Aug
11
- Number 1: HijackThis
Description: Hijackthis is an excellent spyware scanner and remover. It is, in my opinion, the best free spyware software available. It also has other useful functions such as deleting files on startup, disabling startup processes, and viewing DLLs in use by running processes.
Link: MajorGeeks.com
- Number 2: Notepad2
Description: An alternative to the text editing program Notepad that is included in Windows. Includes code highlighting for many languages, line numbers, and much, much more.
Link: Flos-freeware.ch
- Number 3: CCleaner
Description: CCleaner deletes old temporary files using up space on your harddrive. I have on occasion regained over 2 gigabytes of storage after running this. It also contains a registry fixing program for cleaning up your registry.
Link: FileHippo.com
- Number 4: Process Explorer
Description: A great tool for viewing running processes, advanced CPU usage statistics, and much, much more. I particularly like this for its TCP/IP function, telling you where various programs are connecting to.
Link: Microsoft.com
- Number 5: TrueCrypt
Description: I know I have already posted a tutorial on how to use TrueCrypt, but I still think it is definitely worth listing here. It is the best free, open-source encryption solution I have found. It works on both Windows and *nix, so you can use your encrypted drives anywhere.
Link: TrueCrypt.org
- Number 6: Eraser
Description: Securely erase files on your harddrive beyond recovery. This program has several deletion methods, including DoD 5220-22.M and Guttmann. It also allows scheduling of erasing and wiping empty space on drives. Never send another important file to the Recycle Bin again!
Link: Heidi.ie
- Number 7: SmartFTP
Description: In my opinion, the best free FTP client out there hands-down.
Link: Download.com
- Number 8: PuTTY
Description: The best SSH client for Windows out there. Has all sorts of great features, just try it out today 
Link: Putty.nl
- Number 9: VLC Media Player
Description: The best free media player out there. It will play almost ANY video or audio format, including DVDs.
Link: Videolan.org
- Number 10: KeePass
Description: Handy, highly portable password storage program. Encrypt all your passwords with one master password and/or a keyfile.
Link: KeePass.info
14 Responses
Leave a Comment
November 27th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Hmmmm, VLC needs to be edited (remove the almost). jk
November 27th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
Usefull list, thanks for sharing.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
Eraser doesn't remove things beyond recovery. I tested this, I deleted various kinds of files and using 'Recuva' I scanned my C drive and found the files, their recovery status was 'Excellent.' I also restarted my computer to find the same results yet again.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:29 pm
@Eloquence: No eraser is perfect, but the Gutmann method of wiping is the best method in the field, and Eraser allows you to use this. Using pseudorandom data won't do hardly anything, though.
November 28th, 2007 at 6:30 pm
zoom player is MUCH better then that crapfast known as VLC
November 30th, 2007 at 1:05 am
Zoom has potential, but it's not yet reached the level of VLC. Good example: I selected a random AVI from my hard drive. I opened it first in VLC, which played both video and sound as expected. I then installed and updated Zoom, and loaded the SAME AVI. The video played nicely, sound was no good, missing the "voice" track. I'll keep checking back as always.
November 30th, 2007 at 7:30 pm
I just put VLC up because my personal experience has been that it is the most versatile player out there. However, what media player you use is really a matter of preference.
December 20th, 2007 at 12:26 am
zoom would be nice with another years work maybe. vlc is just plain better
December 20th, 2007 at 11:21 am
I recommend you to take a look on Notepad++. I used to be with Notepad2 until someone told me about Notepad++. It has lots of other features that Notepad2 doesn't have.
December 28th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
tried CCleaner and Process Explorer both of which work great. thanks for the links.
January 6th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
When you say VLC plays even DVD's what do you mean/ Do you mean I can put a DVD in the CD Rom tray and the thing will be played by VLC?
If so - how? If not and I need a DVD player programme/installation, what use is it for DVD's?
January 6th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
No, you need a DVD drive to play DVD movies, you can't use this with a CD ROM to play them. However, if you HAVE a DVD drive, this will play DVD movies.
January 7th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
VLC is for retards and doesn't play all formats, no installation no registry entries no unnecessary ram consumption Mplayer with MPUI as gui k thanks.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:32 am
@fookinA: yayaya, looklike you've never tried to program anything: VLC is not perfect but works in most cases, in ANY other cases you can use Media Player Classic.
Try Izarc for compressed files: http://www.izarc.net/
Foobar2000 for a lightweight music player and Opera for the browsing experience.
Tam