Run modern applications on not-so-modern computers

If your once zippy computer now likes to run slower than the proverbial molasses in January, it may not be your system's fault. As software is updated, there is generally an increase in its bells and whistles. This doesn't come without a cost: among other things, this often means that the amount of RAM required to run increases. Unless you're in a position to keep adding memory to your machine, you may have to just live with its new-found sluggishness. Unless you can figure out a way to convince your new version to curb its appetite, you might as well just go get another cup of coffee. Or you can try Minimem on for size.
This tool tries to help you run your apps with the smallest amount of memory possible. It does this by regularly checking which processes are actually doing something, and removing the other ones from RAM. When you need those formerly idling process back, they're just loaded again, and you're on your way. In the meantime, you've got your memory back to use for things that are really happening right now. This can help you with big apps, as well as smaller applications that may have some nasty memory leaks (it's not a bug, it's a feature). Along with helping you with not-so-optimized applications, it can also help breathe new life into your older hardware.
Minimem is free for personal use. It's a Windows application and should run under just about any flavor of Windows, although it's been tested mostly under XP.
Download Minimem

Cramberry: make studying easier with web-based flash cards

I wish Cramberry had been around when I was in high school. All those introductory classes, with their requirements of rote memorization, were totally exhausting. Carrying around massive stacks of flash cards with the Latin names of trees written on them is no longer necessary, though. Now you can put your flashcards online with Cramberry.

Cramberry supports multiple sets, and you can make them public, in case you've got study partners you want to share with. To make a card, just enter the text for the front and back. Sorry, art history students, but there's no image support yet. Once you've got your cards set up, Cramberry will quiz you. The best feature is that the cards you're getting wrong most often show up more frequently, to give you extra practice. Cramberry threw a few php errors during my test, but it works smoothly for the most part, and it's a great concept.

How to Create a bootable USB Memory Key

If you do not have a floppy disk drive, you may want to create a bootable USB memory key which will allow you to boot into a pure DOS environment. This can be very useful if you want to flash your BIOS. Here is a step by step procedure on how to perform this operation. NOTE: Your computer must support booting from a USB device in order to boot from the USB Memory Key. Step 1 - Download and install the Windows based HP USB Disk Format Tool. For your convenience, you can download it from HERE. Step 2 - Download the Windows 98 system files from HERE. This is a zip file that contains all of the system files that you will need. Create a new folder and extract these files into the folder that you just created. Make sure that you preserve the directory structure. Step 3 - Insert the USB Memory Key into the USB port of your computer. NOTE: Make sure that the lock/unlock switch (if present) is set to the unlock position.
	Step 4 - Launch the HP format tool program. Under the device drop down list, make sure that the USB memory key is selected.
	Step 5 - Under the file system drop down list, select FAT32. This is important to do correctly.
	Step 6 - Check the box next to Create a DOS startup disk. Select "using DOS system files located at: Then click on the square box with 3 dots on it.
	Step 7 - Browse to the folder that you extracted the Win98 system files and then click on the OK button.
	Step 8 - Now click the Start button.
	Step 9 - You will receive a warning message. Make sure you have the USB memory key selected. If you are sure, then click the Yes button.
	Step 10 - Your USB memory key is now being formated and the DOS system files will be copied onto it. Once the program has completed the operation, click on the Close button. You now have a bootable USB memory key.
	On the USB memory key, you will see these files. These are the basic Win98 system files.