The following is from http://ehoffmann.blogsome.com/2005/09/13/sofware-list-for-a-better-computing/ I'm making a copy of it here since the site appears to have disappeared.
Sofware List for a Better Computing September 13, 2005
- 7-Zip - File archiver (Open Source).
- Ad-Aware - Deletes unwanted Software
- ATnotes - Stickies for your Desktop (Freeware)
- Avast Anti-Virus - One of the best Virus Scanner around
- Avant Browser - Another Web Browser (Freeware)
- Apache HTTP Server - HTTP server (Open Source).
- Audacity - Audio editor (Open Source).
- AutoGK - DVD to DivX/Xvid Converter (Freeware)
- AxCrypt - Encryption Software (Open Source)
- Azureus - BitTorrent client (Open Source).
- BB4Win - Alternative shell for Windows (Open Source).
- BitComet - BitTorrent client (Freeware)
- Blender - 3D graphics creation suite (Open Source).
- Bosskey - Virtual Desktop Program (Freeware)
- Cain & Abel - All-in-one Security Tool (Freeware)
- CDex - MP3 ripper (Open Source).
- Celestia - Real-time 3D space simulation (Open Source).
- CCleaner - Cleans Crap on your Computer (Freeware)
- Chaos Manager - Free Organizing Software (Freeware)
- Context - powerful text editor (Freeware)
- CVSNT - Versioning system (Freeware).
- Cygwin - Linux-like environment for Windows (Open Source).
- Dia - Drawing program (Open Source).
- DIManager - Desktop Icon Manager (Freeware)
- DVD Shrink - DVD Decrypter Software (freeware)
- Eclipse - Java IDE (Open Source).
- Econsole - Customizable Cmd Alternative (freeware)
- Everest Home Edition - System Diagnostic Tool (Freeware)
- Feedreader - Easy to use Feed Reader
- FileZilla - FTP client (Open Source).
- Firefox - Web browser (Open Source).
- Foxit PDF Viewer - Fastest PDF Viewer around (Freeware)
- Stellarium - Open Source Photo-Realistic Sky Generator in Real Time
- foobar2000 - Audio player (Freeware).
- FreeMind - Mind-mapping tool (Open Source).
- Gaim - A multi-protocol instant messaging (IM) client (Open Source)
- GhostMouse - Mouse Recording Program (Freeware)
- Gizmo - IP telephone (Freeware)
- GMail Drive - Gmail shell extension (Freeware).
- gnuplot - Plotting utility (Freeware).
- Google Earth - imagery and other geographic information program
- Hottnotes - Another sticky notes reminder program (Freeware)
- HTTrack - Offline browsing utility (Open Source).
- Icon Sushi - Icon editor (Freeware).
- Inkscape - Vector graphics editor (Open Source).
- IrfanView - Image viewer (Freeware).
- Izarc - Another compression utility (Freeware)
- Java - Programming language/platform.
- Konfabulator - Widgets Software (Freeware)
- Keepass - light-weight and easy-to-use password manager (Open Source)
- Kerio Personal Firewall - Firewall (Freeware).
- mIRC - IRC client (Nagware/Commercial).
- Media Monkey - Jukebox Software (Freeware)
- MWSnap - Screen Capture Utility (Freeware)
- MySQL - Database server (Open Source/Commercial).
- NetHack - Game (Open Source).
- Notepad++ - A source code editor (Open Source)
- NVU - Web editor (Open Source)
- OpenOffice - Office suite (Open Source).
- Opera - Web browser (Adware/Commercial).
- PDFCreator - PDF Creator (Open Source)
- Process Explorer - Useful tool for tracking Programs and dll’s running on background (Freeware)
- PHP - Programming language.
- PuTTY - Telnet/SSH client (Open Source).
- PSPad - all-in-one programmers editor (Freeware)
- Quicktime Alternative - Play Quicktime files w/o Quicktime Player
- Ras Monitor - Monitors bandwidth usage
- Rainlendar - Desktop calendar (Open Source).
- Real Alternative - Play RealMedia Files w/o Real Player
- Restoration - File undelete software (Freeware)
- RSS Bandit - News aggregator (Open Source).
- Samurize - advanced sytem monitoring and desktop enhancement (Freeware)
- SciTE - Text editor (Open Source).
- ShellExtension - Adds nifty functions for explorer (Freeware)
- ShellON v2 - Shell manager for Windows (Freeware).
- Spybot SAD - Deletes unwanted Software
- SQLyog - Database management tool (Freeware/Commercial).
- Sunbird - Standalone Calendar
- TextPad - Text editor (Nagware/Commercial).
- The GIMP - Graphics editor (Open Source).
- The Regex Coach - Regular expression tool (Freeware).
- Thunderbird - Mail client (Open Source).
- Trillian - Instant Messaging client (Freeware/Commercial).
- Vim - A Free text editor (Open Source)
- Virtual Dimension - Virtual Desktop Software (Open Source)
- VirtualDub - Video processing and capture (Open Source).
- VOIP Buster - Internet Telephony Software
- Winamp - Media player(Freeware).
- WinMerge - Diff utility (Open Source).
- World Wind - Free Satellite Viewing Software
- XMLSpy Home Edition - XML Development Tool (Freeware)
- Zone Alarm Firewall - Stops hackers from getting into your PC
Update: thanks to Bugmenot2, mrpeaches, tearor, dig.it for the the useful comments on digg.com. Also, thanks to simon, zapada, sridhar, kingofsf, runningsystem, kevin, ebjcoat, chris, vuzman, and ChrisD for the comments on my article.
