Computer Tips From A Computer Guy

Posted: 22 Sep 2009 03:36 AM PDT

After reading the title, you may think to yourself, “Only ten? There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of free programs for Windows.” This thought would be difficult to disprove as there are vast numbers of freeware programs available for the Windows operating system. This is simply short list of ten programs that will prove helpful when working with the Windows platform.

1. Firewall: Sunbelt Personal Firewall. This program can be found at Sunbelt’s website. It is easy to setup and does not consume too many system resources. A good firewall is an essential piece of security all computers need, and this one fits the bill for Windows. Additionally, when it asks you for permission to allow or deny a connection to something, it will remember your choice. There are other firewalls that suffer from memory problems when you instruct them to block a service, only to forget and ask you again at a later date.

2. Anti-malware: Microsoft Security Essentials. Even though it is not officially released as yet, Microsoft Security Essentials (code name: Morro) does quite well even as a beta product. Though the downloads have been cut off at the Microsoft Connect website, it can still be found at softpedia.com’s website. While some people may be apprehensive about using a Microsoft branded security product, Security Essentials has come a long way from the initial offering of Windows Defender from years past.

3. System Cleaning: CCleaner. A Windows computer builds up temporary and useless files daily with normal use. Surf the Internet, get temporary Internet files. Install and uninstall programs, your computer has leftover files that did not get removed. There are also other programs like Windows Update and Microsoft Office, which produce unneeded files periodically. CCleaner runs through Windows, and flags the excess files for removal. The user is able to select what that want to remove, or keep, and let CCleaner do the rest.

4. Search Tools: Google Desktop. Your three year old computer may not be as uncluttered as it used to be. Thousands of digital pictures, emails and other files later, it can be daunting to find things. Luckily, Google Desktop is there to help locate what you are seeking. Putting the power of the Google Search engine on your computer, and after it finished its initial indexing routine, finding files is much faster than clicking through folder after folder, or using Windows Search.

5. Image Editing: Paint.NET. When you need something better than MS Paint, balk at the price tag of Adobe products, and are overwhelmed by programs like the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP), there is a third option. Paint.NET is light on system resources, but plenty of options for good image editing. The authors also have a message board and tutorials on their website for those who want to get further information on their software.

6. File Compression: TugZip. With the ability to compress to and extract from a sizeable list of compression formats, TugZip is a freeware must have for anyone needing a program for making ZIP type files. TugZip adds a list of formats to the Windows right-click menu, making the compression of a file or folder a simple two step operation. Additionally, TugZip gives the user the ability to create encrypted archives so they can safely store there computer files, without too much complexity.

7. Instant Messaging: Trillian. Having been available since 2001, and going through many updates, Trillian has place itself as an excellent tool for replacing brand specific instant messengers. By combining services like MSN Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, and Yahoo Messenger, Trillian eliminated the need to run separate IM programs. It also covers the social networks of Twitter and Facebook, for posting; as well as the ability to tie into Skype.

8. Download Tool: Download Accelerator Plus. Though this software is Ad Supported, it is free. Accelerator Plus can greatly boost your file download times by attempting to get the data from multiple sources on the Internet. This program also has the ability to resume downloads if your connection experiences interruption, or the originating file location has issues.

9. Disc Burning: Ashampoo Burning Studio Free. When it comes to burning CDs and DVDs, the easier the program, the better. With a friendly graphical user interface, and a step through process for burning disc media, Ashampoo Burning Studio Free answers the call of the need for disc creation software at a practical price (free). This program can also create ISO files for those of us who need operating system discs; as well as other specialized disc formats.

10. File Restoration: Recuva. Made by the same group as CCleaner, Recuva helps people get back lost files. Whether you emptied the Recycle Bin, or pressed the Shift+Delete key combination with files highlighted, Recuva scans your hard drive(s) and looks to see what is still recoverable, and what is not. It does an excellent job of file recovery considering the price tag, free.

Have any other suggestions? Feel free to list them out in the comments. Enjoy!

Copyright © 2007
Online Tech Tips.
Aseem Kishore (digitalfingerprint: a59a56dce36427d83e23b501579944fcakmk1980 (74.125.44.136) )

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10 Free Essential Programs for Windows