This week we learned how to tweak ClearType in Windows 7 for better screen readability, free up disk space on Ubuntu by deleting cached package files, install iTunes without extra bloatware, cut down on clutter by using minimalist wallpapers for iPhones, iPads, Androids, & Desktops, tell what is listening on a TCP/IP Port in Windows, and more.

Photo by legofenris.

Weekly Feature

The Naruto-Akatsuki Windows 7 theme has 30+ HD Akatsuki wallpapers, custom icons, and select Anime music for a complete Akatsuki experience on your desktop.

Photo by Asian Angel.

Naruto-Akatsuki Theme For Windows 7

Random Geek Links

Photo by hooverdust.

• How secure is your e-mail password?
  See the result as Elinor Mills challenges Hugh Thompson (adjunct professor of software security at Columbia University and founder of consultancy People Security) to try and hack her e-mail account.
• Stuxnet worm can control industrial systems
  US media outlets are reporting that the Stuxnet worm has globally infiltrated 14 Siemens industrial control systems which run the Windows Control Center (WinCC) SCADA software.
• Microsoft Legalizes Russian NGOs Pirated Software
  In an attempt to protect the Russian nongovernmental organizations and the independent news media from attacks by authorities who accuse them of violating Microsoft’s copyrights, the company will temporarily legalize their pirated software.
• Web sites distribute malware via hacked OpenX servers
  The vulnerability in the free OpenX ad server that was made public is already being actively exploited to distribute malware.
• Malware Masquerades as Pirated Starcraft II Wings of Liberty
  Hackers are using fake Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty exe files to spread malware.
• Microsoft tool blocks attacks on Adobe Reader hole
  Microsoft has published instructions on how to use the Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET) to block the zero day hole in Acrobat Reader.
• Social-media malware hurting small businesses
  A third of small and medium businesses surveyed by Panda Security have been hit by malware from social networks, according to a study released on Wednesday.
• VMware eyeing Novell’s SUSE; Complete software stack ahead?
  VMware is reportedly looking to acquire Novell’s SUSE operating system in a move that would give it a full stack of enterprise software.
• Open source Facebook replacement Diaspora drops first alpha
  The first developer alpha is now available for download and review, and the group is now accepting code contributions from the open source community at large.
• Founder: Ubuntu’s contribution goes beyond the code tree
  Ubuntu creator Mark Shuttleworth shot back against detractors, pointing out that his project has made Linux more marketable and successful on the desktop.

Geek Video of the Week

Watch what happens when Luigi finally decides that he has had enough of Mario always getting all the attention. Goodbye Nintendo, hello SEGA?

Photo by CollegeHumor.

Luigi Finally Snaps

Random TinyHacker Links

• Online Safety and Privacy Education
  Microsoft’s great worldwide site for everything security. With links to apps, forums, downloads and how-to’s, this site can be a great resource for you or someone you care about.
• Easily find Office ‘10 Menu and Toolbar Commands
  Upgrading to Office ‘10? These handy guides will walk you through installation and the new ways to find commands from older versions.
• Windows Server Architecture Posters
  Some amazing posters from Kurt Shintaku’s blog.
• Explore Computer Setups of Different People
  A nice blog which publishes interviews with all kinds of people on what software and hardware they use to get things done.
• Sallie Mae make you broke
  View a chart depicting the beginnings of students loans right up through the current nightmare that they have become for students.

Super User Questions

See the answers to some of this week’s hottest questions at Super User.

• How badly do SSDs degrade without TRIM?
• How do you make your hard drive last as long as possible?
• Why aren’t there many monitors with higher than 1920×1080 resolution?
• Chrome Shows Skull and Crossbones
• Can you disable VLC’s font cache?

Latest Reviews at How-To Geek

Enjoy looking through our newest software reviews.

• Camtasia Studio 7
  Camtasia Studio 7 makes it easy to create high-definition screencasts that show exactly what you’re seeing on the screen.
• MediaMonkey Gold 3.2.2
  MediaMonkey Gold is a great desktop music app that can be used as an alternative to the bloated iTunes and contains many more features. It also allows a lot of control for organizing and playing your music.
• TouchCopy 09
  TouchCopy is a neat lightweight app that runs on PC & Mac which allows you to copy and access any content on your iPod or iOS device such as SMS, Calendars, Contacts, voice memos, and more.

How-To Geek Weekly Article Recap

Look through our hottest articles from this past week.

• How to Customize Your Windows 7 Taskbar Icons for Any App
• How to Enable Desktop Notifications for Google Calendar in Chrome
• Debunking Myths: Is Hiding Your Wireless SSID Really More Secure?
• Internet Explorer 9 Screenshot Tour: It’s Got a Completely New Interface
• How to Resize All Window Columns with a Single Keystroke

One Year Ago on How-To Geek

Here is our latest round-up of great articles from one year ago.

• How to Create a System Image in Windows 7
• IBM Lotus Symphony is a Free Alternative to MS Office
• Enjoy Free-Hand Drawing and Image Modification with SmoothDraw
• Troubleshoot and Manage Addons in Internet Explorer 8
• Pause Incoming Email with Email Prioritizer

The Geek Note

That has everything wrapped up for this edition, so take some time to get outside and have some fun if you can! Remember to keep those great tips coming to us at tips@howtogeek.com.

Photo by Brittany Randolph.