19 August 2006, 15:35 in General
Useful Windows XP software and utilities
Here is a list of software programs or utilities for Windows XP that I regularly use and find useful. Generally these are little tools that allow me to use my computer more quickly and effectively.
- gVim – my favourite text editor and Notepad replacement. Small, highly configurable, and very fast to use once you get used to the separate command/insert modes. Syntax highlighting for lots of programming and scripting languages.
- Mozilla Firefox – free web browser alternative to Internet Explorer with a nice configurable user interface, tabbed browsing, and lots of extensions available to add extra functionality.
- Bayden Slickrun – a tiny floating text-box that sits on your desktop. Allows you to create your own command aliases and then quickly access your computer via these aliases. Really handy!
- TweakUI – allows you to tweak several Windows XP options, such as where your My Documents folder is located. I like to keep all my documents on a separate drive to allow me to easily reformat/reinstall Windows.
- Open Command Window Here – a Windows XP PowerToy that adds an “Open Command Window Here” context menu option on file system folders.
- PuTTY – for remote shell access to Linux webservers and so on.
- WinSCP – for uploading files via SFTP or SCP.
- Process Explorer – a replacement task manager with lots of useful information. Allows you to see what DLLs and files and application is using.
- JPEG Resampler – provides an easy way to resize entire directories of photos, and optionally add text and logos and so on. I use it to downsize photos for the web.
- Paint.NET – a free image and photo manipulation program with feature such as layers and unlimited undo. Fairly powerful yet easy to use.
- Irfanview – free image viewer with support for a huge variety of image formats. Also has basic editing functionality.
- Skype – internet telephony and instant messaging application that allows you to talk to your contacts for free, and with the purchase of prepaid credit you can also call real landlines and mobile phones for really cheap rates. Nice simple user interface.
- Winamp – my favourite music player.
- Mess Patch for Windows Live Messenger – Windows Live Messenger is the latest version/replacement for the extremely popular MSN Messenger instant-messaging program. While it’s a good program, it is bloated with ads and extras and has a cluttered user interface. Mess Patch allows you to strip out the advertisments and otherwise customize the user interface to your liking. I can’t stand Messenger without it. Note: the Mess Patch website doesn’t seem to work well in Firefox.
If there are any other little tools that you like then post a comment to let me know.
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Medien Krabbe recommends:
VLC Media Player
baxbex range of goodies: folder pilot, bxnewfolder, open expert, and folder shield I find very useful.
http://www.baxbex.com/products.html
— medien krabbe Sep 2, 11:55 pm #
www.relakks.com is fantastic, just 5 euros a month and u are given a swedish based ip, and ALL u’r internet activities are 100% secured under Swedish law.
Not sure about in australia, but here in D-land and esp. in USA ppl are reporting getting threatening letters RE: bittorrent etc… this will prevent that. it does not affect u’r up/download speeds.
or else just move to sweden.
— medien krabbe Sep 3, 12:02 am #