please don't unstick this thread. it is the most valuable one i have ever found.

That's quite a compliment, thanks cjv123! :) The Moderator (Bob Sorel), Members & others seem to really like it too, there has been no mention of removing it (so far). I guess as long as it's useful & up to date. ;)

Speaking of "killer lists", I don't know why I left out the LDSG recommended speaker driver guide! Even if you don't plan on building speakers, this site is very useful in learning about recommended speaker drivers & design for just about any speaker technology (outside of strings & tin cans).

Audio information links, measurement & loudspeaker design software
The LDSG (http://ldsg.snippets.org/) - a COMPENDIUM of recommended speaker drivers, crossovers, electronics... (5/16/05)

Some more links:

Useful software & links for freeware
CORE FTP LE (http://www.coreftp.com/) - FULL FEATURED FTP, SFTP... client for PC...-website file transfer (5/17/05)
SmartFTP (http://www.smartftp.com/) - like CORE FTP LE, free feature rich file-web transfer app (5/17/05)

I just set up my Tripod Audio/Video homepage (http://rayljraz.tripod.com/) from register to finish in about 10 minutes. Includes install of CORE FTP LE which replaced AceFTP for my file-web transfers. I do not know why I replaced AceFTP, it's very similar to CORE FTP LE. SmartFTP was actually in the list from the beginning, I just made it sound nicer...

IMO, Tripod is a super-deal, I checked EVERYTHING A/V for the small banner ad. ;)

If you note the last update @ my site was 1/10/2004, coincidentally about when this thread started. Well, I HAVE to update some things there (e-mail...). The Moderator @ Head-Fi “warned” me about updating such a big list. ;)

Since some Members & Moderators have some cool web sites & don't want to lose visitors when relocating, there's an easy way called a "301 Redirect". It's search engine spider friendly, means a permanent move. Smooth & seamless... ;) It's simply 1 line of code created in a .htaccess file in your server root Directory (folder w/index.html or the likes...) or even any subfolder to relocate parts of websites...

Just open a new file & in it write (between quotes example) "redirect 301 /old/old.htm http://www.you.com/new.htm" (you.com don't exist if you try to click) & name it .htaccess. File should be in ASCII .txt format.

Try this example, moved from http://www.citlink.net/~rayljr to http://rayljraz.tripod.com I typed in a named .htaccess file this line "redirect 301 /~rayljr http://rayljraz.tripod.com/".

IMO, MUCH less conspicuous than those redirect messages, though they do have their uses (& non-uses).

AceFTP & SmartFTP let you view the "invisible file" on your server (& hidden files in XP on your end checked). If you get errors transferring, name it htaccess.txt 1st, then rename to .htaccess after transfer. It should say "Successful" in FTP command line window then you can exit. Not sure about Apache server support, but “odds are” you may have it...


PS - I was getting a // @ the end of my address bar from the 1st link, changed the 1 line text to "redirect 301 /~rayljr http://rayljraz.tripod.com" (no / @ the end...). Even less "conspicuous" if you want. :)

Some more great links added (this week):

Utilities, tune-up, maintenance & useful PC information
ExplorerXP (http://www.explorerxp.com/) - innovative FREEWARE file manager for Windows 2000/XP (5/20/05)
File Management in Windows XP (http://www.theeldergeek.com/file_management_in_windows_xp.htm) - a lot of info & tips from The Elder Geek (5/20/05)
FileAnt File Manager (http://www.fileant.com/) - Windows file manager on tabs, FTP client (5/20/05)

Useful software & links for freeware
Blowfish (http://www.schneier.com/blowfish.html) - The Blowfish Encryption Algorithm, useful for SFTP server transfer... (5/20/05)
CORE FTP LE (http://www.coreftp.com/) - FULL FEATURED FTP, SFTP... client for PC... website file transfer (5/17/05)
Free SSH and SCP (http://www.jfitz.com/tips/ssh_for_windows.html) - secure transfer protocol for Windows 9x, NT, ME, 2000 and XP (5/20/05)
JXHTMLEDIT (http://www.tecnick.com/public/code/cp_dpage.php?aiocp_dp=jxhtmledit) - excellent easy browser-based HTML/XHTML authoring tool based on Java 2 (5/17/05)
Python (http://www.python.org/download/) - powerful object-oriented programming language, like Perl, Tcl, Scheme, or Java (5/20/05)
SmartFTP (http://www.smartftp.com/) - like CORE FTP LE, free feature rich file-web transfer app (5/17/05)
web-based news aggregator (http://rawfish7.tripod.com/) - create your own custom newspage for your website (5/20/05)
WinSCP (http://winscp.net/eng/index.php) - open source freeware SFTP client for Windows using SSH (5/20/05)

These were in my "backburner" worksheet for some months, checked them out (I also find more great links this way) & decided to list some:

Utilities, tune-up, maintenance & useful PC information
Boot Log Analyzer (http://www.topqualityfreeware.com/lost29.html) - looks at your Windows BOOTLOG.TXT file for startup issues (5/21/05)
Boot Log XP (http://www.greatis.com/utilities/bootlogxp/) - the best Windows boot analyzer (5/21/05)
freshdevices (http://www.freshdevices.com/) - excellent utilities like Fresh Download, Fresh Diagnose, Fresh UI, Fresh View... (5/20/05)
WinGuides Network for Windows (http://www.winguides.com/?ref=regnow) - Registry Mechanic & other useful apps (5/21/05)

Useful software & links for freeware
WinKeySim (http://mwganson.freeyellow.com/winkeysim/) - create Macros, automate tasks... (5/21/05)

FreeBSD (http://www.freebsd.org/) - advanced OS for Pentium, Athlon & other compatible architectures (5/21/2005)
FreeSBIE (http://www.freesbie.org/) - FreeBSD-based operating system that works directly from a CD (5/21/05)
Knoppix (http://www.knoppix.net/about.php) - a bootable CD with a collection of GNU/Linux software (5/21/05)
LiveCD (http://livecd.berlios.de/) - create your own LiveCD from a currently installed Linux distribution (5/21/05)
SLAX (http://slax.linux-live.org) - small bootable CD containing the Linux operating system (5/21/05)

HTPC setup...
HDTVtoMPEG2 description-download (http://www.midwinter.com/~bcooley/) - (5/21/05)

1st HDTVtoMPEG2 link already listed may have newer version, but not really any details...

I GUESS BIG CHANGE A'COMIN SUNDAY FOR THE WHOLE AVS FORUM!

Had added these to help organize the "different CPUs/prices & options..." confusion:

Bargain shopping for music, movies... & price comparison sites
CPU Prices (http://freespace.virgin.net/m.warner/CPUPrices.htm) - price chart by month for 1,000 unit quantites - as indicator (5/21/05)
AMD CPU Prices (http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/ProductInformation/0,,30_118_609,00.html?redir=CPT301) - price chart for 1,000 unit quantites - as indicator (5/21/05)
Intel CPU Prices (http://www.intel.com/intel/finance/pricelist/) - price chart for 1,000 unit quantites - as indicator (5/21/05)


I guess you can change backround colors, the Hyperlinks can stand out more if you can't see the contrast that well... E.g. my Preview window before posting contrasts better in default.

Overall I like the new look! :D

The Half.com links on page 1 are messed up. Thought you would like to know. :)

That's odd, eBay's link is out too. When I try to edit I notice the web address gets changed to www.*********

Are they selling Bose? (just kidding);)

Firefox has a new extension for FTP web site creation/uploading... Now I don't have to use Explorer for my Tripod site to use FTP (or other FTP client software for that matter). fireFTP is in Beta but should work fine & already is getting some praise. Added under:

Internet browsers & other web surfing software enhancements
Mozilla Firefox Extensions (http://fireftp.mozdev.org/index.html) - fireFTP, cross-platform FTP client for Mozilla Firefox (6/8/05)

Trying to upload new files, my AceFTP software was giving me the runaround then I went to ftp://ftp.tripod.com/ in Explorer which seemed to solve that issue....

Nice place IMO if you want to share files, docs, pics.... :)

Here are three other freebies. All of them are Directshow filter managers (view/edit/delete/change merits for installed filters:

Filmerit
http://paul.glagla.free.fr/filmerit_en.htm

DirectShow Filter Manager
http://www.softella.com/dsfm/index.en.htm

RadLight Filter Manager
http://www.radlight.org/products/filter_manager/index.php

Thanks again ManhttnBeachMofo. Added these under:

HTPC setup...
DirectShow Filter Manager (http://www.softella.com/dsfm/index.en.htm) - utility to help list, sort, find, add or remove DirectShow filters (7/21/05)
Filmerit (http://paul.glagla.free.fr/filmerit_en.htm) - freeware application for cleaning and managing DirectShow filters (7/21/05)
RadLight Filter Manager (http://www.radlight.org/products/filter_manager/index.php) - open-source tool allows you to change merit of DirectShow filters (7/21/05)

Since they all seem to be apps for DirectShow, I kept them together in the list.

I would like to mention My Cool Tools (http://www.mycooltools.com/) from Visualware.com (http://www.visualware.com/). These cool programs let you see every place inbetween you and your internet destination site. They also test your bandwidth, who is hacking you if you got an I.P. address and exactly who sent you a email from the header within the mail.


peace

Thanks SIMJEDI! :) Those ARE real cool tools, they seem to fit best in the 1st category @ the top, added it in & gave you credit:

Utilities, tune-up, maintenance & useful PC information
MyCoolTools (http://www.mycooltools.com/) - real useful tools: VisualRoute, MySpeed, Visual IP Trace, eMailTrackerPro... (8/20/05)


PS - if you're starting a new HT room or expansion..., I have a list of killer shovels & tools @ Epinions Stinger Square Point Shovel review (http://www.epinions.com/content_193359023748) (list @ bottom). Landscaping..., going 1 step @ a time @ not thinking is 1 of my other hobbies... ;)

Remote control of PC - works great - faster than vnc

Beyond Remote Client and Server 1.2.1.531

http://www.download.com/Beyond-Remote-Client-and-Server/3000-7240_4-10370703.html

Thanks again urfthewog. Put it under same heading as Ultr@VNC. ;)

HTPC setup...
Beyond Remote Client and Server (http://www.download.com/Beyond-Remote-Client-and-Server/3000-7240_4-10370703.html) - view remote computers, transfer files/clipboard, chat, & power on... (8/21/05)

Does thephonebot.com qualify as a "free killer app for your HTPC"? The freeware version is pretty cool and if nothing else gives you a nice caller id on your display.

Anyone know of other free low cost answering machine software that works well with HTPCs? As far as I know the Phone Bot falls a bit short in that there isn't girder support and it's hard to know if you have any messages if your TV / Reciever are off (needs a "blinking light" or "remote beep" plug-in).

Thanks Mysticeti, it is a cool app. My brother has a similar 1 that hooks up to his DirecTV, uses it all the time.

Added it in & gave you credit:

Themes, desktop enhancements, miscellaneous...
ThePhoneBot (http://www.thephonebot.com/) - use PC as telephone answering machine with Caller ID (9/16/05)

I have cable internet now, when I had dial-up the only thing that seemed to work for alerting while online was the Emerson Switchboard (about $20-25). Worked reliably, but just had an audible ring tone.

Also tried CallWave, which I think uses call forwarding. Was a little buggy in setting up (could have been phone co. setting up call forwarding). Not sure if they wanted to end up charging me for service, so I bought the Switchboard from a TV infomercial (& no longer use it or dial-up).

Just added these links, they seem useful if you need special spreadsheet enhancements & other calcs:

Useful software & links for freeware
OpenOffice Calc Tips (http://www.openofficetips.com/) - spreadsheet resource page & plug-ins (9/18/05)
Xnumbers (http://www.richhillsoftware.com/) - OpenOffice plugin, many features - improves on 15 significant bit calcs... (9/18/05)
Xnumbers (http://digilander.libero.it/foxes/SoftwareDownload.htm) - Excel plugin, many features - improves on 15 significant bit calcs... (9/18/05)
The R Project (http://www.r-project.org/) - free software environment for statistical computing and graphics (9/18/05)

rayl,

why use BLOATED Abobe pdf reader when you can use Foxit's free 1mb pdf reader and editor. small and loads fast. check it out.

http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php

let's you edit pdf by using the typewriter option...

Nice program airduct! I've been using Adobe for years, free but somewhat bulky these days. Like Firefox (which I kept), I'll give it a try. ;)

Useful software & links for freeware
Foxit Reader (http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php) - free reader for PDF (eBook) documents, small <1 MB download size (10/22/05)

How about Meedio (http://www.meedio.com) in the front ends section?

David O,

Meedio doesn't get listed, because it isn't FREE. Reread the thread title "Free killer apps for your HTPC...".

It is a decent frontend, however.

-PGPfan

David O,

Meedio doesn't get listed, because it isn't FREE. Reread the thread title "Free killer apps for your HTPC...".

It is a decent frontend, however.

-PGPfan
Oops, should have said Meedio Express (http://www.meedio.com/products/express/index.html) , sorry.

HTPC Setup / Audio Utility

I think STADS should be mentioned here, Its a cool little tray bar utility that you can use if you have several sound cards. Let say you have an M-Audio Card for Audio, and an Audigy2 for games, you can switch audio cards on the fly using the utility.

http://www.winsite.com/bin/Info?19000000037599

Thanks David O & jpadua, added those in & gave you both credit, they're under:

Audio/Video
System Tray Audio Card Switcher (http://www.winsite.com/bin/Info?19000000037599) - switch default audio device via click on system tray icon (11/3/05)

HTPC setup...
Meedio Express (http://www.meedio.com/products/express/index.html) - access digital photos & music using your TV & remote control (11/3/05)

Have some more "killer apps":

Useful software & links for freeware
André Bacard's Privacy Page (http://www.andrebacard.com/privacy.html) - Protect Your Computer, Financial, Internet & Political Privacy (11/29/05)
Cryptainer LE (http://www.cypherix.com/prods.htm) - award winning encryption package is totally free & never expires (11/29/05)
extendedPDF (http://www.jdisoftware.co.uk/pages/epdf-home.php) - make your documents much easier to read w/PDF's navigation (11/29/05)
GnuPG (http://www.gnupg.org/) - a complete and free replacement for PGP encryption (11/29/05)
The Exhibit Engine (http://photography-on-the.net/ee/) - PHP/MySQL application for smooth and versatile online photograph display (11/29/05)
The International PGP Home Page (http://www.pgpi.org/) - resource for PGP encryption program & the OpenPGP standard (11/29/05)
thefreecountry.com (http://www.thefreecountry.com/security/encryption.shtml) - Free Encryption/Cryptographic Software (11/29/05)

Was setting up my own website to sell an informational e-book later on (on the cheap) & found these sites. W/Paypal IPN Download Protector ($49) & a good webhost, it's only about $7-12/month... :)

OpenOffice now has a 2.0 version, interesting news on web obout MS Office developments lately, releasing code as Sun/OpenOffice seem to be doing... Office Pro still has extra features, at a much bigger price.

http://www.themedoctor.com/

Have used this site for Themes for years, I tink you'll see why if you go there.

Thanks Shawn, looks like an excellent site, my brother was also looking for one like that. :) Added in & gave you credit under:

Themes, desktop enhancements, miscellaneous...
Theme Doctor (http://www.themedoctor.com/) - top rated site for themes & screensaver downloads (1/25/06)

http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=951 (PCI Latency Tool)

Just mentioned this in another thread - program to set PCI latency per device. (Often video cards (non PCI-e) have ridiculously long settings.)

Thanks again Keh, added it under:

HTPC setup...
PCI Latency Tool (http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=951) - utility to set PCI latency & possibly improve stutter or FPS (1/26/06)

This is posted on Microsoft's site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/content_provider/film/wmvhdtool_intro.aspx

It's supposed to analyze your HTPC to see if it can play WMVHD files and where the bottlenecks are. It's in public alpha right now.

I apologize if this has been posted already. I did do a quick search and came up empty for "wmvhdtool".

No it's not in there wilsonsoohoo, but thanks. ;) I double check by listing the web addresses in ascending order in a spreadsheet. Added under:

HTPC setup...
WMV HD Playback Tool (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/content_provider/film/wmvhdtool_intro.aspx) - analyze your HTPC for WMVHD file playback & bottlenecks (2/4/06)

This is posted on Microsoft's site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/content_provider/film/wmvhdtool_intro.aspx

It's supposed to analyze your HTPC to see if it can play WMVHD files and where the bottlenecks are. It's in public alpha right now.

I apologize if this has been posted already. I did do a quick search and came up empty for "wmvhdtool".

After I downloaded and ran this tool, I got the following message in a DOS box:

"Please visit http:/www.wmvhd.com for the latest version of this tool."

Then after going to this webpage, you will find a link labeled, "See if your PC can play WMV HD".

After following all the prompts, it will then analyze your PC. In my case it responded: "Unfortunately we were unable to identify some hardware components of your system, and therefore it is not possible to provide accurate performance analysis."

My system is relatively new and includes:
MSI 6150 motherboard
AMD 64 3500+ CPU
2 Gb RAM
Dell 24" 2405 monitor set to 1920x1200

After downloading some sample HD clips they play fine. Not sure why the tool doesn't work on my system...

After I downloaded and ran this tool, I got the following message in a DOS box:

"Please visit http:/www.wmvhd.com for the latest version of this tool."

Then after going to this webpage, you will find a link labeled, "See if your PC can play WMV HD".

After following all the prompts, it will then analyze your PC. In my case it responded: "Unfortunately we were unable to identify some hardware components of your system, and therefore it is not possible to provide accurate performance analysis."

My system is relatively new and includes:
MSI 6150 motherboard
AMD 64 3500+ CPU
2 Gb RAM
Dell 24" 2405 monitor set to 1920x1200

After downloading some sample HD clips they play fine. Not sure why the tool doesn't work on my system...

I got the same error, but didn't take the time to visit the website. Sounds like it's not too useful right now?

Bah, humbug.

Sorry about that, guys.

Being a Mac user I wasn't able to test the thng out.

Bah, humbug.

Sorry about that, guys.

Being a Mac user I wasn't able to test the thng out.

No worries! It's a great idea - hopefully they will get the kinks worked out.

Hi!
Are you going to replace mozilla with its latest reincarnation, the Seamonkey?
http://www.mozilla.org/projects/seamonkey/

Bob & Ray--

(Gee, I haven't heard that combo in a long time :D)

You guys haven't added HDTV2DVD yet, AFAICT. I think it merits inclusion:

HDTV2DVD (http://www.svcd2dvd.com/HDTV2DVD/) is a new freeware program to create DVDs from HDTV material (*.ts or *.tp HDTV MPEG-2 Transport Streams).

Thanks TPeterson, cool program! :) Added under:

Links for backup & copying CDs, DVDs...
HDTV2DVD (http://www.svcd2dvd.com/HDTV2DVD/) - HDTV to DVD made simple (3/25/06)

Riva tuner to monitor GPU temp and adjust fan speed accordingly. Free software to silence the video card.

How come you didn't provide a link? ;)

Sorry, I was on a bit of a hiatus. Added in and gave credit to AlienArchbishop, techjunkie2005 & foobart respectively under:

Internet browsers & other web surfing software enhancements
SeaMonkey (http://www.mozilla.org/projects/seamonkey/) - from Mozilla.org, all-in-one Internet application suite (4/25/06)

HTPC setup...
RivaTuner (http://www.guru3d.com/rivatuner/) - powerful tweaking utility for NVIDIA & ATI display adapters (4/25/06)

Links for backup & copying CDs, DVDs...
DriveImage XML (http://www.runtime.org/dixml.htm) - easy reliable program for imaging & backing up partitions & logical drives (4/25/06)


Thanks! :D

Hi Ray,

I thought you might like to add SketchUp (http://sketchup.google.com/) to the FREE software list. It is a GREAT 3D design tool for modeling your theater quickly. It used to be $500, but Google bought them and have released it for FREE. They also offer a 'pro' version for a fee, but it just adds a few advance features that really are overkill for doing theater modeling.

-PGPfan

Cool! :cool: Thanks PGPFan, added in under:

Audio information links, measurement & loudspeaker design software
SketchUp (http://sketchup.google.com/) - powerful tool for quickly & easily creating, viewing & modifying your 3D ideas (4/28/06)

Just added this for Flac lossless to .wav audio conversion, as well as other formats under:

Audio/Video
Trader's Little Helper (http://thor.prohosting.com/roh0205/) - for converting & trading lossless compressed audio files (5/30/06)

Of couse my HTPC has better use for Flac... ;)

Free custom resolution and refresh rate tools:

RefreshForce
http://www.pagehosting.co.uk/rf/

RefreshLock
http://www.pagehosting.co.uk/rl/

Thanks Rgb, gave you credit and added under:

HTPC setup...
RefreshForce (http://www.pagehosting.co.uk/rf/) - permanently fixes the Windows 2000/XP refresh rate problem (8/14/06)
RefreshLock (http://www.pagehosting.co.uk/rl/) - enjoy higher display frequencies w/o hassle of installing special drivers (8/14/06)

Room EQ Wizard

http://www.hometheatershack.com/roomeq/

Thanks again Rgb, looks like a cool app... ;) Added under:

Audio information links, measurement & loudspeaker design software
Room EQ Wizard (http://www.hometheatershack.com/roomeq/) - Java application for measuring room responses and correcting modal resonances (8/15/06)

Well, I'm on a roll lately ;)

Excellent DIY audio projects:
http://mysite.verizon.net/tammie_eric/audio/audio.html

Radio Shack SPL meter mods to make it flat response with upgraded mic:
http://mysite.verizon.net/tammie_eric/audio/rsmeter/33-2050/33-2050.html

These relate to the RoomEQ/room correction tools.

Convolver plug-in for Windows Media Player & DirectX for room correction:
http://convolver.sourceforge.net/

The ripping 101, 102 and 050 links are broke.

Thanks again Rgb, added these 2 links under:

Audio information links, measurement & loudspeaker design software
Audio DIY Projects (http://mysite.verizon.net/tammie_eric/audio/audio.html) - various projects, some involving use of PC & components... (8/15/06)
Convolver (http://convolver.sourceforge.net/) - convolver plug-in for Windows Media Player & DirectX for room correction (8/15/06)

I found the Ripping 101 archived thread but didn't find the others... Also removed Bit
Torrent (under HTPC Setup) as AVS seems to have asterisked it out.

OS and application patch repository- no need for Windows Update!
http://www.softwarepatch.com/windows/index.html

Huge free software repository:
http://www.snapfiles.com/freeware/

Thanks once again Rgb, added those under:

Utilities, tune-up, maintenance & useful PC information
Windows service packs & updates (http://www.softwarepatch.com/windows/index.html) - OS and application patch repository, no need for Windows Update! (8/16/06)

Useful software & links for freeware
SnapFiles (http://www.snapfiles.com/freeware/) - huge free software repository (8/16/06)

Free alternative to Girder- remote control PC apps and actions.
http://www.irassistant.com/dotcom/v_current/

Miriam link broke. Latest URL:
http://sixdots.de/miriserver/en/index.php

Thanks Rgb, updated Miriam link and added:

I/O (Input/Output) info
IR Remote - IRAssistant (http://www.irassistant.com/dotcom/v_current/) - free alternative to Girder, remote control PC apps and actions (8/31/06)

I would suggest changing the name of the sticky thread to "Free killer apps and great links for HTPC" or similar.

When does the sticky thread get updated with the current version at the top of this thread?

I'm not sure about changing the name, but that's a good suggestion Rgb. The sticky thread that is maintained by the Moderator gets updated every few months, depending on how many new links are added - so an update is about due...

not sure what category this would go in, but I found a site that I visit whenever trying to find a free program. http://www.osalt.com/ - short for open source alternative. You can search for a program such as photoshop and it will give you recommendations for programs similar to photoshop. For photoshop it suggests Gimp - CinePaint - Krita - Paint.net - and gimpshop

comes in really handy when I know a program that will do the job but I don't want to pay for it, pop in the name - and get open source alternatives.

Thanks teststrips, looks like a really good site. :) Added it in under:

Useful software & links for freeware
osalt.com (http://www.osalt.com/) - find open source software alternatives to well-known commercial software (10/26/06)

Did not see imgburn anywhere in the thread. It is a great app!

ImgBurn carries on from where DVD Decrypter left off! (Well, for the burning part anyway!)

ImgBurn can write most types of CD / DVD images and it supports all the latest writers (including booktype / bitsetting on many of the major ones - i.e. BenQ, LiteOn, NEC, Plextor, Sony). You can even use ImgBurn to erase / format your rewritable media!

ImgBurn will try its very best to burn your DVD-Video double layer images using the layer break you've specified in the IFO files, but it can also calculate the best place for you, to save you the trouble.

Advanced functionality can be found in context menus that appear when you right click on various bits of the user interface. Can you find them all??!!

http://www.imgburn.com/

Thanks crisscross, added it in under:

Links for backup & copying CDs, DVDs...
ImgBurn (http://www.imgburn.com/) - ImgBurn can write most types of CD / DVD images (11/17/06)

Wow! What an amazing list!

Consider adding SageTV to the list:

http://SageTV.com

Like MythTV, BeyondTV, MCE, and many others, SageTV offers an excellent feature set in an affordable package.

Ummm, the thread's title says "Free." Sage isn't.

There's an interesting video player here:
http://vibiv.com/

It does basic tagging of your videos and library search by tags, but the cool thing is that it also includes pre-set dialog tagging. So you can find a specific episode in your library by searching for some dialog you remember.

There's also some sort of feature that allows you to re-cut or create your own videos from movies in your library and share them. The "sharing" function is pretty weak though because you can only share remixed videos with people that already have the original videos in their library. I did find one short remix from The Matrix which it would let me play and the feature did work, though I think the player is more interesting just for library management.

GP

Thanks grappy99, added in & gave you credit for VIBIV under:

Audio/Video
VIBIV (http://vibiv.com/) - automatically tag the film and television videos in your library (12/8/06)

Not sure if this has already been mentioned, but the free version of HDClone works very well for upgrading to a larger hard drive (or creating a backup). It only will copy to a drive that is larger than the source drive, and is kind of slow. But I have used it many times with no problems.

http://www.miray.de/download/sat.hdclone.html

Thanks gangrew, added it under:

Links for backup & copying CDs, DVDs...
HDClone (http://www.miray.de/download/sat.hdclone.html) - copies smaller onto larger hard drives for migrating or backing up (12/25/06)

Merry Christmas!

Just added this link for listening to music:

Audio/Video
SrDoublerWmpPlg (http://sourceforge.net/projects/srdoublerwmpplg) - Microsoft Windows Media Player sample rate doubling plugin (2/15/07)

Two excellent free DVD rippers:

RipIt4Me

http://www.ripit4me.org/


DVDFab Decrypter

http://www.dvdidle.com/free.htm

Thanks sathyganesh! Gave you credit & added those 2 links under:

Links for backup & copying CDs, DVDs...
DVDFab Decrypter (http://www.dvdidle.com/free.htm) - copy DVD Movie to DVDR (2/15/07)
RipIt4Me (http://www.ripit4me.org/) - backup or copy protected DVDs (2/15/07)

IMGBURN

http://www.imgburn.com

Looks like Nero killer to me.

Though probably of limited audience these days:

FreeDOS - http://www.freedos.org/
(Website: FreeDOS aims to be a complete, free, 100% MS-DOS compatible operating system.)

ReactOS - http://www.reactos.org/
(Website: Advanced free open source operating system providing a ground-up implementation of a Microsoft Windows® XP compatible operating system.)
It's only at Alpha stage, but interesting to play around with none-the-less.


N.

While I'm at it, two other PDF writers:

cutePDF - http://www.cutepdf.com/
PDFCreator - http://sourceforge.net/projects/pdfcreator/

PDFCreator allows you to do a stand alone or server install for network PDF creation. Both require Ghost script.

N.

My PC is down & out for the moment (which has my spreadsheet list for updating). Using my brother's PC to check e-mails. Getting a brand new setup, should take another few weeks to get the updates in the list. Sorry for the delay...

a very usefull tool with great support:

http://www.eventghost.org/wiki/EventGhost:About

EventGhost is an open-source automation tool for MS Windows, that can be extended through plugins. It can use different input devices like infrared or wireless remotes to trigger macros, that on their part control a computer and its attached hardware.

OK, added the above links in & gave you 2 members credit, added under:

Useful software & links for freeware
CutePDF (http://www.cutepdf.com/) – free PDF writer (5/12/07)
EventGhost (http://www.eventghost.org/wiki/EventGhost:About) – open-source automation tool for MS Windows (5/12/07)
FreeDOS (http://www.freedos.org/) – 100% MS-DOS compatible operating system (5/12/07)
PDFCreator (http://sourceforge.net/projects/pdfcreator/) – free PDF writer (5/12/07)
ReactOS (http://www.reactos.org/en/index.html) – open source operating system providing implementation of a Microsoft Windows XP (5/12/07)

I think XL1B2-control apps for XP should be added to this list.

GUI v.0.50x from AutoRip and MediaDogg:

http://mediadogg.files-upload.com/2...I-050x.zip.html

Changer control app from shizzle:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/05abrr

galileo2000, I don't see/can't find a download link for your 2nd listing, do you have to sign up to sendspace to see it? Also I assume this is for use w/the Sony XL1B2 DVD changer (control apps)?

thanks for some awesome programs! much appreciated guys!

galileo2000, I don't see/can't find a download link for your 2nd listing, do you have to sign up to sendspace to see it? Also I assume this is for use w/the Sony XL1B2 DVD changer (control apps)?

Ray,

Just scroll to the bottom of the page.

No, you don't have to sign up for sendspace to upload or download.

Both apps are for the control of the Sony XL1B (1,2,3) 1394 changers under XP.

Vista and MCE are not required. Not what Sony and M$ originally planned :D

Thanks galileo2000, added links under:

HTPC setup...
MediaDogg (http://mediadogg.files-upload.com/2...I-050x.zip.html) – Sony XL1B (1,2,3) - control apps for XP (5/14/07)
Shizzle (http://www.sendspace.com/file/05abrr) – Sony XL1B (1,2,3) - control apps for XP (5/14/07)

Thanks galileo2000, added links under:

HTPC setup...
MediaDogg (http://mediadogg.files-upload.com/2...I-050x.zip.html) – Sony XL1B (1,2,3) - control apps for XP (5/14/07)
Shizzle (http://www.sendspace.com/file/05abrr) – Sony XL1B (1,2,3) - control apps for XP (5/14/07)

Ray,

AutoRip needs to be credited for the first app as well.

OK galileo2000, AutoRip credited & listed as:

AutoRip/MediaDogg (http://mediadogg.files-upload.com/2...I-050x.zip.html) – Sony XL1B (1,2,3) - control apps for XP (5/14/07)

I found an outstanding RAW image viewer/manipulation program.

It's name is RAW Therapee, most digital camera's RAW
files just fine.

http://www.rawtherapee.com/

====

A great site for photography freeware is:

http://www.photo-freeware.net/

Thanks jgenemans, added those 2 links & gave you credit. Added under:

Useful software & links for freeware
Raw Therapee (http://www.rawtherapee.com/) – RAW converter and digital photo processing software (5/24/07)

Useful links for other great freeware download sites
Photo-Freeware.net (http://www.photo-freeware.net/) – site for photography freeware (5/24/07)

A couple of Digital Room Correction/crossover/Speaker equalization programs measurement utilities with trial downloads. Full programs are not free
http://juicehifi.com/index.html
http://www.acourate.com/

Another free Girder alternative:

http://iox.sourceforge.net/

A couple of Digital Room Correction/crossover/Speaker equalization programs measurement utilities with trial downloads. Full programs are not free
http://juicehifi.com/index.html
http://www.acourate.com/

Sorry, but neither of these apps are free.

Thanks jfath, added the program under:

I/O (Input/Output) info
IOX (http://iox.sourceforge.net/) – free Girder alternative (9/3/2007)

Hi Ray, How about Threatfire (http://www.threatfire.com) which is a nice, free, modern replacement for Spybot, etc. that are getting a little 'long in the tooth'?

-PGPfan

I think MCE Standby Tool is worth adding.

http://www.xs4all.nl/~hveijk/mst/indexe.htm

Thanks PGPfan and Steelwell. I added those links under:

Security, adware, spyware, spam, cookies, pop-ups...
ThreatFire (http://www.threatfire.com/) – free protection for viruses, spyware and identity theft (3/15/2008)

HTPC setup...
MCE Standby Tool (http://www.xs4all.nl/~hveijk/mst/indexe.htm) – configure system properly for desired sleep state (3/15/2008)

I don't know if these classify as "killer apps" but at least they're free :)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1015363

didnt see it on the list

www.tversity.com allows streaming of any file format to what ever computer/device.
It can do transcoding on the fly, and has a few options for customization, upscaling etc..

i currently use it to stream .mkv files to my xbox :)

Thanks Vrokolos and ironlynxtk, added them in the generalized area of HTPC setup and gave you credit:

HTPC setup...
SpeakerSetup (http://vrokolos.blogspot.com/2008/03/change-speaker-mode-using-command-line.html) – change speaker mode using command line (4/11/08)
Tversity (http://www.tversity.com/home) - allows streaming of any file format to a computer or device (4/11/08)
VrokSub (http://vrokolos.blogspot.com/2008/03/vroksub-released.html) - automatically download subtitles for your movies.. (4/11/08)

Not sure I saw this on the latest sticky thread...

Free calibration software, also free calibration DVD:
http://www.homecinema-fr.com/colorimetre/index_en.php

Also want to make sure this version is there, it lets you use direct3d to eliminate tearing
Media Player Classic 6.4.9.0 - Mod Casimir666 v1.0.11.0

Thanks Toe tag, added it in and gave you credit. Put it under:

HTPC setup...
HCFR Colormeter (http://www.homecinema-fr.com/colorimetre/index_en.php) – free calibration software, also free calibration DVD (5/21/08)

ResSwitch & ResCopy:
http://www.naughter.com/qres.html

ResSwitch- Command line (make into windows shortcut) utility to easily change resolutions without the need to access the driver or display properties and no annoying warning popups.

ResCopy- GUI that discovers/lists all display modes available on the adapter that ResSwitch is able to use. VERY handy if a custom resolution is not shown in the windows or control panel slider.

Tested on WinXP Pro SP3 with nV 9600Gt.

Thanks hammerdwn, listed them under:

HTPC setup...
ResSwitch & ReCopy (http://www.naughter.com/qres.html) – easily change resolutions & lists all display modes available (6/17/08)

TheFranchise had suggested these apps, but somehow that post has been deleted. Added these and gave credit:


Utilities, tune-up, maintenance & useful PC information
Oscar's File Renamer (http://www.mediachance.com/free/renamer.htm) – rename files in a full featured text editor (8/12/08)
TeraCopy (http://www.codesector.com/teracopy.php) – copy & move files at the fastest possible speed (8/12/08)
UltraExplorer (http://www.mustangpeak.net/ultraexplorer.html) – ultimate file manager for Microsoft Windows (8/12/08)

This is a very good list! Thanks for compiling it.

One utility which I have found to be very useful is autoruns. MUCH better than other utils like msconfig.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

This utility, which has the most comprehensive knowledge of auto-starting locations of any startup monitor, shows you what programs are configured to run during system bootup or login, and shows you the entries in the order Windows processes them. These programs include ones in your startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys. You can configure Autoruns to show other locations, including Explorer shell extensions, toolbars, browser helper objects, Winlogon notifications, auto-start services, and much more. Autoruns goes way beyond the MSConfig utility bundled with Windows Me and XP.

Autoruns' Hide Signed Microsoft Entries option helps you to zoom in on third-party auto-starting images that have been added to your system and it has support for looking at the auto-starting images configured for other accounts configured on a system. Also included in the download package is a command-line equivalent that can output in CSV format, Autorunsc.

You'll probably be surprised at how many executables are launched automatically!

Autoruns works on Windows 2000 SP4 Rollup 1 or above.

Thanks rajdude. Looks like a killer app, put it under:

Utilities, tune-up, maintenance & useful PC information
AutoRuns for Windows (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx) – shows you what programs are configured to run during system bootup (8/15/08)

OML open media library. It is kind of a replacement for mymovies or dvd library. http://code.google.com/p/open-media-library/

Hey, just letting you know the following:

GotTV PVR, currently called Got All Media or GAM (or GALLM) is not free anymore. Version 6.7 was the last free version. Current version 7 is about $40. Not sure if version 6.7 is offered anywhere, but not at that link.

Xlobby's current version is no longer free or available as a stand-alone frontend. It is sold with Calrad equipment. The last free versions of the software can still be found at these locations:
http://mayhem.prod.googlepages.com/lastfeexlobby
and
http://xlobby.help.googlepages.com/oldxlobbyversions
You should update your links for xlobby.

Have a good one.

This one is very useful for keeping the young ones from turning on/off your HTPC right in the middle of a movie...or opening/closing the DVD drive door. Simple enough called Toddler Keys

http://tk.ms11.net/

Great program.

A new cross-platform frontend that looks very promising is Elisa:
http://elisa.fluendo.com/

Thanks denyart & Marbles_00. For denyart I put the link & gave credit under:

HTPC setup...
Open Media Library (http://code.google.com/p/open-media-library/) – solution for viewing and organizing your DVD library with Vista (8/29/08)

For Marbles_00 got rid of GotTV PVR & added/modified links under:

HTPC setup...
Elisa (http://elisa.fluendo.com/) – open source cross-platform media center/front end (8/29/08)
Xlobby (http://mayhem.prod.googlepages.com/lastfeexlobby) - excellent free front end software (8/29/08)
Xlobby (http://xlobby.help.googlepages.com/oldxlobbyversions) – old versions of the software with instructions on how to install (8/29/08)

Themes, desktop enhancements, miscellaneous...
Toddler Keys (http://tk.ms11.net/) – lock your computer keyboard, CD drive doors & power-off button (8/29/08)

sorry if some programs are repost and don't really fit the forum category. (I remove many duplicates) This is a short list I made for a guide I did. You can add these to the list op. thanks

You can add ccleaner - http://www.ccleaner.com/ (Is pretty useful and fast)

Regclean - http://www.download.com/RegClean/3000-2094_4-10007196.html
(http://www.download.com/RegClean/3000-2094_4-10007196.html) (I had trouble after a new install and ran this fixed everything)

Here are some FREE (Online) Anti-Virus Scanners,
Symantec Online Virus Scanner, http://security.symantec.com/
McAfee FreeScan, http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp
F-Secure Online Scanner, http://support.f-secure.com/enu/home/ols.shtml
Panda Active Scanner, http://www.pandasecurity.com/homeusers/solutions/activescan/
Kaspersky Virus Scanner, http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner
BitDefender Online Scanner, http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie
Trend Micro House Call, http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

PC PitStop - http://pcpitstop.com (Analyze and optimize system with suggestions)

Audio Editing,
Video Editing , Avisynth (http://www.avisynth.org/)| 3GP Video Converter (http://www.dvdvideosoft.com/products/dvd/Free-3GP-Video-Converter.htm)
Video Player,
Codecs, XP Codecs Pack (http://www.xpcodecpack.com/download) | K-Lite Codecs Pack (http://www.download.com/K-Lite-Mega-Codec-Pack/3000-13632_4-10794603.html?tag=mncol&cdlPid=10876813) (Use for Playing Audio/Videos)
Photo Editing, GetPaint (http://www.getpaint.net/)
3D Animations , Blender (http://www.blender.org/download/get-blender/)
HTML Editor, Eclipse (http://www.eclipse.org/)(Create your website) | Mozilla Editor (http://www.mozilla.org/editor/)
Publishing, Scribus (http://www.scribus.net/?q=taxonomy/term/36) | Openberg (http://openberg.sourceforge.net/)
Financial Software, FinancialFate (http://www.financialfate.com/)| GNuCash (http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=192)
Backup and Recovery, Areca (http://areca.sourceforge.net/) | Imagerescue 3 (http://store.lexar.com/imagerescue3/index.cfm)
Remote Desktop, rDesktop (http://www.rdesktop.org/) | jrDesktop (http://jrdesktop.sourceforge.net/) (Java Based)
Encryption Software, AxCrypt (http://axcrypt.axantum.com/) | Truecrypt (http://www.truecrypt.org/)
SSH / Terminal Clients, Putty (http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/)| Openssh (http://www.openssh.com/)
Passwords Managers, Password Safe (http://passwordsafe.sourceforge.net/|)
Burning, isoMaster (http://littlesvr.ca/isomaster/) | isoRecorder (http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm) |
Email Clients, Mozilla Messenging (http://www.mozillamessaging.com/) |
Instant Messaging,
Download Managers,
Desktop cleaners, ccCleaner (http://www.ccleaner.com/download) (Remove Cache and unwanted Junk)
Games, Freeware Games listed on Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_freeware_games)


ps, I never really need any apps to optimize my HTPC :( . The only program I run is Symantec Corporate AV (It runs in the background). My HTPC runs very smoothly.

Thanks atrix415, that's a LOT of good free apps! :) I couldn't seem to find BitDefender Online Scanner & Trend Micro HouseCall was the only program already listed. I included & gave you credit for:

Utilities, tune-up, maintenance & useful PC information
Ccleaner (http://www.ccleaner.com/) - freeware system optimization, privacy & cleaning tool (9/12/08)
PC Pitstop (http://pcpitstop.com/) – free PC scans & tune-up utilities (9/12/08)
RegClean (http://www.download.com/RegClean/3000-2094_4-10007196.html) - cleans & repairs Windows Registry errors (9/12/08)

Security, adware, spyware, spam, cookies, pop-ups...
AxCrypt (http://www.axantum.com/AxCrypt/) – free file encryption software (9/12/08)
F-Secure (http://support.f-secure.com/enu/home/ols.shtml) – free online virus scanner (9/12/08)
Kaspersky (http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner) – free online virus scanner (9/12/08)
McAfee FreeScan (http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp) – free online virus scanner (9/12/08)
Panda ActiveScan (http://www.pandasecurity.com/homeusers/solutions/activescan/) – free online virus scanner (9/12/08)
Password Safe (http://passwordsafe.sourceforge.net/|) – easily create a secured & encrypted user name/password list (9/12/08)
Symantec Security Check (http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym) – free online virus scanner (9/12/08)
TrueCrypt (http://www.truecrypt.org/) – free open-source disk encryption software (9/12/08)

Internet browsers & other web surfing software enhancements
Mozilla Messaging (http://www.mozillamessaging.com/en-US/) – free E-mail client (9/12/08)

Useful software & links for freeware
Blender (http://www.blender.org/download/get-blender/) – free feature filled 3D animations software (9/12/08)
Eclipse (http://www.eclipse.org/) – free HTML editor (9/12/08)
FinancialFate (http://www.financialfate.com/) – free do-it-yourself financial planning software (9/12/08)
GNUCash (http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=192) – personal & small-business finance manager (9/12/08)
jrdesktop (http://jrdesktop.sourceforge.net/) – open source software for viewing &/or controlling a distance PC (9/12/08)
Mozilla Editor (http://www.mozilla.org/editor/) – free HTML editor (9/12/08)
OpenBerg (http://openberg.sourceforge.net/) – read, write, publish e-Books with open standards & free software (9/12/08)
OpenSSH (http://www.openssh.com/) – free implementation of Telnet & SSH, encrypts all traffic (9/12/08)
Paint.NET (http://www.getpaint.net/) – free image & photo editing software (9/12/08)
PuTTY (http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/) – free implementation of Telnet & SSH, encrypted (9/12/08)
rdesktop (http://www.rdesktop.org/) – capable of natively speaking Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) (9/12/08)
Scribus (http://www.scribus.net/?q=taxonomy/term/36) – free open source desktop publishing software (9/12/08)

Audio/Video
3GP Video Converter (http://www.dvdvideosoft.com/products/dvd/Free-3GP-Video-Converter.htm) – convert 3GP cell phone video files to more common PC video formats (9/12/08)
AviSynth (http://avisynth.org/mediawiki/Main_Page) – free powerful tool for video post-production (9/12/08)
K-Lite Mega Codec Pack (http://www.download.com/K-Lite-Mega-Codec-Pack/3000-13632_4-10794603.html?tag=mncol&cdlPid=10876813) – able to play all the popular audio & video formats (9/12/08)
XP Codec Pack (http://www.xpcodecpack.com/download) – helps you to play all major audio/video formats (9/12/08)

Links for backup & copying CDs, DVDs...
Areca Backup (http://areca.sourceforge.net/) – personal file backup software developed in Java (9/12/08)
ISO Master (http://www.littlesvr.ca/isomaster/) – create or customise CD/DVD images, make Bootable CDs/DVDs (9/12/08)
ISO Recorder (http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm) – burn CD & DVD images, copy disks, make images of data CDs & DVDs (9/12/08)
Lexar Image Rescue (http://store.lexar.com/imagerescue3/index.cfm) – recovery of your valuable photos from any memory card (9/12/08)

Games & online gaming for PC
List of freeware games, Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_freeware_games) – implemented as traditional executable files (9/12/08)

I'm surprised there is no link to this avsforum member program

Cliff Watson EPG add-on for MyHD, FusionHDTV, and HD Homerun


great epg and pvr software thread here (free but requires a Schedules Direct subsciption ($20/year) to get data for cable channels/ota stations)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=7370557&postcount=1

I remember and miss Cliff Watson. He was a very valuable asset here at AVS.

However the free killer apps does not include any subscription requirements for it to be truly free software.

Thanks for the mention though, I'm a fan of MyHD.

Didn't see this one on the list, though I've been known to lose my glasses while wearing them...

Free tool straight from Microsoft that lets you mount one or more .iso files as virtual drives. Fantastic, I use it constantly, so far no problems:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/7/b/6/7b6abd84-7841-4978-96f5-bd58df02efa2/winxpvirtualcdcontrolpanel_21.exe

anyone know a good move/tv series manager, basically can scan your HDD for videos files and download info from imdb to create a movie database, also can watch the video using an external launcher?

A few more for the list...

MagicDisc Virtual CD/DVD-ROM from MagicISO, completely freeware and superb alternative to Daemon Tools
http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-magicdisc-overview.htm

WinMerge is an Open Source (GPL) visual text file differencing and merging tool for Windows. Great for comparing script and xml files
http://winmerge.org/

And was I going mad, did I not see XBMC listed under the HTPC frontends?
http://xbmc.org/

Thanks Lazarus Dark & defraguk. Added those new links under:

Utilities, tune-up, maintenance & useful PC information
MagicISO Virtual CD/DVD-ROM (http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-magicdisc-overview.htm) – designed for creating & managing virtual CD drives & CD/DVD discs (11/25/08)
Win XP Virtual CD Control Panel (http://download.microsoft.com/download/7/b/6/7b6abd84-7841-4978-96f5-bd58df02efa2/winxpvirtualcdcontrolpanel_21.exe) – lets you mount one or more .iso files as virtual drives (11/25/08)
WinMerge (http://winmerge.org/) – visual text file differencing & merging tool for Windows (11/25/08)

HTPC setup...
XBMC Media Center (http://xbmc.org/) – excellent media center/front end (11/25/08)

Hate to put in a plug for my home forum, but http://www.legitreviews.com is a great hardware review site :)

also thought id let you know that many of the link are broken, infact most of the media center links are either broken or point to one of those domainname place holder sites

Thanks for your input, I added:

Hardware info, news, reviews, shopping
Legit Reviews (http://www.legitreviews.com/) – excellent hardware review site (12/3/08)

As for keeping the rest of the links updated, I feel I don't have enough time to go through them all. I may have to ask Bob Sorel (the Moderator) to discontinue the list if it's that outdated...

I may give it a try if I can just delete those links that are invalid. Or do it one section at a time...

I may have to ask Bob Sorel (the Moderator) to discontinue the list if it's that outdated...Oh no! Please don't do that. There are some links that don't work, but we can deal with it. This is still a very valuable, useful list!

OK, I've decided to keep up the list and at least try to update the outdated links one section at a time. Thanks again for all of your input.

got another for you:
Songbird (http://getsongbird.com/): Awesome opensource media player based on Firefox, still in beta, but shows alot of promise with built in last.fm support, zune/ipod support, and tons of other plugins that make it extremely versatile.

also didnt see it in there:
Pidgin (http://www.pidgin.im/): Free OSS multi protocol IM client, supports IM service Ive ever heard of a bunch i havent too :)
Pidgin Plugins (http://plugins.guifications.org/trac/wiki/PluginPack): adds lots of great features to pidgin like auto correcting spell checker for common typos like teh ETC

last one:
VirtualDub Mod (http://virtualdubmod.sourceforge.net/): virtualdub but with more awesome :)

Thanks again martini161. Added all those useful apps under:

Useful software & links for freeware
Pidgin (http://www.pidgin.im/) – the universal IM client (12/17/08)
Pidgin PluginPack (http://plugins.guifications.org/trac/wiki/PluginPack) – plugins for Pidgin (12/17/08)

Audio/Video
Songbird (http://getsongbird.com/) – excellent opensource media player based on Firefox (12/17/08)

HTPC setup...
VirtualDubMod (http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=65889) – based on the famous video editing software VirtualDub (12/17/08)

Hi,

This is a great thread. I do have a suggestion: a lot of those links point to programs that are not free. In itself, that's ok. But it's misleading because you download it, it does whatever scans it's supposed to do then it asks for credit card info and all that.

I recommend that those be removed unless marked with an asterisk.

Regards

Auslogics Disk Defrag and Registry Defrag:

http://www.auslogics.com/en/software (bottom of the page).

I've always wondered why this thread is not a sticky. This thread is how I found out about GBPVR.

anyone know a good move/tv series manager, basically can scan your HDD for videos files and download info from imdb to create a movie database, also can watch the video using an external launcher?

Sort of... it's new, and it does do some of things you wanted, but it is still under development and requires some other little programs to get the data from sources like imdb.....and it is....video browser (aka media browser) (http://code.google.com/p/videobrowser/)
direct link to downloads page (http://code.google.com/p/videobrowser/downloads/list) and a place to read more (http://www.mediabrowser.tv/)
Oh, and I found it first on AVS Forum. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15253374#post15253374)

Hi,

This is a great thread. I do have a suggestion: a lot of those links point to programs that are not free. In itself, that's ok. But it's misleading because you download it, it does whatever scans it's supposed to do then it asks for credit card info and all that.

I recommend that those be removed unless marked with an asterisk.

Regards

ddgtr, from the start I have tried to qualify each app as free & no strings attached. In eventually updating the links I'll take that into account. Thanks.


From vladd I've added:

Utilities, tune-up, maintenance & useful PC information
Auslogics' Registry Defrag & Disk Defrag (http://www.auslogics.com/en/software) – free defragmentation utilities (1/24/09)

Most of these are mainly for XP users since Vista already has a lot of this functionality built-in.

For those who don't know, XP can download and use the Windows Desktop search engine. It constantly indexes all your files. I think the interface is way better than Google Desktop. However, I prefer using Index Your Files since the user can decide at what time of day it scans your files to update itself. "IYF" keeps an index of file names but not the internal contents like Windows Search and Google Desktop do, so it's a smaller footprint, sometimes gigs worth. Just depends what you prefer and need. I don't care for Google Desktop at all though compared to the Windows one. Anyway...

Windows Desktop Search - indexes everything, bigger footprint. Big url, so just go to Microsoft for it.
Index Your Files - search with filename indexing, smaller footprint. http://www.indexyourfiles.com/
WinFlip - 3D alt-tabbing. http://tokyodownstairs.blogspot.com/2007/11/winflip.html
Visual Task Tips - thumbnail image of things in your taskbar. http://www.visualtasktips.com/
Revo Uninstaller - make sure those programs are uninstalled. http://www.revouninstaller.com/
KatMouse - scroll in whatever window has the cursor, not the one in focus. Also can sort of alt-tab using the middle button. http://ehiti.de/katmouse/

I don't think that KatMouse one is a "killer" program, but it's nice so I tossed it in.

These next two are so full of win for XP users, let me tell ya...

Vista Start Menu - turns your start menu into something actually useable. You know how your "start, program files" area is a mess and ugly? Yeah, get this. http://www.vistastartmenu.com/index.html Even has a program search bar like Vista does. But, it's not that smart for misspellings and things, so you need the awesomeness that is...

Find And Run Robot. Press the hotkey to bring up the bar, type in some semblance of the shortcut or exe you're looking for, and there it is. Plugins also turn it into a dictionary and calculator and search engine and whatnot. Add shortcut icons to it if you want. With this, you maybe don't even need Vista Start Menu or other launchers. "Hmm, where'd I put the shortcut to that program I can only remember part of the name of?" Doesn't matter with FARR. http://www.donationcoder.com/Software/Mouser/findrun/

The only thing about FARR is it's "donationware." It doesn't require a donation, but if you don't donate you need to visit the forum after like six months to then get a lifetime key for it. Sounds fair to me.

Another similar but not quite as good one imo is Launchy. http://www.launchy.net/ If you go with FARR, you may as well grab another of the author's great programs, ScreenshotCaptor. It's the only free screenshot software I've seen that can do a one-button capture of dual displays. Other ones make you highlight what part(s) of the screen to capture first.

And if someone likes the normal start menu but would like tree menus/groups in the quicklaunch bar, just get Free Launch Bar http://www.freelaunchbar.com/

I see Objectdock is already in the list. The more popular one now is arguably http://rocketdock.com/ This gives you a Mac-like launch bar. Definitely some cool eyecandy if nothing else. Add KKmenu to add trees/groups to it, or add Stack Dockletto it to get the big popup menus.

Want just the Stack Docklet type of popup launch menu for the QuickLaunch bar or for a shortcut folder on your desktop but don't want Object or Rocketdock? Get Standalone Stack. http://www.chrisnsoft.com/standalonestack/

And finally, I'll toss in Yahoo Widgets. http://widgets.yahoo.com/ Puts little things on your screen such as CPU meter, volume control, weather, clock with alarms, etc. I like these much better than Google Desktop Gadgets for a couple reasons other than many of them simply look better than the Google ones. Unlike Google Gadgets, you can move them anywhere, and you can reduce the transparency on them(!) so they aren't so obvious and blend in better. Check out "Gorgy Clock" for a cool clock/alarm and "Informer" for CPU/transfer speeds/memory usage/launch bar.

As for keeping the rest of the links updated, I feel I don't have enough time to go through them all. I may have to ask Bob Sorel (the Moderator) to discontinue the list if it's that outdated...

I may give it a try if I can just delete those links that are invalid. Or do it one section at a time...

I would opine that the links don't even need to be there. All someone generally needs is the name, a quick description to see if they're interested, and then a browser to search for the current version.

The list is awesome. For novices like me though, is there anyway to get list of like 5 must haves?

hdmion

http://thydzik.com/tag/hdmion/

I use this to fix the problem where my TV won't detect the hdmi input from the pc after turn off/switching inputs. The program toggles the display on/off and restores the picture. I mapped it to a keystroke and then associated that keystroke with a mouse button.

Thanks 9volt, added & gave you credit:

HTPC setup...
HdmiOn (http://thydzik.com/tag/hdmion/) - a tiny program that turns the monitor off and on (4/8/09)

http://www.iobit.com/

The Free download. (Advanced SystemCare)

My PC is about 1yr old, a powerful gaming unit when it was new. It has been starting to bog down. I ran these programs and it runs like new or better! Seriously incredible stuff, I am recommending them to everyone I know. Great stuff. :)

Might I add my own software to the list of remote control utilities ? :p

Remote Control - http://rc.hot.is/

Utility for controlling IR devices through a PC with an USB-UIRT or an MCE-IR blaster. Includes a Remote Control Manager, Remote Control Layout Designer, Remote Control GUI application which can communicate directly with the IR blaster as well as over network using the Remote Control Server.

An HTTP Server is also included which makes controlling devices using a web-browser possible. Works on the iPod Touch and iPhone as well :)

also, the kmplayer is awesome

Thanks Blacklac, hagur & br4d - added the links in mentioned & gave you credit. They're under:

Utilities, tune-up, maintenance & useful PC information
Iobit SystemCare (http://www.iobit.com/) – System Care, Computer Scan, Computer Repair, PC Maintenance (6/4/09)

I/O (Input/Output) info
USB-UIRT/MCE IR Remote Control (http://rc.hot.is/home) – remote control software for your USB-UIRT / MCE IR-blaster equipped HTPC (6/4/09)

Audio/Video
KMPlayer (http://kmplayer.en.softonic.com/) – an exciting free multi-format media player (6/4/09)