The SHH! Guide to Free Powerful Software!

[Malice]

As always, I am trying to provide everyone here with support on the best applications that you can get, for zero bucks. So this means, all the software, is fully functional with no money being spent. These are not Shareware apps, completely free.

This list is being compiled in groups, depending on functionality.
(These are of course for the Windows Operating system)

AntiVirus
NOTE: I plead with you, if you do not have antivirus software on your computer, please, immediately download one of the following FREE AntiVirus software applications for your computer. Help make the net safer. Remember, these free antivirus applications tend NOT to be as good as commercial applications, so you might want to spend the money and get a new antivirus application once every 2 years.
AVG AntiVirus (http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php)
AntiVir Personal Edition (http://www.free-av.com/)
avast! 4 Home Download (http://www.avast.com/eng/down_home.html)

Productivity
OpenOffice (http://www.openoffice.org) - This is your replacement for Microsoft office applications of Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Draw (I think MS's graphics drawing program is called Draw....not sure). This software is was designed to also open Microsoft Documents. Unfortunately, there is not a Microsoft Access equivalent on the net somewhere.

Web Browser
FireFox (http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/) - This simply in my opinion is the best browser on the market to date. Using its highly secure design, its definately more secure than Microsoft's internet explorer it saves you the hassle of having to constantly scan for Spyware on your computer. its packed with features that are almost the standard now. Tabbed-Browsing is my personal favorite. Firefox is designed by group of volunteers, not by a profiteering company. The next best part about the browser, are the extensions, or plugins. These are additional programs that can be installed in the browser, designed by fans of the browser, that extend its functionality. This is great.
Opera (http://www.opera.com) - Another great browser. This is designed by a Swedish company that built it from the ground up. It uses tabbed browsing as well.

Email Clients
Thunderbird (http://www.mozilla.org/products/thunderbird/) - This is a great new application that I have recently started to use instead of Outlook. It has great JUNK mail filters that learn and adapt to your tastes. It handles both POP and IMAP mail connections quite well.
Eudora (http://www.eudora.com/download/) - This is an oldie but goodie. Still functions perfectly, but many are not to happy about the interface.

Text Editors
Crimson Editor (http://www.crimsoneditor.com/) - This is a GREAT NOTEPAD alternative. I install this immediately uppon building any new computer. Its tiny (800Kb) and have so many different functions its hard to explain.

FTP Clients
FileZilla (http://filezilla.sourceforge.net/) - One of the most powerful FTP clients known. Its only two years old and keeps getting better and better. Can perform SFTP and numerous other functions.

Graphics Viewer
IrfanView (http://irfanview.com/) - In my opinion, the DeFacto Image Viewer. It can perform so low powered edits, like cropping and things like that but this is great for viewing a folder of images. You can randomly sort and view them. Unbelieveable amount of configurations. Opens any graphics format available, and even has plugins to play music and video as well.

Graphics Editor
GIMP (http://www.gimp.org/%7Etml/gimp/win32/) - This is the free Photoshop substitute.
Pixia (http://park18.wakwak.com/%7Epixia/)

Music Player
WinAMP (http://www.winamp.com) - This is pretty much the defacto MP3 (music) player for windows. When you get the LIGHT version, (that doesnt play video and the like) this is an extremely small program, and its very inobtrusive to your system even when playing.
iTunes (http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/) - This is a good media player that apple produces.

Video Player Alternatives and Codecs
K-Lite Codec Pack (http://www.k-litecodecpack.com/) - A few versions exist, the lite pack and the Mega Pack. The Mega pack includes the media alternatives listed below as well, besides almost every Codec known to man and Media Player Classic below is included.
Media Player Classic (http://sourceforge.net/projects/guliverkli/)
QuickTime Alternative (http://home.hccnet.nl/h.edskes/finalbuilds.htm)
Real Alternative (http://home.hccnet.nl/h.edskes/mirror.htm)

Video Editors

VirtualDub (http://www.virtualdub.org/)


SpyWare
AdAware (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/) - Using this in combination with Spybot Search and Destroy will prety much eliminate the Spyware issue.
Spybot Search and Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html) - Using this in combination with AdAware will prety much eliminate the Spyware issue.

Instant Messager
Trillian (http://www.trillian.cc) - IMO, the best free instant messager client. Granted, it doesnt use its own chat system, you can use Yahoo Instant Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, MSN Messenger, and IRC with Trillian. It have a free version that is 100% functional, and a paid version, that really just gives you plugins.
GAIM (http://gaim.sourceforge.net/) - GAIM is just like Trillian, in its functionality.

Personal Firewalls
ZoneAlarm (http://www.zonelabs.com) - This program almost single handedly invented the personal computer firewall. If you are concerned with security, install the free version. It will take some getting used to, once you get it configured, it trully is an asset.
Outpost Firewall (http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpost/) - Agnitum Outpost is the first personal firewall for Windows developed with Open Architecture.
Sygate Personal Firewall (http://smb.sygate.com/download_buy.htm)
Kerio Personal Firewall (http://www.kerio.com/us/kpf_home.html)

Telnet/SSH Clients
PuTTY (http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/%7Esgtatham/putty/) - This is a wonderful little tool when needing to Securely telnet into resources.

PDF Maker
OpenOffice (http://www.openoffice.org)
CutePDF (http://www.acrosoftware.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp)

Tax Filing
TaxAct (http://www.taxact.com/)

Windows Icon Graphics Creator
@Icon Sushi (http://www.towofu.net/soft/e-aicon.php)

[Malice]

Feel free to gimme examples of great software you guys have used.

[JC Denton]

Ad-Aware (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/)
With a weekly update/scan, you're computer will likely run up to twice as fast, especially if you've been using IE.

[Mixairian]

I see how this is... now that Mix's guide is buried. Malice can come out on top. >_< I won't let it happen! :mad:

[The Singularity]

How about software to create animation? Any suggestions?

[Jennifer Lopez]

If there's a free gif animator out there.... yeah, I'd love to download it. Especially if it's like, for Macs. Since I use a Mac....

[the defenders]

The best is Ulead Gif Animator.

[Bat Brain]

but thats not free. except for kazaa

[BK]

Music Player - iTunes (http://www.apple.com/itunes/)

I used to have Winamp, but when I bought my ipod and starting using this, I was blown away. To go with Apple tradition, it's very simple, yet sleek at the same time. Easy to use, the ability to go straight to the music store and buy music, watch music videos, and customize your music collection however you want it (artist, song, album, date, etc.). It can pretty much do anything.

[Revolver]

Apple iTunes is a good free media player.

[Malice]

Lookijng for more software to add people....

[Malice]

Added more software.

[Lackey]

Anti-Virus -
AVG Anti-Virus (http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php)


Photo Editing/Gif Animation, etc..
GIMP 2.0 (http://www.gimp.org/~tml/gimp/win32/)
Pixia (http://park18.wakwak.com/~pixia/)


A Guide to Firefox Extensions (http://www.flexbeta.net/main/articles.php?action=show&id=79&perpage=1&pagenum=1)

[Paradoxium]

GIMP is like photoshop, just more complicated. Which is kinda scary if you ask me.

[FlameHead]

Hmm... gonna give that OpenOffice a try.

[Malice]

Updated a bit, trying to update quite a bit more

[Malice]

Anyone know of other applications that are completely free that fitg in the above categories or are in a category not listed?

[Malice]

added firewalls and antivirus software.

[Malice]

Included the Media Player alternatives and codecs.

[MarvelMovies]

Wow...

This is like a hidden "ALL MIGHTY" thread..

Thanks Mal for the list..

:)

[Supergirl]

Malice the free version of MusicMatch count? Its not as good as its upgrade but still cool :)

[Lackey]

PDF Maker
Cute PDF (http://www.acrosoftware.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp)

Income Tax Software
Tax Act (http://www.taxact.com/)

Icon Editor (creat *.ico files)
Icon Sushi (http://towofu.s5.xrea.com/soft/e-index.html)

[black_dust]

Hey Malice (or anyone) do you know of any free Dvd players for my pc? I brought a Dvd-rw today and i need a good player for it.

[Malice]

I will look into it, but I did a search at one point for free dvd software, and I didnt come up with much.

[Duende Verde]

PowerPoint Viewer (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=428d5727-43ab-4f24-90b7-a94784af71a4&displaylang=en)

This is a rare free application created by Microsoft.

The Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003 Viewer lets you view full-featured presentations created in PowerPoint 97 and later versions. The PowerPoint 2003 Viewer also supports opening password-protected Microsoft PowerPoint presentations.

Note You can view and print presentations, but you cannot edit them in the PowerPoint 2003 Viewer.

Enjoy.

[Duende Verde]

DivX codec (http://www.divx.com/divx/windows/)

[Malice]

DivX codec (http://www.divx.com/divx/windows/) The divX codec is in the kLite packs...

[Cobblepot]

Cdex for creating mp3's or any other musicfile. No spyware or adware inc.
Audacity for recording and converting music files. No spyware or adware inc.
Mp3 gain to make sure the volume of all your mp3 files are the same.
Unfreez a simple gif animator. No spyware or adware inc.
IrfanView a good picture viewer. No spyware or adware inc.

[Danger Mouse]

Agile Messenger (http://www.agilemobile.com/)

Agile Messenger is a free instant messaging software much like Trillian. Agile Messenger, however, is more for smartphones and PDAs. Install Agile Messenger on your cellphone or PDA, and you can have IM chats with anyone, anywhere, anytime. I've been using it and I've been chatting with Twylight, C.Lee and a few others on it when I'm in a train, in the middle of traffic, etc.

Agile Messenger supports ICQ®, AIM®, Yahoo!®, MSN®, QQ® and Wireless Village™; currently available for Symbian Series 60, Symbian UIQ, MS Smartphone, Pocket PC, Palm 3.5+, J2ME, Brew and WAP.

Good one. :up:

[Duende Verde]

The divX codec is in the kLite packs...
This one includes a DivX player :)

[Drakon]

I think this could use a good, old fashioned bump, since it's still good information.

[Cobblepot]

For anybody who likes to edit Wave or Mp3 samples!
Check out: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
It's free and works like a jeefee (sp!)

[Morg]

I think this could use a good, old fashioned bump, since it's still good information.


Yeah, I agree

[Exabyte]

Now now... we don't endorse this kind of thing here at the Hype!.

[Mixairian]

Listen to Mixi.
Cracks are illegal and Superhero Hype does not support nor endorse sucha activity.

[jaguarr]

Under free video players, I'd add:

Video Lan Client (http://videolan.org/)

There's a TON of freeware out there for us Mac geeks, but I know there's not an overwhelming number of Mac users on these boards, so I'll keep my contributions to cross-platform stuff. ;)

Cheers,
jag

[Green Lantern]

Bumping this because I had to dig through the threads to find it. :up:

[kypade]

Didn't even know this existed, but it's a Malice thread that doesn't (completely) suck, so I guess it's worth noting.

PS, does he still come around here? I'm debating whether or not to make it clear that I really don't think he's a sucky poster.

[Jecht]

Didn't even know this existed, but it's a Malice thread that doesn't (completely) suck, so I guess it's worth noting.

PS, does he still come around here? I'm debating whether or not to make it clear that I really don't think he's a sucky poster.
He started posting a few months ago and disappeared again. :(

[jaguarr]

I'll add Nvu (http://www.nvu.com/) to the list. Very powerful freeware web-page authoring system. The interface is a little rough around the edges, but it's got everything you need to crank out simple OR very complex websites.

jag

[Mixairian]

Note quite software but addons/extensions for Mozilla Firefox:

Adblock
https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/10/
Gives you the capability to completely remove all advertisements from even appearing on your computer, ranging from popups to banners. You simply right click the banner in question and save the homepage of the popup source. For those computer stupid or lazy: https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/1136/ is an addon tha works in conjunction with adblock. It provides you an installed list of blocked sites and updates monthly.

FasterFox
https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/1269/
When I first switched from IE to Firefox, the first thing I noticed was I traded speed for security. Firefox loads slower than IE. Anyone who argues otherwise has modified their IE or just indulging in wishful thinking. IE is intergrated with Windows XP, it is a part of the system processes; thus it is easier and quicker to load. Firefox is not. On top of this there are many things in Firefox that come capped to compensate for old computers. Instead of manually tweaking your Firefox files, this mod simplifies it for you. End result, Firefox loads pages quicker.

[jaguarr]

^^^^^^^^^^
If you're going to install Adblock, make sure you install the Adblock Filterset.G as well. :up: Flashblock is great, as is Sessionsaver.

jag

[Jecht]

Do you know of any good widgets, jag?

[jaguarr]

Do you know of any good widgets, jag?

Whatchya lookin' for?

Dashboardwidgets.com (http://www.dashboardwidgets.com) and Dashboardexposed.com (http://www.dashboardexposed.com) are both pretty good sites. Check out one called "showTime". It lets you find movie listings in your area. :up:

jag

[Jecht]

Nothing particular. Thanks for the link. :D :up:

[Superman]

I don't know if you guys will think this is any good or not but it helped me get rid of a virus today so.....


http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/

[Sandman138]

Art Rage (http://www.ambientdesign.com/artrage.html) is one of the best graphics programs I've found for free. It's not a photomanipulator or anything like that. What it is, is a paint program that actually simulates working with acrylic paints and other art tools.

[Man-Thing]

I thought it might be a good idea to post a frugality thread, where people can share great program downloads really cheap (or better yet free), or to alert others of great deals at Best Buy/Circuit City ect.

I highly recommend GIMP for those of you who want Photoshop without the 400$+ pricetag. It's free, and is basically a clone of it.

Here is the link from CNET's downloads page.
http://www.download.com/The-GIMP/3000-2192_4-10526419.html?tag=lst-0-1

I think this thread would make a great sticky.

[Man-Thing]

Also, picassa (http://picasa.google.com/) is a great little photo editing software for those who don't want to go the route of GIMP. It's really good for cropping, and adjusting the light in the pictures. It also really helps with printing (almost everything I print picture wise I print with Picassa, even if I have edited it in GIMP). Plus it's free.:)

Actually, Google (http://www.google.com/intl/en/options/) has a lot of good-decent downloads that are really novice oriented. You can find them all in the link.

[Green Lantern]

http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140469 :o

[Man-Thing]

http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140469 :o

yeah that's nice. I didn't do a search because I didn't know what words to search for.

[Mixairian]

Didn't even know this existed, but it's a Malice thread that doesn't (completely) suck, so I guess it's worth noting.

PS, does he still come around here? I'm debating whether or not to make it clear that I really don't think he's a sucky poster.

This was originally my thread. >_<

https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/2390/
Video Downloader:
Download videos from Youtube, Google, Metacafe, iFilm, Dailymotion... and other 60+ video sites ! And all embedded objects on a webpage (movies, mp3s, flash, quicktime, etc) ! Directly !

All google video files are acquired in FLV format and need a FLV player or a program such as SUPER ( http://www.erightsoft.com/SUPER.html ) to convert them to another file format.

[Mixairian]

Firefox Extension
IE Tabs:
https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/1419/
Open a site in IE within a Firefox tab. Great for non-FF compatable sites. You can also switch back and forth from IE to FF with a click of a button.

Video Editting
SUPER
http://www.erightsoft.com/SUPER.html#Dnload
Great program to convert video files into different file types and using different codecs. Really simple.

VirtualDub
http://www.virtualdub.org/
Good free program for editting videos and compressing in different codec formats.

[Abaddon]

what kinds of videos can you edit?

[Mixairian]

With Super I can convert to any format, with VDub you need to do AVI to edit. So basically if you have a video, convert it, edit it and then convert back.

[Abaddon]

So I'd have to convert a wmv file in order to edit it in VDub?:(

[Mixairian]

You'd have to convert the file to AVI, I'd advise using DiVX codec.

[black_dust]

Im getting bad checkisums with my spybot when i try and download new definitions anyone know whats going on?

[Drakon]

Not sure, but I would recommend just downloading the program and reinstalling it.

[black_dust]

I think it was somthing to do with their server as it didn`t work still but i messed about with something now it does! oh well

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Bump

[Dope Nose]

CCleaner system optimization and privacy tool (http://www.ccleaner.com/)

Panicware Pop-Up Stopper (http://www.download.com/Pop-Up-Stopper-Free-Edition/3000-7786-10048866.html?part=dl-PopUpStop&subj=dl&tag=button)

Avast! antivirus software (http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html)

Mozilla Thunderbird e-mail application (http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/thunderbird/)

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Hey does anyone know of any OTHER free software that helps you extract, compress and burn DVD back up movies? :D

Also, what about any free programs that help you create and edit mp3, mp4, m4a, and midi music files?

Any and all help would be appreciated.

[jaguarr]

Hey does anyone know of any OTHER free software that helps you extract, compress and burn DVD back up movies? :D

Also, what about any free programs that help you create and edit mp3, mp4, m4a, and midi music files?

Any and all help would be appreciated.

You're on a Mac, aren't you? Either way, for audio editing, check out Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net/). Free and open source. It rocks. :up:

Let me know if you're on a Mac or not and I can steer you to some DVD utils.

jag

[04nbod]

http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/software/PhotoPlus/default.asp

http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/software/3dPlus/default.asp

http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/software/DrawPlus/default.asp

http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/software/WebPlus/default.asp

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

You're on a Mac, aren't you? Either way, for audio editing, check out Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net/). Free and open source. It rocks. :up:

Let me know if you're on a Mac or not and I can steer you to some DVD utils.

jag

Unfortunately Jag no I am not, looks like my Mac purchase will have to wait a while. PC it is for me. :csad:

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/software/PhotoPlus/default.asp

http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/software/3dPlus/default.asp

http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/software/DrawPlus/default.asp

http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/software/WebPlus/default.asp

Thanks 04nbod :up:

[jaguarr]

Unfortunately Jag no I am not, looks like my Mac purchase will have to wait a while. PC it is for me. :csad:

Audacity will still be a good choice for audio for you. :up: Can't help you with the DVD ripping on the Windows side, though.

jag

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I found one to answer my own question, but thanks for the help anyway guys.

MP3 Direct Cut, extremely simple and easy to use.

[Daisy]

It would be nice to have a Mac version of this thread.

For instance, I know (thanks to jag) that NeoOffice (http://www.neooffice.com/) is the equivilent of Open Office for Mac (and I love it *bows before jag*) but there are a lot of other things here that would be useful to have (a photo/graphics editor a la GIMP, for example).

Not that it's not useful, but jag's Mac thread is more help and advice (support desk) kind of stuff.

[jaguarr]

It would be nice to have a Mac version of this thread.

For instance, I know (thanks to jag) that NeoOffice (http://www.neooffice.com/) is the equivilent of Open Office for Mac (and I love it *bows before jag*) but there are a lot of other things here that would be useful to have (a photo/graphics editor a la GIMP, for example).

Not that it's not useful, but jag's Mac thread is more help and advice (support desk) kind of stuff.

There's tidbits of software in the Mac thread. There's no reason we can't put software ideas and requests in it. BTW, for a Mac version of GIMP, go to http://gimp-app.sourceforge.net/ .

jag

[jaguarr]

openoffice runs on osx

Yes, but the NeoOffice guys have their **** together more than the Open Office guys. :hyper:

jag

[Bat Brain]

Anyone know a good .flv converter that doesn't leave those damned watermarks?

[Dope Nose]

I haven't had the opportunity to use a converter but SUPER (Simplified Universal Player Encoder & Renderer) is supposedly pretty good and has a watermark option that can be switched off.

http://www.videohelp.com/tools?tool=818&nextcomments=25&orderby=

[ComicChick]

IrfanView - In my opinion, the DeFacto Image Viewer. It can perform so low powered edits, like cropping and things like that but this is great for viewing a folder of images. You can randomly sort and view them. Unbelieveable amount of configurations. Opens any graphics format available, and even has plugins to play music and video as well.

^ does anyone use this, i'm thinking about trying it, but i'd like to hear what people think of it first.

this thread has a lot of great stuff, so i thought it'd deserve a bump.

and can anyone recommend a good place to find web site graphics and stuff? I'm running the family's genealogy website, and i'd like to spice it up, but i'm no genius at it.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

IrfanView - In my opinion, the DeFacto Image Viewer. It can perform so low powered edits, like cropping and things like that but this is great for viewing a folder of images. You can randomly sort and view them. Unbelieveable amount of configurations. Opens any graphics format available, and even has plugins to play music and video as well.

^ does anyone use this, i'm thinking about trying it, but i'd like to hear what people think of it first.

this thread has a lot of great stuff, so i thought it'd deserve a bump.

and can anyone recommend a good place to find web site graphics and stuff? I'm running the family's genealogy website, and i'd like to spice it up, but i'm no genius at it.

I use irfanview for my photos but not much else. But it works great and is extremely easy :up: :D

[ComicChick]

I use irfanview for my photos but not much else. But it works great and is extremely easy :up: :D

thanks, i think i'm gonna download it and try it out.

i'm also downloading this:
http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/software/WebPlus/default.asp

has anyone else used it, or any of the other free software available?

[Spider-Bite]

Anybody know of any free software for converting windows media video files into mp3's?

also does anybody know of any software that can be used to improve the sound quality of a live performance? Just to make the sound quality a little better.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Anybody know of any free software for converting windows media video files into mp3's?

also does anybody know of any software that can be used to improve the sound quality of a live performance? Just to make the sound quality a little better.

Ummm....well...nope :D

[Spider-Bite]

Ummm....well...nope :D


alright. I should have checked the thread.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Does anyone here know where to find or use any MP3 tag/name applications. I stumbled across one a few weeks ago that would automatically title all of your mp3s for you but I didn't download it and now I can't find it.

Anyone know what I am talking about?

[MarvelMovies]

30 Pieces of Essential FREE Software!

http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2006/12/01/30-essential-pieces-of-free-and-open-software-for-windows/

Great place.

[MarvelMovies]

Does anyone here know where to find or use any MP3 tag/name applications. I stumbled across one a few weeks ago that would automatically title all of your mp3s for you but I didn't download it and now I can't find it.

Anyone know what I am talking about?

TagScanner?

http://xdev.narod.ru/tagscan_e.htm

[Spider-Bite]

does anybody know where I cand download something that can convert a corel application file to microsoft word?

[J. J. Jameson]

Has anyone mentioned Comodo (http://www.comodo.com/products/free_products.html) products? They have both a free firewall and free antivirus. It's what I use...suits me fine and I haven't had any problems. However, it does get a little quirky if you use any P2P software.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Bump...

[Kritish]

Great thread, I've already found some great software thanks to it. :up:

[Kritish]

Now it's time for me to contribute to this thread...

Adobe photoshop...
http://adobe-photoshop.uptodown.com/en/free-download/

[Badger]

Is it a trial version?

[Kritish]

Is it a trial version?

Nope, it's full, I'm still downloading it...that's how big it is...

[Mister J]

The file name says 'tryout', but I don't care.

Good stuff. :up:

[Kritish]

The file name says 'tryout', but I don't care.

Good stuff. :up:

Friend told me it was full version, I'll see whenever this damn thing is finished...

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Here's another great one. Very easy to use, small and takes only a minute to install.

Mp3 direct cut. You can edit your mp3 music files on this bad boy and create ring tones for your phone with it...or do apply it to other features or uses you may have for clipping music. :D

[Two-Face]

This should be a sticky.

[strikezone89]

http://www.ccleaner.com

The BEST overall quick cleanup on your desktop. You won't believe how much wasted space this program finds and erases

[strikezone89]

i absolutly love this thread. Best thread idea.
GREAT JOB Malice

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

http://www.ccleaner.com

The BEST overall quick cleanup on your desktop. You won't believe how much wasted space this program finds and erases

This program has already been posted, but you're right, it is a damn good one :up:

[strikezone89]

This program has already been posted, but you're right, it is a damn good one :up:

i figured it was, but i wanted to do it again. i love this program

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Yeah it really is kick ass. :up:

[Exabyte]

Sorry if off topic, but...

I consider any software I get that I didn't purchase as "Free". However, if you want to look at it in another way, even when you download from a torrent server or whatever, you are paying for the bandwidth being used and therefore you are paying for the software. Seeking of torrents, f@#k you Torrent Spy.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Ummm....that wouldn't hold up in a court of law :up:

[Sam Fisher]

Any free programs to back up DVDs?

[Exabyte]

Ummm....that wouldn't hold up in a court of law :up:

Where I have worked there is no court of law. Its called the USFG.

[Asteroid-Man]

DVD Decrypter is a good one DS

[SalaciousVC]

i got GIMP and Adobe Photodeluxe

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Any free programs to back up DVDs?


DVD Decrypter

DVDFAB Decrypter

DVD Shrink

[strikezone89]

i like dvd shrink

[Sugarculted]

I know it isn't software I'm asking for, but I can't be bothered to post a thread just questioning something so small.

I've got quite a few music videos on my Zen Vision:M already but I'm having troubles finding music videos which aren't mainstream. I've been looking for hours, of websites which feature links to rapidshare / megaupload / torrents but I'm not having any luck.

I'm after avi.'s or mpegs, and I have tried converting flv's. Converting those flv files takes unnecessary hours on my computer. The genre of music is anything rock/indie. Does anyone know any good websites for this type of thing?

Thanks if you can help

[Sam Fisher]

I need a free GIF maker{other than Photoshop}.

[Captain_Death]

I need a free program that will compine mp4 videos. And a GIF maker{other than Photoshop}.

I'm not sure, but I think GIMP can make GIFs.

[D4rkShaDoWz]

Here are some great websites/programs I use for free that I love:


MediaConvert
URL: http://media-convert.com/
This is a free online converter that will change any file type into another.

Skype
URL: http://www.skype.com/helloagain.html
This program allows you to talk to your friends and family on the computer for free! All you need is a microphone, or a webcam to chat or video message. Great for online gaming (WoW anyone?)

VLC Media Player
URL: http://www.videolan.org/vlc/
A free video player that can play tons of file types. A handy "snapshot" key makes it easy to save frames for easy viewing.

[Lady Stormcrow]

This piece of software is great:

http://www.ambientdesign.com/artrage.html

Though only the demo is free. On the plus side however, the demo doesnt have a time limit, and has some very useful capabilities.

[Kable24]

i like dvd shrink

I used to like that until I discovered DVDFab Platinum

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Use paint.net for photo editing etc. Extremely easy to use and small file size :up:

[D4rkShaDoWz]

WindowBlinds
URL:http://www.stardock.com/products/windowblinds/
Purpose: Transforms your desktop into whatever theme/style you wish (ex. Mac, Vista, custom ones)

[SuperMonkey]

You guys need a good dose of federal investigation. :up: :)

[Kritish]

I need a free GIF maker{other than Photoshop}.

Ulead if you're willing to pirate it.

[Kritish]

WindowBlinds
URL:http://www.stardock.com/products/windowblinds/
Purpose: Transforms your desktop into whatever theme/style you wish (ex. Mac, Vista, custom ones)

That requires money if you're not into using utorrent.

[D4rkShaDoWz]

oh yeah, right! sorry about that folks! im still using the 60 day trial.

[strikezone89]

figured this thread needed to be moved up front.

but the best alternative to iTunes is def. MediaMonkey.

it's free and also you can add music to ur iPod with it.

fantastic program
http://www.mediamonkey.com/

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Word.

AVG anti virus

Avast anti virus

[strikezone89]

Word.

AVG anti virus

Avast anti virus

links? im 2 lazy to google it/:woot:

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

www.downloads.com

They are both in their top 20 software.

[strikezone89]

^thx buddy

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

No problem. :up:

I am pretty sure Avast! is only good for a couple months but AVG has a free version. Both work extremely well :up:

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Hey does anyone have or know of any good free burning software for data or mp3 files onto either cdrws or dvdrs?

[strikezone89]

Hey does anyone have or know of any good free burning software for data or mp3 files onto either cdrws or dvdrs?

well Nero,
but you'll need a crack
:ninja:

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

That does me no good.

[jaguarr]

ClamWin (http://www.clamwin.com/) is also an excellent open-source piece of anti-virus software. Completely free and updated often.

jag

[SPIDERMAN117]

Question is there a torrent full version of photoshop i can get anywhere?

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Don't know. Are torrents allowed to be discussed here?

[SPIDERMAN117]

idk

[Kritish]

I PM'ed him a link. :up:

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Sweet :up:

Ha ha! Now the mods will never know :D

[Kritish]

You want it too?

[J. J. Jameson]

Hey does anyone have or know of any good free burning software for data or mp3 files onto either cdrws or dvdrs?

Here. (http://www.topshareware.com/AVS-Disc-Creator-FREE-download-41112.htm)

AVS Disc Creator. Best free program I've found for burning data CDs/DVDs. The website says it even burns Blu-ray.

[D4rkShaDoWz]

Windows Media Encoder:
Convert audio and video content into Windows Media format
Download Link: http://www.download.com/Windows-Media-Encoder/3000-2140_4-10211788.html?tag=lst-6-5
Watch out though, you might already have it on your computer.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Here. (http://www.topshareware.com/AVS-Disc-Creator-FREE-download-41112.htm)

AVS Disc Creator. Best free program I've found for burning data CDs/DVDs. The website says it even burns Blu-ray.


Thank you Sir,

You rock :up:

[Kritish]

PDF software

Sumatra PDF (http://blog.kowalczyk.info/software/sumatrapdf/)

It's pretty minimalistic compared to adobe acrobat reader but it's ease of use and small size will win you over.

[Asteroid-Man]

The image won me over! :D

http://blog.kowalczyk.info/software/sumatrapdf/SumatraSplash.png

[Kritish]

Pidgin (http://pidgin.im/)

Pidgin's a IM client that can handle

* AIM
* Bonjour
* Gadu-Gadu
* Google Talk
* Groupwise
* ICQ

* IRC
* MSN
* MySpaceIM
* QQ
* SILC

* SIMPLE
* Sametime
* XMPP
* Yahoo!
* Zephyr

[Asteroid-Man]

I think I might get this... thanks Krit!

[Asteroid-Man]

Oh one thing, can you use custom backgrounds for Pidgin?

[Kritish]

Oh one thing, can you use custom backgrounds for Pidgin?

I don't know.

[Kritish]

Firefox extension

trashmail.net (https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1813)

This wonderful little extension will create a disposable e-mail account so you can sign up for services that you suspect are going to send you spam.

[D4rkShaDoWz]

FlashGet
FlashGet is a leading download manager and has the highest amount of users on the internet. It uses MHT(Multi-server Hyper-threading Transportation) technique, supports various protocols and has excellent document management features. FlashGet is a freeware without any adware or spyware.
http://www.flashget.com/en/download.htm

[ComicChick]

www.giveawayoftheday.com

free software download everyday something new

[Kritish]

IZRrc (http://izarc.org/index.html)

IZArc is the ultimate freeware archive utility supporting many archive formats like: 7-ZIP, A, ACE, ARC, ARJ, B64, BH, BIN, BZ2, BZA, C2D, CAB, CDI, CPIO, DEB, ENC, GCA, GZ, GZA, HA, IMG, ISO, JAR, LHA, LIB, LZH, MDF, MBF, MIM, NRG, PAK, PDI, PK3, RAR, RPM, TAR, TAZ, TBZ, TGZ, TZ, UUE, WAR, XXE, YZ1, Z, ZIP, ZOO.

[Ender Durden]

how bout something for mac users that converts wma files to itunes compatible files? or wmv for quicktime?

damn, how bout a torrent for windows media player?

[JTIZZLEVILLE]

http://www.videora.com/en-us/Converter/iPod/

The name of this is actually "iPod Converter." It takes video files and converts them into MPEG so you can put them in iTunes and then onto your iPod.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Bump

[strikezone89]

anyone know a good web page designer?

[Malice]

Try NVU
http://www.nvu.com/

[strikezone89]

Try NVU
http://www.nvu.com/

works great.
thanks malice

[Malice]

works great.
thanks malice

No problem, its basically an opensource replacement for FrontPage.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Bump and other than WinRar and WinZip are there are good completely free programs for compression of large files out there?

[Malice]

Bump and other than WinRar and WinZip are there are good completely free programs for compression of large files out there?
7-zip (http://www.7-zip.org/) is my favorite. I only wish they would improve the gui just a tad.

PeaZip (http://peazip.sourceforge.net/) is another that I just heard of.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Thanks Malice :up:

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Any directions for these programs Malice? I am having problems, more than usual.

I'm trying to compress a few dozen or so files in a folder so it can be e-mailed to a friend and I can't figure it out.

[Malice]

7-zip is my program of choice.

highlight ALL the files you want to compress....
Right click on them, goto the menu offered and pick 7zip, add to archive
7zip program opens up, the top says, Archive...this is the file name, name this how you want it.

Archive format, is important, this will compress the files in a format of some sort...7zip, zip, tar, (dont use tar)

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Ok I have it running right now. Is there no way for me to select a custom conversion size? I used 7z for the compression format and it says right now it is compressing at 50%.

Could I get that to 10%?

[Malice]

Ok I have it running right now. Is there no way for me to select a custom conversion size? I used 7z for the compression format and it says right now it is compressing at 50%.

Could I get that to 10%?

that is not something you can set.
The compression size is determined by the type of data you are compressing.
For instance a TEXT file or a WORD document compresses to like 10-20% its original size.

A JPG on the other hand, will almost not ever shrink in size because the format is already somewhat compressed...

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

So basically the files will either compress or not.?

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Here's what I am trying to do M.

I have about 40 files each roughly 10MB or less each. I want to compress the entire folder roughly 400mb down into either one 10MB folder or two of them so I can attach them as e-mails to send to my friend.

Is this not going to be possible?

[jaguarr]

What kind of files are you trying to compress? Some files compress better than others.

jag

[Malice]

Here's what I am trying to do M.

I have about 40 files each roughly 10MB or less each. I want to compress the entire folder roughly 400mb down into either one 10MB folder or two of them so I can attach them as e-mails to send to my friend.

Is this not going to be possible?

Why have you deemed 400MB the limit?
Are you emailing them?
FTPing them?
Burning them?

What type of files are they also?

[jaguarr]

Why have you deemed 400MB the limit?
Are you emailing them?
FTPing them?
Burning them?

What type of files are they also?

I think the folder he's trying to compress is 400MB. He's trying to get it down to 10MB so he can email it to a friend who presumably has a 10MB attachment limit on his email account. Crunching 400MB down to 10MB seems highly unlikely.

jag

[Malice]

I think the folder he's trying to compress is 400MB. He's trying to get it down to 10MB so he can email it to a friend who presumably has a 10MB attachment limit on his email account. Crunching 400MB down to 10MB seems highly unlikely.

jag

I dont think you could honestly compress ANYTHING from 400mb to 10mb.
Text files might compress to 40mb on a good day, but that would be it.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

CBR files I think. Comic book files. Yeah Jag is right, I'm trying to get it down from 400MB to 10 which, as far as I can tell, yahoo or google e-mail attachments won't allow more than 10MB for each one.

[jaguarr]

CBR files I think. Comic book files. Yeah Jag is right, I'm trying to get it down from 400MB to 10 which, as far as I can tell, yahoo or google e-mail attachments won't allow more than 10MB for each one.

Best you'd be able to do is a 20MB limit with Google Mail. And 400MB isn't shrinking down to 20MB. Ever. You'll have to chop it up into smaller parcels if you want to send him all this stuff. You could also put it out on a file upload service like mediafire or fileupload.com and let him d/l it.

jag

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Hmmmm......well that's lame. Thanks for the help Jag and Malice :up:

[Malice]

Hmmmm......well that's lame. Thanks for the help Jag and Malice :up:

I suggest compressing in 10MB slices...
You will then email him however many slices of 10MB each till all are sent

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I figured screw it, I'm just going to attach as many as I can and e-mail them that way. They don't even seem to be compressing at all with 7-Zip

[Malice]

Assuming they are NOT copyrighted, goto the site
http:\\drop.io

Create a temporary site with a name, password it, and upload your first few files.

Then have him download them, then you can upload the next batch.

It only holds 100MB, but it works GREAT.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Awesome :up: Thanks Maclie

[Malice]

Awesome :up: Thanks Maclie

working for you bug?

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Had to head off to work so I will try when I get home. Stupid gmail was having problems earlier to. I couldn't up load anything.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Not sure if this program has been posted yet or not.

Irfanview.com

Use it :up:

[Malice]

I have used it for about 7 years :)

[the_ultimate_evil]

this is going to sound stupid, but a bunch of people have been speaking about avg free, so when i looked into, it seems to not to some things. so what i want to know is avg antivirius free worth just using that or is it only good to get the pay version

would you would also need to download a separate firewall.

[Malice]

AVG free work ok.
I never had a problem when I used it (I have a program I am allowed to use from work that is a little more effective...at least I think)

If you are not going to buy a program, I would use it, never be without AV protection.

As for a firewall...if you are running Windows XP with service pack 2, then you are fine. If you have Vista, you are fine (they both have built in firewalls)

But anything else, then you need to get a firewall.

this is going to sound stupid, but a bunch of people have been speaking about avg free, so when i looked into, it seems to not to some things. so what i want to know is avg antivirius free worth just using that or is it only good to get the pay version

would you would also need to download a separate firewall.

[jaguarr]

Clam AV FTW! :up:

jag

[the_ultimate_evil]

thanks mal, i've vista so i'll look into it

[explode7]

Mal don't forget the free Operating System as well.

Linux (linux.com) - This open source operating system uses less resources than any modern operating system on the market today. It can be programmed and upgraded for interested developers.

[Emma Frost]

Clam AV FTW! :up:

jag


what's that?

[jaguarr]

what's that?

http://www.clamwin.com/ - Windows
http://www.clamav.org/ - Linux
http://www.clamxav.com/ - Mac OS X

Outstanding multi-platform opensource antivirus software. Updated frequently and well supported. :up:

jag

[Malice]

True...but this is geared towards Windows

Mal don't forget the free Operating System as well.

Linux (http://linux.com) - This open source operating system uses less resources than any modern operating system on the market today. It can be programmed and upgraded for interested developers.

[jaguarr]

True...but this is geared towards Windows

Which is why I like to drop Mac OS X apps in here from time to time. It undermines your cause. :oldrazz:

:ninja:

jag

[Malice]

Which is why I like to drop Mac OS X apps in here from time to time. It undermines your cause. :oldrazz:

:ninja:

jag

Dork!
:oldrazz:

[Emma Frost]

http://www.clamwin.com/ - Windows
http://www.clamav.org/ - Linux
http://www.clamxav.com/ - Mac OS X

Outstanding multi-platform opensource antivirus software. Updated frequently and well supported. :up:

jag

thanks, i'll be looking into this

[jaguarr]

Dork!
:oldrazz:

Zombie Who Sounds Like Seth Rogen! :cmad:

:hehe:

jag

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

AVG free work ok.
I never had a problem when I used it (I have a program I am allowed to use from work that is a little more effective...at least I think)

If you are not going to buy a program, I would use it, never be without AV protection.

As for a firewall...if you are running Windows XP with service pack 2, then you are fine. If you have Vista, you are fine (they both have built in firewalls)

But anything else, then you need to get a firewall.


The only thing I've ever noticed with either AVG or Avast free home editions anti virus was not too long ago on my laptop with Vista.

After I installed both programs at roughly the same time and used them my computer started crashing and dumping loads of files.

I lost roughly 30GB of music and comics.

I rebooted my computer and it has been fine ever since and was fine before that.

Not sure if either of these programs were responsible as I did have other things going on with my computer.

[Eggyman]

Wow Malice, you're really providing a great service to us here. Sorry, I don't have anything to add to the list - what's on my PC basically IS the list :)

Just wanted to say thanks :up:

[Malice]

Wow Malice, you're really providing a great service to us here. Sorry, I don't have anything to add to the list - what's on my PC basically IS the list :)

Just wanted to say thanks :up:

Mr Eggs-a-lot, you are welcome :)

[Malice]

VirtualDub (http://www.virtualdub.org/)
is a great free open-source app for editing (including combining) video files.
I use it to combine my videos that are on two DVDs to one file...

[The Apocalypse]

I was just about to ask for something like that. Thanks a lot. :up:

[explode7]

True...but this is geared towards Windows

:csad: Well that just sucks.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Assuming they are NOT copyrighted, goto the site
http:\\drop.io

Create a temporary site with a name, password it, and upload your first few files.

Then have him download them, then you can upload the next batch.

It only holds 100MB, but it works GREAT.


Seems to be working well so far but it's extremley sloooow on the upload.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I also founds these websites that offer free large file sending....

www.pando.com

www.sendthisfile.com

www.podmailing.com

[JTIZZLEVILLE]

Does anyone know a good program that can combine music files?

Say, if I have something broken up into 5 different tracks and I want to combine them into 1 seamless track?

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I think you can do that with iTunes, you just have to mess with the advanced options and what not.

Also you can use mp3directcut it's free and you should be able to do that.

Visit


doom9.org ( i think the website is doom9.net)

afterdawn.com or .net

and

majorgeeks.com

They have a ton of free software to download listed by catagory. :up:

[JTIZZLEVILLE]

Wow, iTunes just keeps getting better and better. Thanks for pointing that out BAH HUMBBUG!

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

No problem bro. I'm assuming it worked, I wasn't sure but I thought it had a feature like that. :up:

[JTIZZLEVILLE]

Yeah, worked like a charm. When burning a cd to your computer, just highlight the tracks, go to "advanced" and hit "join tracks." Simple as that.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I thought it had an option like that. :up:

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Bump

[AxlsAppetite]

I think some people might wanna know a free program to download YT videos in avi format, you could either go to
www.vixy.net
or download Any Video Converter
http://www.any-video-converter.com/products/for_video_free/

Anybody got some free programs to
-convert Flacs & Apes to Mp3
-make/author dvd with menus
-open zip & rar files

[ComicChick]

question; can anyone recommend a program to make something like a dvd video game?

[the_ultimate_evil]

any one recommend a decent but free ftp programme?

[Malice]

any one recommend a decent but free ftp programme?

FileZilla

[Malice]

I think its time we make another thread with all the ideas collated into one post...

[ComicChick]

sounds like a good idea Malice

[Malice]

If someone wants to do that for me..
Feel free
:)