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Weapon(s) of Choice
Jul. 30, 2004, 10:40 PM
Post: #1
 
Coppied from: http://a_stupid_box.blogspot.com/2004/07/r...y-software.html

[REVIEW] Necessary Software

As a disclaimer, the software recommended here is meant for Average to Expert users. The use of some of the following software can seriously mess up your computer if used incorrectly. The benefits provided, however, are amazing. I hope this list helps some people. If you'd like to add to it, or suggest to me some other programs which are better than these, feel free to leave a comment or email me. I'm always on the lookout for better software.



Antivirus Software:

AVG (http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/) -- This link is directly to their completely FREE antivirus software. They also have the pro version, and the trial version of the pro version, and a ton of other versions that we as humans are unable to comprehend. AVG, simply put, is the best antivirus software I've found. Ever.

RAV Antivirus (http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan) -- An online virus scan. It catches things that all other antivirus scans and even Ad-Aware miss. The only thing it doesn't seem to catch are boot sector virii. RAV beats trend micro's online scan hands down, and doesn't need ActiveX to run (for all you uber-security buffs).

Firewalls:

Sygate Personal Firewall (http://smb.sygate.com/download_buy.htm) -- Unlike Zone Alarm, Sygate isn't bloatware. It's small, feature-packed, and merges seemlessly with pretty much anything. It catches EVERY connection, unlike Zone Alarm which tends to miss posts opened by virii. (I "bought" it from Suprnova)

ProtoWall (http://www.bluetack.co.uk/index1.php) -- A godsend for filesharing. This blocks IPs in ranges known to be seaching for lawsuits. Automatic updates, too. Used with The Blocklist Manager (same site) it can import blocklists from all over the net.

Proxy and Ad/Popup Blockers:

Proxomitron (http://www.proxomitron.info/index.shtml) -- It blocks, it chops, but it pretty much just re-writes web pages on the fly to user specifications. Imagine saving an HTML file to your computer, editing it to how you want, then viewing it. This does that. Fast. Easy to expand upon and only limited by the user's preferences.

Supertrick XG (http://filesharingplace.com/supertrickxg/) -- A bundle of fixes and goodies that could only previously be accomplished through the use of about eight (8) different programs. Check it out if you're a power user -- odds are this will speed up some of the fixes you do/have done manually. The HOSTS fle tools are superb.

Ad-Aware (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/) -- Blocks and removes all kinds of pesterware and some virii. The free version isn't that great, but it works. Get the pro version if you can, you'll love it. (Again, "bought" from Suprnova)

File Sharing:

Zeropaid (http://www.zeropaid.com/php/filesharing.php?id=58) -- Probably the most comprehensive listing of file sharing apps and netwroks there is. Personally, I suggest the Bit Torrent network, but your mileage may vary.

Media:

K-litecodecpack (http://www.k-litecodecpack.com) -- I suggest the mega pack. Contains every useful codec, the (updated) CLASSIC windows media player (see: non-resource hog), a quick time alternative, and a realplayer alternative.

VLC (http://www.videolan.org/vlc/) -- Small and powerful. Plays pretty much everything.

VirtualDub (http://www.virtualdub.org/) -- EXCELLENT media editor. I use this to make music videos.

foobar2000 (http://www.foobar2000.org/) -- Ever wonder what Winamp would be like if you took away all the fluffy stuff that made it intrusive bloatware? Well here's your answer.

Of course, I should also mention Serials 2k, dBpowerAmp, DOSBox, System Mechanic, RegClean, and TweakXP Pro 3. All great programs, not all free unless you know where to look.

And I almost forgot the ALL TIME BEST ONLINE GAME EVAR!!! Subspace/Continuum. I play in Powerball as Trench Wars is for newbs (and once you can out-duel all those newbs after playing against them for three years, it's boring). And no, I'm not posting a link to it or the stuff in the previous paragraph. I happen to be a lazy box today.

I'll try being nicer when you try being smarter.
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