These are words we hate to hear...after it's too late. Well meaning, but slightly mocking tones of "You should have known better"...Monday morning quarterbacks who always seem to know better!
There are many ways to back up your precious files, photos, music, documents, financial data, and this article is going to talk about and recommend a few of them.
FLASH DRIVE
A
flash drive is a just a small portable device that plugs into your USB port and
can hold up to 64 GB worth of data. Long gone are the days of backing up to
DVD's and CD's, which take too long to save to and are not reusable. Flash
drives use a drag n drop interface and can be used over and over again. Plus,
being about the size of your thumb, they don't take up too much space.Would I use flash drives as my primary source of backup? Probably not. There is always the chance of damage or loss and there are other additional ways of backing up. Let's discuss.
EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE
External hard drives can now hold up to 2TB (that's terabytes - 1TB = 1,000 GB), which is an almost inconceiveable amount of data. You can also get them in smaller sizes from 250GB and
upwards.
They have shrunk down in physical size so they don't take up a lot of room and
if you have automatic backup system, it can be plugged in all the time.If you don't have the automatic backup system, backing up can be a hassle since you will have to do it manually every time. And some of these backup systems (I am looking at you Time Machine - Carbon Copy Cloner is another good alternative) can be faulty.
So what other options are out there?
ONLINE BACKUP
Cloud backup is the most efficient and believe it or not safest way to back up your stuff. It happens quickly and securely within minutes of you creating your document. And since your
documents
will be stored online (or in the Cloud), you can access your files
ANYWHERE. Even your phone or tablet! Here are two I recommend.CARBONITE
The one I use is called Carbonite and I love it. This tool has saved me several times (as well as my clients) and it is so convenient that I can access my files from anywhere (including photos and music). If you lose your files, accidentally delete, Carbonite makes it easy to "restore" your files easily and quickly. And they have very good customer service.
They charge $59/year. Totally worth it for the peace of mind.
How do you get it? Good news is that they are currently having a
promotion
that you get a $20 gift certificate to Amazon (just in time for the holidays!)
if you sign up today.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP for a free trial.
IDRIVE
If you don't have too many files (5GB or less), another viable alternative is iDrive.com. It works similar to Carbonite, but it only allows for 5GB or less of backup and it's FREE!
Technology can be unpredictable; don't get caught without a safety net! BACKUP!!!
AUGUST 2012 NEWSLETTER
We all have four letter words that we use from time to time. Most of them directed at our computer. And most of them not very nice. That will all change with this month's newsletter with this word: FREE!
Free software! For everyone! Read on to find out more... (Don't we live in an awesome world...?)
Dave Casuto
Senior Surf
PS Thanks to the miracle of copying and pasting, this is the longest (and arguably the most informative) newsletter to date...have fun!
Free software! For everyone! Read on to find out more... (Don't we live in an awesome world...?)
Dave Casuto
Senior Surf
PS Thanks to the miracle of copying and pasting, this is the longest (and arguably the most informative) newsletter to date...have fun!
Let's start with Apple Mac computers (if you are a Windows user, skip to the next section):
(And by the way, I will not be able to list all software here, to see ENTIRE list, go here: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2369639,00.asp. The numbering may be somewhat sporadic as a result....)
ANTIVIRUS
1. Avira Free Mac Security
Face it: Macs get viruses, too. This antivirus is free for all Mac users, even in commercial settings. Scan the entire Mac or just specific folders, run it on a scheduler, and get real-time protection against malware.
Face it: Macs get viruses, too. This antivirus is free for all Mac users, even in commercial settings. Scan the entire Mac or just specific folders, run it on a scheduler, and get real-time protection against malware.
2. Bitdefender Virus Scanner
Bitdefender's Mac Virus Scanner seeks out threats to your Mac as well as your Windows machine, so you don't pass them on. (Twenty percent of Macs have Windows malware on them). You can use it to scan individual files by drag-and-drop.
• Available in the Mac App Store
APP LAUNCHERS
Bitdefender's Mac Virus Scanner seeks out threats to your Mac as well as your Windows machine, so you don't pass them on. (Twenty percent of Macs have Windows malware on them). You can use it to scan individual files by drag-and-drop.
• Available in the Mac App Store
APP LAUNCHERS
5. Launchy
A favorite on Windows, Launchy brings a command-line interface to the Mac to access programs and files.
A favorite on Windows, Launchy brings a command-line interface to the Mac to access programs and files.
6. Alfred
• Available in the Mac App Store
BACKUP/SYNC
11. Carbon Copy Cloner
CCC makes a full, bootable copy of your hard drive. And it's not just for one-time use; it'll incrementally add changes to the backup as you work on your Mac.
CCC makes a full, bootable copy of your hard drive. And it's not just for one-time use; it'll incrementally add changes to the backup as you work on your Mac.
12. CrashPlan
The safest backup is one that isn't even close to your computer, namely, offsite. CrashPlan does onsite and offsite backups, running on multiple computers and devices, so you get secure backup stored at multiple destinations. You can pay for it to get online, real-time storage.
The safest backup is one that isn't even close to your computer, namely, offsite. CrashPlan does onsite and offsite backups, running on multiple computers and devices, so you get secure backup stored at multiple destinations. You can pay for it to get online, real-time storage.
13. CX
CX may be one of the newbies in online data backup/sync, but it already provides more storage for free than most (10GB), usable by two users.
CX may be one of the newbies in online data backup/sync, but it already provides more storage for free than most (10GB), usable by two users.
14. Dropbox
It's considered by many to be the perfect example of backup/sync. You put a file in your Dropbox folder and you'll find it on all of your PCs and devices that have it installed, so you're always with your most recent files.
It's considered by many to be the perfect example of backup/sync. You put a file in your Dropbox folder and you'll find it on all of your PCs and devices that have it installed, so you're always with your most recent files.
15. MozyHome
You'll get 2GB of free online backup storage with a free MozyHome account. Point your important folders at the account and they'll be safely backed up in the background. Pay $5.99 a month to expand the storage space and add tech support.
You'll get 2GB of free online backup storage with a free MozyHome account. Point your important folders at the account and they'll be safely backed up in the background. Pay $5.99 a month to expand the storage space and add tech support.
EBOOKS
34. calibre
Calibre should be the central repository of all your ebook files, as it converts them on the fly to different formats, letting them work on different devices. It's got you covered with file sync, too.
Calibre should be the central repository of all your ebook files, as it converts them on the fly to different formats, letting them work on different devices. It's got you covered with file sync, too.
35. ComicBookLover
ComicBookLover is on OS X and iOS, serving as the perfect venue to read digital archives of funny books in CBR, CBZ, or PDF formats and store them in an iTunes-esque directory. The free version sticks a watermark on the pages, but you can usually get around it to read (or pay $25 for the premium edition).
ComicBookLover is on OS X and iOS, serving as the perfect venue to read digital archives of funny books in CBR, CBZ, or PDF formats and store them in an iTunes-esque directory. The free version sticks a watermark on the pages, but you can usually get around it to read (or pay $25 for the premium edition).
36. iBooks Author
This free tool has one objective: to help you create multi-touch-capable books for reading on the iPad (after purchase in the iBookStore). Features include embedding video, diagrams, 3D objects, and other things to create a singular reading experience; a simple book can be made with one drag and drop of a file.
• Available in the Mac App Store
This free tool has one objective: to help you create multi-touch-capable books for reading on the iPad (after purchase in the iBookStore). Features include embedding video, diagrams, 3D objects, and other things to create a singular reading experience; a simple book can be made with one drag and drop of a file.
• Available in the Mac App Store
37. Kindle Cloud Reader
Amazon wants you to read ebooks everywhere, whether you own a Kindle ebook reader or not. Thus, Kindle is available on all platforms, including the Mac OS X, where it fully supports the WhisperSync to the furthest page read, word look-up, book search, collection organization, and more.
• Available in the Mac App Store
Amazon wants you to read ebooks everywhere, whether you own a Kindle ebook reader or not. Thus, Kindle is available on all platforms, including the Mac OS X, where it fully supports the WhisperSync to the furthest page read, word look-up, book search, collection organization, and more.
• Available in the Mac App Store
38. Barnes & Noble Nook for Mac
The Barnes & Noble Nook for Mac is still listed as a beta, but it's there to give you access to your entire Nook library on your MacOS desktop. Plus, it lets you go shopping, add notes and bookmarks to ebooks, and of course sync to the last read page.
The Barnes & Noble Nook for Mac is still listed as a beta, but it's there to give you access to your entire Nook library on your MacOS desktop. Plus, it lets you go shopping, add notes and bookmarks to ebooks, and of course sync to the last read page.
39. Simple Comic
Simple Comic has an ultra-simple interface to make reading of comics in CBR, CBZ, and other formats simple. It'll load multiple comics at one time, rotate pages to maximize what's shown, and zoom in on details, all for free.
GRAPHICS
54. 123D Make
Autodesk's 123D Make converts a 3D digital model into printable 2D plans that you can print out and cut to assemble that 3D model into something real.
• Available in the Mac App Store
55. Capture Me
Capture Me improves on the Mac's built-in screen-grab tool, proving the ability to save in different formats, capture a floating area of the screen, or resize images on the fly.
Capture Me improves on the Mac's built-in screen-grab tool, proving the ability to save in different formats, capture a floating area of the screen, or resize images on the fly.
56. GIMP
The Photoshop of open source, the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) has all the pro tools you'd want on a Mac—and a few you don't—without the high price.
The Photoshop of open source, the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) has all the pro tools you'd want on a Mac—and a few you don't—without the high price.
57. Google SketchUp
Need a tool to create that 3D image that you'd turn into a paper sculpture with 123D Make (above)? Google's SketchUp tool is the perfect software to get started. It will even let you photo trace to turn a picture into a 3D model. Check out the gallery of images.
Need a tool to create that 3D image that you'd turn into a paper sculpture with 123D Make (above)? Google's SketchUp tool is the perfect software to get started. It will even let you photo trace to turn a picture into a 3D model. Check out the gallery of images.
58. Inkscape
Free alternatives to Adobe Illustrator for drawing vector graphics are not easy to come by—until Inkscape. This open-source software supports most advanced SVG format features.
Free alternatives to Adobe Illustrator for drawing vector graphics are not easy to come by—until Inkscape. This open-source software supports most advanced SVG format features.
59. Jing
Jing does a lot: it'll take a screen capture (which you can annotate) or even a five- minute onscreen video (you provide the voice-over). Then, Jing will share it quickly on Flickr, Twitter, Facebook, or its own Screencast.com site, where you get 2GB of free storage.
NOTES
Jing does a lot: it'll take a screen capture (which you can annotate) or even a five- minute onscreen video (you provide the voice-over). Then, Jing will share it quickly on Flickr, Twitter, Facebook, or its own Screencast.com site, where you get 2GB of free storage.
NOTES
86. Evernote
Nothing beats Evernote for note-taking and organization. Use it on every possible platform—from Mac to iPhone to Web and beyond—to store entire whole webpages or just little snips of text that you can search for later.
• Available in the Mac App Store
Nothing beats Evernote for note-taking and organization. Use it on every possible platform—from Mac to iPhone to Web and beyond—to store entire whole webpages or just little snips of text that you can search for later.
• Available in the Mac App Store
The nonconformist note taker, Notational Velocity uses the same interface area for entering data or searching. Bring it up with a keystroke and just start typing.
88. NotesTab
You never have to click Save when writing notes in NotesTab. You can float the app on top of your desktop for easy access, email notes to share, and perform easy searches. It's all accessed from the Mac menu bar.
• Available in the Mac App Store
You never have to click Save when writing notes in NotesTab. You can float the app on top of your desktop for easy access, email notes to share, and perform easy searches. It's all accessed from the Mac menu bar.
• Available in the Mac App Store
89. Quick Note
Specifically for light-weight note-taking, Quick Note sits like a small yellow pad on your desktop awaiting your input. If you sign up for a Diigo account, you can sync notes with other systems.
• Available in the Mac App Store
Now for WINDOWS USERS
(And by the way, I will not be able to list all software here, to see ENTIRE list, go here: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2381528,00.asp The numbering may be somewhat sporadic as a result....)
ANTI-MALWARE
Specifically for light-weight note-taking, Quick Note sits like a small yellow pad on your desktop awaiting your input. If you sign up for a Diigo account, you can sync notes with other systems.
• Available in the Mac App Store
Now for WINDOWS USERS
(And by the way, I will not be able to list all software here, to see ENTIRE list, go here: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2381528,00.asp The numbering may be somewhat sporadic as a result....)
ANTI-MALWARE
1. AVG Anti-Virus Free 2012
http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage
Windows
PCMag's security expert, Neil Rubenking, gave a better score to this freebie than its commercial counterpart, awarding it our Editors' Choice. It's great at both blocking and removing malware.
• Read PCMag's review of AVG Anti-Virus Free 2012.
http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage
Windows
PCMag's security expert, Neil Rubenking, gave a better score to this freebie than its commercial counterpart, awarding it our Editors' Choice. It's great at both blocking and removing malware.
• Read PCMag's review of AVG Anti-Virus Free 2012.
2. avast! Free version
http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download
Windows
This version has new features and a great look, along with a boot-scan that strikes at malware.
• Read PCMag's review of avast! Free version 6.0.
http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download
Windows
This version has new features and a great look, along with a boot-scan that strikes at malware.
• Read PCMag's review of avast! Free version 6.0.
3. Avira Free Antivirus 2012
http://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirus
Windows
Lacking little from the premium version (save Web protection and live support), Avira's free version also gets good scores from PCMag and independent labs for malware removal.
•Read PCMag's review of Avira Free Antivirus 2012.
http://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirus
Windows
Lacking little from the premium version (save Web protection and live support), Avira's free version also gets good scores from PCMag and independent labs for malware removal.
•Read PCMag's review of Avira Free Antivirus 2012.
4. Comodo Cleaning Essentials
http://www.comodo.com/business-security/network-protection/cleaning_essentials.php
Windows | Portable
Sometimes malware will prevent you from installing new anti-malware software. Comodo Cleaning Essentials doesn't need installation; run it from a USB drive to counter this and other problems.
• Read PCMag's review of Comodo Cleaning Essentials.
http://www.comodo.com/business-security/network-protection/cleaning_essentials.php
Windows | Portable
Sometimes malware will prevent you from installing new anti-malware software. Comodo Cleaning Essentials doesn't need installation; run it from a USB drive to counter this and other problems.
• Read PCMag's review of Comodo Cleaning Essentials.
5. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
http://www.malwarebytes.org
Windows
The free version of Malwarebytes is the software that tech support people at other anti-malware companies tell customers to install when a virus becomes entrenched. It's a clean-up pro.
• Read PCMag's review of Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Free 1.51
http://www.malwarebytes.org
Windows
The free version of Malwarebytes is the software that tech support people at other anti-malware companies tell customers to install when a virus becomes entrenched. It's a clean-up pro.
• Read PCMag's review of Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Free 1.51
APP LAUNCHERS
10. Launchy
http://www.launchy.net
Windows | Mac | Linux
Give up the Windows Start menu or the Mac Dock; Launchy indexes your apps and with just a little typing, you can instruct Launchy to launch a file, folder, app, etc. Your fingers never need to leave the keyboard again.
http://www.launchy.net
Windows | Mac | Linux
Give up the Windows Start menu or the Mac Dock; Launchy indexes your apps and with just a little typing, you can instruct Launchy to launch a file, folder, app, etc. Your fingers never need to leave the keyboard again.
11. ObjectDock
http://www.stardock.com/products/objectdock/information.asp
Windows
Everyone likes the look of the scrolling Dock full of apps on a Mac. ObjectDock replicates the functions of the Dock almost perfectly; it can even replace your Windows Taskbar.
http://www.stardock.com/products/objectdock/information.asp
Windows
Everyone likes the look of the scrolling Dock full of apps on a Mac. ObjectDock replicates the functions of the Dock almost perfectly; it can even replace your Windows Taskbar.
12. Multibar
http://ticno.com/?c=m&lang=en
Windows
Multibar is more than just an animated icon holder and app launcher. It also creates folders of your most recently-accessed documents and media for speedy access, a form for Web searches without launching the browser first, and more.
http://ticno.com/?c=m&lang=en
Windows
Multibar is more than just an animated icon holder and app launcher. It also creates folders of your most recently-accessed documents and media for speedy access, a form for Web searches without launching the browser first, and more.
AUDIO
19. Audacity
http://audacity.sourceforge.net
Windows | Mac | Linux | Portable
The grand poobah of open-source audio editing, Audacity can record and edit audio files on more tracks than you can imagine. It then outputs exactly what you need, even to MP3 if you use a plug-in. It is perfect for noobs and pros alike, on any OS.
• Read PCMag's review of Audacity 1.2.
22. MP3 Skype Recorder
http://voipcallrecording.com
Windows
Skype is a great way to chat. If you need a record of your calls, it doesn't get much easier than with MP3 Skype Recorder, which can record calls of any length in mono or stereo to an MP3 for later listening or editing. It's perfect for podcasting.
http://audacity.sourceforge.net
Windows | Mac | Linux | Portable
The grand poobah of open-source audio editing, Audacity can record and edit audio files on more tracks than you can imagine. It then outputs exactly what you need, even to MP3 if you use a plug-in. It is perfect for noobs and pros alike, on any OS.
• Read PCMag's review of Audacity 1.2.
22. MP3 Skype Recorder
http://voipcallrecording.com
Windows
Skype is a great way to chat. If you need a record of your calls, it doesn't get much easier than with MP3 Skype Recorder, which can record calls of any length in mono or stereo to an MP3 for later listening or editing. It's perfect for podcasting.
BACKUP/SYNC
26. Clonezilla Live
http://www.clonezilla.org
Portable
Clonezilla is an operating system that you run from a bootable LiveCD (or USB drive). It then makes a disk image of your entire hard drive for back up, or you can use the existing image for restoration. It's perfect for replicating a drive onto multiple PCs.
Portable
Clonezilla is an operating system that you run from a bootable LiveCD (or USB drive). It then makes a disk image of your entire hard drive for back up, or you can use the existing image for restoration. It's perfect for replicating a drive onto multiple PCs.
28. Dropbox
http://www.dropbox.com
Windows | Mac | Linux | Web | Mobile
Dropbox provides the brain-dead simplicity to backup/sync we all crave. Put all your files in the Dropbox folder, and all files are synced to the Web and all other computers with the same account, plus they can be accessed on almost all mobile devices.
• Read PCMag's review of Dropbox.
32. iDriveSync Basic
http://www.idrivesync.com/index.html
Windows | Mac | Web | Mobile
The free version of iDriveSync gets you 5GB of online storage—more than double the competition from Dropbox and most others—with full sync to Windows and Mac systems, plus mobile and Web access.
http://www.dropbox.com
Windows | Mac | Linux | Web | Mobile
Dropbox provides the brain-dead simplicity to backup/sync we all crave. Put all your files in the Dropbox folder, and all files are synced to the Web and all other computers with the same account, plus they can be accessed on almost all mobile devices.
• Read PCMag's review of Dropbox.
32. iDriveSync Basic
http://www.idrivesync.com/index.html
Windows | Mac | Web | Mobile
The free version of iDriveSync gets you 5GB of online storage—more than double the competition from Dropbox and most others—with full sync to Windows and Mac systems, plus mobile and Web access.
39. Windows Live Mesh
http://explore.live.com/windows-live-mesh?os=other
Windows | Mac
Microsoft stays competitive, providing 5GB of free online storage with its backup and sync client, even syncing program settings between Windows systems (Vista or 7). It also supports Macs for standard document sync, offers some remote desktop access, and, if you use SkyDrive, it takes advantage of that free 25GB backup space as well.
• Read PCMag's review of Windows Live Mesh.
http://explore.live.com/windows-live-mesh?os=other
Windows | Mac
Microsoft stays competitive, providing 5GB of free online storage with its backup and sync client, even syncing program settings between Windows systems (Vista or 7). It also supports Macs for standard document sync, offers some remote desktop access, and, if you use SkyDrive, it takes advantage of that free 25GB backup space as well.
• Read PCMag's review of Windows Live Mesh.
BLOGGING/JOURNAL
46. Windows Live Writer
http://explore.live.com/windows-live-essentials-other-programs?T1=t5
Windows
The best standalone blogging software left is a freebie from Microsoft, complete with Office's Ribbon interface. Easily create a blog entry, whip up a post complete with graphics or video, and Live Writer will post it for you.
http://explore.live.com/windows-live-essentials-other-programs?T1=t5
Windows
The best standalone blogging software left is a freebie from Microsoft, complete with Office's Ribbon interface. Easily create a blog entry, whip up a post complete with graphics or video, and Live Writer will post it for you.
47. RedNotebook
http://rednotebook.sourceforge.net
Windows | Mac | Linux
Your diary doesn't have to be public. RedNotebook keeps your journal on your computer, gives you all the tools you need for digital writing (from tags to formatting to spell check), and lets only you have access.
CLIPBOARD
http://rednotebook.sourceforge.net
Windows | Mac | Linux
Your diary doesn't have to be public. RedNotebook keeps your journal on your computer, gives you all the tools you need for digital writing (from tags to formatting to spell check), and lets only you have access.
CLIPBOARD
60. Click.to
http://www.clicktoapp.com/
Windows | Mac
You used to have to click something, copy it, and then paste it. Click.to promises to eliminate clicks by instantly sending what you copy to your pre-defined apps or websites when you press Ctrl+C.
http://www.clicktoapp.com/
Windows | Mac
You used to have to click something, copy it, and then paste it. Click.to promises to eliminate clicks by instantly sending what you copy to your pre-defined apps or websites when you press Ctrl+C.
61. ClipCube
http://clipcube.wikispaces.com/
Windows | Portable
Keep your entire clipboard history in the ClipCube. It sits in the system tray, so you can easily access anything recently copied and pasted.
http://clipcube.wikispaces.com/
Windows | Portable
Keep your entire clipboard history in the ClipCube. It sits in the system tray, so you can easily access anything recently copied and pasted.
62. Ditto
http://ditto-cp.sourceforge.net/
Windows
Ditto not only keeps a history of what's copied to the clipboard, but it will also keep a synced copy on other PCs.
http://ditto-cp.sourceforge.net/
Windows
Ditto not only keeps a history of what's copied to the clipboard, but it will also keep a synced copy on other PCs.
COMMUNICATION/CONFERENCING
63. Camfrog
http://www.camfrog.com
Windows | Mac | Mobile
With Camfrog, you can set up an instant webcam chat room for free, or just make free video or audio calls to other people using Camfrog.
http://www.camfrog.com
Windows | Mac | Mobile
With Camfrog, you can set up an instant webcam chat room for free, or just make free video or audio calls to other people using Camfrog.
64. Logitech Vid
http://www.logitech.com/vid
Windows | Mac
Logitech makes great webcams, so it's a no brainer that it would offer software to put them to use. This free download doesn't even require Logitech cameras, but if you have one, you can start talking in 720p HD resolution on video calls.
http://www.logitech.com/vid
Windows | Mac
Logitech makes great webcams, so it's a no brainer that it would offer software to put them to use. This free download doesn't even require Logitech cameras, but if you have one, you can start talking in 720p HD resolution on video calls.
65. ooVoo
http://www.oovoo.com/Buy.aspx?pname=Free
Windows | Mac
ooVoo concentrates on businesses, but still offers a free version for six-way video/audio/text chats. You can also use it to embed a video chat room on a website and transfer files up to 5MB between users.
• Read PCMag's review of OoVoo Pro.
http://www.oovoo.com/Buy.aspx?pname=Free
Windows | Mac
ooVoo concentrates on businesses, but still offers a free version for six-way video/audio/text chats. You can also use it to embed a video chat room on a website and transfer files up to 5MB between users.
• Read PCMag's review of OoVoo Pro.
66. Skype
http://www.skype.com
Windows | Mac | Linux | Mobile | Portable
Pricing for Skype can be complicated, but this one isn't: free Skype-to-Skype user calls (plus instant messaging and screen sharing). Now the service supports HD video and has full integration with Facebook.
• Read PCMag's review of Skype 5.3 for Windows.
http://www.skype.com
Windows | Mac | Linux | Mobile | Portable
Pricing for Skype can be complicated, but this one isn't: free Skype-to-Skype user calls (plus instant messaging and screen sharing). Now the service supports HD video and has full integration with Facebook.
• Read PCMag's review of Skype 5.3 for Windows.
67. VoxOx
http://www.voxox.com
Windows | Mac | Mobile
Here's a quick list of what you get with this "communications unifier:" a free personal phone number for free inbound phone calls from anywhere, free voicemail (à la Google Voice), free VoxOx-to-VoxOx user calls, free inbound texts and faxes, free conference calls, free chat with free translation of that chat or texts or emails, and free file sharing. Is that enough free stuff?
http://www.voxox.com
Windows | Mac | Mobile
Here's a quick list of what you get with this "communications unifier:" a free personal phone number for free inbound phone calls from anywhere, free voicemail (à la Google Voice), free VoxOx-to-VoxOx user calls, free inbound texts and faxes, free conference calls, free chat with free translation of that chat or texts or emails, and free file sharing. Is that enough free stuff?
DISK UTILITIES
68. Auslogics Disk Defrag
http://www.auslogics.com/en/software/disk-defrag/
Windows
This program has one goal: to put your files where they belong, so programs start faster and your system response is where it should be.
http://www.auslogics.com/en/software/disk-defrag/
Windows
This program has one goal: to put your files where they belong, so programs start faster and your system response is where it should be.
69. Defraggler
http://www.piriform.com/defraggler
Windows | Portable
You don't have to defrag an entire hard drive at once. Defraggler can target specific folders or files (which is great for gigantic files like videos). Schedule it to run whenever you want.
http://www.piriform.com/defraggler
Windows | Portable
You don't have to defrag an entire hard drive at once. Defraggler can target specific folders or files (which is great for gigantic files like videos). Schedule it to run whenever you want.
70. Disk Space Fan
http://www.diskspacefan.com
Windows
Looking at directories doesn't tell you everything, but a beautiful pie graph can help. Disk Space Fan's free version will diagram your drive and let you drill down to what's stored.
http://www.diskspacefan.com
Windows
Looking at directories doesn't tell you everything, but a beautiful pie graph can help. Disk Space Fan's free version will diagram your drive and let you drill down to what's stored.
DISPLAYS/DESKTOPS
75. Fences
http://www.stardock.com/products/fences/
Windows
You can put a lot of icons on a desktop until it's totally out of control, or use Fenses to provide corrals for icons that should be grouped.
83. Stickieshttp://www.stardock.com/products/fences/
Windows
You can put a lot of icons on a desktop until it's totally out of control, or use Fenses to provide corrals for icons that should be grouped.
http://www.zhornsoftware.co.uk/stickies/
Windows
Straight-up software-based sticky notes? Now you can stop sticking things to the outside bezel of your monitor.
Windows
Straight-up software-based sticky notes? Now you can stop sticking things to the outside bezel of your monitor.
EBOOKS
86. Calibre
http://calibre-ebook.com
Windows | Mac | Linux
If you've got a lot of ebook files, Calibre is the tool you need to organize them. It also converts files into different formats, so you can use ebooks on many different devices, which it will also sync with. Check the list of supported devices.
http://calibre-ebook.com
Windows | Mac | Linux
If you've got a lot of ebook files, Calibre is the tool you need to organize them. It also converts files into different formats, so you can use ebooks on many different devices, which it will also sync with. Check the list of supported devices.
87. ComicRack
http://comicrack.cyolito.com/
Windows
A Windows-only digital comic reader, ComicRack will read scanned images stored in ZIP, RAR, and 7z archives, keep comics in collections you can access over the home network on other PCs, and even export them to read on other devices.
http://comicrack.cyolito.com/
Windows
A Windows-only digital comic reader, ComicRack will read scanned images stored in ZIP, RAR, and 7z archives, keep comics in collections you can access over the home network on other PCs, and even export them to read on other devices.
88. Kindle
https://read.amazon.com/about
Windows | Mac | Web | Mobile
If you own a Kindle ebook reader (or even if you don't!) you can still read Kindle books anywhere. There are desktop apps for Windows and Mac, the Cloud Reader for reading in your browser, and lots of mobile options. Buy once, read everywhere.
• Read PCMag's news about Kindle Cloud Reader.
https://read.amazon.com/about
Windows | Mac | Web | Mobile
If you own a Kindle ebook reader (or even if you don't!) you can still read Kindle books anywhere. There are desktop apps for Windows and Mac, the Cloud Reader for reading in your browser, and lots of mobile options. Buy once, read everywhere.
• Read PCMag's news about Kindle Cloud Reader.
FILE VIEWERS/CONVERTERS
101. Better Explorer
http://better-explorer.com/
One thing sorely missing from Windows Explorer is a decent interface like, for example, the Ribbon found in Microsoft Office apps. Well, Better Explorer is a shell that throws in the Ribbon for a much improved experience. It's for Windows 7 only.
http://better-explorer.com/
One thing sorely missing from Windows Explorer is a decent interface like, for example, the Ribbon found in Microsoft Office apps. Well, Better Explorer is a shell that throws in the Ribbon for a much improved experience. It's for Windows 7 only.
102. Easy Image Modifier
http://www.inspire-soft.net/software/easy-image-modifier
Windows | Portable
Modify a batch of images with this utility. It'll resize photos, flip them, rotate them, change the format on the fly, or add watermark text.
http://www.inspire-soft.net/software/easy-image-modifier
Windows | Portable
Modify a batch of images with this utility. It'll resize photos, flip them, rotate them, change the format on the fly, or add watermark text.
103. Folder Axe
http://bkprograms.weebly.com/folder-axe.html
Windows
If you've got a folder packed with files and wish there was a better way to split out the contents, use the Folder Axe on it. It can look at contents and split them by amount, file size, file name, file type, date, and even include the sub-folders.
http://bkprograms.weebly.com/folder-axe.html
Windows
If you've got a folder packed with files and wish there was a better way to split out the contents, use the Folder Axe on it. It can look at contents and split them by amount, file size, file name, file type, date, and even include the sub-folders.
104. FreeCommander
http://www.freecommander.com
Windows | Portable
FreeCommander is considered, by many, to be the perfect version of Windows Explorer. It features dual-panels, an optional tree for each panel, tabs, built-in FTP, built-in archive handling, file wipes, and a lot more that Microsoft forgot to build into Windows.
http://www.freecommander.com
Windows | Portable
FreeCommander is considered, by many, to be the perfect version of Windows Explorer. It features dual-panels, an optional tree for each panel, tabs, built-in FTP, built-in archive handling, file wipes, and a lot more that Microsoft forgot to build into Windows.
105. FreeOpener
http://www.freeopener.com/
Windows
Occasionally, everyone runs across a file they just can't open. That probably won't be the case if FreeOpener is on hand. It will let you view more than 80 kinds of file formats, from docs to videos to audio to images to archives.
http://www.freeopener.com/
Windows
Occasionally, everyone runs across a file they just can't open. That probably won't be the case if FreeOpener is on hand. It will let you view more than 80 kinds of file formats, from docs to videos to audio to images to archives.
