Tools on my desktop
I am in the process of configuring a system and there are a collection of tools that I always use -- thought they might be of interest to someone else...
For a new system out of the box, run don't walk and get
PC Decrapifier
Version 2.0 has just been released and it greatly speeds the process of getting all the @#$ 'trialware' off a new box.
For basic system maintenance, check out
Piriform Software
I use their CCleaner (formerly Crap Cleaner) to clear out browser caches, history, temp files, etc... It also has a handy registry tool -- when you delete an application, most of the time the undelete function doesn't bother cleaning the registry and there is usually quite a bit of useless cruft sitting there.
For disk fragmentation, their Defraggler software works a lot better than the native Windows application.
For file recovery, their Recuva does an excellent job of restoring files on disk drives and memory cards.
For spell-checking anything written through a web interface (think forms, blog posts, etc...),
ieSpell does the trick. It is a plug-in for Internet Explorer that brings up spell check with a right click 'o the mouse.
Finally, when Notepad is not enough (99% of the time),
Note Tab Light works great.
All of these applications are available for free although they do solicit contributions -- toss them a tenner and they are very happy.
Excellent programs all...
Posted by DaveH at July 18, 2009 7:57 PM