My Favorite Free Software: Volume 1
I try a lot of software. Most things promise more than they actually do, but there is still a surprising amount of great, free stuff out there. I thought I could start highlighting free software that worked out well for me, whether for work, play or just general maintenance.
Everything is different for everyone, so I can’t promise any of this software will be perfect for your needs. I’ll warn you about anything important, but it’s still your responsibility to make sure you’re not doing something that will screw up your computer.
Let’s get started. All of this is for Windows, by the way. It all works with Vista Ultimate x64 as well, since that’s what I run.
P.S.: I’m not going to bother talking about things like Firefox. Why bother?
1.) Defraggler: Sure, Windows has its own defragger. I’ve never had much luck with it as it randomly decides to jump back to 1% constantly. Defraggler picks up the slack. It’s developed by Piriform, the company responsible for the ever-recommended CCleaner. You can analyze and defrag an entire drive or you can scan for fragmented files and defrag just those. The only thing I wish it had was a batch defrag option.
2.) CCleaner: This used to be called “Crap Cleaner” for a reason. You’ve likely heard of this one as it’s recommended constantly. It scans your computer for “junk” files and allows you to delete them. These might be 100k, but they can also be upwards of 1GB.
It also has a registry cleaner, although some recommend using that and some do not (I’ve not had any problems with it yet). I also like its uninstall and start up program editor options.
3.) Pidgin/Digsby: These are separate pieces of software. I list them together because you really only need one. Both are IM clients capable of using AIM, Yahoo, Live and other major providers. Pidgin used to be Gaim, while Digsby is a new product. I prefer Digsby overall, but both are free of ads and run quite well. I’ve never understood running two or more IM clients at once. Digsby also can hook into Gmail, Facebook and other online applications.
4.) Filezilla: If you need a free FTP client, Filezilla is the one I usually go with. It works well and is consistently updated. That’s also what makes it a double edged sword, though: it asks to be updated constantly. You can skip the update, but friends of mine have complained about this before. Keep it in mind.
5.) µtorrent: An extremely lightweight bit torrent client. This is generally the most recommended as it runs well and doesn’t employ shady tactics like some clients do (i.e., BitComet, etc.). If you have a firewall or router, it helps to know how to properly open a port.
6.) CDBurnerXP: My DVD writer came with Nero, but I prefer CDBurnerXP. This free program is better than most pay-for burners, in my opinion. It handles CDs, DVDs and images very well.
7.) Exact Audio Copy: EAC is pretty much the premiere CD ripper for making MP3s. If you’re obsessed with “standards” of audio quality, this is what you should be using. A guide is available at Firehose.
8.) VirtualCloneDrive: I used to use Daemon Tools for this purpose, but I prefer VirtualCloneDrive. It simply mounts disc images (ISOs, etc.) for you.
I’m always initially confused by the name, by the way. µ means “micro”.
9.) Revo Uninstaller: Typically standard uninstaller components of programs leave a lot behind, particularly in your registry. Using Revo Uninstaller allows you to run the normal uninstaller, but then it also scans for the junk the program didn’t toss out.
10.) RegCleaner: RegCleaner is great for things you’ve deleted in the past that Revo Uninstaller is unaware of. RegCleaner scans for all of your programs, allowing you to remove registry entries for programs you’ve already uninstalled. This does require you to remember what you actually got rid of in the past, though. It also has a cleaner option, but it can take an insanely long time (and can potentially do some damage if you’re not careful). I’d avoid that part unless you really know what you’re doing.
11.) 7-Zip: This is the best archive solution out there, in my opinion. It handles pretty much any format, the most common ones being ZIP and RAR.
12.) MediaCoder: Easily the best audio/video transcoder I’ve used. SUPER is also pretty decent, but has a tendency to crash (and downloading it assumes you can get through the horrendous Web site).
13.) Spyware Blaster: This basically blocks bad cookies, prevents Active-X installations and generally just keeps your computer safe. Super easy to use. I’d also recommend visiting MVPS and installing their HOSTS file editor.
14.) Avast/AVG/Avira: Which one of these you use is up to you. All are free or offer a free version. Avast is most resource intensive, but it works well. AVG is less resource intensive, but people sometimes complain that its detection isn’t the best. Avira is considered to have the best protection, but it does a pop-up once a day that can interrupt full-screen programs.
15.) Ad-Aware/Spybot Search and Destroy: These two programs look for adware and spyware. Keep in mind that these can screw up some ad-supported programs, but you are given the option to choose what you get rid of. I recommend both simply because they will pick up different things. I rarely issues of this sort, but if your computer has been acting funny, give it a try.
16.) Update Notifier: I really like this little program. It scans your computer for software and tells you which ones can be updated. By default it will download from CleanSofts.org, which guarantees their downloads to be free of malicious software. It doesn’t work for everything, but it beats visiting 15 sites.
17.) Rainlendar: This is a neat little widget-style calendar and to-do list. Most similar software is much to involved, in my opinion. This variation is simple and works well. It does not require Windows Sidebar and it can be layered on the desktop or on top of all programs. Works quite well. A pro version is available, but the free one has fit my needs thus far.