Windows 7: Bouncing Ideas: Popular Freeware or Software that I don't have yet.

Hi Everyone,

I am always constantly on the hunt for the most popular freeware or software that I don't already have, everything from the highest rated programs to just plain cool stuff, to the best kind of security setup for a computer, to useful tools for common tasks to system cleaners and computer maintenance.

Here is a thread where you can share cool things you've found with others, and I will list some of the cool things I've found too, but I will only trade one cool thing for another, that's the rule, so if you have something cool to share, let's trade.

To start, my specs are:

I am running an Asus G73Jh laptop with Windows 7 Home Premium x64.



I have:

An Intel I7 quad core processor
An ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 Graphics Card
A 17.5" screen
An EAX Advanced HD 4.0 sound card

Many tech enthusiasts clean reinstall to get a leaner better performing install without the factory bloatware and useless OEM utilities which duplicate better versions in Windows 7.

These steps to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 have the tools, apps and methods to obtain and maintain a perfect install.

Take a look at this thread by Brink.
FREE Great Programs for Windows 7 [2]

Just off the top of my head:

CCleaner

Malwarebytes

SuperAntispyware

Irfanview

ImgBurn

7-Zip

CPU-Z

GPU-Z

Keyscrambler

Unlocker

Win Patrol

A Guy

Here are some that I use frequently:

K-Lite Mega codec pack (codec collection)
Recuva (file undeleter)
Hirens Boot CD (excellent bootable CD for recovery)
7 Taskbar Tweaker (taskbar customization)
Classic Shell (start menu replacement, Windows Explorer and IE tweaking, a MUST on Windows 7)
Deffragler (filesystem defragmentation, much better than the stripped down version of Windows)
Everest (hardware information)
Networx (network traffic meter)
Process Explorer (advanced task manager with detailed information)
DosBox (DOS emulator, if you like old games and experimenting a little)
File Locator Lite (file search)
Stickies (Simple sticky notes floating on desktop)
Media Player Classic Home Cinema (lightweight media player)
Notepad 2 (plain text editor with more features than Notepad)
Namebench (DNS benchmark for faster internet access)

But, I ask, why "trade one thing for another"? What about share? We're in a forum after all hehehe

Well, I have a few here, let me see, :

Win7BootUpdater - Allows you to make a custom boot animation for your Windows 7, only, finding boot animations can be difficult. Deviantart can be a good site to find some. Just Google Win7BootUpdater and you'll find it.

Context Menu Editor 1.1 - this allows you to edit the right click context menu for your desktop. Me, I created links to my favorite web pages so that all I have to do is right click and connect straight there. Freeware.

Windows 7 Start Button Changer V 2.6 - Find and apply custom Windows 7 start orbz with ease. Another good tool to search deviantart for start orbs.