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Web's Best 50 Free Downloads
11. Webaroo
Size: 9.1MB
Webaroo lets you search and browse the web when you’re on the go without an internet connection. It does this using pre-made web packs, which you can download from the website. Alternatively, you can download pages from any website you like. Once you download the content onto your laptop or mobile device, you can browse it like normal, and when you connect to the internet again your device will be updated with fresh versions of the pages.
12. DupKiller 0.8.2
Size: 3.9MB
You’d be surprised at how much disk space you can free up by running this program, which detects duplicate files on your hard disk. It will also search network drives, removable storage and CDs or DVDs. You can choose to exclude certain folders or file types from your search, and opt to delete the files to the Recycle Bin or directly from your hard disk. Binary comparisons mean the files don’t even have to have the same filename. Very clever.
13. FileZilla
Size: 3 MB
Windows already supports FTP transfer, but as anyone who’s used it will testify it’s pretty basic. FileZilla allows you to store frequently used FTP sites along with their accompanying usernames and passwords. You can also send server commands, making FileZilla a godsend for those who run websites hosted elsewhere. Secure FTP (SFTP) is supported as well – a feature lacking even from some paid-for FTP software.
14. ImgBurn
Size: 1.9MB
Spend a lot of time with Linux? If so, you’ll be familiar with the hassle of finding software that can handle ISO files. ImgBurn weighs in at a shade over 1.5MB, yet is incredibly handy. You can burn ISOs to CDs and DVDs, and there’s a utility for erasing RW discs. Alternatively, you can capture an ISO image from an existing disc, which is useful for long-term archiving.
15. SpeedFan
Size: 1.6MB
It’s only natural to be curious about the health of the components in your PC, but to be absolutely certain you need this brilliant little utility. SpeedFan collects the information from the temperature-sensing components in your PC, allowing you to determine whether your noise-killing fan adjustments are making your CPU run too hot, for instance. You can also control fan speed and see the SMART status of your hard disk, giving you access to your disk’s early warning system.
16. Orb
Size: 14.7 MB
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| You can view your TV and photo collection and access other media files wherever you are, courtesy of Orb (www.orb.com) |
There are plenty of other applications designed to let you access your PC remotely, but there are none with the media-handling capabilities of Orb. Once installed, you can access your PC, of course, but besides being able to browse your hard disk and open your documents you can also get at music and film files. Click on one of them and Orb will transcode the file on-the-fly, adjusting quality settings for the speed of the networks you’re connected over.
17. Sun VirtualBox
Size: 17.4MB
Sun (formerly Innotek) VirtualBox is a complete virtualisation system that can run any x86-compatible operating system within Windows or Linux. The virtualised OS runs at almost native speed and can use the host’s network connection and even much of its hardware (drivers permitting). It isn’t the only virtualisation package in the world, but it’s our favourite thanks to its ease of use and its custom extensions that improve performance and usability in common operating systems.
18. Thunderbird
SIZE: 6.4MB
Thunderbird is a POP3 mail client that does everything Outlook Express can, and more. Multicoloured tagging and almost instant searching make it easy to get around your inbox. The Firefox-like find-as-you-type feature is also handy for swiftly tracking down buried messages. Best of all, hundreds of plug-ins let you extend the software to your taste, adding optional features such as integrated encryption, a localised spellchecker or navigation by mouse gesture.
19. Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic
SIZE: 16.3MB
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| AntiVir beat many paid-for security apps in our Labs test. |
Everybody needs virus protection, and our antivirus group test (web ID: 108813) found AntiVir to be one of the most effective – and it’s completely free. True, it isn’t the most fully featured antivirus package around, and you have to live with the occasional nag window urging you to upgrade to the paid-for version. But for sheer effectiveness, AntiVir is almost unbeatable, with only the commercial Kaspersky Anti-Virus package doing better in our Labs test.
20.JDiskReport
SIZE: 0.6MB
Hard disks are like sock drawers: they always seem to be inexplicably full. JDiskReport shows you where all your precious space has gone, visually breaking down your usage by folder – so you can see which directories are the fullest – or by type, enabling you to see at a glance whether your MP3s or your family photos take up more space. There’s even a simple ‘top 50’ file list, to lead you straight to the worst culprits.
This article appeared in the June, 2008 issue of PC Authority.
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Thoughts on this article? Add a comment below.
Comments: 6
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james
Jul 26, 2008 4:48 PM
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All my favorite free programs and a few new ones all in one story.Only missing AVG anti-virus.
Comment made about the PC Authority article:
Web's Best 50 Free Downloads?
Stack your system full of software without paying a penny, with our guide to essential downloads
What do you think? Join the discussion. |
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Rhonda
Jul 29, 2008 10:59 AM
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I'd like to point out that Utorrent most certainly deserves a place up there with Azureus and it is user friendly.I taught my 6 year old how to use it :)
Also while AVG may not be the best antivirus around when it comes to free apps I think it's home addition is certainly up there with some of the best and once again user friendly (even grandma has finally figured it out!) |
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Jim.Dude
Jul 30, 2008 12:42 PM
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Yeah those are awesome, I have a handful already and I've just downloaded a bunch more...althuogh I was dissapointed to not see GPU-Z alongside CPU-Z, but meh. |
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austhome
Aug 12, 2008 10:19 PM
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Some of these sound really promising and I know that I'm going to be busy downloading them tonight |
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ubeaut
Aug 15, 2008 7:38 PM
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vlc and syncback were programs I found the most use for.
XPCDBurner should be a must have also. |
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vjay
Aug 15, 2008 8:18 PM
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One of the Microsoft PowerToys, "Image Resizer" is an invaluable free option for photo/picture resizing for a Windows machine, even a child could use it since it is integrated into the shell and a simple right click and "Resize Pictures" gives you simple to use options for resizing pictures.
It's great for those people who want to resize photos for the web but don't want to do anything but resize and don't know or want to learn how to use a separate program and the best part? It's only a 512kb download. |
