Aura

nature soundscape player

Our Rating: (Good)

Aura is a simple program that runs in the system tray and enhances your work environment with a relaxing forest soundscape. You can choose between a daytime and nighttime forest environment and also customize the frequency of accoustic elements that are part of the forest environment (birds, wind, rain etc.). Other features include automatic muting based on a set time, as well as a basic alarm function.

Freeware

Publisher	A S Software
File Size	43466 kb
Version	2.6.9f.122
Last updated	Sep 09, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista
Requirements	None

CPU Speed Professional

test your CPU speed

Our Rating: (Good)

CPU Speed Professional enables you to test your CPU speed to check if it comes close to the one advertised by your chip manufacturer. You can also submit your score to an online database and compare it to other scores around the world if you are so inclined. CPU Speed Professional is compatible with all Intel and AMD CPUs.

Freeware

Publisher	Wizard Software
File Size	1728 kb
Version	3.0.3.2
Last updated	Sep 08, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	2000/XP/Vista
Requirements	None

Local Website Archive Lite

archive web pages

Our Rating: (Very Good)

Local Website Archive allows you to quickly save and archive a complete (single) web page with all images for later reference. You can organize your archived pages into categories and use the built-in browser display to view them offline. In addition, you can search through all your saved pages by keyword, and also export all or selected items to a self-extracting executable that can be used to send your collections to a friend, or to transfer them to a different computer. The program integrates with Internet Explorer and allows you to save the current page from the IE right-click menu or with a click on the newly added toolbar button. Pro version with additional features also available.

Freeware

Publisher	Aignesberger Software GmbH
File Size	2932 kb
Version	3.1.1
Last updated	Sep 08, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	Win (All)
Requirements	None

USBDeview

lists all USB devices

Our Rating: (Very Good)

USBDeview is a small utility that lists all USB devices that are currently connected to your PC or have been connected to it in the past. Along with the device name and description, it displays the the serial number (if available), date the device was added and last connected, VendorID and other information. You can also choose to disconnect or uninstall any device on the list, export the list to Text/HTML or XML format, test the read/write speed of connected devices, auto-launch a command-line when a device is connected, and more. USBDeview can even be used to gather USB devices from a remote computer (access rights required) via command-line. Standalone, no install needed.

Freeware

Publisher	Nir Sofer
File Size	60 kb
Version	1.43
Last updated	Sep 08, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	2000/XP/2003/Vista
Requirements	None

TextCrawler

string search and replace tool

Our Rating: (Very Good)

TextCrawler is a string search and replace tool that enables you to find and/or replace text and phrases across multiple files. The program supports simple keyword searches as well as advanced queries, using regular expressions. It also provides the option to extract the matching text to a separate window, from where you can copy it for other uses (e.g. to extract email address, URLs or similar patterns). A preview window allows you to view the found matches within their context, and you can choose to exclude certain files from the replace actions. Other features include an option to save RegEx strings in a custom library, subfolder scanning, automatic file backup and a built-in Regular Expression tester.

Freeware

Publisher	Digital Volcano
File Size	1699 kb
Version	1.1.2
Last updated	Sep 08, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	98/ME/2000/XP
Requirements	None

Personal Video Database

catalog your movie collection

Our Rating: (Very Good)

Personal Video Database enables you to catalog your movie or DVD collection fast and easily. Simply enter the title of the movie and retrieve the details from online resources, including plot, actors, director and more. You can also download a DVD cover from Amazon and/or load local screenshots and movie covers from your hard drive. The program includes filtering and grouping options as well as an advanced search feature to make it easy to find a specific movie. Other features include loan management, support for local video files, personal ratings, bookmarks, import/export, library statistics and more.

Freeware

Publisher	Yanishevskyy Oleksandr (Nostradamus)
File Size	8373 kb
Version	0.9.9.13
Last updated	Sep 08, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	2000/XP/2003/Vista
Requirements	None

jetAudio Basic

multimedia player

Our Rating: (Excellent)

jetAudio Basic is a full featured media player with integrated CD burning and ripping capabilities. It supports all the popular media formats including MP3, OGG, MPG, AVI, WMA and many others. jetAudio can also play DVDs and VCDs and act as your default player for all selected formats. Additional features include CDDB support, integrated lyrics viewer, Monkeys Audio support, skins, visualizations and just about everything else you`d expect from a multimedia player. An optional Pro version offers support for broadcasting and mp3PRO formats.

Freeware

Publisher	JetAudio
File Size	26487 kb
Version	7.5.5
Last updated	Sep 08, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	XP/Vista
Requirements	None

Real Alternative

play RealMedia files without RealPlayer

Our Rating: (Very Good)

Real Alternative will allow you to play RealMedia files without having to install RealPlayer. All RealMedia formats (.ra .rm .rmvb .ram .rpm .rv .rp .rt .rnx .smi .smil etc.) are supported, including streaming content and RealMedia content that is embedded in web pages.

Freeware

Publisher	Codecguide
File Size	6371 kb
Version	2.0
Last updated	Sep 08, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	2000/XP/Vista
Requirements	None

WebShot

capture screenshots of websites

Our Rating: (Very Good)

WebShot enables you to capture full size or thumbnail screenshots of webpages and save the resulting image in JPG, PNG, GIF or BMP format. You can either capture the entire page (fully scrolled) in full size or tweak the browser window and resizing settings to create a thumbnail image of the site. The freeware version comes with a demo of the command line interface, which can be purchased, and used to streamline the screenshot process on entire websites.

Pros: Supports 3 popular image formats; flexible sizing options; batch processing

Cons: No documentation; does not block popups;

Freeware

Publisher	Nathan Moinvaziri
File Size	610 kb
Version	1.71
Last updated	Sep 07, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	XP/Vista
Requirements	None

Fresh Diagnose

system information

Our Rating: (Very Good!)

Fresh Diagnose can analyze and benchmark many kinds of hardware, such as CPU performance, hard disk performance, video system information, mainboard information, and many more. Informational features include scanning your system and give you a complete report about computer s hardware and software, including mainboard, video system , buses, peripheral and, network information. Benchmark features include testing system performance, such as processor, hard disk, multimedia, memory and comparing your PC it with other systems. User friendly interface and well featured. (Requires free registration after 11 days)

Freeware

Publisher	Fresh Devices
File Size	2059 kb
Version	8.20
Last updated	Sep 07, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	Win (All)
Requirements	None

EditPad Lite

Windows NotePad replacement

Our Rating: (Very Good)

EditPad Lite is a Windows NotePad replacement, that can open as many files at a time as you want. You change between the open files by clicking on their tabs. No hassle with heaps of overlapping windows. EditPad puts an icon in the system tray that remains visible, even if EditPad is closed. This way you have easy and fast access to EditPad, without the need to keep it running all the time and many more features...

Freeware

Publisher	WebSite
File Size	3221 kb
Version	6.5.1
Last updated	Sep 07, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	Win (All)
Requirements	None

Dialupass

recover Windows dialup passwords

Our Rating: (Good)

This small utility enumerates all Dial-Up entries on your computer and reveals their login details, including User Name, Password and Domain.

Freeware

Publisher	Nir Sofer
File Size	43 kb
Version	3.02
Last updated	Sep 07, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	Win (All)
Requirements	None

SpeedyFox

improve Firefox startup times

Our Rating: (Good!)

SpeedyFox enables you to fix fragmentation of the Firefox profile databases, which can build up over time and cause slower startup and access to browsing history and cookies. The program will compact the data in the SQLITE databases, that is used by Firefox to store your information, without loosing any of your data. Just run the software, select the profile and click a button. We tested SpeedyFox with a well-worn Firefox installation and experienced a slight but noticeable difference after running the program. Portable, no installation.

Freeware

Publisher	Crystalidea Software
File Size	330 kb
Version	1.2
Last updated	Sep 07, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	2000/XP/Vista
Requirements	None

Instant Color Picker

collect colors from your screen

Our Rating: (Good!)

Instant Color Picker enables you to collect colors from anywhere on your screen and store them in a palette from where you can export them to a variety of color codes (RGB, HSL, HTML Hex, ActionScript, Delphi , VC++ and VB) or a color swatch bitmap. The eye dropper includes a zoom feature for detail selection as well as support for pixel averages and keyboard shortcuts.

Freeware

Publisher	Young Smart Software
File Size	1078 kb
Version	2.5.0.32
Last updated	Sep 07, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	98/ME/2000/XP/Vista
Requirements	None

Arachnophilia

HTML editor

Our Rating: (Good)

Arachnophilia is a HTML editor (written in JAVA) with an internal browser "Instant View" mode shows your HTML changes as you make them with each keystroke! It supports up to 6 Web browsers and switches between them in a flash. Arachnophilia offers development of HTML, frames, CGI, Perl, C++, Java and Javascript with many intelligent tools and functions, as well as a built-in intelligent FTP client, that automatically uploads changed files to your server. In addition, it offers powerful keyboard macros, that can include system commands, even other macros, for maximum flexibility. User-defined toolbars provide any tags or content you need for any of the supported languages and support system commands as well.

Freeware

Publisher	WebSite
File Size	1689 kb
Version	5.4.2402 (history)
Last updated	Sep 05, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	Win (All)
Requirements	Java

MP3 Quality Modifier

reduce the size of MP3 files

Our Rating: (Very Good)

MP3 Quality Modifier enables you to easily change the quality of your mp3 files to reduce the file size while maintaining the desired level of audio quality and keeping your ID3 tags intact. The program achieves this primarily by adjusting the bitrate based on the selected quality profile or custom settings. Advanced users can also adjust the stereo settings and change the Sample Frequencies for additional control over the output results. You can process individual files or entire folders and view a before/after size comparison when the process is finished. MP3 Quality Modifier is designed to reduce file sizes of your MP3 files in order save disk space and/or to fit more music on your portable device without sacrificing sound quality. Standalone software, no installation required.

Freeware

Publisher	Kevin Schneider
File Size	299 kb
Version	1.12
Last updated	Sep 05, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	Win (All)
Requirements	None

Efficient To-Do List Free

personal task manager and to-do list

Our Rating: (Fair)

Efficient To-Do List Free is a personal task manager that enables you to create and maintain a to-do list of things you need to get done. You can set priority and completion status for each task, choose to be alerted before a task becomes due, and sort the list by task status and due date. Other features include import and export options, integrated backup and optional password protection. The free version comes with rather basic features, an optional Pro version is available for those who need more functionality.

Freeware

Publisher	Efficient Software
File Size	3013 kb
Version	1.40 (history)
Last updated	Sep 05, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista
Requirements	None

Efficient Notes Free

simple notes organizer

Our Rating: (Fair)

Efficient Notes Free is a simple notes organizer that allows you to manage your personal notes in different categories. It offers rich text editing, full text search, notes printing and optional password protection as well as export to HTML and CSV format. The free version comes with rather basic features, an optional Pro version is available for those who need more functionality.

Freeware

Publisher	Efficient Software
File Size	3009 kb
Version	1.75
Last updated	Sep 05, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista
Requirements	None

Efficient Address Book Free

personal contacts manager

Our Rating: (Good)

Efficient Address Book Free is a personal contacts manager that enables you to organize your personal and business contacts. In addition to standard address and contact information, you can store detailed personal information, birthday and anniversary data as well as a photo. Other features include a search function, import/export, optional password protection and integrated backup. A Pro version with additional features is available for purchase.

Freeware

Publisher	Efficient Software
File Size	3101 kb
Version	1.40
Last updated	Sep 05, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista
Requirements	None

Efficient Reminder Free

personal reminder software

Our Rating: (Good!)

Efficient Reminder Free enables you to set reminders that alert you of important upcoming appointments, birthdays, anniversaries or other events. You can configure one-time reminders and recurring events and assign different color labels and priority levels to each event. The reminders can be managed from a calendar or list view and filtered by due date and importance. Other features include import/export, import of holidays, a snooze function and keyword search.

Freeware

Publisher	Efficient Software
File Size	3038 kb
Version	1.40
Last updated	Sep 05, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista
Requirements	None

Google Chrome

web browser from Google

Our Rating: (Good)

Google Chrome is an independent web browser that combines a minimal design with innovative features. In addition to tabbed browsing and most other standard features, the browser offers an Incognito mode that enables private browsing session as well as integrated phishing and malware alerts and simplified file downloads. You can import your existing browser settings, favorites and passwords from Internet Explore and Firefox. Google Chrome offers a refreshing interface and several unique features but has some way to go to match up to it`s rivals.

Freeware

Publisher	Google, Inc.
File Size	11510 kb
Version	4.0.206.1 Beta
Last updated	Sep 05, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	2000/XP/Vista/7
Requirements	None

Dr.Web CureIt

on-demand virus scanner

Our Rating: (Good!)

Dr.Web CureIt is a standalone anti-virus and anti-spyware scanner that scans your PC for viruses, trojans, adware, spyware, hack tools, rootkits, and other malware. The program does not require an installation and can be run from a USB drive. This is an on-demand scanner only, it can detect and remove virus infections but does not provide any real-time protection. Dr.Web CureIt is based on the ICSA certified Dr. Web scanning engine and should provide reliable detection.

Pros: No installation needed; scans for a wide range of viruses

Cons: No real-time protection; updates require re-download of the entire program

Freeware

Publisher	Doctor Web, Ltd
File Size	16968 kb
Version	5.00.6
Last updated	Sep 05, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista
Requirements	None

Duplicate Cleaner

find and remove duplicate files

Our Rating: (Very Good)

Duplicate Cleaner is an easy-to-use program that helps you to find and remove duplicate files on your computer. You can search multiple folder structures at once, and set criteria that identify the duplicates. You can choose to search for exact matches using CRC comparison or use the file name, size and date as criteria. The program offers extended support for music files, allowing you to use the ID tag information (artist, title, album) to identify duplicate tracks. The results are grouped in a list and a selection assistant enables you to quickly select files based on age, audio quality, location and other aspects.

Pros: Selection Assistant makes it easy to select the duplicates you want to delete; extended support for music files

Cons: Duplicates can only be deleted, not moved or archived

Freeware

Publisher	Digital Volcano
File Size	1810 kb
Version	1.4.3
Last updated	Sep 05, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	2000/XP/Vista
Requirements	None

CDBurnerXP

CD/DVD burning software

Our Rating: (Very Good!)

CDBurnerXP is an easy to use CD/DVD burning software, that can write CD-R and CD-RW discs. The program can also write disks directly from an ISO image file, and save image as an ISO image file (*.iso). You can create data and audio CDs, and it supports Burn-Proof technology, multi-session disks, import of ISO images and more. In addition to CD burning, you can also rip audio CDs, normalize WAV files, encode MP3 files, erase disks, and more. The program can also convert .bin and .nrg (Nero) images to .ISO format.

Freeware

Publisher	Stefan Haglund
File Size	3164 kb
Version	4.2.5.1541
Last updated	Sep 05, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	2000/XP/2003/Vista
Requirements	.NET Framework 2.0

MediaCoder

universal media transcoder

Our Rating: (Very Good)

MediaCoder is a universal batch media transcoder that integrates most popular audio/video codecs and enables you to convert between most audio and video formats without having to install additional codecs. Among other things, it supports conversion for portable devices (iPod, PSP etc.) as well as ripping from audio and video discs and reparing corrupted or partial downloaded video files. MediaCoder also includes MPlayer for video playback. The program is optimized for multi-core processors.

Freeware

Publisher	Stanley Huang
File Size	14738 kb
Version	0.7.2.4506
Last updated	Sep 05, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	2000/XP/Vista
Requirements	None

Missing Files and Components

Missing Files & Components

What's up with that ?

A particular file (e.g MFC42.DLL or COMDLG32.OCX or any other) is missing

Developers sometimes assume that most people have those files, however if you don't download very often and don't use a lot of software other than what came with your computer - you may need an additional support file here and there. Microsoft releases new "Run-time" files every now and then, they allow software developers to make use of the latest technology when creating new software. In order for YOU to use these programs, you need to update your Windows system with these files.

Essential Components

Visual Basic 6.0 Run-Time Files

This package includes: ASycFilt.dll, ComCat.dll, MSVBVM60.dll, OLEAut32.dll, OLEPro32.dll, STDOLE2.tlb, ADVPack.dll, W95Inf16.dll, W95Inf32.dll, VBRun60.inf

More Info | Download Visual Basic 6.0 Run-Time Files

Visual Basic 5.0 Run-Time Files

This package includes: Msvbvm50.dll, Oleaut32.dll, Olepro32.dll, Stdole2.tlb, Asycfilt.dll, Comcat.dll

More Info | Download Visual Basic 5.0 Run-Time Files

Visual Basic 4.0 Run-Time Files

VB4 Runtimes may still be required by some older products. If you receive an error that VB40032.DLL is missing, you need to download and install these. The package includes Vb40016.dll and Vb40032.dll

More Info | Download Visual Basic 4.0 Run-Time Files

Java Runtime Environment

Java is a programming language just like Visual basic, C etc. However, in order to run programs written in Java on a Windows computer, you need to install the latest support files, the Java Runtime Environment from Sun. You only need to install the JRE once, then you are ready to use any software that requires Java.

More Info | Download Java Runtime Environment

.NET Framework Version 1.1

Some program take advantage of Microsoft's .NET framework. You will need the .NET Runtimes in order to run those programs. The .NET Framework version 1.1 redistributable package includes everything you need to run applications developed using the .NET Framework.

More Info | Download .NET Framework Version 1.1

.NET Framework Version 2.0

The Microsoft .NET Framework version 2.0 (x86) redistributable package installs the .NET Framework runtime and associated files required to run applications developed to target the .NET Framework v2.0.

More Info | Download .NET Framework Version 2.0

.NET Framework Version 3

The Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 is the new managed code programming model for Windows. It combines the power of the .NET Framework version 2.0 with new technologies for building applications that have visually compelling user experiences, seamless communication across technology boundaries, and the ability to support a wide range of business processes.

More Info | Download .NET Framework Version 3

.NET Framework Version 3.5

.NET Framework 3.5 builds incrementally on the new features added in .NET Framework 3.0. For example, feature sets in Windows Workflow Foundation (WF), Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) and Windows CardSpace.

More Info | Download .NET Framework Version 3.5

Other components

WNASPI.DLL (from Nero AG)

Often needed for CD burning related applications.

More Info

Adobe AIR

Adobe AIR runtime enables you to have your favorite web applications with you all the time. Since applications built for Adobe AIR run on your desktop computer without a web browser, they provide all the convenience of a desktop application

More Info | Download Adobe AIR

Free M4a to MP3 Converter

Convert iTunes M4a files to MP3

Our Rating: (Good!)

Free M4a to MP3 Converter enables you to convert iTunes M4A/M4B and AAC files to MP3 or WAV format. You can customize output quality settings and also listen to the track with the help of the built-in player. The program automatically tags the MP3 files from the tag information found in the originals.

Freeware

Publisher	ManiacTools
File Size	4886 kb
Version	6.1
Last updated	Sep 04, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	2000/XP/Vista
Requirements	.NET Framework 3

mySQL

SQL database server

Our Rating: (Excellent)

MySQL is the most popular Open Source SQL database on the internet. MySQL is a relational database management system. A relational database stores data in separate tables rather than putting all the data in one big storeroom. This adds speed and flexibility. The tables are linked by defined relations making it possible to combine data from several tables on request. The SQL part of MySQL stands for "Structured Query Language" - the most common standardized language used to access databases. MySQL is very fast, reliable, and easy to use. If that is what you are looking for, you should give it a try.

Freeware

Publisher	MySQL AB
File Size	105982 kb
Version	5.1.38
Last updated	Sep 04, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	2000/XP/2003/Vista
Requirements	None

AceMoney Lite

Personal finance manager

Our Rating: (Excellent)

AceMoney Lite makes it easy to manage a checkbook, create and manage budgets, juggle finances in multiple currencies, track spending habits, record expenses, and even do on-line banking. The account information can be shared or password protected. The program offers an easy to use interface that is straight forward and much easier to use than most commercial packages. Yet it offers everything you need to balance your personal bank account and keep track of where your money is going. The free version is limited to one bank account.

Freeware

Publisher	MechCAD
File Size	2498 kb
Version	3.17.1
Last updated	Sep 04, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	2000/XP/2003/Vista
Requirements	None

K-Lite Codec Pack (Full)

Installs popular audio and video codecs

Our Rating: 5 stars (Excellent)

K-Lite Codec Pack (Full) includes 99% of all the audio and video codecs you will ever need. Just install this pack, and you will be able to play just about any media file out there. It includes DivX, Xvid, x264, MPEG 1/2,MP3, Monkey`s Audio,Media Player Classic, On2 V6/V7 and many others. The installer lets you choose which codecs to install, or you can use the default profile which installs all of them. K-Lite Codec Pack also provides access to configuration options for each codec whenever available.

Freeware

Publisher	Codecguide
File Size	12062 kb
Version	5.1.0
Last updated	Sep 04, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	2000/XP/2003/Vista
Requirements	None

K-Lite Codec Pack (Mega)

Codecs for popular video formats

Our Rating: (Excellent)

K-Lite Codec Pack (Mega) includes 99% of all the audio and video codecs you will ever need. Just install this pack, and you will be able to play just about any media file out there. It supports playback of AVI, MKV, MP4, FLV, OGM, MPEG, MOV, HDMOV, TS, M2TS, and OGG files as well as FLAC and WavPack audio files. Includes a MPEG-2 decoder for DVD playback. The installer lets you choose which codecs to install, or you can use the default profile which installs all of them. K-Lite Codec Pack also provides access to configuration options for each codec whenever available. The Mega version contains several ACM and VFW codecs for audio and video encoding as well as additional DirectShow filters and support for several additional lossless audio formats.

Freeware

Publisher	Codecguide
File Size	20549 kb
Version	5.1.0
Last updated	Sep 04, 2009
License	Freeware
Windows	2000/XP/2003/Vista
Requirements	None