Five killer software freebies you've (probably) never heard of

Xobni

(Credit: Rick Broida)

I don't know about you, but I'm getting a little spoiled by all the free software out there. Seriously, I feel for the developers working hard to make a buck when there's so much good freeware. Like these five gems, all of which I use almost daily and love dearly:

• CrossLoop - Need remote access to another PC? It's hard to find a simpler solution than CrossLoop. Just run the small client app on your system, then instruct the friend/grandma/user at the other end to do likewise. Presto: You're connected, able to see and control the other PC and even transfer files.
• Revo Uninstaller - If you routinely install and uninstall new programs, ditch Windows' crappy uninstaller and use Revo instead. It works faster and removes all traces of the selected program, leaving behind no system-clogging Registry debris, icons, etc.
• SyncToy - One of Microsoft's little-known XP/Vista PowerToys, SyncToy offers soup-to-nuts folder synchronization between networked PCs. It's not particularly well-documented, nor does it come with technical support, but I find it indispensable.
• Windows Live FolderShare - Another little-known Microsoft jewel, this free service not only keeps folders in sync between two or more non-networked computers (like, say, your home and work PCs), but also lets you share files with others and access them remotely.
• Xobni - Best. Outlook add-on. Ever. Xobni can automatically extract names and phone numbers from e-mail messages, search e-mail in a flash, thread your e-mail conversations, and analyze your e-mail to provide all kinds of useful information.

Okay, your turn: What lesser-known freebies did I leave off the list? Hit the Comments and list your favorites.

[peteyboy84]

I'm a web designer and I came across the Image Resizer PowerToy from Microsoft last week. It works incredibly fast and doesn't require me to start up any additional programs. Definitely worth having if you're constantly resizing folder fulls of images like i do.

Here at our photolab , we use mikogo to remotely access customers' computers and for training sessions for multiple users. We also use Foxit Reader for PDF's and Bulk Rename Utility to easily rename thousands of image files.

[skimike4]

I use Xobni all the time. With Outlook's search basically being unusable, it's nice to have a powerful search tool (a la Gmail) to add on. Love it.

[Former Big Iron Guy]

Revo Unistaller is pretty fair. However, the improved MSICUU2.msi, otherwise know as Windows Installer Clean Up Application v 2.05.0001 usually does it for me, without having to resort to Revo.
SyncToy is now out of beta, and the transition to the current unsupported release might be painful for some users.
I need to look at Xobni, but have found the desktop search engines, with the notable exception of MS desktop search, do fairly well. There is a reg hack for Outlook that allows you boolean complex searches. Of the 3rd party searches, I like the freeware version of Copernic better than X1, Google and definitely MS DT search.

[Former Big Iron Guy]

I also really like MS-SysInternals PSexec for going outside the local SOHO net, with the run parameters set to limited account. Sure cuts down on browsing issues, and it is easy enough to revert to a higher power account if needed, by using my old regular browsing account. (Limited is my new regular way....)
For the last 8 or 9 months, every time MS's Black Tuesday would come around, I would start seeing funky IP's in my logs, coming from my ISP's DNS servers. I don't know what the autoupdate does to my DNS, but I have had very few problems using OpenDNS instead of my ISP's DNS servers. The free version works for me.

[illegallydead]

haha Xobni does what? Makes outlook have some of the nice features of Apple Mail... Lol. Sorry, had to add this, now everyone feel free to attack me for liking macs :P

BTW tho, back when I was a windows user, the Powertoys were great. TweakUI is nice for customizing some more advances settings and such. Also, there is a good scientific calculator powertoy that I found useful for high school math.

[incendy]

SysInternals for sure! Great stuff for admins. Live Writer is also a great free tool. Paint.net is a good tool as well. Live Mesh is one of the best wares period, although I think the final release might cost money, not sure...


Oh and Visual Web Developer 2008 Express is probably the best free software you will ever find now matter how hard you search.. Might not be for everyone, but could easily be sold for a few hundred dollars at your local retailer.

[DarkHawke]

I use SyncToy on a weekly basis to back up my hard drive. An essential tool in my safe computing arsenal!

[FRB99]

By far the greatest freebie out there that I use is FastStone Photo Resizer (www.fastone.org/FSResizerDetail.htm). Perfect for resizing all of those huge photos from your camera so you can send them to anyone via e-mail or a web site. It's fast, light, and doesn't take a genious to use. You can even put watermarks on your images to brand them! You can convert image formats and even do batch file renaming with it!! Must have for anyone who does a lot of digital photography and/or web site work.

[jtaylorhoopla]

Live Writer Beta is really good, so is Live Mail Beta, (i mean the new betas) And I feel that Microsoft Visual Basic Express 2008 Is an AMAZING program for people just starting to program(as myself) or people who want to create something easy.