Most of us know that one of the tricks to speed up your computer is to keep the disks defragmented. Windows has always has a defragmenter, but when the heck will it really work correctly? The graphic below shows how the Windows Disk Defragmenter left the disk on my machine after I ran it about 5 times?!?!? See the gapping holes? What’s up with that?

I have heard that the Windows Disk Defragmenter is just a crippled version of a defragmenter from another company (I forget their name). But come one, it should work better than this! I REALLY need it to work correctly in my Microsoft Virtual PC’s so that I can compact them better.

Hopefully Microsoft will fix this in Vista.

Thinking about doing web services at your company and can't decide which platform/ programming language to use? Well, Microsoft has come out with a series of articles, that includes benchmarks, that may help you decide. To read the articles, click here.

Kicking off what he called the "live era" of software, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates on Tuesday said the company plans to launch new Internet-based complements to its core products.

For the rest of the very interesting article, click here.

MANSFIELD, CT - November 1, 2005 - WinZip Computing significantly improves the usability and functionality of its popular compression utility for Windows with today's release of WinZip 10.0.

WinZip 10.0 allows users to send e-mail faster and save additional disk space by using improved compression technology that creates even smaller Zip files. WinZip 10.0 also offers users a new Explorer-style view, making it easier to manage large, multi-folder Zip files. Other enhancements include the ability to create split (multi-volume) Zip files during compression, automatic update checking, and support for the Windows XP SP2 Attachment Manager, which helps users protect their computers by warning them of files that might be dangerous to open.

For the first time, WinZip is now also available with optional Pro features offering valuable additional functionality. WinZip 10.0 Pro includes the WinZip Job Wizard, a powerful new tool that offers predefined data backup jobs and allows users to create Zip "jobs" that automate almost any repetitive zipping task, including custom-made daily data backups, periodic reporting, and data archiving. Users can also move valuable data off site by using the included FTP upload functionality.

WinZip 10.0 Pro also allows users to create Zip files directly on CDs and DVDs. This eliminates the need to zip to a hard drive and then transfer the files. Large Zip files will automatically span multiple CDs/DVDs, as necessary.

WinZip 10.0 Standard is US$29.95, and WinZip 10.0 Pro is US$49.95. Attractive volume licensing discounts are available. Download links and ordering information can be found on the WinZip web site at www.winzip.com.

About WinZip Computing

Founded in 1991, WinZip Computing is located in Mansfield, CT, and offers WinZip, the world's most popular Zip utility for Windows used by thousands of organizations, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies, as well as millions of home users. More than 150 million copies have been downloaded from CNET's download.com web site alone. Other products offered are WinZip Companion for Outlook®, WinZip Self-Extractor, and WinZip Command Line Support Add-On.

I would like to add that WinZip is the only program I can find that can zip large files... like 4GB and more. Check it out! (David)

Today we are having our November San Diego .NET Developers Group meeting... we are even raffling off an XBOX, so be sure to attend! Here is the info:

6pm - 6:15pm [All]: Q&A
6:15pm - 7pm [All]: .NET 101 - Smart Clients
7pm - 9pm [All]: Passwords: Keys to the Kingdom (what developers should know) (Guest Speaker Patrick Hynds)
9pm: Raffle Drawing including an XBOX!

click here for directions to our meeting