Fairytale by Zero Project is a dreamy music album filled with almost magical notes and dazzling instrumentals. It features 13 tracks which would surely remind you of your long lost childhood dreams which are comprised of pianos, strings, violins, glockenspiels, wind instruments and a whole lot more.

Relive your own fairytales of a knight, a princess and a castle in the middle of a lush meadow filled with all things magical. This album is meant to make your dreams come true.

I've seriously looked long and hard, but I can't seem to find more information about this talented man. Zero Project is a musician from Greece, and has been publishing his compositions on the Internet since 2007. He has a quite nice description for this album, saying that this is album made his dreams come true.

As he started publishing his music some years ago, he had a dream - we all had this dream. The dream of a music fairytale with unicorns, princesses, knights and other things. If your own fairytale has a tune, this music album is probably the best representation of those stories.

From dark scenes of the malevolent stepmother, to the first kiss of the sweet maiden and the handsome prince, Fairytale really captured those moments. You can feel as if you are watching a story unfolding in your mind, and this music album serves as the scoring. Exquisite details on the melodies, each one with a story to tell. Powerful, dreamy and yet these melodies linger in your ears and never fail to let you dream.

Some personal favorites would be Moon Waltz with the flute and the glockenspiels, plus Awakening with its piano melodies that certainly awaken your senses and emotions.

Fairytale captures that special place inside our hearts, the part wherein we always believe in fairies and in happy endings.

Related Links:
Zero Project's Homepage
Fairytale on Jamendo

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License and is available as a free download in Jamendo.

Kid Key Lock is a freeware which allows you to disable keyboard and/or mouse functions. You can choose to disable all keys, or choose only specific system commands. You can also disable different mouse keys, as well as the usage of all mouse & keyboard inputs.

Its primary purpose is to let toddlers or kids play around your computer without pressing unwanted programs and commands. Of course, this can also be useful for your pets who love to sit on your keyboard or who like to play with the mouse when you aren't there.

Kid Key Lock is, of course, made for kids. Letting kids use your computer or laptop may mean interference with different system commands which can be quite a hassle. This lock is perfect for them. You can easily let them draw around paint while keeping the alphabet on the keyboard functional, but the system commands off. Goodbye, accidental presses for the Windows key, or perhaps even the CTRL+ALT+DEL function.

This lightweight program runs quietly from your taskbar, and the setup can easily be accessed from there. You can also access the setup dialog by typing a certain keystring (the default is kklsetup) which automatically pops it up. From there, you can choose which keys or which commands would be blocked.

If you go out of your room or your workplace  for some time and you need to block all possible accesses to your computer, you can also type in a different text string which would outrightly quit the program. The default string is kklquit, so don't worry if you've locked all access to your keyboard and to your mouse.

Features

• It is simple to setup and... even simpler to run
• Easy access to program options via an icon in the system tray
• Mouse Lock options:
  • Disable Left mouse button
  • Disable Middle mouse button
  • Disable Right mouse button
  • Disable Double click
  • Disable Mouse wheel
• Keyboard lock options:
  • Disable Standard character keys (letters, numbers, signs, etc)
  • Disable Additional keys (Navigation keys, function keys, ins/del, home/end, etc)
  • Disable Windows system shortcuts(e.g. alt-tab, win-key, etc)

Related Links:
Kid Key Lock

Comodo Firewall + Antivirus is a free security suite which allows users to have the protection of both a firewall and an antivirus. There are many options for advanced users, although it is also quite simple for beginners and entry-level users.
Comodo is currently available for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows users. However, you have to keep your attention on the installation to opt out of SafeSearch and toolbar options.

Released on January 28, 2010, the version 3 of the Comodo internet security suite allows you to install either just the AntiVirus or the Firewall. You can also choose to install both for optimum protection. They both protect your Windows PC from malware, worms, trojans, viruses and a whole lot more.

Version 3 has a hardened Windows XP 64-bit registry protection, so you have more protection. It also has a 'learning' function which lets it actually study your surfing and usage patterns to allow it to efficiently protect you from more threats.

Upon installation and probably some days after, the firewall would ask you about your Internet connections. It may be a bit annoying, but this is because it' s still in the learning stage. When it passes that, you've got yourself a really strong firewall - without having to pay for anything.

If you're annoyed by the pop-ups, you may have it to scan your system and authorize known applications. This would eliminate those pop-ups which constantly ask you about your system's behavior.

The firewall generally runs quietly in the background as it does its job. It has a really nice white interface which is quite slick. It is also recognized by Windows Security Center, so you've got no problems about it.

Related Links:
Comodo Personal Firewall

Dimensions is a 2-hour educational video about Mathematics. Featuring 9 chapters that take you up to the fourth dimension, enjoy two hours of mathematics with some of the most famous Mathematicians in the history.

From circles to spheres, square to cubes, and even more complex stuff such as geometry and the Hopf fibration, this collection of videos definitely is a must-see for just about anybody.

Dimensions starts off with topics that can be appreciated by elementary students. Chapter 1 and 2 are quite elementary, with topics ranging from meridians, parallels, and some philosophical elements. They feature dimension two, and dimension three, respectively.

The next chapters of 3 and 4 are double chapters, but they could still be shown and understood independently from each other. These chapters are taken care of by Ludwig Schläfli, and the fourth dimension is introduced. Since we won't be using any 4D glasses with these ones, there are still very nice pictures with 4D effect. Dimensions say that if you do not understand, you may push the pause button, or just enjoy the cool pictures.

Remember that the level of Mathematics increase as you go through the chapters. Chapters 5 and 6 are all about complex numbers, and can give you a rather complex relationship with Mathematics by this points.

Chapters 7 and 8, on the other hand, are introductions to the Hopf fibration, and they are not even taught in the first years in the University. These chapters can spark your imagination and understand, but it could also make your head hurt. However, there is really no harm in trying - and with its simplicity, you can probably understand them.

Chapter 9 is about the proof of a theorem in geometry. Don't get too nervous, though, because they use really simple things to explain, that you would probably beat your other geometry classes in secondary school.

Overall, this collection of Mathematics video will surely be enjoyed by your kids, by your class or even yourself. You get to know more in a more interesting way, and hopefully by then, you wouldn't hate mathematics too much.

Dimensions can be watched online, or you can also download it.

Related Links:
Dimensions Home Page

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

This collection of free calligraphy fonts compiled by WebDesignDev from Fonts2U is a surefire hit for your computer. These artistic fonts can amp up your presentations, graphic designs, invitations, business cards, and many more; definitely a must-have collection for graphic designers and enthusiasts.

Packed with traditional scripts to exquisite-looking calligraphic arts, these fonts can easily express your desired thoughts and messages just by their artistic strokes.

Here's a short list of all the hand-picked fonts in this collection, courtesy of & compiled by WebDesignDev:

• Easy Street EPS - exquisite looking capital letters with simple small letters
• Dirty English - very grudgy looking, yet formal; can be perfect for all those old/traditional looking graphic designs that you do
• Comm Script TT - somewhat similar to Easy Street EPS, but less details and swirls with the capital letters
• Beautiful ES - the perfect balance of swirls and formality in this beautiful script calligraphy
• Cygnet Round - it looks just like the handwriting of a really careful lady, don't you think?
• Chopin Script - perhaps you recognize this one as the font used in the famous Chopin vodka; it tastes yummy, though.
• Freebooter Script - must love this one; looks quite compact, not too strong, and yet not too formal
• Champignon - this font is perhaps one of the most formal looking; would look great on invitations with its intricate capitals and smaller lower caps.
• Mutlu - if you seriously love swirls and little flourishes all over your capitals and small letters, then this is for you
• Motter Fem D - bold and strong; it reminds you of the Austin Power font, too.
• Marcelle Script - a little grudge there and here, and this can be a great font for old parchments
• Old Script - intricate capital letters which reminds you of the Renaissance period
• Porcelain - also a nice piece of calligraphy, with some spaces in between the curves of the letters
• Rechtman - a font which looks as if it has a shadow on the side
• Quigley Wiggly - strong and attention-grabbing; perfect for those who love to make  a statement
• Zothique Demo - if you can write like this, then I swear that your love letters would look even more romantic
• Windsong - a personal favorite; this font is somewhat like a lady writing love letters to the writer of Zothique Demo
• Amazone BT - a formal looking script which isn't too bold
• NK41c_D - strong capitals, but without too many flourishes
• Quilline Script - another personal favorite; a feminine-looking script with just the right swirls
• Dirty and Classic - for lovers of ink and old parchment papers, think about excessive ink  on the writer's feather pen
• Jellyka Castle's Queen - I personally forgot where I saw this font, but it made me think of some evil stepmother when I saw it

You can download them one by one from WebDesignDev or by clicking on the links above.

Related Links:
Free Calligraphy Fonts on WebDesignDev
Fonts 2 U

Spinning Into Control by I Am This is a tightly-packed drum n' bass album. From fast beats to slow beats, and various electronica-techno breakbeats, this music album is surely packed with all those beats that can get you going from start to the end.

This album features the popular track Sea of Something, garnering almost 1400 listens in Jamendo.

We couldn't find out more about 'I Am This,' except that his track Sea of Something is constantly featured in Jamendo's Electro/Dance Radio Station. He also has a number of fans, and it seems like 'Sea of Something' has spread over a number of social networks including Twt.FM and Last.FM.

Spinning Into Control has 8 tracks, although the 8th track isn't really a music track, but a collection of samples which I am This gives to his listeners. You may use the samples to create your own music under the Creative Commons license that he has stated with this album.

I am This has 4 albums: adhDJ, BLAPP, spinning into control, and paragon. All of his albums are mixtures of drum 'n' bass, acoustic-electronic, breakbeats, and a lot of experimental stuff. Seems like he really has an ear for such music, because they all sound pretty nice.

My personal favorites are, of course, Sea of Something, with its duplex sounds of guitars that tickle the ears (it absolutely sounds cool with a pair of headphones) and Stray Strumming. I guess I am quite a sucker for those eclectic guitar strings.

Now who says drum 'n' bass music doesn't sound quite nice? With Spinning Into Control, your opinions about it might just be changed.

Related Links:
Spinning into Control on Jamendo
I Am This on Last.FM
Sea of Something on Twit.fM
I Am This Homepage

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Sampling Plus 1.0 License and is available as a free download in Jamendo.

Solfege is an open-source software for music education. You can use it to practice your listening skills for rhythm, chords, note scales and note intervals. It helps musicians, music/sound engineers and music enthusiasts to remember and recognize notes to let them play better.

Solfege is a great alternative for ear training and for conducting tests for ear training classes.

GNU Solfege utilizes Microsoft software synth, as well as other supported sound cards. It also supports software samplers which allows your computer to sound as real as possible - just like real instruments. LinuxSampler, Halion and Kontakt are some examples.

GNU Solfege is also available for a number of operating systems such as Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, Gentoo, Ubuntu, Debian, and Suse. It is written with GNOME and Phyton.

The software is also made to easily accommodate new exercises and new lesson files. And since it has a stable community, GNU Solfege is available in various language translations to reach out to a number of music students worldwide.

Features

• Recognise melodic and harmonic intervals
• Compare interval sizes
• Sing the intervals the computer asks for
• Identify chords
• Sing chords
• Scales
• Dictation
• Remembering rhythmic patterns

GNU Solfege is a good way to sharpen your listening skills, especially for musicians and those who need to train their hearing skills even further. It allows them to improve and develop their skills on their own - without having to pay for anything.

Related Links:
GNU Solfege Home Page
GNU Solfege on SourceForge

This work is licensed under a GNU General Public License.

PicPick is an all-in-one free software for capturing, editing and managing your screenshots. It keeps its dock in the taskbar so you can easily select handy tools to capture, edit images, measure pixels, and even use your desktop as a whiteboard.

Unlike your usual print screen, it allows you to choose a certain region and size of your screenshot. PicPick also has a portable version so you can bring it with you and use it anywhere using your USB flash drive or external hard drive without installations.

PicPick does away from your usual print screen method of taking a screen shot, pasting in Paint, and saving as BMP or JPG. It lets you directly take shots of your desktop, and even allows you to choose a particular part of your screen to be shot. In addition, it also has got powerful whiteboard tools which turns your desktop into a virtual board. This makes it easy for online collaborations and web conferences.

This freeware also features support for dual monitors, so don't worry about taking screenshots of your whole workspace. It also features a built-in image editor, similar to MS Paint, but has tools such as blur, adjust brightness, hue, contrast & saturation, sharpen and many more.

PicPick features Twitter and Facebook connect (both in beta stages) and an email output via Microsoft Outlook. These functions make it easy for you to share your screenshots over the Internet. It also has Google Chrome's Autoscroll capture.

With a lot of helpful tools to measure your desktop, pick colors, and even magnify your desktop, this is one powerful freeware which can easily be a staple in your computer.

Related Links:
PicPick Home Page

Starting Somewhere's music album Relax features relaxing beats and melodies with a touch of trip-hop. Perfect as a lounge music, all of its 13 tracks greatly describe the album's name.

Featuring Andy Natusch as the only member, this talented guy uses his own guitar, keyboard, turntables and beat machine to bring a fresh compilation of relaxing music to us.

Starting Somewhere's music might be a bit hard to explain and to describe because it is a bit of everything. Aside from trip-hop/hip-hop beats, there is a strong electronica flair. Most songs use audio samples and digital synthesizers - all made by this one-man band.

Andy is based in North Carolina, and you might be surprised to know that this talented musician is a very talented recruiter in the IT industry, too.

Some favorites are "Relax," "Lateral Thinking" and "Go Out." Ruin the Things You Love" is also  a cool track with interesting beats and a repetitive melody, but somehow it doesn't get too repetitive. "Go Out" is more of an upbeat track for a light speed boost, but not too much; a great way to end a laid-back album.

In general, the whole album is worth a listen. It takes you back a few notches down to kick back from the busy life. A great listen while you start your day, or as you type away your blogs and work all throughout the day.

I love art and music of all kinds. I'm happy to be able take part in creating it. My creativity stems from experiences Ive had. I started making music when I was around 12, my first instrument was the guitar. From there I've learned many other instruments, and how to bring them together to form the songs you're hearing.

Related Links:
Relax on Jamendo
Starting Somewhere on MySpace
Relax on AcidPlanet
Starting Somewhere on Garage Band

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License and is available as a free download in Jamendo.

Hydrogen is a free drum machine for Linux/GNU. Its features allow you to make your drum beats professionally, but without having to pay for them. The easy-to-use graphical user interface allows users to intuitively make their beats.

Hydrogen has a built-in sequencer and mixer, allowing you to layer up to sixteen samples for each instrument. And with a wide array of supported files, you can easily be your own DJ with Hydrogen.

Hydrogen makes use of samples to make full drum beats. Users may import .wav, .au and .aiff file formats for use with the software. It also supports lossless FLAC files for the best possible audio quality.

It features a pattern-based sequencer which lets users chain patterns to make them into a song. It also supports an unlimited quantity of patterns, and up to 64 ticks for each pattern for the ultimate modification and individuality of each one.

There are 32 instrument tracks, each with settings for volume and panning capabilities, as well as switches for solo and mute. And because you can play multiple patterns at once, it is quite easy for musical lovers and makers to preview their mixes.

Hydrogen allows export to wave or midi files when you finish the song. You can make use of the software as an additional to your live instruments, or to make midi versions of your own compositions.

Aside from the software, you may also download its avaialble sound libray for free drum kits. Hydrogen is available for GNU/Linux systems, but can also be built for Windows and Mac through QT4, Python and the MinGW Compiler.

General

• Very user-friendly, modular, fast and intuitive graphical interface based on QT 3.
• Sample-based stereo audio engine, with import of sound samples in .wav, .au and .aiff formats.
• Support of samples in compressed FLAC file.

Sequencer and mixer

• Pattern-based sequencer, with unlimited number of patterns and ability to chain patterns into a song.
• Up to 64 ticks per pattern with individual level per event and variable pattern length.
• 32 instrument tracks with volume, mute, solo, pan capabilities.
• Multi layer support for instruments (up to 16 samples for each instrument).
• Ability to import/export song files.
• Unique human velocity, human time, pitch and swing functions.
• Multiple patterns playing at once.

Other

• JACK, ALSA, PortAudio and OSS audio drivers.
• ALSA MIDI and PortMidi input with assignable midi-in channel (1..16, ALL).
• Import/export of drumkits.
• Export song to wav file.
• Export song to midi file.

Related Links:
Hydrogen Music
Hydrogen on SourceForge
Hydrogen on Assembla

This work is licensed under a GNU General Public License.