No more excuses for not backing up files
Yes, you know you should back up your files every day, but it’s so easy to put it off. RollBack Rx Pro 7.2 can ease your procrastinating mind. Here’s how: The PC recovery program takes snapshots of the hard drive at predetermined intervals and stores them in an accessible file. If your computer crashes, the program can restore the system to within a second of the crash. Designed to take up just 0.07 percent of a computer’s hard disk space, the Windows-based program retrieves lost files while taking snapshots of incoming e-mail and programs, giving you access to old and new files. The Horizon DataSys program costs $60.
www.horizondatasys.com
Go high-def with Gateway monitor
You can see the big picture on Gateway’s 19-inch high-definition wide-screen LCD flat-panel monitor. Designed to be compatible with Microsoft’s forthcoming Windows Vista operating system, the FPD1975W model can handle high-definition content from a variety of sources, including cable and satellite TV services, DVD players, personal video recorders and game consoles. The display delivers a resolution of 1,440 by 900 pixels and a contrast ratio of 700:1. It costs $300. An adjustable stand with a four-port USB hub is $70.
www.gateway.com
Not your ordinary picture frame
Don’t make Grandma have to choose: With Philips’ new Digital Photo Display, she can show off 100 photos of her grandkids on the frame’s LCD screen. The photos can be viewed as an ongoing slideshow or displayed individually. Each frame has slots for various memory cards and also can be connected to a PC or digital camera via a USB port.
The 9-inch model will cost $250, while the 7-inch one will be $200.
Both will go on sale in September.
www.philips.com
Building a better musician
A software program from eMedia Music can train your ear to identify musical elements, which will in turn make you a better musician. The EarMaster Pro title contains 651 ear-training lessons that can help you recognize and transcribe intervals, chords, scales, rhythms and melodies. Using an on-screen staff or instrument, such as a piano, guitar or cello, you can practice “identifying music,” create your own exercises, and learn to play, improvise and compose music by ear.
The Windows-based program costs $70.
www.emediamusic.com
