Favorite Win32 Software
Submitted by lukeprog on Thu, 07/29/2004 - 02:13
Tags:
INTERNET
- 40tude Dialog - freeware news/e-mail reader. I just use it for news, though. I found it easier to use than Forte Agent, XNews, and even Newsbin Pro.
- Opera - shareware web browser. Internet Explorer is half a decade behind in browsing technology, and it's insecure. IE shells like Avant Browser and MyIE2 are pretty cool, but they lack stability and features. Firefox, with extensions, has tons of features and customizability, but is still very buggy and slow to load large pages. Opera is the most customizable, powerful, fully-featured browser out there (and it's faster and easier to set up than Firefox). Be sure to get Opera Ad Filter and Opsed to enhance Opera.
- Thunderbird - freeware e-mail client. Fast and flexible with a great interface and junk mail controls (and none of the security holes of Outlook Express).
- SmartFTP - shareware FTP client. Powerful beyond belief. Great interface, multiple FTP connections, very customizable.
- w.bloggar - freeware blogging software. Unbelievably simple yet powerful, this all-in-one blogging software works with 22 of the most popular blogging services.
SYSTEM
- Windows XP - commercial operating system. Still the best operating system due to interface, networking capabilities, hardware compatibilty, and especially available software.
- Process Explorer - freeware task manager. 10x more powerful than the Windows Task Manager, and can even display which files are being used by each program (to determine which program is stupidly still using the file you're trying to delete but can't).
- Object Desktop - shareware desktop enhancers. Commercial software, but the free versions aren't terribly crippled. Windowblinds lets you vastly change the look and functionality of Windows. Desktop X allows you to place all kinds of powerful widgets on your desktop. IconPackager lets you change your system icons. Other parts of the software suite give you more power. This is what they use in movies to make computers look different or futuristic, and it's really cool. I don't use it anymore, though, because I've got a stupid Celeron processor and it was bogging my system down too much. But otherwise, I highly recommend it! You can download thousands and thousands of pre-made skins/widgets/icons/whatever from sites like WinCustomize. Screenshot.
- PowerPro - freeware shell enhancer. What doesn't this program do? Menu shortcuts, hotkeys, macros, clipboard enhancer, password storage, reminder messages, window management, timers, virtual desktops, application control, system performance monitors, and more, all without overburdening your memory or CPU. Screenshot.
UTILITY
- Norton Antivirus 2004 - commercial antivirus utility. The long-time defacto antivirus tool has recently been challenged by many freeware alternatives, but it's still the best (which is not to say the alternatives are far behind).
- SpyBot - Search & Destroy - freeware adware & spyware remover. Cleans your computer of unwanted, non-viral pests.
- Ad-aware - freeware adware & spyware remover. Cleans your computer of unwanted, non-viral pests.
- Ahead Nero - commercial CD burner. Powerful and super-cool, but if you're not doing anything too complicated, CDRWIN will be just fine.
- MWSnap - freeware screen capturing utility. Has all the necessary features, and is really easy to use.
- DAEMON Tools - freeware virtual drive. Mounts virtual images of CDs and DVDs. Silent and faster, and no need to actually switch CDs in and out all the time (as gamers would, for example). Easier to use than Alcohol 120%.
- Handy Recovery - freeware file recovery. Oops, didn't mean to delete that... Handy Recovery is the simplest and fastest way to recover your data.
IMAGES
- Photoshop - commercial image editor. While the Gimp may be one of the most impressive freewares around, Photshop is still the king of image editing, by far. Nothing can match its interface, power, and features. One of the best programs in existence.
- Ifranview - freeware image viewer/editor. Quick and easy. Good for simple image manipulation.
AUDIO & VIDEO
- foobar2000 - freeware music player. Infinitely customizable, light on resources. If you want visualizations and skins you'll have to settle with Winamp. ">Screenshot.
- Media Player Classic - freeware music and video player. QuickTime Alternative and Real Alternative , used with MPC, allow you to ditch the terrible QuickTime and RealPlayer software forever. MPC is an all-in-one media playing beast.
- MP3Gain - freeware volume normalizer. Eliminate clipping and any need to endlessly change volume when switching songs.
- MP3 Splitter & Joiner - shareware MP3 utlity. The simplest way to cut and join MP3s.
- Mp3tag - freeware metadata manager. Faster and simpler than Media Monkey and MP3 Observer, its let you batch process your music metadata. Screenshots.
FREEWARE GAMES
- Deluxe Snake - by far the best Snake clone. Adds new gameplay elements that totally rule. Addictive beyond belief. Screenshot.
- Liero Xtreme - real-time Worms or 2D Quake, this game is awesome! Tiny worms blast each other with weapons ranging from darts to nukes. The ninja rope makes things fun. Literally thousands of new maps, skins, and weapons available for download. Play online against others, or up to 8 CPU enemies. Incredibly fun multiplayer. Screenshots.
- Make-A-Flake - make paper snowflakes online. Funner than it sounds. For a while.
Why the heck are Liero Xtreme and Make-A-Flake on a different indent level?
In Mp3tag review, that screenshot link lacks finishing statement /a.
BTW good list. It brings a grand total of four software lists on Listology... things are definitely improving. :-)
whoopsie. Thanks.