Security

Advanced WindowsCare Personal

According to the manufacturer (IObit.Com), this comprehensive PC-care utility has a one-click approach to helping protect, repair and optimise your PC. Advanced WindowsCare Personal Edition helps protect, optimise, and repair your PC - with daily use. The programme sscans and removes spyware and adware using up-to-date definition files.  Prevents spyware, hackers and hijackers from installing malicious items on your computer. Erases and updates your PC’s activity history; sboosts your system’s performance by cleaning missing files, destroying unwanted files, deleting obsolete files, removing junk files and eliminating corrupt registry entries.  stunes up Windows by unleashing the built-in power of your system.  Dramatically improves both system and Internet performance;  sdoes more than a registry cleaner, keeping your PC stable and running at peak efficiency.  Repairs PC configurations by eliminating system bottlenecks and preventing crashes; s100% free with no spyware or adware. Advanced WindowsCare Personal Edition is a safe and trusted solution from a leading software vendor; scompletes its work with just one click.  Scans, repairs and gives personal care to your PC in one minute. This link is to the CNET Networks Download.com server. Download Link...

Avast! 5 Home Edition Download

[Antivirus]  Free of charge for HOME users for NON-COMMERCIAL use. Featuring: Antivirus kernel; Simple User Interface; Resident Protection; Peer-to-Peer and Instant Messaging Shields; Network Shield; Web Shield; Automatic Updates; Virus Chest; System Integration; Integrated Avast! Virus Cleaner; Support for 64-bit Windows; Internationalisation. This link is to the CNET Networks Download.com server. Download Link...

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2011

[Antivirus]  CNET Review: Although AVG has flagged a little in the past few years, AVG Anti-Virus Free 2011 breathes some new life into one of the most popular security programs around - with a shorter install, better usability and faster scans.
The changes to AVG's interface in the 2011 version are minor but actually improve usability quite a bit. The top and left navigation sections have been redecorated with light text on a dark background, although the main controls in the centre of the window retain their standard black text on a white background. The safety status icon at the top of the interface has been simplified and made larger.
AVG Free has some new protective features this year. The software offers what it calls "smart scanning," which leverages AVG's behavioural detection network to scan known safe files once, and only rescan them if it detects changes. As with its competitors, AVG's network is made up of its user base anonymously contributing data up to the cloud. You can choose to opt out of contributing your data when you install, or from the options menu. AVG says opting out won't negatively affect your security.
AVG Free has made the threat detection engines in the free version identical to its premium-upgrade siblings - meaning that AVG Free users won't have to worry about getting a lesser standard of basic security.
Setting aside the feature limitations of AVG Anti-Virus Free, when compared with AVG's paid upgrades, the suite continues to offer an excellent, if not perfect, level of security as it faces more intense competition from other free and paid security suite makers. Fans of AVG will definitely want to upgrade, and new users should consider it if they're looking for an effective freeware solution with solid link-evaluating features.
This link is to the CNET Networks Download.com server. Download Link...

Avira AntiVir Personal Edition

[Antivirus]  Free antivirus application available for single home computer and non commercial use only.  Virus attacks are all too common and Avira AntiVir can protect against these menaces and others - including worms, trojans and dialers.
The AntiVir Guard is constantly working in the background and checks every file as it is used by Windows or other software.  This includes heuristic scanning to check for viruses that have not been formally identified. Scans can also be started manually or scheduled at daily or weekly intervals.  Should a virus be found, it can either be removed or moved to a quarantine area.
This version is a maintenance release. This link is to the CNET Networks Download.com server. Download Link...

Ad-Aware Free Internet Security

[Anti-spyware] Ad-Aware Free provides core protection against Internet threats. Featuring real-time anti-malware protection, advanced Genotype detection technology, rootkit protection and a scheduler - Ad-Aware Free Internet Security gives you the power to protect yourself online. Ad-Aware Free version is a complete malware protection that now combines Lavasoft's pioneer technology for anti-spyware with traditional anti-virus protection.. Download Link...

ClamWin Free Antivirus

[Antivirus]  ClamWin is a Free Antivirus program for Microsoft Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/2003 and Vista. It comes with an easy installer and open source code. You may download and use it absolutely free of charge.
Anti-virus makers make it difficult to buy anti-virus software by itself and include firewalls, anti-spyware and other software with it.  If you want a clean, mean piece of anti-virus software that does just one thing - protect against viruses - you'll want this programme.
It features: sHigh detection rates for viruses and spyware; sScanning Scheduler; sAutomatic downloads of regularly updated Virus Database; sStandalone virus scanner and right-click menu integration to Microsoft Windows Explorer; sAdd-in to Microsoft Outlook to remove virus-infected attachments automatically.
ClamWin has a small footprint and doesn't take up much system resources.
Please note that ClamWin Free Antivirus does not include an on-access real-time scanner. You will need to manually scan a file in order to detect a virus or spyware.  This is a slight drawback, however, it’s not a bad trade-off for a free piece of software.  In any case, since no single antivirus tool is perfect, you should try to use more than one programme.
ClamWin Free Antivirus is based on ClamAV engine and uses GNU General Public License by the Free Software Foundation, and is free (as in freedom) software.  To find out more about GNU GPL, please visit the following link: Philosophy of the GNU Project - Free Software Foundation.  Download Link...

Comodo Firewall + AntiVirus

[Firewall] “Out-of-the-box” protection against identity theft hackers, trojans, viruses, scripts and other unknown threats. This free firewall is not a stripped-down version, but is a fully functional product.  Updates and upgrades are also free.  sComplete protection from Hackers, Spyware, Trojans and Identity theft sHost Intrusion Prevention System stops malware from being installed sClean PC Mode registers your current applications then will allow only applications that you approve to be installed on your computer sMalware Scan Feature checks your computer for viruses, spyware and trojans before you install Comodo Firewall Pro sAdvanced Network Firewall Engine sApplication Recognition Database sSelf Protection against Critical Process Termination sWindows Security Centre Integration sAutomatic 'Firewall Training' mode sApplication Behaviour Analysis s'Smart' Pop-up Alerts sSleek New Graphical User Interface sPowerful and intuitive Security Rules Interface. Download Link...

EAV Antivirus Suite Free Edition

[Antivirus Suite]  (Publisher’s description) EAV Antivirus Suite can detect and eliminate spyware, Trojans, key loggers, adware programs, browser hijackers, cookies, spy bots, trackware and other malware, even new and unknown ones, on your PC.  EAV Antivirus Suite will scan all running processes, local files in real time automatically once you run the software. Once spyware or other malware appears, even if it hides in other programmes, EAV Antivirus Suite will display a signal for warning and will eliminate it consequently.  Meanwhile, this software will clear all spyware-system-linked files as well as relative registry files.  EAV Antivirus Suite can recover all damages with Internet Explorer caused by JavaScript and ActiveX viruses. And it can also help you to fulfill anti-hacker Windows settings. This link is to the CNET Networks Download.com server.  Download Link...

Hazard Shield

[Anti-spyware] Hazard Shield is an antimalware program that scans for any and every threat. These include malicious items such as malware, viruses, spyware, trojans, backdoors, dialers and much more.  Hazard Shield also comes with realtime protection that removes threats the instant they appear and before they can cause damage.  Download Link...

Microsoft Windows Defender

[Anti-spyware] This works like any other spyware detector, offering you the choice of either a Quick Scan or a slower Deep Scan. Choose the Deep Scan and you can select specific folders to be scanned, and/or your PC's memory.  It offers optional real-time protection, which activates various checkpoints throughout a PC's system in order to prevent spyware being installed.
Also optional is integration with the SpyNet community. This means that any potential spyware threats on your PC are sent to a central database, where the results are analysed and signatures made available to protect you.
It runs rather slowly, and in a quick test against the popular spyware tool Ad-Aware, it was beaten hands down. Things have been improved in this release, but it is still a long way from being a serious challenger to other anti-spyware tools
In order to download this software you need to go through the Windows Genuine Advantage validation procedure on your operating system. Extremely annoying!  Download Link...

PC Tools AntiVirus Free

(Manufacturer’s description) With PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition you are protected against the most nefarious cyber-threats attempting to gain access to your PC and personal information. Going online without protection against the latest fast-spreading virus and worms, such as Netsky, Mytob and MyDoom, can result in infections within minutes.
Once infected, the virus will usually attempt to spread itself to your friends, family and associates by accessing your email contacts and networked PCs. The infection may also allow hackers to access files on your PC, use it to launch attacks against other computers and websites or to send mass SPAM email.
That's why PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition provides world-leading protection, with rapid database updates, IntelliGuard™ real-time protection and comprehensive system scanning to ensure your system remains safe and virus free.  PC Tools products are trusted and used by millions of people everyday to protect their home and business computers against online threats.
The programme: Protects your PC as you are working, surfing and playing; Detects, quarantines, disinfects and destroys Viruses, Trojans and Worms; IntelliGuard™ protects your computer against threats in real-time; Automatically checks for frequent updates against the latest threats; It's free - no catches, limitations or time-limits. Email Guard is available as a plug-in after you’ve intalled the programme - click here to download Email Guard. Note that this free version of PC Tools AntiVirus requires a manual update to receive virus definitions and more.  (Regardless of what security programme your are currently using, or intend to use, it will be utterly useless unless you ensure that it is frequently updated.  We suggest that you should check for updates on a daily basis.) Download Link...

PC Tools Firewall Plus 6 Free Edition (for Windows)

PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition is a powerful personal free firewall for Microsoft Windows that protects your computer from hackers and intruders.
Firewalls control the network traffic in and out of your PC by monitoring applications that connect to the network. Firewall Plus can stop Trojans, backdoors, and keyloggers from damaging your computer and stealing your private information.
PC Tools Firewall Plus is advanced technology designed specially for people, not experts.  Powerful prevention against attacks and known exploits is activated by default and advanced users can also easily create their own packet filtering rules to customise the network defences.  The programme is recommended for use together with AntiSpyware and Antivirus software (such as AVG or Spyware Doctor) to protect your PC against Spyware, hackers, worms and viruses.  Version 4 improves leak test protection.  Download Link...

RogueRemover Free 1.24

[Anti-spyware] With a huge choice of security software available for download – how do you know which is genuine and which is posing as, say, an anti-spyware application while surreptitiously installing its own Trojans, etc?
RogueRemover is a utility that can remove various rogue anti-spyware, anti-virus and hard drive cleaning utilities. Rogue applications are applications that rather than remove spyware, provide false positives, distribute malware or spyware, advertise, or provide useless uninstallers. The main point is that rogue applications are useless and eat up system resources.
RogueRemover has the ability to completely remove WinAntiSpyware/WinAntiVirus, SpyAxe, VirusBlast, VirusBursters and many more. Download Link...

RemoveAny 2.8.9

RemoveAny finds and removes spyware, adware, Trojan horses, key-loggers, backdoors, rootkits, etc.,  from your computer. This Windows^® application recognises malicious software by watching for suspicious behaviour, not by searching for known signatures. It has constant protection that is always up-to-date without requiring signature updates. (Review by ZDNet). Download Link...

Spybot Search and Destroy 1.6.2

[Anti-spyware] Perhaps the most complete freeware tool. This not only sniffs out and removes any hidden fiends, it can also immunise your system against over 400 different spies.
Regularly updated data files help keep you protected, and the package even supports over 30 languages. This link is to the CNET Networks Download.com server.  Download Link...

Spyware Terminator

[Anti-spyware] Spyware Terminator is an application that will prevent spyware, adware, keyloggers and other types of malicious applications from hijacking the use of your computer. It resides in your system tray and works in real-time to prevent unauthorised programmes from taking over your computer.  Download Link...

Steganos Password Manager 2009 Free

[Central manager for web passwords.] For obvious good reasons, we are constantly nagged to use a different password for every login page - however, remembering each password can be problematic. Move to another PC, where you haven’t previously logged in to the remote secure site, and you might need to remember your username, password and other information, to gain access.
To help to resolve this problem, One option is to store and encrypt your passwords digitally, to protect them from others and then generate passwords which can be carried via a USB stick for use on work computers, laptops and pocket PCs.  Merely insert the USB drive into the computer, then select the site and enter a master password to gain access.
Steganos Password Manager is a centralised password manager that will enable you can keep all of your passwords ‘under lock and key’, take them with you and access them as required.  You may use it to store online form information as well as entering your online passwords. Your information remains completely secure, encrypted so that it cannot be accessed or used by others (unless they get hold of your master password).
Use Steganos Password Manager to keep your passwords with you when you’re away on business, working on the move or for transferring data between work and home computers.   Download Link...

ThreatFire AntiVirus Free Edition 4.7 (Windows)

Traditional antivirus solutions cannot protect you until after they have discovered a new threat and produced a signature to counter it. ThreatFire does not rely on signatures, but, instead, provides behaviour-based protection.
It is designed to be used together with existing antivirus software and fills the gap in protection between antivirus signature updates. ThreatFire protects against major security threats including viruses, worms, trojans, rootkits and even some spyware. Its advanced ActiveDefense technology intelligently analyses the behaviour of processes and programmes on a system and immediately halts any malicious action.  It continuously monitors all activities on your PC at a very low system level and uses a proprietary combination of analytics, risk algorithms, programme histories and tolerance thresholds to identify and shut down threats so that you are always protected, no matter how new the threat.
ThreatFire is easy to use, instantly effective and very light on system resources. Best of all, choose between the advanced Pro version or the Free Edition.Version 4.5 includes on-demand antivirus scanner, new Threat Detection map, System Activity Monitor for viewing detailed process information. (Review: ZDNet.) Download Link...

Trend Micro™ eMail ID

[Anti-spam]  (Manufacturer’s description) A useful browser plug-in that helps you identify legitimate email messages in your inbox.  It uses a two-step check to verify the authenticity of messages from hundreds of major companies, and then displays the result in the “from” area so that you'll know what's real.  This helps you avoid opening and acting on phishing messages attempting to spoof real companies.
Trend Micro eMail ID helps you avoid fake messages and risks associated with them. It also helps you find legitimate messages quickly and gives you the confidence to open and act on those messages.  It complements Trend Protect and other Trend Micro tools and products by operating directly in your email client, helping you have a safer and more productive online experience.
It also enables you to add Truemark icons to your email inbox and open messages to indicate legitimate messages from hundreds of major companies. It operates in a similar fashion across all webmail clients and Outlook Express, so you don’t have to learn a different interface as you check your email in different clients.  Download Link...

Trend Micro™ RUBotted

[Anti-bot] (Manufacturer’s description) Malicious software called Bots can secretly take control of computers and make them participate in networks called “Botnets.”  These networks can harness massive computing power and Internet bandwidth to relay spam, attack web servers, infect more computers and perform other illicit activities.
Security experts believe that millions of computers have already joined Botnets without the knowledge of their owners.  By using remotely-controlled computers, the criminals in charge of the Botnets try to remain anonymous and elude authorities seeking to prosecute them.
RUBotted monitors your computer for suspicious activities and regularly checks with an online service to identify behaviour associated with Bots. Upon discovering a potential infection, RUBotted prompts you to scan and clean your computer.
To use RUBotted, just make sure that your computer has a working Internet connection.  If your computer connects to the Internet through a home network, RUBotted can use your current network settings automatically. If your computer connects to the Internet through a proxy server, then click Settings on the main screen of RUBotted to specify the proxy server settings.
If a Bot infects your computer, the RUBotted system tray icon changes to alert you.  Because Bots are typically computer worms (malicious software that can propagate from one computer to another), you must scan and clean your computer with an effective antivirus program to remove them.
If you have an antivirus program installed, download the latest update and scan your computer. To scan and clean your computer for free, visit HouseCall online. (Note: RUBotted cannot protect computers running Panda Internet Security 2008.) Download Link...

Webroot Desktop Firewall

[Firewall] Critical Online Security
In this day and age, sophisticated PC security is required, including antivirus, antispyware and firewall protection.  Webroot Desktop Firewall provides the critical protection you need to keep your PC safe from unauthorised access.
Webroot Desktop Firewall is an integrated desktop firewall and multi-layer intrusion prevention software solution which helps protect against identity and data theft, hackers, and other types of unauthorised access to your PC.  Its multiple layers of security include desktop firewall, port manager, URL filter, process monitor, and application/system anomaly detection.  This layered approach to firewall defence and intrusion prevention addresses the Windows vulnerabilities that hackers exploit to gain unauthorised system access and steal private information. Combined with Webroot’s intuitive interface, Webroot Desktop Firewall delivers powerful protection that is easy to use.
Makes your computer invisible on the Internet
Hackers won't see you because Webroot Desktop Firewall cloaks your computer's identity or IP address on the Internet, making it invisible to others and reducing the risk of intrusion or attack.
Monitors and protects all Internet traffic to and from your computer
Webroot Desktop Firewal monitors all Internet traffic to and from your PC and blocks harmful or suspicious activity.  It even prevents trusted applications from being "hijacked" to steal personal files.  Windows Firewall only monitors traffic into your PC leaving you exposed if a Trojan or BOT is already operating on your machine.
Learning Firewall means fewer interruptions during PC use
Webroot Desktop Firewall doesn't bother you with a lot of pop up screens during configuration. It "learns" what normal application or connection activity occurs on your PC and alerts you to unusual or suspicious behaviour. You can define additional rules for specific applications or connection types if you choose.
Powerful security that's easy to use
Most users won't need to interact with the programme very much because Webroot Desktop Firewall works silently in the background and only alerts you when attention is needed. If action is required, you don't have to be a security expert to respond. Webroot Desktop Firewall's intuitive interface is easy to understand and provides instant access to important information.
Windows Vista compatible
Webroot Desktop Firewall is fully compatible with the Windows Vista operating system.  It provides superior protection to the basic firewall features found in Windows XP and Vista, and will not cause conflicts with those features.  In addition, Webroot's firewall technology is fully integrated with the Windows Security Centre for added convenience.
Key Product Features: Stealth Mode Feature; Email Protection; Advanced Packet Filtering; Malicious Process Blocking; System Anomaly Intelligence; Port Monitoring and Blocking; Custom Protection Profiles; PC Lockdown; File and Printer Sharing; Comprehensive Internet Activity Log.
Webroot Desktop Firewall 5.5 was previously a commercial-grade software firewall that is now available for free. It’s superb for installing on your home computer, but it only ships with a free license for 1 PC and for personal-use only. Note that you must register through Webroot in order to obtain your serial code to use Desktop Firewall.  If you already own Webroot Spy Sweeper, and it’s installed on your machine, Desktop Firewall will not need a separate serial code. Download Link...

Windows Update

It is essential to update your Windows operating system on a regular basis.  This is a link to Microsoft’s update site: Site Link...

Windows Vista Service Pack 1

We provide links here to SP1 downloads for both the the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista. While there isn’t a host of new features to get excited about, this update includes security improvements and, for example, significantly improves the speed of file transfers (by up to 50%).  Emerging and recent technologies are supported (e.g., the wireless 802.11n standard is included by default in SP1). The combination of updates and fixes is worth downloading by Vista users - as productivity should be improved and there should be a slight speed gain.  Download Link... (Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Five Language Standalone - KB936330 - Download size: 434.5 Mb);  Download Link... (Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Five Language Standalone for x64-based Systems - KB936330 - Download size: 726.5 Mb).
Please note that if you visit ‘Windows Update’ (see above) and if SP1 appears as an update option - the download size of Windows Vista SP1 for x86 is 65 Mb and for 64-bit it’s 125 Mb.

ZoneAlarm

[Firewall] ZoneAlarm is probably the most well-known of firewalls - as it's free for personal use - because it's effective and very simple to use.
Its main appeal stems from the fact that you can install it and forget about it, yet be securely protected from outside intrusions or attacks.
Wizards make the installation as painless as possible, and ZoneAlarm will remember your preferences once specified.
In other words, give permission for a programme to access the internet and it will always allow it access in the future (unless you specify otherwise, of course).
When in Stealth Mode, ZoneAlarm renders your PC invisible on the internet, increasing your security and privacy.
The latest ZoneAlarm 7 contains a major update to the firewall engine, including support for malware blocking capabilities, an auto-learn feature and better protection against sophisticated threats
Note that this is the basic and free version.  Download Link...

Browsers

Deepnet Explorer 1.5.3

Deepnet Explorer is another browser based on the Internet Explorer rendering engine, however, unlike many others, it offers some unique features.
Most interesting of these is its integrated RSS reader, which allows access to all the news stories from your favourite websites (look out for the RSS/XML logos on sites).
Also of note is the integrated P2P tool which connects to the Gnutella network and lets you download and share files with thousands of users. It's very easy to use, and anyone familiar with P2P will have no problems with it.
Other standard features include the essential tabbed browsing, popup blocker, auto form and password completion (optional), and integrated searches with XPSN, Google, Yahoo and MSN.
Page rendering speeds are good, and you have a great deal of control over which elements of a page to load - images, video, sounds, scripts, applets etc - which all helps to keep your PC secure.
It also claims to be much more secure than Internet Explorer which, given that it doesn't utilise any of IE's application shell, seems likely. Download Link...

Internet Explorer 8

The brand new version of Internet Explorer ships with a new and enhanced user-interface, supporting tabbed browser amongst other features. Security has been enhanced so that it protects against malicious software, the theft of personal data (through online phishing sites). Other improvements include better and more modern support for CSS and general web design.
Many people were worried about using Internet Explorer 6 for secure web browsing. Tons of additional security features are to be found in the latest release. You can opt out of ActiveX controls, you're presented with an extensive security status bar so you can see exactly if the web site is secure, you now have the facility to quickly delete your surfing history (so other people can't see what sites you've previously visited) and parental controls to stop access to particular websites.
Despite the above, many people have experienced problems using this latest incarnation and have uninstalled it.  Download Link...

Mozilla Firefox 3.6.3

The version 2.0 release of Firefox - while perfectly fine - hardly set the pulse racing. It must be admitted, however, that there isn’t really all that much to become excited about regarding a web browser.  This is the full, final release of Version 3.0 (at last!).
Some of the features included with this latest major release are: Personal - Library, Tags, Smart Location Bar, One-Click Bookmarking, Smart Bookmark Folders; Security & Privacy - Instant Web Site ID, Anti-Malware, Parental Controls, Clear Private Data, Anti-Virus Software (Windows only), Customised Security Settings, Add-ons, Automated Update, Anti-Phishing, Password Manager, Pop-Up Blocker; Customisation - Add-ons Manager, Browser Look & Feel, Beyond Add-ons, Over 5,000 ways to customise; Productivity - Platform-Native Look & Feel, Feed Reader, Download Manager, Spell Checking, Session Restore, Full Zoom, Image Loading; Search - Smart Keywords, Search Suggestions, Integrated Web Search, Hundreds of Search Engines, Find; Tabs - Save on Exit, Tabs, Re-open Closed Tabs, Drag & Re-order Tabs, Smooth Scrolling;  Universal Access - Universal Customisation, The Language of Firefox, Emphasis on Accessibility, Improved Text Rendering; Performance - Improved Memory Management, Smaller Memory Footprint, Faster Page Load, Faster JavaScript, Graphics Engine Improvements; Standards - Advanced Graphics, Online Application Support, Colour Profile Support, Support for Advanced Web Technologies, Offline Browsing.
You can download other language editions of the Windows Firefox 3.0, as well as Linux and Mac OS X versions from the Mozilla website.  Download Link...

Opera 10.53

Since the release of Opera 9 earlier this year, Opera has been working hard fixing little bugs, making minor improvements and turning Opera into a serious rival to Internet Explorer. Now at 9.5, it's worth downloading if you've not used this browser before.
The new speed dial feature is a new view in new tabs. It shows live thumbnails of up to nine websites. Click on one to open the site, or enter a new address as normal. It's certainly more useful than a blank tab.
Opera also supports BitTorrent downloads. These type of downloads make best use of available bandwidth by splitting files up and downloading the different bits from several locations at the same time. The principle of the system is that files downloaded onto your computer should be accessible to others but Opera can turn this off to conserve bandwidth quotas.
An improved content blocker allows individual elements of a webpage to be blocked to avoid adverts. The pop up blocker has also been improved.
Widgets are small programmes for showing news feeds or other information, some of which can be taken from the web. They are accessed with a single keypress and are written by the Opera community rather than the company itself.
The tabbed browsing has also been improved with a small preview of the webpages.
The ability to make a Google search from the address bar is still present but it is now possible to create customised shortcuts.
Additionally, Opera 9.5 contains a number of fixes and new features, including a fraud detection module to protect against phishing websites. Download Link...

File Management

7-Zip

7-Zip, by Igor Pavlov, is a file archiver with a high compression ratio and is open source software. 7-Zip may freely be used on any computer, including a computer in a commercial organisation. It’s not necessary to register or pay for 7-Zip - however, donations would be appreciated in support of further development of 7-Zip.  Main Features: sHigh compression ratio in new 7z format with LZMA compression; sPacks and unpacks 7z (a new archive format - providing a very high compression ratio), ZIP, GZIP, BZIP2 and TAR formats; sUnpacks RAR, CAB, ISO, ARJ, LZH, CHM, MSI, WIM, Z, CPIO, RPM, DEB and NSIS formats; sFor ZIP and GZIP formats, 7-Zip provides a compression ratio that is 2-10 % better than the ratio provided by PKZip and WinZip; sSelf-extracting capability for 7z format; sIntegration with Windows Shell; sPowerful File Manager; sPowerful command line version; sPlugin for FAR Manager; sLocalisations for 69 languages.  7-Zip works in Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista.  There is a port of the command line version to Linux/Unix.  Download Link... (SourceForge.net.)

Recover Files 2.1

(Overview from ZDNet)  Recover Files is an award winning program that can undelete / recover deleted files after they have been deleted.  Recover Files is professional file recovery software that allows its user to recover accidentally deleted files.  Even files removed from the Recycle Bin, network drive, compact flash card, portable devices, in a DOS window or from Windows Explorer with the SHIFT key held down.  Recover Files is small, fast, useful, practical and powerful.  It has a clean, simple interface. Recover Files will work with Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000, XP, 2003 and Vista operating systems.  It can be used to recover deleted files from all NTFS and FAT partitions.  The program supports all Windows file systems for hard and floppy drives including FAT12/16/32, NTFS/NTFS5 and image recovery from CompactFlash, SmartMedia, MultiMedia and Secure Digital cards. Recover Files quickly and effectively restore all those files that you may have deleted by mistake.  Download Link...

Recuva

Recuva (pronounced "recover") is a freeware Windows utility to restore files that have been accidentally deleted from your computer.  This includes files emptied from the Recycle bin as well as images and other files that have been deleted by user error from digital camera memory cards or MP3 players. It will even bring back files that have been deleted by bugs, crashes and viruses! sSimple to use interface - just click 'Scan' and choose the files you want to recover; sEasy to use filter for results based on file name/type; sSimple Windows-like interface with List and Tree view; sCan be run from a USB thumb drive; sRestores all types of files, office documents, images, video, music, email, anything; sSupports FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, NTFS5 , NTFS + EFS file systems; sRestores files from removable media (SmartMedia, Secure Digital, MemoryStick, Digital cameras, Floppy disks, Jaz Disks, Sony Memory Sticks, Compact Flash cards, Smart Media Cards, Secure Digital Cards, etc.); sRestores files from external ZIP drives, Firewire and USB Hard drives; sIt's fast, tiny and takes seconds to run!  Download Link...

TUGZip

TUGZip, by Christian Kindahl,  is a powerful award-winning freeware archiving utility for Windows^® that provides support for a wide range of compressed, encoded and disc-image files, as well as very powerful features; all through an easy to use application interface and Windows Explorer integration. sSupports ZIP, 7-ZIP, A, ACE, ARC, ARJ, BH, BZ2, CAB, CPIO, DEB, GCA, GZ, IMP, JAR, LHA (LZH), LIB, RAR, RPM, SQX, TAR, TGZ, TBZ, TAZ, YZ1 and ZOO archives.  sSupports BIN, C2D, IMG, ISO and NRG disc-images. sSupport for external plugins.  sWindows^® shell integration, e.g. drag & drop, shell context menu and drop handlers.  sCreate 7-ZIP, BH, BZ2, CAB, JAR, LHA (LZH), SQX, TAR, TGZ, YZ1 and ZIP archives. sScript support which allows you to make automated backups.  sBasic features like: add, extract, delete, rename, run, view, checkout, install, test, comment, SFX, virus-scanning, disk-spanning and much more.  sRepair corrupted ZIP and SQX archives.  sCan extract multiple archives at once using Multi Extract. sEncrypt archives using 6 different algorithms. Blowfish (128-bit), DES (56-bit), Triple DES (168-bit) and Rijndael (128-bit, 192-bit and 256-bit). sCreate self-extracting encrypted archives. sAutomatic updates using the "Web Update" function. Download Link...

WinRar

RAR files have several advantages over Zip files and WinRAR is a powerful program for handling them. Creating a RAR file takes longer, but the compression is significantly better.  An 870Kb file compressed as a Zip file reduces to 843Kb, yet compressing it using the RAR format lowers it to a tiny 460Kb.
The RAR format also supports multi-volume compression, allowing a large file to be split.  A recovery record feature allows corrupt files to be accessed to salvage damaged data. Files can be locked to prevent accidental tampering and files of up to a massive 8,589,934,591Gb can be handled compared to 4Gb for a Zip file.
The included ‘Wizards’ will help beginners to create and unpack files, while advanced users have access to a raft of features, such as the importing/exporting of file settings, file protection and archive conversion to SFX. WinRAR supports all of the other common compression formats (RAR, ZIP, CAB, ARJ, LZH, ACE, TAR, GZip, UUE, ISO, BZIP2, Z and 7-Zip). Download Link... (Trial version.)

WinZip

WinZip, the original and most popular compression utility for Windows, is a powerful and easy-to-use tool that quickly zips and unzips your files to conserve disk space and greatly reduce e-mail transmission time. WinZip offers a thumbnail image view and automatic compression selection, plus improved compression for audio files (WAV) and the ability to open .BZ2 and .RAR files. This link is to the CNET Networks Download.com server. Download Link... (Evaluation version.)

ZipGenius Suite

ZipGenius is compression software able to archive files withiin several compressed formats.  It can create and handle several archive formats, including ZIP, RAR, CAB, ACE, 7-zip, ARC, SQX; also, it can read and decompress CD/DVD images in ISO9660 format (.ISO, .NRG, .CMI).
ZipGenius is also a perfect companion for digital photography amateurs and professionals because it can acquire pictures from a TWAIN device.  Moreover, ZipGenius allows you to preview pictures in a compressed archive as thumbnails, because the component is fully integrated with Windows shell.
ZipGenius offers advanced data protection systems because it doesn’t rely only upon the default password protection system offered by certain archive types, like zip, but it can make encrypted zip files (CZIP) using the best encryption algorithms currently available: BlowFish, TwoFish and Rijndael (AES).  If people need to share encrypted zip files with other people not using ZipGenius, they can convert standard CZIP files into executable CZIP files, that can decrypt themselves so people don’t need to install ZipGenius to perform this simple task.
ZipGenius has a completely customisable interface through skins that can change the look of ZipGenius sidebar, icons in the toolbar and the font type and colour of the file list. (Software publisher’s description.)  This link is to the CNET Networks Download.com server.  Download Link...

Image Editing & Management

Irfanview 4.27

Irfanview (wrtten by Irfan Skiljan from Jajce, Bosnia) is a powerful image viewer and editor with an amazing variety of features (especially so, for free software).  It supports a vast array of graphics file formats and provides the user with the facility for a fair amount of manipulation.  Examples of included effects are blur, emboss, oil paint, edge detection, explosion and pixellise; the colour enhancement option allows the adjustment of red, green and blue levels together with brightness and contrast. Resolution and sharpening adjustments are also included.  Obscure formats - such as those native to Sun and SGI (Silicon Graphics) platforms, and bitmaps for mobiles - require additional plug-ins (these, too, are free downloads, however).
This free software gives the user: sMulti language support sThumbnail/preview option sPaint option - to draw lines, circles, arrows, straighten image, etc. sToolbar skins option sSlideshow (save slideshow as EXE/SCR or burn it to CD) sShow EXIF/IPTC/Comment text in Slideshow/Fullscreen, etc. sSupport for Adobe Photoshop Filters sFast directory view (moving through directory) sBatch conversion (with image processing) sMultipage TIF editing sFile search sEmail option sMultimedia player sPrint option sSupport for embedded colour profiles in JPG/TIF sChange colour depth sScan (batch scan) support sCut/crop sIPTC editing sEffects (Sharpen, Blur, Adobe 8BF, Filter Factory, Filters Unlimited, etc.) sCapturing sExtract icons from EXE/DLL/ICLs sLossless JPG rotation sMany hotkeys sMany command line options sOnly one EXE-File, no DLLs, no Shareware messages like "I Agree" or "Evaluation expired" - plus many other features.
IrfanView is provided as freeware, but only for private, non-commercial use (that means at home).  IrfanView is free for educational use (schools, universities and libraries) and for use in charity or humanitarian organisations. If you intend to use IrfanView at your place of business or for commercial purposes, please register and purchase it. Download Link...

PhotoFiltre 6.4

Written by Antonio Da Cruz, PhotoFiltre is a superb free for non-commercial use image and photo editor.  The programme will enable you touchup your digital photos, add effects to images and quickly edit and grab sections of photos; it will handle your scanning and other image importing duties.
The application is presented with a well-designed interface and professional toolbar.  Photoshop users like to use their favourite image editor as they’re used to the various key shortcuts, functions and macros that they’ve already set up, however, loading large-scale image editors is overkill if you simply want to edit a basic image - and this is where PhotoFiltre scores.  Download Link... Help files (by John  Corliss, July 2004) may be downloaded here (this is in the form of a zip file - extract its contents into the installation directory of PhotoFiltre. Place them in the same directory as the PhotoFiltre.exe programme. PhotoFiltre will use the first PLG [language file] it finds in alphabetical order). Antonio Da Cruz website link.

The GIMP 2.6

The GIMP is a free, powerful image editor/illustration package which can compete with many professional applications such as Photoshop Elements. It is, however, somewhat lacking in terms of its user interface. When the application is launched, the user is presented with 4 different floating windows tools: Tools - Tool Options - Brushes - Layers, Channels and Paths; annoyingly, each image the user wishes to create or edit needs to be opened in another window - and none of them are connected. This can quickly result in the user being almost overwhelmed with a screen-full of windows and, perhaps, confused about what is going on.  It has to be said that the makers of the GIMP could learn a lot from studying other image editors; the programme involves the user in having to climb a steep learning curve.
On a more positive note, the programme supports more file formats than virtually any other image editor, has all of the expected features, some rather unusual brushes and can make use of Photoshop plugins. GIMP 2.4 contains a refreshed user-interface, scalable brushes, selection tools, improved zooming and more.
You will need to install GTK+ 2.4 (GIMP Tool Kit) before you can install The GIMP (click here).
Download Link...

XnView - 1.97.4

XnView is a programme for viewing and converting graphics files, in addition to being a very complete image capturing tool.  The software supports a broad range of formats and languages - and is free. XnView can view around 400 different kinds of image and convert into 50 different formats; it is capable of renaming batches of images.  Programme features/capabilities: sChange the size sAdjust brightness, luminosity sModify the number of colours sApply filters and effects sSlides sImage search sBatch conversion sCreate thumbnails sScreen capture sVideo capture. This version includes programming fixes, several internal changes, the “EXIF” tab aggregate in the browser, adding APNG read support and improving Hotkeys.  Download Link...

Internet Tools & Utilities

Speed Meter Pro 1.3

(Manufacturer’s description)  Speed Meter Pro is a free bandwidth meter that lets the user easily track the overall bandwidth use and the bandwidth usage of each computer and device on a home network. It includes a variety of colour-coded charts that display bandwidth usage in real-time.  It also logs bandwidth use and provides reports of how much bandwidth was used by each device on a network. Speed Meter Pro provides ongoing reporting of download and upload rates and also the maximum rates achieved.  In addition to being able to see bandwidth use visually, this free tool is useful for testing to see if speeds are as promised by the Internet provider or for diagnosing why Internet speed feels slow. The download link is to the CNET Networks Download.com server. Download Link...

Monitoring

K9 Web Protection

(Manufacturer’s description)  K9 Web Protection 3.2 is easy-to-use Parental Control and Internet filtering software that helps parents protect their children online. K9 Web Protection has the ability to block adult, porn and other offensive content, prevent spyware infections and monitor visited sites on any Internet access connection (AOL, MSN, Yahoo, Earthlink). Based on commercial-grade Web filtering controls from Blue Coat Systems, K9 Web Protection is unique among content filters and it is free for home use. K9 can be configured as a porn blocker, a spyware stopper, a gambling filter or various other configurations based on over 55 Web categories.
Version 4.0.288 adds HTTPS filtering and expanded safe search capability.  The download link is to the CNET Networks Download.com server (latest version supports Windows 7).  Download Link...

Office Applications

Chandler 1.0 RC1

[vnunet review] Collaboration between employees is a route to success  Planning meetings, meeting schedules, scheduling events and even sharing contact information, is a way of enabling your employees to make sure that they know what they and other people within the organisation are planning.
As many employees are now working outside of the main organisation, or simply outside the head office, collaboration is even more important.  Everyone needs to know where they should be and at what time.
The use of different operating systems can make collaboration a real headache. Many organisations use Exchange Server or Lotus Notes, but there’s no Mac Lotus (yet!) and few Mac applications will support Exchange.  The Mac Office 2008 will enable further collaboration and so will iCal 3, within Leopard.   This will support the open CalDav standard, supported by most organisations, apart from Microsoft.
The option is to consider opensource software, such as the forthcoming Chandler Project, which is a personal information manager (PIM) designed to work irrespective of platform. It can be used across a Windows, Mac or Linux operating system.  The desktop application may be used to store meetings, tasks, notes and more -  then the information may be shared with other users via the organisation’s server.
Moreover, the Chandler Project can supply a hosting service that enables the setup of an online account and the sharing of a calendar and other information, online, with other users who have been offered access.  This means that, irrespective of a user’s location, the user can share, invite and include other users in any plans.
Verdict: Superb potential for sharing calendar, tasks, meetings and other info across different platforms
Download Link...

doPDF 7.1

Free PDF converter for both personal and commercial use. Using doPDF you can create searchable PDF files by selecting the "Print" command from virtually any application. With one click you can convert your Microsoft Excel, Word or PowerPoint documents or your emails and favourite web sites to PDF files.
doPDF installs itself as a virtual printer driver so after a successful installation will appear in your Printers and Faxes list. To create PDF files, you just have to print your documents to the doPDF pdf converter. Open a document (with Microsoft Word, WordPad, NotePad or any other software), choose Print and select doPDF. It will ask you where to save the PDF file and, when finished, the PDF file will be automatically opened in your default PDF viewer.
Note that this free PDF tool does not use Ghostscript. The license will also enable you to produce PDFs for both personal and commercial use.  Download Link...

EssentialPIM Free 3.5.3

EssentialPIM Free is the award-winning, absolutely free, personal information manager. Supported by a large community of users, EssentialPIM has been widely acknowledged as the best personal information management system on any desktop.  This powerful tool is not ‘bloat ware’ and contains no spyware or adware.
EssentialPIM is a multilingual personal information manager, with a simple, very usable and extremely functional interface - which includes three components: a calendar, note taker and contact manager.
The Calendar comes with day, week, month and year views, reminders and repeat options. The Notes component includes all the usual formatting options (bold, italics etc) along with the ability to insert images or tables.  The Contacts element lets you store work and personal details for individuals, together with IM details, images and birthdays.
If you use Outlook or Outlook Express, you can import existing data directly into EssentialPIM.  Data can also be exported in HTML, RT, CSV and TXT formats.  Multiple databases can be created, so you can have separate PIMs for work and home - or for each family member. For security, each database can be password-protected and encrypted.  This is a major (2.5) release of EssentialPIM that now enables you to synchronise your calendar with Windows Mobile 5.x and smartphones, two-way Google synchronisation, a sticky notes option to post your 'to do' notes to your desktop and many other improvements and fixes. Download Link...

OpenOffice 3.2

OpenOffice is a fully-fledged office application suite, complete with a word processor, spreadsheet and presentation graphics programme.
OpenOffice will be more familiar to some people as Sun Microsystems' StarOffice, which until recently was a free download.
With the launch of StarOffice 6, Sun changed its policy: the full office application suite would now cost (a still very reasonable) £50, while this completely free version is available to download.
Both share the same source code, with a few differences. OpenOffice does not include the StarOffice Adabas D database, certain fonts (especially Asian language ones), some templates and certain file filters.
This is because Sun pays to license third-party code in StarOffice which it doesn't have permission to give away in OpenOffice.
Still, you do get a fully featured word processor, spreadsheet and presentation graphics programme that are all compatible with Microsoft Office, along with an HTML editor, a maths and a drawing package.
A wealth of new features have been added in version 2.0, including the adoption of the OASIS OpenDocument XML format as the default file format, plus full and enhanced support for Windows Vista.
Also of note is enhanced PDF support, support for nested tables and more flexible floating toolbars. Download Link...

OxygenOffice Pro 3.11

OpenOffice is a very capable office suite but it does lack some of the multimedia elements of some alternatives such as clip art.
OxygenOffice Professional redresses this balance with a large collection of extras including clip art, sample documents and templates. A collection of more than 90 fonts is also installed.
As clip art and templates are one of the selling points of StarOffice over OpenOffice, this is a very attractive download.
The rest of OpenOffice is included, with the word processor, spreadsheet, presentation and drawing software. OpenOffice has its own file format but is also compatible with most of the features in Microsoft Office files.
Note that this download links directly to the Sourceforge 'OxygenOffice Professional - Office Suite' download page. From here, choose the architecture and type from the list - for most Windows-users this will be  OOo_2.3.1_071211_Win32Intel_install.exe Mirror. File size: 214Mb.  Download Link...

Swiff Point Player 2.1

This is a small Add-In for Microsoft PowerPoint, which lets you easily insert Flash movies into PowerPoint presentations. Judicious use of the odd Flash movie might help overcome your audience’s sense of horror at having to endure yet another ‘death by PowerPoint’ presentation.
The programme is a great companion to Swiff Chart, which can be used to create Flash graphs and charts.
Swiff Point Player is easy to use: simply operate PowerPoint as normal and when you wish to add a Flash movie, use the Insert menu and select 'Flash Movie'.
Once inserted the movie can be scaled to your needs. That's all there is to it.
Note: Swiff Point Player doesn't support Microsoft PowerPoint 97 or earlier versions.  Download Link...

WordFusion Free

(Software publisher’s description)  WordFusion is a fast, reliable and flexible platform that enables you to produce accurate, professional documents.  Today’s organisations need to generate high value and high volume content. This sort of content generation is known as Document Automation - or Document Assembly - and is prevalent in many industries, communicating trade confirmations, insurance renewals and other information that requires fast, highly personalised or compliant correspondence.  Recent research has identified how document automation technologies can affect the compliance, volume and personalisation demands of document creation today.
Currently, many information workers create documents via manual inefficient processes. Because of the difficulty of extracting and reusing information from these documents information workers often must re-type information leading to inconsistencies or errors in layout and content.
WordFusion was designed to address these customer needs. It automates the document production process by using rules and questions created by a “Designer” it can determine the content and final layout based on the information collected from the “User” creating the document. It can produce a document from conditional sections, tables, multiple data sources and use various other formatting options in a process called document automation.  The download link is to the vnunet.com downloads server.  Download Link...

Optical Storage Utilities/Players

AVS Disc Creator 3.3

AVS Disc Creator 2.1 is a full disc burning solution and one that supports the latest Blu-ray standard in addition to other standard burning solutions in its extended list of supported disc types (CD-R/RW, DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW, DVD-RAM, DVD+/R, Double/Dual Layer). It also includes a disc image feature, enabling the user to easily create disc images (ISO files) and edit or directly burn disc images on more CDs or even DVDs - as often as required - removing or adding files and folders from/to images at any time.
It supports multi-session for easy management of multiple backups to one disc, the facility to import a new session, add or delete new files and folders from the existing burning session or edit it - irrespective of what software was previously used to author a writeable disc. AVS Disc Creator 2.1 can be used to simplify and automate everyday burning routines.  Save compilations as projects, so that they can be recorded later from the hard disc drive.
The specifically designed burning engine allows the burning of data at the highest speed possible. The user simply needs to choose the burn preference that suits his/her needs, using the burn speed option.  Another convenient feature is the Disc Size meter that indicates the free space available on the media inserted. Download Link...

AVS DVD Player 2.4.2.125

This free DVD player (file size: 23.9 Mb) is a compact and easy-to-use programme with a simple user-friendly interface allowing the user to start watching DVD movies with no additional software.  AVS DVD Player includes support for a very wide variety of video formats - apart from regular DVD (PAL, NTSC, VCD, SVCD) formats, also supported are: the entire range of MPEG4 (including DivX, XviD, etc.), MPEG1, MPEG2, AVI, Real Media video, Quick Time files, WMV files (including WMV-HD), H.263, H.264, mobile video formats (3GP, 3GP2, MP4).  This strong compatibility makes AVS DVD Player a universal player.
With the inbuilt Surround Effect, a unique development of AVS software engineers, regular stereo movies can be watched with enhanced audio quality and imitated Multichannel surround sound (3.1, 5.1, 7.1 speaker configurations are supported). The player features easy and fast navigation, using sets of bookmarks, interactive chapter interface, ability to manage bookmarks and adjust access settings. It has the ability to select between several audio tracks and subtitle files - plus support for multiple languages.
AVS DVD Player has a complete set of essential features, including: selection of the view angle (if available on a particular DVD), support for various video sources (HDD, portable media, LAN), automatically adjusted Aspect Ratio, one-click switch to full-screen mode, menu options available at a single mouse click, skinable interface, etc.  Download Link...

BurnAware Free Edition

BurnAware allows you to easily perform the most common disc burning operations: write to all CD/DVD media types, including Blu-Ray (BD-R/BD-RE); create and burn disc images; write multi-session discs; verify the integrity of files; burn your compilations directly on optical media, without having to wait for hard drive staging first and much more. Its proprietary burning algorithm provides the highest level or fault-tolerance, error-free burning and data integrity.
BurnAware Free Edition has a modern interface and supports Windows NT/2000/XP and Vista (32 and 64 bit). The application is free and contains absolutely no adware or annoying banners.
Features: sWrites to all CD/DVD media types including Blu-Ray (BD-R/BD-RE) sWrites discs from disc images sWrites DVDs from DVD-Video files sWrites Audio CDs from WAV, MP3, or WMA files sCreates disc images sSupports all current hardware interfaces sOn-the-fly writing for all image types sWrites Multi-Session to all supported media formats sAuto-verification of written files sSupports unicode for multi-byte languages sClean, flexible, easy to use interface sSupports Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista (32 and 64 Bit) sAbsolutely FREE. No spyware, no adware, no banners.  Manufactured by the GloryLogic Software Company.  Download Link...

CDBurnerXP

CDBurnerXP is a free application for burning CDs and DVDs - including Blu-Ray and HD-DVDs. It includes a feature to burn and create ISOs and a  multilanguage interface.  Everyone, including companies, may use it for free.  The programme is free of adware or similar malicious components.
Key features: burn all kinds of discs saudio-CDs with or without gaps between tracks sburn and create ISO files
sdata verification after burning process screate bootable discs smulti-language interface sbin/nrg → ISO converter, simple cover printing and much more! sOperating Systems: Windows 2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista.  Full list of features here.  Manufacturer’s: Stefan and Fredrik Haglund, Florian Schmitz.  Download Link...

FinalBurner 1.23

FinalBurner is a freeware alternative to expensive CD and DVD burners (which can also create an ISO image of a disc). This 8 Mb application enables you to create data, audio, DVD disks and burn them onto any type of media, such as CD R/RW, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD DL.  Final Burner (although it combines all the elements of a professional CD recorder, delivered with a convenient user interface that pleases the eye) is designed without any extraneous features and restricts the complex process of CD recording to a few mouse clicks.
FinalBurner enables the user to produce high quality output ‘on the fly’ without any deep knowledge of CD recording technologies and power users will benefit from the opportunity to be in full control of many settings that affect the burning process and the quality of the result.
Depending on the project type (audio, video, etc.), the user clicks on the appropriate tab and opens its window - where the project is displayed as a folder tree. Then, using the built-in explorer, the user may add a file, or several files, to the project, select the drive, the writing speed - and start the burning process.  While the recording is in progress, the user can view its current status at the bottom of the window.  The download link is to the manufacturer’s (ProtectedSoft) FinalBurner download page which displays three versions - one of which is free. Download Link...

ImgBurn 2.5 (for Windows)

ImgBurn is a lightweight CD/DVD/ HD DVD/Blu-ray burning application. It has several 'Modes', each one for performing a different task. For example: Read - Read a disc to an image file; Build - Create an image file from files on your computer or network - or you can write the files directly to a disc; Write - Write an image file to a disc; Verify - Check a disc is 100% readable.  Optionally, you can also have ImgBurn compare it against a given image file to ensure the actual data is correct; Discovery - Used in combination with DVDInfoPro, you can check the quality of the burns your drive is producing.
ImgBurn supports a wide range of image file formats - including BIN, CUE, DI, DVD, GI, IMG, ISO, MDS, NRG and PDI - and can burn Audio CD's from any file type supported via DirectShow/ACM - including AAC, APE, FLAC, M4A, MP3, MP4, MPC, OGG, PCM, WAV, WMA and WV. It may be used to build DVD Video discs (from a VIDEO_TS folder), HD DVD Video discs (from a HVDVD_TS folder) and Blu-ray Video discs (from a BDAV/BDMV folder) with ease - and it supports Unicode folder/file names, so you shouldn't run in to any problems if you are using an international character set.
ImgBurn supports all the Windows Operating Systems - Windows 95, 98, Me, NT4, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 2008 and 7 (including all the 64-bit versions).  If you use Wine, it should also run on Linux and other x86-based Unixes.
The application is very flexible, with several advanced features that are often lacking in other tools, especially when it comes to burning DVD Video discs.  It supports all the latest drives without the need for updates (including booktype/bitsetting/advanced settings on many of the major ones - i.e., BenQ, LiteOn, LG, NEC, Plextor, Samsung, Sony).
There is an image queue system for when you are burning several images (which you can automatically share between multiple drives if you have more than one) and an easy-to-use layer break selection screen for double layer DVD Video jobs.  The Automatic Write Speed feature allows you store your favourite burn speed settings on a per 'Media ID' basis, right down to a drive by drive level. Data captured during the burn (write speed, buffer levels etc) can be displayed/analysed using DVDInfoPro.
While this software is entirely free, with ‘no strings attached’ - donations are appreciated.  Download Link...

InfraRecorder

(Manufacturer’s description)  InfraRecorder is a free CD/DVD burning solution for Microsoft Windows.  It offers a wide range of powerful features; all through an easy to use application interface and Windows Explorer integration. InfraRecorder is released under GPL version 2.
Features: sCreate custom data, audio and mixed-mode projects and record them to physical discs as well as disc images. sSupports recording to dual-layer DVDs. sBlank (erase) rewritable discs using four different methods. sRecord disc images (ISO and BIN/CUE).  sFixate discs (write lead-out information to prevent further data from being added to the disc).  sScan the SCSI/IDE bus for devices and collect information about their capabilities.  sCreate disc copies, on the fly and using a temporary disc image. sImport session data from multi-session discs and add more sessions to them. sDisplay disc information.  sSave audio and data tracks to files (.wav, .wma, .ogg, .mp3 and .iso).
Comments from ZDNet reviewer: “If you don’t have a Nero (OEM or retail) for your CD or DVD burner or some other burner application, Infra recorder is a good free alternative. Not only that, it’s a lot less bloated and it has a small memory footprint.  While Nero has some great functionality, it comes with too many applications and extra features that gunk up the system, though you don’t have to install them all. It won’t let you do simultaneous DVD or CD burning or other advanced things that Nero lets you do, but it does what it does well, and it’s a lot better than what comes with Windows XP or Vista.” (George Ou - TechRepublic.) The download link is to the winAddons.com InfraRecorder page with a download link.  Download Link...

Romeo Burner Lite 2.3

There are a number of up-and-coming free disc burning suites that concentrate on producing the best possible audio, data and video discs. No tricky menus or interfaces to wade through to burn your audio disc, you just grab your audio, set up your playlist and then burn.
Romeo Burner is another disc burning tool that will do everything from extracting audio from your CDs through to burning your own DVD video master.  There are two editions, a free Lite version, which is available to download here, and a commercial version with additional features.  Manufacturer: Romeo Development Group.  Download Link...

StarBurn

StarBurn 9.8 is a powerful tool for grabbing, burning and mastering CD, DVD, Blu-Ray and HD-DVD media. StarBurn supports all types of optical storage media (including CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, BD-R/RE, HD-DVD-R/RW and DVD-RAM) as well as a wide variety of burning hardware.
With StarBurn you can perform grabbing, copying and burning operations as well as advanced DVD authoring and mastering. These advanced features enable you to create DVD-Video content from custom video files, or compilations from other DVDs.  Additionally, with the DVD Splitting Wizard, you can split DVD-Video discs into smaller parts and burn them to DVD writable discs or share them with the StarPort DVD-ROM emulator and watch DVD video directly on your PC. This enables you to create copies of 8.5 GB dual layer DVDs with just a few mouse clicks.
StarBurn is easy to learn and to use.  In addition to advanced DVD authoring and mastering features, StarBurn offers a number of step-by-step wizards for novice users.
StarBurn has a Quick Start Wizard to simplify frequently used operations such as disc copying, grabbing and splitting DVDs.  Download Link...

Winamp Media Player

Winamp is a free multimedia player made by Nullsoft that supports numerous audio and video formats.  It also plays streamed video and audio content, both live and recorded, authored worldwide.  It has an extremely customisable media library, and allows you to rip and burn your favourite music CDs.
Winamp has thousands of skins and plug-ins that allow you to change the look and feel of the player, as well as add new features. The player also has access to thousands of free songs, videos and online radio stations from SHOUTcast Radio and AOL Radio with XM.  Version 5.5 adds a host of new features, including a new integrated user interface (Bento skin), support for album art, improved syncing with portable music players, new dynamic playlists, and an integrated browser for playing MP3 files from the Web. Download Link...

Optimisers & Diagnostics

Auslogics Disk Defrag 3.1

Hard disks are by far the slowest component in your computer.  CPU and memory work much faster than hard disks because they do not have moving parts. Therefore, fragmented disks often become a bottleneck of the system performance.
Besides causing slowdowns, fragmentation makes the disk drive heads move too much when reading files which leads to freeze-ups and system crashes.  It is important to keep your disks defragmented and optimised as much as possible.
Auslogics Disk Defrag was designed to remedy system sluggishness and crashes caused by disk fragmentation. It is optimised to work with today's modern hard disks.  Auslogics Disk Defrag is extremely simple to use, does not require any analysis phase and is faster than most of the other disk defragmentation software.  It will help you get the maximum performance out of your expensive hardware investments - and it's absolutely free.  The latest version includes support for defragmenting removable drives, such as a USB stick and other devices. Other improvements for Vista and general program stability.
The download link is to the CNET Networks Download.com server. Download Link...

Auslogics Registry Cleaner 1.5

Registry repair and optimisation application.  [Software publisher’s description.] “Registry errors can make your computer slow and unstable. While there are many registry cleaners available on the Internet, there are very few registry cleaners which are truly free. Auslogics is proud to offer one of the most popular free registry cleaners for complete Windows registry fix and repair.
We are not asking you for money or for your e-mail.  We hope that if you like our registry cleaner you will want to upgrade to our all-in-one offer Auslogics BoostSpeed.
The quality of this free registry repair software is guaranteed by the long and successful history of Auslogics Software products. This registry cleaner has been part of the award-winning Auslogics BoostSpeed for a few years and is one the most stable and reliable registry repair programs on the Internet.” Download Link...

CCleaner 2.26

CCleaner is a freeware system optimisation and privacy tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space.  It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history.  It's fast (normally taking less than a second to run) and contains no Spyware or Adware.
It cleans: Internet Explorer (Temporary files, URL history, cookies, Autocomplete form history, index.dat); Firefox (Temporary files, URL history, cookies, download history); Opera (Temporary files, URL history, cookie); Windows (Recycle Bin, Recent Documents, Temporary files and Log files); Third-party applications (Removes temp files and recent file lists [MRUs] from many apps including Media Player, eMule, Kazaa, Google Toolbar, Netscape, MS Office, Nero, Adobe Acrobat, WinRAR, WinAce, WinZip and many more...).  It includes a Registry Cleaner (Advanced features to remove unused and old entries, including File Extensions, ActiveX Controls, ClassIDs, ProgIDs, Uninstallers, Shared DLLs, Fonts, Help Files, Application Paths, Icons, Invalid Shortcuts and more... also comes with a comprehensive backup feature). Download Link...

Eusing Free Registry Cleaner 2.5

Eusing Free Registry Cleaner is a free registry repair software that allows you to safely clean and repair registry problems with a few simple mouse clicks. The Windows Registry is a crucial part of your PC's operation system.
Problems with the Windows Registry are a common cause of Windows crashes and error messages. Registry problems can occur for many reasons, including references left behind after uninstallation; incorrect removal of software; missing or corrupt hardware drivers; or orphaned start-up programmes.  This will significantly increase the Registry size and slow down your computer, because Windows will need more time to load, search and read data from the Registry.
Eusing Free Registry Cleaner scans your Windows registry for invalid or obsolete information and provides a list of the errors found. After fixing the invalid entries, your system will be more stable and run faster.  For maximum safety, Eusing Free Registry Cleaner will make a backup of the repaired entries. You will be able to restore any changes made using the software by choosing Restore registry backup. Eusing Software products are free of spyware and adware.  (Manufacturer’s description.) This link is to the SnapFiles server.  Download Link...

Free Window Registry Repair 2.0

(Manufacturer’s description.)  Almost all Windows users gradually experience a downfall in their PC's performance. Much of it can be attributed to Windows Registry Errors. By using Free Window Registry Repair regularly and repairing your registry your system should not only be more stable but it will also help Windows run faster.  For your convenience it automatically backs up any repairs made so that you are always able to restore Windows registry to its original state.  Key Features:
• Repair invalid registry entries that are a common cause of Windows crashes and error messages
• Increase system speed and stability
• Set a variety of Registry cleaning preferences
• Improves system performance
• The automatic creation of Windows Registry backups, with the option to restore them.
• A simple, user-friendly interface
• 100% Spyware FREE, does NOT contain any Spyware, Adware or Viruses.  This link is to the RegSofts.com (manufacturer) product description page, containing a download link. Download Link...

Glary Utilities

(Manufacturer’s description.)  Glary Utilities offers numerous powerful and easy-to-use system tools and utilities to fix, speed up, maintain and protect your PC.
It allows you to clean common system junk files - as well as invalid registry entries and Internet traces. You can manage and delete browser add-ons, analyse disk space usage and find duplicate files.  You can also view and manage installed shell extensions, encrypt your files against unauthorised access and use, split large files into smaller manageable files and then rejoin them.  Furthermore, Glary Utilities includes the options to optimise memory, find, fix, or remove broken Windows shortcuts, manage the programs that start at Windows startup and uninstall software.  Other features include secure file deletion, an Empty Folder finder and more.
All Glary Utilities tools can be accessed through an eye-pleasing and totally simplistic interface.  The download link is to the CNET Networks Download.com server.  Download Link...

IObit SmartDefrag

Fast, free, efficient, award-winning software that quickly re-arranges the bits and pieces of data scattered all over a typical hard drive (caused by installing/uninstalling software and writing and moving files to and from a hard drive in every day use) into continuous (contiguous) blocks.  IObit SmartDefrag is a smart tool to maintain system performance, speed and stability at no cost.
Features of this powerful programme include: sAn "Install It and Forget It" feature that works automatically and quietly in the background on your computer.  sThe ability to constantly keep your hard drive safe, error-free and running at its top speed and optimum performance.  sEliminates slow-downs, freeze-ups and crashes. sDesigned for Windows Vista, XP, and 2000.  s100% safe from any spyware, adware and virus. sIObit SmartDegrag is 100% FREE award-winning software for personal, home and small business. sDistribute it freely, copy it, sell it or include it as part of a package – as long as it is left completely intact and unchanged.
Remember that when you defragment your drive it’s advisable not to have other applications running at the same time and note that SmartDefrag is still in constant beta, therefore it should be used with an element of caution. The software also displays Google Ads (adware) within the application. The download link is to the MajorGeeks.com server. Download Link...

Quicksys Regdefrag

Quicksys RegDefrag is a well-designed, simple to use, freeware utility to defrag a PC’s registry. It’s compatible with Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008.  It optimises the registry by removing gaps, fragments and wasted space in Windows registry files. (The registry is a database used to store settings and options for the 32/64 bit versions of Microsoft Windows, including Windows 95, 98, ME, NT,2000,2003,2008, XP and Vista.  It contains information and settings for all the hardware, software, users, and preferences of the PC. Whenever a user makes changes to a Control Panel setting, or File Associations, System Policies or installed software, the changes are reflected and stored in the registry.) After months of installing and removing software, a user will inevitably find that the system takes longer to boot, seems far more sluggish than previously and programmes start more slowly. An obvious solution is to re-install Windows, giving you a completely clean Registry, however, a simpler method is to find a Registry cleanser that will scan your Registry for miscellaneous entries and then remove those that are redundant are erroneous - streamlining the Registry database. Many Registry defrag tools are commercial, over the top and some even go as far as stripping too much information from your Registry, causing additional issues. Quicksys RegDefrag avoids these drawbacks. Download Link...

Sweepi 5.4

Manufactured by YooApplications, Sweepi is a freeware system cleaning utility combining functionality, efficiency and good design.  Sweepi's fluid interface changes to meet the goals of each tool - but most are similar enough to not confuse users. As the manufacturer’s native language is German, English-speaking users may be confused by the occasional unexpected German word.  For novice users, the programme offers an optional effective wizard.
The well-designed file removal function is very flexible, and the dozens of file areas that the programme checks can be easily tested individually, in select groups, or all at once. Advanced users will like the simple one-click QuickClean function. In addition to cleaning files off your system, the ShortCutter function makes quick work of finding and deleting invalid shortcuts.  Sweepi's BootManager is an improvement over the Windows Startup Manager with descriptions for each item as well as the normal file paths and Registry settings.
Review by Zane 77 8th February 2008: “This cleaner has two cleaning modes, classic mode and clean up wizard mode. It can clean everything at one time just click quick clean.  Or you can select different areas to clean, by checking the boxes you want to clean and using search now.
It can clean typed URLs, auto complete forms, run history, recent searches, cookies, temporary internet files, log files, temp files, recent documents, thumbnails, memory dumps, browser history, index .dat files, microsoft office, windows media player and adobe flash player.
And it has extra tools to delete data securely, remove invalid shortcuts, optimise ram, and more. Has settings options to change language, mode selection, donation pop-up window, deletion type, registry backup, and exceptions.” Download Link... or here (Softpedia)

Ultra Defragmenter

(Manufacturer’s description) UltraDefrag is a powerful Open Source defragmentation tool for Windows 2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista. It's engine is very fast, because it is created as a kernel-mode driver. There are three interfaces: graphical, console and native. The graphical interface is very useful as  it uses a cluster map visualisation. The console is good for task scheduling, and the native tool - is intended for advanced users and programmers. The download link is to the CNET Networks Download.com server. Download Link...

Wise Registry Cleaner

(Publisher’s description) Wise Registry Cleaner is one of the safest Registry cleaning tools available in the market today.  Its scanning engine is thorough, safe and fast. The download link is to ‘Free Downloads Place’ download link page.  It is so easy to use that even the least experienced user can easily repair the registry with this tool. It scans the Windows registry and finds incorrect or obsolete information in the registry. By fixing this obsolete information in Windows registry, your system will work better and more quickly.  Download Link...

Video Recording & Editing

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 a computer and turn them into a DVD that will play back on a DVD player, Media Centre or Home Cinema Set. Additional custom audio tracks, subtitles as well as a menu for easier navigation can be added.
Features: Burn virtually any video file to DVD sSupport for over 45 file formats sSupport for over 60 video codecs sSupport for over 40 audio codecs sEasily add a menu  sAdd your own subtitles sEasy to use interface  sBurn your project to disc after encoding sCompletely free without any adware, spyware or limitations. For a more detailed list of features, click here.  Download Link...

Pinnacle VideoSpin 1.1

With this free and fully-functional video editing software you can mix videos, photos and music together - also add titles and transitions.  VideoSpin supports the following codecs:
Import
Video: (.avi, mpg, .mpeg, .mod, .mp2, .mp4, .wmv)

• AVI (DV AVI)
• MJPEG
• MPEG-1
• MPEG-2 (optional) MPEG-4 (optional)
• DivX (optional)
• WMV

Audio: (.Wav, .mp3, .mpa, .m4a, .wma, .AVI)

• Dolby 2ch (optional)
• MPEG-1 Layer 2
• MP3 Audio

Export
Video

• AVI (DV AVI)
• MJPEG
• MPEG-1
• MPEG-2 (optional)
• MPEG-4 (optional)
• DivX (optional)
• WMVReal Media
• Flash Video

Audio

• Dolby 2ch (optional)
• MPEG-1 Layer 2
• MP3 Audio
• AAC (optional)

When video-editing is finished, in addition to rendering the video in the above formats - the programme is able to conveniently upload it directly to YouTube or Yahoo! Video.  The download is very large (148 Mb.). Download Link...

Other software

Switch Sound File Converter 2.03 (Windows)

Switch can convert numerous audio file formats to mp3 and wav for free.  It is light and easy to use.  Just add the files you want to convert to the list, select the format you want to use and then click the convert button.  Converts a variety of audio file formats to mp3 or wav such as: wav, mp3, mp2, mpga, m4a, ogg, avi, mid, flac, aac, wma, dct, au, aiff, ogg, raw, msv, dvf, vox, cda, atrac, gsm, dss, sri, shn, dss, msv, wmv. The product includes a 14-day trial of Plus features.  Version 2.03 updates MIDI support.  Download Link...

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