Freeware Favorites

[Yvondith]

I just reformatted my computer, and I was sorta wondering what everyone uses when it comes to Freeware.

For security, I use Malwarebytes and Microsoft Security Essentials.

I use IrfanView for quick image viewing, and GIMP for image editing.

Used to use Firefox as my browser, but I'm now using Chrome.

I use CCleaner for maintenance, and Revo Uninstaller for some uninstalling needs.

And finally, 7-Zip for file extraction.

What do you guys use? Maybe I can switch out what I use for something better...

Also, any programs that you think are worth paying for? I'm considering upgrading Malwarebytes, I'm liking it's real-time protection I see on the free trial. Maybe Revo too, the Pro version has a ton of extra goodies.

[masaia]

Well I use winrar for zip files. It's free as long as you ignore the pop up saying that it isn't!

GOM Player is a nice alternative video player. It lets you forgo realplayer, which in itself is the best thing ever.

Combofix is a nice virus removal tool. This should only be used if you comfortable with working with a PC AND you are already infected with something nasty. Has a 95% success rate. Use TDSS killer for any rootkits that follow after. You are formatting if you have to go further than this.

I forgot what free PDF maker there was out there... I think it was primoPDF, but don't quote me on it.

Microsoft actually has a nice freeware for uninstalling programs:

support.microsoft.com/fixit/

Along with 1000s of other fixes for common computer issues. Worth a shot if you are fed up with something. (Requires XP SP3 or later, VIsta SP1, Win 7)

As a Nerd I'm privy to a lot of stuff, but those are the most useful. You had already mentioned ccleaner and malwarebytes. Two things that should be installed on every PC.

Also for firefox users, AdBlock Plus is a nice tool that... Well take a guess, blocks ads. NoScript is a harsher version of this. NOTHING will show up unless you allow it to. Ryan lives by it, annoys the fuck out of me. However I will say that if you get a virus with NoScript, it is entirely your fault

[Yvondith]

Yeah I have AdBlock Plus Beta for Chrome, and another one just called AdBlock. I used those two with Firefox as well, but yeah, I found NoScript to be annoying.

Thanks for the info about the virus cleaner, or whatever you wanna call it. Though I typically don't get viruses, though I did a while back thanks to whitelisting ProBoards. No matter how much they want to deny it, it was an ad from here.

I'm trying ZoneAlarm now, Anti Virus and Firewall combo. I want something with real time protection, but I remembered that Security Essentials did squat for my previous virus.

I gotta be careful, there's a site I like for FFXI, however, it's got tons of pervy pics, hentai, porn, you name it. However, it's one of the few dat sites still existing. I wanna be protected from lord knows what lurks there. And I like FFXIAH too, but I know that can be trouble too.

[dejibo]

I love superantispyware in real time. I paid for the pro version. There are ways to get it for free, but you have to answer surveys and such...not for me. I just paid for it.

I also paid for Ap radar as I love the maps in FFXI. its $10 for 3 computers for a whole year. not bad.

Open office does the same thing that Microsoft office does for FREE, but they call it different names. its a canada thing, but a good word processing and xcel program. openoffice.org.

Malwarebytes free is good enough for me, and I have AVG right now for security. Im always changing. the free edition is good enough for me.

I love Google Chrome! its fast, friendly, easy.

CCleaner is also a nice tool to defrag your registry and clean out the crap.

Windows 8 is now being talked about. I refuse to buy it till its been on the market a bit. I got Win 7 right out of the gate, and was upset cause nothing worked with it till a few months in. I just refused to get Vista and chose the Win 7.

[Norfy the Walrus]

Can't help you with this. I know little. I do use Malwarebytes as well though. My anti virus is AVG and it works fine for me. I recently tried out Google Chrome and I prefer it over Fire Fox. I love the Home Page style how you can add apps right to it. I enjoy it.