10 Free programs I use and recommend to you.

Here is a list and information of my computer and the programs I use and recommend to you.

First off let me say that I am a very curious person when it comes to computer software. I like to see what is out there and try out a lot of different programs. I mainly search for software that will help with productivity, ease of use, anything that will make my computer more eye pleasing.

Ok my computer specs:

Toshiba Satellite Laptop
Model Name: A215-S5808 ( Purchased in spring of 2008 )

Operating System
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium SP1(32-bit version)
Processor and Chipset
AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor TK-55
1.8 GHz, 512KB L2 Cache, HyperTransport™ Technology @ up
to 1600MHz
AMD M690V chipset
Memory
4gb PC5300 DDR2 SDRAM upgraded from 2 ( Windows 32bit only recognizes 3.4gb )
Hard Disk Drive
120GB (5400 RPM); Serial ATA hard disk drive
Fixed Optical Disk Drive
DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) drive
Display
15.4” diagonal widescreen TruBrite®TFT LCD display at 1280x800
native resolution (WXGA)
Native support for 720p content
Graphics
ATI RadeonTM X1200 128MB-319MB dynamically allocated shared
graphics memory

Software currently on my computer:

Ok the standard software that comes with just about any windows computer. That's a given.

I have 4 browsers all kept up to date that I use when testing out web design ideas and my css code.
They are:
Internet Explorer 7
FireFox 3.05
Opera 9.63
Netscape 9 ( Updates no longer available as netscape is no longer being developed )

Now for the 10 free programs.

The following programs work on my computer without error. I do not receive a not responding error with any of these products . I use other programs at the present time but these are not error free so they are not listed.

7Zip:
This is an alternative to winzip. I use this program because for 1 it's free and I usually only need to decompress files with the exception of a few items for download on my website. 7zip has all the necessary features to compress and un-compress the following formats:

If your looking for a Zip program that does more then I suggest WinZip
More info - WinZip 12 Pro

Allway Sync:

This a backup and synchronize program that allows you to sync your files to a safer destination of your choice. I sync my important files to a memory stick allowing me to safely recover from a disaster. I recommend this program because it is easy to setup and use and of course it is free for personal use with very little limitations. ( amount of files you can sync per period of time.) You can find out more here.

Amazon Downloader.

This I talk about in my 2 cents section. Read it here.

AML free registry cleaner:

This is a very good Registry cleaner. I use it often. It also comes with a registry search, disk cleaner, start up manager, uninstall manager and a process manager. All for free. You can backup your registry before making any changes but so far the wizard has never removed anything that messed up my computer. I have used this program for about 6 months now, hassle free. You can find it here.

AVG antivirus:

I Use AVG's Free anti-virus protection on my computer and have not received a single problem. The program has quickly scanned all my emails and files in real time. I have considered upgrading to the paid version which offers a lot more features such as: Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware, Anti-Rootkit, Safe Downloads, Safe Instant Messaging, Safe Search, Safe Surf, Firewall, Anti-Spam and System Tools. But I am more the hands on type and manually scan any files I download using the right click option in the free version. I use other Firewall software ( more below ). But as my needs grow I will consider upgrading at a later date. You can find AVG Anti-virus Here.

CCleaner:

CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning 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. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner. But the best part is that it's fast (normally taking less than a second to run) and contains NO Spyware or Adware! ( this description taken from website ) I Use CCleaner mostly to control my cookies. It has a great tool for erasing only the cookies you don't want. Allowing you to keep the good cookies, those that keep you logged in and remember your preferences for sites you visit often and trust.

FLV PLAYER:

Looking for an easy way to play FLV (Flash Video) files downloaded from YouTube and other video sites? Get the free Applian FLV Player. It's easy to use, and you can view videos at 1x, 2x or even full screen. I use this for the reason it's made. To watch downloaded videos at a later date. Great little player for flv's.

Objectdock:

OK Stardock offers both a paid (Objectdock Plus) and a free Version (Objectdock). I use the free version for now. The dock is a great and simple way to get to all of my most common links and programs. It sits at the bottom of my screen hidden until I move my mouse to the screen edge. It is un intrusive, quick to respond and offers many different options to make it useful to anyone.

ObjectDock Plus

WINAMP:

OK We all know about Winamp. ( or most of us do )

ZoneAlarm:

ZoneAlarm is what I consider the best Firewall program. I use the free version but you may like the paid version better. The paid version offers a lot more options and protections great for those who do not fiddle around a lot It is great for those that just want to turn it on and forget it knowing that there computer is safe.

Get it here.

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