Recommended Free Software (for main page)

[Beefy]

Here's a list of free software which has been highly recommended by people in the forums:

Audio and Visual Applications
CDex		A simple tool for converting CD Audio to many file formats/audio encoders
DivX		A simple player and codec for the popular DivX media format
foobar2000		Foobar2000 is an advanced audio player for the Windows platform
FRAPS		FRAPS is used as a frames per second counter and a realtime video capturing program for use in applications or games
Free Rip		FreeRip is a freeware application that let you save audio CD tracks to Wav or MP3 or Ogg Vorbis audio files. FreeRIP is also an audio file converter since it can convert and encode Wav files to Ogg Vorbis (.ogg) or MP3 (.mp3), and back.
GIMP		A graphic editing program along the lines of Photoshop and Paint Shop Pro
IrfanView		IrfanView was the first Windows graphic viewer WORLDWIDE with Multiple (animated) GIF support. One of the first graphic viewers WORLDWIDE with Multipage TIFF support. The first graphic viewer WORLDWIDE with Multiple ICO support.
Quicktime / Real Alternative		This site offers codecs to play Quicktime / Real Player files without having to install the associated software. It also features a big codec pack full of all the common video codecs around
Team Speak		Excellent voice communication software for multiple clients (ie: game clans)
Ventrilo		Another excellent voice communication program for multiple clients (ie: game clans)
WinAMP		A popular media player that supports most of the major formats that can be customised to suit your needs
Xine		Xine is a free multimedia player. It plays back CDs, DVDs, and VCDs. It also decodes multimedia files like AVI, MOV, WMV, and MP3 from local disk drives, and displays multimedia streamed over the Internet. It interprets many of the most common multimedia formats available - and some of the most uncommon formats, too.
Development Applications
Eclipse		Java editor and Compiler, a must for any Java programmer
Screem		Screem is a web site development environment. Screem does not provide a WYSIWYG display of pages. Instead you are presented with the raw html source in its editor window.
Disk and File Management Applications
7-Zip		7-Zip is a file archiver that supports many of the more common compression formats
Diskeeper Lite		Diskeeper Lite is a powerful disk defragmenter
Disk Investigator		Disk Investigator helps you to discover all that is hidden on your computer hard disk. It can also help you to recover lost data
Explore2fs		This allows native support for ext2 / ext3 based partitions in a Win32 environment
FileAlyzer		FileAlyzer allows a basic analysis of files and is able to interpret common file contents like resources structures (like text, graphics, HTML, media and PE).
Filemon		FileMon monitors and displays file system activity on a system in real-time. Its advanced capabilities make it a powerful tool for exploring the way Windows works, seeing how applications use the files and DLLs, or tracking down problems in system or application file configurations.
IsoBuster		A CD and DVD data recovery tool, for recovering data from damaged or incomplete CDs/DVDs
Kill Disk		KillDisk is a powerful DOS program that allows you to destroy all data on hard and floppy drives completely
NTFS for DOS		Allows for reading and writing of NTFS partitions on MS-DOS
NTFS for Windows 98		Allows for reading and writing of NTFS partitions on Windows 9x / ME
SequoiaView		SequoiaView is a disk browsing tool based on the principle of treemaps, with one unique feature added, namely Cushion Treemaps
unCDcopy
Emulators
PearPC		PearPC is an architecture-independent PowerPC platform emulator capable of running most PowerPC operating systems.
Wine		Wine is an Open Source implementation of the Windows API on top of X and Unix.
General Applications
Adobe Acrobat Reader		An application to view PDF files
CPU-Z		CPU-Z is a detection program that shows you detailed information about your CPU and system
Cygwin		Cygwin is a Linux-like environment for Windows
Daemon Tools		Create CD images and mount them as virtual drives
Edit Pad Lite		EditPad Lite is a general-purpose text editor, designed to be small and compact, yet offer all the functionality you expect from a basic text editor.
Edit Pad Lite(Linux)		Edit Pad Lite - Linux Version
Firebird		Firebird is a relational database offering many ANSI SQL-92 features
OpenOffice		A full office suite of programs that rivals Microsoft Office... for nothing!
RegAlyzer		RegAlyzer is a tool for browsing and changing the registry, with a few more features than the original regedit tool
RegCleaner		RegCleaner can easily get rid of those old and obsolete registry entries created by software that you have removed
Regmon		Regmon is a Registry monitoring utility that will show you which applications are accessing your Registry, which keys they are accessing, and the Registry data that they are reading and writing - all in real-time.
Unknown Devices		Finds info on all devices in your pc, even the "unknown" ones. It's Fast, it's Clean, it's Light
Hardware Testing and Monitoring Applications
Memtest86+		Memtest86 is thorough, stand alone memory test for x86 architecture computers
Motherboard Monitor		A tool for monitoring temperatures on various PC components and also for monitoring fan speeds
Internet Applications
ABC		ABC is an improved client for the Bittorrent peer-to-peer file distribution solution
Apache		Excellent webserver software
Azureus		Azureus is a java-based Bit Torrent client for using the BT network
Bersirc		Open-source IRC client
Exodus		Exodus is a new Jabber client for Windows
FileZilla		FileZilla is a fast and reliable FTP client and server with lots of useful features and an intuitive interface
Firefox		An internet browser that features many functions and features to make browsing faster and easier than before
Freenet		Freenet is free software designed to ensure true freedom of communication over the Internet by allowing anybody to publish and read information with complete anonymity
GAIM		An instant message (IM) program that covers various instant messaging networks in one program, based on the popular Linux program
Google Toolbar		A plug-in for Internet Explorer that adds Google search features, pop up blocker and many more options
IceChat		IceChat is an IRC ( Internet Relay Chat) program. It is used to connected to IRC Servers and chat in channels to other IRC Users. Good for beginners.
IE New Window Maximizer		This program will automatically maximize new Internet Explorer and Outlook Express windows for you. It also includes a function for hiding/closing all IE windows with a userdefined hotkey.
IESpell		A plug-in for Internet Explorer that implements spell checking into HTML forms, input boxes and so on
MailEnable		MailEnable's Messaging Services Platform is a powerful and scalable hosted messaging platform for the Microsoft Windows platform.
MySQL		The world's most popular open source database
PHP		Configures PHP usage on most webservers. A must if you run a webserver
Thunderbird		Thunderbird is a Mozilla based stand-alone email client
Trillian		An instant message (IM) program that covers various instant messaging networks in one program
UebiMiau		Web-Based Mail Front-End
Networking Applications
AirSnare		AirSnare is an intrusion detection system to help you monitor your wireless network
Coyote Linux Floppy Edition		Coyote Linux Floppy Edition is a single floppy distribution of Linux that is designed to make it as easy as possible to share and Internet connection with a network of computers
DC++		An open source Direct Connect client
Wireshark (Ethereal)		A powerful network monitoring tool and protocol analyzer
floppyfw		floppyfw is a router with the advanced firewall-capabilities in Linux that fits on one single floppy disk
MP3 Voyeur		Scans for local network for shared MP3 files
Netstumbler		A program for finding wireless networks in the surrounding area (or for war-driving)
PRTG Traffic Grapher		PRTG (Paessler Router Traffic Grapher) is an easy to use Windows software that monitors bandwidth usage and other network parameters via SNMP.
PuTTY		PuTTY is a free implementation of Telnet and SSH for Win32 and Unix platforms, along with an xterm terminal emulator.
Smoothwall		SmoothWall Express is an open source firewall distribution based on the GNU/Linux operating system. Linux is the ideal choice for security systems; it is well proven, secure and highly configurable.
TightVNC		TightVNC is a free remote control software package derived from the popular VNC software
Video LAN Client		Allows you to stream almost any video source (including dvd's) over a network. Works brilliantly across wireless networks
Security and Protection Applications
Ad-Aware		A tool to help discover and remove various forms of spyware, malware and adware
AVG Antivirus		An anti-virus application to help protect / scan your PC for viruses
ClamWin		ClamWin is a Free Antivirus for Microsoft Windows NT/98/Me/2000/XP/2003. It provides a graphical user interface to the Clam AntiVirus scanning engine. ClamWin Free Antivirus uses the GNU General Public License by the Free Software Foundation and is free software
HijackThis		An advanced tool for discovering and removing browser hijackers / spyware (for advanced users)
IANAG Security Tweaking Program		A simple program that focuses on security tweaks, for those that don't want to mess with the registry(or group policy) themselves. Written by Martin at iamnotageek.com
John the Ripper		A fast and effective password cracker
Spybot - Search and Destroy		A tool to help discover and remove various forms of spyware, malware and adware
Spyware Blaster		Removes spyware from your computer and prevents it from coming back
Sygate Personal Firewall		Sygate Personal Firewall is a user-friendly PC firewall and personal desktop security solution
ZoneAlarm		ZoneAlarm is a personal firewall for your PC with the ability to control all network access for your PC
Useful Freeware Sites
Snapfiles
Sysinternals		The Sysinternals web site provides you with advanced utilities, technical information, and source code related to Windows NT/2000/XP/2K3 and Windows 9x, Windows Me internals that you won't find anywhere else.

[Kheldar]

Video Lan Client - allows you to stream almost any vidoe source (incuding dvd's) - works brilliantly accross wireless

Netstumbler

[Wiggo]

Trillian, http://www.ceruleanstudios.com/;
A good multi IMS program (free version available).

WinAMP, http://www.winamp.com/;
A good media player (free version available).

AVG Antivirus, http://www.grisoft.com/;
A damn fine AV (free version available).

Ad-aware 6.0, http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/;
adaware/malware/spyware remover (free version available).

[Andy]

GIMP - http://www.gimp.org/~tml/gimp/win32/
Spybot S&D - http://security.kolla.de/
MBM - http://mbm.livewiredev.com/
Firefox - http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/
PuTTY - http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/
ISOBuster - http://www.isobuster.com/

[asklepios]

Sequoia View
http://www.win.tue.nl/sequoiaview/
Memtest86
http://www.memtest86.com/
Explore2fs (to access ext2fs partitions from Windows)
http://uranus.it.swin.edu.au/~jn/linux/explore2fs.htm

[CheeZmonZter]

I would say add a program called admuncher, removes advertisments from your browser, does it awesomely as well, flawless program, they have 30 day shareware, or register for I think $20 USD, for people on Dialup (such as myself) it saves a ton of bandwidth!!!! www.admuncher.com

[non_OEM_system]

I should think that software would be best suited to another category

I'm sure it is a fine program and all, certainly sounds useful - but hardly freeware?

[Sirwarrior]

Psst, Beefy, thats www.videolan.org NOT videoLOAN.org

[non_OEM_system]

Nice catch Sirwarrior!
thanks for the heads-up
Fixed now

[minibubba]

• filezilla (FTP server and client) http://filezilla.sourceforge.net/
  
• AirSnare (intrusion detection for wifi) http://home.comcast.net/~jay.deboer/airsnare/
  
• foobar2000 (advanced audio player for the Windows) http://www.foobar2000.org/
  
• Cain & Abel http://www.oxid.it/
  
• Exodus (Windows jabber client) http://exodus.jabberstudio.org/
  
• tightVNC (remote control) http://www.tightvnc.com/
  
• 7zip (compression utility and method) http://www.7-zip.org/
  
• memtest86+ (new RAM Diagnostic) http://www.memtest.org/
  
• Thunderbird (mozilla based stand-alone email client) http://www.mozilla.org/projects/thunderbird/
  
• FileAlyzer (basic file analyzer) http://www.safer-networking.org/inde...age=filealyzer
  
• RegAlyzer (improved Regedit) http://www.safer-networking.org/inde...page=regalyzer
  
• DivX (media codec and player) http://www.divx.com/
  
• Aspell (spell checker, works with a plug-in for vairous apps) http://aspell.net/win32/
  
• John the Ripper http://www.openwall.com/john/
  
• Azureus (BitTorrent Client) http://azureus.sourceforge.net/
  
• BZflag (multiplayer & multiplatform 3D tank battle game) http://bzflag.org/
  
• Disk Investigator (data recovery) http://www.theabsolute.net/sware/dskinv.html
  
• Cygwin (Linux-like environment for Windows) http://www.cygwin.com/
  
• Firebird (Relational Database) http://firebird.sourceforge.net/
  
• Sygate Personal Firewall (Firewall) http://smb.sygate.com/products/spf_standard.htm
  
• floppyfw (router with adavnced firewall, on a Floppy) http://zelow.no/floppyfw/
  
• Kill Disk (HDD Eraser) http://www.killdisk.com/
  
• XChat (irc client) http://www.xchat.org/
  
• PlaneShift (free 3D Fantasy MMORPG) http://www.planeshift.it/
  
• Ventrilo (Voice Comm) http://www.ventrilo.com/
  
• TeamSpeak (another excellent Voice comm) http://www.teamspeak.org/
  
• freenet http://freenetproject.org/
  
• Coyote Linux (floppy based net sharing and firewall) http://www.coyotelinux.com/downloads...hp?ChannelID=5
  
• WebCalendar (PHP, web-based calendar/scheduling system) http://www.k5n.us/webcalendar.php
  
• DC++ (Direct Connect client [p2p]) http://dcplusplus.sourceforge.net/
  
• Diskeeper Lite (Defrag Utlity) http://www.snapfiles.com/get/dkeeperlite.html

[asklepios]

also the Link to GIMP has been given to WinGIMP which is certainly not free
anyways, fixed now.

[Yawgm0th]

RegCleaner
CPU-Z
Zone Alarm
SequoiaView
*can always just check my signature for favorites

[minibubba]

updated my list, but I've still got plenty more if y'all really want them...

[Zeradul]

Google Toolbar - Effortlessly Blocks Pop-ups, highlights search terms on ANY page, shows you pagerank and 20 more things.

IESpell - Checks spelling in text boxes like these.

Daemon Tools - Virtual Drive Software

Windows XP Powertoys - TweakUI, Image Re-sizer, Graphing Calculator, etc, etc

Quicktime Alternative - (duh)

Real Alternative - (duh)

Kazaa Lite - Invaluable for finding old/rare things (don't scoff... many useful legal things)

Properties Plus 1.65 - Adds a context menu that give you greater control over a file's time, extension and filename - great for anyone working with a LOT of files (a new version of this hasn't come out for a long time, but it is still great.)

Emacs - Programming Assistant

MP3 Voyeur - Scans a LAN for shared files of any kind

Treepad Lite - A text editor that is like Wordpad with an 'explorer like' interface on the left where each 'node' is it's own text file that is viewable on the right.

[minibubba]

I'll add some more when i have time. I'm intentionally leaving off the ones that have already been posted (my list is quite long enough as it is)

EDIT: just copied them into my original post, for effect

btw, are we including trialware in this as well? technically apps like winZIP, winRAR, and BulletProof FTP are only supposed to be used for a limited time before you pay to continue the use of them.

[Beefy]

Might as well... Looks like I'll be busy later updating that list...

[BigDave]

one of the other common ones that i use is "spyware blaster". Use it after you use "adaware" and "spybot" to remove spyware. "Spyware blaster" then imunises the regestry.

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

[Beefy]

Originally Posted by Sirwarrior

Psst, Beefy, thats www.videolan.org NOT videoLOAN.org

I cut and paste from Kheldar's post.. Don't blame me.

[calcrazy]

I thought I had a program for removing Windows/MSN Messenger from your computer, but the damn program didn't work

[BigDave]

Voice coms software

Ventrilo - http://www.ventrilo.com/download.php

teamspeak - http://www.teamspeak.org/modules.php...ads&file=index