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My Essential Free Software List

Some of the useful applications that I have to have on my Windows XP based system to keep it running optimally. Bar 1 exception, all are FREE!

SoftwareTypeVersionSize (MB)Last Checked (dd.mm.yyyy)
Adobe ReaderPDF Reader10.137.812.09.2011
Advanced SystemCareSystem Maintenance4.1.0.028.612.09.2011
Apple iTunes+ QuicktimeMusic Manager10.4.177.412.09.2011
AvastAntivirus6.0.128956.212.09.2011
FilezillaFTP Manager3.5.14.3212.09.2011
FlashgetDownload Manager3.7.0.11565.9212.09.2011
Google EarthSatellite Imagery6.0.3.219713.712.09.2011
Google PicasaPhoto Editing & Manager3.8 Build 117.4313.612.09.2011
Google TalkVOIP Messenging1.0.0.1041.512.09.2011
Mozilla FirefoxBrowser6.0.213.312.09.2011
Mozilla Thunderbirde-mail6.0.213.712.09.2011
Nokia PC SuiteNokia Phone Manager7.14012.09.2011
Nokia Software UpdaterUpdates Firmware1.7.323.428.10.09
Nokia OVIFor newer Nokia's3.1.18812.09.2011
Piriform CCleanerSystem Maintenance3.10.15253.3112.09.2011
SkypeVOIP Messenging5.5.0.11523.612.09.2011
Windows Live WriterBlog Editing20111.2 +12.09.2011

Search by name for each application.

IE 6 & 7 Developer Add-on a must for developers who need to tweak their code to work in IE.

FileHippo v1.038 has a nifty & tiny piece (247kb) of code called “Update Checker” to scan your system and inform you of new updates to already installed software. Note: You need .NET Framework 2.0 installed. You can also download the standalone version if you want to scan without having to install more software. “I suggest grabbing the standalone version.”

Google Pack[discontinued] maintains a selection of Free apps that Google recommend. These include:

Google Desktop

  • Find all your email, files, web history, and more
  • Get all your personalized info in one place with Sidebar

Google Earth

  • Zoom from space to street level — tour the world
  • Find maps, driving directions, hotels, restaurants, and more

Google Photos Screensaver

  • Display photos from your PC and photo sharing sites
  • Watch cinematic slideshows

Google Talk

  • Connect with your friends via IM or free voice calls
  • Send and receive files and voice messages easily and quickly

Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer

  • Search from any web page and autofill forms
  • Block annoying pop-ups

Adobe Reader

  • View, print, and search PDF files via a redesigned interface
  • Secure your documents and collaborate via online, real-time meetings

Mozilla Firefox with Google Toolbar

  • Browse the web quickly and securely
  • Switch between pages quickly with tabbed browsing

Norton Security Scan

  • Detects and eliminates viruses and internet worms
  • Free detection updates and scheduled scanning

Picasa

  • Find, edit, and share your photos in seconds
  • Easily remove red eye and fix photos

RealPlayer

  • Play popular media formats, organize music and videos
  • Transfer music to iPod and other portable media players

Skype

  • Make free voice and video calls to anyone else on Skype
  • Call landlines and mobile phones at pretty low rates

Spyware Doctor Starter Edition

  • Detects and removes spyware, adware, trojans and keyloggers
  • Includes Smart Updates and scheduling to protect your PC

Install Google Updater and these will be kept up to date automagically.

Vector Magic v1.15 for PC, v1.18 for Mac

An awesome image to vector conversion tool. Great for turning those sketches into digital form. Unfortunately no longer free but you still get a chance to try it before buying. Now also available as a desktop application.

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