Post Your Lesser Known Freeware

[hiccupleftovers]

Spybot Search and Destroy - A must for any computer. I use it on all of my computers and the ones that I run inconjuction with some other spyware/adware cleaners and blockers.
Adaware - "" ""
Spyware Blaster - "" ""
Mozilla Firefox - Simply the best browser out there. Opera comes close, but Firefox and its total customability is second to none.
Winamp - Still one of the best media players out there, but it is starting to feel a bit dated. I and many others have started to make the migratory jump to other players out there like JetAudioPlayer, VLC, and others.

Yaeh, so anyway I thought I would just get those out of the way as they technically aren't truly lesser known freeware, but I know that someone would post them. Plus, an extra mention to thse never really hurt anyone. I'll continue on with some of the truly lesser known programs that probably not many know of.

Ephpod - For those that have an Ipod. Found this program and it absolutely free and I would go out and venture even better than Itunes, though it misses a couple pieces of functionality that only Itunes has built in like removing songs from an Ipod. Still, I love this program.
7-Zip - Great WinZip/WinRar alternative. Of course it's free and allows you to zip/rar up your own files and password protect them.
Ewido Trojan Scanner - Great program. This thing is just one of the ultimate scanners out there. Catches stuff that many times other programs A/V, the spyware cleaners, and others just miss.
Easy Cleaner - Very good registry cleaner. It isn't one of those cleaners that will full blown go after anything and everything, but of course with a tool like this you have to always be careful not to delete something that could alter your OS.
A-M Dead Link - Bookmark cleaner that has gone through many of my links (and trust me I have amassed a ton of links over the years) and found that 25 % of them were either dead or sometimes even a copy of one another.
CDex - Absolute best CD ripping program out there IMO. Better than Itunes, WMP, really anything. Has the most functionality and the best part is that it is free.
Real Player Alternative - I wouldn't touch regular Real Player with a ten foot pole, so this is well, a great alternative.
FFDShow - Not necessarily freeware, but some pretty good codec packs that are free.
PeerGuardian - Absolute best IP Blocker out there IMO. Has regular updates, uses low resources, and just is an easy and great program to use. It doesn't take the place of a firewall, but rather is recommended to be used alongside one.

I have some others, but I'll just post them later. Wouldn't mind seeing what others have out there.

[Dragonsbane]

where can I get the real player alt? I really want to kick real to the curb just having it on my sys makes me feel dirty.

[Fire]

where can I get the real player alt? I really want to kick real to the curb just having it on my sys makes me feel dirty.

www.free-codecs.com has it I believe. That's where I got mine. Definitely better than that bloated piece of garbage that realplayer is. I'll post my lesser known freeware in a bit, but the OP has quite a few of mine already.

[Quackzilla]

teenasiandildofunfreevacationweblesbiansextoolbar

absolutely no spyware :D

[Fire]

teenasiandildofunfreevacationweblesbiansextoolbar

absolutely no spyware :D

I just had to know what you posted, didn't I. And this folks is why I have you on my ignore list.

[Stice]

mplayer is a decent media player. I use it to play various media formats without having to install different players and codecs.

[hiccupleftovers]

bump

[Photomotoz]

Openoffice - Freeware, opensource productivity set.

GAIM - Like AIM except much better. More functionalirty no crappy pop-up ads and such.

Shareaza - The best P2P client in my opinion. It can handle nearly everything and it can do Bittorrent as well.

Code::Blocks - Great C++ program

WinRAR - My zipping/RARing program of choice.

Regcleaner - Cleans you registry.

xpAntispy - Does lots of cool stuff, changes hidden Windows settings

NTREGOPT - Registry optimizer

CrapCleaner - Cleans registry along with other stuff.

Tweak UI - Tweak lots of Windows settings

CPU-Z - Checks CPU and other settings. Good for monitoring clock rate and temps.

Everest - Like CPU-Z except more hard core, with more options/settings etc.

Daemon Tools - Excellent image mounting software.

Alcohol %120 - Good for bruning images and mounting images.

Discjuggler - Also a good image buring program.


http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/default.aspx <<<Lots of free offical development programs from Microsoft.

[CYRiX]

Google Is Your Friend For Finding Things....

[hiccupleftovers]

Google Is Your Friend For Finding Things....

No RLY!?!?!:roll: Where's the owl image when you need it.

[Larsin]

VLC Media Player - plays nearly anything you throw at it

[CappyCobra]

SpaceMonger - Visual Representation of your hard drive space
http://www.werkema.com/software/spacemonger.html

Miranda IM - Guess ;)
http://www.miranda-im.org/

flyakiteosx - Explorer Shell enhancement
http://www.flyakiteosx.com/

Maxthon - IE Brower shell enhancement
www.maxthon.com (http://www.maxthon.com)

RocketDock - Quick Launch
http://www.punksoftware.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=45&Itemid=143

Konfabulator - Modular utilities; You have to see it
http://widgets.yahoo.com/

SpamPal - POP spam filter proxy
http://www.spampal.org/

Avast! - Anti-Virus
http://www.avast.com

[adamsappel]

Great thread.

There's an iPod plug-in for Winamp that works very well. ZoneAlarm is a great firewall. AVG is a great anti-virus. I use MailWasher for stopping spam (get an earlier version, he disabled some of the functionality in the later, free versions).

[P0ldy]

* uTorrent

PRO: Amazingly small BT client that follows the spec well and is feature-packed. Clients that don't follow the BT spec suck (BitTorrent++, Nova Torrent, TorrentStorm, BitComet[Vomit], BitLord, TorrentTopia, Shareaza).
CON: Windows-only.

* Notepad++

PRO: Notepad replacement as fast as typical Notepad. Support for some 20 programming languages with syntax highlighting and code folding.
CON: Windows-only.

* Nvu

PRO: Standards-compliant WYSIWIG HTML editor based on Mozilla. Written for Linspire, but cross-platform.
CON: It's still a WYSIWIG editor.

* GIMP - GNU Image Manipulation Program

PRO: Very capable open-source Photoshop equivalent. Written for the GTK toolset, but is cross-platform.
CON: It's a few versions behind Photoshop. I'd say it's closer to Photoshop 5.5 or 6.

[csidegamer]

Gimp also,

SyncBack (http://www.2brightsparks.com/assets/software/SyncBack_Setup.zip) Backup and Directory synchronization.

[Genocidal]

Tagging this, with some hopeful additions of my own later. Problem is, everything I was going to suggest has already posted ;)

[erehwon]

Exact Audio Copy (http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/) - One of the better audio rippers out there.

YPOPs! (http://www.ypopsemail.com/) - provides POP3 access to Yahoo! Mail. Works, on Windows, Linux, Solaris, and Mac.

K-Lite Mega Codec Pack (http://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_Lite_Mega_Codec_Pack.htm) - Includes BSPlayer, Media Player Classic, and just about every codec you can imagine.

[ryosnk]

Thanks op for the info.

[guyver2077]

i also think avast is one of the best antiviruses out there....

It might use up some resources but it catches everything and always notifies me when somethings up..

If you wanna test ur anti virus program.... just head over to serials.ws and see if your antivirus picks up anything..becareful as i went there once without a antivirus and it fukked up my whole boot sector for windows and i had to reformat

as soon as i go there.. my avast notifies me of viruses etc

[guyver2077]

* uTorrent

PRO: Amazingly small BT client that follows the spec well and is feature-packed. Clients that don't follow the BT spec suck (BitTorrent++, Nova Torrent, TorrentStorm, BitComet[Vomit], BitLord, TorrentTopia, Shareaza).
CON: Windows-only.



Im currently using bitlord... Im interested though on why utorrent is better?

[Genocidal]

uTorrent is a small .exe that doesn't require an install, and uses VERY little resources. The most I've got it up to was about 1-2% CPU and 10MB of memory used when I had 30 active torrents. It's also full featured, in that any features a torrent program would really need (choosing your port, bandwidth/connection limiting, etc) are there.

[KingDox]

tag, I hope to try some of these programs soon on my extra laptop.

[P0ldy]

Im currently using bitlord... Im interested though on why utorrent is better?
Aside from what Genocidal said, BitLord is based on BitComet with a few extra "features." Here's part of a post I made yesterday in the BitTorrent thread:

BitTorrent favours those who upload more and speed up the swarm, and therefore people who severely limit their upload speed or don't upload at all do not get the file very quickly. Certain clients dispute this, like BitComet/BitVomit, and instead attempt to connect to a peer, grab a piece of a file, and then disconnect and repeatedly connect. This hurts the swarm and basically is "leech mode" (in the pejorative sense).

One other thing about BitVomit/BitTurd, since they don't follow the BT protocol and only send out pieces within the prescribed time period but instead will send out pieces sometimes up to 30 minutes later, you can expect that you will have to overseed a LOT simply because a large percentage of what you send out just ends up in the proverbial bitbucket of whatever client you are seeding to. Therefore, while you see BitComet and BitLord speeds maxing out, it's sending a lot of bad data and wasting bandwidth.

If people realized that the fast transfer speed they see in BitVomit/BitTurd has a large pecentage of the transfer going into the shitter, they might not be as impressed. It is fast, but then again, so is food through a Bulemic's digestive system.

And BitVomit/BitLord also don't respect the privacy flag and spread a torrent's data over the DHT network. This is treacherous to the swarm and to the tracker. Hence, it's recently been universally banned by a lot of private trackers.

This isn't only why uTorrent is better, but why BitVomit/BitTurd sucks so much. The other clients I listed have more or less similar defects. But, uTorrent, Azureus, mainline, and some other clients do not deviate from the BitTorrent spec like this, and along with their other features they're the better clients.

[hiccupleftovers]

Hmm...that's very interesting about Bitcomet/Bitlord. I hadn't known about that, and I didn't even think about listing any torrent program for fear of well, the site. Anyway, the torrent I used to use a lot that I really liked was Yet ABC. I felt it had plent of features (comparing it to regular BT) and ran on my system (which I had a lot of trouble with Azureus. Wouldn't mind reading POldy's take on Yet ABC.

[Moxio]

So is uTorrent better than Azureus?

[Genocidal]

From my experiences with both, yes. Azureus is Java, which, in my opinion, flat out sucks because it's far too resource intensive and tends to crash or lock up quite a bit.

[GuilewasNK]

http://www.irfanview.com/

A great little program that can do simple photo editing, batch renaming, batch converting, and organize photos.

http://xnews.newsguy.com/

Great usenet newsreader.

[P0ldy]

IMO, AZ and uT are both great clients. If you have the resources, memory-hungry java doesn't much matter. It has a ton of features, but uT also has a lot. Though personally, I use uT.

[Genocidal]

Reminded of this program by Guile posting XNews, here's QuickPar:
http://www.quickpar.org.uk/index.htm

A few great programs for video encoding:
VirtualDub - http://www.virtualdub.org/
Vidomi - http://www.vidomi.com/
TMPGEnc - http://www.tmpgenc.net/e_main.html

And of course, if you're bored and want to check out some great free programs, let me recommend SourceForge at http://www.sourceforge.net

[P0ldy]

I'll add DVDx (http://www.labdv.com/dvdx/) and AutoGK (http://www.autogk.net/) to the list of video encoders.

[gaelan]

http://www.winbar.nl/

[ecliptic66]

discontinued ASFRecorder

[WebScud]

Don't forget TVTAD (http://www.tvtad.com/)! It'll take the RSS for a TV show feed and download the latest releases. Kinda like the TiVO of the torrent world.

[Gregory Kimball]

Google Is Your Friend For Finding Things....No RLY!?!?!:roll: Where's the owl image when you need it.
You could use Google Images to find it. :D

http://images.google.com/images?svnum=100&hl=en&lr=&q=orly+owl&btnG=Search

[Fire]

I'll throw my hat into the mix on this thread since it hasn't been mentiioned yet:

Free Download Manager - Best IMHO Download Manager on the net. Easy to use and helps you get those vids that you really want to share with others, etc.

[Fire]

http://www.winbar.nl/

I tried that one in the past, but didn't really like it that much.

[gaelan]

I tried that one in the past, but didn't really like it that much.

what didn't you like about it?

[GuilewasNK]

There was a freeware game called DX-Ball that I used play a long time ago. It was a Breakout/Arkanoid clone IIRC.

[Genocidal]

Add another one, but this time it's a whole suite of freeware:
http://www.pricelesswarehome.org/

Can be downloaded as a CD image through http://www.pricelesswarehome.org/2006/2006PL-CD-about.php and looks to have a program for damn near anything you'd need.

[eldad9]

Im currently using bitlord... Im interested though on why utorrent is better?

From the wikipedia:

BitLord claims to be "based on the BitComet core", which seems to imply that it is a fork of BitComet - but in fact it is a near-identical copy modified only to include advertisements. It also replaces BitComet's list of BitTorrent sites with a search box which only leads to affiliates of BitLord. BitLord has become quite commonly used because many popular BitTorrent sites include advertisements for it.

Although BitLord is adware, it has so far been relatively harmless: BitLord has not been known to install malicious spyware and its only ads are in its toolbars.

At the very least, use bitcomet. Also consider giving Azureus a whirl.

[eldad9]

You could use Google Images to find it. :D



O RLY?

Oh, and I'm still looking for a utility to fix windows' broken 'open file' dialog. That is:
remember window size
remember 'view'
remember sort in views that use it
for extra points, remember scrollbar position

[irrossistable]

I use a lot of crap, including stuff already listed.

STP MP3 (http://www.snapfiles.com/get/stpmp3.html) - Tiny, no installation mp3 player. Sits in your systam tray all nice-like.
Audacity (audacity.sourceforge.net/) - Awesome audio editing program.
WinImage (http://www.winimage.com/winimage.htm) - Disc imaging and the like.
AbiWord (www.abisource.com/) - Nice word processor.
Cerberus (www.cerberusftp.com/[/url) - Great FTP program.
Microsoft AntiSpyware (http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx) - For use in conjuction with the other great antispyware programs already listed.
RagTime Solo (www.ragtime-online.com) - Productivity Suite.
RamBooster (http://rambooster.net/) - Memory Optimizer
Opera (www.opera.com/) - It may not have the customizing abilities of Firefox, but it's still got some great features and I find it to be a bit faster.

[hiccupleftovers]

You could use Google Images to find it. :D

http://images.google.com/images?svnum=100&hl=en&lr=&q=orly+owl&btnG=Search

This seriously made me laugh. :D :applause: Good job. Yes I know i could have used Google, but I'm lazy so there.

[hiccupleftovers]

SpaceMonger - Visual Representation of your hard drive space
http://www.werkema.com/software/spacemonger.html

Miranda IM - Guess ;)
http://www.miranda-im.org/

flyakiteosx - Explorer Shell enhancement
http://www.flyakiteosx.com/

Maxthon - IE Brower shell enhancement
www.maxthon.com (http://www.maxthon.com)

RocketDock - Quick Launch
http://www.punksoftware.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=45&Itemid=143

Konfabulator - Modular utilities; You have to see it
http://widgets.yahoo.com/

SpamPal - POP spam filter proxy
http://www.spampal.org/

Avast! - Anti-Virus
http://www.avast.com

THat explorer shell enhancement is awesome. I really like the look of MAC OS X over Windows. Thanks.

[Strell]

Speaking of the shell enhancement (flyakite, which I just installed), can I turn off transparency effects? Can't seem to find it. I'll keep looking, but if someone knows, just lemme know.

Edit: Sigh, nevermind. Y's Shadow does it. Fixed.

[hiccupleftovers]

Here's a question for all those that play around with programs and freeware, is there any program out there which will allow me to back up my bookmarks and burn them to a CD so I can transfer them to another computer? Perhaps I can do that already, but am just too hesitant to try (yes I know sort of hypocritical of myself).

[Strell]

Yes sir, Favtohtml (http://www.babisoft.com/).

Lets you make an HTML file of all your favorites, which you can then save onto usb drives, discs, etc. Very useful. Originally written for Win95, but it will work in XP without issue.

[GuilewasNK]

Here's a question for all those that play around with programs and freeware, is there any program out there which will allow me to back up my bookmarks and burn them to a CD so I can transfer them to another computer? Perhaps I can do that already, but am just too hesitant to try (yes I know sort of hypocritical of myself).

You mean Firefox bookmarks?

[hiccupleftovers]

You mean Firefox bookmarks?

Yup, but I think Strell put up a program to do it. If you have any other advice or another program, I wouldn't seeing it as well :D

[GuilewasNK]

Yup, but I think Strell put up a program to do it. If you have any other advice or another program, I wouldn't seeing it as well :D

Just search for bookmarks.html in C:\Documents and Settings\ in XP

Right-click and copy it to your desktop. Burn to CD. Open Bookmarks Manager in Firefox on the other computer. Import from bookmarks.html file on CD.

[Strell]

I've made a thread like this in the past (I think it was called "Programs you can't live without") since I like to find small apps and utilities to enhance my computer. It got to the point where I've been keeping a folder specifically devoted to programs I've downloaded, which I periodically update and keep on CDs for future reference. Whenever I work on my computer or someone else's, I have them all available for quick reference, installation, and upating.

The big ones I use are (ripped from a text file I've written to keep them in order):

Adaware SE - Spyware/Malware/Adware scanner and remover

Adobe - PDF File Viewer

AF5 File Renamer - Allows you to rename files very quickly/easily - VERY useful, I can't measure the amount of time this program has saved me

Audiograbber - Music ripper - the best, easily. Couple it with the LAME codec and you can pop in a CD, have it database searched so the artist/album/track names are found, and then rip to MP3 within minutes. Allows you to archive incredibly quickly as well.

Azureus - BitTorrent Graphical Client (with BitTorrent installed)

Add TweakUI to XP CP - Adds TweakUI Powertoy to Control Panel

CDBurnerXP - Free burning program, a little slow but usable

CloneCD - Free (because discontinued) CD copying program

Continuum - Free online multiplayer game, think Asteroids meets deathmatch

Daemon Tools - Virtual CD drive for using CD images from hard drive

DivX - DivX codec file for DivX files

DoxBox - DOS Emulator, runs in Windows, allows execution of old games

Drempels - Killer free screensaver, although sometimes it fails to load (there is a fix for this, easily google-able)

Easy Cleaner - Program to find redundant files, clear history/temp, etc.

FavToHtml - Program that can save Favorites from IE into one single file

ImageResizer - Microsoft powertoy, Allows right clicking file resizing

iTunes - Downloadable music purchasing program

IZarc - Compressed files decompressor (.zip, .rar, etc.), free alternative to Winzip/Winrar

Logigamer - Allows MX1000 Logitech Mouse to be programmed for games

Logitech Setpoint - Allows Logitech Mouse to be programmer for applications

Microsoft Antispyware - Spyware scanner

Mp3Decode - Converts Mp3 files to WAV format

MP4 Player - Allows Windows Media Player to execute .mp4 movie files

MS Malicious Software Removal Tool - Removes blaster/sasser viruses

Nero - Best burning program ever created, and if you check dealnews.com frequently, you can usually score a copy of this for about 7 bucks, even with shipping

PC-Cillin Internet Security Suite (not free) - Well, you *can* get it for free if you send in MIRs, which is what I did. Absolutely the cleanest, best antivirus and firewall program I've ever used. (On computers that aren't mine, I use AVG)

Printscreen (by Gadwin) - Assigns "printscreen" key the ability to capture images

Quicktime Alt - Alternative to bloated Quicktime, plays .mov files

Real Player Alt - Alternative to bloated Realplayer, plays .ra files

ScummVM - Allows old Lucasarts games to be run inside Windows

Skype - Free chat program that uses internet connection to make phone calls

Snood - Game

Spybot - Spyware scanner

Spywareblaster - Preventative gaurd program, blocks spyware installation

Spywaregaurd - Scans computer in real time, gaurds from spyware installs

TCPOptimizer - Program to configure fastest internet connection possible

Trillian - Online instant messaging chat program (with Minibrowser plugin)

TweakUI - Allows various options in Windows to be manipulated

VDMSound - DOS Emulator for Windows

VideoLAN - Media player for several types of files

WinMerge - Compares text/document files, allows you to see differences

XnView - Views various image files



Looks like I'll be adding FlyakiteOSX, and I want to try some of the others mentioned in this thread.

[NoRain]

OpenOffice.org is probably tied for my favorite freeware with Trillian.

[kaw]

Great thread.

There's an iPod plug-in for Winamp that works very well. ZoneAlarm is a great firewall. AVG is a great anti-virus. I use MailWasher for stopping spam (get an earlier version, he disabled some of the functionality in the later, free versions).

Yeah, ml_ipod plug-in. I was going to suggest that. I also suggest the aforementioned Avast anti-virus. It's nice having a virus program that doesn't consume 90% of my system resources.

mIRC - IRC Client
SmartFTP - FTP Client

[erehwon]

UXTheme Multi-Patcher (http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=140707) Allows windows XP to use custom themes. Couple that with one of my favorite themes Blacked Out XP (http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/20421055/). More themes can be found on that site, deviantART.com (http://browse.deviantart.com/skins/windows/visualstyle/). The firefox theme Black Japan (https://addons.mozilla.org/themes/moreinfo.php?id=1390&application=firefox) goes well with that XP theme.

[Fire]

www.stationripper.com

A program I forgot to post initially. Really great radio station ripper and of course free.

[gaelan]

http://www.hanselman.com/blog/ScottHanselmans2005UltimateDeveloperAndPowerUsersT oolList.aspx

[hiccupleftovers]

www.stationripper.com (http://www.stationripper.com)

A program I forgot to post initially. Really great radio station ripper and of course free.

Wow! I think I'm really going to like that program. Man I love this thread so far. THat one OpenOffice program is amazing, awesome, unbelievable. It's already gotten me and my friend out of a bind.

[erehwon]

www.stationripper.com

A program I forgot to post initially. Really great radio station ripper and of course free.

I remember using that program awhile back. I should try it again.

Ulitmate Boot CD (http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/) It's a bootable cd that contains a ton of diagnostic tools and even includes a Linux environment. I used tool on it to fix my master boot record. That saved me from a reformat.

[Sleepkyng]

did anyone mention Picasa2 - i think it is far and away the best photo managing program and i wish they would give it an osx release!

[hiccupleftovers]

Can't believe that I create a thread like this and totally forget to post one of my favorite site's/lists/links on the net that I've already created a thread about so here it is.

http://www.techsupportalert.com/best_46_free_utilities.htm

I've gotten so many programs from that list it isn't funny. Plus it's been updated.

[coasterman]

Enditall2

closes all those stupid things that run in the background

http://www.docsdownloads.com/enditall-1.htm

[Plastefuchs]

- Psi (http://www.psi-im.org) - best IM-Client EVER (for me :D)
- iTunes with Multi-Plugin 2.2
- NiftyWindows (http://www.enovatic.org/products/niftywindows/) - hard to explain http://www.hostblogger.de/blog/templates/manitu/img/emoticons/thinking.gif, it makes things easy for me. :)

[CappyCobra]

CamStudio - Desktop Recording Software (for doing demos (Think Video Professor))
http://www.camstudio.org/

[help1]

Aim
Steam
someshit that came with my comp

DEAD Aim

http://www.orlyowl.com/nerdorly.jpg

[dothog]

Can anyone recommend a free/shareware replacement for something like MacDrive, which allows you to read a Mac drive from a Windows PC? Google is getting me nowhere, but I have a feeling my search strings are too general.

I've been trying to ask about this on a few Mac forums, but my threads keep getting ignored. I can't bring myself to do the things that these Mac folks need to see (slobber in praise of RAM-hungry Tiger, offer hand job and firstborn to Steve Jobs) in order to reply to a post. Can anyone help?

[CappyCobra]

Can anyone recommend a free/shareware replacement for something like MacDrive, which allows you to read a Mac drive from a Windows PC? Google is getting me nowhere, but I have a feeling my search strings are too general.

I've been trying to ask about this on a few Mac forums, but my threads keep getting ignored. I can't bring myself to do the things that these Mac folks need to see (slobber in praise of RAM-hungry Tiger, offer hand job and firstborn to Steve Jobs) in order to reply to a post. Can anyone help?
I don't personally own a Mac, but this looks like it will do the trick.
http://www.asy.com/scrtm.htm
$64 for the registered version. :(

Search terms used in Google ' Read Mac discs' :lol:

[redgopher]

http://www.candycrisis.com <-- pimp ass puyo pop clone

[dothog]

$64 for the registered version. :(

This is the problem with Windows access to Mac-HD programs. The only ones I can find cost $50 or more. Boo.

[erehwon]

This is the problem with Windows access to Mac-HD programs. The only ones I can find cost $50 or more. Boo.
Here (http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20051102173302946&lsrc=osxh) is an article you might be interested in. It's about secure remote access to Mac from Windows. It looks like all your doing is using PuTTy to login via ssh and then use TightVNC to access the desktop. I've never tried this, so I don't know to much about it. It will likely take a little work to get running, but that's usually how it is with free software. From what I read, the VNC software requires a server and a client. The server is the computer you're trying to access. I think the windows computer would use the TightVNC viewer to see the server, which would be the Mac. OSXvnc (http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/networking_security/osxvnc.html) The people at TightVNC recommended this software in their documentation if you're going to be accessing a Mac. They don't have a Mac version at the moment. If you're accessing the Mac on a home network, you might not have to use PuTTy. I think the author of that article did that because he was going over the internet.

I'm not sure if that is what you wanted, but maybe someone else would be interested. Just remember to read through the documentation if you have problems. Most free software has pretty good documentation.

[Superstar]

http://ultimatebootcd.com/

It runs several tests to determin weather a computer problem is hardware or software related. VERY handy when fixing a computer.

[Fire]

UXTheme Multi-Patcher (http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=140707) Allows windows XP to use custom themes. Couple that with one of my favorite themes Blacked Out XP (http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/20421055/). More themes can be found on that site, deviantART.com (http://browse.deviantart.com/skins/windows/visualstyle/). The firefox theme Black Japan (https://addons.mozilla.org/themes/moreinfo.php?id=1390&application=firefox) goes well with that XP theme.

I need some help with running the multi patcher program So far I have DL'd the them and gone through the instructions in the read me, but it keeps giving me that the Multi-patcher has detected an Windows NT Setup file in c:\ and so it won't run and allow me to switch the theme. Anybody know what do or how to make this program work. I really don't like any of the themes provided in Windows XP.

[irrossistable]

CamStudio - Desktop Recording Software (for doing demos (Think Video Professor))
http://www.camstudio.org/
I haven't really checked out that program, but apparently that guy does another program called Podcast Autocue (http://www.podcastautocue.com). I don't have a podcast, but it does display ebooks in a nice big font and lets you choose the scroll speed and whatnot. It'll work great for a presentation I've been working on, too, so thanks for the link.

EDIT: Fire, check this FAQ (http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=339820).

[hiccupleftovers]

Found a great new piece of software the other day. It's called TuneXP, haven't looked through the thread to see if it was mentioned or not, but the thing is great. Basically it supes up and tunes your Windows so that it shutdown faster, start faster (by defragging and rearranging the boot files, etc.)

[CappyCobra]

Videora Xbox360 Convertor (Converts practically any video file to be compatible with Xbox 360 Media Center function... In REALTIME!
NOTE: You must be running Windows Media Center Edition
http://www.videora.com/en-us/Converter/Xbox360/

I've been sitting on a copy of MCE for a while and had no real reason to install it.. until now! Can't wait to try this! :-P

[Fire]

Found a great new piece of software the other day. It's called TuneXP, haven't looked through the thread to see if it was mentioned or not, but the thing is great. Basically it supes up and tunes your Windows so that it shutdown faster, start faster (by defragging and rearranging the boot files, etc.)

Thanks goes out to the poster that helped me out with my woes with modifying the start bar.

And TuneXP is great. It's sped up my computer a ton.

[sblymnlcrymnl]

UXTheme Multi-Patcher (http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=140707) Allows windows XP to use custom themes. Couple that with one of my favorite themes Blacked Out XP (http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/20421055/). More themes can be found on that site, deviantART.com (http://browse.deviantart.com/skins/windows/visualstyle/). The firefox theme Black Japan (https://addons.mozilla.org/themes/moreinfo.php?id=1390&application=firefox) goes well with that XP theme.I'm using all of that now, along with the matching Thunderbird theme. Big change from the windows classic high contrast white I had been using for years. :lol:

[Jimbo Slice]

I'm not sure how Rambooster works, do I just run it occasionally? Or is it constantly working in the background?

[irrossistable]

I'm not sure how Rambooster works, do I just run it occasionally? Or is it constantly working in the background?
Usually you just run it in the background and set the bar where you want it, so if memory usage slips below that point, it'll optimize and free up some RAM for you. You could run it as an occasional/whenever you need it thing though (this is what I've been doing, as now I mostly use programs with low footprints).

[Indiana]

Does anyone have an app to test your hard drives? I have a pc that keeps locking up and I suspect 1 of the hard drives is failing.

[CappyCobra]

Does anyone have an app to test your hard drives? I have a pc that keeps locking up and I suspect 1 of the hard drives is failing.If you want to test your hard drive for data integrity, you should use the utility disc from the specific manufacturer. The boot CD from www.ultimatebootcd.com (http://www.ultimatebootcd.com) has hard drive utilites from all major hard drive makers which should scan and repair drives. It will also inform you if the drive needs to be RMA'd (at least Maxtor's utility does)

*EDIT* If you are overclocking your machine in any way, turn it off/down. The bus speed not being in spec will play havoc with your hard drives (some are more tolerant than others)

[Roufuss]

UXTheme Multi-Patcher (http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=140707) Allows windows XP to use custom themes. Couple that with one of my favorite themes Blacked Out XP (http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/20421055/). More themes can be found on that site, deviantART.com (http://browse.deviantart.com/skins/windows/visualstyle/). The firefox theme Black Japan (https://addons.mozilla.org/themes/moreinfo.php?id=1390&application=firefox) goes well with that XP theme.

Thanks a ton... Blacked Out XP looks great, I really enjoy making my computer look unique :D I also ended up getting Luna Black 5 for Trillian to match it.

Does anyone know how to change the startup / shutdown screens?

[Megalith]

This one is great, in my opinion:

http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/29075379/

The start bar is kind of nasty in Blacked Out.

[erehwon]

Thanks a ton... Blacked Out XP looks great, I really enjoy making my computer look unique :D I also ended up getting Luna Black 5 for Trillian to match it.

Does anyone know how to change the startup / shutdown screens?
If you want to change the boot screen, get BootSkin from Win Customize (http://www.wincustomize.com/software.aspx). If you want to change your logon menu, get LogonStudio from the same site. You can find logons from Deviant Art (http://browse.deviantart.com/skins/windows/logonxp/). You can also get bootskins and logons at both WinCustomize and Deviant Art. This (http://www.wincustomize.com/ViewSkin.aspx?SID=1&SkinID=5893&LibID=26) is the login I'm currently using. The nice thing about that program is that it can randomly change the login screen everytime you reboot.

[Roufuss]

If you want to change the boot screen, get BootSkin from Win Customize (http://www.wincustomize.com/software.aspx). If you want to change your logon menu, get LogonStudio from the same site. You can find logons from Deviant Art (http://browse.deviantart.com/skins/windows/logonxp/). You can also get bootskins and logons at both WinCustomize and Deviant Art. This (http://www.wincustomize.com/ViewSkin.aspx?SID=1&SkinID=5893&LibID=26) is the login I'm currently using. The nice thing about that program is that it can randomly change the login screen everytime you reboot.

Thanks a ton... is there any way to change the shutdown screen?

[erehwon]

Thanks a ton... is there any way to change the shutdown screen?
I don't know. I've never really paid any attention to that, since my computer shuts down pretty fast.

[Sleepkyng]

is there any good dvd ripping freeware? or is it just alcohol 120 all the way?

[Genocidal]

DVD Decrypter if you can find a version of it (as in, a company acquired the license to it, but it's still easily available). Apparently DVDFab Decrypter is a very similar alternative. DVD Shrink is a nice program that will resize .vobs for you to fit on a DVD5 if necessary.

[hiccupleftovers]

DVD Decrypter if you can find a version of it (as in, a company acquired the license to it, but it's still easily available). Apparently DVDFab Decrypter is a very similar alternative. DVD Shrink is a nice program that will resize .vobs for you to fit on a DVD5 if necessary.

DVD Decrypter is still being hosted through out the net. Filehippo.com has it I know as well as quite a few DVD rippers. The problem with DVD Decrypter is that I have never found a good Tutorial or FAQ for it so I'm not as proficient as I would like to be since I mainly want to rip some of the music DVDs that I have gotten that come with my CDs to my computer and than burn a VCD of it but the files are all .vob or I can't find teh ISO.

[Strell]

Wanted to bump the topic for an addition: http://ebcd.pcministry.com/

It's called EBCD - Emergency Boot CD. At work, a computer had an administrator password on it, but the user had forgotten it. It had been set to autologon, but when this got changed, we couldn't get back into the computer.

Went to my station and googled around, found the above. You download a small program (18 megs I think), extract it, then run a make-iso program. It creates an iso, which you then burn to a CD. Then just pop it into any computer and let it boot from there.

It creates a pre-OS Linux environment, useful for doing a variety of things. I used it to erase the Admin's password on the aforementioned computer, subsequently gaining access back into an otherwise completely locked down computer.

Granted, it is command line (no GUI), so you have to read what is on the screen to see what is up. But it was able to determine all the users on the first machine AND tell me how many attempts to login to each one had been tried, etc. Looks like the Admin account's pw actually got corrupted and had locked out any attempt, but this program was able to erase it and get me back to a blank slate.

I have since learned of a small option inside User Accounts that allows you to create a bootable floppy disk that can prevent forgotten passwords, which is a nice thing to have, except that most machines don't have A: drives anymore.

Anyway, EBCD is neat, I'll definitely be carrying copies around with me whenever I'm working on computers now.

[The Dord]

Any reviews of Trillian Pro? Is it worth the $25?

It says it supports yahoo chatting, how about MSN and AIM?

Like to replace Yahelite. (people complain that I only use yahoo.)

[Fire]

Haven't seen this thread in a while. Some programs that i would add are JetStart, Autopatcher, and the Juice podcasting utility.

[Sleepkyng]

i use trillian pro, it's worth it if you have gmail people to talk to because you can use the jabber client.

i dunno, i don't really use any IM stuff that mutch, but i got Trillian pro for free so...

[Fire]

Anybody know of a good wma to mp3 converter that is free? I hear great things on DBPowerAmp, but alas it is not free.

[The Dord]

i use trillian pro, it's worth it if you have gmail people to talk to because you can use the jabber client.

i dunno, i don't really use any IM stuff that mutch, but i got Trillian pro for free so...

Ya dirty dog! :drool:

[Sleepkyng]

i just found it on my computer...

actually i bought this laptop on ebay and voila, here is trillian pro.

[The Dord]

I just Bought Trillian Pro 3.0.. its awesome so far!

[hiccupleftovers]

Bumping this up for Fire and myself I need a good WMA to mp3 converter, or just some type of music format convertor.

[Snake2715]

Lots of good stuff here!

[CappyCobra]

Bumping this up for Fire and myself I need a good WMA to mp3 converter, or just some type of music format convertor.

http://www.dbpoweramp.com/dmc.htm

(30 Day trial on the MP3 encoder though :( )

[yester]

MP3 Player = Foobar2000
CD ripper = CD Rider
Chat = Gaim
Mail = Thunderbird
Browser = Firebird

[Fire]

Is there a page on DeviantArt that has other themes like Blacked Out XP? i can't seem to find it if there are others.

[CYRiX]

All I know iswhen my patched that .dll file is screwed up my explorer

[hiccupleftovers]

All I know iswhen my patched that .dll file is screwed up my explorer
Haven't had any issues with it, but I too wouldn't mind to know if there was a specific DA section just with Windows themes.

Edit: Nevermind, found it in this thread. Anyone know of any Orange bar themes?

[hiccupleftovers]

Time to bump this thread again, does anyone know, maybe Strell or someone else, of a good alternative to Windows built in explorer? I am currently using ExplorerXP (a freeware program I found on the net somehow). I hear that explorer^2 (or squared) is a really good program, but I was wondering which was better. If someone doesn't respond I may make another thread like my PDF thread.

[hiccupleftovers]

http://www.dbpoweramp.com/dmc.htm

(30 Day trial on the MP3 encoder though :( )

Nothing free :(

[hiccupleftovers]

UXTheme Multi-Patcher (http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=140707) Allows windows XP to use custom themes. Couple that with one of my favorite themes Blacked Out XP (http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/20421055/). More themes can be found on that site, deviantART.com (http://browse.deviantart.com/skins/windows/visualstyle/). The firefox theme Black Japan (https://addons.mozilla.org/themes/moreinfo.php?id=1390&application=firefox) goes well with that XP theme.

The link you provide is to WindowsX' patcher. I've done it on one computer and it worked fine and just tried it on another and it fucked it up. I'd recommend flyakite's patcher over this one since it is much more safer and less likely to mess it up.

http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=382215&st=0

[Fire]

Anybody use FreeRamXP? Is it any good?

[SteveMcQ]

There's probably a link in this thread, but I'm hoping someone can more quickly answer my question: What do you suggest for converting WMA files to MP3? Thanks.

[hiccupleftovers]

There's probably a link in this thread, but I'm hoping someone can more quickly answer my question: What do you suggest for converting WMA files to MP3? Thanks.

Actually, I'm still trying to find out. I posted a question about this, but I still haven't recieved any response and don't know of one/can't seem to find one myself. All I can think of is burning it to an audio cd and then subsequently re-ripping.

[wubb]

I stumbled across a great little e-mail consilodator a few days ago.

ePrompter ( www.eprompter.com )

You can set up all of your e-mail accounts (pop3, gmail, yahoo, hotmail, etc.) and it will check them all for new messages allowing you to check them and even reply all in one spot. Awesome time saver if you keep track of more than one e-mail.

[Genocidal]

You rule.

[uberzone]

Marked.

[VidPower]

Actually, I'm still trying to find out. I posted a question about this, but I still haven't recieved any response and don't know of one/can't seem to find one myself. All I can think of is burning it to an audio cd and then subsequently re-ripping.
After a quick googling of 'free wma to mp3 converter', I found this:

Jodix Free WMA to MP3 Converter (http://www.snapfiles.com/get/jodixmp3wma.html)

I downloaded it. I tried it. It works.

[Fire]

After a quick googling of 'free wma to mp3 converter', I found this:

Jodix Free WMA to MP3 Converter (http://www.snapfiles.com/get/jodixmp3wma.html)

I downloaded it. I tried it. It works.

Cool. I'll be testing this out now.

[CappyCobra]

RockXP - Displays your XP's product key and well as backup your activation code. Awesome if you've lost your serial number.

http://www.snapfiles.com/reviews/RockXP/rockxp.html

Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder v1.41 (same deal but for office as well(doesn't backup activation code though))
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

[hiccupleftovers]

After a quick googling of 'free wma to mp3 converter', I found this:

Jodix Free WMA to MP3 Converter (http://www.snapfiles.com/get/jodixmp3wma.html)

I downloaded it. I tried it. It works.

OMG! Thank you so much. I tried googling that (I mean that's the number one rule of the net now), but I came up nothing. It's great. Thank you again so much.

[Fire]

I've made a thread like this in the past (I think it was called "Programs you can't live without") since I like to find small apps and utilities to enhance my computer. It got to the point where I've been keeping a folder specifically devoted to programs I've downloaded, which I periodically update and keep on CDs for future reference. Whenever I work on my computer or someone else's, I have them all available for quick reference, installation, and upating.

The big ones I use are (ripped from a text file I've written to keep them in order):

Adaware SE - Spyware/Malware/Adware scanner and remover

Adobe - PDF File Viewer

AF5 File Renamer - Allows you to rename files very quickly/easily - VERY useful, I can't measure the amount of time this program has saved me

Audiograbber - Music ripper - the best, easily. Couple it with the LAME codec and you can pop in a CD, have it database searched so the artist/album/track names are found, and then rip to MP3 within minutes. Allows you to archive incredibly quickly as well.

Azureus - BitTorrent Graphical Client (with BitTorrent installed)

Add TweakUI to XP CP - Adds TweakUI Powertoy to Control Panel

CDBurnerXP - Free burning program, a little slow but usable

CloneCD - Free (because discontinued) CD copying program

Continuum - Free online multiplayer game, think Asteroids meets deathmatch

Daemon Tools - Virtual CD drive for using CD images from hard drive

DivX - DivX codec file for DivX files

DoxBox - DOS Emulator, runs in Windows, allows execution of old games

Drempels - Killer free screensaver, although sometimes it fails to load (there is a fix for this, easily google-able)

Easy Cleaner - Program to find redundant files, clear history/temp, etc.

FavToHtml - Program that can save Favorites from IE into one single file

ImageResizer - Microsoft powertoy, Allows right clicking file resizing

iTunes - Downloadable music purchasing program

IZarc - Compressed files decompressor (.zip, .rar, etc.), free alternative to Winzip/Winrar

Logigamer - Allows MX1000 Logitech Mouse to be programmed for games

Logitech Setpoint - Allows Logitech Mouse to be programmer for applications

Microsoft Antispyware - Spyware scanner

Mp3Decode - Converts Mp3 files to WAV format

MP4 Player - Allows Windows Media Player to execute .mp4 movie files

MS Malicious Software Removal Tool - Removes blaster/sasser viruses

Nero - Best burning program ever created, and if you check dealnews.com frequently, you can usually score a copy of this for about 7 bucks, even with shipping

PC-Cillin Internet Security Suite (not free) - Well, you *can* get it for free if you send in MIRs, which is what I did. Absolutely the cleanest, best antivirus and firewall program I've ever used. (On computers that aren't mine, I use AVG)

Printscreen (by Gadwin) - Assigns "printscreen" key the ability to capture images

Quicktime Alt - Alternative to bloated Quicktime, plays .mov files

Real Player Alt - Alternative to bloated Realplayer, plays .ra files

ScummVM - Allows old Lucasarts games to be run inside Windows

Skype - Free chat program that uses internet connection to make phone calls

Snood - Game

Spybot - Spyware scanner

Spywareblaster - Preventative gaurd program, blocks spyware installation

Spywaregaurd - Scans computer in real time, gaurds from spyware installs

TCPOptimizer - Program to configure fastest internet connection possible

Trillian - Online instant messaging chat program (with Minibrowser plugin)

TweakUI - Allows various options in Windows to be manipulated

VDMSound - DOS Emulator for Windows

VideoLAN - Media player for several types of files

WinMerge - Compares text/document files, allows you to see differences

XnView - Views various image files



Looks like I'll be adding FlyakiteOSX, and I want to try some of the others mentioned in this thread.

Is Daemon Tools really freeware or freeware for non-commercial use?

[CappyCobra]

Is Daemon Tools really freeware or freeware for non-commercial use?
It's turned into Ad-Ware :censored:

[Fire]

It's turned into Ad-Ware :censored:

Is there one or a version of one that doesn't have adware with it? Maybe another similar program?

[CappyCobra]

Is there one or a version of one that doesn't have adware with it? Maybe another similar program?
You can still find torrents of it online. I'd grab it quick before it's no longer seeded. They just released v4.0 (with spy/adware) last month. Anything pre-version 4.0 is spyware free.

[Fire]

You can still find torrents of it online. I'd grab it quick before it's no longer seeded. They just released v4.0 (with spy/adware) last month. Anything pre-version 4.0 is spyware free.

O.K. will do, but in addition to the spyware, is it like a timed trial version, or just open?

[VidPower]

OMG! Thank you so much. I tried googling that (I mean that's the number one rule of the net now), but I came up nothing. It's great. Thank you again so much.
You're welcome.
Is Daemon Tools really freeware or freeware for non-commercial use?
It's freeware for non-commercial use.
You can still find torrents of it online. I'd grab it quick before it's no longer seeded. They just released v4.0 (with spy/adware) last month. Anything pre-version 4.0 is spyware free.
Actually, if you go to the Daemon Tools download page (http://www.daemon-tools.cc/dtcc/download.php?mode=ViewCategory&catid=5), and scroll to the bottom of the page, you can still download DAEMON TOOLS 3.47
O.K. will do, but in addition to the spyware, is it like a timed trial version, or just open?
There is no time limit on the program, so you can use it forever.
It's turned into Ad-Ware :censored:
You can actually install DAEMON TOOLS without the adware. Basically, it involves unchecking one single check box during the installation process. Check out their forum thread (http://www.daemon-tools.cc/dtcc/t9793-how-to-install-without-adware.html) about it. Scroll to the middle of that page and there should be a picture of one of the installation screens. Uncheck the box labeled 'DAEMON Tools Search Bar'. I tried it and I successfully installed the latest version of DAEMON TOOLS without any adware whatsoever.

[Fire]

Thanks VidPower!

[erehwon]

NVU (http://www.nvu.com/index.php) - "A complete Web Authoring System for Linux desktop users as well as Microsoft Windows and Macintosh users to rival programs like FrontPage and Dreamweaver."

It's a pretty good program. I had to use it to a build a quick web page. Check out Open Source Web Design (http://www.oswd.org/). This site has completely free web site templates.

[Fire]

NVU (http://www.nvu.com/index.php) - "A complete Web Authoring System for Linux desktop users as well as Microsoft Windows and Macintosh users to rival programs like FrontPage and Dreamweaver."

It's a pretty good program. I had to use it to a build a quick web page. Check out Open Source Web Design (http://www.oswd.org/). This site has completely free web site templates.

so it's basically as good as DreamWeaver? I've tried many builders and editers that said they rivaled Dreamweaver, but in the end simply sucked. If so, thank you so much. This will rock.

[erehwon]

I don't know if it truely rivals dreamweaver since I've never used dreamweaver. I did think it was pretty good for what I needed.

[CappyCobra]

CappyCobra Audio Editing Edition v 1.0:

Audacity (WAV Editing Software)
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/windows

Hi-Q Recorder Version 1.9 (records any soundcard output digitally; Limited to 96 kps for Free version)
http://www.roemersoftware.com/free-sound-recorder.html

Station Ripper v1.13 (record Shoutcast stations; last Freeware version)
http://www.aplusfreeware.com/categories/Audio-Video/files/StationRipper1.13.zip

[hiccupleftovers]

Check out this list of freeware. Awesome in its magnitude and all it encompasses. I've found a ton and I thought I'd seen a lot already. I still haven't gotten through the list.

http://www.econsultant.com/i-want-freeware-utilities/index.html#internet

[Moxio]

^ Very nice list.

[LaraCroftsLeftBoob]

anyone know a good, free program to defrag a hd?

[Riyonuk]

I wouldnt recomend reg cleaners, its better to clean your registry yourself.

NVU (http://www.nvu.com/index.php) - "A complete Web Authoring System for Linux desktop users as well as Microsoft Windows and Macintosh users to rival programs like FrontPage and Dreamweaver."

It's a pretty good program. I had to use it to a build a quick web page. Check out Open Source Web Design (http://www.oswd.org/). This site has completely free web site templates.

I wouldnt recomend NVU unless your still doing tables...Dreamweaver is Ok, but I use it only for CSS color editing.

[erehwon]

I wouldnt recomend reg cleaners, its better to clean your registry yourself.



I wouldnt recomend NVU unless your still doing tables...Dreamweaver is Ok, but I use it only for CSS color editing.
I just suggested it because I had to make a simple webpage for a project. It worked pretty well for that. I was able to edit the template I found pretty well. It seemed better than some other free apps I tried.

[menikmati]

Adium. Quite possibly one of the best IM clients ever created for the Mac. If only they would make it compatible with Windows...

[Riyonuk]

I guess if it was for a simple page, but again you still would'nt need it, I do fine with notepad.

[s0undwav3]

Some tools I use that I didn't see posted:

xp-Antispy
googletalk
ventrilo (for talking during gaming)
teamspeak (for talking with in a game)
TCPIP.SYS Modification to to allow more than 10 connections in WinXP SP2 http://www.lvllord.de/download.php?url=en/EvID4226Patch223d-en.zip
RivaTuner2.0 RC16 (Great ATI/Nvidia Video Driver Changer)
Omegadrivers (for ATI/Nvidia Video Cards) http://www.omegadrivers.net
Microsoft Virtual PC (now Free) http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtualpc/default.mspx
VMWare Player (Free) http://www.vmware.com
Nvidia Demos (to stress test your video card) found at http://www.nvidia.com (under downloads/demos)

[hiccupleftovers]

I personally find the use of reg cleaners fine as long as you know what you are doing and don't remove something that you shouldn't. Also, I only use the trusted ones that I know of when working on computers since they are quick and reliable. Easy Cleaner or CCleaner I would say are generally strong enough to do the trick, but yet not destroy your registry.

[hiccupleftovers]

bump.

[s0undwav3]

bump to keep this going

[hiccupleftovers]

I like Tux Walk 1.0 now. Just google it. It's some stupid little ode to Linux for Windows. It's basically a walking penguin.

[hiccupleftovers]

long time bump

Currently I haven't tested or used anything in awhile, but am planning on trying out some new things I found recently.

Also, this awesome list has been updated quite a few times:

http://www.techsupportalert.com/best_46_free_utilities.htm

[naes]

I thought we're supposed to be posting "lesser known freeware" but people are posting highly known freeware???


Here's a few things that are lesser known...

aMSN (http://amsn-project.net/index.php) A great MSN alternative.

Burrrn (http://www.burrrn.net/) My personal favorite audio burner.

ratDVD (http://ratdvd.ca/) Somewhat like DVD Shrink. Compresses a full DVD to about 2-3 GB. You can load ratDVD files into ratDVD and burn to a DVD-R.

That's the only "lesser known" programs I use. Of course, I also use the obvious like Eraser, 7 Zip, ect.

[Strell]

This thread is still around, eh?

I should post all the stuff I have, which is sitting on a 4 GB jump drive.

I had to write a long text file detailing what everything is.

It is most useful for helping people with computer issues, knowing I can give them pretty much any kind of app they need for free.

[hiccupleftovers]

This thread is still around, eh?

I should post all the stuff I have, which is sitting on a 4 GB jump drive.

I had to write a long text file detailing what everything is.

It is most useful for helping people with computer issues, knowing I can give them pretty much any kind of app they need for free.

Do post please :D I have got to see this. I have a 1GB and 512 memory sticks with most of the aps I use. portable Firefox with tor, Yamipod, etc. I too have a detailed list with all the aps I use since I work and deal with computers on a daily basis and it helps to have these at the ready in case of a crash, reformat, etc.

Actually, I should update the OP as I haven't done it in forever.

[CappyCobra]

Minimizer-XP:
Sends any program to the system tray instead of the taskbar. Excellent for those apps you don't use often or ones you wish could go there (I'm looking at you java apps!). Best of all, you don't need Admin rights to run it so your MIS guy wont freak out.

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/Minimizer-XP.shtml

HelpNDoc
Enables you to create HTML Help files (CHM). A tool that I have used for quite sometime and has made my job loads easier having a central knowledge base.

http://www.ibe-software.com/products/software/helpndoc/

ExamDiff:
Lets you compare text files for any additions, deletions or changes.

http://www.prestosoft.com/ps.asp?page=edp_examdiff

123 Audio Video Merger 1.00
Title is pretty self explanitory dont'cha think? ;)

http://www.manitools.com/123avm/index.html

[Strell]

Ok, here's my list. Some of this stuff isn't obscure/lesser known, and a lot of it has been mentioned before, but I'll add it nonetheless.

BTW, anything with a * is basically an indication of a "non-app" file. So text files, archive/zip files, html link files, etc. They are usually kept in conjunction with some other file.

Also, the reason I split it up alphabetically is because Windows freaks out if you open something like this on a USB drive all at once. I'd try to do so, and it would stall trying to load all the various icons for each program. Splitting them up greatly reduces this problem and generally speeds up accessing everything. At some point I might even have to resort to splitting letters up into two sections (such as the A, C, and S areas).

If anything needs further 'splaining, don't hesitate to ask of course. :)

*****************************A Files [20]*******************************
*Adaware Defs
Adaware SE - Spyware/Malware/Adware scanner and remover
Add TweakUI to XP CP - Adds TweakUI Icon to Control Panel
Adobe - PDF File Viewer
AF5 File Renamer - Allows you to rename files very quickly/easily
AIM - Install America Online Instant Messenger
Alias Sketchbook - Wacom Tablet Sketching Program
*Animal Crossing Clock - Small graphical clock, Animal Crossing inspired
*Animal Crossing Screensaver - Animal Crossing Screen Saver
Aqua Mage - Screen Saver from nuklearpower/8bit Theatre
ASPI Check - Checks if CDR drive has proper ASPI drivers/installations
Audiograbber - Music ripper, rips music from audio CDs
AutoHotKey - Scripts to automatically rip various discs
*DVD Rip for D Drive, use with AutoHotKey
*DVD Rip for E Drive, use with AutoHotKey
*DVD Rip for F Drive, use with AutoHotKey
*Autohotkey File
AVG Free - Free antivirus program, reliable/updates daily
Avery.Wizard Word 2003 - Avery Label Wizard Word 2003 Plugin
Azureus - BitTorrent Graphical Client, P2P file transfer program

*****************************B Files [03]*******************************
BitTorrent - The actual BitTorrent codec/fine client
Blacklight - Rootkit Detector/Cleaner
BlackWidow - Web Browser

*****************************C Files [16]*******************************
Camstudio - Screen Recording Software
CatchColor - Eyedropper tool to get color, run from taskbar
*CatchColor Readme File
CDBurnerXP - Free CD Burning Program
CDCheck - CD Error Check
*CDCheck Text File
Clipboard Recorder - Clipboard Enhancer
CloneCD - Free (because discontinued) CD copying program
*CloneCD Keygen - Generates a key for CloneCD to register it
ConfigFree - Wireless Communications Setup/WAN/Wireless Networks
Continuum .38 Setup - Free online multiplayer game, new and older versions
*Continuum PR1 - "Public Release" update files for Continuum, Version 1
*Continuum PR3 - "Public Release" update files for Continuum, Version 3
Continuum .39 Setup - Free online multiplayer game, new version
Ceature House Expression - Paint Program
CuteFTP - File Transfer Protocol program

*****************************D Files [15]*******************************
Daemon Tools - Virtual CD drive for using CD images from hard drive
Daemon Tools Fastmount - Add-on to above
Daemon Tools TrayIcons - Allows DT to have taskbar icons
Deadlink - Scans Favorites, finds dead links, deletes them
DeskListView - Changes Desktop Icons to List View [Small icons]
Dfend - Frontend shell for Dosbox
DivX - DivX codec file for DivX files
DivX Create - Create .divx files
DoxBox - DOS Emulator, runs in Windows, allows execution of old games
Drempels - Groovy screensaver/Windows Desktop Background Image Replacer
Driver Magician - Can find drivers/allow you to back them up
Descrypt - Encryption Utility - locks files
DVD Decoder Check WMP - Checks for DVD Decoder inside Windows MP
DVD Decrypter - Rips DVDs to hard drive
DVD Shrink - Fits DVD file onto a DVDR, encoding/authoring

*****************************E Files [07]*******************************
Easy Cleaner - Program to find redundant files, clear history/temp, etc.
*EBCDPRO Iso - Iso file for Emergency Boot CD
EditPro - Notepad for programmers/webmasters
*EnableDisable Homepage - So I can link to the page at any time
EnableDisableTray - VB file, resolves inability to hide icons in taskbar
EndItAll2 - Allows you to shut down all processes
Ewido - Trojan remover/scanner

*****************************F Files [12]*******************************
*FavToHtml - Program that can save Favorites from IE into one single file
*Flurry Screensaver - Apple/Mac Screensaver Clone
FastSum - File verification tool based on MD5 checksum algorithm
File Recovery - Able to recovery lost/deleted files
FileZilla - FTP client and server
Firefox - Free Web Browser
Firefox Download Statusbar - Plugin for Firefox
Flash Player - Enables Flash inside IE
Flashsave IE Plugin - Save Flash Movies inside IE
FLV Player - Media player for downloaded Flash movies in .FLV format
Foxit PDF Reader - Opens .pdf files
Fresh Diagnose - Benchmarker

*****************************F Files [07]*******************************
Gaim - Multi-client chat program
*Gaim USB Text - How to run Gaim solely from a USB Drive
Gif Animator - Create small animated .gif files
Google Sketchup - Drafting Program
Gravis Xperience - Drivers for Gravis Controller
GSplit - Split large files into smaller, transportable parts
GTK+ - Programming libraries required for Gaim USB

*****************************H-I Files [13]*****************************
HijackThis - Program to detect spyware programs
Icon Sushi - Converts images -> Icons and vice versa
*Icon Sushi Text - Help files
ImageResizer - Allows right clicking file resizing
Inkscape - Free Drawing/Paintshop Program
InstallPad - Downloads/installs programs you pick
iParty - Small chat program with voice support
ISORecorder - Adds "Create ISO" into Right Click Menus
iTunes - Downloadable music purchasing program
IZarc - Compressed files decompressor (.zip, .rar, etc.)
*InstallPad LifeHacker Files
*InstallPad LifeHacker Files
*InstallPad LifeHacker Files

*****************************J-L Files [10]*****************************
*LAME - LAME MP3 Codec Files
JAP - Online anonymity program
Java - Installs Java Runtime environment
Java VM - Java virtual machine installer
Jumpshot - Lexar Jumpshot Drivers
Keynote - Makes "notes"
Last.fm - Client for Last.fm Audio Scrobbler Network
Linksys QuickVPN - VPN Client
Logigamer - Allows MX1000 Logitech Mouse to be programmed for games
Logitech Setpoint - Allows Logitech Mouse to be programmer for applications

*****************************M Files [09]*******************************
*Magical 8Bit Plugin - For use with Macs, gives 8bit sound samples
*MP3 Splitter - Split mp3s into multiple files
MD5 - Allows you to check MD5 checksums (to ensure programs are complete)
Media Player Classic - Movie playing program
Metroid Installer - Metroid screensaver
Mp3Decode - Converts Mp3 files to WAV format
MP4 Player - Allows Windows Media Player to execute .mp4 movie files
MS Gif Animator
My Fair Tunes - iTunes DRM Removal Tool

*****************************N Files [13]*******************************
Nintendo Wifi - Driver
Nero Upgrade - Nero 5 Update File
Nero 5.582 - Original Nero Installation File
Nero 6 Files (6)- Nero installers and upgrade (new version)
*NES Buddy Icons - AIM icons, Nintendo oriented
NetCaptor - Web Browser
Netgear Router Firmware - Update File for MR814
Nintendo Wifi 3rd Party - Drivers

*****************************O Files [01]*********************************
OpenVPN - VPN Client

*****************************P Files [11]*********************************
*Packet Fountain Screensaver - SS
Paperless Printer - Converts PDF files to doc/html/jpeg/bmp
PC-C 2007 - PC-Cillin Antivirus 2007
PCMover - Moves files/settings from old PC to new PC
PQI USB 2GB Format - Partitioning/Locking SW for Black PQI USB Drive
PQI USB 4GB Format - Partitioning/Locking SW for Blue PQI USB Drive
Printscreen - Assigns "printscreen" key the ability to capture images
PrintSpoolCleaner - My own batch file that clears Print Spooler in Windows
*Process Viewer - Checks for programs running
PSP Video9 - Converts video formats to PSP compatible files
Putty - VPN client (provided by Texas A&M)

*****************************Q-R Files [07]*******************************
Quicktime Alt Lite - Alternative to bloated Quicktime, plays .mov files
QTFair Use - Converts iTunes downloads to MPEG-4 without DRM
RDP Remote Enabler - Enables Remote Desktop Feature Remotely
Real Player Alt - Alternative to bloated Realplayer, plays .ra files
Restore Windows Desktop - Restores ShowDesktop shortcut in Quick Launch
RipIt4Me - Helps you backup your copy protected DVDs
RT2571 - Wireless Net Adapter Driver

*****************************S Files [18]*******************************
ScummVM - Allows old Lucasarts games to be run inside Windows
Shockwave - Allows Shockwave Files on websites to be played
SIM Card Reader - Reads Cell Phone SIM Cards
Skype - Free chat program that uses internet connection to make phone calls
Smart Recovery - Recover lost/deleted files on external drives
*SmartSVN - Subversion Server Client
Snood - Game
*Snood Codes - Contains registration code
SnoodEditInstaller - Allows user to make Snood levels
Spacescript - mIRC Client
Spywareblaster - Preventative gaurd program, blocks spyware installation
Spywaregaurd - Scans computer in real time, gaurds from spyware installs
StartupCPL - Control Panel for editting Startup Programs
Stellarium - planetarium SW:shows exactly what is seen when you look@stars
*Stuck Pixel Fix - Supposedly fixes stuck pixels on LCDs, runs as an MP4 movie
*Supspace Map Editor - Allows Continuum/SS maps to be edited/created
SUPER - Player and Encoder of various types of multimedia files
SYMPA - SMTP Email client, sending Anonymous Emails was never easier
http://www.erightsoft.com/home.html

*****************************T Files [13]*******************************
TrueCrypt - Create virtual encrypted partitions
*.spg files [2] - Created by TCPOptimizer to backup internet connection settings
TamuNet - installs various programs to connect to Texas A&M networks
TCPOptimizer - Program to configure fastest internet connection possible
*Thunderbird Backup File
Thunderbird - E-mail client
Thunderbird MozBackup - Backs up e-mails, contacts, and settings
Trillian - Online instant messaging chat program
Trillian Aikon2Blue - Trillian Skin
Trillian Configurator - Change settings inside Trillian
Trillian Minibrowser - Plugin to allow websites in profiles
TweakUI - Allows various options in Windows to be manipulated

*****************************U-V Files [10]*****************************
*Virus Removers - Fixblaster, etc
Aries Remover
Fix Blaster [Microsoft]
Look2Me Remover
MS Malicious SOftware Removal
SmitFraudFix - Removes Desktop Hijackware
Virtumonde Remover
VX2Cleaner
Win32 Pipeline Remover
*VPN - VPN files for Texas A&M
UHSReader600 - Universal Hint Reader
Unlocker - Unlocks files for removal/deletion
USB Weight Scale Drivers - Installation Files
uTorrent 1.5 - Torrent Client P2P
Video GH Help - Help File --V
Video GH Player - Guitar Hero Trainer
Visual Task Tips - Shows picture for taskbar entries
VLC - VideoLAN Client Media Player

*****************************W-Z Files [16]*****************************
*WPA Kill - Activates Windows XP (For reinstallations)
*UBCD3.3 ISO - Ultimate Boot CD Iso
Webtweak Speedguide - Increase Internet Connection Speed
WGA Check - Windows Genuine Authentication Checker
WGA Plugin - Add-on utilizing above
Winamp Lite - MP3 Player
WinBackup Free - Windows Backup Utility
Windows Defender - Anti-spyware scanner
Windows Executor - Executor Emulator
Windows Resource Tool Kit - Various files for sysadmins
WinDump - version of tcpdump: command line network analyzer for UNIX
WinMerge - Compares text/document files, allows you to see differences
WinRet - Windows cleaner
WM9 Codecs - Codecs for Windows Media Player
XnView - Views various image files
XP UsrHide - Can modify welcome page for Windows [user list]
Zune Desktop Theme - Installer

*****************************Isolated [13]******************************
*Dlink - Drivers for DLink DWL-120 Wireless USB Adapter
Driver Packs - Contains drivers for various components
EBCD - Emergency Boot CD Files/Creator
Epson Programs - For use with Epson Perfect 640u Scanner
iRiver Folders - Contain firmware updates for iRiver mp3 players
*Netgear MR 814 - Firmware Upgrade
Rosewill Drivers - For parent's Rosewill USB/FW card
TI Calculator - Texas Instruments TI-86 Files
Wacom - Drivers
Wacom Painter - Painting program
Zonet USB Driver - Zonet Drivers
S7S5 Files - Firmware updates for TDK Burner

*******************************Games [01]******************************
MS Entertainment Pack - Chip's Challenge, Jezzball, etc




Phew! And to think I want an 8GB drive so I can add Linux distros and even more programs. :) Hell, Corsair makes a 16 GB drive for $160, which is pretty tempting. It even has a 10 year warranty, which is madness I tell you.

Which reminds me - I need to scroll through this thread again and see if there's anything else I should add.

[crystalklear64]

Trillian for all of your IRC/AIM/MSN/YIM/ICQ needs.

[hiccupleftovers]

Ok, here's my list. Some of this stuff isn't obscure/lesser known, and a lot of it has been mentioned before, but I'll add it nonetheless.

BTW, anything with a * is basically an indication of a "non-app" file. So text files, archive/zip files, html link files, etc. They are usually kept in conjunction with some other file.

Also, the reason I split it up alphabetically is because Windows freaks out if you open something like this on a USB drive all at once. I'd try to do so, and it would stall trying to load all the various icons for each program. Splitting them up greatly reduces this problem and generally speeds up accessing everything. At some point I might even have to resort to splitting letters up into two sections (such as the A, C, and S areas).

If anything needs further 'splaining, don't hesitate to ask of course. :)

*****************************A Files [20]*******************************
*Adaware Defs
Adaware SE - Spyware/Malware/Adware scanner and remover
Add TweakUI to XP CP - Adds TweakUI Icon to Control Panel
Adobe - PDF File Viewer
AF5 File Renamer - Allows you to rename files very quickly/easily
AIM - Install America Online Instant Messenger
Alias Sketchbook - Wacom Tablet Sketching Program
*Animal Crossing Clock - Small graphical clock, Animal Crossing inspired
*Animal Crossing Screensaver - Animal Crossing Screen Saver
Aqua Mage - Screen Saver from nuklearpower/8bit Theatre
ASPI Check - Checks if CDR drive has proper ASPI drivers/installations
Audiograbber - Music ripper, rips music from audio CDs
AutoHotKey - Scripts to automatically rip various discs
*DVD Rip for D Drive, use with AutoHotKey
*DVD Rip for E Drive, use with AutoHotKey
*DVD Rip for F Drive, use with AutoHotKey
*Autohotkey File
AVG Free - Free antivirus program, reliable/updates daily
Avery.Wizard Word 2003 - Avery Label Wizard Word 2003 Plugin
Azureus - BitTorrent Graphical Client, P2P file transfer program

*****************************B Files [03]*******************************
BitTorrent - The actual BitTorrent codec/fine client
Blacklight - Rootkit Detector/Cleaner
BlackWidow - Web Browser

*****************************C Files [16]*******************************
Camstudio - Screen Recording Software
CatchColor - Eyedropper tool to get color, run from taskbar
*CatchColor Readme File
CDBurnerXP - Free CD Burning Program
CDCheck - CD Error Check
*CDCheck Text File
Clipboard Recorder - Clipboard Enhancer
CloneCD - Free (because discontinued) CD copying program
*CloneCD Keygen - Generates a key for CloneCD to register it
ConfigFree - Wireless Communications Setup/WAN/Wireless Networks
Continuum .38 Setup - Free online multiplayer game, new and older versions
*Continuum PR1 - "Public Release" update files for Continuum, Version 1
*Continuum PR3 - "Public Release" update files for Continuum, Version 3
Continuum .39 Setup - Free online multiplayer game, new version
Ceature House Expression - Paint Program
CuteFTP - File Transfer Protocol program

*****************************D Files [15]*******************************
Daemon Tools - Virtual CD drive for using CD images from hard drive
Daemon Tools Fastmount - Add-on to above
Daemon Tools TrayIcons - Allows DT to have taskbar icons
Deadlink - Scans Favorites, finds dead links, deletes them
DeskListView - Changes Desktop Icons to List View [Small icons]
Dfend - Frontend shell for Dosbox
DivX - DivX codec file for DivX files
DivX Create - Create .divx files
DoxBox - DOS Emulator, runs in Windows, allows execution of old games
Drempels - Groovy screensaver/Windows Desktop Background Image Replacer
Driver Magician - Can find drivers/allow you to back them up
Descrypt - Encryption Utility - locks files
DVD Decoder Check WMP - Checks for DVD Decoder inside Windows MP
DVD Decrypter - Rips DVDs to hard drive
DVD Shrink - Fits DVD file onto a DVDR, encoding/authoring

*****************************E Files [07]*******************************
Easy Cleaner - Program to find redundant files, clear history/temp, etc.
*EBCDPRO Iso - Iso file for Emergency Boot CD
EditPro - Notepad for programmers/webmasters
*EnableDisable Homepage - So I can link to the page at any time
EnableDisableTray - VB file, resolves inability to hide icons in taskbar
EndItAll2 - Allows you to shut down all processes
Ewido - Trojan remover/scanner

*****************************F Files [12]*******************************
*FavToHtml - Program that can save Favorites from IE into one single file
*Flurry Screensaver - Apple/Mac Screensaver Clone
FastSum - File verification tool based on MD5 checksum algorithm
File Recovery - Able to recovery lost/deleted files
FileZilla - FTP client and server
Firefox - Free Web Browser
Firefox Download Statusbar - Plugin for Firefox
Flash Player - Enables Flash inside IE
Flashsave IE Plugin - Save Flash Movies inside IE
FLV Player - Media player for downloaded Flash movies in .FLV format
Foxit PDF Reader - Opens .pdf files
Fresh Diagnose - Benchmarker

*****************************F Files [07]*******************************
Gaim - Multi-client chat program
*Gaim USB Text - How to run Gaim solely from a USB Drive
Gif Animator - Create small animated .gif files
Google Sketchup - Drafting Program
Gravis Xperience - Drivers for Gravis Controller
GSplit - Split large files into smaller, transportable parts
GTK+ - Programming libraries required for Gaim USB

*****************************H-I Files [13]*****************************
HijackThis - Program to detect spyware programs
Icon Sushi - Converts images -> Icons and vice versa
*Icon Sushi Text - Help files
ImageResizer - Allows right clicking file resizing
Inkscape - Free Drawing/Paintshop Program
InstallPad - Downloads/installs programs you pick
iParty - Small chat program with voice support
ISORecorder - Adds "Create ISO" into Right Click Menus
iTunes - Downloadable music purchasing program
IZarc - Compressed files decompressor (.zip, .rar, etc.)
*InstallPad LifeHacker Files
*InstallPad LifeHacker Files
*InstallPad LifeHacker Files

*****************************J-L Files [10]*****************************
*LAME - LAME MP3 Codec Files
JAP - Online anonymity program
Java - Installs Java Runtime environment
Java VM - Java virtual machine installer
Jumpshot - Lexar Jumpshot Drivers
Keynote - Makes "notes"
Last.fm - Client for Last.fm Audio Scrobbler Network
Linksys QuickVPN - VPN Client
Logigamer - Allows MX1000 Logitech Mouse to be programmed for games
Logitech Setpoint - Allows Logitech Mouse to be programmer for applications

*****************************M Files [09]*******************************
*Magical 8Bit Plugin - For use with Macs, gives 8bit sound samples
*MP3 Splitter - Split mp3s into multiple files
MD5 - Allows you to check MD5 checksums (to ensure programs are complete)
Media Player Classic - Movie playing program
Metroid Installer - Metroid screensaver
Mp3Decode - Converts Mp3 files to WAV format
MP4 Player - Allows Windows Media Player to execute .mp4 movie files
MS Gif Animator
My Fair Tunes - iTunes DRM Removal Tool

*****************************N Files [13]*******************************
Nintendo Wifi - Driver
Nero Upgrade - Nero 5 Update File
Nero 5.582 - Original Nero Installation File
Nero 6 Files (6)- Nero installers and upgrade (new version)
*NES Buddy Icons - AIM icons, Nintendo oriented
NetCaptor - Web Browser
Netgear Router Firmware - Update File for MR814
Nintendo Wifi 3rd Party - Drivers

*****************************O Files [01]*********************************
OpenVPN - VPN Client

*****************************P Files [11]*********************************
*Packet Fountain Screensaver - SS
Paperless Printer - Converts PDF files to doc/html/jpeg/bmp
PC-C 2007 - PC-Cillin Antivirus 2007
PCMover - Moves files/settings from old PC to new PC
PQI USB 2GB Format - Partitioning/Locking SW for Black PQI USB Drive
PQI USB 4GB Format - Partitioning/Locking SW for Blue PQI USB Drive
Printscreen - Assigns "printscreen" key the ability to capture images
PrintSpoolCleaner - My own batch file that clears Print Spooler in Windows
*Process Viewer - Checks for programs running
PSP Video9 - Converts video formats to PSP compatible files
Putty - VPN client (provided by Texas A&M)

*****************************Q-R Files [07]*******************************
Quicktime Alt Lite - Alternative to bloated Quicktime, plays .mov files
QTFair Use - Converts iTunes downloads to MPEG-4 without DRM
RDP Remote Enabler - Enables Remote Desktop Feature Remotely
Real Player Alt - Alternative to bloated Realplayer, plays .ra files
Restore Windows Desktop - Restores ShowDesktop shortcut in Quick Launch
RipIt4Me - Helps you backup your copy protected DVDs
RT2571 - Wireless Net Adapter Driver

*****************************S Files [18]*******************************
ScummVM - Allows old Lucasarts games to be run inside Windows
Shockwave - Allows Shockwave Files on websites to be played
SIM Card Reader - Reads Cell Phone SIM Cards
Skype - Free chat program that uses internet connection to make phone calls
Smart Recovery - Recover lost/deleted files on external drives
*SmartSVN - Subversion Server Client
Snood - Game
*Snood Codes - Contains registration code
SnoodEditInstaller - Allows user to make Snood levels
Spacescript - mIRC Client
Spywareblaster - Preventative gaurd program, blocks spyware installation
Spywaregaurd - Scans computer in real time, gaurds from spyware installs
StartupCPL - Control Panel for editting Startup Programs
Stellarium - planetarium SW:shows exactly what is seen when you look@stars
*Stuck Pixel Fix - Supposedly fixes stuck pixels on LCDs, runs as an MP4 movie
*Supspace Map Editor - Allows Continuum/SS maps to be edited/created
SUPER - Player and Encoder of various types of multimedia files
SYMPA - SMTP Email client, sending Anonymous Emails was never easier
http://www.erightsoft.com/home.html

*****************************T Files [13]*******************************
TrueCrypt - Create virtual encrypted partitions
*.spg files [2] - Created by TCPOptimizer to backup internet connection settings
TamuNet - installs various programs to connect to Texas A&M networks
TCPOptimizer - Program to configure fastest internet connection possible
*Thunderbird Backup File
Thunderbird - E-mail client
Thunderbird MozBackup - Backs up e-mails, contacts, and settings
Trillian - Online instant messaging chat program
Trillian Aikon2Blue - Trillian Skin
Trillian Configurator - Change settings inside Trillian
Trillian Minibrowser - Plugin to allow websites in profiles
TweakUI - Allows various options in Windows to be manipulated

*****************************U-V Files [10]*****************************
*Virus Removers - Fixblaster, etc
Aries Remover
Fix Blaster [Microsoft]
Look2Me Remover
MS Malicious SOftware Removal
SmitFraudFix - Removes Desktop Hijackware
Virtumonde Remover
VX2Cleaner
Win32 Pipeline Remover
*VPN - VPN files for Texas A&M
UHSReader600 - Universal Hint Reader
Unlocker - Unlocks files for removal/deletion
USB Weight Scale Drivers - Installation Files
uTorrent 1.5 - Torrent Client P2P
Video GH Help - Help File --V
Video GH Player - Guitar Hero Trainer
Visual Task Tips - Shows picture for taskbar entries
VLC - VideoLAN Client Media Player

*****************************W-Z Files [16]*****************************
*WPA Kill - Activates Windows XP (For reinstallations)
*UBCD3.3 ISO - Ultimate Boot CD Iso
Webtweak Speedguide - Increase Internet Connection Speed
WGA Check - Windows Genuine Authentication Checker
WGA Plugin - Add-on utilizing above
Winamp Lite - MP3 Player
WinBackup Free - Windows Backup Utility
Windows Defender - Anti-spyware scanner
Windows Executor - Executor Emulator
Windows Resource Tool Kit - Various files for sysadmins
WinDump - version of tcpdump: command line network analyzer for UNIX
WinMerge - Compares text/document files, allows you to see differences
WinRet - Windows cleaner
WM9 Codecs - Codecs for Windows Media Player
XnView - Views various image files
XP UsrHide - Can modify welcome page for Windows [user list]
Zune Desktop Theme - Installer

*****************************Isolated [13]******************************
*Dlink - Drivers for DLink DWL-120 Wireless USB Adapter
Driver Packs - Contains drivers for various components
EBCD - Emergency Boot CD Files/Creator
Epson Programs - For use with Epson Perfect 640u Scanner
iRiver Folders - Contain firmware updates for iRiver mp3 players
*Netgear MR 814 - Firmware Upgrade
Rosewill Drivers - For parent's Rosewill USB/FW card
TI Calculator - Texas Instruments TI-86 Files
Wacom - Drivers
Wacom Painter - Painting program
Zonet USB Driver - Zonet Drivers
S7S5 Files - Firmware updates for TDK Burner

*******************************Games [01]******************************
MS Entertainment Pack - Chip's Challenge, Jezzball, etc




Phew! And to think I want an 8GB drive so I can add Linux distros and even more programs. :) Hell, Corsair makes a 16 GB drive for $160, which is pretty tempting. It even has a 10 year warranty, which is madness I tell you.

Which reminds me - I need to scroll through this thread again and see if there's anything else I should add.

Nice list, I'm still going through it, but I'm shocked that you don't have CCleaner on there as well. Great quick program to use inconjuction to Easy Cleaner. You should also throw on Peer Guardian and Ewido has switched over to AVG Anti-Spyware.

[hiccupleftovers]

Sinec TuneXP 1.5 is no longer being supported (I guess the guy sold the software or something), does anyone know of anything similar? Basically it was a really nice app that allowed you to do a bunch of registry tweaks to speed up performance and optimize performance from a GUI interface. I knew abouta handful of the tweaks, so I can still do them, but it was nice not having to open up regedit or anything else to do the tweaks.

Even if there isn't anything else similar, does anyone know where to DL TuneXp 1.5 Final as I can't find it anywhere.

[Technique]

Do post please :D I have got to see this. I have a 1GB and 512 memory sticks with most of the aps I use. portable Firefox with tor, Yamipod, etc. I too have a detailed list with all the aps I use since I work and deal with computers on a daily basis and it helps to have these at the ready in case of a crash, reformat, etc.

Actually, I should update the OP as I haven't done it in forever.

Tor is great, especially at school where pretty much every website is blocked. :)

[e-christ]

Trillian for all of your IRC/AIM/MSN/YIM/ICQ needs.
I agree on all counts but IRC. IRC can do a lot more interesting things than other chat clients, and you really limit yourself if you don't use mirc. No scripts == no fun.
Also, I saw a few codecs and codec packs mentioned in the thread, but no one mentioned the top-notch: CCCP. Put together by some of the internet's highest-order geeks. It also comes with my favorite no-frills-but-always-works media player, Media Player Classsic.
http://cccp-project.net

[naes]

I think someone mentioned the K-Lite Mega Codec Pack (http://codecguide.com/features_mega.htm) which kicks all ass.
I agree on all counts but IRC. IRC can do a lot more interesting things than other chat clients, and you really limit yourself if you don't use mirc. No scripts == no fun.
Also, I saw a few codecs and codec packs mentioned in the thread, but no one mentioned the top-notch: CCCP. Put together by some of the internet's highest-order geeks. It also comes with my favorite no-frills-but-always-works media player, Media Player Classsic.
http://cccp-project.net

[e-christ]

I think someone mentioned the K-Lite Mega Codec Pack (http://codecguide.com/features_mega.htm) which kicks all ass.
Ouch. So much failure. K-lite was made by a bunch of morons who don't know anything about encoding videos, only just-kinda making them play. CCCP was made by the internet's most elite anime encoding nerds, and not only makes everything play, but makes it play RIGHT. It's designed to not just decode video files, but to decode them at their full potential, something that K-lite and any other codec pack can't say.
I know I'm a bit of a fanboy, but I've been using it for about two years, and never have any problems playing audio or video, and simply suggesting that people install it has generally been a good fix for every problem I've tried to help someone solve in these years. I'm not saying other packs won't work, it's just that CCCP works better.

[naes]

I disagree with that whole post, mainly because K-Lite is my favorite codec (fanboy).

But, at least we agree that Media Player Classic is the best player.
Ouch. So much failure. K-lite was made by a bunch of morons who don't know anything about encoding videos, only just-kinda making them play. CCCP was made by the internet's most elite anime encoding nerds, and not only makes everything play, but makes it play RIGHT. It's designed to not just decode video files, but to decode them at their full potential, something that K-lite and any other codec pack can't say.
I know I'm a bit of a fanboy, but I've been using it for about two years, and never have any problems playing audio or video, and simply suggesting that people install it has generally been a good fix for every problem I've tried to help someone solve in these years. I'm not saying other packs won't work, it's just that CCCP works better.

[Sleepkyng]

no love for the vlc?

[naes]

There are a few bugs, such as the horrible seekbar.
no love for the vlc?

[hiccupleftovers]

There are a few bugs, such as the horrible seekbar.

That's the the only one I can really think of and other than that the thing works swimmingly. That's my prefered player and I've never had any issue and have only encountered that bug a handful of times.

[hiccupleftovers]

I agree on all counts but IRC. IRC can do a lot more interesting things than other chat clients, and you really limit yourself if you don't use mirc. No scripts == no fun.
Also, I saw a few codecs and codec packs mentioned in the thread, but no one mentioned the top-notch: CCCP. Put together by some of the internet's highest-order geeks. It also comes with my favorite no-frills-but-always-works media player, Media Player Classsic.
http://cccp-project.net

CCCP-Project is indeed the best codec pack on the net. A thousand times better than K-Lite, Mega, and pretty much every other codec pack because I've tried them all.

[naes]

CCCP was made for anime. There were a few files that CCCP couldn't play but KLMP could, which is why I use KLMP.
CCCP-Project is indeed the best codec pack on the net. A thousand times better than K-Lite, Mega, and pretty much every other codec pack because I've tried them all.

[Strell]

I have found an app I think I am destined to madly love: Keybreeze (http://www.keybreeze.com/)

Basically it's a universal hotkey linker. You press the ; key, and then type a command or other keyword. It executes commands based on what you type after the semicolon.

For example, if I type (semicolon) cag and hit enter, it loads up Firefox and instantly goes to CAG.

If you type (semicolon) s: (whatever), it searches google for that item.

If you need to type an actual ;, you just hit space after hitting the ; key. If this isn't good for you, you can always assign it to shift+ or alt+ or a few other combinations.

It runs very quickly and it hidden until you activate it.

Basically using this, you can automate a lot of stuff - no longer have to open icons and the like.

I'm going to see what else it can do. It comes preloaded with a lot of commands, and you can customize it very easily.

Edit: You can even edit the pre-set commands. I just changed "close window" to "cl," and now I can close windows in less than a second.

Really nice impression so far. The more I can carry out on the keyboard with lag/time waste in going to a mouse, the better.

[yukine]

AntiVir is a great freeware antivirus.

[Strell]

Hi-Q Recorder Version 1.9 (records any soundcard output digitally; Limited to 96 kps for Free version)
http://www.roemersoftware.com/free-sound-recorder.html


I just want to say that I tested this program out a bit last night, and it didn't take me long to go ahead and purchase a license for it, which is something I hardly ever do. I've tested it with all kinds of formats and things to rip music from, and it did so with flying colors, so effortlessly, on all accounts. Since it's just ripping it directly from the sound card, the quality is amazing. I'm using it mainly as a way to bypass DRM on iTunes to convert to mp3 (much better than the old way of "burn the songs and rip the CD back").

It is truly a fantastic program. Thanks Cappy!

[CappyCobra]

I just want to say that I tested this program out a bit last night, and it didn't take me long to go ahead and purchase a license for it, which is something I hardly ever do. I've tested it with all kinds of formats and things to rip music from, and it did so with flying colors, so effortlessly, on all accounts. Since it's just ripping it directly from the sound card, the quality is amazing. I'm using it mainly as a way to bypass DRM on iTunes to convert to mp3 (much better than the old way of "burn the songs and rip the CD back").

It is truly a fantastic program. Thanks Cappy!

Glad I can be of help!:bouncy:

[qwerty32423434]

i use linux so i only use freeware
and gaim is changing its name to pidgin(now that it is popular AOL got all pissed at them) 2.0 comes out sometime next week

[CappyCobra]

File this under "I can't believe nobody fucking mentioned this"

OpenOffice:

Completely free open-source office clone. If you want to save yourself $500, do yourself a favor and check it out. It's able to save in .DOC & .XLS file formats too!

http://www.openoffice.org/

[GuilewasNK]

File this under "I can't believe nobody fucking mentioned this"

OpenOffice:

Completely free open-source office clone. If you want to save yourself $500, do yourself a favor and check it out. It's able to save in .DOC & .XLS file formats too!

http://www.openoffice.org/

It was mentioned here.

http://cheapassgamer.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1623780&postcount=8

[CappyCobra]

It was mentioned here.

http://cheapassgamer.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1623780&postcount=8

DAMN YOU SEARCH FUNCTIONS! WHY DO YOU FAIL ME!!!:lol:

[Snake2715]

DAMN YOU SEARCH FUNCTIONS! WHY DO YOU FAIL ME!!!:lol:

Search probably doesnt fail you... its just you are distracted with all those 1UP's...

[CappyCobra]

This thread is in need of a much needed bump! Allow me to contribute...

CrossLoopRemote access software. You and the host install the software. They generate an access key. You plug in the key at your end and BOOM!; you're connected. Very useful program for the family tech support guy ;)

www.crossloop.com

[jlarlee]

[QUOTE=Larsin;1623830]VLC Media Player - plays nearly anything you throw at it[/QUOTEI love this program it has never failed to play a file

[mrblinG22]

i use avg free.. its caught some trojans before, but im not sure what it does with them or if its picking