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Must-Have Windows Apps
I Can't Think of A Title that Also Means Utilities
PDF Readers .pdf has cemented itself into place, and no matter how bulky and inflexible it is, we constantly run into files in that format. Without native windows support, we're expected to believe that Adobe Reader is our only option, but it's flawed and loose on the security front. Alternative: Foxit Reader Foxit Reader reads .pdfs without complaint. It's lightweight and runs well on older machines, something Adobe Reader can't claim. And though it's freeware, its free features match Adobe's. If you ever need Adobe Acrobat, Foxit in full is comparable and a lot cheaper. Compression Tools Being able to zip and unzip files is built into every operating system around, but Windows' tool leaves a lot to be desired. Lacking options like compression rates and encryption, not to mention format compatibility, other tools are necessary. Alternatives: 7-Zip, WinRAR 7-Zip is lightweight and easy to use, and does everything it's supposed to. WinRAR is a little bit bubblier and it's shareware, so not all its features are available without purchase, although it also does everything it's supposed to. Ripping and Burning Tools Windows has the ability to rip music CDs and burn music and data CDs, but can't burn ISOs or do much at all with DVDs--well, Windows 7 can, but other applications still bring a little more. Roxio and Nero are first-rate programs, but cost money and have lots of features that most people don't want or even know about. And, like always, there're free applications all over. Alternative: ImgBurn ImgBurn is a simple and comprehensive utility that lets you do pretty much everything a law-abiding blank DVD owner would ever want. It's completely intuitive and takes care of all the things missing from Windows that people unfortunately spend money on Roxio and Nero to get. However, there is plenty more you can do with DVDs, and doing those things requires tools with a little more brass: Alternative: RipIt4Me This utilitie will let you back up copies of DVDs (be sure to also install DVD Decrypter and DVD Shrink per the instructions) without hassle. And if you don't want to burn the DVD, you can play images from your hard drive using Virtual CloneDrive. Disk Defragmenter Windowses Vista and 7 both have better data optimization than XP but the defragmenter is pretty lame. It's got two modes, on and off. Some people just want more than that. Alternative: WinContig WinContig is completely programmable and can be scheduled, and it doesn't even need to install on your computer. You just run it. The ability to defrag specific folders is particularly useful for all those oft-moved system files, without having to waste time on your photo library.
Page 1: Must-Have Windows Apps
Page 2: Internet Tools Page 3: Utilities Page 4: Productivity Applications Page 5: Multimedia Page 6: Honorable Mentions 
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