Ten free tools for Windows PCs
Your Windows PC may not come with too much software pre-loaded, but you don't need to spend anything to get these amazing tools.
Read on about to know about 10 free amazing tools for Windows PCs.
Camstudio
This nifty piece of software can record whatever you're doing on the screen and make it into a video. Let's say you need to demonstrate something on your PC to a friend, family member or broadcast it to the web - you start CamStudio, click record, minimise the windows and then go about what you need to do.
Once done, bring up CamStudio, stop recording and you'll get a high-quality AVI video file of all your actions. It's just so much simpler and clearer than using a camera to record a screen. Get it from camstudio.org.
Crossloop
This is what you need to use if you get stuck with something. With Crossloop, anyone can connect to your computer and temporarily take over - with your permission of course.
You don't need to worry about complicated VNC clients or IP addresses, just as long both PCs/Macs have Crossloop installed and have decent internet connections, they can connect to each other. Connections are secure and only possible using a password - random passkeys are generated each time it starts. Get it from crossloop.com.
Dexpot
This is a great utility for virtual desktops. Let's say you like have multiple windows open at the same time - so many that your poor desktop and taskbar are stressed to the max. With Dexpot, you have have four different desktops - each operating like an individual computer.
You can have different windows and different programs running in each, and switch between them with a keyboard shortcut.It's especially useful if you're using a laptop with a smaller screen. Get it from dexpot.de.
Eraser
When you're selling or giving away an old computer or hard drive, spare a thought for all your data which will probably still be on it (even if you delete) and easily recoverable with free software like Recuva.
With Eraser, you can securely erase all your data (or targeted files and folders) so that it can never be accessed again. Eraser overwrites your existing data with random patterns and you can choose the level of security you prefer. Get it from eraser.heidi.ie.
Keepass
If you're fed up with trying to remember multiple passwords, KeePass is the answer. It's an open-source password keeper that keeps everything in a highly encrypted database.
You can store passwords, credit card information, bank IDs and so on - secure with one master password - and your data will be encrypted on your machine itself, using the most secure encryption algorithms currently available. Get it from keepass.info.
Recuva
With Recuva, you can recover documents that you have accidentally deleted, either from your computer's built in hard drive, an external one, a connected digital camera or even a USB flash drive. The reason this works is simple - when you click delete, the file isn't actually deleted, it just becomes hidden, freeing up space and ready to be overwritten with something else.
As long as you haven't overwritten loads of data on it already or formatted the memory device, it should work fine. Get it from piriform.com/recuva.
Rocketdock
If you've always wanted a slick software dock & launcher like Mac OS X, get RocketDock. Not only is it lightweight (doesn't hog system resources), but it's completely customisable - you can choose a location, choose from various themes and animation effects, add/ remove shortcuts with ease (drag and drop) and If you prefer, you could even use it as a complete replacement for the standard Windows taskbar - in this mode, your applications will be minimised to the dock. Get it from rocketdock.com.
Screenleap
Screenleap is a screen sharing service, but one that works through any regular web browser - you don't need to download and install anything or even sign up as long as you have Java (which you probably already do).
The people you want to share your screen with can even access it using a web browser on a smartphone or tablet without needing any app. Plus, the biggest advantage is that you can share with multiple people simultaneously. Head to screenleap.com to get started with sharing your screen.
Truecrypt
If you have files on your computer which no one should ever see but you, use TrueCrypt. It's an automatic and real-time open source encryption software that can secure everything on your hard drive, making it inaccessible to an unauthorised person (even an experienced hacker).
You can also use it to created an encrypted volume within a drive. It uses technology that utilises the multi-core processors of today to deliver encryption-decryption without slowing down your system. Get it from truecrypt.org.
XBMC
In its most basic, XBMC is a media centre software for Windows, but it's actually so much more than that. If you have a PC connected to a TV or regularly connect your laptop for movies, music or viewing photographs, XBMC is a must-have.
The interface is customisable, attractive, intuitive and visible at a comfortable viewing distance from the TV (unlike the normal Windows interface). What makes XBMC so special is the vibrant user community and the numerous add-ons. Get it from xbmc.org.
