New cool list of Windows must have programs

Discussion in 'other software & services' started by Mrkvonic, Oct 17, 2009.

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  1. Mrkvonic

    Mrkvonic Linux Systems Expert

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    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/windows-cool-apps.html


    windows-cool-apps-teaser.jpg


    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
     
  2. loli22

    loli22 Registered Member

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    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?
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2009
  3. mr mister

    mr mister Registered Member

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    really useful
    thanks.
     
  4. Boost

    Boost Registered Member

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    Excellent post,thanks :thumb:
     
  5. Mrkvonic

    Mrkvonic Linux Systems Expert

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    Thanks all for your compliments!

    loli, Linux list ... linked in the main article, but here it is again:
    http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/new-cool-list-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
     
  6. Tony

    Tony Registered Member

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    Yet another quality post.

    I will look forward to reading this :thumb:
     
  7. Ocky

    Ocky Registered Member

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    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.

    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

    photofiltre.jpg
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2009
  8. Franklin

    Franklin Registered Member

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    No mention of Sandboxie or Returnil ?
     
  9. Mrkvonic

    Mrkvonic Linux Systems Expert

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    Ah Franklin, this is where you step in! :)
    Mrk
     
  10. firzen771

    firzen771 Registered Member

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    what about the free and simple media player classic?
     
  11. SIR****TMG

    SIR****TMG Registered Member

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    Great work:thumb:
     
  12. Mrkvonic

    Mrkvonic Linux Systems Expert

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    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
     
  13. ratchet

    ratchet Registered Member

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    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.
     
  14. cheater87

    cheater87 Registered Member

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    I can't get Carmageddon 1 to work with Dosbox. :(
     
  15. Mrkvonic

    Mrkvonic Linux Systems Expert

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    There's no guarantee with DOSBox, some games will work, some won't. But I managed to play carmageddon just fine ...
    Mrk
     
  16. andyman35

    andyman35 Registered Member

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    Excellent list there very useful.:thumb:
     
  17. LockBox

    LockBox Registered Member

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    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
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2009
  18. Franklin

    Franklin Registered Member

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

    Nice to see em both get a mention. :thumb:
     
  19. wat0114

    wat0114 Guest

  20. beethoven

    beethoven Registered Member

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    Great List Mrk - thanks so much.

    Each time I see one of your postings, I know I am in for a treat :thumb:
     
  21. Threedog

    Threedog Registered Member

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    Excellent list and explanations. Thanks for taking the time to make this up. :thumb:
     
  22. bgoodman4

    bgoodman4 Registered Member

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    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
     
  23. mr mister

    mr mister Registered Member

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    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
     
  24. Ocky

    Ocky Registered Member

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    Universal Extractor

    I've used it to make .exe programs portable (eg. the previously mentioned
    Photofiltre, Aimp music player etc.)
     
  25. mantra

    mantra Registered Member

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    awesome

    is there a pack(with all these free/portable) to download and copy in a usb key?
     
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