I use Devicescape [www.devicescape.com] to automate login to hotspots.

Captain Nimlet

The number one item in this list is Launchy. Version 2.0 is SWEET. There are some great upgrades to an already superb app launcher. Having the Weby plugin standard is nice. Just figured out how to search my Gmail from Launchy...didn't I learn about that here?!?

timage

It's not been discussed here on LH, but PeaZip ([peazip.sourceforge.net]) is like the Linux version of 7-Zip. Works one multi-part rar archives, too.

eternicode

Nice post & comments to be bookmarked !!

rasti

i think that yayhoorah is better than del.icio.us

check it out [www.yayhoorah.com]

abensrhir

No one here uses Hijackthis?

miburo

I prefer jZip over 7zip by far.

Crashproof

Great list.. perhaps next list will include CMS platforms...

jdaynger

One other recommendation: PrimoPDF. It's free, and it installs as a printer driver - so you can convert any document (that you could normally print) to a PDF by using the print dialog box. Works like a charm.

fritzk3

What? No Azeurus for Bittorrents?

aikoto

Oh my, where to begin? I won't list all my favorite free utilities, because I use dozens and have evaluated hundreds. But here are a few alternatives that I prefer to some you have mentioned:
* Backup: Cobian Backup (reviewed in post #40 of my utilities blog.)
* Web Calendar: I second the votes for AirSet.
* Desktop Search: Definitely Copernic (reviewed in post #3).
* File Sync: AllwaySync (reviewed in post #27).
* Image Editing: Perhaps add The Gimp to your list?
* PDF Readers: PDF Xchange, as mentioned by other commenters.
* To-Do List Managers: I love ToDoList (reviewed in post #12, but I am eager to try ThinkingRock.

And here are my picks in a few categories you have overlooked:
* Firewall: ZoneAlarm. My real favorite is Comodo (reviewed in post #6), but I have had problems with the ballyhooed version 3 update (see post #47, to be followed up next week with my test of a bug fix update).
* Anti-Malware: Threatfire HIPS.
* File Manager: xplorer2 lite (reviewed way back in post #5).
* Process Manager: WhatsRunning or Sysinternals Process Explorer (both reviewed in post #13).

I hope this is helpful. Thanks for all the tips, and keep up the great work!

JonathansToolBarAndGrill

FreeMind for mind map. Free and running on both Windows and Linux.
[freemind.sourceforge.net]

compucat

Speaking about commanders. I dig free commander www.freecommander.com

Also:

AM-Dealink [www.aignes.com]
CountryCodes [www.izoxzone.com]
DupeFinder [www.easyduplicatefinder.com]
FileHipo [www.filehippo.com]
FTPserver [www.pablosoftwaresolutions.com]
HFS Webserver [www.rejetto.com]
Uniextract [legroom.net]

MrGutts

Sorry if this has been already mentioned somewhere in the comments, my search didn't find it which surprises me - it just seems so obvious: Skim is, I think the #1 among the PDF-readers for the Mac. Check it out in [skim-app.sourceforge.net]

vjsalmi

Skype is also available for Linux. :)

spinallhead

Apparently I'm alone, but the first thing I install on a new system is VIM..Windows, Mac, or Linux (usually already there on Mac & Linux). Notepad++ and the like are like surfing with IE6. If you love Launchy/AutoHotKey/etc., then you will love VIM. Spend a week to learn it and you will be smitten. Don't move with the arrow keys either; use it the way it was meant to be used.

I even type papers in VIM (Tex/LaTex), or even to paste into Word later if you are into that kind of thing.

I can complete that action in 3 keystrokes,

VV

VetteVert

I wish GCal had an option to schedule something every other week....Ideas? I'll have to stick with Yahoo for now. ~T.

antwad

Just abandoned GDS, it did a fine job indexing scanned pdf files with the ScanSoft plugin but somehow it stops indexing these pdf files from time to time and I have to reinstall GDS and the plugin. Still looking for a better solution.

piotrusc

I know it's shareware rather than free but Total Commander is worth a mention here. It's the best "swiss army knife"-ish bit of software going.

dublinjames

Web Clippers: Evernote. Hands down, so much more than Google Notebook or Scrapbook. Head and shoulders above.

Jimmer

@tg_tech: I agree WDS is better. I use it from within launchy :)

desipenguin

@turnersd: AHK was not skipped, I see it listed under Macro Makers

desipenguin

I will translate this into Chinese and publish in my blog. Is it OK? the origin url will be kept.

and, some great freeware, such as VIM, audacity, wink, GIMP, were not mentioned.

xbeta

7-zip is for linux too! native!

this is just an awesome list, with a lot of really good suggestions from the comments too. I thank LH for turning me on to foxmarks and Specto

BackDoorAngel

Also, i know it is in beta, but I think zoogmo www.zoogmo.com should get mention for online backup. Offsite backup to your trusted friends PC all encrypted.

secret.agent

I really like tugzip over 7zip

secret.agent

[www.qip.ru] - free ICQ-client for Windows.
The new version, named QIP Infium (currently in beta stage) allow to use other IM-networks, like Jabber or XIMMS

irnis

I'm guessing that you left out RSS readers and word processors for space reasons. I like Vienna and Bean, respectively, and I know that you guys like Google Reader and Open/NeoOffice.

Superdotman

Personally, my favorite favorite FAVORITE text editor is Jarte (www.jarte.com). I love it so much I paid for the Plus upgrade not because I wanted the features but just because I wanted to thank the guy for making it.

It's Windows only, and built right on top of Wordpad, so its solid as a rock.

GreetingsEarthling

FYI, Adium is both free and open source (GPL).

[trac.adiumx.com]

miketrose

For start pages, why didn't you mention the "speed dial" feature built into the Opera browser?

Johnking

It certainly bespeaks a bias if you include it, but I'm personally a huge fan of Texter!

It's a shame Adam's creation can't be included...or can it?

GBunker

I'll put my vote in for Thinking Rock. I'd be lost without it. I keep it on a thumb drive and take it everywhere.

Josh

On the Mac, what about Library Books? This is a small menu app that reminds you when your library books are due AND tells you how many people are ahead of you in Waiting For cue. Also works with iCal. Donationware By Harold Chu.

Durbrow

Excellent list! I use many of these programs.

My favs include: Picasa, Meebo, Foxit Reader, GrandCentral, Notepad ++, and AVG (as well as Avast).

Someone earlier mentioned Audacity which is great for creating ringtones from audio files.

jdan57

Free application virtualization for home use from Altiris Software Virtualization Solution at [www.svsdownloads.com] It is great for testing some of the applications listed without letting them actually make potentially bad changes to Windows.

spuddude

I forgot to mention Jajah.com. FREE CALLS BABY.

lawksalih

I like WikidPad, a standalone Wiki-editor

joaomc

I think you shout add Spybot S&D since it saves a lot of PC on daily basis from hijacks and yes, IT'S FREE.

lawksalih

What happened to TiddlyWiki?

palmerkun

Its a big free colection. Thanks to all.
Encryption, [messagevault.org.]

Turis

I have used a site that keeps track of 100 free downloads for your windows. Everyting from maintenance to im. checkout [www.100-downloads.com] (sorry windows only apps).

Garrett M

These are great windows apps,
rk launcher
qt tabbar
Ave-Desk
Zune midia player
RB Tray

aquabeef

I've got no additional suggestions. Just the comment that this is a great end-of-year summary list. Thanks.

But P.S. I'm still not liking the recent site redesign where the whole right half of my monitor is wasted.

gopanthers

Here's one of my favorites: Steganos LockNote.
[www.steganos.com]

It's free, easy to use, and no installation required. Use it to create password-protected plain-text files, and to convert current .txt files to secure .exe files.

I use it to keep a list of user IDs & passwords, account numbers, etc.

Scott

PSPad > Notepad++

chagwood

@LABETE: I've been working on completing a GTD Windows app. Interested in trying it out for me?

lwdallas

Is SyncbackSE worth it over Syncback? I am doing a nightly backup with Syncback and have not had an issue as of yet.

swdriver

there probably aren't a whole lot of people that use desktop sharing, but for me it's a necessity at work & at home. this program rocks (& it's free for non-commercial application): [www.teamviewer.com]

@djnrempel: i'm having the same issue (w/ a linux media player). lots of folks are suggesting amarok, but i found it to just be a lot of glam w/ little function. lost use of media keys on keyboard & it was buggy (happens with kde in gtk+). switched back to gmp...it's not pretty, but it works. if you're using gnome, here's a list of players out there to check out: [onlyubuntu.blogspot.com]

mac-phisto

Give PStart ([www.pegtop.net])a try as a Program Launcher. I find it simple and intuitive, without a whole bunch of unnecessary extras.

For Bookmarks, I find none better than TrayURL ([www2.webng.com]), which is small, totally portable, does not contain html or other useless codes, and can switch back and forth between Firefox, IE, the default browser, or a personal favourite.

Finally, MemPad ([home.mnet-online.de]) has a few additional .txt files for special features, but otherwise is only the exe and the chm files, and is likewise portable. I now use no other PIM on a daily basis, as Mempad addresses all my freeform database needs.

Both utilities require only the .exe file and the data file (PStart uses an xml file, Trayurl an INI).

Cornflower

I feel like iGTD needs to be on you list somewhere. It's a great application.

4ster

Gina, try DOMercury already! ([www.odierno.com] )I just released another version today, and it has loads more functionality than Launchy. I swear you'll like it.

Oh yeah, there is a portable version too.

Dom

No love for the built in KeyChain manager on OS X. It is all I use for password management and works very well. Also my life would not be the same without the wonderful free and OS Wordpress

hitechdad

@Cyrano76: I second GOM, I use it at work. But I have found one that I think is even better! It's called KM Player - also a Korean player. It's totally free and it runs from a USB stick.

I can play all manner of audio and video file formats and even play DVD's - all from your memory stick!

For audio area it supports AC3, DTS, LPCM, MP2, MP3, Vorbis, AAC, WMA, ALAC, AMR, QDM2, FLAC, TTA, IMA ADPCM, QCELP, EVRC, RealAudio and more. Video you can play DivX, XviD, Theora, WMV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, VP3, VP5, VP6, H263(+), H.264(AVC1), CYUY, ASV1/2, VQ1/3, MSVIDC, Cinepak, MS MPEG4 V1/2/3, FFV1, VCR1, FLV1, MSRLE, QTRLE Huffyuv, Digital Video, Indeo3, MJPEG.

Links below -

LINK1
DOWNLOAD LINK

Go for the biggest install, not the 'standalone'. It's still portable.

da5id_nz

Web Calendar: Airset -- www.airset.com -- way more options than Google Calendar.

Launcher: Keybreeze -- www.keybreeze.com -- hasn't had much attention from Lifehacker -- I'm surprised, since it seems to be the most customizable and even has a built in text finisher.

rickdob

Hi

I am surprised to NOT see the texter tool. By far that is the best productivity tool that I have been using.

KCDESI

KCDesi

Woops, I think I just double-posted. Sorry.

twins8791

Gnome Do!

[lifehacker.com]

twins8791

Gnome-Do! do.davebsd.com

[lifehacker.com]

twins8791

A suggestion: I have found the free Home version of Avast! to be much more efficient, lightweight, and user-friendly in comparison to AVG.

TunaFish

Following up on my previous comment:
Here's the skinny straight from the DVD Shrink folks [www.dvdshrink.org]
and
DVDFab's website is [www.dvdfab.com] although it appears it's temporarily down...

je_unc

AND... I hardly type an 'Out to Lunch' note without heading to Spelljax.com

m.c.cookie

Having portable versions of foobar2000, eraser, easygps, httrack, utorrent, VLC, Abiword, OpenOffice, fSekrit, Notepad++, foxitReader, Audacity, and others on my key-chain means being able to be working (or goofing) seconds after getting on a machine at work, home, libraries, or other peoples places.

Most of all, Portable Firefox, with my bookmarks, and extensions (Scrapbook, Del.icio.us, Foxmarks, Snaplinks...) mean almost never having to browse like it's 1999.

PS Anyone trying out some portable apps will be seriously rewarded for using a speedy drive.

PSS Thanks to the Lifehacker Crew for turning me on to most, if not all, of these great tools.

m.c.cookie

I forgot SpaceMonger - simple nd efficient disk space viewer

Cyrano76

For those of you open-source impaired, check out the easiest way to run MediaWiki on Windows. The BitNami site has additional wiki applications as well as blog software, etc. so you can just click-click-next your way to installation. There is a Ruby Stack, so at one point there should be a Tracks stack as well.

ridru

Win32:

For text editor, I moved from Notepad++ a few years ago to Programmer's Notepad. Can't remember why though.

Media player, I recently switched from Winamp to MusikCube, have to check out foobar2000 though.

On Linux, my faves are:

Text editor: Geany

FTP client: FileZilla, YAFC

BitTorrent: Deluge

Media Player: sadly, still looking for something that has a media library that works as well for me as Winamp or MusikCube. Any suggestions?

djnrempel

Most of my fav apps are covered, but there's a few you missed. (Windows apps, no Mac to play with yet)

GOM
VLC is great, but I really love GOM. It's a Korean player (found that out from a Korean friend), and it plays WHATEVER you throw at it. Great thing about it are all the little playback controls and keyboard shortcuts

I second FastStone and their freeware products. Their viewer is great, and their batch resizer is wonderful as well. It not only will resize batch photos, but add watermarking, text, DPI changes, color depth, and a few others.

And for photo manipulation, you have to check out PhotoFiltre (yes, I know I spelled it filtre - it's French). Not as blotted and slow starting as PS or GIMP, it's also much more intuitive. Definitely a must for anyone wanting to some basic photo manipulation. Does 85%-90% of what PS does.

And, I can't believe Spybot S&D didn;t make this list. Sadness.

But, this list does look good - I saw a couple apps I want to try. Comment section is great place to mine as well.

Cyrano76

It is worth mentioning that DVD Shrink (even the latest version) cannot break the encryption on some of the newest DVDs. I first ran into the problem with Talledega Nights. The problem is recognized by the developers, and since DVD Shrink isn't in development anymore, I recommend DVDFab HD Decrypter 4. It's free, and I still keep DVD Shrink around because it can edit the files after DVDFab copies them to the drive. There's an upgraded version of DVDFab available for a premium, but I don't think it does a whole lot that Handbrake and other free apps can't take care of for you!

je_unc

+1 for Find and Run Robot!!

Jim

@rexluna:

there's 2 one of each, macscan for spyware (shareware) and clamXav for antivirus (freeware)

Gonzie

Are there still no Mac anti virus/malware programs? I am hearing a bit more about mac viruses popping up lately but I haven't seen any programs.

rexluna

Noticed a small mistake in the guide.

SyncBackSE is the paid version of the freeware SyncBack. The guide states SyncBackSE as freeware. :)

jmisner

As far as web apps go I swear by Airset www.airset.com
I manage around 300 people at 15 different concert and sporting venues through Airset.
It has Calanders, Contacts, File Storage, IM, email, Blog and many other services in one place.
I had tried gCalendar but it didn't have the features.
Our company has now been useing it for a year and we base all of our events through it.

echodawg

Here's my addendums, all free and Windows unless otherwise noted:

Gnu Command Line Tools for Windows: GnuWin32
Command Line Tools: SysinternalSuite (Microsoft)
Command Line Shell: PowerShell (Microsoft)
Application Launcher: RocketDock
FTP client and server: FileZilla
SCP/SFTP client: WinSCP
Download Manager: Free Download Manager
Application Updater: AppGet (or Portage if you run Gentoo Linux)
CD Ripper: Exact Audio Copy
MP3 Tagger: MusicBrainz Picard
Codec Pack: K-Lite Mega Codec Pack
Video Player: Media Player Classic
File Encryption: TrueCrypt
Email Encryption: GnuPG
File Manager/Explorer: xplorer2 lite (Zabkat)

DanRP

how come Avast did not get a mention for an anti-virus. anything against it i should know?

Kal7

@joelena: What happened to that link?

PDF X-Change Viewer can be found here:

[www.docu-track.com]

joelena

IMHO, PDF X-Change viewer [www.docu-track.com]]=scr_shot has the edge on Foxit Reader. It's a little slower loading (which negates one reason for switching from Acrobat), but it includes about as many annotation options (with no "Evaluation" watermark like the Foxit free version) and a tabbed interface. There's even an icon on the lower right to view the current file in Foxit or Acrobat if they're installed.

They've been fixing lots of issues since I first came across it last spring, and Foxit annotations are now visible in X-Change Viewer (not editable, but you could annotate over them), and vice-versa.

joelena

To the image editor list, I'd add [lunapic.com] .. it's really an Image Animator as well.

For identifying malware, I'd certainly add Rootkit revealer. free from microsoft.

dognose

Check Omnifocus for GTD and watch for Things which is part of the great MacUpdate bundle ([www.mupromo.com])

kenN

The freewares that I use, which are not here, are:
CCleaner, Process Explorer, UltraVNC, WinSCP, Avvenu (sort of webapp+software), Audacity, PDF ReDirect, DAEMON Tools, WordWeb (I just did a diff with my personal list: [kaushal.modi.googlepages.com] ) :)

kaushalmodi

Forget Launchy (heresy I know!) and go with Find and Run Robot.
I've strayed several times to the latest new app, but always come back to FARR for my launcher, small footprint and fast, not to mention customizable. Will stay with it until someone pots Quicksilver to XP.

Copernic still wins my Desktop search loyalty. Tried a few others, but keep coming back.

Chris

Wow! I would also add Picassa and AdiumX/Pidgin.

Khürt Williams

you also missed clamXav for mac

Gonzie

Wow what's with the massive Windows bias? You guys have articles on Linux all the time, but almost no Linux apps on the list :-(

NICU

Google Desktop also has a linux version...

a0peter

IMHO:

FastStone Image Viewer pwns IrfanView (FS is slightly larger, but does SO much more).

SMPlayer > VLC (more playback options, including playback speed adjustment)

Nice to have so many recommendations from LH, though. I've picked up more than a few good tips and software recommendations here.

fritzk3

@BrandonJ: Good catch, thanks! Updating now.

Gina Trapani, Lifehacker Editor

Just added AutoHotKey, and virus/spyware cleaners, thanks!

GTD and FTP categories are also good ideas...I'll see what I can come up with. (Tho ThinkingRock would be my desktop GTD pick, I think.)

Gina Trapani, Lifehacker Editor

Just a note: Pidgin and Picasa both have Linux (Ubuntu) versions as well. Pidgin is actually included with Gutsy.

BrandonJ

Other software I really endorse on that list are Paint.NET (you mean I don't need Photoshop? Unpossible!) and "I play anything" VLC.

Other freeware I've used and liked that are not on the list include Stickies (desktop notes), Google Earth, Maxthon, and TeraCopy. Please add a category for FTP software to your list as well, please, thnx

burnblue

any recommended anti-virus?

engtech

Any suggestions for GTD software? I'm currently running Thinking Rock which is good, but I miss the simplicity of whatsnextapp which sadly requires Ruby, which I can't put on my work laptop

labete

How did Autohotkey get skipped?

AHK is hands-down the best utility I've started using because of seeing it on LH.

turnersd

Can't do PDF readers without listing PDF-XChange. It is full-featured and the best in my experience (I find Foxit to be no better than Acrobat).

For Desktop Search, XP users should be interested in WDS, the OS integration is great.

FastStone is a feature-rific image viewer, and Windows Live Photo Gallery makes a great image manager if you don't have Vista. I prefer it to Picasa.

You sure got it right on Netvibes and Launchy, but you need to add categories so you can mention Texter and Better Gmail. Those are fantastic.

burnblue

I perfer copernic desktop search. I have been using it for at least 6 months, great program.

www.copernic.com

tg_tech

Don't forget about the easiest way to turn your camera phone or digital camera into a scanner, copier and fax machine (www.qipit.com).

chametner

launchy has def. changed how efficient I am with my comp. worth a try.

Gadwin print screen is a pretty slick screen capture tool worth mentioning.

etnie21

I'm a fan of SlickRun, but will give a try to Launchy... The screenshots of Launchy shows that it is same as SlickRun, but with a better look.

kaushalmodi