New cool list of Windows must have programs

[Mrkvonic]

Dear all,

Windows users rejoice!

The one list to rule them all has arrived!

I've compiled a long, thorough list of highly recommended, must-have applications, tools and utilities for the Windows operating systems, across a wide range of categories, all free.

In this mega article, you will find 90+ great titles, 50 screenshots and some 30-40 links to tutorials and reviews for the listed applications, plus many references to external guides and collections.

Along with the A-Z Guide and many cross-platform programs featured in the Linux must-have cool list, you now have a genuinely perfect collection that should serve your every need. It's truly a must.

http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/w...cool-apps.html





Table of Contents:


# 3D software
# Add/Remove
# Archiving
# Backup software
1. File backup software
2. Imaging software
# Browsers
# Codecs
# Checksum utilities
# Customized OS builders
# Diagnostics & S.M.A.R.T.
# Emulators
# Encryption
# Erasers
# File managers
1. Other file managers (not free, but worth consideration)
# FTP clients
# HTML editors
# Image manipulation
1. Batch operations
2. Image suite
3. Screenshot capture
4. Viewers
# Instant Messaging & Video Conferencing
# Mail clients
# Maintenance
1. Personal recommendation
# Multimedia
1. CD/DVD burning
2. Conversion tools
3. Conversion tools - Audio
4. Conversion tools - DVD & Video
5. Conversion tools - All categories
6. Desktop recording software
7. Players - Flash
8. Players - All categories
# Notes
# Office applications
1. LaTeX-based text processors
2. Office programs & suites
# Peer-to-Peer (P2P) sharing
# PDF software
1. PDF creators & printers
2. PDF readers
# Rescue & Recovery
# Security
1. Important things to pay attention to
2. Personal recommendation
3. Admin privileges
4. Anti-malware software
5. Anti-virus software
6. Auditing
7. Firewalls
8. Plugins
9. Privacy tools
10. Other security recommendations
11. More reading on security
# Text editors
# Virtualization
# What is missing?
1. Privacy software
2. Portable applications
3. Conversion tools (more)
4. Other stuff
# Useful online sources
# Users' recommendations
# Conclusion


Anyhow, I've spent a week preparing this, so please blast me with flattery and comments. Of course, there's the USERS' RECOMMENDATIONS section, which is where you step in with your suggestions!

Cheers,
Mrk

[loli22]

i'm happy to be the first,

YOU ARE THE MAN

i think you've done a very good selection, they're all free, simple and effective.

big big thanks for the selection.

PS: what about a list for linux?

[mr mister]

really useful
thanks.

[Boost]

Excellent post,thanks

[Mrkvonic]

Originally Posted by loli22

i'm happy to be the first,

YOU ARE THE MAN

i think you've done a very good selection, they're all free, simple and effective.

big big thanks for the selection.

PS: what about a list for linux?

Thanks all for your compliments!

loli, Linux list ... linked in the main article, but here it is again:
http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/n...ist-linux.html

But let's focus on Windows here ... you can raise the subject in the UNIX sub-forum. I'll be more than glad to assist.

Cheers,
Mrk

[Tony]

Yet another quality post.

I will look forward to reading this

[Ocky]

Unbelievable - that should satisfy most needs.
I am surprised that Photofiltre never gets a mention. It's a great program and easier to learn and use than Gimp. Was my fav. when still using Windows.
Also they are now porting it to Linux. Good news indeed.

PhotoFiltre is a complete image retouching program. It allows you to do simple or advanced adjustments
to an image and apply a vast range of filters on it. It is simple and intuitive to use, and has an easy
learning curve. The toolbar, giving you access to the standard filters with just a few clicks, gives
PhotoFiltre a robust look.

http://photofiltre.free.fr/frames_en.htm
Download - Select version 6.3.2
Linux work in progress... http://www.photofiltre-lx.org/
For short review ... http://www.snapfiles.com/get/photofiltre.html

[Franklin]

No mention of Sandboxie or Returnil ?

[Mrkvonic]

Ah Franklin, this is where you step in!
Mrk

[firzen771]

what about the free and simple media player classic?

[SIR****TMG]

Great work

[Mrkvonic]

Thanks all for the feedback.

For those suggesting additional programs, maybe you can write a sentence or two, which can help highlight the uniqueness of the programs mentioned, in this case, media player classic, sandboxie and returnil? And others to come ...

Mrk

[ratchet]

Very, very cool! One recommended "caveat" (unless I missed it) should have been included. It goes without saying safety first and back up before deleting anything via a reg cleaner, however, when using RegSeeker, which I use after every un-installation, one should NEVER use the automatic "Clean the Registry" function. It will invariably find something that is not benign.

[cheater87]

I can't get Carmageddon 1 to work with Dosbox.

[Mrkvonic]

There's no guarantee with DOSBox, some games will work, some won't. But I managed to play carmageddon just fine ...
Mrk

[andyman35]

Excellent list there very useful.

[LockBox]

Mrk, Very impressive, indeed! That took a lot of work and your selections are superb.

As far as additions, I think your introduction to the security section might be improved by adding that there's one thing that can be done that doesn't require software but could be the single most important thing in computer security: always be behind a router. Even if you aren't networking in the house or using wifi, put a router between your PC and the wild world of the internet. Prices have come down so much that good routers can be had for a tiny outlay in cash. But no single thing will make one safer than this simple tip.

Again, great job and kudos to you for your quality work. A+

edit for spelling

[Franklin]

Originally Posted by ssj100

Of course there was mention of Sandboxie mate. It's too good not to be mentioned at least:

Must have missed that and the bit about Returnil the first time I had a look?

Nice to see em both get a mention.

Note: I've also heard positive feedback about Returnil, a lightweight para-virtualization program. Feel free to suggest this software.

Cool list, Mrk

For imaging software, I've seen favourable posts on Macrium Reflect free edition. Any thoughts?

[beethoven]

Great List Mrk - thanks so much.

Each time I see one of your postings, I know I am in for a treat

[Threedog]

Excellent list and explanations. Thanks for taking the time to make this up.

[bgoodman4]

Excellent list, very good of you to put it together. As to my suggestions I will have to think on it a bit but one comes immediately to mind (if its already included please excuse me)

Unlocker, a freebie that detects the processes or handles preventing a file from being deleted/moved, and which offers you the possibility to unlock it nice and easy.

http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/#description

[mr mister]

firzen771 - what about the free and simple media player classic?
Ocky - Unbelievable - that should satisfy most needs.
I am surprised that Photofiltre never gets a mention

thanks, will have a look at these 2