30 Seconds to Type

As promised, KeyBlaze typing tutor now has a second typing game. In addition to Word Blizzard,which we told you about previously, on the game tab you will now also find 30 Seconds to Type. The name says it all: in this typing game you are racing the clock, typing as many words as you can as they appear on the center of the screen before you run out of time. Type twelve words correctly for a twelve-second bonus, giving you more time to reach a high score and make it to the next level.

So, how fast can you type? Take KeyBlaze typing tutor software out for a test drive, and play not only 30 Seconds to Type, but keep practicing with lessons, exercises and drills to watch your fingers really start to fly.

FlexiServer in the Spotlight

Check out the June issue of Smart Computing, a US magazine covering smart computing and consumer electronics in plain English. One of the software programs they chose to spotlight in this issue is our very own FlexiServer Productivity and Attendance Software: a "no more time-cards" business solution that tracks employee check-in and out times, whether they are working in the office or from home.

How to Remove Vocals in a Song with WavePad

One of the most popular features of our audio editing software, WavePad, is the ability to reduce or remove the vocals within a song or a piece of audio you have loaded. You can use the resulting file for karaoke, sampling instruments, remixing music tracks, or simply save to have an instrumental only version of a song.

When you have your song loaded in WavePad go to the Effects tab and click the Voice button. Select Reduce vocals from the drop-down menu. This will open a dialog box that will allow you to change the pan position and width, the vocal level, and preserve the bass. Generally the default settings will work the best, but different songs may require different settings to effectively reduce or eliminate the vocal frequencies. If the default settings don't do enough you can adjust these settings until you are satisfied with the result.

If you only want to reduce the vocals on the portion of the audio be sure to select the region first. By default if nothing is selected WavePad will apply the effect to the entire file, so you can skip the selection before choosing reduce vocals to edit the entire song.

Download WavePad music editing software today to try out the vocal reduction feature and make better background music, your own karaoke songs, or use the new version with a recording of your own singing rendition to mix in.

L is for Live

NCH Software ABCs Series

Broadcast Live Audio

Use BroadWave audio streaming software for broadcasting online radio, or airing live concerts, podcasts and events. You can stream content coming from any audio input connected to your computer and the streamed audio can be played in all popular web browsers.

Broadcast Live Video

For streaming video or motion jpegs BroadCam video streaming software allows you to set up live video streams from sources such as a webcam or network IP camera. All viewers need to tune in is a flash plugin installed on their web browser or Windows Media Player. This makes BroadCam an ideal solution for broadcasting video announcements, lectures, events and more.

Both of these streaming programs can also be used to host and stream finished and edited recordings, but don't forget that broadcasting live is also an option. When you have a message or event you want to get out immediately, without the delay recording, editing or uploading your audio or video content, BroadCam and BroadWave can make it happen.

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The TIVO of Internet Recording

One of the great things about TIVO is that you schedule recording times and then you don't need to worry about missing your favorite show. Since Debut video recording software is perfect for capturing all digital video from, streaming video to video of your screen, you can easily turn Debut into a personal internet recording TIVO system by schedule recordings for when you are away from your computer.

Start by setting up your recording as you normally would by selecting your screen for the input, and setting the recording area. Then click the Schedule button followed by Add to set the date and time for your new scheduled recording. Once those details are saved all you need to do is make sure you leave the window or website you want to record cued up on your screen so it will be recorded at the appointed time. When you return the recording(s) can be found in the Find & Play list by clicking the Recordings button on the toolbar.

If there is something that you want your computer to record, while you are sitting at your desk or while you�re away, download Debut screen capture software today.

Fast and Free Photo Red-Eye Removal

We've all seen it—those glowing or red eyes on an otherwise great photo. There are numerous solutions out there to correct this common problem, but if that is all you want to do, you don't want to spend a lot or be forced to learn about photo editing and navigation in a fancy photo program. PhotoPad photo editor is free and user-friendly, and will help you remove all the red eyes from your pictures, and more.

To eliminate those red eyes, click the Red-Eye button on the Effects tab, then click the red spot on your photo. A blue circle will appear, and you can adjust the circle size by dragging the edge, or move the circle around by clicking inside the circle and dragging. For greater accuracy, zoom in on the eye first. That's all there is to it. Download PhotoPad to try it out and explore the other easy-to-use photo touch-up features.

K is for Keep

NCH Software ABCs Series

Having a computer crash or losing files or mobile devices is incredibly stressful. Not only is it inconvenient, but our lives are becoming more and more digital and there is a lot more at stake than just the computer itself. I myself have plenty of things that I want to hang on to and I'm sure you do too. Here are some software tools you should take a look at to help you recover, backup, save, or store your documents.

If you have lost a file there is still a chance you can recover it. With Orion File and Photo Recovery Software you can scan your Windows PC or external drives for any deleted files that haven't been overwritten. You may be able to locate and recover the file, which is helpful for when something is accidentally deleted. However data recovery software shouldn't be your only line of defense in preventing file loss.

FileFort Backup Software provides a simple and easy to use interface for backing up your important files or folders to a variety of different destinations. You can decide where the best place to store your data is, whether it is an external hard drive, network folder, or a remote drive accessed via ftp. You can also store on physical media, including a USB stick or burning to a CD. FileFort is ideal for regularly backing up a smaller set of files. For backing up more extensive file systems on disc or via FTP you can also take a look at Express Burn or Fling FTP File Synchronization Software.

MEO Encryption Software is another important tool to have on hand if you have any files containing sensitive information. By encrypting your files you can make sure important information is kept away from prying eyes. Encryption is most useful when sharing information with others, but make sure you have safeguards in place on private information, such as a solid fire wall system and anti-virus protection.

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What Dictation Can Do For You

Dictation and transcription are common practices in various fields, including the medical profession, law, court reporting, even insurance. However many of us have never considered what dictation or transcription is, much less how it might be able to help us in our careers.

When you have many different reports, letters, memos, or even articles to write, dictation can be a better use of your time than writing them all out yourself. With digital dictation software, you create an audio file with what you want those documents to say. If you need to add something, or go back, you can easily go to any point in the dictation to insert or even overwrite sections. When you are done editing your audio dictation the only thing left for you to do is send it off to your transcriptionist.

At this point all you need to do is wait for the transcriptionist to type up the document from for you. Express Scribe is a very popular transcription software allowing you to play, fast forward, rewind, stop, and slow down dictations to make transcribing faster and easier. And professional transcriptionists are well versus in their areas of expertise giving that extra insurance of complicated medical or legal terminology is correct. Accuracy is doubly important in the professional world and fast, accurate documents sent back to you is exactly what you will get.

Professionals everywhere can become more efficient freeing up time for other tasks by taking advantage of dictation and transcription. Consider what you do at your job, what you type, and how long it takes to create these documents. There is undoubtedly some aspect of your day to day activities that could benefit. Download Express Dictate and Express Scribe and see how it can help you.