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Windows to me is a bit drab by itself so here is a small list of free and lightweight apps that make Windows a little nicer, a little safer, and in some cases a little cooler. Being a Linux user these almost make Windows acceptable.
If you really can't stand the way Windows looks try XOBLite , Litestep , or Darkstep. These are amazing shell replacements that will free up resources, make your desktop rock, and add some nice Linux like features at the same time.
Desktop:
Virtual Dimensions - Multiple desktops.
Stickies - Sticky notes (post its) for the desktop. For a fuller feature Stickies see this.
Samurize - System meters with a really easy to use theme editor.
WinRoll - Shade windows like in Linux.
Rainlendar - Desktop calendar.
Security:
ClamWin - AntiVirus
Winpooch - Anti spyware and anti trojan.
PGPWin - Encription/decryption.
Password Monkey - Password manager.
Utility:
ISORecorder - Burn ISO or create ISO disk images in the File Explorer.
Notepad++ - The best text editor on the planet! Terminal: UnxUtils - Unix commands! cat, grep, tail, etc. native win32.
Installing UnxUtils. Unzip UnxUtils, it will create a directory named UnxUtils. Copy that directory into Program Files. Now add them to your system path. In Control Panel open System and select the Advanced tab. Select Environment variables. In System Variables scroll down until you see PATH and select it, click Edit. Add to the end of the line starting with a simicolon ; the path to the executables like so: ;C:\Program Files\UnxUtils\usr\local\wbin Now you can open the command prompt and type ls, which should do a directory list Unix style. It's a good way to learn unix/Linux commands. Also see this DOS to Unix command reference. If you dig the transparent terminal on Linux check out Console . Web Server/Database:
Apache2triad - IIS in XP sucks! Not only will you have the best webserver on the planet, Apache, but it's packed with mail, ftp, SQL database servers as well and will let you code ASP, Python, PHP, Perl without the hassle of setup and configuration.
Internet :
Firefox - Web browser. I know most people are aware of Firefox, but I have to mention it due to the fact that it's extentions replace many installable applications that I use daily. Wizz for rss, FireFTP for an ftp client, and Scribefire for blogging is just a small example. I can get a lot done in one applcation these days and I love the fact that I can now personalize my software as well as my desktop!
Thunderbird - E-mail client.
Not a really big list, but these are some apps that I absolutely love and feel are really worth writing about. For more great Windows open and freeware applications see software to your left. |
