program’s name to visit its homepage, where you can download the software free of charge.
PC Essentials:
Avast Anti-Virus– reliable anti-virus software, with lots of customizations, and advanced features.
Zone Alarm Firewall– easy to use firewall that blocks unauthorized outbound traffic, a feature not included with Windows XP built in firewall.
Spyware Blaster– designed to stop spyware applications before they even reach your computer, Spyware Blaster is adds an extra layer of defense for your PC.
Firefox– the one, the only, Firefox Internet browser. Themeable, expandable, and just plain fun. Guaranteed to improve your surfing experience by up to 35%*.
Spybot Search & Destroy– an anti-spyware application, with command line options to run scheduled updates and scans.
7-Zip– why pay for Winzip or Winrar, when you can get this piece of software for free? Supports unpacking of RAR, CAB, ISO, ARJ, LZH, CHM, Z, CPIO, RPM, DEB and NSIS.
Open Office– a full suite of office software for free! Save and open files in Microsoft Office formats, so you never have to worry about compatibility.
*Not actual guarantee
Optimize Windows:
CCleaner– if your computer is running sluggishly, or you are running low on hard rive space, try using CCleaner’s registry fixer, or file cleaner. You can even set it up to run nightly.
TuneXP– for windows XP only, this tool can considerably speed up bootup and shutdown times, and improve overall performance.
Auslogics Disk Defrag– an easy to use, and easy to look at disk disk defragmenter program. Be sure to download if you don’t have a third party defragmenter yet.
JDisk Report– find out where all that hard rive space went.. This program quickly generates easy to interpret reports on hard rive space allocation.
Launchy– among the plethora of application launchers, this one is the easiest and quickest I have used. Not to mention the huge selection of skins available for it.
Miscellaneous:
MediaCoder– supports a huge number of file formats for converting, extracting, and editing all kinds of media files.
Crossloop– an easy way to use the power of VNC without having to toy around with a large amount of settings. Uses a random password for each session, making it more secure than regulaur VNC as well.
NVU– the program I’m using at this very second to type these words, and upload this webpage. NVU is a full featured WYSIWYG webpage editor, with live editing and publishing.
PhotoFiltre– if you like the simplicity of paint, but want tons of advanced features, including batch conversion, then pick up PhotoFiltre right away.
VirtualDub– Windows Movie Maker is alright, if you want to be restricted to a measly amount of output formats. If, on the other hand, you want format freedom, try VirtualDub.
Picasa– A great photo organizer from Google. Allows you to import straight from a digital camera, view slideshows, and much more.
CamStudio– a screen recorder than includes many advanced options. Great for capturing a video on your desktop, or in an application.
Foxit Reader– an light on resources alternative to Adobe Reader. A must have for lower end machines that struggle with Adobe, or users who deal with PDF’s on a daily basis.
Free Download Manager– a feature rich download manager that supports batch, scheduled, and remotely started downloads.
Hamachi– a VPN client. In other words, this handy little software allows you to create a virtual LAN network over the internet. Great for playing LAN games.
TeamViewer– combines the VPN and VNC features of Crossloop and Hamachi into one easy to use suite for remote access. Highly recommended if you need full control over a remote PC.
Notepad++– an advanced text editor that supports a number of programming languages. Also features tabs! …which are always nice.
DivX Web Player– Allows you to watch high quality DivX videos (such as the ones on the main page) right in your browser.