what apps?

[imported_mrcol]

what cool apps do you use... main stream commercial or small and unknown, i wanna know and i wanna know whats good, loads great shit out there and sometimes the stuff we aint ever heard of is just mega cool.

I use a load of gear that will be of no use use to most so i will keep it generic(ish)

ColorPic - small app that will let you get any colour (code) that is displayed on you screen ( [Only registered and activated users can see links] ) . i like because it is small and does everything it meant to do :) Oh yer, it's free

ScreenGrabPro - As title says. dummp screen(screen grab) software. Take specific areas of the screen or the lot, saved directly as BMP or JPG, it's free too . [Only registered and activated users can see links]

XMLTV Radio Times - just grabs all the listing from the Radio Times for ages in advance... It cool because most Sat, Cable and Terrestrial EPG (electronic program guides) dont give more than a few days at most, this gives a decent schedule. (i play with this more than use it) also free


-----
Not so generic and perhaps slightly geeky

Putty- ssh for windows, pretty decent // free

Miktex - Latex for windows (typesetting type thingy for docs, tis cool) //free

Subversion - Version control application, basically lets you back track to any revission you made of any doc ever, mostly for text based files, for the power, but other files are good too. //free, not just free, but free and better than any commercial alternative by a long way IMHO (check CVS, Visual Source Safe etc for comparisions)

[r1ncewind]

that screengrab thingy sounds usefull.
im not really into computers that much to know many programs. :(
mine are just to do with films such as dvdshrink, isobuster.
i think i will try that screengrabber one though, cheers col. :wink:

[Envoy]

To add to the geek list:-

also use Putty
Filezilla - FTP tool to get stuff onto Unix boxes
Toad - Oracle GUI tool..point and click instead of command line if you are feeling lazy
Cygwin- xhost software used to install Oracle on unix boxes which don't normally show GUI

[Wags]

I use Primo PDF [Only registered and activated users can see links] for creating PDF documents. It's free and seems OK. Anyone know a better one, that's also free ?

I like the Screengrab Pro Col. Just installed it. Nice one!

[Maggot]

This is probably of no news to you gurus and in fact it was one of TR that pointed me at it, but this little program is great at showing you what the heck is actually going on inside the computer.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

and it's free.

The only other thing I've got is of no use because I can't find it on it's original website any more. Anyway it's an Unreal Textures Explorer prog for among other things ripping out UT textures from both UTversions maps. What use? Great for grabbing some superb textures is all.

You can use UTs own Ed prog but it's less wieldly.

It's free so I can always dump it in my webspace if anyone wants it.

[russellg81]

isobuster is not freeware Rince... :roll: <<edited just noticed this post is not just about freeware app's>> sry Rince

Anyway

Handy Freeware Apps l have installed on my system at the moment...

some Apps below some of you might have installed..like the media players and such



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[Only registered and activated users can see links] notepad++

l use for viewing the NFO's they way there ment to be viewed..

Notepad++ is a free source code editor which supports several programming languages running under the MS Windows environment.



[Only registered and activated users can see links] VideoInspector

VideoInspector is a tools designed to provide you with as much information as possible about your video files. With VideoInspector you'll know why your video files has no sound or refuses to play correctly. VideoInspector will help you installing the required CoDecs (coder/decoder software) for an optimal performance. VideoInspector can also inspect your system to find which codecs are available, and it can also process multiple video files and export its result in HTML or plain text files.

[Only registered and activated users can see links] xnews

a free Usenet newsreader for Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP


[Only registered and activated users can see links] quickpar

QuickPar is a utility for creating Parity Volumes using the Reed Solomon algorithm. For details of the algorithm used, see the parchive website at SourceForge.

Parity Volumes may be used to verify that a set of files have not been corrupted, or to reconstruct damaged files (providing that you have a sufficient quantity of Parity Volumes to match the missing or damaged files)


[Only registered and activated users can see links] The Tweaking Experience

its a ebook with tweaks..

Tweaking Experience Registry Guide provides an extensive range of registry tweaks, tricks & hacks for optimizing, enhancing and securing the Windows XP, 2000 and 2003 Server.

[Only registered and activated users can see links] RootkitRevealer

RootkitRevealer is an advanced patent-pending root kit detection utility. It runs on Windows NT 4 and higher and its output lists Registry and file system API discrepancies that may indicate the presence of a user-mode or kernel-mode rootki



[Only registered and activated users can see links] win32whois

Win32Whois is a free, small and efficient tool that lets you retrieve registration information for a particular domain or website. It takes URL, hostname or IP address and will generate a detailed report listing all the available technical and contact information it can find. The generated report can be saved as a file or used to track down website owners, administrators or spammers.


[Only registered and activated users can see links] PageDefrag

One of the limitations of the Windows NT/2000 defragmentation interface is that it is not possible to defragment files that are open for exclusive access. Thus, standard defragmentation programs can neither show you how fragmented your paging files or Registry hives are, nor defragment them. Paging and Registry file fragmentation can be one of the leading causes of performance degradation related to file fragmentation in a system.

[Only registered and activated users can see links] tcpview

TCPView is a Windows program that will show you detailed listings of all TCP and UDP endpoints on your system, including the local and remote addresses and state of TCP connections. On Windows NT, 2000 and XP TCPView also reports the name of the process that owns the endpoint. TCPView provides a more informative and conveniently presented subset of the Netstat program that ships with Windows. The TCPView download includes Tcpvcon, a command-line version with the same functionality.



[Only registered and activated users can see links] FreeUndelete

FreeUndelete is a freeware data recovery program for deleted files.

In case of accidental deletion of files on a NTFS (used by default in Windows XP, 2000 and NT), FAT32 or FAT16 file systems FreeUndelete is the utility to help.

[Only registered and activated users can see links] cpu-z

same makers of the handy tool Maggot gave a link to.. Sandra is better though but its a shame you have to pay for Sandra :P

CPU-Z is a freeware that gathers information on some of the main devices of your system.

[Only registered and activated users can see links] VLC


VLC (initially VideoLAN Client) is a highly portable multimedia player for various audio and video formats (MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, mp3, Ogg, OGM, MOV, wma, wmv...) as well as DVDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols. It can also be used as a server to stream in unicast or multicast in IPv4 or IPv6 on a high-bandwidth network


[Only registered and activated users can see links] Media_Player_Classic


Media Player Classic looks just like Windows Media Player 6.4, but has many additional features. It has a built in DVD player with real-time zoom, support for AVI subtitles, QuickTime and RealVideo support (requires QuickTime and/or Real Player); built-in MPEG2/SVCD/DVD codec.


Media Player Classic is also available in the K-Lite Codec Pack which you can get via the link down below


[Only registered and activated users can see links] K-Lite Codec Pack Full

K-Lite Codec Pack is a collection of codecs and related tools. Codecs are required to encode and/or decode (play) audio and video. The K-Lite Codec Pack is designed as a user-friendly solution for playing all your movie files. With the K-Lite Codec Pack you should be able to play 99% of all the movies that you download from the internet.



[Only registered and activated users can see links] RegScrubXP 3.25

Safely cleans junk out of the Windows 2000/XP system registry. All changes made to the registry are fully restorable to it's original condition. You can make an exclusion list of registry entries that RegScrubXP will not display as problems. You can sift through a list of file extensions, company names, run upon startup programs, Internet Explorer history, and uninstall programs to delete what you think is junk. Tweak the registry with the easy to use tweaker! Additional Tips & Tweaks help file with dozens of XP tweaks! Users love it! Click a button to download (in the background) the latest updates from the Lexun Freeware web site! RegScrubXP is freeware! Pass it around! Give it to your friends! Fred Langa liked it better than any of the other registry cleaners, including jv16 power tools! Featured on TechTV in Australia! People are using it all over the world!

[Only registered and activated users can see links] RegCleaner 4.3.0.780

RegCleaner is an easy to use program. With RegCleaner you can easily get rid of those old and obsolete registry entries created by software that you have destroyed ages ago. And by easily, I mean easily. You don´t have to be any expert to use this program.

Key Features
# Remove file types
# Remove entries of old software
# Uninstall and remove Software from the Add/Remove list
# Remove unused DLL files
# Remove unused Shared DLLs (Automatically detected)
# Automatic backup feature



[Only registered and activated users can see links] firetune

FireTune for Mozilla Firefox v1.x was developed for an easy and fast optimization of your browsing experience with Firefox. It is based on a collection of popular and well working optimization settings used and tested by the experts. Usually you have to optimize Firefox manually, which can be time consuming and difficult for the novice user. FireTune helps you here - it includes all the performance optimizations. The only thing you must do is: make your selection. FireTune does the work for you

[Only registered and activated users can see links] Error Messages for Windows 2.9

Error Messages for Windows 2.9
MS Windows Error Messages is a small utility that will allow you to look up MS Windows error code numbers and display a descriptive message explaining what the numeric code actually means. If you have software programs that produce numeric error codes now you can find out what they really mean. Error Messages for Windows also provides a facility to display or print all of the error codes and messages defined for your version of MS Windows.

[Only registered and activated users can see links] xp-antispy

The xp-AntiSpy is a little utility that lets you disable some built-in update and authentication 'features' in WindowsXP.
For example, there's a service running in the background which is called 'Automatic Updates'. I don't know what this service transfers from my machine to other machines on the internet, especially the MS ones. So I play it safe and disable such functions. If you like, you can even disable these functions manually, by going through the System and checking or unchecking some checkboxes. This will take you approximately half an hour. But why wast time when a little neat utility can do the same in 1 minute? This utility was successfully tested by lots of users, and was found to disable all the known 'Suspicious' Functions in WindowsXP. It's customiseable, but comes up with the Default settings, which are recommended. This utility is DONATIONWARE! This means, you don't have to pay anything for this program and you can give it to anyone who's interested in it, as long as you don't sell it

[Only registered and activated users can see links] imgburn

ImgBurn can write most types of CD / DVD images and it supports all the latest writers (including booktype / bitsetting on many of the major ones - i.e. BenQ, LiteOn, NEC, Plextor, Sony). You can even use ImgBurn to erase / format your rewritable media

[Only registered and activated users can see links] Cdex

CDex is a powerful ripper and encoder combo that has satisfied MP3 software fans for a few years now. Albert Faber is a leading contributor for the LAME encoding project.

CDex rips fast and accurately, applying jitter correction for quality control. Files are normalized to ensure consistent volume levels. Track information can be read from the CD's .ini file or you can hook up to the CDDB database on the Internet, both will keep you from typing in track names yourself.

The program uses LAME as its default encoder but can be used in conjunction with a variety of encoding tools for various formats. Since Faber works on the LAME project, you can be assured he will include the latest and best version of the encoder with CDex. Additionally, CDex functions as a free mp3 to wav converter, easily decoding your audio to prepare for CD burning. Couple this program with a burning utility like MP3 CD Burner and you have all the MP3 tools you need. Overall a fantastic product that is a must have at the right price.

[Only registered and activated users can see links] WCPUID

WCPUID/XCPUID is the program that displays the CPU information of your personal computer.
Shows Frequency, Multiplier, Chipset Info. etc ...

[Only registered and activated users can see links] Process Explorer

Ever wondered which program has a particular file or directory open? Now you can find out. Process Explorer shows you information about which handles and DLLs processes have opened or loaded.

[Only registered and activated users can see links] AutoRuns

See what programs are configured to startup automatically when your system boots and you login. Autoruns also shows you the full list of Registry and file locations where applications can configure auto-start settings.

[Only registered and activated users can see links] crap cleaner

CCleaner is a freeware system optimization and privacy 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. But the best part is that it's fast (normally taking less that a second to run) and contains NO Spyware or Adware! :)

[Only registered and activated users can see links] FreePortScanner

loads of other handy free security And monitoring tools on that site..

Free Port Scanner is a small, fast, easy-to-use and robust port scanner for the Win32 platform. You can scan ports on fast machines in a few seconds and can perform scan on predefined port ranges. The tool is designed with a user-friendly interface and is easy to use.

[Only registered and activated users can see links] NetBrute

NetBrute Scanner is a suite of three valuable network tools and is absolutely free to download.

GFI LANguard Network Security Scanner is great but you have to pay for that though but does have alot more functions than the tool's above alot more... for testing for vulnerabilities on your own system.. or on other's if they piss you off.. :twisted: jk



[Only registered and activated users can see links] MSN 7 Universal Patcher++

Do you need that banner and crappy shopping tabs in your Messenger?
Patch your Messenger, you choose what you want to see and what not!

Works for all MSN 7 versions (now 100% 7.5 compatible)

* Disable multiple logins
* Remove that crappy banner
* Remove those crappy tabs
* Remove the crap ad-bar
* Remove MSN Search
* Remove action-window
* Backups replaced files
* Supports Dutch, French, Spanish, English languages


[Only registered and activated users can see links] TCPIP.SYS
patcher tool

Windows XP SP2 limits half-open connections (SYN) to a maximum of 10 (the previous limit was over 65,000). This is supposed to slow down certain viruses because their spreading strategy is to try to connect to a high amount of random IP numbers.

The drawback with this connection limit is that other legitimate network intensive applications can be slowed down as well. Applications like security network scanners, (BT) (P2P) applications or a combination of network applications that a power user may be using (VPN, FTP, p2p, RDP, SSH, "Firefox on steroids" and more).

use the tool above to open as many as you like... Any number between 50 and 100 is ok...



[Only registered and activated users can see links] UnPlug n' Pray


Instantly and Easily Control Windows' Insecure, Exploit-Prone and
Probably Unnecessary Universal Plug and Play Network Support

and the usual other free tools installed Hijack This and Spybot and Adware & Winamp that everyone else should have installed..

[imported_mrcol]

I use Primo PDF [Only registered and activated users can see links] for creating PDF documents. It's free and seems OK. Anyone know a better one, that's also free ?


Do PDF with Miktex - If you need to do reports with Contents page and bibliography it's a god send.

Basically when i am writting reports, i save the Bib that is attached to reference material (mostly taken from ACM) to a file. You point to that file at the bottom. Within the text you /cite{ref-short-name} and it will reference from the bibliography. You also set your style too, so for instance you want to use harvard style, you set it to harvard, or like me, you use the APA style you set to apa... just by /bibliographystyle{apa} or /bibliographystyle{plain} and it will reference in that manner too. It also has loads of packages for displaying equasions too.

[willofgod]

Think most of the cool apps I use were recommended by you anyway Col, but:

TightVNC:
Remote control your PC from remote location. Comes with a built in web server so you can connect to it from a java enabled browser. Requires you to make a hole in your firewall, so some rules are required in your firewall. Free.
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

ActivePorts:
Nice simple util for monitoring which ports are open on your PC and what software is using them. Would make it obvious to spot if your PC was compromised in some way. Free.
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

These ones are not so free. ;)

Internet Download Manager:
This is handy for downloading files from a slow or restricted server. It works like a P2P client and opens a number of connections to a download server and splits the file you want between the connections. This has the effect of maxing out your connection giving you full speed downloads instead of the 23k you might otherwise get. Doesn't work everywhere tho as I found out trying to demonstrate it to Villan with a Compaq download the other day. 60 day trial.
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

FlashFXP
FTP client. Very nifty, I'm actually considering buying myself a copy of this, as I use it at work and home. Enables you to connecty to FTP servers with a single click. Drag and drop files. And do transfers between remote FTP locations... Which used to be handy eh Col. 30 or 60 day trial.
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[BuLLiTT]

8) Particle Illusion for you arty types. [Only registered and activated users can see links]


<<edit: remember this section is public!>>

[imported_mrcol]

ls for Windows [Only registered and activated users can see links]

Forgot about this one, more usefull if you use the command line a lot , GNU ls it much better than the Win eqiv "dir".

You know you used too much shell only linux when type ls 3 times be4 you realise that it dont work on widows.

[Villan]

Pingplotter
PingPlotter is a utility for tracing IP packets through a network. It graphically illustrates the route that a request takes, and the IP address of each server along the route.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

DigiGuide
It's not free, but very cheap and is the best app if you've got cable/sky or even Freeview TV. You can use the online version but I prefer the download. It's fully customisable and in grid view you can see at a glance what's on & when. You can set up automatic updates or manual -with a broadband link these take seconds.
Crucially you can also get programme details for all the programmes, not just some, like those crappy TV magazines that just list them.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

TitleBarClock Pro

Puts the Date, Time and other info* on the title bar of the active application. When you switch to another app it will display on that one (you get the idea).
* You can customise it to display what you want, not free but very cheap ($9.95) and you get free upgrades for the life of the program.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[russellg81]

TitleBarClock Pro

Puts the Date, Time and other info* on the title bar of the active application. When you switch to another app it will display on that one (you get the idea).
* You can customise it to display what you want, not free but very cheap ($9.95) and you get free upgrades for the life of the program.

will done Villan you have won the most useless app award.. your prize is to stop posting piss poor app's

VisualRoute Professional Edition is why better than Ping Plotter..

can we stick to free apps ffs

hydrairc
>>> [Only registered and activated users can see links]

HydraIRC is a completely new IRC client that makes IRC a joy to use. Previously IRC has been only for the computer literate but HydraIRC makes IRC accessible to everyone and provides enough features to keep even the most demanding power-user happy.


XPize
>>> [Only registered and activated users can see links]

XPize is a GUI enhancer for Windows XP and above. It replaces most of the non-XP icons, avis and bmps that Microsoft has always overlooked.

The installer simply automates the process of replacing resources in critical system files, making your XP's look better.

It also includes some extras and a reloader, which you can use after visiting Windows Update.

XPize does not contain any spyware or ad-ware of any kind.

If you are not satisfied with the results, you can completely uninstall XPize.

XPize is compatible with any version (except x64) and any language of Windows XP (Home, Pro & MCE) and 2003.


nLite
>>> [Only registered and activated users can see links]

Have you ever wanted to remove Windows components like Media Player, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, MSN Explorer, Messenger...

How about not even to install them with Windows ?

nLite is a tool for permanent Windows components removal and pre-installation Windows setup. After removal there is an option to make bootable image ready for burning on cd or testing in virtual machines. With nLite you will be able to have Windows installation which on install doesn't include, or even contain on cd, unwanted components.

nLite Features

- Service Pack Integration
- Component Removal
- Unattended Setup
- Driver Integration *
- Hotfixes Integration **
- Tweaks
- Patches ***
- Bootable ISO creation

[Villan]

Russ as you've already said:-

isobuster is not freeware Rince... :roll: <<edited just noticed this post is not just about freeware app's>> sry Rince
..

So FUCK OFF

[imported_mrcol]

now now boys, play nice

sometimes you need to post something to be pointed to something better. Better is usually a matter of opinion, which is unfortunate cos as Plato once said "Thats whats wrong with opinions, every cunt has one", yes it was really Plato that said that and he said cunt, the naughty boy. :D :D :D

Or was it PlayDoh? :wink:

[imported_mrcol]

Notepad2 ( [Only registered and activated users can see links]) -- souped up notepad.. it aint as powerfull as notepad++ , but all the extra's that notepad++ offers are not as powerfull as the other things i use which are specific to those tasks. So worth a mention if you aint requiring the extra's.

Why is notepad so poor anyways? Like everyone uses it lots and it lacks what you would consider basics.

[russellg81]

Russ as you've already said:-

isobuster is not freeware Rince... :roll: <<edited just noticed this post is not just about freeware app's>> sry Rince
..

So FUCK OFF

:oops: forgot l said that

anyway back on topic...

FileZilla Server 0.9.14a
>>> [Only registered and activated users can see links]


Publisher's Description:

FileZilla Server is a small and fast FTP Server. The server looks like the famous G6, but it is free.
Latest Changes:

* Fixed problem with SSL transfers aborting or even crashing the server
* Fixed crash introduced with 0.9.14

[Villan]

Haven't used Notepad2 or ++ but used:-
Textpad at work

[Only registered and activated users can see links]
£16.50

and UltraEdit32 at home

[Only registered and activated users can see links]
£23.00

both available for 30 day evaluation - Textpad carries on working afterwards but nags you on startup.

Also used TreeSize Pro at work
"TreeSize Professional is a powerful and flexible hard disk space manager for Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003. Find out which folders are the largest on your drives and recover megabytes of disk space. TreeSize Professional shows you the size, allocated and wasted space, the number of files, 3D bar and pie charts, the last access date, the file owner, the NTFS compression rate and much more information for several folders or drives you choose"
This was an absolute godsend during the administration period at MG Rover.
There's now a personal edition available too.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Both Pro & Personal come with evaluation versions and there's a 'lite' freeware version.

[pup]

two little free apps i use now and again at work for the following reasons

1. when a member of staff cant understand where all their hdd space has gone and it must be their laptop is broken... then DiskInfo shows them in simple bar chart form that their holiday photo folder is using 19gigs of their 20gig hdd

and

2. when a member of staff needs to give me their password but has forgotten it, PassUnleash turns the asterisks into the password

both available free here
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[russellg81]

when a member of staff needs to give me their password but has forgotten it, PassUnleash turns the asterisks into the password

both available free here
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

a other free app that does the same job..

Asterisk Key
>>> [Only registered and activated users can see links]

[russellg81]

SIW - System Information for Windows. This program perform computer configuration analysis and diagnostics. It gives detailed information about your computer properties and settings, detailed specs for CPU, motherboard, chipset, BIOS, CPU, PCI/AGP, USB and ISA/PnP devices, memory, monitor, video card, disk drives, CD/DVD devices, SCSI devices, S.M.A.R.T., ports, network cards, printers, operating system, installed programs and hotfixes, processes, services, serial numbers (CD keys), users, open files, system uptime, network, network shares, as well as real-time monitors for CPU, memory, page file usage and network traffic. It displays currently active network connections, passwords hidden behind asterisks, installed codecs, and more.
This program also creates a report file, and is able to run in batch mode.
A standalone tool that does not require installation - one less installed program on your PC as well the fact that you can run the program directly from a USB flash drive.

great free tool check out there site for more info truly a gem of a free tool...

SIW - System Information for Windows

>>>> [Only registered and activated users can see links]







Gaim is a multi-protocol instant messaging (IM) client for Linux, BSD, MacOS X, and Windows. It is compatible with AIM and ICQ (Oscar protocol), MSN Messenger, Yahoo!, IRC, Jabber, Gadu-Gadu, SILC, Novell GroupWise Messenger, Lotus Sametime, and Zephyr networks.

Gaim users can log in to multiple accounts on multiple IM networks simultaneously. This means that you can be chatting with friends on AOL Instant Messenger, talking to a friend on Yahoo Messenger, and sitting in an IRC channel all at the same time.

Gaim supports many features of the various networks, such as file transfer, away messages, and typing notification. It also goes beyond that and provides many unique features. A few popular features are Buddy Pounces, which give the ability to notify you, send a message, play a sound, or run a program when a specific buddy goes away, signs online, or returns from idle; and plugins, consisting of text replacement, a buddy ticker, extended message notification, iconify on away, spell checking, tabbed conversations, and more.

lol l could do with spell checking....

GAIM

>>>>> [Only registered and activated users can see links]

[pup]

hehe russ

that first one looks very handy, cheers

may i make a request for one?

i need a little app that monitors the temperature for this guys laptop at work that i suspect is overheating, i know that falky has one on his lappy, so i can ask him

but i would appreciate and advice on the best ones to use

thanks

[russellg81]

SpeedFan is a freeware program that monitors voltages, fan speeds and temperatures in computers with hardware monitor chips. SpeedFan can even access S.M.A.R.T. info for those hard disks that support this feature and show hard disk temperatures

there you go pup..

Speedfan

>>>> [Only registered and activated users can see links]

[pup]

cheers me dears

[russellg81]

>>>> FastStone Image Viewer
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

FastStone Image Viewer is a fast, stable, user-friendly image browser, converter and editor. It has a nice array of features that include image viewing, management, comparison, red-eye removal, emailing, resizing, cropping and color adjustments. Its innovative but intuitive full-screen mode provides quick access to EXIF information, thumbnail browser and major functionalities via hidden toolbars that pop up when your mouse touch the four edges of the screen. Other features include a high quality magnifier and a musical slideshow with 150+ transitional effects, as well as lossless JPEG transitions, drop shadow effects, image annotation, scanner support, histogram and much more. It supports all major graphic formats (BMP, JPEG, JPEG 2000, animated GIF, PNG, PCX, TIFF, WMF, ICO and TGA) and popular digital camera RAW formats (CRW, CR2, NEF, PEF, RAF, MRW, ORF, SRF and DNG)

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Registrytweaker >>>> [Only registered and activated users can see links]

Registry Tweaker is a tool, for applying registry tweaks on Windows platforms. It supports Windows 2000/XP/2003. The program is very customizable, you can add, edit tweak database, create profiles and export them to *.reg files. Everything is done just with a few clicks. Registry Tweaker supports basic types:

# REG_DWORD, REG_SZ, REG_MULTI_SZ, REG_EXP_SZ, REG_BINARY

If you like to track things down, Tweak Tracker is included. When you apply tweak, manually or with profile, changes are written to tracker, so you can check everything you have applied. Of course, restore to old or original value is possible. Next great thing is database update via internet. 2 methods of update are possible; overwrite or append database file, so you can never loose your custom tweaks. Under Other Tweaks section is located Windows XP Viewer/Changer and Startup manager. There you can also apply *.reg files to run at Windows startup. Neat feature is Registry backup. What it does is really simple, it exports whole registry to a *.reg file, which can be applied later if something is wrong. With latest release, Backup tool got some improvements. You can export hives or custom registry path. System information section is useful for administrators, it captures basic info about computer. Latest version has also improved database editor. Jumping between tweaks in database is really easy and form many directions. If you like typing the database than you will like Database Syntax checker, or if you like to do it more quickly, than you can use tweak templates. There is also HEX 2 String converter and Find / Replace Tool. New feature is also Internet Explorer Security, you can block domains and cookies from that domains. Latest version also supports ActiveX blocker. With this addition, IE Security, gets more close to other immunization tools, like Spyware Blaster or SpyBot. It's some sort of alternative. Registry Tweaker has also nice Directory structure, where are stored all files it uses. You can also do mass delete from registry, with latest version of RT, it's in test phase. Becouse it does not need any other system file, you can simply copy it to portable device and carry it around.

great tool please download and check it out... :)


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Virtual CloneDrive >>>> [Only registered and activated users can see links]

Virtual CloneDrive works and behaves just like a physical CD/DVD drive, however it exists only virtually. Image files generated with CloneDVD or CloneCD can be mounted onto a virtual drive from your hard-disk or from a network drive and used in the same manner as inserting them into a normal CD/DVD drive.

Probably the best virtual drive software, Virtual CloneDrive allows you to enjoy the freedom of a virtual drive and is completely free.

[Benny]

I was wondering where all my bloody hard disc space was going to, i only had 24 gig left on an 80 gig hard drive, i'd tried all ways of cleaning it up and then i went on google and found this little beauty [Only registered and activated users can see links]
it pointed me straight to the problem, i can't tell you what it was though, it's embarrasing, anyway, it freed up 54 gig for me.

I got the Pro version off easynews that some kind soul had put a password in :)

[pup]

got sent this list today of freeware stuff... worth a look if you got time to explore

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[willofgod]

Not an application as such, but a browser addon from Google:

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

It adds a new item to your right click menu in your broswer called 'Note this'. You can then highlight images and text in a webpage, right-click and note it! Doing this adds the item to a notebook which appears as a kind of popup at the bottom corner of your screen. Not selecting text adds the URL of the page.

I'm finding it very very useful, for example I've just noted one of Russ's apps from this thread so I can have a look at it at home. Similarly if I spot anything I think might be useful in future I note it. The notes are on Google servers like email so are available from one PC to the next.

The add-on must be installed on each PC though. Doing this adds a new area to your statusbar in your broswer and clicking this brings back the notes popup... which can be used to manage or edit your notes!

Simple, but incredibly useful! Give it a try!


[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[russellg81]

RipIt4Me:

Description:

RipIt4Me is a freeware utility to help you rip and backup your DVDs. It supports DVDs that software like DVD Shrink or DVD Decrypter cannot handle (new ARccOS™ or RipGuard DVD from Sony, Disney - please refer to the FAQ section of the guide for more information on when RipIt4Me is needed). RipIt4Me is the highest rated software on VideoHelp.com and on Digital Digest.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[mrcol]

Stupidly simple application which let you make a window always be on top, even if it doesn't have this function.

A good example of use is.... say you are watching a video in a player in the top of your screen while doing something else, say writing a word doc, but word window keeps coming to the front obscuring the view of the vid... this will make the player always at the front, allow you to view your vid.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[mrcol]

Ninan is Not A Newsreader

App that reads nzb files and downloads the parts, does a par check and recovery if required and extracts the files.

Example of use:

Get I_Love_Pron_XXXXX(1999).nzb from newzbin.
Give file to NUNAN
---NUNAN will fetch files
---PAR check
----if parts missing, recover
----else decompress
---delete original parts

It is a JAVA project and runs as a server in the background, usingthe web browser to login and send it the NZB files to use. So it could be set up to be used from work, use your connection while you are not even at home, all yer crap waiting for you, unrared for you.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[pup]

simple and free back up app.. i've stuck this on everyones pc's at work to back up files to our server.. simple to schedule back ups so you never need to think about it again... anyways heres the blurb...

Cobian Backup is a multi-threaded program that can be used to schedule and backup your files and directories from their original location to other directories/drives in the same computer or other computer in your network. FTP backup is also supported in both directions (download and upload).
Cobian Backup exists in two different versions: application and service. The program uses very few resources and can be running on the background on your system, checking your backup schedule and executing your backups when necessary. Cobian Backup is not an usual backup application: it only copies your files and folders in original or compressed mode to other destination, creating a security copy as a result. So Cobian Backup can be better described as a "Scheduler for security copies".
Cobian Backup supports several methods of compression and strong encryption.

download here [Only registered and activated users can see links]

[CalamityJane]

Here's one I found today. [Only registered and activated users can see links]
I thought your site was down yesterday, I couldn't get on no matter how I tried. I had everybody else trying to get on & they could so was convinced Col had blocked me. Turned out Blueyonder didn't want me to go on.

[pup]

looks handy, cheers cj

[russellg81]

Alcohol 52% is now freeware for non commercial use on a single home computer. For those not familiar with Alcohol software, it is CD & DVD back-up and emulation software, which allows one to back-up games, software and DVD titles and use them without risk of damaging the original discs or misplacing them on the move as the software is capable of creating virtual drives from the alcohol-created disc images.

The Alcohol 52% Free Edition offers pretty much the same functionality as Alcohol 120%, but without the writing engine, has a limitation of 6 virtual CD/DVD-ROM drives and requires installation of the Protection Database Search Toolbar by Candeo Technologies, Inc. Alcohol Software offers a retail software version of Alcohol 52% without these restrictions apart from no writing engine, which is present in Alcohol 120%.

Alcohol_52__Free_Edition ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

[pup]

PingPlotter

get fed up of using command prompt and having to put in the same tracert manually all the time?

well this little utility is very handy

"
Whether you're a user of an ASP, an online gamer, a VoIP user, user of some other network/Internet application or an administrator, at some point it's likely you'll encounter problems with your network or Internet connection(s). PingPlotter helps you pinpoint where the problems are in an intuitive graphical way, and to continue monitoring your connection long-term to further identify issues.
PingPlotter offers some unique value for network monitoring and troubleshooting:

Graphically display performance metrics about the route your data takes to a server.
Monitor network performance over time, capturing the moments when problems surface.
Zoom in on a problem period and construct a compelling case to have someone help you solve a problem.
Get notified when there is a network problem.
Save data or images, and send to others for review.
Troubleshoot without having to call your ISP, allowing you to know about problems before they do."theres a free shareware version here [Only registered and activated users can see links]

[CalamityJane]

The ping plotter looks good Pup I have given Butch the link, we too are having loads of packet loss problems. Maybe this will be more specific. I hope so I am getting fed up of trying to play & do the Hokey Cokey at the same time.

Here's one I have been using it has a few more bits of info for other areas.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[pup]

thanks cj, hope it helps, thanks for the link

[mrcol]

Active Virus Shield ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) - Free Anti-Virus

Ignore the fact that AOL is bankrolling it. It runs off the back of the Kaspersky AV engine + their updates, which, incidentally has the best detection rate of all the AV's.

It aint got all the bells, whistles and annoyances of the usual muppetware (Norton?), so its fairly non-intrusive for normal use.

Been using it about a week now (as apposed to AVG) and it is a step up by a decent amount.

[russellg81]

Find open source software alternatives to well-known commercial software

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[r1ncewind]

i find gameshadow to be good for looking for, and installing game patchs and drivers on your compuer.
no doubt russ or col will disagree. :x

[russellg81]

openoffice ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

free office suite




i find gameshadow to be good for looking for, and installing game patchs and drivers on your compuer.
no doubt russ or col will disagree. :x

aye for people that pay for there game's :wink:

[shifty]

I know a lot of people in the clan are into photos, as am I.
Found this :[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Its free, which is amazing, as the program does so much, throw a pic up in full view, then go to the edges of the screen, and you get all different menu's come up, so you can do lots more with the pic.
I came across it a couple of weeks ago browsing CNet, as they always send me stuff, and have been using it ever since :mrgreen: .

[russellg81]

DriveImage XML ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

DriveImage XML is an easy to use and reliable program for imaging and backing up partitions and logical drives.

The program allows you to:
# Backup logical drives and partitions to image files
# Browse these images, view and extract files
# Restore these images to the same or a different drive
# Copy directly from drive to drive
# Schedule automatic backups with your Task Scheduler

[Maggot]

Ok, this isn't free but it seems a nice little alternative to Windows Explorer and comes with a free 60 day trial - Directory Opus9

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

gets some good reviews and I'm currently playing with it quite happily.

[Future]

Ever wondered which program has a particular file or directory open? Now you can find out. Process Explorer shows you information about which handles and DLLs processes have opened or loaded.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Already recommended it to some of you. Also see post by Russell, long time ago.

[Future]

Easy to use website to find Call of Duty servers... or players. If you arent using ASE - wont start up the game though.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[russellg81]

The PDF-XChange PDF Viewer (Free!)
The free alternative to the Adobe PDF Viewer/Reader - fully featured, faster and still Free !

View, Print, Export Text & Images and add content to PDF files, type on PDF's in any font, fill and save forms and much more !
Includes Help files and Manual - adding 5.5+ MB to the download

PDF-XCHANGE VIEWER ([Only registered and activated users can see links][69]=download)

[Maggot]

I was checking out the Crap Cleaner site for updates and found that they do a couple of other free progs which might be of interest.

Defraggler is a defrag prog that allows you to defrag just the fragmented files rather than the entire disk.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Recuva is a file recovery tool for getting back files accidentally deleted.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[russellg81]

Comodo Firewall Pro is the multi-layered security application that keeps hackers out and personal information in.

Built from the ground upwards with your security in mind, this award winning firewall constantly monitors and defends your system from inbound and outbound attacks. Version 3.0 now features a fully fledged Host Intrusion Prevention System to protect your critical operating system files and block viruses and malware before they ever get the chance to install.

It features a friendly graphical user interface; highly granular configuration options; easily understood and informative alerts; wizard-based detection of trusted zones and much more. Comodo Firewall Pro delivers enterprise class protection and can be used 'out of the box' - so even the most inexperienced users will not have to deal with complex configuration issues after installation.

Why is it free?

You must be wondering - how can we stay in business by giving away high quality solutions that all other software vendors sell. Simply, Comodo's main revenue comes from authenticating web business with SSL certificates (e.g. we put the padlock on websites). The more consumers are comfortable being online and shopping online, the more businesses that will be created that will need our services.

It's the ultimate win/ win.

Consumers get business class desktop security solutions for free, emerchants get a new, growing pool of confident online customers and Comodo gets to sell our technologies and services to all these eMerchants.

Comodo Firewall Pro ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

[BuLLiTT]

Nice Russel....which version do i need ? 32 or 64 bit, i'm on windows XP /AM2 6000. cheers Russ in advance :)

[russellg81]

sry.. Bullet did not notice your post ^_^

Sysinternals Suite ([Only registered and activated users can see links])


The Sysinternals Troubleshooting Utilities have been rolled up into a single Suite of tools. This file contains the individual troubleshooting tools and help files. It does not contain non-troubleshooting tools like the BSOD Screen Saver or NotMyFault.

The Suite is a bundling of the following selected Sysinternals Utilities:

AccessChk
AccessEnum
AdExplorer
AdRestore
Autologon
Autoruns
BgInfo
CacheSet
ClockRes
Contig
Ctrl2Cap
DebugView
DiskExt
DiskMon
DiskView
Disk Usage (DU)
EFSDump
FileMon
Handle
Hex2dec
Junction
LDMDump
ListDLLs
LiveKd
LoadOrder
LogonSessions
NewSid
NTFSInfo
PageDefrag
PendMoves
PortMon
ProcessExplorer
Process Monitor
ProcFeatures
PsExec
PsFile
PsGetSid
PsInfo
PsKill
PsList
PsLoggedOn
PsLogList
PsPasswd
PsService
PsShutdown
PsSuspend
RegDelNull
RegJump
RegMon
RootkitRevealer
SDelete
ShareEnum
SigCheck
Streams
Strings
Sync
TCPView
VolumeID
WhoIs
WinObj
ZoomIt

[russellg81]

TrueCrypt - Free Open-Source Disk Encryption Software ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

Main Features:

* Creates a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mounts it as a real disk.

* Encrypts an entire hard disk partition or a storage device such as USB flash drive.

* Encryption is automatic, real-time (on-the-fly) and transparent.

* Provides two levels of plausible deniability, in case an adversary forces you to reveal the password:

1) Hidden volume (steganography – more information may be found here).

2) No TrueCrypt volume can be identified (volumes cannot be distinguished from random data).

* Encryption algorithms: AES-256, Serpent, and Twofish. Mode of operation: XTS.

[r1ncewind]

has anyone got any good avi to dvd converters that dont need buying and the trial version hasnt got a bloody advert popping on screen all the time? :shock:
cheers.

[russellg81]

Darik's Boot and Nuke

Darik's Boot and Nuke ("DBAN") is a self-contained boot disk that securely wipes the hard disks of most computers. DBAN will automatically and completely delete the contents of any hard disk that it can detect, which makes it an appropriate utility for bulk or emergency data destruction.


DBAN is a means of ensuring due diligence in computer recycling, a way of preventing identity theft if you want to sell a computer, and a good way to totally clean a Microsoft Windows installation of viruses and spyware. DBAN prevents or thoroughly hinders all known techniques of hard disk forensic analysis

DBAN ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

[-ImP-]

I have loads of small apps installed but these I like the most

DU meter = shows a small graph on the screen with the LAN Ethernet or any network connection activity. and unlike windows it shows the real time DL and UL wich is nice if you download a lot or use programs like Azureus. It also track the DL, UL an DL+UL on a monthly base so you don't have to check online if you downloaded to much. (has some other features to) (if you want it, i have it just PM me.)

Azureus = torrent app I use

HLSW = something like the All seeing eye for game server monitoring but better in my oppinion (doesn't work on CoD 4 tough)

[-ImP-]

has anyone got any good avi to dvd converters that dont need buying and the trial version hasnt got a bloody advert popping on screen all the time? :shock:
cheers.

i have one, I'll look for it

[mrcol]

has anyone got any good avi to dvd converters that dont need buying and the trial version hasnt got a bloody advert popping on screen all the time? :shock:
cheers.

ffmpeg should do it, that bad boy does everything and does it well

ffmpeg -i blah.avi -aspect 16:9 -target pal-dvd blah.mpg

^is the command ya wanna use, if you drop the "-aspect" it will do a 1:1 conversion, there is also arguments for setting the bitrate, should you wanna keep it within a particular size.

You'll need another tool to author a proper DVD like movie, but mpg is the format ya want and anless you have moved to the states, your target is pal-dvd, else use ntsc-dvd.

[-ImP-]

forgot these ones

for rince

VSO DivX to DVD = name says it

and

Deamon tools = virtual drive maker wich i like the most


al these apps i have if you need them

[Maggot]

Not sure if it counts as an app but a handy site I came across is this

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

which is a site for identifying unknown files or progs running on your pc.

[willofgod]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Software Description

Utility to set PCI Latency and possibly prevent game stutter or improve FPS.

This only applies to people still using AGP, if your on PCI-E then forget it.

Basically it allows you to fiddle with PCI Latency allowing you to give your graphics card or sound card more time or less time to hog your computers communication pathway (system bus).

You'd better read up on this before using it though as it could negatively inpact performance as well as improve it. The good news is that it wont harm your system, and if you make a note of any timings you change, you can always put them back later if it does turn out to negatively impact anthing.

[willofgod]

SNAGIT ([Only registered and activated users can see links])
Screen capture software

SnagIt: versatile, yet surprisingly simple

New to screen capture? No worries...SnagIt helps you create great-looking graphics while keeping things simple.

Capture anything you see on the screen. Edit and combine those captures. Share them via your favorite applications. Organize and find them again later.

I've started using SNAGIT (as a trial) at work and am finding it very useful. You can quickly grab screenshots of anything on screen from individual window elements to the error text in error messages... These then drop into an editing window where you can add speech bubbles and arrows ect... Really really useful for explaining stuff to people in email or for creating meaningful tutorials... in the sense that a picture speaks a thousand words.

I'm actually liking this so much I'm considering buying it myself if I cant get the boss to cough up.

Pup, this might this might be useful to you in your role!

[Maggot]

I've not used this yet, but it's a neat idea.

Synergy

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Synergy lets you easily share a single mouse and keyboard between multiple computers with different operating systems, each with its own display, without special hardware. It's intended for users with multiple computers on their desk since each system uses its own monitor(s).

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

(Could be handy for folks with laptops or when running linux beside other systems - eee pcs etc :p )

[russellg81]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

PING is a live Linux ISO, based on the excellent Linux From Scratch (LFS) documentation. It can be burnt on a CD and booted, or integrated into a PXE / RIS environment.

Several tools have been added and written, so to make this ISO the perfect choice to backup and restore whole partitions, an easy way. It sounds like Symantec Ghost(tm), but has even better features, and is totally free.

Features include:

* Probably the best available Linux toolbox for rescueing a system;
* Backup and Restore partitions or files to a MS Network Shared directory;
* Backup and Restore the BIOS data as well;
* Either burn a bootable CD / DVD, either integrate within a PXE / RIS environment;
* Possibility to Blank local admin's password;
* Create your own restoration bootable DVD (see the Howto Documentation);
* Partition and Format a disk before installing Windows (so to make sure your unattended Windows installation will happen on the right partition);

* Specific advantages PING brings you over DOS and Ghost :
o Most network cards automatically recognized by the Kernel (unlike DOS);
o Most CD/DVD readers automatically recognized by the Kernel (unlike DOS);
o You don't have to run a Ghostcast server to receive images over the network;
o More supported filesystems;
o You can store an image on several CD/DVD (CD/DVD-spanning);
o You can backup and restore BIOS settings too;
o Much much smaller than WinPE / BartPE;
o etc.

[Maggot]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Not an app as such but a website that will take a file/site etc and convert it to a file, mp3 or stuff like that.

(heard it recommended on a podcast where a singer who's not yet making records suggested people use this to make mp3s of her music)

seems to be free for files under 100mbs

[Maggot]

Ok, this may be a silly one, but if you've got 2 monitors up (or one I suppose) then it's an extra utility bar which you can use as a quick launcher and stuff.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

(there's a free version and a pay version)

[r1ncewind]

dont know if this has been put up before (cant be arsed looking back)

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

this records everything on your desktop including movies, pictures, sounds.
easy to use and playback as well. :-P

[Maggot]

Have downloaded but yet to try, however if anyone is interested in HDR photography this may be worth a look.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Maggot]

Ok this is out of left field. I recently had need to format a drive as FAT32 and XP won't do it above a certain size (it only likes NTFS). There are a number of utilities out there that do this, though the one I was recommended (called Swissknife) sucked. This one on the other hand worked first time.

As I understand it only xp or later reads ntfs, whereas everything can read FAT32 so...

[Only registered and activated users can see links] Called FAT32 Formatter.....surprisingly.

[Maggot]

Everynow and then I see another one for in here.

This was reviewed in PCMart and got 9/10.

It's a free video/sound converter program

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

downloading it now :)

[Maggot]

Open source video transcoder

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Seen it mentioned for moving dvds to alternative platforms, tablets etc

[willofgod]

Handbrake is quite iphone/ipod centric.

Another good converter is 'Any Video Converter ([Only registered and activated users can see links])'. You can use it to download Youtube vidoes and stuff too. Quite good.

[Maggot]

Ok, saw these two recommended in pcMart. They're both for searching stuff on your system thought the first is for document type files and is called Agent Ransack

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

and the second is an alternative to Windows own search tool called Everything.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

I suspect I'll get more mileage from the first one as I've a ton of OO docs to search through but they're both interesting (and free)

[Maggot]

Anyone interested in 2d animation (with versions for windows, mac and linux)

[Only registered and activated users can see links]