Another updated round of some of my favorite free general software/tools I use currently. This is what I’ve found to be the best in each category currently and I prefer simple non-bloated efficient software of course.
Maybe you are looking for better alternatives, you’ve just reinstalled your system, or you may even find a tool you didn’t know existed or needed.
In no special order:
| 7-zip | Free and great de/compression tool for many formats. |
| ClamWin | Anti-virus software, on-demand and scheduling only. |
| CoreTemp | Accurate and small CPU temperature monitoring tool. |
| CPU-Z | CPU, memory module etc information tool |
| Daemon Tools | Use a CD/DVD-image file as a real CD/DVD-drive. Be careful what you choose during the installation. |
| FolderShare | Easily and efficiently keep the same files, documents, bookmarks/favorites spreadsheets, tools, etc synced and updated between multiple computers over the network or internet. Highly recommended |
| Google SketchUp | Great sketching tool for 3D, easy and nice concept. Quickly produce nice 3D sketches. |
| GPU-Z | GPU frequency, memory, temperature, information tool |
| IE7pro | Great addon that makes Internet Explorer a much better experience |
| MPC HC | Mediaplayer to complement the built in WMP |
| Notepad2 | Notepad replacement, still quick and easy but a lot more powerful. |
| Paint.NET | Free image and photo editing software, it isn’t Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro but it is free and rather nice. |
| Putty | Ssh/telnet/serial terminal program |
| ImgBurn | CD & DVD burner software |
| WinMerge | The best diff-tool, shows differences between contents of files and even directory structures in a clear manner. |
| WinScp | Transfer files through scp, sftp and ftp. |
| Vista Codec Pack | Active and non-bloated codec pack that makes everything work, all you need but nothing more. Works for WinXP too. Perfect substitution for tweaking together it all on your own. |
| Live Messenger | IM-client. Yup you will need it, eventually you need to easily use remote assistance through it, the 100% compatibility, etc. Though the message size limit… argh! |
| Gmail Notifier | Small simple email notifier in your tray area for gmail. |
| All CPU meter | Vista gadget for CPU and memory info. Works with both dual and quad core. |
| ProcessExplorer | Sysinternal/MS software for a lot more process information than the task manager offers. |
| ProcessMonitor | Details about file I/O and registry operations for your processes. |
| ZoomIt | Nice simple screen zoom and overlay drawing tool, perfect for presentations! |
| Google Chrome | Fast, screen space and usage efficient web browser. |
| µTorrent | Small and great Torrent download software |
| CCleaner | Removes unused and temp files, registry cleaner etc. Fast! |
