Best Free Software for Windows

Jzip( homepage| download) is a great zip utility with 7zip compatibility minus the ugly interface.

 

Thanks, it'll replace z-zip on my list.

 

How about FeedDemon for RSS feeds: It's fast, looks good, and got editors choice from PC Mag. It was just made free a few days ago-http://www.newsgator.com/

 

Firefox has a built in RSS reader, along with Opera and IE7 i think. Any advantages?

 

Well in FireFox, you kinda have to put all of the RSS feeds in the Bookmarks Bar, and then you only see the headline. FeedDemon works like the Opera RSS reader where you can see both the headlines and the actual story at the same time. It features a thing called FeedStation, which can automatically download podcasts for you. You can also create "Watches" which fliter feed headlines based on keywords you choose. (Say all feeds with the word "laptop" in one group, etc.) Finally, you can switch views at anytime-from the Opera like view to a newspaper like view. I admit, I tend to use both-Firefox, if i want to quickly see the headlines and FeedDemon when I actually want to read something.

 

Alright, i'll add it. Thanks booboo.

 

I like CDBurnerXP also. Very good program. >> Actually, it CAN create and make ISO's >> per website and my own personal use. What it can't do is is burn any dvd's except for Data. For anything like that get ImgBurn, already in the list >> great w ISO's/ images. Rated top's w/ CD geeks website for burning DVD's, esp. DL DVD's.

 

I see browsers, email clients, messaging tools but no newsreader (yes, thunderbird has an integrated newsreader but I prefer to have separate programs).

Here it is:
Mesnews
http://www.mesnews.net/gb/
A free newsreader developed in the Delphi 7 language. It works on all version of Windows (95, 98, NT, on 2000, XP and Vista).

* multi-servers, multi-forums
* displaying of messages in text and html format
* sending in text and html format
* display of the servers / forums in a tree structure form, or with only a button per server
* three levels of synchronizations for the forums
* displaying of smileys in the pictures form ( animated gif)
* various steps of quotage in colour
* decoding of the messages in multipart, base64, yEncoded etc...
* selective filtering multioptions
* setting color of the messages according to criteria : name, email, subject, size, etc...
* random signatures
* random formulations text
* management of the XFaces
* speller
* plugins
* etc...

I use it. The only feature I miss is the ability to nest archive folders.

FreeAgent was another fine free newsreader. But Fortè chose not to offer it anymore.

 

I suggest Advanced WindowsCare. The Personal version is 100% free, and works with Windows Vista (x64 too).

http://www.iobit.com/advancedwindowscareper.html?Str=download

This utility will search spyware, clean the registry (similar to CCleaner for this function), optimize Windows settings, clean private info (MRU, recent docs), and allow you to manage your startup items. After running a scan, the program allows you to view all findings and unselect the settings/items you do not want to change. The program uses a great database of startup items to provide good explanations of each item found in your startup list. That way, you can make intelligent decisions on which ones to remove.

 

DOSBox - is a great emulator for an old DOS environment. It lets me play some old school games otherwise incompatible with today's hardware/software. ( wikipedia| download).

DriverMax - is a great driver backup program. It allows one to zip all your drivers, or only the ones you select into an archive to allow easy uninstall and backupp. ( download)

FileHippo Update Checker - checks lots of these free apps we're been discussing to see if newer versions are available. It unfortunately doesn't auto-download and install the updates, it just gives links to get them. ( download)

 

Pronto, I use that update checker also. And I just downloaded DriverMax. Thanks.

 

DriverMax +1

 

I second Advanced WindowsCare, it's a great little app.

 

Apollo Music Player - great, simple music player that was developed solely for sound quality. Its usually a toss up between Apollo and Foobar among audiophiles which has the better sound. Low ram usage, no skins, simple layout, and great sound. If you dont want to mess with customizing Foobar, try this out

http://koti.welho.com/hylinen/apollo/

 

I thank everyone for the suggestions. I'll take all of these into consideration.

 

Hi there,

Just wondering,can the backup/recovery programs also create restore points?Like the system restore thing that comes with windows.

If not,are there any programs that can do that?
I get an error with my system restore :

"There was an unexpected error:
The filename,directory name,or volume label syntax is incorrect.(0x8007007B)
System restore will close now"

Can that error be resolved or i can use another program to do restore points?

 

I keep seeing those "Mactards" saying "that's why you get a Mac!" in my head, they're driving me crazy..

 

I was wondering if whenever you update, you could put asterisks on all the new items since the last update. That would make it much easier to see the new programs I should take a look at.
Great list, btw.

 

Thought of another that should be added -

Name: Google Picasa
Description: Picasa is a free software download from Google that helps you:

* Locate and organize all the photos on your computer.
* Edit and add effects to your photos with a few simple clicks.
* Share your photos with others through email, prints, and on the web: it’s fast, easy and free.
Link: http://picasa.google.com/

 

I thought picasa was already there....But I don't see it now !!

 

I'm pretty sure that no freeware on my list can do that. But if you look into that and find one be sure to tell me.

Um. What are you talking about?

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll talk it over with some other people who help me with making decisions about the thread.

 

Alright thanks,if i find something i'll let you know

 

Thank you very much.

 

InfraRecorder - It basically does the same thing that CDBurnerXP but better imo. Oh yea and it's licensed under GPL and is featured in Ubuntu's BurningIsoHowto page. Here is that good enough of a "description"?

 

Thank you very much for the suggestion. I will be adding this to my list and making some small updates.

 

Cal,

Thought I would throw my 2.38 cents in. I would suggest a section for Benchmarking Tools.

Here are 3 that I use, all free:

HDTune - Hard Disk Benchmarking Tool (Vista)

HDTach - Hard Disk Benchmarking (XP - Effective in Vista Via Compatability Mode)

ATTO - Hard Disk Benchmarking (XP/Vista)

Great Thread!!!

 

Could you please add a description and tell me which ones are vista compatible please?

 

Done...but Cal...you have no descriptions for any on the first page so why ask?

Oh also, if possible, ensure the link goes to the website vice the direct download so the downloader has the option to learn about the program before downloading it. 'Wise Registry Repair' is an example where it starts the download immediately.

Just some thoughts.

 

I always ask for descriptions for three or more reasons.

To make sure if i decide to add descriptions i won't have to dash around the web.

Also to make sure if someone decides to view all of the pages, they can see what it's for.

Also, so i don't have to search up for a program i don't have to search up for.

Also, i usually just link to the download if it's the only download or the download is hard to find.

 

How about Microsoft's own SyncToy 2.0 Beta for your Data Backup/Recovery section? It's a software that can sync files to and from a flash drive. It works on Vista, I use it all the time, and it has never failed me.

 

Thanks for the suggestions, although i don't usually put up beta programs i'll add it.

 

Prompt Drivers Backup

Prompt Drivers Backup enables fast and easy detection, backup or restore of all hardware device drivers currently on your system.
When you reinstall or upgrade your system, you can restore all drivers just by clicking a button. After a reboot, all drivers will be re-installed and will function well. You may also choose to backup a particular driver or all the drivers.
Prompt Drivers Backup is especially useful to those who have lost their Driver Disk or Driver CD.

Key Features:

Copy any driver to any destination.
Most backups will fit on a single CD.
Copy engine is not thwarted by read errors (unlike windows explorer).
Perfect for restoring drivers after reinstalling OS.

http://www.speedapps.com/prompt_drivers_backup.htm

 

Good one, thanks. +1

 

Thanks for the suggestion BlackRussian. I'll add it right now.

 

SUMo: Keep your PC programs up-to-date

http://www.downloadsquad.com/2008/01/18/sumo-keep-your-pc-programs-up-to-date/#comments

 

Can anyone comment on those registry cleaners? I'd like to know if they offer any real improvement; I've never come across a free one that has. Thanks

<del>Also I recommend SumatraPDF. It is a free PDF viewer that is incredibly lightweight, especially compared to Adobe Reader. It has very little options however, so as to maintain its low resource usage. It should satisfy most users though. It also does not require installation, making it a portable application.</del>
Oops, already on the list.

 

I assure you that they work. I've used them all and added them to my list based on experience. YMMV though, as i used it on vista with a very dirty registry. Also, the mistake you made about posting something i already have is exactly why i made it a rule to read before contributing. Also, thanks for the recommendation Jayayess1190.

 

Registry cleaners are pretty much not worth the effort of using 2 or more. I just stick with CCleaner that can do both registry cleaning and temporary file cleaning. Do note that registry cleaners can sometimes mess up your registry so make sure you make a backup of it first.

 

It's not really worth the effort for you, but i've had awesome results from it.

Also, about CCleaner. All it's good at is cleaning the temp files. It's no good as a proper registry cleaner.

About registry cleaners messing up the registry, my programs don't. But it would be better to make a backup anyway.

 

Does anyone else have any more software suggestions?

 

Is Virtual TI on the list?
EDIT: What about Google Earth? uBrowser?

 

I don't see a purpose for those two so they're not on it. Google earth is used for what? What about a calc emulator? If you can tell me a good use i'll add them but otherwise, i really don't want useless software on my list.

 

Hmmm...I just noticed that DVD Flick isn't on there. I know there is already a few burning tools on there but this one is really great for making DVD movies.

http://www.dvdflick.net/download.php

About DVD Flick
DVD Flick aims to be a simple but at the same time powerful DVD Authoring tool. It can take a number of video files stored on your computer and turn them into a DVD that will play back on your DVD player, Media Center or Home Cinema Set. You can add additional custom audio tracks as well as subtitles of your choice.


Features
Burn near any video file to DVD
Support for over 45 file formats
Support for over 60 video codecs
Support for over 40 audio codecs
Add your own subtitles
Easy to use interface
Burn your project to disc after encoding
Completely free without any adware, spyware or limitations

The downside to this program is that it can't make DVD menus.

 

That's not so good.

 

Isn't there already a thread like this?

 

Yes, but it's old and outdated. This one's much better all around.

 

I think there should be a link to it at least though.

 

I think some of the programs in it are no longer even available. It is obsolete. I wouldn't be surprised if it gets deleted.

 

A lot aren't.

 

If you had been reading the first few posts you'd know that the mods closed the other and deleted it/are going to because mine is the better replacement.