Hot Free Downloadable Programs for Windows
Do you remeber what it was like in the old days? Plugin utilities were either limited-time demonstration releases or they cost you a few bucks. Freeware was unusable, stripped down, or buggy. Windows 7 is changing that There is a ton of useful new free plugin software that work with it.
But where to start?
There are so many useful utilities that it would take months to find the best options. So to help you out, I've compiled a list of 7 stellar utilities that will make your day-to-day working life a little easier.
1. Dropbox
The novel, multi-platform-compatible Dropbox is the answer to keeping your files on all your machines synchronized and up to date. All you have to do is drag and drop the files, and they're available to any other devices you have running the program.
Use of the service is free for the first 2GB.
2. Evernote
The tag line "remember everything" is no joke. Evernote is compatable with most operating systems, including most smart phones. With it you can save and organize everything from simple text, to pictures, to sound bites, to entire websites. Like Dropbox, this program synchronizes with other devices. Evernote also has charater recognition software. Got some note scawled onto a cocktail napkin? Just scan it in!
Free for the first 40MB.
3. WinSplit Revolution
The tiling powers of WinSplit are unmatched in the Windows utility world. With this program, you can make the best of your desktop space by tiling and organizing windows in a manner that's easy to switch and access. You won't need to spend your time dragging, resizing, and searching through running apps in your task bar any more. From now on everything on your desktop can be neatly tiled with ease.
Winsplit is a free download.
4. Launchy
A program intended to keep you organized. Launchy is a "keystroke launcher" and heralds back to the days of the text based operating system, except it's much easier and more more intuitive than DOS ever was. Instead of searching through start menus and folders just type a keyword into launchy and it will use a shortcut to open the app or file you asked for. This program is very handy when a client calls and you need to access her file quickly. Instead of searching your app folders just type her last name into launchy and Voila!
Free for download (donation suggested).
5. VLC Media Player
The ultimate in video playback is here. It allows you to play a huge variety of video formats including DVD. It's completly free and comes packed with codecs. You no longer need to track down and install three different players. VLC player replaces Windows Media Player, Quicktime Player, and Real Player in a single, stable program. Everything you need is built right in.
Free for download.
6. SIW
SIW, or "System Information for Windows", acts as a cataloguer for all the nitty-gritty elements of your system: software, Active X controls, hardware details such as BIOS version, and network information. In addition, it can help you retrieve license keys, measure temperatures of your processor, and more.
Not only is this a free download, it's also "portable", meaning it's a standalone utility that doesn't require any installation.
7. Recuva
Ever delete a file by accident? Recuva (actually pronounced "recover") is a file that can retrieve unsaved or accidentally deleted information - assuming you haven't already overwritten it. Recuva scouts out all the files flagged for overwrite and gets them back to you quickly, completely, and efficiently.
Free for download.
These are my favorites, but there are lots of these free applications. Take some time and see what you can uncover. You could find some unadulterated treasures! The online universe is growing vigorously. As it grows it's giving us ever increasing options, and the quality of these choices is constantly improving.
About the Author
Kenny Marshall is an SEO and former officer of CPA Site Solutions, one of the country's leading edge companies dedicated exclusively to accounting website design. This company at present provides websites for more than 4000 CPA, accounting, and tax preparation firms.