Feed: Free Downloads - AggScore: 62.8

Speed Up Computer Startup

---

Does your computer seem to take ages to load up? Well this problem could be caused by a number of different programs that are set to automatically load when Windows loads.

There are a few ways you can solve this problem.. One is by going into a Windows tool called msconfig, however it is unclear which programs are needed and which are just taking up memory.

A small tool is available from Malwarebytes, called StartUpLite.

You simply run this program.. it then lists all the software loading at startup - gives a description of each and says if it is necessary or not.

You can get the program from this link: StartUpLite

File Sharing (LimeWire)

---

This program lets you share files with other people around the world.

Just to say, first of all if you are a complete Computer beginner then I would not recommend this as it can contain virus's/spyware.

That been said this program is great for sharing just about anything in the world. You can get music, videos, documents etc.. The Limewire program can also be used as a torrent application. Much like uTorrent or BitTorrent.

There are 3 versions:
Basic - Free.
Pro - $21.95 for 6 months.
Extended Pro - $34.95 for 1 year.

All with their own features and extras. The main difference between the free and paid versions is they claim "Turbo Download Speeds", "Optimized Search Results" and "Connection To More Sources".

Even after these extras I have only ever had the free version and it worked perfectly!

You can the program free from here: LimeWire

FireFTP (Firefox Add-on)

---

This download is only available as an add-on through the Mozilla FireFox Web Browser. It is a free FTP file transfer program.

Basically it is for people who need to upload/download any data, pages, images etc. from a server.

If you own your own website as I do then you may know how annoying and frustrating it is at times trying to stay connected when uploading new content. (Especially using Dreamweaver like I did!)

Amazingly this program seems to cure any problems, I can now get connected, stay connected and upload web pages/images a LOT faster! As well as a lot simpler.

I would recommend this program, like I said to anyone with their own website.

Download: FireFTP

GIMP Portable

---

This program is called GIMP - It is a free image/photo editor. A lot like Photoshop or Paint.NET

However the version we have here is the portable version, you store and run this from your USB pen drive. This is very useful if you create an image at home, need it for work or Uni but they don't have the program.

A little about GIMP:
GIMP stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed programs that anyone can use and share! It has a MASSIVE amount of different features and abilities. It could be used as a simple paint program, a professional image editor or even to create animations.

You can get the program from here: GIMP Portable

Screenshots:

Listen to Free Music

---

In this post I will tell you how to listen to any music you want.. absolutely free!

All the songs on Spotify are the full versions not just a sample. You can listen to a massive range of different music, from the current hits in the charts to a song made 40 years ago.

As mentioned above the program is called Spotify. You will need to register for an account here first: Create Account.

Once you have done that you simply need to download the program from their website which can be found here: Download Spotify

After you have downloaded the program you simply log in and search for the music you want to listen to!

Spyware Remover (SuperAntiSpyware)

---

Here we have a free spyware removal program, this is probably one of the best and I see it been recommended by people everywhere. It is called SuperAntiSpyware.

SuperAntiSpyware Detects and Removes Spyware, Adware, Malware, Trojans, Dialers, Worms, KeyLoggers, HiJackers, Parasites, Rootkits, Rogue Security Products and many others.

It is very light on system resources and wont slow your computer down at all!

There is also a feature that will repair internet connections if a Virus/Spyware has corrupted any settings.

A paid version is available, however the free version is a one of scanner that works absolutely great! I carry a copy on my USB pen at all times.

You can download the program for free at: SuperAntiSpyware

Currently they boast over 20 million users and the ability to remove over 1,000,000 different threats!

Free Computer Guides

---

Here is a great website which offers free computer guides. There are literally 100's of guides from installing Windows to setting up a home network or removing any unwanted viruses from your computer.

The site is called e-computing.

They also have a new section for computer videos that is still being updated. Make sure you go and check it out. It may save you money you would have otherwise spent on a technician.

Link here: Free Computer Guides

Monitor Computers Temperature (SpeedFan)

---

The majority of computers bought today give no feedback to the user about its operating temperature. Some people like myself who play games on their computer like to know what temperature their PC is running at as high temperature can permanently damage components.

Here i am introducing a small, lightweight program called SpeedFan. This program runs discreetly on your computer and hides itself with computer resources. SpeedFan can identify many different temperature points depending on your computer including:

• CPU (Main Processor)
• GPU (Graphical Processor)
• Hard Drive(s)
• Case Temp (Internal)

When the program is running, the current temperature is constantly updated and displayed in your notification area of your task bar. This means no matter what window you have open, you can easily monitor your computers temperature.

As well as temperature monitoring, you can view the different fan speeds and adjust specific settings to help cool your computer. It is recommended that you leave these as factory default settings are usually the best to use.

You can download this program from here: SpeedFan

Make Free Phone Calls (Skype)

---

This program allows you to make free phone calls over the internet as long as you have a microphone.

You can call anyone from your mother down the road to your mate half way around the world.

Skype works a lot like MSN messenger in that you have a list of contacts that you add, it has a chat feature like messenger but you can also make calls to people, hold a conference and even call a proper telephone number or mobile number for a fraction of the cost of a normal call.

You can get the program from here: Skype

Block Unwanted IP Addresses (Peer Block)

---

This program will block any unwanted IP addresses from connecting to your computer and stop them from spying on what you are doing, downloading or sending.

Peer Block uses a simple technique in that it just has a bunch of lists that it will block, you can get many different lists to block everything from Microsoft to known virus/syware promoters. Updates are available just about every day to make sure you stay protected.

It is very simple to download and install and very easy to update the lists also.

this program is a must for anyone who downloads from torrent websites as anti-P2P organizations are getting more and more active.

You can get Peer Block from here: Peer Block
You can get the block lists from this site: iBlockList

Free Computer and Registry Cleaner

---

For this I will be using a program called CCleaner. This is a simple and free program which can be run on your computer to fix registry issues and delete unwanted files left behind by Windows.

In the past I have used a program called CleanUp! This program focuses entirely on cleaning the computer from unwanted files. With CCleaner, you don’t just delete unwanted files; you have another tool which allows you to fix many types of registry issues.

Using both the Windows and Registry cleaner, you can give your computer a complete clean and can also improve some performance issues.

To give CCleaner a try, click the following link: CCleaner

Free RAR Extractor

---

There are many websites where you can download files directly. Some people zip several files together using the Windows standard compressed folder. Whereas some prefer to use what’s called a RAR file.

A RAR file is just the same as a Windows compressed file, except it requires additional software to open them. The majority of well-know programs require a one off payment before you unlock the full program.

Frog RAR is a free, light program which simply unlocks a RAR file and places it at the same directory as the original file. The advantage to this program is that there are no annoying advanced options, you simply drag the RAR file into to window and it extracts the file automatically in seconds.

To try Frog RAR Extractor, click the following link, you won’t be disappointed.
Free RAR Extractor

Web Browser (Google Chrome)

---

This download is an alternative to Internet Explorer.

We all know that Internet Explorer has a few security flaws.. and isnt always the fastest or most responsive.

However their are free alternative. One being Google Chrome, this is probably my favourite web browser because not only does it provide fast loading times and browsing times but it is secure and has quite a few features and add-ons.



If you haven't tried it already then you definitely should!

Download it here: Google Chrome

Recover lost product keys (Belarc)

---

This program will help you to find any lost software license keys and even you Microsoft Windows product key.

I couldn't count how many people have wanted their computer formatted and reinstalled but have no idea what the Windows key is and haven't got a sticker.

This program will get ALL your software keys - whether it be adobe PhotoShop or Microsoft Word.

Download it here: Belarc Advisor