NeverSure Posted January 24, 2016 Share Posted January 24, 2016 Mine. I'm hoping to improve this list from suggestions for alternatives. Cobian Backup. Has a scheduler and uses the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) and can defeat the Windows File Protection System ("Can't copy/move/etc. file because it's in use..."). Runs every night. Never fills the HDD because I tell it how many backups to keep. Macrium Reflect disc imaging software. Has a scheduler and makes image of my HDD including all partitions every night. Stores it on a hidden, wireless, external HDD. Never fills the HDD because I tell it how many backups to keep. Convert.exe. Converts almost anything to anything such as feet to cm, miles to kms, kg to American pounds, etc. CCleaner. No introduction needed. AVG Irfanview picture viewer (and manipulator lite). Crops, resizes, color adjusts, etc. A far cry from Photoshop but still handy. VLC Media Player. YTD Video Downloader. Yes it gets YouTube. BitTorrent torrent downloader MiniTool Partition Wizard. Create, shrink, enlarge and generally manage partitions on a HDD. Can often do something that Windows Disk Management can't do by requiring a restart and then doing the work outside of Windows. Should I Remove It? Good for new computers with factory installed bloatware. ID's what's there and gives a link to a web page to describe it. Rates each for removal. LastPass - password manager. "The last password you'll ever have to remember". Stores all of my passwords in encrypted form in the cloud so I can access from any computer that has the proggy installed. Can configure to auto login or to require master password re-prompt. Has never failed me. Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manarak Posted January 24, 2016 Share Posted January 24, 2016 wow, we only have 1 software in common ! mine are: vlc media player comodo firewall avast paint.net video downloadhelper freemake audio converter freemake video converter utorrent textpad agent ransack treesize free bullzip pdf printer daemon tools lite imgburn 7zip nmap and of course my professional tools: filezilla ftp client putty ssh client debian, apache 2, mysql, php, postfix, courier, etc. drupal and I forgot firefox !! although I also have all other major browsers installed to test compatibility: IE (edge), Chrome and Opera. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thaimite Posted January 24, 2016 Share Posted January 24, 2016 Because I use Linux ALL my software is (legally) free However the below short list supports Linix and Windows Libre Office - MS Office replacement Qbittorrent - A nice alternative to uTorrent Calibre - an eBook manqger Thunderbird - email manager Keepass - password manager. That does not keep your database on line so is guranteed hacker proof Irfan View - simple photo editor (neefs Wine when usrd with Linux) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnybgood Posted January 24, 2016 Share Posted January 24, 2016 Audacity........ it does all my recording, editing and mixing of online audio. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAJIC Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 Why buy Utility programs which never work properly, I have been using "Glary Utilities" for 2 years now,5.42, and it handles my tune ups pretty good ! A word of warning don't be tempted to buy the Pro Version,it does no more than the Free Version ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slipperylobster Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 Have all the above...and there are so many alternatives as well. However...the one free software that has changed the way I use the computer is "Launchy". Quite simple, but loads my other software by just typing the first few letters of the executive file. You have to set it up. I put all my shortcuts in one folder...and it just searches that folder. Now I don't have to hunt for the icon...or move the mouse all over. Also don't have to use the useless windows start menu. I hit alt tab...and type fi for firefox. etc. Can set it up to select any type of file...or just exe files.... could be for music mp3...etc. Another Invaluable asset is "Search Everything". I can find virtually any file on my hard drive quickly. Both are free...and should be mandatory. Otherwise...your computer is like a car, but you cannot find the keys. Almost forgot...Keepass.....and Dropbox......... keeping track/access to passwords and sharing files with other devices Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisinth Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 Just a couple more to add to your lists, all freeware: Unlocker http://www.askvg.com/download-unlocker-file-unlocking-utility-for-windows/ Helps free the following ERROR messages while deleting or moving a system file in windows: Cannot delete file: Access is denied There has been a sharing violation. The source or destination file may be in use. The file is in use by another program or user. Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not currently in use. Metapad (I make a lot of notes, i use a text editor for this rather than opening word or the like) http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/metapad.html Metapad is a small, fast and completely free text editor for Windows with similar features to Microsoft Notepad but with many extra (and rather useful) features. It was designed to completely replace Notepad since it includes all of Notepad's features and much, much more. Features: Persistent window placement Dirty file notification Intelligent Find and Replace External viewer support (e.g. web browser) Usable accelerator keys (Ctrl+S, Ctrl+N, etc.) Dual customizable font support Optional Quick Exit (Esc key) Configurable tab stop setting Auto-indent mode Go to Line/Column Seamless UNIX text file support Block indent and unindent (Tab, Shift+Tab) Recent files list No file size limit! (under Win9x) Hyperlink support Portability mode (INI mode) Over 30 customized UI language plugins USB Disk Security http://usb-disk-security.download.hdttp.com/ USB Disk Security provides protection against any malicious programs trying to attack via USB drive. It delivers high level of protection against theft and accidental disclosure of confidential data, and prevents unauthorized persons from stealing your data. USB Disk Security is the best security software to protect offline computer without the need for signature updates. This light and easy to use solution is compatible with other antivirus software and doesn't slow down your computer at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeverSure Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 Notepad is still indispensable for me. I have it pinned to Startup. It will strip all formatting including line breaks, but not paragraph breaks. When I want to copy/paste something from a web page or Word into a forum or even Word, I first paste it into Notepad and then copy/paste it where I want it. Then the forum or Word software uses its default formatting and it looks like I typed it fresh. I use it quite a bit still. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minnie the Minx Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 CCleaner, Adblock + Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrTee Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 The first tools I install on almost every build. SysinternalsNotepad++ Agent RansackChromeFirefox7ZipFiddlerRed gate SQL searchNetTools 5FilezillaPuTTY GimpMS Message AnalyserPaint .NETTo name but a few.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisinth Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 Notepad is still indispensable for me. I have it pinned to Startup. It will strip all formatting including line breaks, but not paragraph breaks. When I want to copy/paste something from a web page or Word into a forum or even Word, I first paste it into Notepad and then copy/paste it where I want it. Then the forum or Word software uses its default formatting and it looks like I typed it fresh. I use it quite a bit still. Try Metapad. It also keeps URL links intact when pasted into the text editor.................................. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BKKdreaming Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 is there a free program that will install any USB webcam ? also a program to turn your webcams into a motion detector security cameras ? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donnybay Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 xhamster downloader Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slipperylobster Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 Notepad is still indispensable for me. I have it pinned to Startup. It will strip all formatting including line breaks, but not paragraph breaks. When I want to copy/paste something from a web page or Word into a forum or even Word, I first paste it into Notepad and then copy/paste it where I want it. Then the forum or Word software uses its default formatting and it looks like I typed it fresh. I use it quite a bit still. Try Metapad. It also keeps URL links intact when pasted into the text editor.................................. GetDiz portable is also a good choice...full of options, retains hyperlinks (can launch links) Drag and drop is a fantastic feature. Can write your deal, then drag and drop to another app or this forum. Just turn on those features in the Menu. Will also stay on top while you do this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slipperylobster Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 is there a free program that will install any USB webcam ? also a program to turn your webcams into a motion detector security cameras ? Thanks TinCam is free and can be used as a motion detector. Will sound alarms and email/save pics/videos on alert. Can choose which cam you want to use Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slipperylobster Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 Forgot Open Office Suite. No need pay for Microsoft word/excel...etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wooloomooloo Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 Notepad is still indispensable for me. I have it pinned to Startup. It will strip all formatting including line breaks, but not paragraph breaks. When I want to copy/paste something from a web page or Word into a forum or even Word, I first paste it into Notepad and then copy/paste it where I want it. Then the forum or Word software uses its default formatting and it looks like I typed it fresh. I use it quite a bit still. Try Metapad. It also keeps URL links intact when pasted into the text editor.................................. ... or CTRL + spacebar in Word isn't bad for default fonts and paragraphs. I'm using Lotus Notes, Excel, Word and Notepad daily and a host of other applications. I have alternate tricks dependent on what app I'm switching between and what's most efficient in keystrokes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katana Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 Cintanotesget_iplayerHashTabObjectDockPhotoFiltreClocXTurboTopPDF-XChange PDF ViewerNetWorxMozBackup7-ZipAvidemuxMedia Player Classic Home CinemaEraserGoPro StudioHijackThis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squeegee Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 Audacity........ it does all my recording, editing and mixing of online audio. With LAME plugin to enable mp3 audio editing. - Avast! Free Anti-Virus is better than AVG. Teracopy is a nice one for copying multiple files more quickly mp3tag for editing mp3 data, including adding cover art JDownloader 2 Keyfinder to find out the security key of your Windows, MS Office and even some games Airdroid for transferring files between an Android device and Windows via WIFI. Great if you need to copy stuff over but you can't use a cable or Bluetooth Panda USB Immunizer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy Joe Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 1 - Cinema Download zone. All films in HD and bluray bluray light 1 Fichier premium, hosting, not free but 1$ for 6 months is same Idman - ultra fast download but i paid 24 $ for premium KMPlayer - the best audio cinema in my opinion Porcorn audio converter, convert DTS to AC3 for direct use on my home player 2 - Text libreoffice, advantageously replaces MS office free Metapad, replaces wordpad 3 - Cleaning, viruses Avast Ccleaner Glary Utilities quarterly ADW cleaner in case of problems 4 - Drivers Driver booster - quarterly wushowide prevents MS modify some drivers 5 - Windows 10 Do not spy, to overcome the MS tracking Win 7 for win 10 games to keep Chess Titans MS share points designer to maintain MS picture manager imho still unmatched 6 PDF Sumatra PDF, better than Adobe and a lot lighter 7 Android King root, rooter for all versions including Marshmallow ROM on needrom.com, use with caution Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KhunHeineken Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 I've enjoyed researching some of the free software named on this thread. My favorite free software isn't as exciting as some posted, it's Skype. I get to talk to and see friends and family back home for no money. It's one of my most used free programs as I use it just about everyday and it's pretty reliable. I know you can pay Skype to call telephones but I classify it as free software because computer to computer (that includes smartphones) is for free. I also use Crap Cleaner everyday. @ happy Joe Does Driver Booster use the manufacturer's drivers or are they third party drivers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy Joe Posted January 26, 2016 Share Posted January 26, 2016 @ happy Joe Does Driver Booster use the manufacturer's drivers or are they third party drivers? It uses the latest manufacturer drivers. Simple and quick operation in free version. http://download.cnet.com/Driver-Booster-3/3055-18513_4-75992725.html?part=dl-&tag=pdl-redir Caution still at the facility, the editor IObit tries to impose its other programs (notably "avanced systemcare") that are in my opinion totally useless even harmful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drupopuppis Posted January 26, 2016 Share Posted January 26, 2016 All my Windows installations include the follwing: Avast Chrome Opera Mozzilla Notepad++ Audacity VLC 4k Video downloader Paint.net Inkskape Blender Wamp Apache server Drupal Wordpress Cubecart Gimp Libre Office CV cleaner Ad blocker, (google chrome) Bluestack2, (android x windows) Skype Camstasia Infanview 7Zip The list goes on and on Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scubascuba3 Posted January 26, 2016 Share Posted January 26, 2016 Kodi. Perfect for movies, series and sport Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaeJoMTB Posted January 26, 2016 Share Posted January 26, 2016 Isn't all software free? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drupopuppis Posted January 26, 2016 Share Posted January 26, 2016 All free on my list except for 4k video downloader that offers bulk playlist download at a premium. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaseTheBass Posted January 26, 2016 Share Posted January 26, 2016 Adobe CS2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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