Gain remote desktop access for free using these tools

Controlling a computer from another can be done with the help of special remote access software. There are many situations when this could be useful, particularly when it comes to resolving computer problems or for remote administration. These programs allow you to take complete remote control of the connected computer as if it’s your own. You can even use peripherals such as mice and keyboards.

What’s great about these applications is that you aren’t restricted by a network or a physical location. Accessing computers remotely this way can be done from virtually anywhere. Even though corporate help desks are the primary beneficiaries, regular users can also take advantage of the remarkable potential of remote access software. In most cases, to start a remote control process, there’s a little set-up involved. You will first need to install software on the host computer, the one you wish to access remotely. After this process is finished, other devices will be able to connect to the host if they have the correct credentials. The computer that takes over the host to control it is also known as the ‘client’.

Security is an obvious concern when using a remote access software and not all applications on this list handle your safety in the same way. Some are stricter in this regard as they don’t just allow access immediately or without careful configuration of access rights. You have options for typing passwords multiple times and will sometimes require email verification when doing important things. All the programs should give you a certain degree of customizability when it comes to security, so it all comes down to your preferences.

Although that may appear complicated initially, remote access utilities are very easy to use. There’s no need to get lost in technical aspects as most programs don’t require you to have advanced computer knowledge. In just a few clicks you can start accessing another computer remotely. If you feel like a remote access software would be extremely useful for your needs, check out the following programs that can handle the job without costing you anything.

1. Teamviewer

One of the best tools in the world of remote access software comes from Teamviewer. Their free version has a very generous amount of features and is very simple to install and configure. We particularly like the fact that it doesn’t require router or firewall modifications to work as intended. Teamviewer is available for pretty much all the major PC and mobile platforms. It’s difficult to match its selection of features considering that it’s free. One thing to keep in mind before detailing its abilities is that it’s only free for personal use. It has a way to detect commercial use and can stop working in that situation.

With every install of this software, there’s a unique ID number provided that helps to identify the current computer. Even if you reinstall the application, this ID number will stay the same because it’s important when it comes to sharing it with another user for remote access. There are different versions of this remote access software, but the best one to install is the ‘All-In-One’ version. It packs the full selection of features and is the one to use for unattended access. This means you can configure a PC for constant remote access enabling the user to connect while he’s far from it.

Another version of TeamViewer to consider is QuickSupport, which has the bonus ability of enhanced portability. You can use it more quickly to get a shareable ID number for someone else while skipping the waiting times. This is the fastest way to use the software if you’re in a hurry and the ideal version to try when you’re helping out your relatives with a technical problem. One aspect we really like about this software is the flexibility. You can easily connect from computers with a TeamViewer version to PCs with different versions of the program, so there are no compatibility issues in that sense. Both QuickSupport and All-In-One editions will enable remote connections to be made.

If you plan on setting up unattended access, the simplest way to do it is to create a master password which doesn’t ever change. You can easily connect to your computer when you’re going away and once this password has been set, all that’s required is to log in to your account. This can be done from any browser including mobile devices. One advantage of this remote access software is the ability to view the screen of iOS devices. This could be really helpful as not all similar programs come with this feature. To do this, you simply need to install the QuickSupport version on your iPhone or iPad and then activate screen recording.

To keep track of your remote sessions, this application gives you the option to record video files for each session. Store these files and access them whenever you wish to review your remote sessions. There are many interesting customization features you can benefit from. A good example is how you can share only a particular application window, as opposed to giving clients access to the full desktop. For transferring all kinds of files, the software offers a dedicated tool which allows convenient sharing of text, images, or even entire folders. Two computers can also interact in this regard with the help of the simple clipboard function. If you prefer, there’s even the option of adding files from cloud services like Google Drive which can be sent through the software.

As you only need to share the ID and password and don’t have to bother setting up port forwards, TeamViewer is by far one of the most user-friendly remote access programs you can use for free. The browser version may be less intuitive, but all in all, this software is highly recommended considering the multiple remote access possibilities.

2. AeroAdmin

AeroAdmin represents a high-quality solution for all your remote access needs. This is a portable free application designed for Windows systems and, even if it doesn’t boast as many features as TeamViewer, it does have an important advantage over it. You can count on this software whether you’re using it for yourself or in commercial settings. This is a very lightweight program considering its reduced size. In less than a minute you can have it up and running, which is always a great feature to have for any remote access software. There is no integrated chat feature and the free license has some restrictions in terms of connection time, but these are the only drawbacks to be aware of.

The remote control software works flawlessly with all the recent Windows versions including both 32-bit and 64-bit editions. That’s not all though, as the program is also compatible with some older operating systems such as Windows Server 2008 and 2003. Like TeamViewer, this application won’t ask you for any router changes which makes the configuration process a breeze. Because the program is portable, you can have the additional benefit of being able to run it from a portable drive. There’s an ID number which you can view in the application and that’s the most important information to make the connection with another computer. If you’d like to, there’s also the option to use your computer’s IP address instead of this number.

When a connection is made initially, there are a few things that need to be done on the host side. You have to give permission for the client computer to access your screen and for other important aspects such as keyboard and mouse control. The host computer can always revoke any right to maintain the right safety level. A good convenience feature is the ability of the host to memorize the options you select when giving access rights to your client. Basically, you won’t need to do this every time the connection is made with that computer. It’s not required to go through those same prompts and configuration settings again.

You’ve got three options for connecting the host to the client according to the level of control you enable as the host. For example, you can just enter the ‘View only’ option. After you’ve made your selection, you can’t simply switch to another. Exiting and reconnecting is mandatory for this process. The main strength of this remote access software lies in its minimal design. The file transfer wizard is another important feature of this program. It’s designed to give full control to the sender when transferring files.

It’s so easy to use that even novices should have no issues with it. Anyone can start a remote session in just a few quick steps with such a handy program like AeroAdmin. Taking into account this intuitiveness and all the other features, it can be safely said that this remote access software deserves a top spot on this list.

3. AnyDesk

With many attractive abilities such as unattended access and file transferring, AnyDesk comes next on our list of free remote access programs. One of its stand-out features is the organization of the browsing experience. You can hide some menus and customize the look to make it easier to use. In terms of operating systems, this software isn’t limited to just Windows or macOS. It provides support for Linux, Raspberry Pi, and mobile platforms such as Android and iOS. Like most other similar tools, this program relies on an ID number for creating the necessary connection to another device.

You can use either a desktop program that requires installation or you may choose to run the portable application. The installed version has a bonus feature as it allows you to define a custom alias that’s associated with your ID number. This can be helpful because it’s much easier to remember a username compared to memorizing random numbers. Connections can be established quickly and efficiently by sharing AnyDesk addresses from the host to the client computer. The one who shares is always the host. For unattended access, you will need to create a password from the program’s settings.

There are other aspects you can manage from the settings. For example, you can set the permissions you enable for clients that connect to your computer. Some of the most relevant rights are for viewing the monitor, controlling peripherals such as the mouse or hearing the sound of the computer. The interface of the program doesn’t feel cluttered which is pleasing to the eyes. The clean aspect is probably due to the way the program is designed to be very lightweight. Despite this look, there are lots of customization features to take advantage of.

One essential feature for a remote access software is the ability to transfer files without too much hassle. This application comes with a clipboard syncing feature in that regard, but if that’s too limited, you can also install a separate tool which is used just for file managing. Remote session recording is another available feature of this program. To access certain connection more quickly, there’s the option to save shortcuts on your desktop. Another handy ability is to give control to the other side if needed, something that can be achieved even during a remote session.

Considering how AnyDesk delivers a solid remote access experience offering both unattended and on-demand types of access, the final conclusion is very positive. There’s no port-forwarding required, you can use the file transfer tool and all the other features of the software for free. This is a great remote access solution.

4. DesktopNow

A capable remote access program to try for free is DesktopNow from NCH Software. This little tool enables quick access to your data over the internet. It may require for you to configure the router beforehand as well as the creation of a free account, but you can quickly deal with these and start managing your computer via a convenient web browser from anywhere. To begin the remote access process, the first step is to install the application. Assuming you’ve made an account, enter your credentials at the initial launch of the program and then go over to the client device to establish the connection. Just enter the same email and password you’ve used on the host computer to finish the process.

There’s a solution to avoid complicated port forwarding. You can choose cloud access when installing the application which allows for a more direct connection. In fact, this is the recommended option for most people. If you’re not really sure how to configure the router, it’s best to leave it as it is. Things get really simple from now on. The client can use any web browser to gain access to the computer host. Those who went with the cloud access approach will only need to use the provided link. With the finished connection, the only remaining question is what are the things you can do with this remote access software?

One of the most important features is the ability to download files from the host. This could be extra helpful if you’re somewhere in a meeting and you forgot to transfer your presentation from the home computer, but that’s just an example. There are lots of possibilities when you consider the transfer options available through this remote access program. When it comes to security, this software seems to get things right. It does provide complete access through any browser, but it permits the use of secure SSL connections for safe data access. This program is compatible with all the recent Windows versions including Windows 10 and 8.

The file explorer browsing is designed with user-friendliness in mind so you can quickly retrieve any needed files or upload others. Even though there’s no dedicated app, the browsing experience is satisfactory on mobile thanks to the optimized interface for portable devices. You can also easily interact with an installed program on your PC. While not as full-featured as some other options on this list, the DesktopNow tool could be considered a strong candidate if you’re searching for a reliable remote access software. It’s designed to accomplish a fairly basic task, and it looks like it’s able to work as expected while keeping things simple and without any frills.

5. RemotePC

RemotePC is another remote access software that’s worth taking a closer look at. It boasts some advanced capabilities for a free program and it provides support for both Windows and Mac users. Remote connections can be done using mobile devices too, so let’s see what this program has in store for those who need convenient remote access. The first interesting aspect regarding this software is the way it’s designed with a minimal footprint. There aren’t any extra tools you need or other confusing utilities that you have to use on top of an existing program. All you need is the same RemotePC program on both computers to make the connection.

With that being said, this application can be used in two main ways. One method is the Always-ON remote access. For this, you will need to create a brand new user account which is done quickly and will prove very helpful to manage your connection. This method represents an ideal solution if you plan on obtaining permanent access to your own machine when you’re not at the desk. Before we check out the other way to establish remote access, let’s better understand the Always-ON method. Configuring this is pretty easy once you choose to set everything up from the Always-ON area of the program. The computer requires a password, a recognizable key which will be needed for later access.

With the password set, the only thing left to do is to go to your other device and log in to the same software there. Find your host computer list and enter your password. It doesn’t get any simpler than this, maybe just a little faster. Let’s see the other way to access your computer remotely which can speed things up. The second method is the one used for instant access. It’s called One-Time access and you can find the option in the program and enable it from there. You will get a generated access ID and password which you offer to the person connecting to you. Then it’s simply a matter of entering these credentials into the ‘Connect using One-Time ID’ section of the program on their system.

When a One-Time remote session is finished, simply press the dedicated button for disabling access. The other person won’t be able to reconnect to your computer unless you restart the process and give him a new password. Essentially, the initial password will be revoked. RemotePC seems quite easy to use, but what about its included features? There’s a file transfer ability which is important to have in this type of application. One thing we like about the transferring tool is the way you can use it separately from the main program as it doesn’t require opening the full control screen of the remote program.

In terms of limitations, this remote access software does come with a restriction which is to be expected for a free program. It only supports storing a single PC’s information. More than this will require you to pay, but that doesn’t sound too bad. Most people shouldn’t have an issue with this as their needs can be covered in a satisfying manner. By the way, this limitation for one computer is just for users of the first method – the Always-ON remote access. If you want spontaneous One-Time access, there are no restrictions as you can go through this process as many times as you like for multiple PCs.

All things considered, RemotePC does a solid job as a free remote access software and deserves some more attention if you need to use this kind of tool. It’s nice to see an integrated chat feature as well as the reliable file transferring capabilities. Whether it’s unattended or instant remote access, this free software is highly recommended.

6. UltraVNC

Anyone who’s looking to use a more advanced remote access software should try out UltraVNC. This program is equipped with more customization options besides the usual basic features that you’d expect in this type of program such as file transferring and chatting. This utility supports any Windows version from XP to Windows 10 and extends its compatibility to Windows Server 2012 and older. The way UltraVNC works is straightforward, but a bit more complicated for certain users. That still makes it a worthy candidate.

The connection is established through a client/server, similarly to the operation mode of other remote access applications. The Server version needs to be installed on the PC that acts as ‘client’ while the Viewer edition has to be installed on the one that’s considered the ‘host’. The thing with this application is that it will require port forwarding configuration for the server to be able to receive incoming connections. In that regard, you will have to go through some extra steps to create a static IP address. There are some guides online to help you with that as this goes slightly beyond the scope of this review.

Those who wish for complete and convenient access to their home PC while on-the-go will definitely appreciate the functionality of this remote access tool. With all the right configurations done, there’s plenty to do, including transferring various files or opening programs. As the port forwarding changes are a necessity to get this remote access software to work as intended, it’s not really recommended to rely on it for remote support. It’s certainly doable, but less practical as you’ll probably spend too much time with the configuration process. This could be particularly detrimental when you already have issues with the host computer.

Some advanced features of this software are the custom encoding options, cursor tracking, and powerful file transfer capability. These are especially great for remote access, and that is why it’s recommended mostly for that instead of remote support. There are many hidden features you can discover during use. A good example is the ability to save your current session to a dedicated file that can be opened afterward by the program to resume your work. This becomes particularly handy when you’re using the application to connect to multiple computers. Just save shortcut files for faster access.

If for any reason, you cannot install software on your PC, there’s also the possibility to use a browser to establish connectivity to the server. You don’t necessarily have to use the UltraVNC Viewer application itself. Overall, this little piece of software can be very handy as a remote access solution. Just don’t count on it if you wish to help your friend with his computer issues. Even though it’s not the most intuitive remote access program out there, UltraVNC earns a spot on this list considering its more advanced capabilities.

7. Remote Utilities

One impressive remote access software to take into account is Remote Utilities. This free program allows you to establish up to 10 computer connections at no cost, and that can be achieved either through the computer program or by using a mobile device. As its name implies, there are multiple utilities to facilitate remote access. Understanding the way this tool operates shouldn’t be very difficult. The basic concept found in similar software is once again available as Remote Utilities enables the pairing of a host with a client computer. There are different applications designed for each separate role. And so, you’ve got the special software for the host and a dedicated one for the client.

The host software comes in two versions. First, there’s the conventional installer version which does what you’d expect – it installs the software on your PC. The other version to be aware of is the one called ‘Agent’ which has been designed for quicker connections as it runs without the need for an installation. The initial setup for the host software includes creating a password. This is the first step and definitely an essential one for preventing unauthorized access to your PC. To access the host computer, you’ll need to provide this password to the client so he can enter it into its Viewer version of the program.

Next, the host computer needs to access some settings to create a special ID code which the client’s software requires to gain access to the host. The client is now able to establish the connection using the generated credentials from the host computer. Keep in mind that you also have the option, as a client, to use a portable version of the Viewer program. The interface of Remote Utilities deserves a special mention. It’s quite intuitive, ideal even for less experienced users. The only step that could be somewhat considered more difficult is when you’re configuring the security options on the host software. Aside from that, all the tools are designed to work smoothly.

There are helpful options to change according to the situation at hand. For example, you can toggle between two viewing modes when looking at the remote screen. Sometimes, it’s preferable to simply watch what the host is doing without yet intervening. Other times, the full control mode works best. When it comes to transferring files, this application has a good utility for that purpose. It’s designed to meet the needs of those in a hurry so it wastes no time on confirmation prompts. The file transfer utility can be conveniently opened and used without even looking at the remote screen. That could be very useful when you’re in the Viewer program.

Another decent feature which comes as an added bonus is the Inventory Manager. This shows you some relevant information about the host computer, and the level of detail is quite good. You can easily see the operating system and installed software, but not just that. There’s also the possibility to check things like version numbers for hardware or manufacturer details.

Factoring in everything about Remote Utilities, including its capable mobile Viewer application, it becomes clear that you’re in good hands if you choose this free remote access software. One thing to be careful about is to select the ‘Free license’ option when you’re going through the installing process of the tool because otherwise, you’ll end up with a 30-day trial of the full version.

8. Seecreen

The last free remote access software option we’ll look at is the Seecreen application which was formerly known as Firnass. This is a little portable tool created specifically to suit the needs of those who want on-demand remote access. Some features like clipboard syncing are lacking, but other more advanced abilities such as session recording can be found. The program works well on all the popular operating systems including Windows, Linux, and MacOS. One of the most striking resemblances to other remote access tools is the way the application has to be present simultaneously on the host computer and the client device. Therefore, you will have to install Seecreen on both computers you plan on connecting.

It’s strongly recommended to create an account to fully take advantage of this remote access tool. When you open the application, you’ll be prompted to log in. Once you’re logged in, you can better monitor the possible connections. A handy Contact menu allows you to add users and there’s also a Computer section for adding computers you’ve previously logged onto. A Peer-to-Peer connection can be done once the other paired user appears online. There are many things to do from the main window. You can start a text chat or a remote viewing, but if you plan on transferring files, the viewing portion has to be already opened.

Using this software is a breeze. The tool is particularly effective for spontaneous remote support, but it works well for any other types of on-demand remote applications. The fact that it’s so lightweight (500KB file size) can be considered great news for those who need a quick remote access solution. Even if you haven’t yet seen the screen of the connected PC, the text and voice chat features are available. This means you can just use this tool like a basic VOIP or chat program before getting into the screen sharing features. When you transfer files with this software, you can check the convenient log that’s generated for security reasons. That’s a really basic feature that’s incredibly useful and not found on other similar programs.

The screen recording works well, but the remote sessions are saved in a strange PRS format which can be difficult to open with other media players apart from the built-in one in the tool. All in all, Secreen has few disadvantages and a reasonably comprehensive list of solid features. Those who need fast on-demand remote support shouldn’t miss out on such a well-designed little program.

Did you find our article helpful? Then you might also be interested in our articles about How to Fix a Blue Screen of Death and How to Take a Screenshot on a PC.

The post 8 Free Remote Access Softwares of 2019 appeared first on FabatHome.

Get creative with these free video editors

If you’re tired of having to pay for video editing software, you can try some free options. Many of them come equipped with more advanced features that can even rival paid software. The fact that they don’t cost anything to use means you can quickly try them out to see if they match your needs. Video editing programs are essential applications that shouldn’t miss from your toolkit if you’re making videos. Any content creator needs to be able to cut certain parts, merge multiple videos or add things like effects, subtitles, and different audio.

Although most free video editors out there act as advertisements for the premium edition of the software, it’s worth looking through the features of these programs, because they should at least cover the basics of video editing. For more advanced capabilities, you will most likely need to make an investment into a professional paid tool. One good advantage of free video editing software is the lighter footprint. These programs can get the job done quickly and efficiently if you only need to finish some smaller editing tasks. The greatest disadvantage of these programs is that you might stumble upon some limitations, particularly when it comes to exporting longer or high-quality projects. Sometimes you will realize there’s a watermark added or many features are locked in the free version. To make things easier for you, let’s try to understand what you need to be aware of when it comes to free video editing software. What makes such a program worth using?

• User-friendliness

Lots of free tools for video editing won’t provide the same level of support compared to professional software. That’s why you can expect these free tools to have less intuitive interfaces and a more limited documentation. That being said, not all free video editing programs are the same. The important part here is to choose a tool that’s easier to use which might also help you to learn and develop your video editing skills. Many beginners could rely on these free applications just to hone their skills and gain some familiarity with the video editing process. Once they feel prepared enough, they can move on to paid tools that contain more advanced features.

• Exporting options

The best exporting options depend on the kind of videos you’re making. Content creators on YouTube might find one application better suited over another when it comes to formats supported and other exporting options. It’s essential to figure out precisely which platform you’ll use for your videos. Make sure the program you’re searching for is capable of exporting the video in the best manner to ensure optimal viewing. This is why you need to pay attention to aspects like format and resolution options and choose a tool accordingly.

• Full program vs limited free edition

We’ve already mentioned the problem of free programs that serve only as advertisements for the paid editions. If having a limited trial edition doesn’t sound very appealing, you just need to learn to work around these restrictions. Some programs are more generous than others, so pay close attention to whether the program is a very limited trial edition or a full application. Full software for free will probably still impose some limitations, but the simplest solution here is to choose the one that doesn’t impact your workflow as much. Read carefully about the program to see if it would be a good enough fit for your needs.

Now that we’re familiar with the main features to look for in a video editing tool that’s available for free, the only thing left for you is to take your pick. We’ve made a selection of the most interesting tools for you and they’ve been properly analyzed to make your decision easier than ever. Without further introductions, let’s see what are your options if you’ve decided to stick with free video editing software.

1. Shotcut

The top spot for a free video editing software goes to Shotcut. This is a very capable cross-platform video editor which packs multiple features within a sleek and intuitive interface. This is a completely free and open source software that makes the process of video editing straightforward. It’s ideal for beginners. One of the best aspects regarding this program is the way it has been made available for all the major operating systems without any ads or locked premium features. There are also no bundled unnecessary extra programs. Everything you need is available in a neatly designed application. A good comparison to make for this software would be with Windows Movie Maker. It’s basically the next level to reach as it contains more features and certain extras not found in the classic software from Microsoft.

Using Shotcut is a breeze thanks to an improved interfaced which won’t overwhelm beginners with too many unknown tools. If something doesn’t look right to you, there’s an integrated customization feature. Configure the design of the interface according to your preferences by adding certain modules when you select buttons from the top bar. Some people might consider the program less attractive than others, but there’s no doubt about the solid way it performs. There isn’t much when it comes to documentation, but there are helpful YouTube videos to get you started with this software. Figuring out things on your own can motivate you to get accustomed to video editors.

Importing media files is a very simple step as you only need to pick your video clips and then drag them to the timeline. The main window of the program gives you everything needed close at hand so you can start creating multiple audio and video tracks or merge clips together without too much effort. Clips can be split immediately just by selecting a button after you position the playhead. Copy and paste tools are available so you can modify sections however you like. Trimming isn’t very difficult either and to keep track of all your changes, you can always rely on the history timeline. Undoing a mistake can be done faster by pressing the Delete key there.

Perhaps the main strength of this free software lies in its complex suite of video and audio filters. Combine them in unique ways thanks to the impressive level of customization possible. Take your pick and apply the filter. Then, it’s simply a matter of making the right adjustments through an intuitive system of sliders and checkboxes that even novices can learn to use in no time. A recording function has been integrated into this program. This enables users to take footage ready to be edited straight from their webcams. In terms of video formats, this application does provide quite a nice selection, but there’s no direct integration with popular video platforms such as YouTube or Facebook. This isn’t really a drawback for a free program.

It’s understandable that you won’t get the same level of convenience when using a free video editing tool. There’s no guidance here to choose the ideal format according to your desired platform, but it’s not a huge issue. This is something you can easily learn yourself and then adapt your videos in the best way. While there are professional paid programs that offer more than this, Shotcut represents a superb video editing solution if you don’t want to spend any money. The collection of audio and video filters is unheard of in a free tool like this and the ease-of-use deserves a special mention too. It doesn’t take very long to get used to this software, so it’s highly recommended as an alternative to paid programs.

2. OpenShot

Another powerful open-source video editing tool to try is OpenShot. You can learn to use its features very fast and has great potential for a free software. It was originally made in 2008 with the idea of creating a free Linux video editor that’s easy to use. The project has grown a lot since then as it’s now extending support for Windows and Mac systems and constantly improves on its features. This video editor seems to be very well designed as it doesn’t compromise on features while at the same time steers clear from too much clutter on its interface. The learning curve of this video editing software is one of the best you can find for beginners. It’s recommended for students and those want to learn how to bring their ideas to life in creative videos.

As OpenShot has been designed to handle even professional-level tasks like the making of Blu-ray videos, you can count on it even for more advanced work. What’s great about this tool is that you have a dedicated community for support, as well as YouTube video tutorials and comprehensive documentation. Projects work in a cross-platform manner so that means you can save it in your Mac and then open it in a Windows PC without problems. As it’s based on the FFmpeg library, the tool is capable of working with a multitude of video formats. The most common formats are available directly when exporting, but there are more to be used if you select the advanced tab.

A solid feature of this video editing software is its flexibility. It relies on a dedicated keyframe animation framework which tremendously boosts your creative possibilities. You are free to use as many tracks or layers you need to incorporate and enhance your project. Add images, audio, other videos and play with the tracks until the desired result is achieved. Full drag and drop support is another aspect worth mentioning about this tool. You can start working on clips very quickly that way. To give you just a taste of the many adjustments that can be done, let’s list a few examples. You’re able to scale, trim, rotate, or snap clips on the timeline.

There are lots of transitions provided as well as ways for you to arrange clips in a project. For a more elegant-looking video, you can also use more than 40 vector title templates. The creation of your own vector titles is available too. 3D animations can be rendered with this software thanks to the Blender integration. For those looking for audio editing, there are some handy features provided in that sense. For example, you can view waveforms on the timeline or adjust audio channels individually. In terms of video effects, there’s a more modest selection, fitting for basic needs, but the developer promises more in the future. You have brightness, gamma, chroma key, and more effects to play with.

Overall, OpenShot is an extremely well-built video editor that can help your project look more professional for free. Time control, animation, effects, and many other features and adjustments are available. Try this one out because there are very good chances for it to nicely cover your video editing needs.

3. Hitfilm Express

With so many capable features, you will be surprised to see that Hitfilm Express doesn’t come with a price tag on par with its abilities. This is a fairly complex free video editing software which has been designed with beginner filmmakers in mind. It has a solid blend of editing tools and video effects to help you take a step to the professional level. While the company behind this video editor also has some premium versions behind a paywall, the free edition should be more than enough to get you familiar with all the essential features of this type of software. Once you go to their website you will probably notice the focus on Hollywood-style movies, but don’t worry, the program is well-suited for vloggers and other content makers too.

Before you download the software, you will first be required to share it on social media. This is somewhat understandable for a free tool. You’re basically ‘paying’ with promotion for the company which also offers paid software. This step is a bit of a privacy concern for some, but it’s not a big issue considering the powerful program you’re getting at no cost. When it comes to user experience, this tool will look familiar to anyone who’s used video editors before. That being said, there are still some unique features that make it stand out from the rest. This means you will need to take your time and learn the program to get the most out of it.

The interface of the application looks very modern and stylish allowing you to maintain a steady workflow by mixing different feature areas. There are tools for beginners seamlessly combined with those better suited for professionals. This allows even novice users to experiment with more advanced methods of improving their projects. The combining of the timelines represents a handy feature for working more efficiently. Similarly to the way you’re using tabs in a browser, you can switch from a timeline to better manage your tasks. There’s a lot of room for customization thanks to the expandable panels which provide quick access only to the relevant features you use.

This video editor is compatible with lots of professional formats. There’s a preview feature for quality control and UHD support. Snappy edits can be done more easily thanks to the customization abilities of the playback/pause quality. Mask editing is another handy feature integrated into this software. Other helpful tools to put to great use in this video editing software are the animation tools which are also available for composite shots. There are no restrictions in place when it comes to video or audio tracks that can be added to the timeline.

Various paid add-ons for the free version can be found in a dedicated store to enhance your video editor with more effects and editing tools. In conclusion, Hitfilm Express offers a lot for free and it should be particularly considered if you’re more into a specific type of filmmaking, like for example gaming videos and amateur short films.

4. iMovie 10

If you’re a macOS user, the most obvious choice for a free video editor is iMovie. The classic Apple software has a long history and it always emphasized user-friendliness through a clean interface. The minimalism went a bit too far in recent times, as some features are lacking compared to its competitors, but what you will find here can definitely be used with ease. As iMovie comes preinstalled with any new Mac computer, you can quickly start working without having to download it. If your Mac computer doesn’t have it, you can also download the app for free. While there are no helpful tutorials to get you started, the tool gives you tips when checking out specific features. That can make a big difference if you’re a beginner.

One of the things we like best regarding this software is the way the titles and transitions look. In just a few clicks, you can add a touch of professionalism to your videos, which is surprising for a free software. The 4K support enables you to create high-quality videos. Although some advanced features are not present here, the basic ones are very well integrated allowing users to easily access them for their projects. The general rule seems to be quality over quantity when it comes to the overall abilities. You can do some really impressive work when it comes to trimming and basic clip editing.

To make your actions shots more dynamic, you can add some effects. There’s the option to change the speed and the possibility of moving characters in exciting settings via green-screen effects. Split-screen and PIP effects are also available. For a more polished cinematic look, you can use any of the integrated video filters. Maybe you’d like to create a vintage style film or add a futuristic blue touch to your clips. It’s very simple to play around with filters until you obtain the right look for your video project.

The performance of this video editor is excellent if you have a modern Mac computer. This is due to special optimizations which make importing and editing 4K videos a breeze. Other editing programs can have some issues with more demanding tasks like that. With the help of other Apple products such as iCloud, you can add your media content more easily because iMovie is seamlessly integrated with it. If you have an iPhone, there’s also a mobile version that plays nice with the desktop version.

Taking into account the beautiful interface and the decent suite of editing features, iMovie represents a very solid choice if you wish to create cool videos on your Mac devices. It’s completely free and fun to use, even if its abilities aren’t as comprehensive as some other free video editors. For beginners, this could be a perfect place to start as it makes you familiar with the same workflow found on more advanced programs.

5. Lightworks Free

One of the most reliable free video editors you can find is the free edition of Lightworks. It can make your video clips stand out from the crowd, but unfortunately, it’s a bit limited when it comes to exporting options. The free version of the tool gives you only a taste of the full suite of abilities that require a paid license. This video editor is clearly not geared for total beginners as the features offered are more complex. Before we describe what this program can do for your video creations, it’s important to mention the main limitation of the free version. You can export videos only up to 720p in terms of resolution. When it comes to formats it will only export in MPEG4/H.264.

The good news is that you can export straight to YouTube or Vimeo. When you initially start using the video editor, it will guide you with some basic tooltips. These are helpful to get around, but they’re not comparable with the powerful wizards and in-depth tutorials of the competition. Importing media files requires you to define certain aspects such as resolution and framerate. Those unfamiliar with video editing can easily make some mistakes here. You need to pay close attention when setting up your clips because otherwise, you’ll have to tweak the settings again.

Even though this video editing tool comes with a steeper learning curve, once you get into it, the benefits start to show up. Mastering the visual tools should take priority because with their help, you can fine-tune every aspect of your image. You have the option to work on minuscule details with pixel-precision which makes it suitable for more advanced editing. With all your added resources in place, you can use the timeline to begin cutting. One way to make your video more visually appealing is to add effects. There are some default options, but you can also build your own. Some missing features of this video editor are the timeline rendering, stereoscopic output, and advanced project sharing.

The performance of this video editing software is quite impressive. It becomes quite obvious that the main engine used in this tool has successfully helped to create professional films. All the complex rendering and encoding is managed in the background. You don’t have to worry about anything, just the task at hand. Considering everything about Lightworks Free, it’s safe to say that it needs some serious attention if you’re a more experimented user who wants a powerful video editor for free. The software may not be to everyone’s liking in terms of intuitiveness and the exporting restriction can also reduce its appeal. Still, the program has some great potential and, considering the price tag, you shouldn’t hesitate to try it out.

6. VSDC Video Editor

For those looking for a non-linear video editor, the VSDC Free Video Editor should be strongly considered. This is a solid video editing tool for Windows users that can help you bring your clips up to a more professional standard. There’s also a premium edition which works in a faster way as the free version doesn’t allow hardware acceleration when exporting projects. This tool might surprise you with its abilities as it’s powerful enough to compete with expensive editing software. This is a non-linear editor which isn’t restricted to a linear sequence of your scenes as well as to a particular order for them. You can create objects in all kinds of locations and random positions in time.

To give your video projects a more polished look, there are multiple visual and audio effects to try. Some of the most important categories with effects are color correction, transition, and object filters. Color blending is another easy way to quickly enhance the visual aspect of the video image. There are many adjustable parameters in that sense, but you can also save time by using a preset filter. If you want to blur or highlight a particular element in your clip, that’s possible thanks to the mask editing tool. This adds special effects on a particular area and this could be very useful if you want to blur the face of someone to protect their identity. Due to subpixel accuracy, your objects can be smoothly rotated and transformed.

Finished videos can be exported to all the popular social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well as YouTube and Vimeo. Choose from a selection of export profiles to make it easier when you have to decide about the right video optimization. 4K and HD exporting are available and the program even extends support to the newest H265 codec for maximum quality per size ratio.

One thing you can definitely appreciate in this free video editor is the incredible support for virtually any video format as well as other media like image and audio formats. There are also some built-in file converting features if you want to quickly change your video to another format. This software can be successfully used if you want to create more professional-looking business presentations. You can add various elements such as charts and text for a more impactful impression to your audience, as opposed to a conventional slideshow.

Another thing worth mentioning is the way the software receives regular updates that improve the overall functionality by expanding the available set of features. For example, the latest version comes with a stabilization tool which can be helpful for shaky videos. It’s definitely impressive to see such a well-maintained free video editing software. All in all, VSDC Free Video Editor could be a solid replacement for basic tools such as Windows Movie Maker. It does have a performance limitation when exporting, but that’s pretty much the only drawback to consider. This is quite an underrated video editor considering it offers such rich features enveloped in a highly intuitive interface.

7. Avid Media Composer First

Avid Media Composer is of one of the best video editing programs in the industry. It’s used in many professional settings and can truly revolutionize your filmmaking. The full version is quite expensive, but fortunately, there’s a free edition available called Media Composer First. It comes with certain limitations as you’d expect, but it packs many professional abilities too. The complexity of this piece of software will probably become obvious to anyone who’s starting to work with it. If you put in some effort and have enough patience, this tool can help you learn the craft of professional video editing. Novice users will probably be a little intimidated, so this is the kind of tool recommended for those who are already familiar with video editors.

Getting into the program itself will take some additional steps. It’s not just that downloading and installing takes a while, it’s also the requirement to create an online account to use the program. After you register the account and sign in, you’ll be ready to take advantage of all the powerful features. Before taking a closer look under the hood of this video editing software, it’s probably a good idea to understand the limitations first. Media Composer First will not be able to export videos in higher resolutions than 1080p. That’s not so bad considering similar programs export just up to 720p.

Another limitation to take into account is the amount of tracks you can work with. As long as you remain within the maximum 4 video and 8 audio tracks, you should be fine. The main window of this editor has a very high-end look. Take your pick from the vast amount of features you can use such as color correction and audio editing. To find your way in the editing environment provided by this software, you will most likely need to be already aware of the technical details of your footage.

Creating the timeline is an essential step when working with this kind of tool. Once you do that, there are lots of tools to access which can improve your workflow. Speeding up or slowing down your video clips is done without too much effort. Footage stabilization is another handy feature. One thing to remember if you consider this tool is that you also need a heavy-duty workstation to keep up with the demands of the software. You can run into slowdowns even with reasonably strong computers, so it’s best to use very powerful hardware if you are truly serious about video editing.

For a consumer video editor, Avid Media Composer First might be a little over the top. It’s a great free tool for students who want to get familiar with the kind of powerful filmmaking software used in the Hollywood industry, but not ideal for making basic home movies. It’s safe to say that it brings a lot of value for a free tool, everything you could ask for, minus the professional outputs.

Did you find our article helpful? Then you might also be interested in our articles about the 8 Free HTML Editors and the 8 Free PDF Editors.

The post 7 Best Free Video Editing Softwares of 2019 appeared first on FabatHome.

Best Free Software to Restore Your Data

If you wish to recover deleted files, the easiest solution comes from specialized software. Data recovery tools can be downloaded for free and are capable of restoring your important files in just a few quick steps. Recovering your accidentally deleted files is actually a fairly simple process. To familiarize yourself with it, check out our detailed guide from the How to Recover Deleted Files article.

Using data recovery software is usually the preferred method to deal with this common issue. Files you thought were forever lost can still be brought back in most cases. It’s recommended to make frequent backups to avoid these types of situations. Data loss can be a very unpleasant experience for anyone.

Learning how to use a data recovery tool can be helpful because sometimes you can lose files in unexpected ways. Maybe there’s a hardware failure or a virus infection. That’s why you need to be prepared to restore your important files. The time to act is always immediately when you realize the file is gone.

File recovery tools come in a variety of flavors, each with its own set of features. This list contains only free programs, as the extra features of paid ones aren’t usually worth it. We’ve selected the best 10 applications you could try. Some of them are better in certain regards, such as design and intuitiveness, others could perform deeper searches for files. Hopefully, one of these tools will resolve your issue, so let’s see how they compare and what exactly do they bring to the table in the world of data recovery software.

1. Recuva

Considered the best free data recovery tool around, Recuva has become a very popular option to take into account. It’s developed by the reputable maker of CCleaner and it stands out due to its very intuitive interface. The program is extremely effective when it comes to getting back your essential deleted files. To install this program, you simply need to head over to the official website and choose your downloadable installer. There are two options here and we recommend the portable version as it works faster. Installing new programs can use up some precious disk space and you may risk overwriting deleted files. This is the main reason why you should go for the portable version.

In the archive of the portable edition of the tool, there are two executable files. Choose ‘recuva64.exe’ if you’re using a 64-bit Windows version. When you launch the program you will be greeted by a helpful wizard which allows you to select some options to speed up the search for the lost file. You don’t really need to know the type or the last location of the file. That’s just something that can help the searching process, but it’s fine even if you’re not really sure. The tool will start a quick scan and will present you a large list of all kinds of files. Then, it’s simply a matter of looking closely for your file and clicking ‘Recover…’.

There are some more advanced features available to sort this list or preview files for example. Keep in mind that while this tool will attempt to do everything in its power to recover your deleted files, there’s still a chance of unsuccessful recovery, albeit a very low one. This utility works well on any Windows version from XP to Windows 10. It’s worth mentioning that it receives frequent updates to be able to keep up with the demands of its users. There’s an option for deeper scanning which can be activated in case the quick scan didn’t provide the expected results.

Overall, Recuva deserves the top spot in this list thanks to its easy-to-use, clean interface and the performance level that’s hard to match in a free software. It works for many hard drives and other devices such as memory cards or any other storage device. Before you try any other free program, give this one a go.

2. Wise Data Recovery

Wise Data Recovery makes it convenient to find deleted files and effectively restore them to become accessible again. With the help of this tool, you can undelete files from multiple drives including storage devices such as cameras or iPhones. Let’s see why this free program deserves a spot on our list. The most appreciated feature of this data recovery software is how quickly you can see whether a file is fully recoverable or not. Because not all files can be completely recovered in their original state, you need to be aware somehow of their status before you attempt to restore them. Otherwise, you might think the recovered file is safe and sound when in reality it’s unusable junk.

To solve this problem, the application gives you the current status of any recoverable file at a glance through simple colored circles. Therefore, green circles signify a solid recoverability status, so you shouldn’t worry while orange or red circles mean there’s a high chance for the file being already partially overwritten. Such files could be considered lost already as their condition is too poor to become readable again. The interface has been designed to keep some classic aspects intact. It shows you deleted files while retaining the Windows Explorer folder structure which makes navigating the program a breeze. Another thing we appreciate in this tool is the fact you can download a portable version of it.

Scanning for files doesn’t take very long and the searching is facilitated by the ability to look for erased files by their extension and name. There are some preset options in place next to the search box, so you can quickly start a search for your deleted files. For example, the audio section offers popular extension options like MP3 and WAV. More advanced configuration settings are not present in this program, but that can be considered a good thing. It enables less experienced users to use it without too much effort. The simple and clean layout certainly helps anyone to master the full functionality of the software.

Another aspect worth considering in this utility is how it’s been designed to be as light as possible on system resources. The file size of the program is small, so you can definitely expect it to not interfere with other programs and to not affect your system performance in any way. Taking into account the speedy performance and the intuitive interface, Wise Data Recovery is certainly a winner in the world of file recovery tools. Regardless of your experience level, you can quickly find and restore files lost during system crashes or deleted by mistake. The colored circles are incredibly handy to figure out the status of your deleted files.

3. Disk Drill

Another popular option for a file-recovery tool is Disk Drill. This free program has a very modern-looking interface that’s focused on getting the job done and nothing else. It’s incredibly easy to use, even for novice users. Despite the appearances, the tool is packed with some powerful features that deserve some more attention if you are in need of restoring deleted files. While there’s no portable option available for this tool and you are restricted to 500 MB of data to recover, there are many advantages to this free software. One handy feature is the ‘Recovery Vault’. You can customize the folders you want to be monitored and create exclusions to prevent the restoring of certain file types.

Disk Drill allows users to pause a scan, which is a welcomed feature. Deep scans can take a while, so it’s helpful to be able to take a break and resume later. The results of a scan can be saved in the program once the scanning process is done. This can be convenient as you no longer need to search again the entire drive. The 500 MB limit could be a problem for particularly large files, but most users shouldn’t feel too hindered by it. Smaller files like documents or photos can be easily recovered with this tool. The software is available for both Windows and Mac users, just make sure you download the correct installer for your operating system.

Something that could be considered a solid feature of this program is the ability to recover data from different file systems. For example, it can restore files from FAT, NTFS, exFAT, and other file system types. The search tool of this program is fairly complex allowing you to filter the results in multiple ways to quickly find the right file to recover. When you consider all of its abilities, Disk Drill represents a potent solution for any file recovery problem. It does have a few drawbacks, but you shouldn’t be surprised. We’re dealing with a program that’s made available at no cost for everyone. Take a look at this tool if you wish to reliably restore your deleted files.

4. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

One capable tool that could be considered a strong candidate for a data recovery program is EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. The company behind this free software also offers some paid options, so you can expect some limitations in the free edition. The only thing to remember is that you’re restricted to 500 MB of recoverable data. The good news is that you can extend that to 2 GB if you press the share button in the program. The interface of this data recovery tool looks clean and polished. We like how the program is designed in a minimalistic manner with no confusing settings or other unnecessary features cluttering the interface. This means the tool is suitable for people who aren’t particularly tech-savvy.

The program works with both Windows and Mac operating systems so you can conveniently install it on different computers. When a scan is finished, you have the option to back up the results and access them at a later date. This could be useful to save some time as you won’t need to scan the whole drive each time. Two types of scans can be used. The quick scan feature should mostly deliver good results, but you can try the deep scan in case you want to search the drive more thoroughly. On the main screen, you’ve got all the available drives to scan. This includes any internal or external hard drives, but you can restore any data from other devices too. Some examples are memory cards, music players, and USB drives.

If you restore multiple files simultaneously, the program will maintain the original folder structure in place. This makes it easier to see their previous location when you’ve deleted them. There’s not much else to tell regarding this piece of software. It’s quick and efficient at its intended task. Considering how simple and convenient EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is to use, it quickly becomes clear that this tool is worth downloading. Check it out to see if it fits your needs. It works well to recover deleted files of any kind. The browsing and backup features are quite powerful too.

5. Glary Undelete

The next data recovery program on our list is called Glary Undelete. With its clean-looking interface and minimal overall design, it scores high points in usability. Compared to similar software, this tool allows you to find files to undelete more conveniently. Downloading and installing this piece of software is a very straightforward process. A portable version would have been nice, but that’s pretty much the only drawback of this tool. Once you’ve opened the application, the first step is to launch a search by clicking a button.

What makes this little program one of the best file recovery tools is also the performance. It depends on how big your hard drive is, but a scan won’t take too much of your time. You can customize the scanning process to only look in a specific folder if you remember where the lost file used to be. Another aspect worth mentioning is the way the Folders and File Types views have been neatly organized in the left section of the program. If you’re struggling with finding the file in one type of view, you can easily switch to another. It’s also helpful to see the original path and other relevant details of recoverable files.

This tool works well with the more recent Windows versions and supports a wide variety of internal and external drives. Restoring files is possible for removable media such as flash drives and memory cards. In terms of file system types, this utility is compatible with all the major types including NTFS and FAT. Glary Undelete hasn’t been updated in a while, but the tool seems to work fine, and there shouldn’t be any pressing need for extra features. It’s safe to say that this data recovery software does the job in a very efficient manner. It should serve you well if you accidentally deleted important files which now you want to get back.

6. Puran File Recovery

To be able to restore your deleted files with ease, you need the right tool. One that can be considered up to the task is Puran File Recovery. This free piece of software represents a reliable solution to quickly scan your disk and find erased data. It comes with a Tree View feature to simplify the navigation process. After you download the latest version of the program, you can install it very quickly thanks to the lack of unnecessary toolbars and other programs that free software commonly tries to insert in your installing process. This means you can start the important work of recovering critical files much faster.

To start scanning in the hopes of recovering lost files, the first step is to choose a drive to search. You will be presented with some extra scanning options. If you want to be more thorough you can select full or deep scan types, but these will take longer to finish. Similar to other recovery programs, this tool allows you to check the status of recoverable files. You will be able to see if the restoring conditions are suitable by looking next to the file. Some files will have an excellent status, meaning you can get them back in their original state, while others will come in poorer condition. If you’re unlucky enough to have to recover poor condition files, chances are they will be in an unusable state.

Interestingly, there are two options when you select a file to recover. You can let it be restored to its old location or you can just place it anywhere you prefer. Both options work nicely, so choose how you feel it’s more convenient. Restoring files in a simpler manner can be achieved by selecting Tree View. The option is found somewhere at the bottom of the main window of the tool. When you’re in this view mode, you can browse the list of recoverable files like you’d do it on your computer. Specific files can be more efficiently found this way.

If it seems like Puran File Recovery might seem like a solid choice for you, don’t hesitate to try it out. It doesn’t cost you anything to use it and can definitely save you when you’ve misplaced an important file. The interface of the program may not look as attractive as the one on some other tools on this list, but it performs well and that should be enough for most people.

7. SoftPerfect File Recovery

One ideal software to consider if you wish to recover deleted files is SoftPerfect File Recovery. Using a powerful searching tool, this lightweight program doesn’t bother with unnecessary settings and other extra features. It’s built to handle the data recovery process in the most efficient manner possible. By far the best feature of this tool is that it requires no installation. It’s a portable application, meaning you can launch it from a flash drive if you’d like, but that’s not a requirement. You can just quickly download it and run it to start scanning for lost files.

A nice little feature of this program is that it won’t allow for restoring a file that came from a particular drive to that same drive where it’s been deleted. This is to prevent any kind of impact to that drive, to remove the danger of overwriting. The process of undeleting files goes very smoothly. Finding the right file to restore is usually difficult when you’re presented with such a huge list like it’s often the case with data recovery programs. Thankfully, this utility enables you to sift through thousands of files more quickly by integrating a reliable search tool with an extension option.

Something that could be improved in this program is a preview feature. This could be particularly useful when it comes to images because you might not be sure if the file you’ve found is truly the one you want to be restored. That’s not such a big issue. We definitely appreciate the minimalistic approach of this tool which makes it a fitting choice for less experienced users. While not as powerful as other free file recovery programs, this tool is lightweight and very quick to discover your erased files. The interface can’t get any simpler than this, so it’s safe to conclude that this tool is worth a shot. Try it out if you’re in a hurry to restore lost files.

8. FreeUndelete

As its name implies, FreeUndelete allows you to do a reverse deleting, a full recovery for any files that have been deleted by accident. The interface of this tool looks very user-friendly and file recovery capabilities can extend beyond internal drives to all kinds of removable media such as USB drives and memory cards. This tool is free, but only for personal use at home. You’ll have to pay for the full version to get the same benefits as a business. That’s pretty much the only thing about this software you could consider a limitation. The program comes with all the essential features you could be looking for in this kind of tool.

The fact that it can be used in a portable manner represents a great advantage over many similar programs. Another helpful feature is the way it saves recovered files in a new location that’s user-configurable. It does this to ensure it won’t overwrite deleted files on the drive. One thing worth mentioning about this tool is how it tells you the condition of the recoverable file. Some files may have already reached a certain point where they’re no longer usable. The tool keeps you aware of the condition status to save you time when restoring to only undelete files in perfect working condition.

In terms of user-friendliness, the developer did a solid job with this tool. The interface is minimal, uncluttered, without any ads or other distracting elements. We also like the way you can quickly access any buttons to be able to take advantage of the program’s functions as fast as possible. Results are shown in a folder structure to help you find your file in a shorter amount of time. The software is compatible with almost any Windows version and provides support for both NTFS and FAT file system types. A decent solution for novices and more advanced users alike, FreeUndelete gets a special mention on this list of free file recovery programs. With the help of a tool like this, you can stay away from the danger of accidental file removal.

9. DMDE Free

DMDE Free is a powerful data recovery tool which doesn’t look very attractive but promises a very high success rate to restore your data. Whether because of accidental deletion or system issues, many types of lost files can be quickly recovered with this program. As you’ve probably guessed from the name, there’s also a paid version of DMDE. The free edition can be used only for personal needs and it comes with some restrictions. For example, you can’t have it recover more than 4000 files in a single batch.

That being said, the tool works very well, and you shouldn’t be too hindered by its limitations. We like the fact that it’s a portable application which reduces the risk of overwriting data with an installer. The software comes with a more extended functionality beyond simple recovery. If certain drive and partitions are no longer recognized by Windows, this tool can help you search for them and recover them too. There’s also a disk editing mode and some more advanced features which are better left untouched if you aren’t sure how to use them.

In terms of user interface, DMDE Free can look intimidating for some people. Those more familiar with advanced software should find their way quite easily. Things aren’t as complicated as they may seem, especially in the most recent version which has received some navigation improvements. The learning curve is still a bit steeper with this one, but the overall performance can justify digging deeper into the program’s documentation. When it comes to operating system compatibility, this tool works without issues with almost all Windows versions as well as Linux and DOS. Among the supported file types, we can count NTFS, exFAT, and FAT32.

All in all, the DMDE Free data recovery tool won’t disappoint you if you’re trying to recover files deleted by mistake or lost from other causes. It can work as a partition manager, RAID constructor, and disk editor, so there’s definitely more here than the average person needs. There are some restrictions on file and directory recovery, but the tool makes up for this through its extra abilities.

10. Restoration

The simply-named Restoration program feels like a refreshing solution for a data recovery software. Its main characteristics are the small footprint and amazingly easy-to-use interface. This program is not as complex as others on this list, but it still includes many helpful features that make it worth considering. Although the program is quite old and supposed to work best on Windows 95 to Windows XP, it seems it has no issues with more recent Windows versions, except Windows 8. The most common file system types NTFS and FAT can both be handled by this tool. Thanks to being fully portable, the tool can start working right away.

The interface of this tool looks very basic and yet it feels efficient for restoring deleted files. Results can be quickly sorted after a scan, so you will be able to find the needed file in no time and then get it back just as fast. The program’s search tool allows for making searches by file extension besides looking for the name of the file. This can be very useful if you don’t know the exact name of the file, but you’re aware of its type. Optionally, the application is capable of doing searches for empty files.

One extra feature that many could find handy is the access to data sanitization methods. When navigating to the ‘Others’ menu you can find two options to permanently erase everything found in your list of recoverable files. That can be done to prevent others from recovering any sensitive data. A disadvantage to keep in mind, besides the Windows 8 incompatibility, is the way the tool can only recover single files. It can’t deal with the restoration process of entire folders, so that might be a problem for some.

An interesting feature of this data recovery software is the way it can exclude specific files from the results if certain parts are already being used by other files. The reason why this could be useful is that you can eliminate files that have been partially overwritten, those files that can no longer be fully recovered. You will be able to ensure that you only restore usable files. Despite a few disadvantages, Restoration can be considered a reliable tool. It doesn’t offer a particularly impressive set of features, but some useful included functions can still make it worthy of your time. Recommended if you want a portable data recovery software that’s lightweight and intuitive.

Did you find our article helpful? Then you might also be interested in our articles about the Free Driver Updaters

The post 10 Free Data Recovery Softwares of 2019 appeared first on FabatHome.

Creating a Yahoo Mail account is easy. All you have to do is fill up a single form and you’re done. Deleting your Yahoo Mail account, however, is a completely different story, and that’s why we’ve created this guide.

Using our easy 4-step process, you can delete your Yahoo Mail. Before you delete your account though, you should understand what this actually means.

What does deleting your Yahoo Mail account mean?

The first thing you need to keep in mind before deleting your Yahoo Mail accounts is the other services that might be associated to that account. Other Yahoo services like Flickr will be affected if you delete your account.

Before you proceed with this process, you must be sure that deleting your account is something that you really want to do. Once you delete the account you’ll no longer have access to it and your emails will be removed. People who try to contact you on this account will get a delivery failure message since the account no longer exists. Once you’re 100% sure you want to proceed with this irreversible process, all you have to do is follow the following steps.

Step 1: Sign in to the Yahoo account termination page

In order to get this step done, all you have to do is visit this page and log in using your Yahoo Mail account login information. If you have forgotten your Yahoo Mail account’s password, you recover it then return to this page.

Step 2: Read the “before continuing” text

This tells you exactly what you’ll lose by deleting your account. This can include things from data to the access to some related accounts. Before you proceed with deleting your account, make sure to check these out to make sure you’re not missing anything.

Step 3: Re-enter your email address

After you agree to the “before continuing” text, you’ll be asked to enter your email address again.

Step 4: Select “terminate this account”

This is the last step in your Yahoo Mail account termination process. After you click this, you’ll get a message that tells you that your account is deactivated and is scheduled for deletion. This could last for up to 180 days so you should just forget about for now.

Keep in mind

Before you do a celebratory dance for successfully closing your Yahoo Mail account, you should keep the following things in mind:

Your email address may be taken by someone else

That’s right. Once you delete your email account, the address that you previously had can be used by anyone who is signing up for a new account. If you happen to change your mind and want to resume using your account, you might find out that the address is no longer available.

On top of that, having a new owner for an email address that was previously owned by you can cause all sorts of problems. Before you delete your account, make sure to change different registrations that might be associated with that address.

You can reactivate your account

Having your Yahoo Mail account deleted isn’t an instant thing. The deactivation of the account is instant the deletion isn’t. If you log into your Yahoo account within 40 days from deleting it you still have a chance to retrieve your data and email address. Since it wasn’t deleted, people can’t sign up for it just yet. If you wish to reactivate your close Yahoo account, you can do this via the normal login page. Just type in your login information and sign in like you normally do.

Automatic charges aren’t canceled by closing your account

This is a point that causes confusion for many people. In contrary to what most people think, deleting your account doesn’t stop automatic Yahoo charges from applying. If you have any of these charges being billed to your account, you have to make sure to stop them before deactivating your account. If you don’t do that, you’ll find yourself getting billed for a service that you’re no longer using. Unsubscribing from all paid services that are related to your account before deleting it is an easy step that can spare you lots of trouble.

Notify your contacts about this change

If you’re deleting a Yahoo Mail account that you have been actively using, you must notify your contacts about this change. Email accounts are a serious thing. Letting people know that a certain email address they used to email you at is no longer associated with you is a step that you should never skip. Failing to do so can result in leaking some of your private information to a complete stranger. Sending an email to everyone on your contact list is something that shouldn’t take more than a minute and is definitely worth doing.

Did you find our article helpful? Then you might also be interested in our articles about How to Delete your Google Gmail Account and How to Recover Deleted Files.

The post How to Delete Your Yahoo Account in 4 Easy Steps appeared first on FabatHome.

Find out which are the best torrent sites

Torrent sites seem to suffer from instability issues nowadays. A classic example is ‘The Pirate Bay’ which very often disappears suddenly and reappears as if nothing’s happened. Others like the popular Torrentz.eu website simply chose to terminate all services. Despite these unfortunate events, the BitTorrent ecosystem still flourishes with more and more torrent sites trying to make names for themselves.

In this article, we are going to take a closer look at those sites as well as old favorites. Torrent sites represent valuable resources for P2P users. If you want to find the best content shared through torrent files, you need to extend your browsing habits to more websites. And not just any other torrent sites, but the best providers of high-quality torrents. Finding exactly what you need is easier and more efficiently done when you know precisely where to look.

It’s also worth considering the security of torrent sites. Some such websites might not be as user-friendly to use compared to others. They can be plagued with malicious ads and sometimes the torrent files can be fake. This is why you need to be careful and only download verified files from trusted uploaders and sites with solid reputations. Here is a selection of the best torrent sites in terms of everything. Things like safety, interface, types of files found and how many torrents are indexed on the site matter. Although this list could change over time, it’s safe to say that at this time, these 10 are the best torrent sites to use.

1. Torrents.me

Why restrict yourself to a single torrent site when you could browse all the popular ones at once? This is what the ones behind the ‘Torrents.me’ website probably had in mind when creating this torrent site. You can use its powerful search engine to find torrents in a convenient dashboard interface.

When there are no results on a particular site, no problem, just switch to another. Your chances of finding what you’re looking for will definitely rise considerably if you use this kind of meta-torrent site. It allows you to browse the most popular and trusted sites for torrents, most of which are also included in this article.

Because some sites are blocked in certain regions, this website will also allow you to use a proxy feature when searching, so you can gain access and unblock them. Another handy ability is to customize the dashboard and include other torrent sites enabling you to create the ultimate torrent downloading experience. ‘Torrents.me’ simplifies your torrent searches considerably so this is why it represents our number one recommendation.

2. 1337x

With a well-maintained torrent database and a very intuitive interface, 1337x became very popular in recent times. The site is organized with browsing sections to quickly find the latest games, movies, and music torrents. It’s a good choice for finding more obscure content and it scores high in terms of safety considering the dedicated group of uploaders that deliver the newest high-quality torrents.

3. RARBG

RARBG was initially a Bulgarian tracker, but nowadays has become extremely popular due to its high-quality video specialization. It has expanded greatly and it’s currently considered one of the best torrent sites if you’re looking for high-resolution movies and other videos.

Its database is not as comprehensive as some others on this list, but the particular attention to quality makes RARBG a leading force in the world of torrent sites ever since its inception in 2008.

4. Torrentz2

When the original ‘Torrentz.eu’ site voluntarily announced its termination, a clone site quickly appeared to take its place. It was named ‘Torrentz2’ and despite a rough start initially, it has slowly become a worthy replacement. This is a meta-torrent indexer enabling users to browse multiple torrent sites simultaneously.

It’s somewhat similar to ‘Torrents.me’, but it doesn’t index that many sites. Still, it manages to create a much simpler interface and all the search results are in one place. The site doesn’t offer magnet links or torrent downloads itself as it will just redirect you to another torrent site that does. Overall, Torrentz2 is a handy tool for any Peer-to-Peer enthusiast.

5. The Pirate Bay

The infamous Pirate Bay will always manage to find a spot on any ‘top torrent sites’ list. It’s definitely the most popular and resilient torrent site out there. The fact that it’s found in the middle of this list can be explained quite easily. It’s still a good torrent site, but not the best.

The Pirate Bay is a classic with its simple and efficient interface, but there are some issues to consider. The site is often offline and unreachable from certain regions and sometimes even when it seems to be alive and well it works slower than other sites.

There are users who profit from the popularity of the site to spread malware through fake torrents, so you need to be extra careful when browsing. It’s strongly recommended to choose only torrents from trusted and verified uploaders. They usually have green or pink colored skulls next to their usernames. While it does have some flaws, The Pirate Bay has many old and new torrents and can definitely cover your needs.

6. RuTracker

A very underrated site for downloading torrents is RuTracker, a Russian website that boasts a very organized selection of high-quality files. It has some slight drawbacks because you will need to register an account to use it properly and there’s also the problem of everything being in Russian. With the help of Google Translate for web pages that can be solved though.

One thing that makes this torrent site stand out is the way it’s organized and managed like a private tracker. The site is public and yet the uploading requirements are very strict. There are moderators that verify the uploads and overall the site has very high standards. It doesn’t just allow anything like The Pirate Bay.

RuTracker is particularly great when it comes to music. You can find more obscure stuff and browse through genres with ease to seek out the newest releases. All in all, RuTracker deserves more recognition, especially if you’re looking for FLAC music and other high-quality torrents. It gives off a feeling of community as it also has a very active forum (unfortunately only Russian speakers are allowed).

7. Zooqle

Zooqle is a relatively new torrent site which was brought to life with the idea of bringing together the latest releases in the world of film and TV shows. Nowadays it started to branch out into other types of torrent files, so you’re able to find games, music, applications, books, and others.

This website is particularly dedicated for cinema fans who like to stay up to date with the newest TV releases. You can create an account for this purpose as the site allows you to subscribe to your favorite shows and get RSS feeds. Finding movies in the right quality per size ratio is a breeze too as the site is nicely organized in that regard.

With over 3 million verified torrents, Zooqle keeps ascending in popularity. It has great potential as a torrent website so this is why it was included in this list.

8. iDope

Another recent arrival on the torrent scene is iDope which has managed to increase its audience quite a lot ever since it appeared in 2016. This torrent search engine was initially created when the highly popular Kickass Torrents website has been closed.

It didn’t manage so far to attain that level of popularity, but the library of indexed torrents is quite varied and there’s a distinct lack of annoying pop-ups and ads you often see on similar sites. Besides the capable search tool, the site also has two easily-accessible sections for the most popular and recent torrents currently available. iDope works well and is safe to use. It can be said it makes a decent Kickass Torrents alternative.

9. Limetorrents

Although Limetorrents has an established reputation in the torrent business, it managed to stay under the radar for many P2P users so far. In this list, it manages to gain an honorable spot considering what a nice interface it has and thanks to its large collection of torrent files.

Whether it’s games, TV shows or applications, this is a powerful website that you should definitely not overlook. You can make an account on the site to gain access to some additional benefits. If you’re unsure what to watch or download next, there are helpful top and latest torrents sections.

10. Nyaa.si

The last torrent site worth mentioning is Nyaa.si which represents the continuation of the fallen anime torrent site Nyaa that went permanently down in 2017. Although the website is obviously geared towards anime fans as it provides exclusive content for them, its rising popularity makes it one of the best torrent sites out there.

Nyaa.si is a highly comprehensive website offering all kinds of anime content including TV shows, movies, music, games, and more. It will take some more time to reach the status of a full Nyaa replacement, but all in all, Nyaa.si represents an invaluable resource for some. This niche site is recommended considering how it receives constant updates.

Did you find our article helpful? Then you might also be interested in our articles about The 9 Best Torrent Downloader Softwares and the 8 Free Driver Updater Tools.

The post The Top 10 Torrent Sites of 2019 appeared first on FabatHome.

Powerful torrent clients for all your torrenting needs

You’re probably familiar with the Peer-to-Peer file sharing protocol, the BitTorrent network which provides the resources for accessing anything from TV shows and movies to music and video games. The great majority of this content is pirated, but there are legal torrents too. In any case, for gaining access to this vast file-sharing network, you are required to have a torrent client, a special downloader program or web app that allows you to get your hands on a lot of content from torrent sites.

There are lots of popular and less known torrent clients out there and in this article, we aim to select only the best and highlight their abilities and drawbacks to help you pick the right choice. Don’t be fooled into paying for any torrent downloader software because the majority of clients are available to use for free. This is good news because you can easily make the switch to another software if you’re unhappy with the one you’re currently using.

There are two main categories of tools to download torrents: client software and online services. We’ll be mainly focusing on client programs because they don’t usually come with paid subscriptions like cloud-based ones. They’re also arguably more convenient to use than cloud downloaders. Some people say that cloud tools have the advantage of better hiding your torrenting activity, but that’s not necessarily true. It’s strongly recommended to use a VPN service if you’re downloading torrents to be as anonymous as possible. That should be taken into account for both types of torrent downloading tools.

Without any further introductions let’s start our list of best torrent clients and services. Keep in mind that this selection has been made using actual user feedback, so you will know more exactly what to expect with each downloading software or web-based tool.

1. qBittorent

The main reason why qBittorent takes the first spot is due to the way it keeps things simple and transparent. It’s an open-source project and the developers provide the software for zero costs with great compatibility for all the major platforms. It has been created as an alternative to the popular uTorrent client which has been plagued by issues in recent updates.

The interface of qBittorent, as well as all the main features of it, are very similar to uTorrent. Those familiar with that program will surely feel at home when using it. The well-polished user interface that arrived in its latest updates is completely ad-free as opposed to the latest installments of uTorrent so that’s a major plus. The developers are supported through user donations.

Some great features of this tool are the extensive Search Engine, RSS feed support, and the ability to add torrents in different ways. You can access conventional torrent files as well as via magnet links, DHT, and PEX. There’s also a web user interface which enables users to control the program remotely. qBittorent is definitely our top recommendation if you want a simple and efficient torrent client.

2. Deluge

Those who favor a particularly lightweight BitTorrent client will probably like Deluge. This free software is available for Windows and Mac computers as well as Linux. All the common features you’d expect in a reliable torrent downloader are present here and many 3rd party plugins can be integrated for enhancing the functionality of the program even more.

There are three main interfaces which can be accessed by users and they all seem quite intuitive. Besides the desktop and browser UIs, there’s also a console interface for the command line. The software is open source so anyone can check the code if interested. You can see for yourself if the software can be trusted so this is why we always recommend choosing open-source torrent clients before considering others.

In conclusion, Deluge is a highly reliable torrent software and one of the main reasons why you should consider it is the way it doesn’t use excessive CPU and memory resources. Any serious P2P user will like features such as scheduled and selective torrent downloading, but the most impressive thing about the client is the speed, which many people say it’s better than most competitors.

3. Transmission

Next on our list is Transmission, another open source project that doesn’t try to make money from their users. It’s not bundled with useless bloatware and won’t hold back in terms of features and performance. Some people also seem to prefer the interface which has been designed to be as intuitive as possible.

There’s not a lot of tinkering that needs to be done when it comes to this torrent client. With just a few clicks you should be able to get everything configured to your liking. More advanced users will definitely appreciate features such as bad peer blocklists and watch directories.

For those who prefer a web interface, Transmission is also equipped with one. The program works well with virtually any operating system including Mac OS X and Linux. Taking into account the fact that Transmission integrates all the essential features of a torrent downloader with such a transparent approach as it’s open source and doesn’t track users, it’s safe to say that it’s worth checking out.

4. Tribler

One option that’s slightly different than the competition is Tribler. This torrent client stands out from the rest as it also offers a torrent search function. It also incorporates streaming ability to play videos before the download has finished. This could be very convenient if you have a slower connection and wish to keep downloading in the background.

This software is designed to be compatible with all the most popular operating systems such as Windows, Mac, and Linux. The source code is available for anyone to access on GitHub and the company behind the torrent client is non-profit. Thanks to the search engine integration, the interface is easier to use for those who like to access content right away.

An aspect that could be particularly important for some is the enhanced anonymity provided by this torrent client. It relies on a dedicated onion routing network similar to a basic Tor network, but with some improvements to protect your privacy. Overall Tribler represents a capable torrent downloader to consider which has been designed to ensure a healthy torrent ecosystem.

5. uTorrent 2.2.1

Although uTorrent is not as popular as it used to be considering many rivals that appeared in recent years, it’s still a great torrent downloader to consider. There are two uTorrent versions now, a web-based client for streaming torrents as well as a classic program version which handles torrent downloading.

The uTorrent interface is very user-friendly and the program works well. It used to be so much better in the past, but ever since the company changed hands, it seems there are some issues with the more recent uTorrent versions. For starters, there are ads in the program which can be turned off for an annual fee. There are other paid program versions too which add some extras such as VPN for anonymous torrenting.

The more recent uTorrent version has been implicated in a malware scandal as the program’s been flagged as a threat by Microsoft and certain anti-virus vendors. Even though what the new uTorrent offers may sound appealing, the truth is that versions after 2.2.1 come loaded with unnecessary add-ons which only make the user experience worse.

Despite being older, uTorrent 2.2.1 doesn’t have any ads, is ultra-lightweight and still performs incredibly well. This is why our recommendation is not for uTorrent 3.0 or later (which follows after 2.2.1 version), but for uTorrent 2.2.1 which deserves a spot if you like the classic torrenting experience.

6. Tixati

Tixati is a somewhat less popular option for a torrent client. Even so, there are mostly great things to say about it. It has efficient downloading algorithms and it tries to keep everything simpler to be more user-friendly. There are no ads or spyware of any kind and the client is free to use.

Installing this torrent downloader is a breeze. It doesn’t have extra requirements like Java or .NET. When it comes to security, the program uses RC4 connection encryption. One notable feature is the support for magnet links, DHT, and PEX. It will also allow you to easily control the bandwidth for the best downloading experience.

Although this downloader has a very simple look, it still packs some more advanced features. You can schedule certain events, enable RSS or use IP filtering. It’s available only for Windows and Linux systems. The developer accepts donations for maintaining software development, so this is how it keeps the program ad-free. Tixati is a solid option if you like a more basic interface.

7. Vuze

A less recommended client torrent than the others, but which can still find a lot of fans is Vuze. It comes with a free ad-supported version and a premium paid one which has some extra features and no ads. The program deserves some credit for maintaining a lightweight footprint and for its suite of comprehensive BitTorrent tools.

What’s great about this torrent downloader is that it’s equipped with built-in speed optimization features. Downloading torrents is fast with this one and the software accepts multiple torrent sources including magnet links. The interface looks very well polished showing off a large collection of features that could be a bit overwhelming for some users.

The biggest problem with this torrent downloader is that it’s a proprietary software. The fact that it contains ads in the free version is also a drawback. Vuze is not a perfect torrent client, but it’s powerful and reliable when it comes to downloading. All in all, it manages to get an honorable mention on this list. We’ll now take a look at the last two clients which are online torrent downloaders.

8. Bitport.io

The first cloud downloader for torrents to take a look at is Bitport.io. It’s quite limited in its free version, but if you’re willing to make an investment, there are some tempting paid plans which offer powerful features. For example, the small paid plan allows you to store 30 GB of content in the cloud. Secure downloads are guaranteed by HTTPS and antivirus check.

The paid plans are subscription-based and can accommodate different needs. One of the best advantages of using an online torrent client is that you won’t have to bother with downloading software. In fact, you don’t even have to download files. You can simply stream content directly in the browser from anywhere with a network connection.

Using this service could be a solid solution for on-the-go users. Another convenient feature is that Bitport can finish downloads even after you shut down the computer. This is the kind of service that’s probably not for anyone who’s into P2P downloading so it’s recommended to try the free version first and then decide for yourself if you’d like to purchase a paid plan.

9. Boxopus

Boxopus is our last torrent downloader to review. It’s another online tool for managing your downloaded files. The torrents are stored in cloud services such as Google Drive and Box. Privacy concerns are resolved thanks to using an encrypted channel for the best security.

As with the other online tools for downloading torrents, one of the greatest aspects of this service is that you can access content more conveniently. Those who own multiple devices and are frequently traveling will definitely prefer a service like this one which allows for accessing files anywhere. Video and audio streaming is enabled with the help of the Kodi player.

A free plan for Boxopus doesn’t seem to be available. The service offers three plans which all have the same functionality. The only difference is the availability of the online downloader. You can use it for just 7 days or 3 months, with the longest option being one year.

We like that you’re able to download any files with solid encryption within a 100 GB storage capacity, no matter the length of your plan. In conclusion, Boxopus is a more short-term solution for downloading a quick movie when you hit the road or stuff like that. Not really worth comparing it with a program-style torrent client.

Did you find our article helpful? Then you might also be interested in our articles about the 8 free driver updater tools and the 8 free html editors.

The post The 9 Best Torrent Downloaders of 2019 appeared first on FabatHome.

An easy-to-follow guide

Kodi is a powerful media center software that enables users to access virtually any type of content such as movies and music from any supported device. It offers convenient ways for streaming and storing content and is compatible with pretty much any major operating system. You can even use Kodi on a Fire TV from Amazon after going through a basic installation process.

There are so many things you can do with Kodi as it has the potential to revolutionize your home entertainment. It can help you organize your movie collection, enables the addition of extra plugins to expand the available features and you can even record live TV. Kodi can be considered a reliable television replacement as it’s created to enhance your home theater experience.

While Kodi can be quickly installed on your PC, when it comes to streaming boxes or sticks, it’s a little bit more complicated. The good news is that you won’t have to root your device and it only takes a few minutes of your time. Without any further introductions let’s jump straight into the guide for installing Kodi on Amazon Fire TV.

1. Enable apps from unknown sources

• This is the first step required to be able to install Kodi. Before we go on, it’s important to mention that Amazon warns about allowing third-party apps on your Fire TV as there are some security risks involved. You need to be aware of this fact because Fire TVs are just as susceptible to malware infections as other devices.
• If you think it’s worth moving on, all you need to do is follow the path Settings>Developer options>Enable Apps from Unknown Sources.

2. Get the Downloader app

• The quickest way to install Kodi is to download a free app from the Amazon Appstore such as the Downloader app.

3. Insert the link to download Kodi

In the Downloader app, you need to enter the following URL: https://kodi.tv/download.

4. Choose the Android app

• As the operating system used in your Fire TV is just a modified version of Android, Kodi will work without problems if you choose Android in the screen that follows.

5. Select the 32-bit installation

• Although 64-bit can work too, the 32-bit installation seems to work better in most cases so that should be your first option.

6. Click Install

• Now Kodi will be installed on your Amazon Fire TV and that’s pretty much done. Next, you might want to customize certain settings for the best Kodi experience.
• One thing worth mentioning is that you’ve got a USB storage port for the Fire TV whereas the Fire Stick requires a remote media server.

Did you find our article helpful? Then you might also be interested in our articles about How to Fix a Blue Screen of Death or How to Fix a Computer that Turns on but Displays Nothing.

The post How to Install Kodi on Amazon Fire TV (or a Fire TV Stick) appeared first on FabatHome.

A simple guide for closing your Gmail account

If you’re tired of your Gmail account and want it to be gone permanently, there is a way to delete it without compromising your entire Google account. It’s also important to note that you have another option, to delete the Gmail account only temporary.

Before completing this process, it’s worth considering a few things:

• Are you using this Gmail account as a recovery account? If so, you should change this because it will no longer be able to help you recover another email account.
• Before going through with the deleting process, you should watch out if that account is tied up with something important. Some examples are email ID for bank account or a site like Facebook.
• The conversations on the account will be completely erased so consider doing a backup if you want to keep anything. There will be an option to do so during this process and it’s very simple, so don’t worry about that.

Deleting a Gmail account is not a very difficult process. It’s actually very easy once you follow this step-by-step guide.

1. Access your account settings

2. Find Account preferences

3. Click on ‘Delete your account or services’

4. Select ‘Delete products’ – this is the option for specific Google services

5. Type your password for verification

6. Look for the Gmail account that needs to be deleted

7. Select the trashcan icon to remove that service

• Optionally, you can download your data to make a backup of your Gmail messages

8. Add another email address to associate with the deleted account

• Make sure it’s a valid address because it’s needed for completing the process

9. Click the ‘Send Verification Email’ option

10. Find the email sent by Google with the deletion confirmation and follow the link inside

11. Confirm once again on the window that appears

12. Click on ‘Delete Gmail’ after checking the preceding box

• This is final, when you click on this button, the account will be permanently deleted.
• Now that your Gmail account is gone forever, you can still view your old messages if you’ve downloaded the data. This is done by using Google Takeout or another similar program.
• When people send messages on the deleted email address they will simply be notified of a delivery failure. This is why it’s recommended to provide an alternate address to your old contacts.

Did you find our article helpful? Then you might also be interested in our articles about How to Take a Screenshot on a PC Screen of Death and How to Recover Deleted Files.

The post How to Delete your Google Gmail Account in 12 Easy Steps appeared first on FabatHome.

Find out which type is best for your needs

We’re all familiar with computer mice, and you’ve probably heard about different types such as optical and laser mice. These are the successors to the old mechanical ball mouse and have now conquered the market. If you’re curious about the differences between an optical mouse and a laser one, this article will take an in-depth approach to help you understand whether one type is better over the other.

Average users are probably not concerned with this issue because the differences aren’t actually very noticeable. For most purposes, optical and laser mice are basically offering the same level of functionality. Laser mice tend to be more expensive compared to optical models. Why is that? Let’s take a closer look at each difference between them.

1. Technology

Technically speaking, all mice are optical. This is because both laser and optical mice work with the help of little cameras inside taking pictures of the surface. They use this data to track the current location of the mouse on your desk. It’s quite amazing when you think that you’re holding a low-resolution camera in your hand that does this movement tracking job more than thousands of times each second.

There are other elements involved besides the CMOS sensor – that’s the low-resolution camera. You need an illumination source and lenses and here we arrive at one of the most striking differences between optical and laser mice.

2. Illumination source

Whereas optical mice use a simple LED light, laser types rely on a laser, as you’ve probably expected. So that means the illumination source differs even though both use CMOS sensors for determining the current location of the mouse.

An optical mouse uses that LED light to concentrate the illumination into a beam. That goes through the angled lens and the amplified result reaches the CMOS sensor. The hard work is done here as the sensor converts all the light particles into electronic data that can be read as digital images.

The resulting images are used to generate an exact mouse location and the final data is transmitted to your PC to figure out where the cursor’s placed. The technology has advanced to a point that optical mice can be used on almost any surface. This is because the LED no longer points straight down but it’s being projected at an angle.

Laser mice rely on a low-power laser which shouldn’t be harmful to your eyes. While initially, laser models were considered more precise and in most ways superior to optical types, nowadays that’s no longer the case. That’s because optical mice caught up and have become capable enough to rival the abilities of a laser mouse.

3. Sensitivity

When you analyze the two technologies one thing becomes clear. Laser mice do appear to be more sensitive considering the superior dpi. This means they’re able to track more dots per inch and that’s what gives them the boost in sensitivity. That may sound like a big deal, but it’s not really the case.

Only gamers or certain professional users can truly benefit from some extra sensitivity and may consider getting a laser mouse over an optical one. Nowadays, the differences in dpi capabilities have blurred to a point where optical mice can easily rival laser ones. Hitting more dpi used to be possible only with laser mice, but you can now get your hands on high-dpi-resolution optical models too.

4. Surface

One difference between optical and laser mice is that laser models are able to go deeper into the surface and deliver some extra information for its CMOS sensor. A simple example is how laser models work on glass surfaces while optical ones can experience problems. The laser can still track certain incredibly small irregularities enabling to move somewhat even on such a difficult clear surface.

That may seem like an important difference initially, but it quickly becomes irrelevant when you think about working with a mouse on a glass surface. The chances you’d need to do that are way too low. It’s only a useful example to understand the way the illumination process affects the performance of the two types of mice. This can be summed up as follows – a LED tracks well only on a more superficial surface layer while the laser to access deeper for some more positional details. In other words, the laser mouse is more versatile when it comes to the surfaces it can work on as opposed to optical models that can only work properly on mouse pads and non-glossy surfaces.

5. Accuracy

Laser mice are more accurate, but that’s not always a good thing. In fact, it may even be quite detrimental as the laser picks up useless information from the surface. The effect is a cursor ‘jitter’ that may appear during slower movement which is sometimes called acceleration. The problem is that you won’t find the cursor in the precise location where you intended to place it. And this could really impact someone working in Adobe Illustrator for example.

Before deciding to give up on laser mice as a graphic designer, it’s worth mentioning that you can alleviate this effect. To make the jitter issue more or less disappear you can try placing the mouse on a hard, dark surface instead of a cloth-based one. This can help because you’re removing unnecessary irregularities that can be picked up in those surfaces as junk data by the laser.

There’s also another method to handle this jitter effect. Just turn down the sensitivity and the sensor will process less useless data resulting in more accurate movement.

Conclusion – which mouse type is better?

There’s no simple satisfying answer here. Depending on the surroundings and applications, you can experience better results when choosing either optical or laser mice. While some gamers would probably favor lightning-quick movement, there’s still more to a gaming mouse than whether it uses the optical or laser technology. Some people would consider laser superior in certain instances for gaming, but there are other factors that play a role.

This article doesn’t focus on gamers though, so for the average user, you can choose according to your lifestyle. If you’re constantly on the go and need a mouse to work on various surfaces perhaps a laser model would be a more suitable choice. On the contrary, if you’re just always sitting at an office desk and don’t want to spend too much, optical is the way to go. Don’t forget to analyze other specifications of individual mice if you truly want to pick the best mouse.

Head over to our other articles about the Best Gaming Mouse and the Best Trackball Mouse if you want to pick one of the best mice on the market.

The post Optical Vs. Laser Mouse (Which Should you Choose?) appeared first on FabatHome.

Testing your power supply needs to be done when you suspect a malfunction. One of the simplest ways to do it is by using a multimeter. This is the manual method of testing a PSU as opposed to purchasing a power supply tester that can automatically detect problems.

If you do it correctly, this test will confirm for you whether it’s time to replace the PSU or if the unit works as it should. Keep in mind that not everyone should attempt to do this test. It’s recommended only if you’re experienced in doing electrical tests as it can be quite dangerous if you’re not very careful.

Assuming you already have a multimeter at your disposal, let’s see which are the required steps for executing this test. You can expect the test to need somewhere around 30-45 minutes of your time, perhaps more if you want to be more thorough.

1. Make sure you’re aware of the best safety measures

• As this process involves a certain level of danger, it’s mandatory to be familiar with the safety procedures when repairing computers. Some of the most critical points you need to be aware of are:

1. Power off completely

• This may seem obvious to most people, but it’s important to stress out that you should always flip the power switch off before attempting to repair a computer. And while you’re at it, unplug the computer as well for some extra peace of mind.
• When you pull the plug to start repairing the PC you need to wait a few minutes. There are miniature electronic components called capacitors that can still retain an electric charge. Even if the storage duration is quite limited, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

2. Weird smells and smoke

• Burning smells are always a sign that you should immediately take action. Together with seeing smoke coming from the case or anywhere else, these are indications that you need to pay close attention to. When a component gets damaged, you need to allow the whole computer to cool, then quickly find the issue and resolve it. This is usually done by doing a replacement for that part.

3. Never wear hand jewelry

• When working with high-voltage devices make sure you always take off your metal rings, bracelets, and any kind of hand jewelry beforehand. This is particularly important when testing the power supply as you can get electrocuted from anything conductive like that.

4. Know when it’s time to stop

• If during your repair work you discover a label telling you the part is not serviceable, then it’s very important to leave it as that. Don’t try to overlook this statement because there are many PC components which simply can’t be repaired, sometimes not even by professionals. Dangerous and highly sensitive parts, in particular, will present this warning.

2. Open the case

• With the computer off and all the cables unplugged, take the PC tower somewhere more comfortable to work and start opening the case. You’ll probably need a screwdriver for this.

3. Unplug the power connectors

• Make sure all the power connectors are no longer plugged in for every internal component inside the case. You can confirm that a certain cable has the role of a power connector by tracing it to the power supply inside the computer. Data cables can be left alone and taking out the PSU is also not required.

4. Keep the power cables organized

• It’s recommended to reroute and take the power cables to a different place away from the case. Maintaining them organized will simplify your work when it’s time to test the connectors.

5. Find the pins 15 and 16 on the power connector of the motherboard

• You will need to determine the locations of these pins because then you’ll have to short them out. In this testing, we’re working with a standard ATX motherboard. Check a pinout table like this one if you can’t find them.

6. Check to see if the PSU voltage switch is correctly set

• US users should have the switch set to 110V/115V, but you will need to find this information for your specific country if you live someplace else. This guide should help you in that regard.

7. Plug the PSU in

• Now it’s time to connect the power supply to a live outlet. Ensure that you set the power switch on (if there is one in the back). You should hear the fan start running if you’ve correctly shorted the pins. This is a good sign, but it’s not enough to consider it fully functional.

8. Turn the multimeter on

• Activate your multimeter and set the dial to Volts DC. The range must be set to 10.00V if your device lacks the auto-ranging feature.

9. Test the 24-pin power connector

• In this step, you have to connect the black and red probes to a ground wired pin and the power line you were planning on testing, respectively. Once again use the table in this link as a reference to find the location of the 24-pin motherboard main power connector and its lines.
• It’s recommended to test every pin with a voltage on the connector because you need to properly check if the lines deliver the correct voltage. It’s also essential to ensure that each pin is terminated as it should.

10. Document the multimeter values

• For each voltage you were testing you will need to note the number and then verify that is not under or over the specific voltage tolerance. Look at the third table on this link for reference regarding the correct ranges for each voltage.
• If you find out that certain voltages go over the maximum tolerance, then it means the PSU needs to be replaced. If there are no issues and the voltages stay within tolerance, you’ve got a functional power supply.
• Although you could stop right here with the testing, it’s strongly recommended to continue to see how the PSU operates under a load. This could be important to confirm that your power supply is fully functional. If you decide to do so, here’s what you need to do next. If not, you can skip the following steps and go directly to Step 14.

11. Turn off the PSU and unplug it

12. Connect back all the internal devices to receive power

• Here it’s important to make sure that everything (hard drives, video cards, other drives, etc.) is properly reconnected, but not only that. Be careful to remove the previously created short when inserting back the motherboard power connector.
• Plug in the power supply and turn on the computer normally

13. Test and document as in the previous steps

• We’ll do the same voltage testing process, but this time we’ll analyze other power connectors like those from various devices such as the SATA and peripheral connectors. To find the correct pinouts, it’s necessary once again to look in the pinout tables.

14. Complete the testing

• If the power supply passes all the tests, then you’ve confirmed it’s functional, so you can turn the computer off and reattach the cover on the case. There’s also the possibility that you need to make a replacement. In that case, turning the computer back on will have to wait until you find a new suitable PSU.
• You can also resume the troubleshooting process for the computer problem you were experiencing now.

The post How to Test a Power Supply Using a Multimeter (14 Steps) appeared first on FabatHome.