My Favorite Software
I thought that in light of my monthly clean install, I’d make a list of all of the software I have installed. I’ve paid for nearly all of these. I choose my software carefully.
- Font Explorer 2007 - A cheap (compared to $2,500+) program for temporarily installing and managing fonts. It also previews, sorts, groups, etc.
- Winamp - It’s a cheap, extendible media player. I use it mostly for audio. It has built-in iPod support among other things. It’s fast and doesn’t hog resources like Apple iTunes.
- VideoLAN VLC Media Player - It’s a FREE, cross platform, open source media player, mostly for video. It plays just about everything with no additional codecs needing to be installed.
- True Launch Bar - This program is awesome. It allows total menu or submenu customization for the Windows taskbar. It replaces the Quick Launch toolbar. It uses no resources. It also as plugins and widgets. It’s only $15.
- SmartFTP - Perhaps the fastest FTP client I’ve ever used. It supports FXP among lots of other features. It’s free as well, but you can purchase a nag-free version.
- Trillian Astra - The best multi-network instant messenger ever. Its in alpha right now, but I have no problems with it. There’s also going to be a web-interface version!
- Firefox - The best web browser ever. IE can go die now.
- SnagIt - A screen capture program. It’s highly customizable and features a built-in editor and multiple output options.
- Nero 7 Ultra Edition - The best CD/DVD burning software ever. The suite contains over 20 programs to do what you want with digital media.
- AnyDVD - Removes the copy protection of DVD movies for viewing or copying. Runs in the background.
- Synergy - It’s a software based way to share a single mouse and keyboard with multiple computers over a network. It’s fast and simple.
- Easy CD-DA Extractor - This is simply the fastest CD ripping software I’ve ever used. Also features converters.
- Helium Music Manager - The ultimate music management system. It features advanced libraries and makes managing and tagging a breeze.
- WinRAR - RAR file compression. Supports many formats.
- DU Meter - Monitor network interface bandwidth.
- Anapod Explorer - Interfaces an iPod right inside of Windows Explorer. Syncs with a folder very fast. Also features a web-based music server right from the iPod!
- Diskeeper 2007 - Real time disk defragmentation and optimization.
- True Image - Disk imaging and file backup software.
- Disk Director Suite - Disk partition management.
- VMware Workstation - Run Windows XP inside of Vista? No problem. True virtualization software.
- Steinberg Cubase - Audio production software. Pro Tools can bite me as far as I’m concerned.
- Microsoft Office 2007 Professional - It’s simply the best office suite. Open Office is coming close, but it’s not there yet.
- Microsoft Streets & Trips 2007 - A great map and navigation program that you don’t need an Internet connection for. Works with my Bluetooth GPS.
- Adobe Creative Suite 3 Master Collection - Every program of Adobe Creative Suite in one package. Brilliant.
- Adobe Photoshop Lightroom - A photographer’s dream. Makes managing and developing a breeze. If you own a DSLR, you need this.
- Adobe Audition - Formerly Cool Edit Pro. It’s a high powered audio editor.
- Microsoft Windows Vista - It’s a lovely operating system, contrary to all of the Microsoft bashing going on. Don’t bash it if you don’t know how to use it either. Don’t say they copied off of Apple OS X either, Apple ripped from Linux, which is free, and charges for it.
I wipe my hard drive nearly every month or two. I can have all of the above installed within a couple hours. Amazing.