10 must-have tools to improve Windows
Every version of Windows Microsoft has released has always left its users wanting more – either more features, more control or simply more value. And that’s left a huge hole for the many computer programmers out there to fill. In the end, we think they’ve done an admirable job providing solutions for Windows gaps that Microsoft itself would have trouble improving on.
So if you’re sick of the way a particular feature works (or doesn’t work) in Windows, don’t put up with it – replace it with one of these ten freeware tools that should help to make Windows do what you want it to.
1) Xplorer2 Lite
It’s only in the latest Windows Vista operating system that Microsoft has made any sizeable changes to Windows Explorer and in our opinion, those changes made haven’t been for the better. So here’s a freeware alternative we recommend - Xplorer2 Lite. This Lite version doesn’t have all the features of the full payware version but still, it’s a damn site better than Windows Explorer. Xplorer2 Lite gives you dual-pane view, export folder information for printing, split/merge/shred files, folder comparison and synchronisation and tabbed interface.
It’s free for private use and really does leave Windows Explorer behind.
2) Mozilla Firefox/Thunderbird
Microsoft has tried hard in the last little while to get Internet Explorer up to scratch but even IE7 has failed to excite Microsoft enthusiasts. The Mozilla Foundation’s Firefox web browser and Thunderbird email client have become increasingly popular options for those looking for smaller, lightweight but still powerful alternatives.
Firefox comes with a growing number of extensions or add-ons and allows for tabbed browsing (add in Tab Mix Plus add-on for extra functionality) while Thunderbird has better controls for junk mail and phishing scams than Outlook Express.
3) AVG Free
Up until recently, Windows didn’t come with any anti-virus and certainly Windows Defender hasn’t come up well in some reports in terms of viruses it can catch. However, that’s no problem – just use AVG Free. This free anti-virus tool is the perfect option for those looking for good protection without overly looking down your computer. AVG Free 7.5 works with Windows Vista and also offers daily updates so your PC is always protected. Grisoft has also come out with a free anti-spyware tool as well. While we don’t think it’s quite as good as AVG Free in its user-friendliness, AVG Anti-Spyware comes pretty close and for the price, it certainly helps Windows lift its security game.
4) Audacity
Let’s face it – the sound recorder Microsoft has been trundling out since Windows 3.1 has been a real kludge job. But if you need to record some audio, there’s a great open-source freeware tool called Audacity that is not only well featured but pretty simple to use too.
It works with any sound card and can capture audio up to 32-bit in depth. It supports WAV, OGG and MP3 (LAME) and the latest version supports multi-channel WAV output. The latest 1.3.3 beta now supports FLAC and it can even be used to import professional BWF (broadcast wave file) formats.
This is definitely a must-have and just leaves Windows sound recorder for dead.
5) Zone Alarm
If your computing network is a little on the unsecure side and you need a software firewall to protect your files, Zone Alarm Free is a great choice that will help keep your PC or notebook safe. Easy to install, Zone Alarm asks you about the applications you use and then basically takes care of itself. There are regular updates to keep things nice and fresh. It can also alert you whenever someone or something tries to access your computer plus it can keep track of any software trying to contact the outside world without you knowing about it.Definitely a great inclusion for any Windows computer.
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Tags: audacity, avg_free, CDBurner_XP_Pro, FileZilla, Firefox, IrfanView, media_player_classic, Software, thunderbird, Windows, windows xp, zone alarm
10 must-have tools to improve Windows | Tech Tips on 19 Jul 2007 at 5:35 am #
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