Your computer's file system can be a tangled, jungly place. There are obscure file trees so tall and branched your eyes glaze over, and there are dark, hidden caverns you may not be inclined to explore. In a nod to the Thanksgiving holiday, we're spotlighting three of the many applications we're thankful for--particularly the software that sheds a little light on some of the more obscure computing processes, or those programs that just make bushwhacking a whole lot easier.
Process Explorer
We'll start with the hearty Xplorer2, a free-to-try alternative to Windows Explorer for power file-seekers. Browsing multiple folders in one window, moving files without breaking shortcut links, and splitting or merging files are just some of the features that make this app an Explorer knockout.
If you've ever wished that the Windows Task Manager had a little more oomph, you should check out Process Explorer. The freeware utility turns out a ton of information that helps you identify running processes, including spyware.
Finding programs, documents, and misplaced photos can be a feat, even if you're using Microsoft's built-in Windows search. The Windows 7 Libraries concept to group files by type rather than by location helps, but if you're using XP or Vista, a desktop search app like Copernic Desktop Search or Google Desktop can find a range of files faster. We also like programs like Launchy, which opens applications by default, but which you can also configure to launch Web sites, music files, and documents.
Which apps are you ever-thankful for? Sing your praises in the comments.
If you're a video junkie, or if you're headed that way, Vuze is one application you shouldn't miss. Once known as Azureus, Vuze is a free BitTorrent app that can download and play back video content, including HD. Version 4.3, the latest update, adds speed enhancements and compatibility to play back HD video on your Windows or Mac computer, iPhone or iPod, Apple TV, Tivo, and Xbox 360, PS3, or PSP.
There's also a portable version of Vuze that you can install on a USB drive, iPod, iPhone, or portable hard drive and take with you. If you tend to switch computers often, portable apps like this one help you get favorite apps up and running quickly, and can help save your work between sessions.
In fact, we've got a slew of portable apps available to download for free from CNET Download.com, including Firefox Portable (it'll save your settings and bookmarks) and GIMP Portable, a to-go version of the powerful photo editor. There's even a free Portable Apps suite for those who want one of everything.
System utilities may not seem like the most provocative category in the annals of software development, but the apps within are essential for maintaining a tip-top computer. On top of that, their universality makes them a good choice for almost any computer.
With that in mind, we gathered together seven of our favorite freeware applications--most will support Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 operating systems. This list isn't the end-all and be-all--not when so many quality programs abound--but it is a good beginning.
We start with Glary Utilities, which is actually a suite of apps to optimize and tweak Windows computers. CCleaner and Smart Defrag also make the top of our list for sweeping away Internet tracks and drefragmenting the hard disk, respectively. When it's traces of files you're worried about after removing a program, Revo Uninstaller is our go-to app, thanks to its capability to scour nooks and crannies for leftovers.
When it comes to maintaining files, we're fans of 7-Zip, which can compress large files in a range of formats, including ZIP and RAR. To preserve those files in the event of a system crash, we recommend a backup program like SyncBack, which is accessible enough for most home users. Finally, a recovery app like Pandora Recovery belongs in your collection, for hunting down files you may have mistakenly deleted.
Do you have other favorite utility essentials? In the newsletter, click the "Read More" link below to share them in the comments. Check out our original roundup.
One of our chief occupations at CNET Download.com is to keep our eyes peeled for excellent freeware. We've got our own picks for ultimate free applications (and also for the most essential), but we like to consider your opinions, too. CNET Executive Editor Tom Merritt recently conducted an informal poll among his Facebook and Twitter contacts, asking for their favorite no-cost software. Here are the five apps that readers--maybe you--tapped as the best of the best.
Every yin has its yang. To balance out the five best downloads, all of them available on Download.com, are the five biggest stinkers of the season. Should your want to gawk at the combined mediocrity of these duds, these applications are also available on Download.com. You've been warned.
In Windows 7 news, many of you have written in with questions about upgrading from Windows XP and Windows Vista. CNET News' Ina Fried tries to clear up some confusion about what you can and can't do with a Windows 7 upgrade disk. There. We hope that helps.
We've spent the last few months gearing up for Microsoft's grand unveiling of its new Windows 7 operating system (full review). And it hit right on schedule on October 22. Does that mean it's time to boot out XP and Vista? For XP users, Windows 7 offers tighter security and a load of neat new features that aren't just flashy, but also convenient. With Windows XP being an eight-year old operating system, you might consider the upgrade. Windows 7 may appear to have more in common with Vista, its predecessor, but there are marked organizational improvements, including new media management and sharing tools, and a reining-in of those pesky User Account Controls.
However, there have been some reports of incidents in upgrading to Windows 7, including ours. While we recommend Windows 7 overall, potential upgraders should check out our full coverage of Windows 7 to help get all your questions answered, including how some Vista users can get a free upgrade and which of the four Windows 7 editions is right for you.
Are you planning to switch to Windows 7? See how other CNET readers voted. If you have upgraded, rate your experience, or see how others weighed in. Those making the leap to Windows 7 should also check out Ninite, a Web site that helps you customize a single install file for a heap of useful Windows 7 programs, including your pick of browser, instant-messaging apps, media apps, and utilities.
Let's play a fun game. Take note of your Windows desktop. Now count how many shortcut icons are on it. If there are more than 20 icons, you need a new system.
Allow me to direct your attention to Fences for XP, Vista, and Windows 7. This freeware app helps you create flexible boxes, or "fences" on your desktop that help you cleanly organize your shortcuts. You can rename these fences easily, and drag and drop shortcuts in and out of them.
The free Fences 1.0 is a unique desktop enhancement app because more than adding style and sheen to your work space, which it does, it's also straight-up practical. At a little larger than 8.6MB, it's also smaller than many other enhancement apps, including Fences' publisher's own CursorFX. Watch our Fences video for a walk-through of all the features.
In other Windows news this week, AVG Technologies releases an update to its popular AVG Free antivirus app, and we show you how to remove files attached to messages in Outlook, Thunderbird, and Yahoo Mail.
One by one, the major Windows security vendors have been updating their antivirus apps and suites to protect against malware. Lavasoft is the latest, but you'll likely know this company better by its flagship product, Ad-Aware.
Like many of the other security apps that have updated for 2010, Ad-Aware 8.1 (download) boasts faster speeds and an engine that detects malware not just by definitions, but by suspicious behavior, too. As with its competitors, Ad-Aware has a three-tiered setup that includes a free version and two premium levels.
Speaking of security, the Google Chrome browser received a new extension aimed at keeping Chrome surfers from wandering to dodgy sites. The free Web of Trust add-on, which is already in use on Firefox and Internet Explorer browsers, isn't quite ready for prime time yet, but the adventurous can try it out on the developer preview version of Chrome.
Cautionary tales about identity theft are everywhere: blared from the TV, inked in news stories, and relayed with horrified detail in conversations among friends. Heck, I've had to deal with a lifted wallet myself. Anyone who's been there can attest that despite quick calls to the credit card companies and banks, dealing with the aftermath is still a hassle. But physical larceny is one thing; digital defrauding can quickly become a much deeper, broader, and unmitigated violation that can stretch to the bottom of your savings accounts and social circles.
The publishers behind the popular AVG security program franchise have introduced a new tool in AVG Anti-Virus 9 and AVG Free Edition to help combat computer thievery. In partnership with security service Identity Guard, the Identity Theft Recovery Unit sits with the browser toolbar, and can help U.S. customers access credit report tools and monitoring support services if you are hit.
The new AVG Anti-Virus 9 and AVG Internet Security 9 offer more features besides, and claim faster speeds. To find out if AVG 9's products live up to the claims, read our hands-on review.
We won't lie: we're looking forward to Microsoft's final release of its Windows 7 operating system. It's well-designed, with some strong usability features that make it smooth and comfortable to operate. However, it will also cost a small pile of cash to update.
Luckily, if you've got a Vista computer, there are ways to tease out some of that new functionality and look without an upgrade. CNET Executive Editor Tom Merritt shows you the free downloads you can get to turn Vista into Windows 7.
Since we do so enjoy assembling freeware alternatives for you, here's another roundup. This time we've collected programs you can use to pull together a free or cheap multimedia suite (depending on the apps you choose.) That means programs to edit photos and video, create movies and photo projects, play DVDs, burn your media, and copy movies to a portable device, like your iPhone. Dig in!
If you've got favorites we missed, don't forget to share them in the comments.
The year 2010 may still officially be some months away, but that's not stopping security vendors from releasing major 2010 software upgrades to their antivirus apps and security suites. Just this week, Check Point Software released ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2010 and ZoneAlarm Extreme Security. What's the difference? The former is a complete suite with the familiar ZoneAlarm firewall, plus antivirus, antispyware, and parental controls. It costs $50. The latter lays on extra padding with Web browsing protection, antiphishing technology, and backup and system tune-up tools. It costs $70 for the complete set. How did the apps do? Read more in this hands-on review.
ZoneAlarm's offering is hot on the heels of Trend Micro, which itself unveiled its three new security products, ranging in price from $40 to the $70 pro suite.
Don't overlook Kaspersky when contemplating your antivirus needs for the coming year. Two new security apps have come out of the company's labs. As with competitors, one is the more customary antivirus armor and the other has many more robust tools and features. Read an in-depth review here.
