PDQ Library: Favorite software

I've included a 'Geek factor' so my friends who don't like reading instructions, or setting options can decide if they want to try any of these. Low means it will be easy to use 'out of the box' - might be more difficult to do everything it offers. High is for software that probably requires experience using utility or test software or customizing your computer.

My Programs for Computer Maintenance

Clean, defrag, check, and backup. That's it. I use Ccleaner (Downloads) to delete temporary files and junk. I use MyDefrag (Downloads) to defragment my hard drive so it will run fast. To check the intregrity of the drives, I use the built-in CHKDSK utility in Windows to test and repair any hard drive problems. For backing up my system and personal files (on separate partitions), I use Acronis True Image (about $50 but search Gizmo's freeware for discounts) to make regular "IMAGE" backups. For daily personal file backup, I use Windows 7 RoboCopy (Downloads) in a script to back up all my personal folders to an external drive.

I hate to admit that for security I now use Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) and the Windows Firewall, because they do the job - I practice "safe Internet" and don't need more. You may. Occasionally I run the MSE scan mode and Housecall to check for malware (none yet). The best online security is to use Firefox browser with addons NoSCript, Cookie Monster and LinkExtend. In my wireless router, I set up wireless security so a password is required to use it. That's all - and only one was purchased software. Everything else came with WIndows or was free.

NOTETAB (PRO)

www.notetab.com
Freeware text editor is a replacement for Notepad, but much more. It opens multiple files in tabs. Tools for sorting, line-numbering, spell-check, thesaurus, text statistics, send to browser, send to email. Plus you can create your own custom 'clip' libraries of functions using a script language. PRO version is a bargain for web page editing - colour coded HTML tags, convert to HTML, stripping tags. I can quickly create web pages using input forms combined with a template. Best $20 I ever spent. Geek factor: low (high for scripting)

IRFANVIEW (file viewer)

www.irfanview.com
Easy to use file viewer for all your image, music, and video files. Supports simple editing and conversion of images (edit or convert 100 images at once). You can view all the files in a folder (using keys or mouse), watch a slideshow, create thumbnails, and much more. Just set it open for all file types by default. Free for private use. Geek factor: low

AGENT RANSACK (file search utility)

http://www.mythicsoft.com/agentransack
Agent Ransack can search for files (html, txt) and text strings in those files ($5.25, Italy) in Windows XP/Vista folders. Supports DOS and regular expressions. The built-in Windows file search can't find files containing a plain ordinary text string - this does. Hint: In XP (but not my Vista setup), it's added to the Explorer context menu - right-click on a folder and select Agent Ransask to search in that folder. Hint: Set word wrap and Options tab/File name/'Regular Expressions' for basic searches. Geek factor: medium

STARTUP MONITOR (security utility)

mlin.net/StartupMonitor.shtml
This background utility by Mike Lin alerts you when a program installation wants to add itself to your "startup" sequence or run when you "boot". You simply accept or reject the request. This is the last program you install that will run without your authorization at startup! (all Win32 except 95) Geek factor: low

FIREFOX (browser)

www.mozilla.com
Firefox (Fx) is fast, free, flexible, and secure - another great "open-source" program. The best Firefox addons: NoScript, ForecastFox, Mouse Gestures Redox, Smoothwheel. Use addon FireFTP to publish websites - I was so impressed, I donated online. See Firefox Cheat Sheet. To use Firefox to mimic Internet Explorer: IE tab, User Agent Switcher - these will allow you to use ActiveX only for those sites that are designed solely for Internet Explorer - use with care as it ActiveX is just as insecure in Fx as IE. Help transferring Firefox settings to a new profile on another computer. Fx Geek factor: low (medium/high for addons)

THUNDERBIRD (email)

www.mozilla.com
Thunderbird (Tbird) handles multiple account types: pop mail, Imap mail, newsgroups, and RSS feeds. I offers two levels of mail filters (move mail to folders, set colors, identify spam and phishing/junk scanning). Addons also handle smooth scrolling, mouse gestures, web browsing. Tbird Geek factor: low (medium for addons)

XENU's LINK SLEUTH (web utility)

home.snafu.de/tilman/xenulink.html
Simple utility checks for broken links on an entire web site. Lists broken links in various ways. Geek factor: low

WIZMO

www.grc.com/wizmo/wizmo.htm
This simple Windows utility can be used to create icons to: shutdown Windows, standby, reboot or hibernate your computer, start your screensaver, turn off the sound, blank your screen, eject a disk, etc. Geek factor: high

SKYPE INTERNET PHONE

skype.com
Requires high-speed Internet (3MB+) to work well. Use your computer to call someone also running Skype software for FREE. Low-cost (2¢/min) calling from your computer to regular phone numbers using credits (pay as you go) or an annual package. You can also buy a phone number (in any city you wish). Geek factor: medium. You can even get wireless Skype phones that connect via your home network.

Software Downloads Page

BEST WINDOWS HELP NEWSLETTERS

To make the most of your computer and your time online, you should try out at least one of these useful newsletters. They are spam-free (you pay a fee, or they use advertising). These are popular and have been helping people for years.

Windows Secrets

The Langa Letter newsletter (www.langa.com) and the Support Alert Newsletter (techsupportalert.com) merged with WindowsSecrets.com, which is now one of the best sources of information about Internet and computers. A "Plus" edition is well worth the small extra fee but you get important security notices with either. Weekly email. Geek factor: medium

Neat Net Tricks

NeatNetTricks.com (fee) - Email newsletter always has useful software, Windows tricks and Internet resources one can use without being a technical whiz. Geek factor: low

Tourbus

InternetTourbus.com Still one of the best, has information on searching, spam, cookies, and fun stuff too. Easy to read with a dash of humour. Bob Rankin and Patrick Crispin rock! Geek factor: low

You can copy the files from 32,000 floppy discs or 9 DVDs to fill up a dual-sided Blu-Ray disc - 45 to 50 GB (8 hours of HD video). Most of us are still using standard DVDs which store 5 GB.

Favorite Software & Ezines