We’ve shown you how to build Wi-Fi signal boosters before, but if you’re lacking better materials you can always just use an old can. Here’s how.

Using tin (foil) to amplify a signal has often been made a joke, but it does work if it meets certain standards. That’s the idea behind Instructables user budgethackdotcom‘s cantenna, and you can calculate how many cans you’re going to need with this cantenna calculator. While certainly not a complicated project, you’re not just throwing a can on your router. If you need to boost your signal and you’re comfortable with a little soldering, you should give it a shot. Be sure to hit up the full Instructables post for detailed instructions.

[ Read the instuctions ]

Your scanner probably came with OCR software. Chances are, though, it’s both awkward and space-hogging. FreeOCR is an slim, efficient app that has just four main buttons, and performs well at converting scanned images and PDFs into edit-ready text.

Since so many scanners these days come as part of an all-in-one printer/scanner/copier combo, avoiding the installation of gigantic, auto-starting, self-promoting printer drivers is something we should all strive for. FreeOCR is a great alternative if you need to occasionally rip some text from a letter or other document. The app can grab text right off the scanner, or you can feed it a PDF file. Either way, your PDF shows up in the left window, and your text is ready to edit or copy in the right. Why more OCR apps aren’t like this, we can’t quite say.

FreeOCR is a free download for Windows systems only. Look for the download link a bit down the page. The app needs an internet connection active during installation, because it seems to be grabbing updated files from its server.

[ Download FreeOCR ]

Another high quality product from China.

It must be a biography.

Don’t let yourself be fooled by Disney.