Whenever I get a new computer or work on a computer for any length of time, I always end up installing a bunch of programs. So I thought I'd list my "go-to" free programs. These include antivirus, malware removal, file compression, audio stuff, pdf viewers, graphics, encryption, email, office-type programs, RSS, etc.
Firefox
My favorite browser. I know Chrome is popular and Opera is cool...but this is still my favorite.
Panda
Cloud Antivirus
Lots of antivirus options out there. Panda Cloud is easy and quick to install, doesn't seem to suck up resources, and has worked well for me.
Malwarebytes'
Anti-Malware
Must have program. Removes just about any malware you come across.
PeaZip
Great and opening and compressing files...in a variety of formats.
Audacity
Use this to pull audio from computer....from things such as YouTube.
PDF-XChange
Viewer
I really like this for two reasons. The first is that there is an 'Export to Image option'. The second is that for really big files/printing...the average pdf viewer crashes. But PDF XChange Viewer has worked everytime.
My go-to graphic program. I've heard lots of good things about Gimp and Inkscape...but this is still my favorite.
PosteRazor
So you want to print a large poster....but only have a desktop printer....this is the program for you.
KeePass
Password Safe
Over the years I have accumulated a ton of passwords. This is by far the best way I've found to keep track of them all.
Glary
Utilities
There is a lot this program can do....sort of a "swiss-army knife" of computer utilities.
LibreOffice
If you don't want to spend the money on Office...this is a must have.
skype
I hesitated putting this on the list....as everyone knows about this program....but it is a must have. It is also a great way to transfer large files.
Zimbra
Desktop
I am on a quest to find an adequate replacement for MS Outlook. So far, this is the closest. It is great for viewing all your emails from multiple accounts in one place.
TeraCopy
Sure, you can right-click, copy, and paste. But this program gives you a little bit more information for copying files.
Bullzip PDF Writer
I've also used cutepdf...but Bullzip has been a favorite.
When I need to burn ISO files...this is what I use.
Belarc
Advisor
This program is great to run because it lists all the install codes for the programs you have installed. Very handy if you are getting a new computer but lost your install codes.
Netvibes
Not a program to install....but when Google Reader went byebye, I had to find something to use. Netvibes has worked out great for me.
join.me
Another non-program....but if you need to work or see another person's computer...it doesn't get much easier than this.