…</ TITLE> on the <HEAD> section of the HTML file. Insert keywords in the title page. Be sure to not do “keyword dumping” (insert as many keywords as possible). Enter keywords that reasonably looks like a natural sentence.</li> <li>Description Meta-Tag – There used to be a meta-tag keyword and description meta-tags that need to be observed. Now, meta-tag keywords are not considered important. Enter key words on the page in the form of a sentence that explains what the site pages.</li> <li>Content text – Ensure that the text content is consistent with the page title, description, and others that we have prepared. The contents of the text that is “cheating” in the sense might result with penalty from search engines.</li> <li>Headings – Make sure to use appropriate headings for every function. This can be done by using tags <H1>, <H2>, etc. …</li> <li>Make sure there is only one version of the file – Do not let a single page accessible from several different URLs. This can result in a penalty from Google. When necessary, use <a href="http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2009/02/specify-your-canonical.html">canonical URL</a>. </li> <li>Validation – Use <a href="http://validator.w3.org/">http://validator.w3.org/</a> to make sure that the code is correctly written. Poorly validated code is likely to make our pages not crawl-able by search engines.</li> <li>Sitemap – <a href="http://www.sitemaps.org/">Sitemap</a> provides help to search engines to find pages on our site</li> <li>Regular good content – No tricks that can attract visitors on an ongoing basis if we do not provide a strong reason for people to visit our site. Add high-quality articles on a regular basis.</li> <li>Provide robots.txt file – <a href="http://www.robotstxt.org/robotstxt.html">the robots.txt</a> file tells search engines whether our pages may be visited or not.</li> <li>Hosting – Be sure to use quality hosting. Hosting that is always unavailable every time Google bot visits will make Google rarely visit the site again.</li> <li>Image Optimization – make sure that the image that we display on our web page has Alt and Title text.</li> <li>Site age – The longer a site has been active, the likely it will be favored by search engines. The reason is because the older a site is, it is considered more authoritative and have quality content.</li> <li>Live link – Check all the links within our site, make sure there is no dead-link, that is linking to the page that is not available.</li> <li>RSS feeds – Provide RSS feeds of the site to facilitate search engines to find addition or change in our site.</li> <li>Number of pages – The more content we have, the more our site is considered as important sites</li> <li>Site structure – Design your site so we have a structure that is as flat possible. This means, reduce the depth of the directory. For example, try to make it that there is only 1 level below the directory domain.</li> <li>Copywriting – means designing our article in such a way that is by placing the keywords repeatedly in the article but within normal context.</li> </ol> <p><strong>100 Search Engine Optimization Tips – Part Two:</strong></p> <h2>Google Linking Guide – Summarized</h2> <p>For those still trying to find the best technique to craft linking structure of their website, here is a summary from Google’s own <a target="_blank" href="http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2008/10/links-information-straight-from-source.html">Links Information</a>. </p> <div id="attachment_1412" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 222px"><p class="wp-caption-text">SEO Linking Strategy From Google</p></div> <p><strong>20 Site-Linking Pointers From Google</strong></p> <ol start="21"> <li>Generally Google categorize links into 3 types: <a target="_blank" href="http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2008/10/importance-of-link-architecture.html">Internal links</a> (links within your site), <a target="_blank" href="http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2008/10/linking-out-often-its-just-applying.html">Outbound links</a> (sites you link to), and <a target="_blank" href="http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2008/10/good-times-with-inbound-links.html">Inbound links</a> (sites linking to you).</li> <li>Use simple text link, for easy crawling by search engines<br /> <code>This <a href="new-page.html">text link</a> is easy for search engines to find.</code></li> <li>Keep your navigation link simple and usable.</li> <li>In the homepage, make it easy for visitors to discover and navigate to the information they are looking for.</li> <li>From the sub-pages, make it easy for visitors to go to your homepage. </li> <li>Submit your sitemap via <a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/">Google Webmaster Tools</a>. </li> <li>Use descriptive anchor text instead of the overtly used “click here”<br /> <code>Check out our <a href="2006/07/17/search_engine-optimization/"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cheatad.com/2006/07/17/search_engine-optimization/">seo tips</a></a>.</code> </li> <li>Use Google Webmaster Tools to verify that <a target="_blank" href="http://www.google.com/support/webmasters/bin/answer.py?answer=55281">Google finds your internal links</a>. </li> <li>Don’t worry too much about so-called advanced technique such as PageRank sculpting (using nofollow tag to control the flow of Google crawling) or link theming (segregate internal links and contain them within each specific topics only). </li> <li>Link out to relevant high-quality resources is good. </li> <li>No more than 100 links per page.</li> <li>Undisclosed paid outbound link is bad (How about disclosed link???)</li> <li>Use nofollow tag for unmonitored (especially user-generated) outbound links.</li> <li>Anchor text is also important here.<br /> <code>Feel free to browse more of our <a href="http://www.cheatad.com"><a href="http://www.cheatad.com">adsense tips</a></a>.</code> </li> <li>Relevant, quality inbound links can affect your search engine ranking.<br /> <blockquote><p>Inbound links can bring new users to your site, and when the links are merit-based and freely-volunteered as an editorial choice, they’re also one of the positive signals to Google about your site’s importance.</p></blockquote> </li> <li>Useful inbound links are natural quality links. Build compelling content or offer a unique service to attack such links. </li> <li>Inbound link from spammy site doesn’t count. Same goes with the highly unpopular <a target="_blank" href="http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2008/09/keeping-comment-spam-off-your-site-and.html">comment spam</a>. </li> <li>Use Webmaster Tools for “Links > Pages with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.google.com/support/webmasters/bin/answer.py?answer=55281">external links</a>” to find out who links to you. </li> <li>The same “Links > Pages with external links” is also good to find out which of your contents attract inbound links. </li> <li>Ask, but not beg, relevant site webmasters to link to you. </li> </ol> <p><strong>100 Search Engine Optimization Tips – Part Three:</strong></p> <h2>Link Building For SEO</h2> <p>Link building … It took a lot of effort and time. Frustrating and sometimes confusing, but inevitable. Because in the end, this is the main requirement for a higher ranking in Search Engines.</p> <p><strong>20 ways to get quality inbound-link:</strong></p> <ol start=41> <li>Create a “100 Tips” article. This kind of articles managed to get inbound link all the time, and often become “authority documents”. Webmasters simply cann’t resist not to link to this article.</li> <li>Create a “10 easy tips to help you [insert topic here]” article. Once again, this is very easy to be linked to.</li> <li>Create a “10 common myths about [insert topic here]” article.</li> <li>Create a “comprehensive resources for [insert topic here]” article, a complete and comprehensive on a topic.</li> <li>Create a list of 101 people or sites most influential in your niche.</li> <li>Syndicate articles on <a href="http://www.ezinearticles.com/">EzineArticles</a>, <a href="http://www.articledashboard.com/">ArticleDashboard</a>, <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticleBase</a>, <a href="http://www.goarticles.com/">GoArticles</a>, <a href="http://www.isnare.com/">iSnare</a>, etc.. Great article on the sites are generally easy to get high ratings and will be able to send high traffic as well.</li> <li>Syndicate press release. Take time to make a really good (interesting, newsworthy) press release. Email to some journalists and influential bloggers. Personalize the message in the email. In addition, send it to <a href="http://www.prweb.com/">PRWeb</a>, <a href="http://www.prleap.com/">PRLeap</a>, etc.</li> <li>Send articles to news sites that match your niche. For example, submit SEO articles to <a href="http://www.webpronews.com/">WebProNews</a> .</li> <li>Exchanging articles with other webmasters.</li> <li>This might be ancient but still influential: submit your site to <a href="http://dmoz.org/">DMOZ </a>and other directories that allow free submission.</li> <li>Send your site to paid directories like <a href="http://www.yahoo.com/directory">Yahoo Directory</a>. Remember that what matters is the quality of the directory.</li> <li>Link exchange with webmasters in similar niche. Please note only link with relevant partners who can send traffic. Keep away from link-trading networks.</li> <li>Create contest. Contest is a very influential link bait. Few hundred dollars prize can attract editorial links worth thousands of dollars.</li> <li>Be a sponsor. All sorts of charities, contests, and conferences links to sponsors. This could be a great way to gain visibility, links, and a warm feeling in your heart.</li> <li>Get text ads that link back to your site.</li> <li>Create and release site template design for content management systems like WordPress. Do not forget the link “Designed by [your site]” in the footer!</li> <li>Ask questions in <a href="http://answers.yahoo.com/">Yahoo! Answers</a> and <a href="http://groups.google.com/">Google Groups</a> with links to relevant pages on your site.</li> <li>Send stories to <a href="http://digg.com/">Digg</a>, <a href="http://reddit.com/">Reddit</a>, <a href="http://www.mixx.com/">Mixx</a>, <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/">StumbleUpon</a> linking to an article on your site.</li> <li>Launch affiliate program. Most of the links that you get may not have SEO value, but the added exposure is almost always successful in getting additional quality links.</li> <li>Most forum allows members to leave the links of personal signature in your posting. If you make quality contributions some people will follow these links and potentially read your site, link to your site, and/or buy your product.</li> </ol> <p><strong>100 Search Engine Optimization Tips – Part Four:</strong></p> <h2>Search Engine Optimization For WordPress</h2> <p>Here are straight-forward, to-the-point tips to search engine optimize your WordPress site</p> <p><strong>20 SEO Tips For WordPress</strong></p> <ol start=61> <li>Don’t block search engine. First and foremost: make sure that you welcome search engines. Some installation of WordPress automatically block the search engine bots. From your admin panel, go to Options> Privacy and make sure Blog Visibility is set to “I would like my blog to be visible to everyone, including search engines (like Google, Bing, Technorati) and archivers”</li> <li>Focus to a topic. Some of us would prefer to have a blog where we talk about whatever comes to mind: cars, movies, photosynthesis, dust, dinner, or whatever. This blogging style is not wrong. However, you are confusing the search engines, making them unsure on which topics should they be showing your blog.</li> <li>Make sure to use canonical URLs to prevent of multiple versions of the URL for one item. Starting with version 2.3, WordPress handle this and make sure your content is accessible from only one place. So, if you are using an older version, do upgrade to the latest version of WordPress. </li> <li>Use right permalink. Go to Settings -> Permalinks. Select the Custom Structure and use <code>/%postname%/ </code>.</li> <li>Title Optimization – Use “Post Title – Blog Title”, so don’t let the blog title become the first word in every page.</li> <li>Check for Valid XHTML. WordPress itself generate a valid code, but errors can arise from the theme or plugin used. If that happen, replace the plugin or theme with another one.</li> <li>Avoid link-juice leakage. One characteristic of the WordPress blog is the sidebar, which is usually found on every page. Be selective on links you put in the sidebar, and try to add <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nofollow">nofollow</a> to the link that is less important.</li> <li>Use images in your post. Images not only can increase the attention span of visitors, they give you the opportunity to use keywords in the attribute “alt”, “title”, and file name of the image. Plus it will give your blog’s visibility on image search engines.</li> <li>Use proper Header tag.<br /> - The title of your blog or your main keyword should be in a tag <h1>.<br /> - If your subtitle is important keywords, you can put it in <h2>; if not I suggest put it in a non-header tags like <div>.<br /> - Post title should use <h2> tag.<br /> - Sidebar title should be entered in the <h3> tags or non-headers.<br /> Use the Theme that uses header tags properly, or try to fix the theme you use.</li> <li>Use Ping. Ping is a notice “this site has new content” that invite bots to visit your blog. WordPress ping a website called <a href="http://pingomatic.com/">Ping-o-matic</a> automatically. You can also add additional services other side by going to Options> Writing in the admin panel. (For example, the URL to ping Google Blog Search is <a href="http://blogsearch.google.com/ping/RPC2">http://blogsearch.google.com/ping/RPC2</a> )</li> <li>Pagination. Use plug-ins to optimize your site pagination. One of the most popular plugin for this function is <a href="http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-pagenavi/">WP PageNavi</a>.</li> <li>Use Pages, instead of Posts, for the most important articles in your site.</li> <li>Post a series. Make post from part one to part 3 or 4, that links to each other.</li> <li>Check your statistics – Many people use a variety of sophisticated tools to discover keywords that want to target. Actually, the most important keywords are in your site statistics. Find your important keywords, and create a variety of articles with different variations of your keywords. In this way, you’ll keep on growing your collection of keywords. Use <a href="http://www.google.com/analytics/">Google Analytics</a> for statistics, and <a href="http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/ultimate-google-analytics/">Ultimate GA plugin</a> for integrating it into your wordpress blog</li> <li>Link to related articles. Every time you create a new post, try to remember again, can this new article be linked to the previous article. This way of linking helps search engines to determine the priority ranking.</li> <li>Link to a posting on another site – this way you get double benefits, ie the introduction to the site owner via a ping, and at the same time you also get a link back in the form of trackback.</li> <li>Get comment – Make sure that you can receive post comments. And ask for it – for example – “Do you think this is the most appropriate way?”</li> <li>Use <a href="http://feedburner.com/">FeedBurner</a> for your feeds – with feedburner, you will be able to see statistics for your feed. Use <a href="http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/feedburner-plugin/">FD FeedBurner plugin</a> for seamless link. <li>Get subscribers – Draw visitors to become your feed subscribers, by placement of images or text that invites, for example, “Want to read more articles like this? Subscribe to our feed now.”</li> <li>Use <a href="http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/all-in-one-seo-pack/">All-In-One SEO </a>plugin. It’s arguably the best plugin to help implement the tips described above to a WordPress site.</li> </ol> <p><strong>100 Search Engine Optimization Tips – Part Five:</strong></p> <h2>Bad Search Engine Optimization</h2> <p>With so many self-professed SEO experts in the Internet, each who provide conflicting tips might be confusing for beginners. The following tips are not only unhelpful for sites ranking, but instead may damage the reputation and ranking of sites.</p> <p><strong>20 Bad SEO Advices that are misleading and should be avoided</strong></p> <ol start=81> <li>Do NOT submit your site to low-quality paid directories that send zero traffic.</li> <li>Do NOT post on forums or other sites just to add a link.</li> <li>Do NOT ask questions about who provides the best [product name], in which [product name] is the item you are selling, then answer your own questions on and on about how great your site is.</li> <li>Do NOT comment-spam every blog that you know with a link to your site</li> <li>Do NOT use spam bots to send spam with a link to your site.</li> <li>Do NOT ping your article to all those who are discussing a particular topic</li> <li>Do NOT send link exchange requests are automatically</li> <li>Do NOT use automated content creator script</li> <li>Do NOT try to attract lawsuit just to be popular</li> <li>Do NOT sue webmaster who links to your site</li> <li>Do NOT include all keywords that come to mind in one webpage</li> <li>Do NOT create a different pageviews for visitors and search engines (cloaking)</li> <li>Do NOT hide the content in your site by covering the text or change the text color to resembles the background color</li> <li>Do NOT copy articles to your site</li> <li>Do NOT steal articles</li> <li>Do NOT using directory submission services that submit your site to hundreds of directories at the same time</li> <li>Do NOT send spam email to promote your site</li> <li>Do NOT join link exchange network and start displaying links to various sites without going through any selection process</li> <li>Do NOT think that PageRank is everything. PageRank is just one of many factors that affect ranking in Google. In fact, many SEO experts agree that the PageRank has lost its luster. </li> <li>Do NOT change domain URLs or pages of your site unless there is a really strong reason</li> </ol> </article> <article> <h1>100 Free Software for Windows – Part 9</h1> <p>Fernando Hal — Wed, 10 May 2006 02:45:54 +0000</p> <p><strong>100 Free Software for Windows</strong><br /> - Fernando Hal</p> <p>There is no free lunch in this world. Fortunately, the same doesn’t apply to software. Finding free software is a boon. But finding free software that is not a crippleware (functionality is so limited to the point of almost useless), nagware (repeatedly reminds user to purchase the software), demoware (can be used for certain times or certain number of days only), and does not contain adware(display advertisements every now and then), spyware(collect your personal information) is tough. </p> <p>Here is a list of what I consider as Top 100 Free Software for Windows. Most of these are software that I am using or have used before. Majority are freeware with some of them under open source software license agreement. There are a number of shareware in this list too. These are great shareware that provides good functionality even if you don’t buy.</p> <p><strong>Windows Development</strong></p> <ol> <li> <p> Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition<br /> A powerful and easy-to-use database to complement each Express Edition.<br /> <a href="http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/sql/">http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/sql/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Microsoft Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition<br /> Productivity that is ideal for first time or casual Windows programming.<br /> <a href="http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/vb/">http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/vb/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Microsoft Visual C# 2005 Express Edition »<br /> A great combination of power and productivity for the Windows developer.<br /> <a href="http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/visualcsharp/">http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/visualcsharp/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition<br /> Horsepower with a finer degree of control than other Express Editions.<br /> <a href="http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/visualc/">http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/visualc/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Microsoft Visual J# 2005 Express Edition<br /> Ideal for those with prior Java-language experience or learning the Java language.<br /> <a href="http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/visualj/">http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/visualj/</a> </p> </li> </ol> <p><strong>Education</strong></p> <ol> <li> <p> WordWeb<br /> WordWeb is a free thesaurus and dictionary for Windows. It includes a comprehensive English thesaurus and dictionary, and can be used to look up words from within most programs.<br /> <a href="http://wordweb.info/free/">http://wordweb.info/free/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Ultra Hal Text-to-Speech Reader<br /> Feeling lazy? Get Ultra Hal to read that ebook for you. The Ultra Hal Text-to-Speech Reader application will read your documents out loud. This can be a great tool for proofreading because hearing your text out loud helps you spot all mistakes.<br /> <a href="http://www.zabaware.com/download.asp">http://www.zabaware.com/download.asp</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Quotes<br /> Have you ever find yourself linger on at the end of an e-mail message to let out a smile or sit back and reflect for a moment due to a quote appended to the message? Quotes 2006, the latest version of this program that was first released in 1996, inserts random quotes in your e-mail signature, making you appear much smarter than you really are.<br /> <a href="http://qliner.com/quotes/">http://qliner.com/quotes/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Google Earth<br /> Want to know more about a specific location? Dive right in — Google Earth combines satellite imagery, maps and the power of Google Search to put the world’s geographic information at your fingertips.<br /> <a href="http://earth.google.com/">http://earth.google.com/</a> </p> </li> </ol> <p>100 Free Software for Windows</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows.html">Part 1 – Office / Productivities Software</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-2.html">Part 2 – Graphics / Photo Editing Tools</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-3.html">Part 3 – Security & Privacy Utilities</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-4.html">Part 4 – Audio / Video Software</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-5.html">Part 5 – File & System Utilities</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-6.html">Part 6 – Internet & Network Tools</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-7.html">Part 7 – Web Development</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-8.html">Part 8 – CD / DVD Tools & Free Games</a></li> <li>Part 9 – Windows Development Tools & Education Software</li> </ul> <p>What do you think? What other software deserve to be included? Which one should be out? Leave your comments below.</p> </article> <article> <h1>100 Free Software for Windows – Part 8</h1> <p>Fernando Hal — Tue, 09 May 2006 16:32:17 +0000</p> <p><strong>100 Free Software for Windows</strong><br /> - Fernando Hal</p> <p>There is no free lunch in this world. Fortunately, the same doesn’t apply to software. Finding free software is a boon. But finding free software that is not a crippleware (functionality is so limited to the point of almost useless), nagware (repeatedly reminds user to purchase the software), demoware (can be used for certain times or certain number of days only), and does not contain adware(display advertisements every now and then), spyware(collect your personal information) is tough. </p> <p>Here is a list of what I consider as Top 100 Free Software for Windows. Most of these are software that I am using or have used before. Majority are freeware with some of them under open source software license agreement. There are a number of shareware in this list too. These are great shareware that provides good functionality even if you don’t buy.</p> <p><strong>CD / DVD Tools</strong></p> <ol> <li> <p> CDBurnerXP Pro<br /> CDBurnerXP Pro is a free CD/DVD burning solution. With this software you can burn CD-R, CD-RW DVD+R/RW DVD-R/RW discs.<br /> <a href="http://www.cdburnerxp.se/">http://www.cdburnerxp.se/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> IsoBuster<br /> This is not exactly a free software; once in a while it will display a reminder to purchase the software. But this software is too powerful to ignore. IsoBuster is a highly specialized yet easy to use CD and DVD data recovery tool. It supports all CD and DVD formats and all common CD and DVD file-systems. Start up IsoBuster, Insert a CD or DVD, select the drive (if not selected already) and let IsoBuster mount the media. You can also use IsoBuster to open content of iso files without having to burn it into CD.<br /> <a href="http://www.isobuster.com/">http://www.isobuster.com/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> ISO Recorder<br /> ISO Recorder is a tool (power toy) for Windows XP, 2003 and now Windows Vista, that allows (depending on the Windows version) to burn CD and DVD images, copy disks, make images of the existing data CDs and DVDs and create ISO images from a content of a disk folder.<br /> <a href="http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm">http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> DVD Shrink<br /> DVD Shrink enables you to copy a DVD very easily. Copying a DVD doesn’t get much simpler than this. Put DVD into DVD-ROM or DVD burner. Choose either either a Full Disk (1:1) copy or a main movie only. It’ll analyze DVD, encode video files , and finally burn a copy of the dvd to DVD±R media. Thus you have a excellent quality dvd copy of your original DVD.<br /> <a href="http://www.mrbass.org/dvdshrink/">http://www.mrbass.org/dvdshrink/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> CDex<br /> CDex a CD-Ripper, thus extracting digital audio data from an Audio CD. The application supports many Audio encoders, like MPEG (MP2,MP3), VQF, AAC encoders.<br /> <a href="http://sourceforge.net/projects/cdexos">http://sourceforge.net/projects/cdexos</a> </p> </li> </ol> <p><strong>Games</strong></p> <ol> <li> <p> Grand Theft Auto & Grand Theft Auto 2<br /> When the original Grand Theft Auto first hit the PC in 1998, the game was already courting controversy: its brazenly amoral gameplay actually rewarded the player for wanton criminal conduct. But competing titles such as Carmageddon–a Death Race 2000-inspired car combat racer that awarded points for mowing down as many pedestrians as possible–were an easier lightning rod for critics.<br /> <a href="http://www.rockstargames.com/classics/">http://www.rockstargames.com/classics/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Hidden & Dangerous<br /> Although it’s unstable and flawed, Hidden & Dangerous is nonetheless an impressive and uniquely serious depiction of squad-level combat behind enemy lines.<br /> <a href="http://www.3dgamers.com/games/hiddendangerous/downloads/">http://www.3dgamers.com/games/hiddendangerous/downloads/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> The Ur-Quan Masters<br /> The Ur-Quan Masters is a GPL port of the 3DO port of the DOS version of the classic video game Star Control II. It is based on the source code and game resources released by Toys For Bob in 2002. Explore the galaxy and engage in thrilling space battles with this game that combines strategy and action in a unique universe.<br /> <a href="http://sc2.sourceforge.net/downloads.php">http://sc2.sourceforge.net/downloads.php</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Starsiege Tribes<br /> Starsiege Tribes was so revolutionary that it quite possibly limited its audience with its extreme depth and complexity. But the game’s features read like a laundry list of what players expect at a bare minimum from today’s shooters.<br /> <a href="http://www.download.com/Starsiege-Tribes-full-install/3000-7453_4-10294999.html">http://www.download.com/Starsiege-Tribes-full-install/3000-7453_4-10294999.html</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> America’s Army: Special Forces<br /> The original version of America’s Army, released in 2002, was a better-than-average online multiplayer shooter. But what set it apart from the legion of other Counter-Strike clones were its impressive visuals (powered by the Unreal graphics engine) and its price–or lack thereof. Unlike all the other games on this list that began as commercial ventures, America’s Army was always intended as a giveaway. That’s because it’s an unapologetic recruiting tool for the real U.S. Army, which funds its development.<br /> <a href="http://www.download.com/America-s-Army-Special-Forces-Direct-Action-/3000-7455_4-10126542.html">http://www.download.com/America-s-Army-Special-Forces-Direct-Action-/3000-7455_4-10126542.html</a> </p> </li> </ol> <p>100 Free Software for Windows</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows.html">Part 1 – Office / Productivities Software</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-2.html">Part 2 – Graphics / Photo Editing Tools</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-3.html">Part 3 – Security & Privacy Utilities</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-4.html">Part 4 – Audio / Video Software</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-5.html">Part 5 – File & System Utilities</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-6.html">Part 6 – Internet & Network Tools</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-7.html">Part 7 – Web Development</a></li> <li>Part 8 – CD / DVD Tools & Free Games</li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-9.html">Part 9 – Windows Development Tools & Education Software</a></li> </ul> <p>What do you think? What other software deserve to be included? Which one should be out? Leave your comments below.</p> </article> <article> <h1>100 Free Software for Windows – Part 7</h1> <p>Fernando Hal — Tue, 09 May 2006 16:31:21 +0000</p> <p><strong>100 Free Software for Windows</strong><br /> - Fernando Hal</p> <p>There is no free lunch in this world. Fortunately, the same doesn’t apply to software. Finding free software is a boon. But finding free software that is not a crippleware (functionality is so limited to the point of almost useless), nagware (repeatedly reminds user to purchase the software), demoware (can be used for certain times or certain number of days only), and does not contain adware(display advertisements every now and then), spyware(collect your personal information) is tough. </p> <p>Here is a list of what I consider as Top 100 Free Software for Windows. Most of these are software that I am using or have used before. Majority are freeware with some of them under open source software license agreement. There are a number of shareware in this list too. These are great shareware that provides good functionality even if you don’t buy.</p> <p><strong>Web Development</strong></p> <ol> <li> <p> Notepad2<br /> Similar to Notepad that comes free with Windows, this Notepad2 follows the principle of small, simple, fast text editor with a number of additional functions like syntax highlighting for common language like HTML.<br /> <a href="http://www.flos-freeware.ch/notepad2.html">http://www.flos-freeware.ch/notepad2.html</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> NoteTab<br /> When you want to step up a bit higher than the usual Notepad but don’t want the bells and whistle of the complete development programme, enter the NoteTab. Move quickly around large files with a tabbed interface, and format your text. Write with the font of your choice, fixed width or proportional.<br /> <a href="http://www.fookes.com/notetab/index.php">http://www.fookes.com/notetab/index.php</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> PHP Designer<br /> Now, you are ready for a full-fledged development programme, but don’t want to spend a boom on it. Get PHPDesigner. Features such as XML support, customizable syntax schemes, and autobracketing may sound expensive, but PHP Designer delivers them all and a whole lot more without requiring you to dip into your savings.<br /> <a href="http://www.mpsoftware.dk/">http://www.mpsoftware.dk/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> NVU<br /> If you are not into coding, and just want to get your HTML pages done, use NVU. It is simpler than Microsoft Frontpage or Macromedia Dreamweaver, and create cleaner code.<br /> <a href="http://www.nvu.com/download.html">http://www.nvu.com/download.html</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Ferant DHTML Studio Lite<br /> I want to use popups to present material on my site, but many viewers would not see it, because they use popup killers. Is any alternative to popups? Use DHTML window. A dragable layer that can be used like a popup, but it is user friendly, powerful, immune from popup killers. Ferant DHTML Studio Lite helps you do that without having to learn HTML, CSS, and Javascripts.<br /> <a href="http://www.ferant.com/">http://www.ferant.com/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Apache HTTP Server<br /> Apache has been the most popular web server on the Internet since April 1996. The November 2005 Netcraft Web Server Survey found that more than 70% of the web sites on the Internet are using Apache, thus making it more widely used than all other web servers combined.<br /> <a href="http://httpd.apache.org/">http://httpd.apache.org/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> PHP Windows Binaries<br /> PHP is a widely-used general-purpose scripting language that is especially suited for Web development and can be embedded into HTML.<br /> <a href="http://www.php.net/downloads.php">http://www.php.net/downloads.php</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Abyss Web Server X1<br /> If you just need a personal web server for learning or testing your codes, use Abyss Web Server. Abyss Web Server X1 is a free, personal Web server. Despite its small footprint, it supports CGI scripts, FastCGI, ISAPI extensions, ASP.NET, server-side includes (SSI), download resuming, caching negotiation, logging, custom error pages, password protection, IP address control, aliases, custom MIME types, index files, custom directory listings, anti-leeching, and bandwidth throttling.<br /> <a href="http://www.aprelium.com/downloads/">http://www.aprelium.com/downloads/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> MySQL<br /> MySQL Community Edition is the freely downloadable version of the world’s most popular open source database. It is supported by a huge and active community of open source developers and enthusiasts. Use MySQL database to complement the Apache server.<br /> <a href="http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/">http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> phpMyAdmin<br /> phpMyadmin is free, browser-based administration tool for managing your MySQL database, written in PHP.<br /> <a href="http://www.phpmyadmin.net/home_page/downloads.php">http://www.phpmyadmin.net/home_page/downloads.php</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> WordPress<br /> WordPress is a free blogging software which offer powerful publishing capability, thus you can concentrate on your contents, and not worrying about the platform. WordPress is php based, so you need a server capable of running php.<br /> <a href="http://wordpress.org/">http://wordpress.org/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> phpBB<br /> phpBB is a very highly customizable free and open source bulletin board package. It is not the best looking forum software, but the active community is very helpful.<br /> <a href="http://www.phpbb.com/">http://www.phpbb.com/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Drupal<br /> Drupal is an open source content management platform. Equipped with a powerful blend of features, Drupal can support a variety of websites ranging from personal weblogs to large community-driven websites.<br /> <a href="http://drupal.org/">http://drupal.org/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> osCommerce<br /> osCommerce is the leading Open Source online shop e-commerce solution that is available for free under the GNU General Public License. It features a rich set of out-of-the-box online shopping cart functionality that allows store owners to setup, run, and maintain their online stores with minimum effort and with no costs, license fees, or limitations involved.<br /> <a href="http://www.oscommerce.com/">http://www.oscommerce.com/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Microsoft Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition<br /> An environment for dynamic Web development, geared towards ASP.Net. Visually design your Web applications and database.<br /> <a href="http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/vwd/">http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/vwd/</a> </p> </li> </ol> <p>100 Free Software for Windows</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows.html">Part 1 – Office / Productivities Software</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-2.html">Part 2 – Graphics / Photo Editing Tools</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-3.html">Part 3 – Security & Privacy Utilities</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-4.html">Part 4 – Audio / Video Software</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-5.html">Part 5 – File & System Utilities</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-6.html">Part 6 – Internet & Network Tools</a></li> <li>Part 7 – Web Development</li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-8.html">Part 8 – CD / DVD Tools & Free Games</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-9.html">Part 9 – Windows Development Tools & Education Software</a></li> </ul> <p>What do you think? What other software deserve to be included? Which one should be out? Leave your comments below.</p> </article> <article> <h1>100 Free Software for Windows – Part 6</h1> <p>Fernando Hal — Tue, 09 May 2006 16:21:30 +0000</p> <p><strong>100 Free Software for Windows</strong><br /> - Fernando Hal</p> <p>There is no free lunch in this world. Fortunately, the same doesn’t apply to software. Finding free software is a boon. But finding free software that is not a crippleware (functionality is so limited to the point of almost useless), nagware (repeatedly reminds user to purchase the software), demoware (can be used for certain times or certain number of days only), and does not contain adware(display advertisements every now and then), spyware(collect your personal information) is tough. </p> <p>Here is a list of what I consider as Top 100 Free Software for Windows. Most of these are software that I am using or have used before. Majority are freeware with some of them under open source software license agreement. There are a number of shareware in this list too. These are great shareware that provides good functionality even if you don’t buy.</p> <p><strong>Internet & Network Tools</strong></p> <ol> <li> <p> Azureus<br /> Azureus implements the BitTorrent protocol for P2P file sharing using java language and comes bundled with many invaluable features for both beginners and advanced users:<br /> <a href="http://azureus.sourceforge.net/">http://azureus.sourceforge.net/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Emule<br /> If BitTorrent is not your cup of tea, you can try Emule for P2P file sharing. It is originally based on EDonkey2000 network, but now includes Source Exchange and Kad networks. It is stable, efficient, and has many features.<br /> <a href="http://www.emule-project.net">http://www.emule-project.net</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Limewire<br /> Not my favourite, but surely among the most popular P2P file sharing program. It claims to be fastest P2P file sharing program.<br /> <a href="http://www.limewire.com/english/content/home.shtml">http://www.limewire.com/english/content/home.shtml</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> SG TCP Optimizer<br /> The TCP Optimizer is a free, easy Windows program that provides an intuitive interface for tuning and optimizing your Internet connection. There is no installation required, just download and run.<br /> <a href="http://www.speedguide.net/downloads.php">http://www.speedguide.net/downloads.php</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> HTTrack Website Copier<br /> HTTrack allows you to download a website from the Internet to your local harddisk, and after that browse the site even when you are not connected to the Internet.<br /> <a href="http://www.httrack.com/">http://www.httrack.com/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Free Download Manager<br /> Free Download Manager (FDM) is a full-featured download accelerator and manager. It is absolutely free! Using this software product you can easily download a list of files and whole web sites from any remote server via HTTP, HTTPS and FTP. With FDM the downloading process will be as easy as never before!<br /> <a href="http://freedownloadmanager.org/">http://freedownloadmanager.org/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Skype<br /> Skype is a little program for making free calls over the internet to anyone else who also has Skype. It’s free and easy to download and use, and works with most computers.<br /> <a href="http://www.skype.com/">http://www.skype.com/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> TightVNC<br /> TightVNC is a free remote control software package derived from the popular VNC software. With TightVNC, you can see the desktop of a remote machine and control it with your local mouse and keyboard, just like you would do it sitting in the front of that computer.<br /> <a href="http://www.tightvnc.com/">http://www.tightvnc.com/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Peer-To-Peer Network Messenger<br /> This program is a peer to peer messenger program which functions (and looks) like MSN messenger with no server code required. This is only intended for use on LAN’s or any other network which uses static IP addresses, since the IP address is the primary contact identifier unlike MSN messenger which uses email addresses. It works by making socks connections to all other users on the contact list. there are some problems with this: i.e. when you have a large list of users it can take a very long time to attempt to connect to all contacts.<br /> <a href="http://www.codeguru.com/cpp/i-n/network/messaging/article.php/c5419/">http://www.codeguru.com/cpp/i-n/network/messaging/article.php/c5419/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> SDP Receiver Downloads<br /> Ever wished you can download the mms video streamings? SDP receiver downloads (or copies) the stream to your hard disk. It can support following protocols: Http v1.0 streaming protocol, Http progressive (simple http download) and of course: mms, mmst and mmsu over both TCP and UDP transport protocols.<br /> <a href="http://sdp.ppona.com/">http://sdp.ppona.com/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> FreeProxy<br /> FreeProxy enables many users to share an Internet connection. The basic features include proxying HTTP, SMTP, POP, FTP Proxy, TCP Tunneling, and SOCKS 4/4a/5. The application works well with a wide range of clients including browsers, ICQ, and MSN messenger and comprehensive help illustrates the setup of these clients. In addition, FreeProxy includes authentication to both an internal user database or to a windows domain, extensive reporting, comprehensive control of resource permissions, URL filtering, IP address filtering, local port binding, demand dialing, calendar control, proxy chaining, and includes a functional Web server, plus numerous other features.<br /> <a href="http://www.handcraftedsoftware.org/">http://www.handcraftedsoftware.org/</a> </p> </li> </ol> <p>100 Free Software for Windows</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows.html">Part 1 – Office / Productivities Software</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-2.html">Part 2 – Graphics / Photo Editing Tools</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-3.html">Part 3 – Security & Privacy Utilities</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-4.html">Part 4 – Audio / Video Software</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-5.html">Part 5 – File & System Utilities</a></li> <li>Part 6 – Internet & Network Tools</li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-7.html">Part 7 – Web Development</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-8.html">Part 8 – CD / DVD Tools & Free Games</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-9.html">Part 9 – Windows Development Tools & Education Software</a></li> </ul> <p>What do you think? What other software deserve to be included? Which one should be out? Leave your comments below.</p> </article> <article> <h1>100 Free Software for Windows – Part 5</h1> <p>Fernando Hal — Sat, 06 May 2006 04:21:46 +0000</p> <p><strong>100 Free Software for Windows</strong><br /> - Fernando Hal</p> <p>There is no free lunch in this world. Fortunately, the same doesn’t apply to software. Finding free software is a boon. But finding free software that is not a crippleware (functionality is so limited to the point of almost useless), nagware (repeatedly reminds user to purchase the software), demoware (can be used for certain times or certain number of days only), and does not contain adware(display advertisements every now and then), spyware(collect your personal information) is tough. </p> <p>Here is a list of what I consider as Top 100 Free Software for Windows. Most of these are software that I am using or have used before. Majority are freeware with some of them under open source software license agreement. There are a number of shareware in this list too. These are great shareware that provides good functionality even if you don’t buy.</p> <p><strong>File & System Utilities</strong></p> <ol> <li> <p> Unlocker<br /> For many frustating occasions where you get the “Cannot delete file: Access is denied” error messages when deleting files, save yourself the headache and install this free program before you need it.<br /> <a href="http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/">http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Process Explorer<br /> Ever wondered which program has a particular file or directory open? Now you can find out. Process Explorer shows you information about which handles and DLLs processes have opened or loaded. It’s almost similar with the Windows Task Manager, except that it provides much more advanced functions.<br /> <a href="http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/ProcessExplorer.html">http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/ProcessExplorer.html</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> FreeRAM XP Pro<br /> If you want to boost your PC performance without taking a hit in the pocket, get FreeRAM XP Pro.<br /> <a href="http://www.yourwaresolutions.com/">http://www.yourwaresolutions.com/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> CCleaner<br /> CCleaner is a freeware system optimization and privacy tool. It removes unused files from your system – allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history.<br /> <a href="http://www.ccleaner.com/">http://www.ccleaner.com/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> 7-Zip<br /> Forget Winzip or WinRAR. Throw any compression format, and 7-Zip will handle it. It supports zip, rar, cab, 7z, tar, gz, among others. As like many other open source software, the interface needs a little time to go around with, but you’ll get used to it in no time.<br /> <a href="http://www.7-zip.org/">http://www.7-zip.org/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> SequoiaView<br /> Ever wondered why your hard disk is full? Or what directory is taking up most of the space? When using conventional disk browsing tools, such as Windows Explorer, these questions may be hard to answer. With SequoiaView however, they can be answered almost immediately. SequoiaView uses a visualization technique called cushion treemaps to provide you with a single picture of the entire contents of your hard drive.<br /> <a href="http://www.win.tue.nl/sequoiaview/">http://www.win.tue.nl/sequoiaview/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Smart Data Recovery<br /> Smart Data Recovery is a free data recovery tool for Windows operating system that supports the FAT and NTFS file systems. The software easily recovers data from hard disks, digital cameras, and any type of storage media – flash drives, USB drives, memory stick, PC card, multimedia card, secure digital card and diskette.<br /> <a href="http://www.smartpctools.com/data_recovery/">http://www.smartpctools.com/data_recovery/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> FreeUndelete<br /> FreeUndelete is a freeware data recovery program for deleted files. In case of accidental deletion of files on a NTFS file system (used by default in Windows XP/2000/NT) and FAT32 (added in 2.0 release) FreeUndelete is the utility to help. Features a comprehensive interface, which allows user to sort the files according to their efficiency (good, average, poor).<br /> <a href="http://www.officerecovery.com/freeundelete/index.htm">http://www.officerecovery.com/freeundelete/index.htm</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Partition Resizer<br /> The first free program to resize and move partitions without data loss, with features include: Int13 extensions support allows handling of disks up to 2TB (2048GB) of size. New Resizing/Moving engine, with simpler interface. Move and resize your partitions in one step. Transparent extended partition resizing (no more confusion with extended partitions). Command line parameters for accessing advanced options (read-only operation etc.).<br /> <a href="http://zeleps.com/">http://zeleps.com/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Hekko Virtual CD<br /> Hekko Virtual CD creates a virtual CD-ROM drive on your Windows PC. This allows you to make images of your favorite CD-ROMs and use them without inserting a CD into a CD-ROM drive. Hekko Virtual CD: 1) improves the speed at which you access data, 2) stops you from having to switch disks in and out of your CD-ROM drive. Use Hekko Virtual CD to easily access your favorite games, favorite music or favorite software programs. Since Hekko Virtual CD uses HekkoScan(tm), nearly *any* CD can be imaged.<br /> <a href="http://www.circleofone.com/">http://www.circleofone.com/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Omziff<br /> Omziff is a straightforward encryption utility that uses various cryptographic algorithms to encrypt and decrypt textual files. These algorithms include: Blowfish, Cast128, Gost, IDEA, Misty1, AES/Rijndael, and Twofish.<br /> <a href="http://www.xtort.net/xtort/omziff.php">http://www.xtort.net/xtort/omziff.php</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Regmon<br /> Regmon is a Registry monitoring utility that will show you which applications are accessing your Registry, which keys they are accessing, and the Registry data that they are reading and writing – all in real-time. This advanced utility takes you one step beyond what static Registry tools can do, to let you see and understand exactly how programs use the Registry. With static tools you might be able to see what Registry values and keys changed. With Regmon you’ll see how the values and keys changed.<br /> <a href="http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/Regmon.html">http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/Regmon.html</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> MD5summer<br /> MD5summer is an application for Microsoft Windows 9x, NT, ME, 2000 and XP which generates and verifies md5 checksums. Its output file is compatible with the output of the Linux GNU MD5Sum and it will also read Linux generated files.<br /> <a href="http://www.md5summer.org/download.html">http://www.md5summer.org/download.html</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> SyncToy for Windows XP<br /> With new sources of files coming from every direction (such as digital cameras, e-mail, cell phones, portable media players, camcorders, PDAs, and laptops), SyncToy can help you copy, move, and synchronize different directories.<br /> <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/prophoto/synctoy.mspx">http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/prophoto/synctoy.mspx</a> </p> </li> </ol> <p>100 Free Software for Windows</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows.html">Part 1 – Office / Productivities Software</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-2.html">Part 2 – Graphics / Photo Editing Tools</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-3.html">Part 3 – Security & Privacy Utilities</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-4.html">Part 4 – Audio / Video Software</a></li> <li>Part 5 – File & System Utilities</li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-6.html">Part 6 – Internet & Network Tools</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-7.html">Part 7 – Web Development</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-8.html">Part 8 – CD / DVD Tools & Free Games</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-9.html">Part 9 – Windows Development Tools & Education Software</a></li> </ul> <p>What do you think? What other software deserve to be included? Which one should be out? Leave your comments below.</p> </article> <article> <h1>100 Free Software for Windows – Part 4</h1> <p>Fernando Hal — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 02:57:25 +0000</p> <p><strong>100 Free Software for Windows</strong><br /> - Fernando Hal</p> <p>There is no free lunch in this world. Fortunately, the same doesn’t apply to software. Finding free software is a boon. But finding free software that is not a crippleware (functionality is so limited to the point of almost useless), nagware (repeatedly reminds user to purchase the software), demoware (can be used for certain times or certain number of days only), and does not contain adware(display advertisements every now and then), spyware(collect your personal information) is tough. </p> <p>Here is a list of what I consider as Top 100 Free Software for Windows. Most of these are software that I am using or have used before. Majority are freeware with some of them under open source software license agreement. There are a number of shareware in this list too. These are great shareware that provides good functionality even if you don’t buy.</p> <p><strong>Audio / Video</strong></p> <ol> <li> <p> Winamp Media Player<br /> Winamp is old, as old as the mp3 music format. This legendary music player has pack so much muscles into its tiny body, it shows us that Winamp is not to be forgottent yet amidst newer music players.<br /> <a href="http://www.winamp.com/">http://www.winamp.com/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> iTunes<br /> iTunes is the most popular way to organize, share and listen to music on your computer.<br /> <a href="http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/">http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Media Player Classic<br /> Media Player Classic looks just like Windows Media Player 6.4, but has many additional features. It has a built in DVD player with real-time zoom, support for AVI subtitles, QuickTime and RealVideo support (requires QuickTime and/or Real Player); built-in MPEG2/SVCD/DVD codec.<br /> <a href="http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Media_Player_Classic.htm">http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Media_Player_Classic.htm</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Real Alternative<br /> Real Alternative will allow you to play RealMedia files without having to install RealPlayer/RealOne Player.<br /> <a href="http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Real_Alternative.htm">http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Real_Alternative.htm</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> QuickTime Alternative<br /> QuickTime Alternative will allow you to play QuickTime files (.mov, .qt and other extensions) without having to install the official QuickTime Player. It also supports QuickTime content that is embedded in webpages.<br /> <a href="http://www.free-codecs.com/download/QuickTime_Alternative.htm">http://www.free-codecs.com/download/QuickTime_Alternative.htm</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> VLC Media Player<br /> VLC (initially VideoLAN Client) is a highly portable multimedia player for various audio and video formats (MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, mp3, ogg, …) as well as DVDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols. It has high tolerance for errors. I used it especially for opening incomplete downloads.<br /> <a href="http://www.videolan.org/vlc/">http://www.videolan.org/vlc/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Screamer Radio<br /> Screaner radio is a freeware Internet radio player and recorder. It comes set with a slew of stations to tune into.<br /> <a href="http://www.screamer-radio.com/">http://www.screamer-radio.com/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Audacity<br /> Audacity is a free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. Comes handy when you need recording software for podcast or voice background for your photo album.<br /> <a href="http://audacity.sourceforge.net/">http://audacity.sourceforge.net/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Audiograbber<br /> Audiograbber copies music from CDs or external sources such as radios, cassettes, or turntables. The music is saved on your hard disk as WAV, MP3, WMA, or OGG files. CD-ripping is definitely not new. But once you used Audiograbber, you might wonder how you have survived this far without this function-packed application.<br /> <a href="http://www.audiograbber.com-us.net/">http://www.audiograbber.com-us.net/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> EvilLyrics<br /> EvilLyrics automatically searches for and displays lyrics as your song is played in your player. Supports Winamp, Windows Media Player, iTunes, MusicMatch, Real Player, and many others.<br /> <a href="http://www.evillabs.sk/evillyrics/">http://www.evillabs.sk/evillyrics/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> iPodder<br /> Podcasting is the buzz word of 2005, and likely to continue in 2006. If you want to listen to podcasts but can’t when they are scheduled, this program is for you. Call it the TiVo of podcasting.<br /> <a href="http://www.ipodder.org">http://www.ipodder.org</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> AVI Fixed<br /> The author’s site is no longer active. But AVI Fixed is still going around. This software can rebuild the index part of the movie file, which is at the end of the file,and fix the file’s play time error. It can help you to be able to watch partially downloaded DivX (AVI) movies.<br /> <a href="http://www.divx-digest.com/software/avifix.html">http://www.divx-digest.com/software/avifix.html</a> </p> </li> </ol> <p>100 Free Software for Windows</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows.html">Part 1 – Office / Productivities Software</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-2.html">Part 2 – Graphics / Photo Editing Tools</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-3.html">Part 3 – Security & Privacy Utilities</a></li> <li>Part 4 – Audio / Video Software</li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-5.html">Part 5 – File & System Utilities</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-6.html">Part 6 – Internet & Network Tools</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-7.html">Part 7 – Web Development</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-8.html">Part 8 – CD / DVD Tools & Free Games</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-9.html">Part 9 – Windows Development Tools & Education Software</a></li> </ul> <p>What do you think? What other software deserve to be included? Which one should be out? Leave your comments below.</p> </article> <article> <h1>100 Free Software for Windows – Part 3</h1> <p>Fernando Hal — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 16:31:40 +0000</p> <p><strong>100 Free Software for Windows</strong><br /> - Fernando Hal</p> <p>There is no free lunch in this world. Fortunately, the same doesn’t apply to software. Finding free software is a boon. But finding free software that is not a crippleware (functionality is so limited to the point of almost useless), nagware (repeatedly reminds user to purchase the software), demoware (can be used for certain times or certain number of days only), and does not contain adware(display advertisements every now and then), spyware(collect your personal information) is tough. </p> <p>Here is a list of what I consider as Top 100 Free Software for Windows. Most of these are software that I am using or have used before. Majority are freeware with some of them under open source software license agreement. There are a number of shareware in this list too. These are great shareware that provides good functionality even if you don’t buy.</p> <p><strong>Security & Privacy</strong></p> <ol> <li> <p> AVG Free Edition<br /> As a free anti-virus, AVG works very well. Ever since installing this a year back on my laptop, it no virus has even escaped. That’s compared with 4 or 5 virus infections on the home desktop protected by Norton Anti Virus. Moreover, it doesn’t take much system resources and easy to use.<br /> <a href="http://free.grisoft.com/">http://free.grisoft.com/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Avast Home Edition<br /> I personally do not like Avast very much. Avast takes more system resources than AVG, and the interface is overly complicated. The detection is comparable though. And it does provide more options in the settings.<br /> <a href="http://www.avast.com/eng/av4_revision_history.html">http://www.avast.com/eng/av4_revision_history.html</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall<br /> I started using Kerio Personal Firewall about 2 years ago. It is much easier to use than ZoneAlarm, and it is free. Sometime in the last year, it is bought over by Sunbelt, but they still give the free version.<br /> <a href="http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Kerio.cfm">http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Kerio.cfm</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Windows Defender (Beta 2)<br /> Windows Defender (previously called Microsoft Anti-Spyware) has so far been the most succesful software for cleaning even the most sticky spywares. Just update it and then run it on Windows Safe-Mode for a few times. You need to have your OS to be updated for running this tough. Listed on the FAQ, Windows Defender run on Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 or later, or Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later, or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or later.<br /> <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx">http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Spybot S&D<br /> Some of you just won’t trust your system security to Microsoft. Anyway, they are the one who has allowed so many holes on their Windows operating system. Fair enough, then you might want to get Spybot Search & Destroy for fighting spyware and adware instead of Windows Defender.<br /> <a href="http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html">http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> a-squared HiJackFree<br /> a-squared HiJackFree is a detailed system analysis tool which helps advanced users to detect and remove all types of HiJackers, Spyware, Adware, Trojans and Worms.<br /> <a href="http://www.hijackfree.com/en/">http://www.hijackfree.com/en/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Lavasoft Ad-Aware<br /> Another very popular anti-spyware.<br /> <a href="http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/">http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Rootkit Revealer<br /> Remember Sony’s rootkit fiasco last year? It was first publisher by the author of this program. It checks your computer system againts any files that hides itself. As malicious software grows in sophistication, more and more viruses and spywares will be hidden by rootkit.<br /> <a href="http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/RootkitRevealer.html">http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/RootkitRevealer.html</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Ewido Anti-Trojan<br /> Now, anti-virus combined with anti-spyware might have been good enough to protect againts malicious software. But if you want to be sure, get Ewido Anti-Trojan.<br /> <a href="http://www.ewido.net/en/download/">http://www.ewido.net/en/download/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> HijackThis<br /> This lightweight program offers a simple, powerful remedy for the pesky spyware and adware that manages to get past other tools. Novice users should be mindful about what they’re tossing out, but this is ideal for the infection you just can’t seem to shake.<br /> <a href="http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/">http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> TOR<br /> If you are concerned with your privacy when surfing Internet, use The Onion Router. Using Tor can help you anonymize web browsing and publishing, instant messaging, IRC, SSH, and other applications that use the TCP protocol.<br /> <a href="http://tor.eff.org/">http://tor.eff.org/</a> </p> </li> </ol> <p>100 Free Software for Windows</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows.html">Part 1 – Office / Productivities Software</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-2.html">Part 2 – Graphics / Photo Editing Tools</a></li> <li>Part 3 – Security & Privacy Utilities</li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-4.html">Part 4 – Audio / Video Software</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-5.html">Part 5 – File & System Utilities</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-6.html">Part 6 – Internet & Network Tools</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-7.html">Part 7 – Web Development</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-8.html">Part 8 – CD / DVD Tools & Free Games</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-9.html">Part 9 – Windows Development Tools & Education Software</a></li> </ul> <p>What do you think? What other software deserve to be included? Which one should be out? Leave your comments below.</p> </article> <article> <h1>100 Free Software for Windows – Part 2</h1> <p>Fernando Hal — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 15:21:17 +0000</p> <p><strong>100 Free Software for Windows</strong><br /> - Fernando Hal</p> <p>There is no free lunch in this world. Fortunately, the same doesn’t apply to software. Finding free software is a boon. But finding free software that is not a crippleware (functionality is so limited to the point of almost useless), nagware (repeatedly reminds user to purchase the software), demoware (can be used for certain times or certain number of days only), and does not contain adware(display advertisements every now and then), spyware(collect your personal information) is tough. </p> <p>Here is a list of what I consider as Top 100 Free Software for Windows. Most of these are software that I am using or have used before. Majority are freeware with some of them under open source software license agreement. There are a number of shareware in this list too. These are great shareware that provides good functionality even if you don’t buy.</p> <p><strong>Graphics / Photo Editing</strong></p> <ol> <li> <p> The Font Thing<br /> Easy font-management functions let you install, uninstall, print, copy, or delete any number of fonts at once. You can even store your own notes with them, filter them according to type (serif, sans serif, and so on), and group them into collections for convenience.<br /> <a href="http://members.ozemail.com.au/~scef/tft.html">http://members.ozemail.com.au/~scef/tft.html</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> GIMP<br /> Gnu Image Manipulation Programme is a software as powerful as Adobe Photoshop. The main difference tough, lies on the price. While Photoshop cost few hundred bucks, GIMP is free.<br /> <a href="http://www.gimp.org/">http://www.gimp.org/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> ColorPic<br /> Ever tried using a color picker on a high resolution monitor? It’s impossible. That’s why this color picker has a magnifier attached. Control it from the keyboard and grab up to 16 colors at once.<br /> <a href="http://www.iconico.com/colorpic/">http://www.iconico.com/colorpic/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Pixie<br /> Pixie is an easy-to-use, fast and tiny utility designed especially to fit the needs of Webmasters and Designers. Its a colour picker that includes a mouse tracker. Run it, simply point to a colour and it will tell you the hex, RGB, HTML, CMYK and HSV values of that colour.<br /> <a href="http://www.nattyware.com/pixie.html">http://www.nattyware.com/pixie.html</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Easy Thumbnails<br /> Easy Thumbnails is a a free utility for creating thumbnail images for individual image files or for the whole folder.<br /> <a href="http://www.fookes.com/ezthumbs/index.php">http://www.fookes.com/ezthumbs/index.php</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Picasa<br /> Picasa is software from Google that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. It also includes easy-to-use advanced editing tools.<br /> <script type="text/javascript"></script><br /> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script></p> <p>http://picasa.google.com/</p> </li> <li> <p> Image Analyzer<br /> Advanced image editing, enhancement and analysis software. The program contains both most image enhancement features found in conventional image editors plus a number of advanced features not even available in professional photo suites.<br /> <a href="http://meesoft.logicnet.dk/Analyzer/">http://meesoft.logicnet.dk/Analyzer/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Popims Animator<br /> Animation software for creating morphs, warps and other effect with one or more pictures. The program allows the user to align, resize, and crop the pictures to achieve the best morphing results. The resulting animation can be computed and displayed real-time, it can be saved to disk and it can be printed for use with a Popims screen.<br /> <a href="http://meesoft.logicnet.dk/PopimsAnimator/">http://meesoft.logicnet.dk/PopimsAnimator/</a> </p> </li> </ol> <p>100 Free Software for Windows</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows.html">Part 1 – Office / Productivities Software</a></li> <li>Part 2 – Graphics / Photo Editing Tools</li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-3.html">Part 3 – Security & Privacy Utilities</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-4.html">Part 4 – Audio / Video Software</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-5.html">Part 5 – File & System Utilities</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-6.html">Part 6 – Internet & Network Tools</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-7.html">Part 7 – Web Development</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-8.html">Part 8 – CD / DVD Tools & Free Games</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-9.html">Part 9 – Windows Development Tools & Education Software</a></li> </ul> <p>What do you think? What other software deserve to be included? Which one should be out? Leave your comments below.</p> </article> <article> <h1>100 Free Software for Windows</h1> <p>Fernando Hal — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 16:58:55 +0000</p> <p><strong>100 Free Software for Windows</strong><br /> - Fernando Hal</p> <p>There is no free lunch in this world. Fortunately, the same doesn’t apply to software. Finding free software is a boon. But finding free software that is not a crippleware (functionality is so limited to the point of almost useless), nagware (repeatedly reminds user to purchase the software), demoware (can be used for certain times or certain number of days only), and does not contain adware(display advertisements every now and then), spyware(collect your personal information) is tough. </p> <p>Here is a list of what I consider as Top 100 Free Software for Windows. Most of these are software that I am using or have used before. Majority are freeware with some of them under open source software license agreement. There are a number of shareware in this list too. These are great shareware that provides good functionality even if you don’t buy.</p> <p><strong>Office / Productivities</strong></p> <ol> <li> <p> Mozilla Firefox<br /> If you are stil using Internet Explorer now, get Firefox. Stability and security aside, it is much easier and fun to surf the net using Firefox. You can add in additional functions by installing the many extensions available. Otherwise, with basic download of less than 6MB, you are ready to go. It even helps migrate your Internet Explorer settings.<br /> <script type="text/javascript"></script><br /> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script></p> <p>http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/</p> </li> <li> <p> Mozilla Thunderbird<br /> As companion to Firefox browser, use Thunderbird to replace your email client (that will be Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora, etc). The built-in spam filters works well, and you can search your mail from months ago effortlessly. With the webmail extension, I use it to manage all my emails account, including the Hotmail, Yahoo, GMail, and my POP accounts. The migration wizard will help you transfer your account settings and mails from the current email client.<br /> <a href="http://www.mozilla.com/thunderbird/">http://www.mozilla.com/thunderbird/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Adobe Reader<br /> Adobe Reader has been around for many years, used for opening PDF (Portable Document Format) files. Previously it is called Acrobat Reader, referring to the for sale Adobe Acrobat for creating files in PDF format. It is hard to go around without this free software from Adobe.<br /> <a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html">http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> CutePDF Writer<br /> Previously Adobe products (Acrobat, Distiller) were the only software that can be used to produce PDF files. With CutePDF Writer, you can create PDF from any file than can be printed.<br /> <a href="http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp">http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Open Office.org<br /> Open Office.org is a strong contender of Microsoft Office products (read: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access), supporting most of the commonly used functions on Microsoft Office products. Advatages of Open Office includes supports for PDF files and using open formats. And it’s free! You can use Open Office to open Microsoft Office files, so the change is painless.<br /> <a href="http://www.openoffice.org/">http://www.openoffice.org/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> PagePlus SE<br /> PagePlus SE a free desktop publishing software. It is one of the easiest ways to get professional desktop publishing results on your desktop printer. With your PC, printer, and PagePlus, you can save time and money.<br /> <a href="http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/software/PagePlus/default.asp">http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/software/PagePlus/default.asp</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Easy To-Do<br /> Easy To-Do helps you manage your To-Do lists. It is a simple but powerful program to help you remember all those important little tasks you have to do, at home or in the office. With Easy To-Do you can become more efficient and get more things done in less time.<br /> <a href="http://www.xanadutools.com/products.htm">http://www.xanadutools.com/products.htm</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Forecaster<br /> Plan your spending for sustainable portfolio withdrawals. See cash flow projections for your retirement years. See your estate plan results.<br /> <a href="http://www.retirementforecaster.com/">http://www.retirementforecaster.com/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Compiere<br /> Compiere is open source ERP and CRM software that provides a seamless 360-degree view of your company, its customers and vendors. For years only large corporations have been able to enjoy the benefits of ERP applications. Now, Compiere ERP and CRM puts the power of timely and consistent communications within reach of small to medium-sized businesses.<br /> <a href="http://www.compiere.org/">http://www.compiere.org/</a> </p> </li> <li> <p> Tina POS is a point of sales application designed for touch screens. Supports ESC/POS ticket printers, customer displays and barcode scanners. It is multiuser and has a great backoffice with a product entry form, reports and charts.<br /> <a href="http://www.tinapos.org/">http://www.tinapos.org/</a> </p> </li> </ol> <p>100 Free Software for Windows</p> <ul> <li>Part 1 – Office / Productivities Software</li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-2.html">Part 2 – Graphics / Photo Editing Tools</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-3.html">Part 3 – Security & Privacy Utilities</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-4.html">Part 4 – Audio / Video Software</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-5.html">Part 5 – File & System Utilities</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-6.html">Part 6 – Internet & Network Tools</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-7.html">Part 7 – Web Development</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-8.html">Part 8 – CD / DVD Tools & Free Games</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hundredtips.com/100-free-software-for-windows-part-9.html">Part 9 – Windows Development Tools & Education Software</a></li> </ul> <p>What do you think? What other software deserve to be included? Which one should be out? Leave your comments below.</p> </article> </main></body></html>