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Free 3D modeling software 3DVIA Shape 2.0 was released today.  3DVIA Shape is a program that allows users to create 3D models.  The software integrates with an online community at 3DVIA.com so users can share their models created with Shape.  If you have no idea how to use their software, 3DVIA has a bunch of helpful tutorials available. 

This software is a competitor to Google SketchUp.  SketchUp also allows users to create 3D models and is available as a free download for Windows and Mac users.  3DVIA Shape software is only available on the Windows platform and its minimum requirements include Internet Explorer 6 or Firefox 2.0. The 3DVIA Shape software cannot be used unless a user creates an account with 3DVIA.com.  Both Google and 3DVIA also offer pro versions of their programs.

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A freeware program recently featured on LifeHacker known as nLite offers great news. Just like we diet to shed pounds our computers can shed the extra weight of features and components that may not be needed. Spending extra RAM, hard drive space and battery power on unnecessary features is – well – unnecessary. Microsoft Windows 2000, XP and Server 2003 can be stripped down. You heard me right. Windows stripped down to what may be called a sportier model. Vista has not been left out but will require vLite instead.

Is there a PC user alive today that would not welcome a peppier version of Microsoft Windows? Or a Mac or Linux user that would not appreciate a virtual Windows experience with a leaner list of features without the bloat of unwanted ones? Powerful computers with mega GB hard drives are now the norm but that has not always been the case. On the other hand some new computers such as the Asus Eee PC and the Van Der Led Jisus are now selling with a mere 4GB SSD (Solid State Drive). Then there are those PCs and laptops relegated to storage because they don’t have what it takes to satisfy any longer – kept just in case. Just in case of what I am not exactly sure unless it is a second chance at a useful life. In all of these cases hope and help is alive and well with nLite. 

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