Best FREE Windows Utilities

[girls_tickle_me1]

InfranView v3.95
If you're looking for a lean and mean graphics utility, IrfanView is a top choice and the fact that it's both free and a high-quality program makes it nearly irresistible.
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_download.asp?fid=5648&fileidx=1

Folder Size- Windows Explorer Extension
Folder Size Explorer Extension adds a new column to the Details view in Windows Explorer. The new column shows not only the size of files, but also the size of folders. It keeps track of which folders you view, and scans them in the background so you can see complete size of all files within the folder. It's very useful for cleaning up your disk. Once you get used to having that information available, a directory listing simply looks incomplete without it!
To Install- Extract the .MSI file from the zip file to the desktop. Roghtclick the .MSI file and select INSTALL.
Note- You can move your mouse pointer over the START button, right click then click EXPLORE to open Windows Explorer.
http://foldersize.sourceforge.net/

Real Alternative 1.35
Real Alternative ends the tough choice by letting users play back Real-format files inside a specially modified version of the "classic" Windows Media Player. Users can play both downloaded and streaming tracks, without worrying about the software reporting back on their viewing or listening preferences to Real's servers. There's also an alternative to the QuickTime viewer, called QuickTime Alternative.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4094.html

AVG Antivirus Free Edition
AVG Antivirus is one of the best freeware antivirus programs out there with a simple interactive interface, current updates and backgroup virus shield. I would recommend it over any overpriced and disastrous Symantec, Norton or McAfee product out there.
http://www.grisoft.com/doc/40/lng/ww

Microsoft Antispyware
Yes, it has "THEIR" name on it but who is better to understand how spyware, malware and adware invades Windows than the very company that makes it! Be careful when you install not to enable the "validate Windows" option! Otherwise, Microsoft Antispyware is probably the best FREE antispyware scanner and cleaner out there for Windows itself. Even in its beta form, it cleans out the registry, Internet Explorer and many underlying processes & services very well. Hey, thumbs up to Microsoft for a change!
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search.aspx?displaylang=en

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NOTE- To ensure overall quality and function, these free utilities are "HOLLYWOOD BROTHER" approved!

 

[HOLLYWOOD]

well if the above post says it is hollywood brother approved than it has to be good. actually the hollywood brother knows many computer geek technicans that would agree with the post and especially the spyware and antivirus program. Now since the hollywood brother always backs his fans then the hollywood brother is 100 percent approving not just this post, but the whole thread. Now can you dig that?

 

[nessonite1]

Is the Microsoft one that program that was bought by Microsoft but not actually made by them? If it is then I think it was a semi-expensive program that MS bought and then offered for free. I may be wrong but if it's that program then I have heard it reccomended by a lot of different sources.

 

[MistressValerie1]

Yes, Nessie -- it used to be called Giant Antispyware, and was rated #1 among commercial antispy applications. It's an outstanding product, and highly recommended while it's still free.

 

[dajerx]

Is it better than the Spybot Search and Destroy program. I use that program and have never had any problems

 

[MistressValerie1]

In the most recent tests I could find, Giant Antispy (now Microsoft Antispy) had about a 63% detection and removal rate, while Spybot had 33%. A combination of both products had a 67% rate, so I would recommend using both.

Full article here http://windowssecrets.com/050127/#story1