Author Topic: Computer essentials: Stuff you really might want for your PC (Read 4449 times)

MackTheHunter · August 26, 2009, 10:02:16 PM

I'm creating a list of stuff that you may want for your computer, it might be to organize your desktop or for security options. If you have anything you want me to add to the list, post a comment.

Internet Browsers/tools

Mozilla Firefox

For god's sake, if you don't have this, you're an idiot.

http://www.mozilla-europe.org/en/firefox/

Firefox Personas

A neat theme program for Firefox.

http://www.getpersonas.com/

Colorzilla

Not exactly sure what this does, but it looks cool.

http://www.colorzilla.com/firefox/

Display/Theme programs

VistaGlazz (Vista Only)

Ensures transparency for the Aero theme on Vista at all times, as well as the ability to patch your shell to allow custom themes.

http://www.codegazer.com/vistaglazz/

Logon Studio

Allows you to change your logon screen.

http://www.stardock.com/products/logonstudio/

Bootskin

Allows you to change your bootup screen.

http://www.stardock.com/products/bootskin/

Folder/ZIP extraction programs

WinZIP

A useful tool for extracting ZIP folders.

http://www.winzip.com/index.htm

WinRAR

Much more useful than WinZIP, but it has flaws. Sometimes the demo doesn't run out :o

http://www.rarlab.com/

7zip

Another ZIP file extractor. I've never used it, so I don't know anything about it.

http://www.7-zip.org/

Desktop Organizers/programs

RocketDock

A Macintosh - style dock that sits at the bottom of your desktop. Helps for when you need main icons.

http://www.rocketdock.com/

StarDock Fences

A desktop organizer that makes pallets with titles that icons can be dragged into.

http://www.stardock.com/products/fences/

Rainmeter

A clever little program that allows you to have a clock and date on your desktop, as well as miniature music players and (of course) a weather chart.

http://www.rainmeter.net/

BumpTop

You may or may not want this, but it's a very unique way of organizing and having a 3D desktop.

http://www.bumptop.com/

Security programs (free)

Avast Home Edition

I use it, it's quite helpful. There are tons of other programs that may be better, though.

http://www.avast.com/

Art Programs

Paint.NET

Probably one of the most useful paint programs you will ever use. This program is a must have.

http://www.getpaint.net/

GIMP

Another must have paint program, I haven't used this one myself but I have heard good things about it.

http://www.gimp.org/

Audio/sound Programs

iTunes

The most popular music player on the web.

http://www.apple.com/itunes/

Songbird

Another quite good music player, from Mozilla. I used this before I got iTunes.

http://www.getsongbird.com/

Winamp

Not exactly the greatest music player (ugh, adds much?) but it's still good.

http://www.winamp.com/

Audacity

One of the most useful tools for sound editing.

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Screen Recording programs

FRAPS

Extremely useful screen recorder, if you have the full version. The demo only allows you to have 10 seconds of recording.

http://www.fraps.com/

Hypercam

Not exactly as good as FRAPS, but the demo lasts a while.

http://www.hyperionics.com/hc/

Word Processing/office related

Openoffice

Basically an open-source Microsoft Office.

http://www.openoffice.org/