My Favorite Software

 

EASEUP Partition Master Home Edition

If you need to create or modify partitions on your drives, this tool works and as of this writing, is free.  When the Windows built-in disk manager failed to do the job, I searched the net looking for another solution.  I was able to resize my boot partition and create additional ones.  Simple to use, and has a nice User Interface considering it’s free.

Publisher http://www.partition-tool.com/

 

Auslogics Disk Defrag

If you want a disk defragmenter that is fast, reliable, and free, then look no further.  After defragging my drives with this, I ran other defrag tools to see what the results were, and the other defrag apps told me my drives were 0% fragmented.  Yet this tool is so fast it leaves you wondering why the others take so long.  It has plenty of settings including the ability to auto-defrag when your system is idle.  Mine sits patiently waiting in the system tray for idle time, ready to piece together those fragmented files.  CNET gives it 5 stars!http://download.cnet.com/Auslogics-Disk-Defrag/3000-2094_4-10567503.html. 

In addition, Auslogics has some other nice tools, some are free while other’s are not.  Below is a link to Auslogics software products page.  You can download Disk Defrag here.

Publisher http://www.auslogics.com/en/software

Trillian Astra

I cannot believe I’m putting this on my list.  I used Trillian years ago, and swore it off as it lacked many features that existed in the core apps from Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, etc.  I’ve been using Meebo (Web-based IM multi-client application) but ran into some problems recently when running Firefox.  So I thought I would see what was available online and give them a test drive.  I was hesitant in trying Trillian again, but since many years have passed and given the good reviews, I thought I’d give it a try.  Well, so far so good.  I really like it.  The basic version is free and the Pro version has a price tag.  When downloading, I planned to install the basic.  However, it seems the install includes both, with Pro automatically enabled for 30 days.  Others have posted that it will revert to Basic after the trial period.  If you are using multiple chat clients, Trillian Astra appears to be great solution to consolidate them.  It has a very nice user interface with tons of settings to customize your experience.  It’s loaded with features, http://www.trillian.im/learn/tour-features.html.

Download http://www.trillian.im/download

Microsoft Windows 7

I’ve been running Windows 7 RC for a while now. I have to admit, although it still has a few kinks, I’m loving it. There are so many new features that actually make this operating system a joy to work with. I’m looking forward to the final release. I just hope that Microsoft allows us to install over the RC so we won’t have to redo our entire systems. Wishful thinking.

Learn more http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7

Avira Antivir

Avira Antivir has received high ratings from AV-Comparatives for years, often finding itself as the #1 spot based on real lab results. Antivir runs fast, and protects my system. And best of all, they have a free edition for personal use. I hope they continue this offer forever.

Publisher http://www.avira.com/

GoodSync

After using Allway Sync for several years, I recently downloaded a trial of GoodSync and must say, I love it. I will spend $20 to make the switch. They both do the same thing, bi-directional syncing of folders and files. And although they both work great, I like the UI for GoodSync better. I find it easier to use, and especially like to see all the nested folders in a tree-view fashion. In addition, GoodSync has the option to copy “LOCKED” files. I find this useful when I’m running a sync, but have Outlook open.

Free to try for 30 days, then $29.95 for the Pro version.
Publisher Site: http://www.goodsync.com/

Picasa3

I recently finished organizing my music library and started working on my photo albums. One thing I found is that Picasa imports your photos at lightening speed. It’s also great for organizing your albums, adding captions, and editing your photos. This is one sweet application, and is offered for free from Google. You can even use it to upload photos to the Web to share with friends and family. It’s my iTunes for Photos. Granted, I’m not a huge fan of iTunes, but it does a good job with managing my music. I wish they had a “PicasaTunes” that would sync my iPod. Hey Google, are you listening?

Download http://picasa.google.com/

Windows Live Writer

I haven’t been one to blog much, in fact I’m fairly new at it. This is actually my first application to help manage and edit blogs. It works with many popular blogging sites and is easy to use. I haven’t been using it long, but so far so good; I give it two thumbs up.

Download http://download.live.com/writer

Acronis True Image

I’ve been using Acronis True Image for years. This application allows you to make a full disk image (bootable) in case of a hard drive failure, or in my case, a quick and easy way to restore my system after installing and “toying around” with various applications and messing my system up. But that’s okay, because True Image restores quickly and everything is back in Tip Top Shape. There are other features that make this application a must have. I’m currently using version 11, and it has been working perfectly with Windows 7.

Visit their site to learn more. http://www.acronis.com/

Renamer

This is a bulk file renaming application.  It is not the easiest one to learn to use, but I’ve found that it works well and has features that make it worth learning.  Built in Help is actually helpful and easy to understand.  I’ve tried many different file renaming apps, but this one is my favorite.

Publisher http://www.den4b.com/

CCleaner

Much better alternative to Windows DiskCleaner.

Publisher’s Description:
CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner. But the best part is that it's fast (normally taking less than a second to run) and contains NO Spyware or Adware!

Publisher http://www.ccleaner.com