Favorite Utilities Programs

[slytherock]

What utilities do you use? Some of us use little applications and cant live without them. Why not shared them :) (With link if possible) (No spaming please)

For my part there is one I cant live without and another usefull one

ULTRAMON: (http://www.realtimesoft.com/ultramon/)
UltraMon is a utility for multi-monitor systems, designed to increase productivity and unlock the full potential of multiple monitors.

* efficiently move windows and maximize windows across the desktop
* manage more applications with the Smart Taskbar
* control application positioning with UltraMon Shortcuts
* multi-monitor support for desktop wallpapers and screen savers
* mirror your main monitor to secondary monitors for a presentation

Desktop Sidebar (http://www.desktopsidebar.com/)
Desktop Sidebar provides you with instant access to the information you most desire by grabbing data from your PC and the internet. The result is a dynamic visual display you configure and control.

motherboard monitor (http://mbm.livewiredev.com/)
Monitor Temps

Speedfan (http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php)
Monitor Temps

CPUCool and CPUFSB (http://www.cpu-cool.de/index.html)
Monitor and OC tool (even for Compaq Comp...)

RivaTuner (http://www.guru3d.com/index.php?page=rivatuner&menu=8)
OC Tool

PSU Calculator (http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp) (The most complete I've seen)

[jdbnsn]

I would like to know what combination of firewall/antivirus/antispyware stuff people are happiest with. I use adaware, spysweeper, NOD32, and windows firewall. But if someone knows of more effective, less resource consuming progs let me know. Also, cost is a factor. I don't want to spend too much.

[Zephik]

RamCleaner 4 (http://www.download.com/RamCleaner/3000-2086_4-10427224.html)

That's my newest program for performance utilization. So far it works pretty great. I'm thinking about purchasing it once my free trial runs out.

I also like this one alot for some reason. I guess I just like seeing my CPU freak out constantly. ><

CpuUsage (http://www.outertech.com/index.php?_charisma_page=downloads)

I also use ULTRAMON when I have a dual screen setup. That is one handy tool!

I'll have to try out that Desktop Sidebar. Looks pretty nifty!

-SnowFire

[slytherock]

I would like to know what combination of firewall/antivirus/antispyware stuff people are happiest with. I use adaware (http://www.recommended-download.com/adaware/?gclid=CPG73Jqgs4kCFRhFVAod_2kuPg), spysweeper (http://www.webroot.com/consumer/products/spysweeper/), NOD32 (http://nod32.softwaresecuritysolutions.com/?gclid=CKHXr6igs4kCFQsEVAodnlYvPg), and windows firewall. But if someone knows of more effective, less resource consuming progs let me know. Also, cost is a factor. I don't want to spend too much.

I noticed you did not mentionned SPYBOT (http://www.safer-networking.org/), Wich is one of my fav. Lots of options, customisable...

(I also linked those you mentionned in the quote )

[slytherock]

ATTENTION: I wrote this from an old list I have, some may have changed, some may not be free anymore, and some may arm your computer. Use at your own risks

Free Antivirus:
Grisoft (http://www.grisoft.com/doc/1)
Free-AV (http://www.free-av.com/)
Avast (http://www.freedownloadpage.com/avast3/)

Free Firewalls
Agnitum (http://www.agnitum.com/)
Kerio (http://kerio-firewall.netwebpages.com/kerio_personal_firewall-djdinc.htm)
Sygate (http://www.tucows.com/preview/213160)
Zonelabs (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_zaav.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en&lid=dbtopnav_pro&ovchn=GGL&ovcpn=US_Branded&ovcrn=sr2zl2go1072go30pi5ai20+zonelabs&ovtac=PPC&SR=sr2zl2go1072go30pi5ai20)

Spyware tools:

12 Ghosts (http://12ghosts.com/)
Symantec Security Scan (http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym)
Xp AntiSpy (http://xp-antispy.org/?lang=en&option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1)


RamCleaner 4 (http://www.download.com/RamCleaner/3000-2086_4-10427224.html)

That's my newest program for performance utilization. So far it works pretty great. I'm thinking about purchasing it once my free trial runs out.

I also like this one alot for some reason. I guess I just like seeing my CPU freak out constantly. ><
It look nice, I use one in the Desktop sidebar, but unfortunatly, it take alot of memory... They seem to have other nice program. Cool find (http://www.outertech.com/index.php?_charisma_page=products):)

CpuUsage (http://www.outertech.com/index.php?_charisma_page=downloads)

I also use ULTRAMON when I have a dual screen setup. That is one handy tool!
Agree, and it's a MUST HAVE program when you work with more then one monitor.

I'll have to try out that Desktop Sidebar. Looks pretty nifty!

-SnowFire

[CanaBalistic]

That ultramon seems like a waste. "Display properties" can do everything you've said ultramon can do. IDK, maybe it can do more...

My utillity programs:

AV/
Norton AV 2007

Spyware:
Adaware SE Professional

Registry:
Registry Mechanic 5

Firewall:
Sygate Personal Firewall Pro

I've never had anything major happen while i've been running thoes apps. So, i guess i have to swear by them. Im going on year 2 without having to format or repair windows. I used to use one of thoes ram cleaners/defragers but i found that they actually suck ass and take away performance rather than help. When your machine is bogged down, the last thing you'll want to do is defrag your ram.

[slytherock]

That ultramon seems like a waste. "Display properties" can do everything you've said ultramon can do. IDK, maybe it can do more...

Give it a try and come back to me... ;)

You can move windows from 1 comp to the other in 1 click
Maximise to both window in 1 click
create shortcuts for differents applications (changing primary monitor, display size, desactivate monitor and more)
Add taskbar on every monitor

[ESX]

Here are some:
Miranda IM - http://www.miranda-im.org/
MultiRes - http://www.entechtaiwan.net/util/multires.shtm
RM-X - http://wiki.darkain.com/wiki/RM-X

[DaveW]

I'm running AVG Antivirus with Zonealarm, both free. Appart from that, the only other 'utility' i use is WinRar. And that's a piece of crap. I wish i could find a better compression utility-at least, one that gives me all the shell functions without all the crap messaging.

-Dave

[ESX]

I'm running AVG Antivirus with Zonealarm, both free. Appart from that, the only other 'utility' i use is WinRar. And that's a piece of crap. I wish i could find a better compression utility-at least, one that gives me all the shell functions without all the crap messaging.

-Dave
7Zip? :)

[DaveW]

7Zip i just uninstalled, man i hated that program. I can't remember why but something about it pissed me off.

-Dave

[ESX]

Maybe try this one: http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=178996

[jdbnsn]

ESX-
I read (some of) that wiki page on RM-X but still don't really get what it's for. Can you give me a laymens description. I was also curious what graphic art programs you use?

Slytherock- This was a great idea for a thread!

Anyone- I would like to know what folks are using for music storage. I burned all of my CD's to mp3 files but over the years have switched from one database to another and the tags are never filled completely, now the songs are usually out of order and so on. Anyone found a real nicely put together mp3 storage program?

[CanaBalistic]

There is a prog i had, servant salamander It will open any compressed file and convert to any format. It also has a repair function for currupted archives. I didnt like the feel of it personally.

Slytherock:
You can move windows from 1 comp to the other in 1 click (that sounds like multi comp, not milt monitor)
Maximise to both window in 1 click (extended desktop...)
create shortcuts for differents applications (changing primary monitor, display size, desactivate monitor and more)(Again, display properties and shorcut attributes)
Add taskbar on every monitor(extended desktop...)

???

[ESX]

Well jdbnsn, RM-X is basically for control. You can control software/hardware using hotkeys.

To explain this further, lets use a keyboard as an example. When a key is pressed, it generates a message and sends it to the system. RM-X would then receive this message and can then redirect it to any of the generic functions that RM-X is aware of (generally via plugins). If RM-X is aware of a lightbulb, then that keyboard press might be redirected to turn the lightbulb on and off. In the same idea, a mouse button may be clicked which generates an event. This event could be processed by RM-X to call the function to turn on a television. As new additions to RM-X are made, this idea can be spread infinitly to new hardware and software applications.
For example, I am able to control winamp using my gamepad with RM-X Media Edition.

As for graphic programs, Im using Photoshop, sometimes Photomatix (for HDR photography).

[jdbnsn]

I get it now, and that makes sense. I may have a look at that. Never heard of photmatix, I may check it out too. Thanks!

[CanaBalistic]

Ahh, i've heard of a program like that. It was a bit diffrent, it controled the serial bus so you could build your own key pad and assign the buttons to various winamp functions. I cant see why this would only work for winamp so it has some possibillities to be brought to diffrent applications.

[ESX]

The stand-alone version is $15.

[docturtle]

RM-X sounds like a good program to look into. Thanks!

[slytherock]

There is a prog i had, servant salamander It will open any compressed file and convert to any format. It also has a repair function for currupted archives. I didnt like the feel of it personally.

Slytherock:
You can move windows from 1 comp to the other in 1 click (that sounds like multi comp, not milt monitor)
Maximise to both window in 1 click (extended desktop...)
create shortcuts for differents applications (changing primary monitor, display size, desactivate monitor and more)(Again, display properties and shorcut attributes)
Add taskbar on every monitor(extended desktop...)

???

Sorry, I dont have time to lose making you loving it. You dont want to try, dont. But you miss something. Sorry if I sound rude, but if all you want is bashing everything I say, I dont have time to lose whit it. I'm not here to sell it, but to say that I like it.

just to make sure I'm not confusing you by my french language, just read the features of Ultramon (http://www.realtimesoft.com/ultramon/tour/)

[Commando]

Hands down the best performace booster I have found besides just defraging is RegSeeker (http://www.hoverdesk.net/freeware.htm). It's a real small registry cleaner. I heard about it a while ago on TechTV and have been using it ever since with no problems. They keep updating it also. It is absolutely wicked.

Run it (it automatically backs up all the changes also), and restart you computer and watch it start in about half the time and run a ton faster.

Basic directions are run the registry clean option, select all that it finds, and delete it. I know it sounds scary but it does back everything up. I've never had any problems with it.

Other stuff I use:
AV: Norton
Spyware: Spybot and Ad Aware both
Firewall: Zone Alarm

[simon275]

Norton Antivirus
Reg Scrub
PC Wizard 2006
Real VNC

Edit: Forget

Winrar
DVD Decrypter
Cute FTP

[Vertigo]

Security:
AVG Antivirus
AdAware SE Personal
Spyware Blaster
Spybot Search & Destroy

I also keep HackThis! and RogueScanFix on a thumb drive (just incase)

Creative Stuff:
Frapps
Sony Vegas
Adobe Photoshop 7.0
Macromedia Dreamweaver MX


Misc:
CCleaner
Filezilla
UltimateZip
iTunes (For music and managing my iPod)
VLC Media Player (Videos)
Talisman Desktop
Gaim
XFire
Ventrillo
Nero
Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla Thunderbird

[jaxspades]

Adobe Photoshop CS2
Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0
Firefox 2.0
Zonelabs
AVG Shield
Object Desktop
Creative Labs sent a few cool tools with my Creative Zen Vision:M like a Video and an Audio Converter

[Zephik]

iTunes (For music and managing my iPod)


I want that program to DIE. I got a "iPood" for christmas. The second I plugged it into my computer, it says I have to update it. So I update the iPod. Then I get an error message and I have to restore my iPod. That was the most ridiculous thing ever. I had to restore it three times before it even worked again.

Also I wanted to get Pirates of the Carribean so I could watch it for the first time. $15 USD! lol I could get it at the store for $11.99! Oh well, I'm still going to buy it anyways. I'll make a copy of it on a DVD in case I ever have to "update" again and lose all my info.

I got a portable DVD player with my iPod too! Can't wait to hook that up to the big screen and watch some movies! :p </brag>

Few more programs I like.

StyleXP
Trillian
DivX
StartEd
OptimumPC

-SnowFire

[vermillion_part2]

Mozilla Firefox
PSP Video9 for (playstation portable)
AVG Anti-virus
Zone Alarm
Window Washer
DVDx
Spybot S&D
Open Office 2.0
Speedfan

sorry they aren't organized just did a quick list

[Omnipotentclown]

Against The Bad
Zonealarm Pro
Avast! Home
AdAware SE
CCleaner
RegCleaner
Pestpatrol
Spyware Blaster

Multimedia
Foobar2000
PowerDVD
Photoshop 7
Google Skethup
DVD Decrypter

Everything Else
Opera
Thunderbird
Gaim
Partition Magic
uTorrent
eMule
Skype
AutoGK
Remote Desktop Connection (I know its just part of Windows, but I love it)

[DRece]

Free

Trillian
Winamp
Firefox
Zonelalarm
Ad-aware
AVG
Ifranview
K-lite Mega pack ( its not a utility but it takes care of the codecs so well for me)
Synergy (great for not wanting to get up and click on another pc)
Purchased

Diskeeper
CloneDvd2
Nero
Ms Office
Photo ShopAnyone know good substitutes for my purchased programs?

[slytherock]

OK, I've start sorting everything we all put together in a usefull link page. All the work is not finnished, so you can add things to it.


Monitor / CPU Usage / Temps
CpuUsage (http://www.outertech.com/index.php?_charisma_page=downloads)
motherboard monitor (http://mbm.livewiredev.com/)
Speedfan (http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php)
CPUCool and CPUFSB (http://www.cpu-cool.de/index.html)
Desktop Sidebar (http://www.desktopsidebar.com/)

ADD ONS
ULTRAMON: (http://www.realtimesoft.com/ultramon/)
MultiRes (http://www.entechtaiwan.net/util/multires.shtm)

OC Tools
RivaTuner (http://www.guru3d.com/index.php?page=rivatuner&menu=8)
CPUCool and CPUFSB (http://www.cpu-cool.de/index.html)

HardWare Tool
PSU Calculator (http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp)

Registry Tool
Regseeker (http://www.hoverdesk.net/freeware.htm)
RegScrub (http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2048)
RegistryMechanic (http://www.pctools.com/registry-mechanic/?ref=google_rm)

RAM Tool
RamCleaner 4 (http://www.download.com/RamCleaner/3000-2086_4-10427224.html)

Antivirus:
Norton (http://shop.symantecstore.com/DRHM/servlet/ControllerServlet?Action=DisplayProductDetailsPage&SiteID=symnahho&Locale=en_US&ThemeID=106300&Env=BASE&productID=51005000&Currency=CAD&pgm=6037100)
Grisoft (http://www.grisoft.com/doc/1)
Free-AV (http://www.free-av.com/)
Avast (http://www.freedownloadpage.com/avast3/)
Zone Alarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_zaav.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en&lid=dbtopnav_pro&ovchn=GGL&ovcpn=US_Branded&ovcrn=sr2zl2go972go33pi5ai20+zone+alarm&ovtac=PPC&SR=sr2zl2go972go33pi5ai20)

Firewalls
Agnitum (http://www.agnitum.com/)
Kerio (http://kerio-firewall.netwebpages.com/kerio_personal_firewall-djdinc.htm)
Sygate (http://www.tucows.com/preview/213160)
Zonelabs (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_zaav.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en&lid=dbtopnav_pro&ovchn=GGL&ovcpn=US_Branded&ovcrn=sr2zl2go1072go30pi5ai20+zonelabs&ovtac=PPC&SR=sr2zl2go1072go30pi5ai20)

Spyware tools:
adaware (http://www.recommended-download.com/adaware/?gclid=CPG73Jqgs4kCFRhFVAod_2kuPg)
spysweeper (http://www.webroot.com/consumer/products/spysweeper/)
NOD32 (http://nod32.softwaresecuritysolutions.com/?gclid=CKHXr6igs4kCFQsEVAodnlYvPg)
12 Ghosts (http://12ghosts.com/)
Symantec Security Scan (http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym)
Xp AntiSpy (http://xp-antispy.org/?lang=en&option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1)
Spyware Blaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html)
HackThis (http://www.hackthissite.org/)
HiJackThis (http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3155.html)
RogueScanFix (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/files/roguescanfix.php)

Messengers
Miranda IM (http://www.miranda-im.org)

Compression Tool
WinRar (www.rarlab.com)
WinZip (Winzip.FreeDownloadPage.com)
7zip (www.7-zip.org)
Peazip (http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=178996)
servant salamander (http://www.altap.cz/salam_en/7zip.html)

Graphic
Photoshop (http://www.downloadzstop.com/index.asp?s=go-ca&a=photoshop&kw=photoshop)
Photomatix (http://www.hdrsoft.com/)

HardWare Integration
RM-X (http://wiki.darkain.com/wiki/RM-X)

DVD Backups
DVD Decrypter (http://www.mrbass.org/dvdrip/)

DVD Authoring
Sony Vegas (http://www.sonymediasoftware.com/products/product.asp?PID=404)
Adobe Encore (http://www.adobe.com/products/encore/)

Flash
Macromedia Dreamweaver MX (http://www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver/)
Network
Real VNC (http://www.realvnc.com/)

FTP
http://www.cuteftp.com/

[Vertigo]

I want that program to DIE. I got a "iPood" for christmas. The second I plugged it into my computer, it says I have to update it. So I update the iPod. Then I get an error message and I have to restore my iPod. That was the most ridiculous thing ever. I had to restore it three times before it even worked again.

Also I wanted to get Pirates of the Carribean so I could watch it for the first time. $15 USD! lol I could get it at the store for $11.99! Oh well, I'm still going to buy it anyways. I'll make a copy of it on a DVD in case I ever have to "update" again and lose all my info.

I got a portable DVD player with my iPod too! Can't wait to hook that up to the big screen and watch some movies! :p </brag>

Few more programs I like.

StyleXP
Trillian
DivX
StartEd
OptimumPC

-SnowFire

Honestly, I know how you feel. I got mine shortly before Christmas, mostly for my studio classes at school. Before I used WinAMP pretty much exclusively, when I first installed iTunes and moved songs over to my iPod, it made a 2 gig folder named 01. And another named 02, etc. It turns out the tags were messed up on a bunch of my mp3s so I've had to go back and manually rename them. I decided to do it a little at a time and just not worry about it. As for the iTunes store, I got a few gift cards for iTunes downloads for Christmas, but in general I don't think the movies are worth it. I've noticed that in fullscreen resolution they look pixelated and sometimes freeze. I believe that they only offer the videos optimized for the resolution of the iPod, so ... I'm paying for an inferior rip of the movie basically. And in the case of the new Pirates movie, more than what I actually paid for it at a local store.

So, I've gotten a couple of the tv shows I like, especially the Comedy Central Stand Up specials, 1.99 for 30 mins of video is reasonable imo. Unfortunately, they charge the same for Adult Swim cartoons that are only 12 mins long. So you gotta be picky.

[eyes]

The ultimate list of utilities.

http://www.hanselman.com/blog/ScottHanselmans2006UltimateDeveloperAndPowerUsersT oolListForWindows.aspx

Hope there are some here that ya'll can use.

[jaxspades]

I want that program to DIE.
Also I wanted to get Pirates of the Carribean so I could watch it for the first time. $15 USD! lol I could get it at the store for $11.99! Oh well, I'm still going to buy it anyways. I'll make a copy of it on a DVD in case I ever have to "update" again and lose all my info.


Hahahaha. Yeah, Apple sucks.
SnowFire--Have fun copying that movie to a DVD--Apple has HUGE encryption. I tried getting a song from iTunes so I could use it in a movie, and it took me forever to do.

[Zephik]

Well then I am just going to go buy the DVD at a store then put in on my computer and then transfer it to my iPod. I'll even save money that way. That really doesn't make alot of sense to me, shouldn't the movies be cheaper so people will be more tempted to buy them?

Have you guys heard of the third Pirates movie? It comes out May 25th this upcoming year.

-SnowFire