OpenWithView

Nir Sofer

When clicking on a file, have you ever used the 'Open as...' option in the drop-down menu? OpenWithView is a free application that lets you edit and create new entries for this menu. This way, you can create your own list of applications for opening each different file format. Choose specific applications for each list, and even add an alias to identify them more easily from the menu if you wish. You can also choose which actions to perform with your file (open, edit, print, and so on). OpenWithView really expands the possibilities of what you can do with just the 'Open as...' menu.

Dr Hardware

Peter A. Gebhard

Dr. Hardware concentrates its efforts on detecting and inquiring the core hardware and the connected devices of your computer. Also relevant information about resources and operating system will be given. Dr. Hardware can help both novices and experts, although it seems to be better for experts than for novices because it includes a lot of information that won’t be understood by novices. If you want to know more and more about your computer, install Dr. Hardware and you will be noticed about every device in it.

MultiSet

Almeza Research

Reinstalling all drivers and applications when you format the computer or reinstall the Operating System is really annoying and that's the reason why we offer you this cute application that does it automatically. If you usually have to format and reinstall many programs and drivers, Multiset will be really helpful and will save you a valuable time. You'll only have to select the files you want to install, enter passwords and choose the drievers you'll want to keep and the next time you'll have to format and reinstall drivers and programs, your only task will be to load MultiSet and let it reinstall everything. You'll only have to press F5 and enjoy. Then, you'll realise how useful it is.

Filebox Extender

hyperionics

Filebox Extender is an application that adds new buttons and functions to the title bar of any window. The first upgrade introduced by this tool is a pin-shaped button that lets you keep a specific window always on top. This is perfect if you’re working with a number of documents so large that the windows tend to get lost on your desktop. The second is a simple tool that works in levels and lets you move the windows up or down the different levels. If a window is on top and you press this button, it will automatically send it backward. It works similarly to the layer system in graphic editors. Two more interesting features are a button that lets you access Windows folders you’ve visited recently and a different one for Favorites that can be configured by the user to perform a specific task when pressed.

VisualCron

VisualCron.com

Do you know the famous Linux Cron? It is a very useful task planner with lots of options which can become really useful. In this case, VisualCron is presented like an idependent version of Cron for Windows, though it is really similar to the Linux version. It is specially developed for some programs to run at a certain time. By this way, you will not have to click on them at 4:00 A.M. and, for example, your antivirus will be run everyday, so your system will be safe and you will not waste a minute. It is very easy to use, you will not have any troubles when managing tasks: add, modify or delete tasks, and enjoy yourself, because VisualCron will run your programs for you. In addition, it is free and its interface is very intuitive.

Vista Drive Icon

artArmin

Add one of Vista’s best features to XP: smart drive icons showing the current capacity of each hard drive. That is what you can do now thank to Vista Drive Icon. It is very useful, because you will see a bar below the icon of each drive showing the current capacity of the drive without having to pass the mouse over it. Vista Drive Icon, changes the drive icons shown in Windows My Computer, to a nearly Vista drive icon, showing the drive´s free space with a smooth colored horizontal bar. Color changes depending on the free space of the drive. Finally, you do not have to change the icons, just run the application and it will do everything.

Universal USB Installer

Pendrivelinux

Universal USB Installer is a simple application allowing us to create, in two simple steps, our own Linux installer to have in the pendrive. The process is as simple as selecting the distribution we wish (to choose among more than twenty), select the ISO in our hard drive (we can also download it automatically) and finally proceed to the creation of our "linux pendrive'. Once we have created it, we will only have to plug in our USB device before the computer will restart and the Linux distribution will be run automatically. Simple, straightforward and very effective.

Aerofoil

Don Reid

If you've ever worked on a laptop or are a regular laptop user, you know what a pain it is to run out of battery and not have a charger nearby. To keep your laptop alive, you might scramble to turn off certain features, trying to save energy by making it last as long as possible. With Aerofoil, you no longer have to worry about this. Aerofoil automatically deactivates the tools that you're no longer using and the tools that are needlessly wasting energy like Bluetooth, WiFi (if you're not connected to the Internet), the Aero interface, or sound. Thanks to Aerofoil, you can create some extra minutes of battery life by automizing the task of turning off the applications you're no longer using, all before you run out of precious battery life.

ZenKEY

ZenCODE

ZenKEY allows you to control all applications in your PC just using your keyboard and the mouse. The only thing you have to do is to assign them a key shortcut for the applications you want to access just pressing a key combination. ZenKEY includes a wizard which will help you create them, so you will have no problem. You will not only be able to create shortcuts to applications but you will be able to process some actions you usually do such as minimize or open a new window just pressing a key combination. Once you setup those combinations, run the program and you'll be ready to save precious time while using your PC.

Vista Start Menu

Denis Nazarenko

Vista Start Menu is a serious candidate to take the place of your boring Windows Start Menu. It integrates itself with the Operating System, hiding the classical Start Menu. It lets you locate your programs easily and faster than before. It respects the icons of each application, an interesting feature, because from now on you will not have to read the full list of programs to find the one you want. It is a new way to live your Windows Experience, try it, you will like it.

Extensions

Extensoft

TweakNow WinSecret

TwakNow

Although Windows and its Control Panel allows you to change settings and system options, some of them remain hidden to the common user. TweakNow WinSecret is a free application that gives us access to some advanced and hidden configuration settings throughout an intuitive interface where they are sorted by categories. We can find many categories: Applications, Control Panel, Desktop, Miscellaneous, Network and Internet options, OEM Info, special folders, Start menu, user accounts, Windows and Windows explorer. We'll find a lot of settings to change from the interface, access each category and modify whatever you want. It's easy, you can find a description of what you will be modifying and how it can affect the system performance.

nHancer

N/A

nHancer is an alternate control panel for nVidia graphic cards that will allow both novice and advanced users to modify settings and performance of these devices. nHancer allows you to create different profiles to get the most out of each application. It supports Windows Vista and DirectX 10, and also with SLI technology. If you don't know exactly what to do or modify, don't worry, nHancer includes a detailed description of each parameter that can be modified. It can be run when aTuner or RivaTuner is being run ad it will detect the changes made by the other programs.

WinToUSB

EasyUEFI

WinToUSB is a tool that allows the installation of a Windows operating system from a removable drive such as a pendrive or an external hard drive. With this program, any user can copy the ISO image of the original CD to the external drive to make it the installation source instead of using a physical disc. This program is a great way to keep the Windows installer on a USB so you can have it with you at all times, or run it from computers that no longer have the CD reader. You only have to copy it onto the removable drive and insert it into any computer. The program is compatible with Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8. In particular, in this latest version, the 8.1, it's possible to create a live boot system like those used by the LiveCD for certain Linux distributions, thanks to the Windows To Go USB technology included in latest Microsoft operating system. WinToUSB offers an interface that makes using the program relatively easy; just load the ISO image, select it and follow the steps with a simple click. What's more, if what you're looking for is to create a WinPE boot unit, you can also transfer it to your USB with this application.

Windows 8.1

Microsoft

Windows 8.1 is the version of Microsoft's operating system between Windows 7 and Windows 10. This file is in ISO format, so it has to be run from a previous version of Windows or installed on a pen drive. This update from Microsoft is a general improvement of its latest operating system that includes customization options, improved search and applications, the Windows Store, connection to the cloud, and improved security. In addition, it's the only version of Windows to eliminate the drop-down start menu and replace it with a version that takes up the entire screen.

Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool

Microsoft

After the release of Windows 7, Microsoft started to launch free tools in order to make it easier for its users to manage and adapt to this new operating system. This time, Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool is a tool developed to copy the operating system ISO, which can be purchased electronically from the Microsoft Store, to a DVD or USB device. This tool is designed for the new netbooks lacking disk drive. It is only necessary to select the Windows 7 installation ISO and determine on which media you want to make the copy. USB drives must have at least 4 GB of free capacity exclusively for this copy, as the program deletes any data stored on the drive.

Taskbow

DeskEx

Taskbow is a unique app that will convert your taskbar into a rainbow full of interesting features. What the program basically does is change the way you see the elements on your taskbar. You can choose different colors for each window, and there are more options for organizing them. The interface is very simple. It consists of a screen with different buttons from which you can play around with all of the program's possibilities. Taskbow is a fun tool that will let any user organize their taskbar however they like. Colors, groups, icons, everything is changeable.

GNU ls for Microsoft Windows

Algin Technology LLC

The GNU/Linux 'ls' command displays a list with all the files and directories in a specific directory. This function was not available on Microsoft Windows up until now. GNU ls for Microsoft Windows is, of course, a free and open source application, that allows you to use the 'ls' command on a Windows device. Installation is very simple, but it isn’t clearly explained on the application. What you have to do is decompress the files in the System32 directory within the Windows folder on your hard drive. From there, you can use the 'ls' commandoon Windows with all of its options, just like you would on GNU/Linux. All of this makes GNU ls for Microsoft Windows a great tool in getting the most out of your Windows window.

The Handy Start Menu

ChemTable Software

The Handy Start Menu is an useful application for Windows that allows you to create groups of programs and categories automatically. When you install it, the program recognizes the programs you have installed and classifies them. Programs are moved to folders, although you can decide to move them to a different one to make the selection suit your needs. The Handy Start Menu is the program you need if you think your start menu is a mess and you want to have it organized.

Access Manager

Micro Focus

Access Manager is a tool with which you can momentarily limit the use of various functions on your computer, to avoid that another user can access them. The possibilities are, for example, to completely block the computer leaving the screen black. To go back to using the computer, the user will have to enter a previously established password. Other options are to disable the use of the task manager or certain system folders from where they can do certain damage to the operating system. Something really useful if you leave the computer into the hands of a child. Access Manager is a complete application that has as much utilities as users that want to download them. Its high number of benefits and easiness to use convert it into a suitable tool for any user.

Windows 8 (64 bits)

Microsoft

The evolution of the Windows Operating system has been slow but correct! All but Windows ME or Windows Vista, have been versions of Windows have been truly functional and have been great additions to the previous versions, with great security and hardware added on to the existing software. Windows 8 has come to revolutionize the world of Windows and adapt to the new necessities needed today in age. The main change that you will see is its new Metro interface, similar to the one on Windows Phone, and the one which Microsoft wants to use for new devices like tablets. The new interface of Windows is totally interactive, and converts every application to widgets, with which we will be able to directly interact with them without having to open the corresponding program. The inclusion of this interface does not mean that Windows 8 will not be used like Windows 7, Vista, XP, ect. The classic Windows desktop will be available like another application. Now it will be a state from which to run more complex applications or prepared for previous versions of Windows. Another interesting thing from this version of Windows 8 is the compatibility that it has with online accounts. To begin a session on Windows you will be able to use your Windows Live account. On top of that, other services like Skype and Facebook will be available to use as applications like Windows Photos and Windows People. The new Windows Applications will execute in a new screen, although there are ways to make the screen formatted so you can have more than one application running on one screen dividing the screen into smaller spaces. Also these applications will be connected to each other using the API system. So some functions like the share feature and searching can be used globally. The new applications can be installed from the new Windows Store, a similar to the Mac App Store, Ubuntu Software Center and the Android Market. Another different change that is very attractive to Windows 8 is the low resource consumption. This makes the program more compatible with even more devices (if available). Also, the start up of this program has had a great change in speed, making it start up almost instantly. So Windows 8 is the logical evolution of the program and the groundbreaking software that we have been waiting for!

Tabbles

Tabbles

Tabbles is an alternative to thee original Windows file browser that allows you to organize and tag files in a different way. This new concept is based on the Tabbles concept, which are, basicly, tags associated to folders and files to identify them afterwards. It's easy to create tags and tag files and folders. You can do it from the interface of the program or right-clicking any file or folder and choosing the right option. Tabbles is an interesting application and a tempting alternative, although at first it can seem a bit difficult to get used to it. Why? Because it offers a new way to browse and organize your files, but once you get used t it, you realize it can be much better than the original way you used to use.

Just Gestures

Miroslav Dzurenko

Just Gestures is a tool that lets you perform practically any action on your computer simply by moving your mouse. The application has a series of preset mouse-based gestures that you can use to perform various actions, like searching for something on Wikipedia or opening your notepad. To open your notepad, for example, all you have to do is draw the letter 'n' with your mouse. Besides these preset gestures, of course, you can also create your own. For example: if you draw the number '8,' you can open the website for Uptodown. Just Gestures is an application that can be a little difficult to use at first, but once you get the hang of it, you won't be able to live without it. With this application, it will be much easier to perform any action quickly and easily on your computer.

ABPMon

Igor Arsenin

ABPMon is a small application that, when you run it, places a sidebar on your screen that's always visible and displays interesting facts about your operating system. Some of the data it displays includes total CPU usage; physical, virtual, and cached memory; hard drive performance; Internet connection information; total number of GDI objects on the screen; and much more. All this always visible on the right side of your screen. You can also set it up to notify you when there's only a little memory left, or even shut down or restart the computer from the application interface. ABPMon is an interesting tool if you want to have certain information about your computer always at hand. The only problem is that, because of its placement, it might cover an important part of the screen.

EasyMon

EaseMon

EasyMon is a tool that was specifically designed for users who work with more than one monitor. It’s objective is to give users a new more comfortable way to manage all the apps and windows that they’re running simultaneously by sending them from one screen to the other. Just run the program, and it’ll work in the background minimized in your system tray. All you need to do is hit the direction arrows + Windows/CTRL/ALT/SHIFT to move a window from one screen to another easily. EasyMon is a vast improvement to your speed and comfort when it comes to moving applications from one monitor to another especially when you’re actively using both screens. This is probably already common practice for all you graphic designers, video editors, and hardcore gamers out there.

MiCoRuta

Miguel Conde

MiCoRuta is a small app that, once installed, adds a command to Windows' context menu (the one you can see when you right-click on a file) that will let you copy that file path directly to your clipboard. On top of this, MiCoRuta includes two additional features that will allow you to copy DOS-style short names by holding down CTRL while you click, and also make a list of all the files inside a folder by holding down Shift. MiCoRuta is so small it barely consumes any resources, and it makes it easier for you to copy file paths, saving you all those extra clicks. Ideal for users who have to perform this task regularly.

Chameleon Task Manager

Neosoft Tools

Chameleon Task Manager is an application similar to the Windows task manager that also lets you optimize your system performance by redistributing available resources to tasks with the highest priority. The program offers a huge amount of information regarding each task: the program it belongs to, the resources consumed by each process, system performance, open files, and registry elements in use. When opening the program for the first time, you'll be asked if you want to use the program's optimizer to assign resources to active tasks according to their usage. If you're worried about your system performance and want reliable information regarding the tasks it's performing, Chameleon Task Manager is a really good option.

NotRun

Evvasoft

NotRun is a lightweight application that stops other programs from running without your consent. To use it, you just have to select the executable file's path, and click OK. From that moment on, the program won't be able to run, and if someone tries to open it, nothing will happen. To stop anyone from changing the list of programs that can't be opened, you can protect NotRun with a password. Aside from changing the password, the only other option NotRun lets you change is the font color. However, this change is only superficial and doesn't change how it works. NotRun is simple and easy-to-use application that does exactly what it's supposed to do. With this software installed, only the programs you want will be opened.

Wexplore

Coopware

Wexplore is a small Windows explorer that you can use with no installation. You can move around your computer very easily using this tool. Copy, cut, paste, erase, rename ... all these classic commands will be at your disposal. Of course you can also drag and drop files and folders in between Wexplore and the traditional Windows file explorer, which is really useful. Wexplore offers a different (although, generally speaking, similar) way to explore your system. Thanks to its lightweight and easy-to-manage quality it's an alternative that could come in handy on any computer.

AeroRainbow

Winaero

Aero Rainbow is a simple application that constantly changes the color of your windows in Windows Aero, giving it a much more dynamic and interesting look. From the options, you can set which colors you want the application to alternate between. You can also leave this part blank and let the application run through all the colors of the rainbow. Aero Rainbow is an interesting application if you like to change the look of your desktop often. With Aero Rainbow, a new color will appear on your screen every few seconds.