David Pollitt

My Favorite Windows Apps

// December 6th, 2007 // Life, Photography, Technology

Just a list full of my most commonly used apps that you might not know about.

1. XnView -Allows me to open up any image format, do quick screen capture printouts, and some basic DAM(Digital Asset Management).
2. Image Resizer XP – Windows PowerToy that allows quick right click resizing of images. I’ve found it’s great for quick resizing to email or instant messaging apps.
3. Microsoft SyncToy – A free windows app by Microsoft for syncing up external drives such as USB Flash drives, Backup hard drives, or servers. Very simple, efficient program.
4. VideoLAN VLC Media Player – One of the best apps around for viewing any video or listening to audio. Very quick response time and works with everything I’ve thrown at it.
5. Synergy – Allows you to share your mouse and keyboard with two computers and two displays. A type of virtual, free KVM switch. I use it between my OS X laptop and Vista desktop and only use one mouse and keyboard set.
6. Gadwin PrintScreen – Most of us know there is a printscreen key on the keyboard, but this takes it to another level, with auto output options and the ability to select a specific area to capture.
7. CCleaner – Utility for cleaning out unused files and overall optimizing your system. Integrates with recycle bin for quick unobtrusive cleanings. One of the best programs to speed up an older computer.
8. Reget – Download manager allowing multiple connections, pausing, and browser integration. One of the most important tools I use everyday, allowing me to max out my connection on any download.
9. FoxitReader – Extremely fast and efficient PDF viewer and printer. After waiting 30 seconds to open a PDF on a brand new computer, this is a welcome app.
10. 7-Zip – File compression and extraction tool, with higher compression rates then Winzip or WinRAR.
11. Alcohol 120% – Disc backup and burning, with ability to create virtual optical drives. Great for running ISO’s and other disc images without burning first.
12. FileZilla – Free, fast, and efficient FTP client and server.
13. NeatImage – Noise and grain reduction for digital images. Great for ISO 1600 shots. I would also recommend Noise-ninja.

This list is by no means comprehensive. Since I am a photographer, I did list a few of the photography tools that I use in this list. With the exception of posibily NeatImage, typical users can use any of these.

-DPollitt

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