15 Must Have FREE Programs

Heres a list of software that I have on my PC that I would not uninstall.

1. Mozilla Firefox (link)
   
• No point in explaining this one.
  
2. Mozilla Thunderbird (link)
   
• Mozilla's awesome email program. Offers extensions just like firefox, which makes it the best
  
3. Launchy (link)
   
• This program is a keystroke launcher for windows. Basically you just hit your hotkeys to bring up the launchy window, and begin typing for whatever you want to open (docs, xls, folders, websites) etc. Definitely worth a look.
  
4. Pidgin formerly Gaim (link)
   
• Multi-network instant messenger client. Has tons of plugins for it, so it can be as great as you want to make it.
  
5. AVG Antivirus (link)
   
• Incredible free antivirus program which updates and scans whenever you want it to. Will even scan emails from thunderbird.
  
6. Hamachi (link)
   
• Excellent virtual lan software. Here is a more complete review.
  
7. Flashget (link) (with FlashGot Firefox Extension)
• Flashget is a program which lets you speed up your downloads by opening several connections to the hosting servers. Also will let you resume downloads.
• FlashGot is the firefox extension that enables its use in Firefox. (link)
  
8. VLC Media Player (link)
   
• I found VLC a while ago when I was looking for codecs for windows media player. This program plays any video file right out of the box without the need for codecs. GUI leaves a little to be desired, but there are so many options that you forget about it.
  
9. Lavasoft AdAware Personal (link)
   
• Spyware scanner. Seems to work well. (doesnt work well with others, though)
  
10. Rainlendar2 (link)
    
• Excellent calendar program which sits on your desktop. Tons of options as well.
  
11. WinRAR (link)
    
• Archiving program for the masses. I believe it was the first to support the RAR format. Shareware.
  
12. MediaMonkey (link)
    
• I hate iTunes. MediaMonkey offers a fully functional replacement for it. Will let you transfer files back to your computer from your iPod. Is compatible with any media player.
  
13. CCleaner (link)
    
• Cleans up your temporary file folders mainly from your internet browser. My first time running it, I cleared up 2.5 gigs. I ran it yesterday, about a week after first running it, and cleared up 100mb. Worth it.
  
14. VMWare Player (link)
    
• I love windows, but sometimes I find myself in need of running linux. This program emulates a pc, and will let you boot linux from within windows. Soon i'll put up a guide as to how to enable cut and paste text between a windows host and linux guest. Also will explain how to make the resolution of the window stretch, and how to enable file transferring.
  
15. Logmein (link)
    
• Remote control software for your pc. The viewer will run from any browser. A more robust review here.