In this thread we post our most used or favorite programs, what they are, why we love them, and where to get them.
Rockmelt - Rockmelt is my primary internet browser. It's made using the Google Chrome interface, but it has RSS and Facebook features pre-programmed into the browser. This means I can access my chat bar and notifications without having Facebook open, and I have all my RSS Feeds in a sidebar on one edge of my screen. While there are a few compatibility issues, it is my favorite due to its clean, fluid design. Download it at
Rockmelt's website.YTD Video Downloader - This is a rather simplistic Youtube Downloader, but it does have some cool features. You can download a single video or playlists by using the appropriate links to them. There is also a converter which lets you swap between a variety of video and audio formats.
CNET has a download mirror, found here.osu! - This is a rhythm action game, similar to Elite Beat Agents for the DS. You download the application and then you can download beatmaps that you like and play them. The game is online based with a global leaderboard for ranked maps. You will need a full-time internet connection to get the full experience. A mouse is recommended for laptop players.
Get it here.uTorrent - uTorrent, also known as Micro Torrent, is a bittorrent client. It's what you use to download files on a Peer to Peer connection. To use it, you find bittorent links that have seeders, who you connect with to download the file you're trying to obtain. Some torrents are safe, while others may contain viruses and spyware. Also, there are torrents that are illegal. Be smart when using this program and related bittorent clients.
uTorrent can be found here.VideoPad - This is an easy to use video editing program. When you download it, you are given a 14 day trial of the Pro Version. After the trial ends, you may continue to use it with some features disabled, or purchase the Pro Version for around $40. I like the free version because even with some features missing there's more than enough control available to make adequate quality videos with. It's a great alternative to expensive programs like Adobe Premiere and Sony Vegas.
You can obtain it from this CNET download mirror.EXPStudio - This is an easy to use audio editing program. You can use it to make cuts to audio, adjust volume, make fades in and out, add effects, and so on. It's Windows-Only and not the most stable program (it crashes after extended periods of use), but as a free program it's relatively good. If you can't afford programs like Adobe Audition or Sony SoundForge, then I recommend it.
CNET's download mirror is here.Audacity - This is a more advanced audio editing program. It has many more available features than EXPStudio, will not crash nearly as often, and allows for multiple audio channels. However, it is much harder to get used to the program's controls. If EXPStudio doesn't do enough for you, then learning this program will be quite advantageous.
Available for most Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems here.Adobe Photoshop 7.0 - Photoshop is the industry leader for photo editing, with a variety of controls at your fingertips. Everything is done using layering to create literally endless possibilities. Filters and image adjustments can be used to add much needed tweaks to an image. The most up-to-date version is Photoshop CS6. I use 7.0 (which predates the CS series) because it's lightweight with minimal hardware requirements, and offers all the features I could want. While I don't have the newest tools (such as Content Aware), I am more than happy with the program. You can find it on most torrenting and filesharing sites.
Auslogics Defrag - Windows users should defragment their hard disks regularly for optimum performance. This is one of the best defragmenters you can download, and far superior to the one that comes with Windows operating systems. I recommend that everybody with a Windows computer use this program.
Just go here and get it, now!CCleaner - Like defragmenting, disk cleanups can be used to optimize system performance. This program is far superior to the Disk Cleaner that Windows comes with. It also has a built in registry cleaner for added optimization.
Get it. You won't be disappointed.SketchUp - SketchUp used to be owned by Google; it is now owned by Trimble. It is used to create 3D models. The interface is so simple a child can use it, but the program is coveted by architects and designers worldwide. Learn it, and you'll be able to impress.
Get it here.OpenOffice - OpenOffice provides free alternatives to Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel, Publisher, and so on. If you cannot afford Microsoft Office then I highly recommend downloading these programs. The interface is like that of Microsoft Office 2003, so it might take some getting used to.
Click here to learn more.Google Docs - Google has its own alternative to Microsoft Office, but it's Web Only and you need a Google account to use it, so it's not as portable. You can find it at docs.google.com.
One-Click ISO Ripper - I absolutely love this program. This allows you to make a digital copy of any disk, which can then be stored on a hard drive or flash drive. Note you do need to pay for this program; it is $29.
You can learn more here.TreeSize - This is a nifty program that allows you to check the sizes of files and folders on your system in a more graphical manner. It's good for determining what programs and files are taking up the most space on your hard drives.
There is a free version available on CNET; it's what I use.Bullzip PDF Printer - This program creates a virtual printer which is then listed in your printer options and device manager. When you use it to print, it will come up with a prompt that allows you to configure the document and then save it as a PDF on your computer. This is very useful when you need to save something as a PDF and the program you need to save from doesn't have such an option.
CNET has a download mirror for it.Virtual CloneDrive - This makes a virtual DVD ROM drive on your computer. Use it to open up ISO files and other virtual disks.
It too can be found on CNET.iTunes - We all know what it is, and we all know where to get it, but let me tell you what I like about it. iTunes is one of the most effective music programs in regards to editing song information, converting between different audio formats, and organizing the locations of your songs. By changing your CD Import settings, it creates a conversion tool. With that tool, you can right click any song in your library, and select "Create X Version," where X is whatever format you chose initially. For me, I can turn any song into a 160kbps MP3 file in a single click. I can use "Get Info" to edit Title/Artist/Album/etc. information. And I can use the Preferences > Advanced Tab to manage where my tracks are on my computer.
