The Ever-Growing Free Windows Software List

A1: What part of the Desktop app do you want to emulate? My dad uses that, so maybe I could point you to some alternatives. PM me if you want to discuss it with me specifically, I don't follow this thread.

A2: You might want to check out PortableApps and The Portable Freeware Collection. Probably some of those will need admin rights for some reason or another, but bunches of them won't. And you most likely won't need to have admin rights to install them.

 

Plz add to Image/Video Editors & Viewers:

Tourist Remover

 

Thanks for the links they have come very handy

 

Steganos LockNote is a simple program that encrypts text files that contain private/personal information.

SpeedCrunch is a very powerful calculator with extra and better functions than the Windows Calculator.

Easy Picture2Icon and IcoFX are two applications that can convert most picture formats into Windows icons!

Free PDF to Word doc Converter is an application that converts PDF files into Word documents (.doc).

MorphVOX Junior is a funny program that changes the sound you make into the microphone into whatever you want!

GFI Backup Home Edition is a free backup program. (dunno what else there is to say )

 

Have used many of the apps listed in the thread.

Great resource here, guys! Keep up the good work.

 

1-Suggestion for a program to add:

LockHunter. Like unlocker, but compatible with Vista 64.

http://lockhunter.com/


2-Suggestion for the first page:

Alphabetize in each section. There is a ton of programs now and the list is looking really disorganized.

 

Microsoft Office 2007 with SP2 installed already has the function to save files into a PDF format, though it may be useful for files not created by the MS Office Suite. Here is one alternative: Zilla PDF Creator can create PDFs from virtually any file format that can be printed.

 

X-Mouse Button Control

X-Mouse Button Control is a windows application to remap your mouse buttons.
This software is designed and written for Microsoft Windows XP/2003 x64 Edition but I have also, from version 1.5, built a 32bit version.

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys... I'm almost ready to post up a new, revamped list that is easier on the eyes. I'll include the latest submissions in that update which I hope to have ready by either later tonight or tomorrow.

 

Hello again, I am looking for a program that can help download the flash video from this website, FlashGot Media doesn't work unfortunately. Someone recommended Replay Media Catcher, but it's not free and I don't think it's wise to buy a program just to download one video off a website. Any suggestions?

 

Here's a misc or security tool - There is both the fully functional free version and the ability to pay for plus version. Bu the free version is not disabled in any way.
"As a robust SECURITY MONITOR , WinPatrol will alert you to hijackings, malware attacks and critical changes made to your computer without your permission."
Great software - been using on multiple computers for several years (XP & Vista) - does alert when system files/settings change - allows you to configure delayed starts etc. Great utility overall.
Here's the link:
http://www.winpatrol.com/

 

Hi de.1337,

Sorry have not posted here ... been busy ... THANKS for the Suggestions! Might take you up on Chatting on Palm conversation ... if I don't find what I need!

Thanks!

G!

 

Apparently, now JKDefrag is known as MyDefrag and is updated to 4.0.

 

Office Suite Program Go-Oo:
An cross-platform alternative to MS Office and a variant of Open Office.

Go-Oo

Differences Between Open Office and Go-Oo
Some Advantages:
-Works faster in some operations
-Go-oo installation from version 3 on includes dictionaries in many languages, as a single extension, being a part of installation files. Inclusion of a large number of dictionaries in a default installation may affect performance.
-Go-oo uses large icon sizes and the "Tango" icon style for toolbars and menus by default. OpenOffice.org uses small icon sizes and the "Classic" or "Galaxy" icon style by default.

Features:
-Go-oo includes 3-D transition effects in Presentations (Linux).
-Go-oo Calc 2.4.x has a built in function called "Solver". It is a little different from the Solver function of the same name, which is available from OpenOffice.org 3.0. OpenOffice.org 2.4.x has no Solver.


As a side note, I've never tested this software before but a professor just told me about it and I think he's had experience with it before. I also don't intend to use this in the near future since I already use MS Office 2007. I searched these forums and no results came up, so I guess not a lot of people have heard about this.

However, for anyone who uses open-source software, it looks like a great option, aside from Open Office.

 

For the Tweaking category:
Xdn Tweaker
Very well-made and easy-to-use program with a great-looking interface. Here's a partial list of various tweaks available:

Compatible with Windows XP and up. I'm using it on Vista Business 64 with no issues whatsoever.

 

How about icon restore?

http://users.rcn.com/taylotr/icon_restore.html

I find this very useful.

 

Oh, and another piece of good free software (maybe under Taskbar Enhancer?)

Switcher
Literally the only feature I really love about OSX that I find lacking in Windows is Expose. There have long been clones out there, but I find most of them to be clunky and laggy - Switcher is a different case. With many advanced customizations, you can not only make it look exactly like Expose in OSX (by default, it's somewhat uglier), but also make it act just as snappy.

Switcher requires Windows Vista, with Aero enabled.

This link has step by step instructions of how to make Switcher look exactly like Expose.

 

Here's a MUST HAVE for all you Office 2007 users:

Outlook on the Desktop ( http://www.outlookonthedesktop.com/)

This program allows users to place a calendar/inbox/contacts/etc pinned to the desktop. Perfectly syncs with the Office 2007. The windows can be moved, resized, etc.

I currently have 2 sets of windows on my desktop, my calendar and my Outlook inbox. From this I no longer need to open Office to reply to emails, add modify calendar appointments, etc. I set both pinned windows slightly transparent so that I can still enjoy my wallpaper. I'm definitely going to donate to the developer so that we can see further enhancements in the future.

 

Here's a nice little app for ejecting drives (more efficient than Windows version)
Works on XP & Vista
http://quick.mixnmojo.com/usb-disk-ejector

 

I have tried this & it really made
my Laptop perform better
Anyone knows that does better do share

http://onecare.live.com/site/en-Us/center/cleanup.htm

 

That looks like it might actually be useful, in addition to being fun. Thanks for the post!

 

In this case you may have had an infected computer

Question:
Is it free n owadays? I'm pretty sure LiveCare used to be "pyed for"....

 

Free for 90days

 

So its not free software.

 

Spotify should be on the list. It is coming to the US in the fall.

Also, SecondRun.tv Is a cool plugin that lets you watch a lot of online content from within Media Center. The plugin is a little rough around the edges since it is in beta, but it works well.

 

Hey all, I have an important notice for people who may have downloaded the program called DVD Rip. I tried downloading it earlier and noticed that McAfee reports it as being a trojan. I take any malware threat extremely seriously, and have immediately removed this application from the list. If you do have this application, please run an anti-virus application (fully updated) on your entire machine.

 

I updated the list with all the new additions since the last update. I'm still working on a revamped list that is easier to navigate through. Apologies for the long wait!

 

How is that Go-OO thing? I could always use more interoperability between that and MS Office, but I've heard some etchy things about it.

 

It's an alternative to Open Office, and I vaguely remember reading something about it supporting VBA macros. Have to check in to that. Only thing keeping me from trying it out is because I have MS Office 2007 and it's working well for me.

 

Is there a program which runs on bottom like a Task bar
while we are playing Games in Full Screeen

& showing us the CPU & HEAT & Info etc

Anyone Knows ?
Dont mind even if its a paid software

 

I updated the rule-set for making the list:

If an application is being listed as free for X amount of days only, it cannot be listed here. The application has be be listed as free forever.

 

I thought that shareware was already excluded from this list.

 

LOL, I just realized I was restating one other rule. Thanks for the catch Kierkes!

 

Haha. No problem. I'd restate a rule if people were ignoring it, too!

 

Can you make a distinction on the list as to whether software is open source or just free?

 

That's a good idea. I guess the quickest way would be if the download locations point to places like Sourceforge or CodePlex, where many open-source applications live. I'll update the list as I go with this information.

 

I know which apps are open source and which aren't. Gonna remix the list for you.

 

Just wanted to let you know, Postbox is going paid after the current beta, a shame since the product was really slick, but if i'm paying for e-mail software, I might as well use Outlook 07 like I have been. http://postbox-inc.com/?/blog/entry/postbox_beta_14_product_options_and_pricing/

 

Was doing the [FOSS] thing and got carried away making mods to clean it up. Too busy to finish right now, maybe later. If it doesn't update the list then i'll fork the list if people like it.
ADD: Done

The Ever-Growing Free Windows Software List
Made possible by the many wonderful people of Notebook Review Forums
This list is under the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike License (CC-BY-NC-SA)

HELP! There's so many to choose from, which is best for me?
There are countless variations of applications for every task, which can be overwhelming in finding the right version for you. In this light, the best option is to post a question on a type of application you’re looking for and people can respond with their impressions on which worked for them and which didn't. This can help to prune the list by, for example, removing items that have become outdated.

Guidelines For Making It To The List

1. We take no responsibility for any damage caused by installing any applications listed here, so proceed at your own risk.
2. The entire list is in this post; you do not need to search the entire thread. Links to where you can download the software are provided for every item.
3. It is recommended that you ask here for software recommendations.
4. This list contains software with no trials that are at least compatible with Windows XP (32-bit) and above.
5. Vista users should also have a look at the NBR Vista Tips and Tweaks Guide
6. Notify us of broken links or malicious software, link to the new download location if possible.
7. The link for an application must point to a page with an English translation.
8. The software must be free for personal use, legal in the USA, and not promotional.
9. Provide a safe link to an information page for the software.
10. The provided link should point to an information page about the application. Please do not supply a link that automatically downloads the application, as people would first want to read up on what the application does before deciding to download it.
11. Only items that have actual releases (alpha or beta or official) will be posted. Please do not send a link that has "upcoming" software.
12. If a posted link leads to a page that has pop-ups, it will be removed.

A Note on What [NOT TESTED] Means
Most of the applications on this list have been tested but in the event that the software has not been tested to make sure it works as described a [NOT TESTED] tag will be next to the link.

A Note on What [FOSS] Means
The Free Software Definition and What is free software and why is it so important for society? explanations from The Free Software Foundation should be read.

Wish list / Requested Software
If you have a need for a kind of application that the list doesn't provide a solution for, post what you are looking for and I'll update this section here.

• Windows Check Disk alternative for finding and fixing hard-disk errors (Requested by bin)
• Easy file transfers between iPod and PC (Requested by fonduekid)

Quick Links
Internet
Media
Safety
System Tools
Productivity

Internet
Web Browsers:
Firefox [FOSS]
Opera
Google Chrome [FOSS]
Maxthon

Bittorent Clients:
uTorrent
BitTorrent
Deluge [FOSS]
Vuze [FOSS]
Halite [FOSS]

Communication:
digsby
Skype
Trillian
Pidgin [FOSS]
aMSN [FOSS]
X-Chat [FOSS]
Ventrilo
TeamSpeak
Miranda IM [FOSS]
Gizmo5
ooVoo
QIP ICQ Client
Gmail Voice and Video Chat

Email Clients:
Windows Live Mail
ThunderBird [FOSS]
Postbox
Zimbra Desktop

RSS Feeds:
RSS Bandit
FeedDemon
RSSOwl [FOSS]

Media
Music Players:
Songbird [FOSS]
Winamp
Foobar2000
Media Monkey
KM Player
Kantaris [FOSS]

Media Managers:
Share Pod
Yamipod
Orb Media Streamer
Media Portal [FOSS]
GB-PVR

Video Players:
VLC Media Player [FOSS]
GOM Media Player
Media Player Classic [FOSS]
SMPlayer [FOSS]
Zoomplayer

Media Codec Packs:
CCCP-Project
K-Lite Codec Pack
Windows Essentials Media Codec Pack [FOSS]
MediaCoder

Safety
Virus/Firewall/Spyware Protection:
The best free virus protection/firewall/spyware protection programs

Password Management:
KeePass [FOSS]
Password Safe

Encryption:
TrueCrypt [FOSS]
AxCrypt
Cryptainer LE

System Tools
File Managers:
xplorer²
FreeCommander

Disk Management/De-Fragmentation:
EASEUS Partition Manager 3.0 Home Edition
MyDefrag
Auslogics disk defrag
Defraggler
O & O Defrag 2000
IOBit Smart Defrag

Software Update Notification:
SUMo
FileHippo Update Checker

Screen Capture/Recording:
Gadwin-PrintScreen 4.4
Debut
Screenshot Captor
CamStudio [FOSS]
Jing
Fraps
HyperCam
PicPick

Application Launchers:
Launchy [FOSS]
Executor
Google Desktop
Startup Manager [FOSS]

Application Docks:
ObjectDock
RocketDock
RKLauncher
Circle Dock [FOSS]

Theming/Widgets:
CursorFX
Yahoo! Widget Engine
VistaGlazz
Flyakite OS X
Vista OS X
Caledos Wallpaper Changer
AveDesk
Logon Studio
Wallpaper Slideshow
BumpTop

Virtual Desktop Managers:
Virtual Dimension [FOSS]
Dexpot
VirtuaWin [FOSS]

File Compression/Copying:
7-Zip [FOSS]
TeraCopy
ALZip
IZArc
FastCopy
LoadScout

Disk/Image Ripping/Burning:
Nero 9 Free Edition
DAEMON Tools
DVD Identifier
InfraRecorder [FOSS]
DVDFab HD Decrypter
DVD Shrink
ImgBurn
CDBurnerXP
ISO Recorder
BurnCDCC
O & O Disk Image Express
Deep Burner
BurnAware
DVD Decrypter

Tweaking:
Warning: The tools listed here to tweak your machine are not for the faint of heart. Messing with your system registry may cause problems with your machine. It is recommended to have a backup of your system handy. Please read carefully the information presented on each application's website and do a research on the Internet to find out the problems others might have had with any of these tools.
Microsoft Windows XP Power Toys
WinBubble
RegToy
RivaTuner
PC Decrapifier
WinSecret Professional
Vista Visual Master
Net Tools
Keyboard King
NVidia nTune
Glary Utilities
Mz CPU Accelerator
Clean Mem
Advanced System Care Free
Driver Max
Unlocker
Lock Hunter
NetMeter
Xdn Tweaker

System Cleaners:
Warning: System-cleaners might inadvertantly delete files you really need. Proceed with caution, and always backup critical documents before running any of these tools.
Windows Installer CleanUp Utility
CCleaner
ATF Cleaner
Comodo System Cleaner
Revo Uninstaller
RegSoft's Free Windows Registry Repair
Guru 3D Drive Sweeper
Auslogics Registry Cleaner
Disk Max
Xinorbis

Taskbar Enhancers:
Taskbar Shuffle
Taskix
Switcher

Resource Monitors:
CPU-Z
GPU-Z
Process Explorer
SysInternals Suite
CoreTemp
ATTO
HWMonitor
Notebook Hardware Control
Samurize
Rainmeter
WinDirStat
Everest
Hd Tach
PC Wizard
HD Tune
SpeedFan
Bandwidth Monitor Lite 2
Bit Meter
HWInfo
HWM-BlackBox
RMClock
Meminfo
Battery Bar
inSSIDer
Free Task Manager
Crystal Disk Info
Real Temp
Sha Plus Bandwidth Meter
Belarc Advisor

Data Backup/Recovery:
Recuva
Macrium Reflect
Syncback
DriverMax
Karen's Replicator
MozBackup
Prompt Drivers Backup
SyncToy v2.0
Test Disk
DriveImageXML
Freebyte Backup
Clone Drive
Clonezilla
PING (Partimage Is Not Ghost)

Download Managers:
Free Download Manager
Flashget
Orbit Downloader

Desktop Search:
Google Desktop Search
Copernic Desktop Search Home
Windows Search 4.0

Misc. Utilities:
nLite&vLite
Memtest86+
Fences
MD5 Checker 2.31
Quick SFV
Convert
WinMerge
WordWeb
WinGuggle
Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder
XVI32
Unlocker
DOSBox
DBAN
Portable Apps
Dead Pixel Buddy
DisplayFusion
Vista Battery Saver
Power Menu
TrayIt!
EJECT
Eraser
Pismo File Mount Audit Package
Intel Processor Identification Utility
USB Disk Ejector
Icon Restore
Win Patrol
X-Mouse Button Control

Productivity
Office:
Outlook On The Desktop
Open Office [FOSS]
Windows Live Essentials
AbiWord [FOSS]
Scribus [FOSS]
The Sage
Repair My Word
Manic Time

PDF Tools:
Adobe Reader Lite
Foxit Reader
CutePDF
doPDF
PDF-XCHANGE Viewer
PrimoPDF
Ghost Script
MikTeX
TeXnic Center
STDU Viewer
Zilla PDF Creator


Blog Management:
Windows Live Writer
w.bloggar [FOSS]

FTP Clients:
Core FTP LE
File Zilla
WinSCP
Rightload

Image/Video Editors & Viewers:
Paint.NET
GIMP [FOSS]
Inkscape [FOSS]
Photoscape
IrfanView
Picasa
XnView
VirtualDub
Easy Video Splitter
Easy Video Joiner
FastStone Image viewer
FastStone Photo Resizer
Ginipic
Jalbum
Splitcam
Microsoft Image Composite Editor
Prish Image Resizer

Audio/Video Encoding/Converting:
Super
dBpoweramp
HandBrake [FOSS]
SQUARED 5
Exact Audio Copy
Audacity [FOSS]
PocketDivXEncoder
Riva FLV Encoder
GOM Media Encoder
VirtualDub
MEncoder [FOSS]
Format Factory
DVD Flick
AVIDemux [FOSS]
FAVC
XRECode
Koyotesoft Media Converters

Virtualization:
VMWare Server
VMware vCenter Converter
Review
Microsoft Virtual PC 2007
VirtualBox [FOSS]
Sandboxie
andLinux [FOSS]
Cygwin [FOSS]
Wubi Installer [FOSS]

Virtual Network Computing:
Tight VNC [FOSS]
Live Mesh
Hamachi
TeamViewer
UltraVNC [FOSS]
Synergy
CrossLoop
Log Me In
DropBox

Text/Code Editors:
XML Notepad 2007
Visual Studio 2008 Express Editions
KompoZer
Vim [FOSS]
Emacs [FOSS]
Notepad2
Programmer’s Notepad
Editpad Lite
Notepad++
Console [FOSS]
PSPad

Gaming Add-Ons:
Xfire
StreamMyGame

Calendars:
Rainlendar
Sunbird [FOSS]
Hot Notes
Essential PIM

Mapping Tools:
Google Earth
Microsoft Virtual Earth 3D

 

Not to rain on your parade, but why should this list have that distinction? The more things that are added to it, the more cluttered and hard to read it gets. The people checking this guide are looking for "Free Software", and aren't caring which are FOSS or not.

A separate FOSS list is fine - I just don't see it's significance or purpose here.

 

just wanting to know if there are any other good free programs like Revo out there.

 

I'd like to add a program that I haven't seen on the list.

HashTab

Great little utility that integrates check sum verification to your properties menu.

http://beeblebrox.org/

Their website is down for now...but there are other places you can download it.

 

As much as I'd like to add this to the list, if there is no safe and reliable link available it cannot be added just yet.

I have to agree with crash on this. Since this list is being listed as a post in a forum, the more we try to add, the more troublesome it becomes to maintain it.

 

Actually, I remembered adding a couple of similar applications that check the MD5 hashes of files:

MD5 Checker 2.31 [TESTED:dbam987] [EDITORS PICK] Easy utility for verifying MD5 check-sums of files. No installation required!

Quick SFV [Tested:dbam987;facadegeniality] [EDITORS PICK] Performs MD5 checksum verification. (Supported on both 32-bit and 64-bit editions of XP/Vista)

As soon as the main site for HashTab comes back online, I'll add that to the list. Remind me to check back on it .

 

I agree 100%. I just want the software on the list to be free and good at what it was designed to do; I don't care if it's FOSS or not.

 

dbam:
May I suggest one for a possible add? 100% Free!
It's called Mailinator! Let Them Eat Spam!
Protect your privacy and avoid spam, no registration/no sign-up!

Linky:
http://www.mailinator.com/

FAQ:
http://www.mailinator.com/faq.jsp

What is Mailinator?
Mailinator is a different kind of email service. The biggest difference is that you don't need to sign up. Any email name you can think of already exists at Mailinator.com. Want [email protected]? You got it. Want to be JacquesKooStow? ScaryGavyn? GraysonTheMason? No problem. They exist when you create them and they are just waiting for you to check your inbox.

How is Mailinator different than some other web email, like Yahoo or Hotmail?
Mailinator is fundamentally quite different from other services. Other services like Gmail or Yahoo allow you to actually send email. You cannot send email from Mailinator. After a few hours, all email is auto-deleted. A Mailinator email inbox can be read by anyone. There is no real security here. Mailinator has strict rules about what kind of email it receives. Plain text is best, html is filtered. Images, attachments, and fancy stuff are simply stripped away.

The upside is that Mailinator requires no sign-up. Send email to a name, and the account is created automagically.

In a nutshell, other services provide more functionality but require a sign-up (which takes time, even if you falsify all the information anyway). Mailinator provides less, but requires no sign-up.

How do I create an account at Mailinator?
It's simple, you just send email to it. Temporary accounts are created when email arrives for them. First, you give out the mailinator email address you created, and then you check it. It's that simple.

Do I have to sign up?
No sign-up, you don't even have to tell Mailinator you're coming.

It's very easy to use!

Cin...

 

Hi People,

Can someone please suggest a free, good software similar to EndNote or Reference Manager? I need one (and ASAP! )

I found Biblioscape and I am trying this out now.

I would be happy if there is something else that' more popular and good.

PS., DBAM - From the look of it, Biblioscape looks nice. See if you want to add it to the list. I will try it out now and let you know soon how it is, and if it' worth a recommendation. Cheers.

 

Update:

As a free software for generating and managing citations, bibliography (particularly for 'poor' researchers like me ..), I must say Biblioscape is good, though I found the UI too complicated, sometimes confusing too, compared to EndNote or Reference Manager. I found the latter to be more easy to use (may be its just a matter of getting used to? I don't know).

Installation and removal is very easy, because there is no "installation" as such. We just have to extract the contents into an emtpy folder (btw, they have a very good manual online) and start using it. Removal is achieved by simply deleting that folder.

So, other than the UI which confused me and took some time to work around, yeah, it worked well and I would say, yes, add to the list

PS., I'm still all ears to any other suggestions Thanks.

 

Emesene - a very good replacement for Windows Live Messenger.

Emesene Review from the How-To Geek

 

That is a big list lol