TOP 10 Utilities & Tools for Windows

Keyboard shortcut learning tool for PC

KeyCombiner is a free keyboard software for PC devices that was developed by Key Combiner. This utility helps users learn and familiarize themselves with the various keyboard shortcuts available in some of the most popular programs. They can create their own collection of shortcuts from a publicly maintained database.

KeyCombiner is positioned as a rather unique and niche product. Compared to other programs like TypingMaster and RapidTyping that help improve text typing proficiency, it facilitates keyboard shortcut learning through interactive practice sessions and repetitive methods. A lookup function is still available for quick referencing, though.

How do I use KeyCombiner?

You need to create an account first before you start using KeyCombiner. Its user interface features a dual-pane design, with a sidebar for various options, and the main window for everything else. Navigate to your Dashboard and you will see a default collection, aptly labeled "Essential," of popular shortcuts for Windows and other programs to get you started.

You can start a practice session to test yourself out. KeyCombiner will display commands, and you will need to use the corresponding shortcuts for them. You will be scored based on how many you can get right within a minute. From there, you can start creating your own collection of shortcuts, which you can get from the Public collection.

Lastly, KeyCombiner has an instant lookup that will automatically detect the program running and provide you with relevant shortcuts for it. Just a couple of things to keep in mind before testing this tool out, though. One, it won't work offline. Two, you can't add entire collections, and instead, have to select individual shortcuts to add to your list.

Master your keys, memorize your shortcuts

KeyCombiner is pretty much a must-have for any power user out there. It helps you make the most out of using your operating system or your various favorite apps. It has a clean and sleek UI, it's intuitive to use, and you can gain access to a large database of supported programs. This is without a doubt, highly recommended.

Get the latest Windows 10 version

There are a couple of methods for users to install the latest version of their Windows devices. The most common of which is through the help of the built-in feature, Windows Update, readily available from the Settings menu. However, some users have been unfortunate as their computers stubbornly refuse to install the official Windows update. Here enters Windows 10 Update Assistant. As the name suggests, this utility application allows users to download and install the latest upgrades for Windows 10.

What is Windows 10 Update Assistant?

To get started with Windows 10 Update Assistant, you need to download and install the app by running the downloadable EXE file. The installation process is streamlined. With this, novices will not have a hard time installing the app on their computers. Once complete, it will automatically add a shortcut to your desktop. From then on, it will only take a couple of clicks to get your updates rolled onto your computer.

As noted, the app lets you install the latest updates that come out for Windows 10. It will automatically remind you to do that whenever a new update is available. Additionally, you can set the program to install them on your device automatically, so you don't have to do it yourself. Windows 10 Update Assistant checks if your device is compatible with the upgrade. Secondly, it determines if your computer passes the requirement tests, namely the CPU and memory configuration and disk space availability. Only if your computer meets the necessary criteria will the download action begin.

Installing the upgrades is also straightforward and easy to do. However, if you find yourself stuck with the whole process, there is a helpful wizard that can guide you through it. To complete the process, the app will prompt you to restart your PC. If everything goes well, your device should be running the latest available Windows 10 version after the reboot. Windows 10 Update Assistant promises to install the update without losing any of your files. However, it is always better to do a quick system backup before starting the installation. 

User-friendly and efficient

In conclusion, Windows 10 Update Assistant is a useful application for those who are using Windows 10 computers. The app simplifies the process of installing the latest Windows 10 update on your devices, so you don't have to do much work. Moreover, it installs them without you losing any data. Note, however, that downloading and installing upgrades sometimes take time and can be resource-intensive. 

Driver for the Canon LBP2900B Laser Printer

Canon LBP2900b driver is a free utility that was developed by Canon Inc. for desktop computers. It is a printer software that provides the necessary drivers for users to be able to take advantage of all the functions offered by their Canon LBP2900 series of laser printers.

The Canon LBP2900b driver software enables users to access and use the advanced features that the popular LBP2900 series of printers are able to offer them, similar to how the Canon IJ Scan Utility program allowed document and photography scanning capabilities on a range of Canon printers.

How do I use the Canon LBP2900b driver?

The Canon LBP2900 series is a popular series of laser printers from Canon. It offers capable performance in black and white printing for budget-oriented users and needs. It is capable of outputting 12 pages per minute in 600 x 600 dots per inch (dpi) and can be further enhanced to 2400 x 600 dpi with the help of advanced smoothing technology.

The Canon LBP2900B driver ensures that owners of this printer model are able to properly use their devices as intended. It is compatible with all major desktop operating systems in both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures. Installation is easy and simple as the file that it comes with features a step-by-step wizard to guide you throughout the process.

Using the Canon LBP2900B driver, users will be able to take advantage of two proprietary technologies that Canon offers with its printers. The Canon Advanced Printing Technology (CAPT) helps process image data transfers faster. Meanwhile, the High Smart Compression Architecture (Hi-SciA) compresses print data into smaller sizes for much quicker transferring from your computer to your printer.

Essential driver for the Canon LBP2900B

The Canon LBP2900B is a fast and reliable laser printer, and its price-to-performance ratio makes it a popular choice among value-oriented users. If you are planning to purchase one for yourself, then the Canon LBP2900B driver is an essential program that you need to install on your computer to ensures that the printer works as it should. 

A free utility tool for MikroTik's RouterOS

WinBox is a free utility tool developed by MikroTik, a company specializing in providing software and hardware solutions for internet connectivity worldwide. This network manager program is meant to be used with the company's RouterOS firmware that provides users with extensive stability controls and flexibility for all kinds of data interfaces and routing. It's available for PC devices and features a fast and simple user interface for ease of use.

How do I set up WinBox?

WinBox is a utility tool for MikroTik's RouterOS that can be freely downloaded and used on your PC devices. However, the OS itself needs to be purchased first before you can use it. This tool only provides a way for you to control and manage it using a graphical user interface on your computer. Once you've downloaded and installed it on your device, you can proceed to the next step.

You'll be presented with three fields that need to be configured first. You need to input the IP or MAC address of the router, followed by its username and password. Click on the 'Connect' button on the right once everything is filled out. Alternatively, you can also refer to the 'Neighbors' tab on the bottom half of the screen to show you a list of available devices that you can select and connect to.

Once connected, there are various settings and tools available, including options to configure the interfaces for both wired and wireless connections, real-time traffic monitoring tools, and even the option to save session configurations and layouts. There's is a bit of a steep learning curve needed to use RouterOS and WinBox properly. Thankfully, the program provides a user manual that features in-depth tutorials and guides on how to use its OS on its official Wiki page.

Maximize RouterOS to its fullest

All in all, MikroTik's RouterOS is a robust software that is filled with useful networking tools, and WinBox is a great way to be able to take advantage of it through a simple and clean user interface. If you use RouterOS to manage the company's network devices, this utility is an easy recommendation. It will take some time to learn it fully, but there are plenty of tutorials and guides to help you along.

One-click Windows system cleaner

Developed by TheShrewdGamer, SCleaner is a lightweight solution that can help clean up and optimize your system. This utility allows you to perform the necessary tasks with one click. Aside from it being small in size, it is portable which means it requires no installation and doesn't leave any traces.

SCleaner works pretty similarly to Disk Cleanup, a traditional system cleaning program of Windows. You can consider it as a more user-friendly alternative to the conventional built-in software. This system optimizer is open-source and it can freely be downloaded and used as much as you want.

Effortlessly clean up and optimize

For any type of user, this simple tool is easily accessible even for those who have less technical knowledge. It provides a simple user interface that heavily relies on visual cues to instruct the entire operation of the program. Once you've launched the downloaded Windows application, you will be greeted by its straightforward interface. You will also notice its two main sections—Must Clean and Can Also be Cleaned.

The 'Must Clean' tab mostly contains the essential categories such as Obsolete link and Shortcuts, Icon and Thumbnail Cache, Temporary Files, Windows Error Reporting, etc. The 'Can Also be Cleaned' tab, on the other hand, displays the optional categories including Recycle Bin, Old Prefetch, Taskbar Jumplist, and Run History. Once you have chosen your preferred categories, this system cleanup tool will immediately perform a quick scan.

Highlighted in red, the number of files that were detected and can be erased will be shown beside each category you've selected. To start the clean-up process, just click the 'Clean' button at the bottom left of the software's interface. All the files that got deleted from your system will be presented in green afterward.

Prevent files cluttering

SCleaner is a valuable solution to always make sure that your system is not cluttered by unnecessary files. This task is important for better optimization and performance of your Windows desktop as piled-up files can ultimately slow down your computer. It is a free and user-friendly alternative on top of the built-in 'Disk Cleanup' feature on your PC.

Video surveillance application

Security cameras are a must nowadays. Commercial and residential establishments often have surveillance systems installed to deter crimes. However, if you installed one with several cameras, chances are you need a tool that enables you to configure it. Dahua SmartPSS is an application that enables you to manage your Dahua surveillance camera. With this, you can view real-time footage of several channels. You can also receive alerts when your system detects suspicious activities.

Manage your surveillance devices

Dahua SmartPSS is an all-in-one, full-featured video surveillance application that integrates all Dahua network cameras and storage devices into one interface. This app provides efficient device management, video monitoring, and playback. It also allows you to set up a video wall and configure alarm and device analytics. The installation is easy and straightforward. However, note that an NVR tool is needed as it allows you to define the password for accessing the app.

The app features an easy-to-use and intuitive interface that has two main tabs. The Home tab enables you to manage the parameters of your cameras. Meanwhile, the Add tab lets you add security cameras to your system. Adding a device to your app only entails specifying a few details, including name, IP, SN or domain name, group name, and your credentials. More so, it lets you add and manage up to 256 devices.

More than being able to manage your devices, one of the other highlights of this program is its ability to set alerts for various events that you want to track. You can set up alerts for camera masking, video loss, and motion detection, among others. Moreover, with the latest version, Dahua SmartPSS supports video structuring. You can add a target detection module, which includes real-time target detection for moving objects, such as vehicles and pedestrians. 

A handy tool for your surveillance system

All in all, Dahua SmartPSS is a must-have device manager if you have the Dahua surveillance system installed on your property. The app allows you to manage your devices more efficiently and configure them easily. It lets you view real-time footage and even set alarms for various events that you want to track. With this, you will no longer be caught off-guard whenever something happens. 

Free disk cleaning and optimization software

Cleaner One Pro is a utility application developed by Trend Micro. It is an all-in-one disk cleaning manager that helps boost the performance of your computer. It can remove junk files, identify and delete large files, and even find duplicate ones. You can also navigate and manage folders using a visual and interactive map.

Cleaner One Pro does not only clean your device but also offers optimization tools. It has an application and start-up manager, allowing you to keep track of your programs and arrange them neatly. However, users should note that the file shredder can accidentally delete important documents. 

What is Cleaner One Pro?

The primary use of this app is to delete files that you don't need. It scans your entire device to find junk files and duplicates, such as documents or photos. Once done, you can select which files you want to remove and delete them with a single click. More than unwanted files, you can also scan your computer for larger files. Then, you can decide whether or not they're worth keeping.

Another standout feature is the file shredder, which allows you to erase documents and folders securely. If you have sensitive information that you don't want others to see, this can help. Be careful when using the app, however, as it makes the files totally unrecoverable. If you accidentally remove a document, you can never get it back, even if you use a data recovery tool.

As mentioned, the app also comes with an application manager. It lists all your apps and lets you arrange them by name, date, or size. Furthermore, the app also helps you keep track of the programs that automatically open upon launching using the start-up manager. Cleaner One Pro has a simple interface. Moreover, it can run in the background during scanning and deleting files.

Is the app good?

Overall, Cleaner One Pro is one of the best disk cleaners. It has a clean and user-friendly interface for ease of use. It runs quickly and quietly in the background, so you can work on other tasks as you optimize your device. It also has a great file and application manager. If you want to find ways to manage your storage space effectively and efficiently, this app can help.

Crack locked iOS devices

From unlocking various iOS devices, removing the forgotten Apple ID or password, and bypassing the Screen Time passcode, Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker can do it all. This utility tool will come in handy if you forgot your password, your device is damaged or your Touch ID or Face ID is not working properly anymore.

This is a freemium software solution just like Apeaksoft iOS Unlocker that offers a version that is free to use by anyone but, limited in features. If you need more extensive functions then, you will need to purchase its paid subscription license.

Powerful iOS unlocker

Whether your iOS device is locked with 4-digit and 6-digit passcode or requires Touch ID and Face ID recognition, Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker can still unlock it without any problem. Your Apple ID that's usually needed to access various iOS apps like App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, etc. is extremely important to remember.

If lost, you can utilize this tool to eradicate the forgotten Apple ID so, you'll be able to create a new one and activate your iOS again. Just a little warning that when wiping iOS password or Apple ID, all of your data and settings will be deleted as well. On the other hand, modifying Screen Time settings always ask for a passcode.

If ever you fail to remember it, you can run this program to help you recover or delete your forgotten password and without any data loss. It is important to note, though that before you remove an Apple ID or Screen Time restriction passcode, you must first make sure that your Find My iPhone/iPad feature is disabled before you proceed any further.

Never worry about locked devices

If you are an iOS device user, Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker is a program that will be beneficial for you to have. This way no matter how many times you get your devices locked, you'll be able to unlock and recover them with ease. Although the convenience that it brings is not fully free, both its free-of-charge and paid edition will make your effort and money worth it.

Remote access to security cameras

Surveillance devices are a great aid in the prevention of violence. Hence, the installation of surveillance cameras is recommended not only for business facilities but also for residential properties. For ease, a certain software allows you to monitor video surveillance in real-time anywhere and at any time. NVMS7000 is a free utility program that allows you access to your network IP cameras. Through this software, you can see what's going on in your property, no matter where you are.

Can I get NVMS7000 on my PC?

You'll be able to obtain instant access to your network IP cameras via NVMS7000. As a video management system, you can easily watch IP cameras mounted on your property from your desktop or laptop. This means that you can see video footage in real-time instead of replay. Other than that, up to 16 channels are supported by the program. Through this, you can track the activities of all cameras installed.

It has camera control features that enable users to customize and calibrate their camera settings. It also gives PTZ monitoring so that you can remotely adjust the view of your security camera lens. Also noteworthy is the snapshot support of NVMS7000. The new version of the software also allows the computer to be backed up and restored using the QR code. You can also take advantage of the latest fire source tracking, behavior analysis, ship detection, and thermal camera temperature control features.

The NVMS7000 is capable of managing up to 100 computers. You can install, erase, and change camera profiles on your PC. However, your device must have access to a Wi-Fi connection. In addition, the quality of live viewing would rely heavily on your device’s hardware and network connectivity. It’s recommended that you reduce the resolution, frame rate, and bitrate of the camera such that the live view is seen clearly. 

Mighty surveillance tool

If you have network IP cameras installed on your property, then NVMS7000 is a must-have system. You're supposed to get a live view of what's going on, no matter where you are. You can also use your screen to track your security camera. Not only that but also certain advanced surveillance features, such as fire detection, can be used. 

Free Windows operating system

Windows 11 is the free operating system from Windows 10, providing improved apps and functionality from predecessors like Windows 7. It rivals the likes of competitors Linux and macOS as one of the top PC platforms. There are plenty of new features you can look forward to, but you’ll need to meet the strict requirements, such as 64 GB of available storage space.

Officially launched on October 5, 2021, Windows 11 was released to computers in a roll-out fashion. If you don’t have Windows 10 on your device like the Microsoft operating system, you’ll need to buy the license to acquire it. Unfortunately, only 64-bit versions are available, but it does offer support for 32-bit apps.

The long-awaited launch of Windows 11

Ever since Microsoft announced Windows 11, the world has been in a frenzy to get its hand on the new operating system. Even though the Windows 11 update was already released, many still had to wait as it rolled out to countries at different times and stages. It ensured a safe installation without servers crashing. 

However, there were still indications of slow performance and glitches over the first few days. Of course, minor glitches are always expected, and Microsoft already started to address issues as the feedback rolled in. Many of these were dealt with in the beta stage, but it didn’t prevent new ones from appearing when the system went live.

Top new features of Windows 11

One of the first changes you’ll notice with Windows 11 is the new visual interface. The main taskbar is fully established at the bottom of the screen now instead of on the left, and the icons are aligned in the center. It gives it a neat appearance than before, but that’s about as much of the excitement you can expect in this regard.

A welcome feature is Snap Layout and splitting your screen into different sections. You can watch a stream in one block while working on your documents in another. There are various designs you can try, giving more emphasis on one zone than another.

If you’re a gamer, you’ll enjoy the enhanced performance, which may explain the high PC requirements for Windows 11. There will also be a built-in Android emulator if you want to play your mobile games on your computer. You’ll be able to log into your account and obtain achievements.

If you enjoyed the Gadgets that died with Windows 7, you’ll be happy to know it will have its own section as Widgets in a taskbar. You may have seen hints of it recently in Windows 10 with updates by the weather section, but Windows 11 will let you optimize which ones you’d like to see. You can add shortcuts to your calendar, news, One Drive, and so much more.

Finally, you won’t need to worry about installing separate conferencing apps, as Windows 11 has Microsoft Teams included. You can sign in or register for an account, and you’ll see your chats appear as notifications. It will also open a meeting screen for ease of access.

Testing whether your PC can run Windows 11

Besides the 64 GB storage needed for Windows 11, there are other requirements that are rather high. Not many computers will be able to run then, especially if you still use a 32-bit system with old graphics cards. You’ll also need to have decent onboard memory as high as 4GB of RAM, and your processor needs 2 cores or more.

If you want to test if your PC can run Windows 11, you can download and install Microsoft’s official PC Health Check. It will run a quick evaluation and highlight which elements you’re missing or need to upgrade. Windows Defender will also alert you if your system isn’t compatible, indicating whether if you should download this tool.

Why does Windows 11 require TPM?

TPM stands for Trust Platform Module, and it talks to other security components and software on your operating system. When your antivirus and VPN tools fail, the TPM acts as a last resort to prevent hackers from accessing your system. Programs like your web browsers will then use the TPM to ensure all your data remains safe.

Enabling the TPM is different for each motherboard, and you may need to update your BIOS or UEFI settings before you can access it. For instance, some ASUS BIOS updates already have the new TPM included, so you won’t need to make any changes.  

How to get Windows 11

If you’ve checked that your system can handle the upgrade from Windows 10 or as a new purchase, head to Microsoft’s Windows 11 page and download it in three ways:

• Direct download: Simply download the Windows 11 file and let the setup wizard do all the work for you;
• Installation Media: This Lets you create a bootable DVD if you want to use it to install on a PC
• ISO virtual disc: You can also run an ISO of Windows 11 from a virtual drive.

Upgrade from Windows 10

After a long wait, Windows 11 finally arrived as the upgrade to Windows 10 with several new features. While there aren’t many changes to the appearance and design, the functionality has more going for it. Gamers will be impressed with the enhanced performance, rivaling the likes of NVIDIA GeForce.

You’ll also be able to meet and chat more easily for meetings, while there’s also an Android emulator for mobile games on your PC. We’re sure there will be plenty more features to come in the next few years before we hear about the new Microsoft operating system.