I only use Microsoft Windows when it’s through VMWare or through BootCamp, but I was a big Windows fan boy for a long time and here are the ten essential free downloads when starting on a fresh install.
1. Firefox – (Duh!) – When I get a new machine up and running the first thing I download is a fresh copy of Firefox. I then grab a few plugins before downloading the next applications. These plugins are.
2. Digsby – Instant messaging that keeps your accounts on a remote server, provides updates to your social network sites and notifications of new emails. I think that makes it’s a bit bloated for a IM client but it does a pretty good job of keeping all this functionality under a calm useable interface.
3. 7zip or jZip – I really don’t enjoy the default file extractor for Windows. A while back WinRar was my favorite, but I don’t think you can extend the trial period forever now. Anyway, these two are good alternatives for all your archiving purposes.
4. uTorrent – Excellent tiny BitTorrent program. If you need help finding torrents, try google. Just be careful not every link is legit.
5. AbiWord – A great alternative to MicroSoft word, and it’s fairly less bloated than OpenOffice. If you are just looking for a free word processor and don’t like Google Docs. That is, unless you have Attention Deficit Disorder in which case you should try JDarkRoom. Another alternative is Jarte.
6. Paint.net – Excellent image editor. It’s even a great Photoshop or certainly MSPaint replacement.
7. OutSync – If you have all your contacts in Microsoft Outlook then you will love OutSync. It provides a easy way to sync your Facebook friends with your Outlook Contacts. The main benefit of OutSync is for Windows Mobile users. Updated contacts are automatically synced with Windows Mobile devices by Exchange server or ActiveSync.
8. FileZilla – Great free FTP or STFP solution for windows. It has a lot of other features as well. If you have a remote server FileZilla is a great free way to get your files there.
9. Handbrake – The video swiss army knife. I use this to convert movies into Apple Tv format. Very nice app.
10. Dropbox – Great for syncing files to and from multiple computers. However, it’s also good for backing up entire directories. This is helpful when you need a file on the fly and you can just pull up their free iphone app, find the file and email directly from your phone. This is super nice and the first 2gb won’t cost you a penny.
Well that covers the 10 essential Windows applications on a fresh machine. If you have some recommendations please post them below.
October 17th, 2009 @ rmclain
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