The Download Blog

True to its name, GraphicConverter's main functionality is converting graphic files--importing from some 200 formats and exporting to about 80 at last count. But it also proves invaluable as a high-speed image editor that lets you quickly browse, resize, sharpen, adjust color, and optimize for the Web, all at a price that makes commercial packages blush. As is often the case with this well-maintained software, the latest version features a laundry list of enhancements making it a must-have update for current users.

Also this week we have My Living Desktop, the desktop enhancement program that displays living scenes as a screensaver or as your desktop background. Our game this week is AstroChase, an arcade shooter that requires quick reflexes as you blow away an onslaught of alien invaders.

Don't forget to check out our iPhone apps of the week!

Like it or not, the season of sales is upon us. Whether the shiny new computer that's soon to be encased in gift wrap is a present for you or for someone else, you should know what to do with that laptop, desktop, or Netbook when the time comes to boot it up. You're in luck--we've laid out the best freeware apps for 2010 in our freshly-updated Windows Starter Kit.

Our top picks include the browsers, image editors, utilities, and social networking applications that you should consider downloading before you fill up your computer with anything else. We don't want to give too much away, but if you're looking for a multimedia player, find out why The KMPlayer gets five stars. See also which nine essential system utilities have made the cut, including the disk-space visualizer WinDirStat.

If it's security software you're after, we have that ground covered in our Security Starter Kit. Antivirus suites, spyware removers, and firewalls are just part of the puzzle. We also suggest freebies to help protect you while surfing (like LastPass Password Manager), and to encrypt your sensitive data. You're welcome.

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.

do you need to run Windows on your Mac? Check out VirtualBox, a free virtualization software that lets you run Windows or just about any operating system without the need to reboot. Handy wizards help you through the setup process so you can set up multiple environments to suit your needs. Version 3.1 includes a laundry list of interface enhancements and added functionality. If you're already a user of VirtualBox, you should definitely grab this update.

Also this week we have TypeStyler, once the best in its class for stylistic font creations for Web design, sign making, and more on Classic Macs, now available for Mac OS X 10.4 and later. Our game this week is Tennis Elbow 2009, a fun and challenging 3D tennis game where you can play through an entire career.

Don't forget to check out our iPhone apps of the week!

Are you happy with your Web browser? Your Mac comes preloaded with Safari (certainly a great browser in its own right), but it never hurts to check out the competition. Mozilla's Firefox is an excellent choice, as is its lightweight made-for-Mac entry, Camino. If you stay connected with social sites, Flock is another great option. The fact is, with so many great choices on the Mac, choosing your browser becomes more a question of style.

Opera is the unsung hero of the Mac browser category, with tons of unique features like Speed Dial (to get to favorite sites), its own spell checker, an integrated e-mail client, and much more. Give it a test drive and you might find that Opera has all the features for your particular surfing style.

Also this week we have Path Finder, the standalone file management tool that acts as a replacement for the Mac OS X Finder. Our game this week is Vendetta Online, the massive multiplayer online RPG where you captain your own ship and explore and battle your way through a huge universe.

Don't forget to check out our iPhone apps of the week!

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.

If you run your own Web site or design your own blog, you need a good FTP client to keep your site updated and running smoothly. Fetch has been around for more than a decade as the go-to FTP client for Mac and is a solid and tested option for all your file transferring needs. This latest version fixes bugs and improves on its stability.

Also this week, we have the latest version of Vuze, one of the best BitTorent clients for Mac, featuring the capability to view full HD video from within the software. Our game this week is Sun Blast, a fast-paced 3D arcade shooter in which you'll battle waves of enemies to reach the mothership for the ultimate showdown.

Don't forget to check out our iPhone apps of the week!

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.

The Dock in Mac OS X acts as a launcher, program switcher, and much more. But if you want more space and flexibility with your main program and file launcher, you might want to try DragThing. This popular and well-tested shareware GUI-enhancer has become an indispensable addition to OS X for many users. If you want a new way to organize your apps and files, this feature-rich utility is the perfect tool.

Also this week we have the latest version of AppDelete, the uninstall utility that helps you get all the files associated with an unwanted app off of your Mac for good. Our game this week is Mad Skills Motocross, a simple side-scrolling motocross game with unique challenges and entertaining gameplay.

Don't forget to check out our iPhone apps of the week!