Programs

• Antivirus / Spyware
  Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) ( http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/ )
  Avira AntiVir ( http://www.free-av.com/ )
  Avast ( http://www.avast.com/ )
  *Kaspersky ( http://www.kaspersky.com/ )
  *Nod32 ( http://www.eset.com/ )
  
  Super Antispyware ( http://www.superantispyware.com/ )
  MalwareByes ( http://www.malwarebytes.org/ )
  Spybot S&D ( http://www.safer-networking.org )
  Trojan Remover ( http://www.simplysup.com/ )
  Virustotal(Web) ( http://www.virustotal.com/ )

• Optimization
  PC Decrapifier (Remove unwanted applications) ( http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/ )
  CCleaner (Registry & Temp File Cleaner) ( http://www.ccleaner.com/ )
  JK Defrag (Defragment) ( http://www.kessels.biz/JkDefrag/ )

• Data Recovery
  Recuva (Data Recovery) ( http://www.piriform.com/recuva/ )
  *GetDataBackNTFS/FAT (Data Recovery) ( http://www.runtime.org/ )

• Video/Audio Processing
  Handbrake (Multi-threaded Video Transcoder) ( http://handbrake.fr/ )
  Audacity (Edit music and other audio files) ( http://audacity.sourceforge.net/about/ )
  DVDflick (Movie File to DVD Conversion) ( http://www.dvdflick.net/ )
  *ConvertXToDVD (Movie File to DVD Conversion) ( http://www.vso-software.fr/products/convert_x_to_dvd/ )

• Compression
  7-Zip (Compression/Decompression) ( http://www.7-zip.org/ )
  *Winrar (Compression/Decompression) ( http://www.rarlabs.com/ )

• CD/DVD/HD Software
  Infra Recorder (Nero Substitute) ( http://www.infrarecorder.org/ )
  Daemon Tools (ISO/NRG/BIN/ECT Mounting) ( http://www.daemon-tools.cc/eng/home )
  *Nero (CD/DVD/BR Burning) ( http://www.nero.com/ )

• Other Software
  Ninite (Fresh install of all essential Programs) ( http://www.ninite.com/ )
  Virtual Box (Virtualization) ( http://www.virtualbox.org/ )
  DropBox (Sync And Backup Files) ( https://www.dropbox.com/ )
  Open Office ( Microsoft Office Substitute) ( http://www.openoffice.org/ )
  LastPass (Password Manager) ( https://lastpass.com/ )
  Trucrypt ( Encryption ) ( http://www.truecrypt.org/ )
  *Camtasia (Screen recording) ( http://www.camtasia.com/ )
  *VMware (Virtualization Software) ( http://www.vmware.com/ )
  *Ultramon (Utility for multi-monitor systems) ( http://www.ultramon.com/ )

• Computer Diagnostics and Information
  Memtest86 (Memory Diagnostics) ( http://www.memtest86.com/ )
  Seatools (HD Diagnostics) ( http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/support/downloads/seatools/ )
  CPU-Z(CPU Statistics) ( http://www.cpuid.com/ )
  GPU-Z(Graphics Card Statistics) ( http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/ )
  HWMonitor(System Wide Temperature Monitoring) ( http://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.php )
  Core Temp(Processor Temperature Monitoring) ( http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/ )
  ProcessXP (View Runnning Processes and DLLS's) ( http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx )
  OCCT(OverClock Checking Tool) ( http://www.ocbase.com/perestroika_en/index.php?Download )
  *Everest (Hardware Monitoring and Diagnostics) ( http://www.lavalys.com/ )

• Tools / Utilities
  Autoruns (Advanced MSConfig) ( http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx )
  JavaRa (Update and Remover older versions of java) ( http://www.raproducts.org/ )
  Dial-A-Fix (Windows updates/DLLS/SSL/HTTPS/Active X Resets) ( http://wiki.lunarsoft.net/wiki/Dial-a-fix )*Software does not work with windows 7
  Unlocker (File unlocker) ( http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/ )
  Offline NT (Password Reset) ( http://www.pogostick.net/~pnh/ntpasswd/ )
  Konboot ( Password Bypass) ( http://www.piotrbania.com/all/kon-boot/ )
  OphCrack (Password Viewer) ( http://ophcrack.sourceforge.net/ )
  CT Update ( Offline Windows Update) ( http://download.wsusoffline.net/ )

* - Software may not be free




____________________________________________________________________________________

Essential Browser Plug-ins

• Adblock Plus : Blocks almost all advertisements, pop ups and other annoying material from showing on your screen. Speeds up browsing by not loading unnecessary pictures and flash advertisements.

• GPDF : Open up PDF files on the internet using Google docs without the need for adobe. Greatly increase security and loading speed of pdf documents.

• LastPass : Synchronize your passwords, notes and other personal information between all your computers and browsers. Also works with smartphones(Iphone, Blackberry, Android, Etc...)

• No Script : Block javascript/flash/scripts from running automatically with loading Firefox pages. Greatly enhances security when browsing.

• Xmarks : Synchronize bookmarks between all your computers and browsers.

Firefox
http://www.mozilla.com/

Adblock+ ( https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865/ )
GPDF ( https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/14814/ )
Lastpass ( https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/8542/ )
NoScript ( https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/722/ )
Xmarks ( https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/2410/ )



Chrome
http://www.google.com/chrome

Adblock ( https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom?hl=en )
GPDF ( https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/egljjohbmnnpicoiddaapkpejfpnmmpe?hl=en )
Lastpass ( https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/hdokiejnpimakedhajhdlcegeplioahd?hl=en )
NoScript ( https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/odjhifogjcknibkahlpidmdajjpkkcfn?hl=en )
Xmarks ( https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/ajpgkpeckebdhofmmjfgcjjiiejpodla?hl=en )



____________________________________________________________________________________

Helpful Links


Check to see if a website is down for you, or for everyone else as well.
( http://www.downforeveryoneorjustme.com/ )

Animated guide to building your own PC and how to select the parts for it. Build your own computer and save money
( http://www.pcityourself.com )

Check the requirements of a game on your computer
( http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/ )



PM Markie for updates or suggestions
Special Thanks to:

EeK
LC3

This post was edited by Markie on Nov 14 2010 09:37am