Everyone likes freeware because it’s easily available and quite seful too.
Windows has decent security though it is at a basic level. With the release of Windows Vista, security has improved significantly, specially in the networking area. Although the operating system offers various security features, there are some aspects that are overlooked. For instance, updates keep arriving from the Internet even when one has disabled automatic downloads for updates.
xp-AntiSpy takes care of such windows slip-ups. Download xp- antispy 3.96.6 from www.xp-antispy.org

One need not be an expert to use this application. It’s a few kilobytes in size. It includes a list of around 50 Windows functions that one can enable or disable. The settings are categorized according to application areas such as media player,error reports, network, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Messenger. When you select an option from the list in the main window, a brief explaination of the function appears. However, if you aren’t sure which settings to change, take a look at the ‘Suggested’ section in the ‘Profile’ drop-down menu.

TIP: xp-AntiSpy also offers to tune your computer. It helps you increase the number of parallel network connections. This can be done through the ‘Connection limit’ option which is under the ‘Special’ button on the menu bar. Windows has a limitation of 10 simultaneous connections, but with this application, there is no limit. You will need to increase the number of parallel network connections when using file-sharing protocols such as BitTorrent; with this application one often exceeds the limit of 10 parallel connections.
You can check the current status by opening the Event Viewer. Simply open the ‘Run’ dialogue box from the Start Menu and type ‘eventvwr.msc‘, and then press the [ENTER] key. free Antivirus - AVG

Tags: freeware, windows

If you are concerned about potential viruses and intruders Panda Antivirus + Firewall is a solution rather than complete.
Much more than a simple virus, the new Panda blindará your PC compared to the onslaught of hackers and also you safe from all kinds of viruses, spyware and online scams.
With Panda Antivirus Firewall and your files will be automatically protected from viruses, worms and Trojans; prevent the effects of spyware .
Panda Antivirus + Firewall is automatically updated at least once a day, always to protect you with the greatest possible security.
Limitations of the test version:

Functional for a period of 30 days
To use Panda Antivirus and Firewall need:
* Operating System: Win2000/XP/Vista
Minimum requirements:
* Processor: 300 MHz
* Memory: 96 MB
* Free Disk Space: 230 MB
* Registration fee: Web author
Recommended requirements:
* Memory: 256 MB

A basic and free audio player for Windows platform, Foobar2000 features a standard user interface and plays high quality audio. This player supports a wide range of audio formats and is best suited for multitasking. Foobar2000 needs just 4.25 MB of disk space, 8.5 MB of , and has a startup time of 1.5 seconds. However, its basic user interface is not impressive. You cannot apply skins to it, it doesn’t have video support, and the volume controls are hidden deep in the preferences menu. If you need these features, opt for Winamp.

Tags: audio player, winamp

Instant messaging over Google Talk or Yahoo can really speed things up at work, but you don’t want your employees wasting time online or being distracted by personal messages. You can replace access to those programs with the simple, free IP Messenger. Designed to work over an office network rather than the Internet, IP Messenger will keep everyone in your organization in touch. (more…)

Tags: freeware, IM, messenger

The one thing you just can’t risk is losing all your data right before an important deadline. Your computer might crash, there could be a sudden loss of power, or you could accidentally overwrite the presentation you’ve been slaving over all night.

One of the smartest things you can do is configure automatic backups of all your important data. Programs such as Good Sync are a breeze to set up. All you have to do is specify the files or folders you want to synchronize, the place you want to back them up to, and then sit back as the program does everything for you. (more…)

Tags: backup, freeware

AVG is one of the best free antivirus packages available. Updated with fresh virus signatures everyday, it’s a great little tool to keep around, and you’ll barely notice any slowdown on your machine because of it. You can schedule scans and updates, check all suspicious removable drives, and quarantine infected files. It even integrates with your desktop e-mail client, scanning both incoming and outgoing email. Also, you will receive free updates every day.

Tags: antivirus, freeware

E-mail! We can’t imagine getting through our day without sending or receiving at least a dozen of them. Everything from gathering news to coordinating meetings, sending out notices and sharing documents happens via e-mail. So it’s important that your desktop e-mail client is a flexible, full-featured, powerful organization and management system. (more…)

Tags: email, freeware, thunderbird