy way to move data between devices.
Fortunately, we have you covered. Never again will you have trouble with cross-device file transfers.

Between Windows and Windows

The best method for Windows-to-Windows data transferal depends on how often you will make those transfers. If it’s a one-off file transfer, then you’re better off using something like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct.
For Bluetooth to work, both the sending and receiving Windows computer must be Bluetooth-compatible. Wi-Fi Direct is a similar concept, except files are sent and received straight over Wi-Fi instead. While Wi-Fi Direct is much faster, the downside is that it isn’t as universally available as Bluetooth.
fast-file-transfer-methods-wifi-direct
Either way, we have a guide to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct file transfers on Windows 8.1; check it out if that’s the way you want to go.
On the other hand, if you will send a lot of files over a long stretch of time, e.g. if it’s part of your regular routine or workflow, it’ll be more convenient to set up a shared folder or shared external drive on the network, one that other computers can access at any time to pull files on demand.
Consult our home networking guide for more details on that.

Between Windows and Non-Windows PCs

These days, it isn’t uncommon to have some mixture of Windows, Mac, and/or Linux machines under one roof. While these systems tend to remain isolated most of the time, there are times when you might need to move a file from one to another.
The main obstacle is that each system has its own unique way of storing file data, called file systems. For example, the most common are NTFS on Windows, HFS Plus on Mac, and EXT* on Linux. Conversion between file systems is not always easy.
fast-file-transfer-methods-windows
But in the case of Windows-to-Mac, it is. Starting with OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard), Macs have been capable of reading and writing in NTFS format, as long as the user makes a necessary system setting change.
This means you can share a folder between Mac and Windows and transfer files through it. Check out our tutorial on sharing files between Mac and Windows for detailed instructions.
fast-file-transfer-methods-linux
The same holds true for Windows-to-Linux, but the process is a little more involved. Each system can set up a folder for the other system to access, but you’ll need to install cifs-utils (to access Windows folders from Linux) and samba (to make a Linux folder visible to Windows).
HTG has a wonderful sharing guide that explains how to do all of this in fine detail.

Between Windows and iOS

For the most part, file transfers between Windows and iOS involve little more than music, in which case you could just go ahead and use iTunes for synchronizing–but iTunes tends to be a frustrating mess when used on Windows.
The good news is, there’s a better way.
FileApp is an app, available on both iPhones and iPads, that acts as a mobile device file manager. With it, you can browse and open any file that resides on the device you’re using, including formats like PDF, DOC, XLS, and PPT. (You get to decide which app the file opens in.)
fast-file-transfer-methods-fileapp
But what we’re really interested in is FileApp’s ability to share files over Wi-Fi. It essentially turns your mobile device into an FTP server, allowing any computer to connect (using an FTP client) and download files directly.
Head over to our guide on sharing files with FileApp for step-by-step directions on how to get it set up. Do note that anyone who connects through FTP will be able to view all files on the device.

Between Windows and Android

Like FileApp, which was mentioned above, Android has several apps available on the Play Store that can turn any Android device into an FTP server. When the server is on, any computer can connect, browse the entire Android file system, and download files at will.
At this moment, my preferred app is My FTP Server. It doesn’t look too great, but it’s incredibly simple and straightforward, and that’s all you really need when it comes to file transfers.
fast-file-transfer-methods-pushbullet
If you’d prefer to send individual files rather than opening up your device as a full-blown file server, consider using PushBullet (recommended) or AirDroid. Both can send files over the network to any connected computer at the tap of a button.
And, of course, you could always plug your Android device straight into your computer with a USB cable, as detailed in our guide to transferring files between PC and Android. By far the most straightforward option.

Cross-Platform Transfer Methods

In addition to all of the above methods, there are a few other techniques and services you can use that will likely work regardless of which devices you’re trying to bridge. As such, these are often the most convenient options, though they do come with their own downsides.
Dropbox is the obvious choice. We’ve written about transferring between Android and PCs with Dropbox before, but Dropbox is also available on iPhone, iPad, Windows Phone, Windows Tablets, Blackberry, Kindle Fire, and the Web. Use the provided Public folder for easy sharing of files.
fast-file-transfer-methods-cloud
The drawback of using Dropbox–or any other cloud-based storage–is that your files must travel through a middleman, which is inherently less secure and less private. Plus, you have to upload and download separately rather than transferring straight to the target device.
Another option is to transfer through email using a file transfer service like FileMail, which is free, requires no registration, and allows files up to 30 GB in size. If FileMail doesn’t work for you for some reason, you can try these other methods for sending large email attachments.
But the best alternative is to use a cross-platform direct transfer app calledFeem. This awesome tool is available for download on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Windows Tablets, and soon enough, Blackberry.

With Feem, you can make a direct transfer from any device to any other device, as long as Feem is installed on both. The transfer is made wirelessly over Wi-Fi, which means it’s fast, unrestricted, and doesn’t rely on a middleman service.
There are a few other features too, which you can learn more about in our overview of Feem for file transfers. The one big downside is that it’s ad-supported, and if you want to remove ads, you’ll have to buy a license for each Feem app ($5 for Windows, $2 for Android, etc).

Any Other Ways to Transfer Files?

If you’re frequently shuffling files around, I’d go with Feem. If you’re working with the same files across multiple workstations, I’d stay in sync using Dropbox. But if you just need a one-off transfer, I’d go with one of the more device-specific solutions.
In any case, you should now be equipped to make any kind of file transfer between any two devices.
             
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