~ If you find any broken links or wrong information (says compatable with X, but isn't) please post it and/or send me a PM so I can correct it.~

Guide for Requests:

• Keep all posts within forum rules So no asking for programs that do illegal things. :nono:
  
• The Type of program you are looking for.
  
• The OS that it must be compatible with.
  
• If Freeware is a must (Shareware and trial requests are OK, but realize more than likely freeware will be what you are given)

Guide for Submissions: (Please note: I may not accept your submission for various reasons, this is not because of you, but rather something to do with the software)

• Keep all posts within forum rules So no programs that do illegal things. :nono:
  
• Post the name and category of the freeware
  
• Post a link to the official site where you can download it (if you cannot post the official site use http://www.softpedia.com/ or where you downloaded it)
  
• Post OS compatibility for Windows, Mac, and Linux
  
• Post a description of the product and why you think it is good.
  
• If you are submitting a fourth entry for a category, tell what makes it unique/special.
  
• If you are answering someone's request, do your best to fulfill every part, also it does not have to be in the proper format (and if it is Shareware/Trial it will not be added to the list)

Also, please do your best to stick to this format (unless you are answering a request, in which case it is not required, but preferred):

[color=green][b]Whatever classification the program falls under:[/b][/color]Program Name[list][*][url=www.sitetodownloadthisfreewareprogram.com]Download[/url][*]OS: What OS it runs under and what requirements it needs[*]Brief description of program[/list]

Lastly Do NOT! post direct download links. If your only choices are a direct download link or the homepage for the product, use the homepage. Thank you.

Directory:

-A- Freeware Top
-I- Web Browser
-II- Anti-Virus
-III- Anti-Spyware
-IV- Anti-Rootkit
-V- Anti-Trojan
-VI- General Security
-VII- Firewall
-VIII- Office/Word
-IX- File Archiver
-X- Encryption
-XI- Audio Player
-XII- Video Player
-XIII- Codec Packages
-XIV- Converter
-XV- Photo/Graphics Editor
-XVI- Audio Editor
-XVII- Video Editor
-XVIII- Video Capture
-XIX- RSS
-XX- PDF Reader
-XXI- IRC Client/IM
-XXII- Code Editor
-XXIII- Software Development
-XXIV- Network Monitor
-XXV-Network Security/Maintenance
-XXVI- Server
-XXVII- Download Manager
-XXVIII- Email
-XXIX- Desktop Gadgets/Tools
-XXX- Start Menu Alternatives
-XXXI- CD/DVD Burners
-XXXII- System Information
-XXXIII- Maintenance
-XXXIV- System Tracking Tools
-XXXV- Backup and Recovery
-XXXVI- Miscellaneous
-XXXVII- Free Bundles/Packages
-XXXVIII- Operating Systems
-XXXIX- Web Apps
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?act=findpost&pid=14236814
-B- Contributors

-A- Freeware:

-I- Web Browser:

1. Mozilla Firefox

• http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all.html
  
• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• Firefox is a great web browser, with all the plug-ins available you can make it do pretty much whatever you want.

2. Opera

• http://www.opera.com/download/index.dml?custom=yes
  
• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• Opera did tabs first. By far now my favorite web browser. Extremely safe and customizable, most of what Firefox does through addons Opera does by default.

3. Google Chrome

• http://www.google.com/chrome
  
• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• Chrome uses the powerful Webkit rendering engine, which is derived from KHTML. It is a web browser for the minimalist.

-II- Anti-Virus:

1. AVG Free anti-virus

• http://free.grisoft.com/doc/downloads-products/us/frt/0?prd=aff
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista
  
• A very good Anti-virus, the one I currently use. Strong detection rate and low FP count.

2. Avast! 4 Home

• http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
  
• OS: Windows 95-Vista
  
• Updates quite frequently for up-to-date protection. It doesn't have a built in scheduler so you will have to use the windows scheduler to schedule scans. It has both an IM, P2P, and Web shield, which the free versions of AVG and Avira do not.

3. Avira AntiVir

• http://www.free-av.com/en/download/1/avira_antivir_personal__free_antivirus.html
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista
  
• One of the best detection rates out of any AV period. Lacks some of the extra features that other antivirus programs have, and has ads for the full version.

3. Microsoft Security Essentials

• http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
  
• OS: Windows XP-7
  
• Very light on resources with an accurate, frequently updated, virus definitions list, and a not too shabby heuristics engine to boot. Lacks the preventive technologies other AVs offer, though

-III- Anti-Spyware:

1. Spybot S&D

• http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html
  
• OS: Windows 95-Vista, Linux through Wine 1.5
  
• What can I say? I love this guy, alway working and has never let me down so far.

2. Ad-Aware

• http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista
  
• Sure it is more bloated than the last one was, but it still gets the job done.

3. SuperAntiSpyware

• http://www.download.com/SUPERAntiSpyware-Free-Edition/3000-8022_4-10523889.html?tag=mncol&cdlPid=10881361
  
• OS: Windows 98-Vista
  
• Despite it's crazy name, it is not only not spyware pretending to be an antispyware program, but an extremely effective one that has a high detection and removal rate

4. Malwarebytes

• http://www.malwarebytes.org/
  
• OS: Windows 2000-7
  
• It is almost a disservice to put this under anti-spyware, because it is so very powerful. One of the most powerful malware cleaners out there, very handy for removing infections.

-IV-Anti-Rootkit:

1. Rootkit Revealer

• http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897445.aspx
  
• OS: Windows 2000-XP
  
• Slightly tougher to get into than Panda, but it is a very solid anti-rootkit program.

2. Panda Anti-Rootkit

• http://www.download.com/Panda-Anti-Rootkit/3000-8022_4-10717196.html
  
• OS: Windows 2000-XP
  
• A great rootkit detector and remover. Friendly and has a very low false positive count

-V- Anti-Trojan:

1. Emsisoft Anti-Malware

• http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/
  
• OS: Windows 98-Vista
  
• The Majority of people probably won't need a dedicated Trojan scanner, but this is also an excellent anti-spyware product as well

-VI- General Security:

1. Sandboxie

• http://www.sandboxie.com/
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista
  
• This one is still the best free sandbox out there. Sandboxie is known to cause crashes for some people, also it kinda wants you to buy the full version.

2. ThreatFire

• http://www.threatfire.com/download/
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista
  
• HIPS programs inform you if there is any programs doing possibly threatening behavior; think of it as a firewall for programs in your computer. ThreatFire has been known to cause crashes on some people's PCs.

3. KeePass Password Safe

• http://keepass.info/
  
• OS: Windows 98 / 98SE / ME / NT / 2000 / XP / 2003 / Vista, each 32-bit and 64-bit, Linux, PalmOS, PortableApps, U3
  
• Store all your passwords in a single file that is highly excrypted. Can also be used to generate passwords.

4. JavaRa

• http://raproducts.org/
  
• OS: Windows 95-Vista
  
• If you have the Java Runtime Environment on your computer, get this now!

-VII- Firewall:

1. Zone Alarm

• http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/zonealarm-pc-security-free-firewall.htm
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista
  
• Bare minimum firewall, but is extremely easy to use.

2. Comodo Firewall

• http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/download_firewall.html
  
• OS: Windows XP-Vista, 2.4 is compatible with Windows 2000
  
• You can make it so strict it will ask if your keyboard can contact the internet. Very secure, also it includes HIPS that you can enable if you want.

-VIII- Office/Word:

1. OpenOffice.org

• http://download.openoffice.org/other.html#en-US
  
• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• I started using this with my new computer since I was too poor to buy Office 2007 and 2003 has vista compatability issues, I love it now. It feels and looks like Office 2003 (which I prefer over 2007) and can open any MS Office document (except the 2007 file .xdox, or something like that, it has trouble with those). Also it has a equation editor built right into OO.o Word, something I don't remember seeing in MS 2003 (though I know it is in MS 2007)

2. AbiWord

• http://www.abiword.com/download/
  
• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• Used it for a while, it is also installed on the family computer. If you just want a word program this is for you, it also can open up MS 2003 documents.

3. LyX

• http://www.lyx.org/Download#toc2
  
• Windows, Linux, Mac
  
• A WYSIWYG frontend for LaTeX. Useful for keeping style consistent across large documents, and eases transition to professional typesetting if needed.

4. SoftMaker Office 2006

• http://www.softmakeroffice.com/
  
• OS: Windows XP-Windows 7 (for the free version, paid version also available on Linux)
  
• SoftMaker Office strives for compatibility, offering greater compatibility with Microsoft Office macros and other features. A fine spreadsheet and word processor in their own right too.

-IX- File Archiver:

1. 7-zip

• http://www.7-zip.org/download.html
  
• OS: Windows all, unofficial support for Mac and Linux (see link for details)
  
• This thing is just the best, it compresses so very well. When archiving files this is my archiver of choice.

2. Zipgenius

• http://www.zipgenius.com/
  
• OS: Windows 95-Vista
  
• Compresses and reads a wide variety of formats and has alot of addons.

3. ExtractNow

• http://www.softpedia.com/get/Compression-tools/ExtractNow.shtml
  
• OS: Windows 2000 and Windows XP
  
• Focuses on extraction of compressed files. If you don't plan on archiving or compressing files this is the best choice.

Nagware: http://www.rarlab.com/download.htm

-X- Encryption:

1.TrueCrypt

• http://www.truecrypt.org/
  
• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• Open source encryption program; it can do full disk encryption.

2. Cryptainer LE

• http://www.cypherix.com/cryptainerle/index.htm
  
• OS: Windows all
  
• Easy to use encryption program.

3. My Lockbox

• http://www.fspro.net/my-lockbox/
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista
  
• Not really an encryption program, but rather hides your folder and locks it with a password, can be set to work even in safe mode.

-XI- Audio Player:

1. Winamp

• http://www.winamp.com/player
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista (some issues when using Vista are known, see FAQ at Winamp homepage for details)
  
• Ever since I started using it I have never looked back. Customizable skins and a plethora of audio/video codecs.

2. Foobar2000

• http://foobar2000.org/?page=Download
  
• OS: 2003 Server - Vista
  
• Plays nearly every audio format out there and is about as lightweight as they come.

3. MediaMonkey

• http://www.mediamonkey.com/download/
  
• OS: Windows 98-Vista
  
• A wonderful music organizer and player, it can also look up album art and tag information for you. Like Winamp it can track and download your podcasts.

4. Songbird

• http://getsongbird.com/
  
• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• The FOSS alternative to iTunes. I had trouble deciding where to place this since it is both a music player and a web browser. Allows the use of extensions like Firefox and is very feature rich

5. Spotify

• https://www.spotify.com/
  
• OS: Windows XP-7. Mac OS X 10.4+, Linux through Wine.
  
• Spotify offers you legal and free access to a huge library of music. All you need to do is create an account and download the streaming music player. The US cannot currently use Spotify's services (sorry).

Honorable Mentioning: http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

-XII- Video Player:

1. Media Player Classic

• http://mpc-hc.sourceforge.net/
  
• OS: Windows all
  
• A solid and well built light media player. Good interface and plays the majority of codecs.

2. GOM player

• http://www.gomlab.com/eng/
  
• OS: Windows 98 SE-Vista
  
• Simple, pretty, functional. Capable of playing broken files and searches for codecs when it cannot play a file.

3. VLC Media

• http://www.videolan.org/vlc/
  
• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• A great backup media player. Almost never fails to play any media file. Offers tons of customization for those who want it including mouse gestures and skins.

4. The KMPlayer

• http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/Video/Video-Players/KMPlayer.shtml
  
• OS: Windows 98-Vista
  
• Supports many video and audio formats as well as sporting many features. Relys on third-party plug-ins to do many things.

5. SMPlayer

• http://smplayer.sourceforge.net/downloads.php?tr_lang=en
  
• OS: Windows XP-7, Linux
  
• The most popular front-end for the very powerful MPlayer. Can do just about anything and doesn't rely on external codecs.

Honorable mentioning: http://www.divx.com/

-XIII- Codec Packages:

1. CCCP

• http://www.cccp-project.net/
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista
  
• The mother of all codec packages. It comes bundled with Media Player Classic and enough codecs to make WMP play anything (as a side bounus it allows WMM to edit xvid.avi files). Better than K-lite because it lacks the compatability crash issues.

-XIV-Converter

1. WM Converter

• http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/Audio/Audio-Editors-Recorders/All-Allex-WM-Converter.shtml
  
• OS: Windows 98-Vista
  
• Not much to look at, but it gets the job done. Does Audio and Video Converting

2. AlltoAVI

• http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/Video/Encoders-Converter-DIVX-Related/alltoavi.shtml
  
• OS: Windows All
  
• Converts a bunch of formats to .avi, quick and simple.

3. SUPER

• http://www.filehippo.com/download_super/
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista
  
• One of the most powerful video converters around

4. XRECODE

• http://xrecode.com/
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista, Linux confirmed through Wine
  
• The best audio converter around, supporting the best lossless and lossy audio formats including, but not limited to, FLAC, APE, WavPack, MP3, OGG, and AAC.

5. Winff

• http://code.google.com/p/winff/
  
• OS: Windows 98-Windows 7, Linux
  
• A wonderful converter that is a frontend to FFMpeg. Can convert between mostly anything and is perfect if you want just straight up conversion without much else.

-XV- Photo/Graphics Editor

1. GIMP

• http://gimp.org/downloads/
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista, Mac OS X (you will need to get a few extra things to get it to work), Linux
  
• I use this and have never looked back. Anything photoshop can do, so can GIMP, heck if you want you can get http://plasticbugs.com/?page_id=294 (same OSes)

2. Paint.NET

• http://www.getpaint.net/download.html
  
• OS: Windows XP-Vista
  
• Much more user-friendly than the GIMP, but doesn't have as many features. It is constantly improving and getting better.

3. IrfanView

• http://www.irfanview.com/
  
• OS: Windows 9x - Vista
  
• More of an image viewer, but still has basic editing capabilities. Can even play .avi and .mpg files.

4.Inkscape

• http://www.inkscape.org
  
• OS: cross-platform
  
• A nice program for editing scalable vector graphics.

5. Blender

• http://www.blender.org/download/get-blender/
  
• OS: Windows 98-Vista
  
• The best 3D graphics editor. Hoggish, but worth it.

6. Truespace

• http://www.caligari.com/
  
• OS: Windows XP and Vista
  
• 3D modeling and authoring program. It requires registration before you download, but otherwise free.

-XVI- Audio Editor

1. Audacity

• http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
  
• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• Good if you only want an audio clip rather than a whole song. Use it make ringtones and it works great. An all-around great audio editor.

2. MP3 Gain

• https://sourceforge.net/projects/mp3gain/
  
• OS: Windows 95-XP
  
• With MP3Gain you can adjust the volume of songs so that they all have the same volume. Free, simple, no loss of quality. It only works for mp3 files though.

-XVII- Video Editor:

1. VirtualDub

• http://sourceforge.net/projects/virtualdub/
  
• OS: Windows 98-Vista
  
• I used to use this all the time. Combined with alltoavi (see converter section) would made it work for almost all your basic video editing needs.

2. Avidemux

• http://fixounet.free.fr/avidemux/download.html
  
• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• A basic video editor that does pretty much the same stuff as WMM, but it works for pretty much whatever OS you are using

3. Jahshaka

• http://sourceforge.net/projects/jahshakafx/
  
• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• I prefer Avidemux. A capable editor, but has quite a few kinks.

-XVIII- Video Capture:

1. Fraps

• http://www.fraps.com/download.php
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista
  
• Probably the most commonly used video capturer for games. The freeware version has a watermark and only allows for 30 seconds of recording at a time.

2. Taksi

• http://taksi.sourceforge.net/
  
• OS: Windows 95- XP
  
• Inspired by Fraps, it is an alternative. Not all there yet (at version 0.7.6), but doesn't have the 30 second time limit that Fraps has (only HDD space will limit your recording)

3. WeGame

• http://www.wegame.com/download/
  
• OS: Windows XP-Vista
  
• Another alternative to Fraps, Only specific games are supported, but unlike Taksi, sound recording is supported.

4.XFire

• http://xfire.com
  
• Windows 200-Vista
  
• Video capture and picture taking for games, also includes easy to use server joining as well as instant messaging (does not work with every game).

5.CamStudio

• http://camstudio.org/
  
• OS: Windows XP-Vista.
  
• Records what you do on your desktop. Great for making video guides.

-XIX- RSS:

1. RSSOwl

• http://www.rssowl.org/download
  
• OS: all? I don't think there is an OS this doesn't work with.
  
• If you love aggregating your RSS feeds, this is a must. Lots of guides and FAQs to help you along the way.

2. FeedDemon

• http://www.newsgator.com/Individuals/FeedDemon/Default.aspx
  
• OS: Windows 98-Vista
  
• RSS feed reader, looks similar to outlook and thunderbird, simple and easy to use.

-XX- PDF Reader:

1. Foxit PDF Reader

• http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php
  
• OS: Windows (All)
  
• Ultra-fast and light full-featured PDF reader.

2. Adobe Reader

• http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2_allversions.html
  
• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• Use Adobe Reader to view, search, digitally sign, verify, print, and collaborate on Adobe PDF files.

3. Adobe Reader SpeedUp

• http://www.softpedia.com/get/Office-tools/PDF/Adobe-Reader-SpeedUp.shtml
  
• OS: Windows 98 - Vista
  
• Adobe Reader SpeedUp significantly decreases the amount of time required for Adobe Reader to start

-XXI- IRC Client/IM:

1.Trillian

• http://www.ceruleanstudios.com/learn/
  
• OS: Windows 98-Vista
  
• Not only does this allow IRC, it is also an all-in-one IM client, allowing you to IM through any service.

2. Pidgin

• http://www.pidgin.im/
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista, *nix
  
• A IM program that works with pretty much every IM service, and even use more than one at the same time.

3. Miranda IM

• http://www.miranda-im.org/
  
• OS: Windows 95 - Windows 7
  
• A very powerful and customizable multi-protocol Instant Messenger, but it has a bit of a learning curve and is very bare-bones by default. Definitely a good choice for the DIY people

4. aMSN

• http://www.amsn-project.net/download.php
  
• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• The de-facto most full-featured third-party client for MSN/Windows Live Messenger. If you can find a feature in the official client that isn't in here, I would be surprised.

5. emesene

• http://www.emesene.org/download.html
  
• OS: WIndows XP-7, Linux
  
• A simpler MSN/Windows Live Messenger. Doesn't quite implement all the features aMSN has, but integrates with the desktop better and still supports a heckuvalot of features. More Linux-oriented, but Windows gets love.

6. Skype

• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/get-skype/
  
• The de-facto video chat client. It uses P2P technology to manage traffic, so you may notice a large increase in bandwidth used, especially if you get turned into a supernode. You can also make free phonecalls through skype to other skype users

7. IceChat

• http://www.icechat.net/site/
  
• OS: Windows 95-Vista
  
• If you use IRC you probably bought mIRC, but if you want to start using IRC this may be your way in.

8. HydraIRC

• http://hydrairc.com/
  
• OS: Windows XP, but can run on Windows 98-2000
  
• Open source, easy to use. May be a little cluttered to some at first, but easily fixable and the open source is great.

9. XFire

• XFire can be found in the video recorder section.

-XXII- Code Editor:

1. Notepad++

• http://sourceforge.net/projects/notepad-plus/, (http://code.google.com/p/npp-installer/downloads/list)
  
• OS: Windows 32-bit, Linux
  
• If you want to edit codes, this is the program for you, it displays them all perfectly.

2. Notepad2

• http://www.flos-freeware.ch/notepad2.html
  
• OS: Windows All
  
• A very notable code editor. Extremely light and fast, and supports lots of formats. Some prefer it to the (relatively) clunky Notepad++.

3. ConTEXT

• http://www.contexteditor.org/
  
• OS: Windows 95 - Vista
  
• "A small, fast and powerful freeware text editor" - Possibly one of the best code editors for Windows.

-XXIII- Software Developer:

1. Eclipse

• http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/
  
• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• For the budding C/C++ and Java developers

2. SDL

• http://www.libsdl.org/
  
• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• Not a language itself but a library for other languages for making graphics based applications(like games)

3. Python

• http://www.python.org/
  
• Cross-Platform
  
• A general-purpose with emphasis on code reliability and programmer productivity.

4. Microsoft Visual Studio

• http://www.microsoft.com/express/product/default.aspx
  
• OS: Windows XP and Vista
  
• These are actually three separate downloads: Visual Basic, Visual C# and Visual C++. free registration is required.

-XXIV-Network Monitor:

1. Down2Home

• http://www.softpedia.com/get/Network-Tools/Bandwidth-Tools/Down2Home.shtml
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Windows XP (I have used it with vista with only the occasional minor error.)
  
• I really love this guy, keeps track of what you are uploading and what you are downloading, speed, and everything.

2. Netmeter

• http://www.metal-machine.de/readerror/index.php?action=tpmod;dl=item23
  
• OS: all Windows 32-bit
  
• Not as much info as Down2Home, but it is lighter and pretty darn effective.

3. AirSnare

• http://www.softpedia.com/get/Network-Tools/Network-Monitoring/AirSnare.shtml
  
• OS: Windows all
  
• AirSnare monitors network traffic for unfriendly MAC addresses and alerts you when a MAC address is found that isn't on the friendly list. AirSnare can also monitor DHCP requests from clients.

-XXV- Network Security/Maintenance

1. Wireshark

• http://www.wireshark.org/download.html
  
• OS: Windows and *Nix flavor OSes
  
• Packet sniffer and packet anolyzer. Useful for diagnosing unusual network activity, or unusual port activity.

2. NetStumbler

• http://www.netstumbler.com/
  
• OS: XP, Vista
  
• Most Wireless problems are because someone is using the same channel as you, this programs tells you what channels are being used in your area so you can pick an open one.

-XXVI- Server

1. Apache web server

• http://www.apache.org/
  
• Windows 95-Vista; *nix; *BSD
  
• Apache is a free web daemon, and is highly configurable. It is reported to run 60% of the internet's websites.

2. MySQL

• http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/5.0.html
  
• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• database software

3. PHP

• http://www.php.net/downloads.php
  
• OS: Windows, source code for Unix/Linux
  
• website server php software, used to make more advanced websites

4. e107

• http://e107.org/news.php
  
• Requirements: PHP with a web server
  
• website portal

5. UltiDev Cassini 2.0

• http://ultidev.com/products/cassini/
  
• OS: Win2K, WinXP, WinVista
  
• For those who need a flexible .NET web server, but don't have IIS. Very easy to use.

-XXVII- Download Manager

1. FlashGet

• http://www.filehippo.com/download_flashget/
  
• OS: Windows only
  
• Works great for dial-up users who can't always finish downloads in one session. It also stops broken downloads, so it's useful to everyone.

-XXVIII- Email:

1.Thunderbird

• http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/thunderbird/all.html
  
• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• A wonderful email program. Do you use a webmail service? No problem. Simply get http://webmail.mozdev.org/installation.html and follow the instructions in the FAQ. Tada! now they work with Thunderbird.

-XXIX-Desktop Gadgets/Tools

1.Desktop Sidebar

• http://www.desktopsidebar.com/download.html
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista
  
• A sidebar similar to the Google Sidebar and Windows Sidebar, but isn't either one

2. Rainlendar

• http://www.rainlendar.net/cms/index.php
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista, Linux
  
• A calendar app for your desktop including a to do and events list. Very effective, very customizable

3. Rainmeter

• http://rainmeter.net/RainCMS/
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista
  
• Monitors your PC, bunch of widgets.

4. Iconoid

• http://www.sillysot.com/
  
• OS: Works with NT, 2000 and XP as well as the whole Win9X family
  
• Iconoid is a Windows desktop icon manager.

5. Wallpaper Master

• http://jamesgart.com/wallpaperchanger/index.html
  
• OS: Windows 98-Vista
  
• Wallpaper shuffler with tons of customization and an easy-to-use interface. Runs so smoothly you almost forget you have it! Also has a pro version with more options, if you really want to pay.

6. Shock 4Way 3D

• http://www.docs.kr/entry/Download-Shock-4Way3D-en
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista
  
• If you want a 3D cube for Windows, this is the best free one out there, also a very well done virtual desktop program.

7. GeekTool

• http://projects.tynsoe.org/en/geektool/download.php
  
• OS: Mac OS X (Panther or Tiger)
  
• GeekTool is a PrefPane to show system logs, unix commands output, or images (i.e. from the internet) on your desktop (or even in front of all windows).

8. iStat

• http://www.islayer.com/apps/istatmenus/
  
• OS: Mac OS X 10.4 or higher
  
• With 8 separate and highly configurable menu extras, iStat menus will let you know exactly what’s going on inside your Mac.

9. Fences

• http://www.stardock.com/products/fences/downloads.asp
  
• OS: Windows XP-7
  
• A nice icon organizer for the desktop.

10. CD Art Display (CoverGloobus for Linux)

• http://www.cdartdisplay.com/ (http://gloobus.net/)
  
• Two very nice programs for displaying your CD art for the current playing song on your desktop as well as some controls and other features. A great widget for you music lovers.

11. Aquasnap

• http://www.nurgo-software.com/products/aquasnap
  
• OS: Windows 2000-7
  
• Brings Windows 7-like aero features to XP and Vista. Enhances Windows 7's aero features with more options.

12. DisplayFusion

• http://www.displayfusion.com/Download/
  
• OS: Windows XP-7
  
• Offers many useful features to those using multiple monitors

13. Multimon Taskbar

• http://www.mediachance.com/free/multimon.htm
  
• OS: Windows XP-7
  
• Adds a taskbar to a second and third monitor, a feature only available in the pro version of DisplayFusion

-XXX-Start Menu Alternatives

1. RocketDock

• http://rocketdock.com/
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista
  
• A Dock much like that in Mac. I love it, very functional and lacks the crashes that plague ObjectDock.

2. AutoHotKeys

• http://www.autohotkey.com/download/
  
• OS: I believe it works with all of Windows, but uncertain.
  
• Tired of clicking everywhere to get to what you want? make a hotkey and be there in a second.

3. Launchy

• http://www.launchy.net/#download
  
• OS: Windows XP, can be made compatable with Windows 2000 (see link)
  
• A very robust and effective program launcher. It searchs as you type to try and find what you want even faster.

-XXXI- CD/DVD Burners

1. ImgBurn

• http://www.imgburn.com/index.php?act=download
  
• OS: Windows 95-Vista, Linux through Wine
  
• I liked this one the best out of the three I tried, nice options and interface

2. CDBurnerXP

• http://cdburnerxp.se/
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista
  
• Another good choice if you don't like ImgBurn

3. InfraRecorder

• http://infrarecorder.sourceforge.net/?page_id=5
  
• OS: Windows 95-Vista (latest version only 2000-Vista)
  
• Another good choice. If you are familiar with Nero, this one may fit you the best as it borrows its UI from Nero.

4. DVD Flick

• http://www.dvdflick.net/
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista
  
• Allows you to burn virtually any video file to a DVD for watching in your DVD player. Allows creation of menus.

-XXXII- System Information

1. CPU-Z

• http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php
  
• OS: Windows All
  
• Tells you all kinds of things Dxdiag doesnt. Click the link for everything it tells you.

2. SpeedFan

• http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php
  
• OS: Windows All
  
• SpeedFan is a program that monitors voltages, fan speeds and temperatures in computers with hardware monitor chips.

3. Process Explorer

• http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/Security/Processixplorer.mspx
  
• OS: Windows 95-Vista
  
• Allows you to see whats running and stop it and so much more. Its a task manager on steroids.

4. Everest Home

• http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Info/Everest-Home-Edition.shtml
  
• OS: Windows all
  
• Does system diagnostics, system information and benchmarking.

5. Startup Delayer

• http://www.r2.com.au/software.php?page=2&show=startdelay
  
• OS: Windows 98-Vista
  
• Don't want to disable programs from running at startup, but want to make it so everything doesn't try to start at once? This is the answer

6. System Explorer

• http://systemexplorer.mistergroup.org/
  
• OS: Windows XP-Vista
  
• A full-featured explorer that tells you everything. Don't know what a process is? Right-click and choose process library to instantly look it up.

7. WinDirStat

• http://windirstat.info/
  
• OS: Windows 95-Vista
  
• An Open Source disk space anolyzer based off of KDirStat (linux). Has a directory list, file extensions list and graphical tree map for those who like it.

8. SequoiaView

• http://w3.win.tue.nl/nl/onderzoek/onderzoek_informatica/visualization/sequoiaview//
  
• OS: Windows 95-XP
  
• Perfect for those who are fans of the tree map anolysis of disk space, otherwise WinDirStat may be a better choice.

9. Folder Size

• http://foldersize.sourceforge.net/
  
• OS: Windows XP
  
• Allows you to see folder's size in Windows Explorer, may slow down system depending on number of folders and files (inside those folders).

10 Errmsg

• http://www.favessoft.com/downloads.html
  
• OS: Windows XP-7
  
• A nice portable tool for looking up archeic windows errors. Great if you are without an Internet connection.

-XXXIII- Maintenance:

1. Auslogics Disk Defrag

• http://www.auslogics.com/en/software/disk-defrag/download
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista
  
• Many times better than the standard Disk Defrag for Windows, no doubt about that.

2. CCleaner

• http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/
  
• OS: Windows All
  
• This thing is the best. Cleans registry, uninstalls, cleans temp/unused files, and empties the recycle bin.

3. PageDefrag

• http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897426.aspx
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Windows XP
  
• Cleans out pagefile allowing faster shutdown/boot up

4. PC Inspector File Recovery 4

• http://download.cnet.com/PC-Inspector-File-Recovery/3000-2248_4-10118663.html
  
• OS:Windows
  
• Deleted something on accident? See if you can get it back with this program. A little hard to get into, but is very effective at recovering your files.

5. TweakNow Registry Cleaner

• http://www.tweaknow.com/RegCleaner.html
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista
  
• Easy to use program that cleans up your registry, which helps the computer run better. Easy interface, green for safe to delete, yellow for caution, red for not safe.

6. SpeedXP

• http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/System-Tweak/SpeedXP.shtml
  
• OS: Windows XP
  
• A tweaking program for the system and internet which can access options and settings normally hidden.

7. Unlocker

• http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/
  
• OS: Windows 2000 / XP / 2003 / Vista
  
• Makes deleting troublesome file (The "sorry, you're still using that so bugger off" ones.) much easier.

8. GParted

• http://gparted.sourceforge.net/
  
• OS: Live CD Tool/Linux
  
• One of the more powerful partition editing tools out there with plenty of features

9. Easeus Partition Master

• http://www.partition-tool.com/personal.htm
  
• OS: Windows 2000-7
  
• A powerful partition editor without leaving the comfort of Windows. Great for 2000 and XP users in particular looking for something friendly to partition with

10. DBAN

• http://dban.sourceforge.net/
  
• Supports: IDE, SCSI and SATA
  
• It stands for Darik's Boot and Nuke, it overwrites data with random numbers until it is unreadable. Perfect if you need to wipe your HDD completely clean.

11. Heidi Eraser

• http://www.heidi.ie/node/6
  
• OS: Any Windows or DOS with NTFS or FAT32 filesystems.
  
• Erases files, folders, cache, deleted space, free space beyond forensic recovery. Uses Gutmann, DoD, and pseudorandom overwrite algorithms.

12. Revo Uninstaller

• http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista
  
• Revo is a very useful tool, especially when removing junk from a new computer. It does a very good job of uninstalling all parts of a program. If it cannot find an uninstaller it will go in and delete all related files to that program it can find.

13. MyDefrag

• http://www.mydefrag.com/
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista (including 64-bit XP and Vista)
  
• MyDefrag is the new JkDefrag. Open source and highly effective. Not the fastest defragger, but gets more than anything else.

14. Defraggler

• http://www.defraggler.com/download
  
• Windows 2000-Vista.
  
• Simple to use defrag program that also visualizes fragments on a drive.

-XXXIV- System Tracking Tools:

1. Prey

• http://preyproject.com/
  
• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• The Open Source version of LowJack for Laptops. It can use Geolocation, grab the IP address of the theif, and even take snapshots of him with a webcam if one is connected

-XXXV- Backup and Recovery:

1. Paragon Drive Backup Free

• http://www.paragon-software.com/home/db-express/
  
• OS: Windows XP-7
  
• A very powerful Hard Drive Imaging Tool for Windows, you can even schedule image creation and differential backups. Supports a wide variety of setups, including RAID, and offers a livc CD to recover from complete system failure. Requires Registration

2. Macrium Reflect Free

• http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp
  
• OS: Windows XP-7
  
• Another hard drive imaging tool for Windows. This one is faster, but more system intensive and with less features. No differential backups, but also includes a live CD tool. Great if you want to create an image after setting up, so you can simply return to that state at any time, even if your hard drive completely fails.

3. CloneZilla

• http://clonezilla.org/
  
• OS: Live CD tool/Linux
  
• The most advanced backup tool out there, with countless features. The advanced nature comes with a steep learning curve, but extremely valuable if learned

4. Redo Backup and Recovery

• http://redobackup.org/
  
• OS: Live CD Tool/Linux (cannot verify Mac File System support)
  
• Simplicity is the name of the game with this tool. It sacrifices some of CloneZilla's more advanced features with a simple point-and-click design. Better than Macrium Reflect Free if you don't mind booting off a live CD to use it, and better than Paragon Drive Backup unless incremental backups are your thing.

5. Cobian Backup

• http://www.educ.umu.se/~cobian/cobianbackup.htm
  
• OS: Windows XP-7
  
• If you don't care about being able to instantly restore your system if the hard drive fails, but just want a simple tool for backing up certain files that offers more features than Windows' built in backup tool, then this is it.

6. SyncToy

• http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=c26efa36-98e0-4ee9-a7c5-98d0592d8c52&displaylang=en
  
• OS: Windows XP-7
  
• Synchronize Files/Folders from one place to another, a simple backup tool if your other hard drive is always on.

7. DriveImage XML

• http://www.runtime.org/dixml.htm
  
• OS: Windows XP-Vista
  
• Creates an image of your hard drive. Lacks the ability to restore after complete system failure, so is limited compared to the other tools listed

8. GameSave Manager

• http://gsm.duncsweb.com/
  
• OS: Windows XP-7
  
• A large database of games is maintained to make backing up your game saves extremely simple. The database is ever-growing and you can input custom entries too.

-XXXVI- Miscellaneous:

1. Quad-Lock Unit Converter

• http://www.quadlock.com/about/unit_converter.htm
  
• OS: Windows 98/Me /NT/2000/XP/Vista
  
• Unit Converter is a freeware tool that can take care of all your unit conversions, even when offline.

2. BitPim

• http://www.bitpim.org/
  
• OS: Windows
  
• A free utility to manipulate/synch data on many cellular phone handsets, including appointment calenders, ringtones, and other features.

3. VisiPics

• http://www.download.com/VisiPics/3000-2193_4-10424234.html
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista
  
• It finds duplicates of your pictures and allows you to delete them. It found all but two of my purposeful duplicates and even found some I didn't know were there.

4. ProtableApps

• http://sourceforge.net/projects/portableapps/
  
• OS: Windows 98-XP
  
• All your favorite freeware programs in one simple download and all designed to work from a flash drive.

5. Apophysis

• http://www.apophysis.org/index.html
  
• OS: Windows
  
• Allows you to create large flames/fractals, good for making unique backgrounds.

6. Freemind

• http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Download
  
• Windows, Mac OS X, Linux (just requires Java RE 1.4 or later)
  
• Excellent mind-mapping tool. Fantastic for note taking, brainstorming, or organizing.

7. IcoFX

• http://icofx.ro/
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Windows 7
  
• IcoFX is an award winning freeware icon editor. It is an all-in-one solution for icon creation, extraction and editing. It is designed to work with XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Macintosh icons supporting transparency.

8. TeamViewer

• http://www.teamviewer.com/download/index.aspx
  
• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• A simple tool to remotely access another system. Great if a friend/family member needs help with their computer, and you aren't there.

-XXXVII- Free Bundles/Packages

1. Google Pack

• http://pack.google.com/intl/en/pack_installer.html
  
• OS: I Have had issues with some of the programs working on Vista, others no issues.
  
• Choose the programs you wish to install. Tells you when updates are available for them

-XXXVIII- Operating Sytems

Special mentioning: VirtualBox

• http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
  
• OS: Virtually any OS imaginable supported both for virtualization and to be virtualized in.
  
• Want to try an OS before switching? Maybe you want to see if that OS you have been eyeing is up to your standards yet, this program allows you to test out OSes with ease.

1. Ubuntu

• http://www.ubuntu.com/GetUbuntu/download
  
• x86 and x64bit compatible
  
• This was a wonderful experience, definitely a great OS. I had almost no trouble getting it working, and the Ubuntu forums made any troubles a breeze.

2. FreeBSD

• http://www.freebsd.org/
  
• x86 compatible (including Pentium and Athlon), amd64 compatible (including Opteron, Athlon64, and EM64T), ARM, IA-64, PowerPC, PC-98 and UltraSPARC architectures.
  
• FreeBSD is an operating system derived from BSD's UNIX and is a full-blown operating system that operates like UNIX and is characterized as "the unknown giant among free operating systems".

3. Fedora

• http://fedoraproject.org/
  
• PowerPC and Intel architectures
  
• RPM-based distro that is created for the community, from the community.

4. Debian

• http://www.debian.org/
  
• Support for many different architectures and has many configurations
  
• The Father of Ubuntu and many other distros. Uses the strong APT for package handling.

5. Puppy Linux

• http://www.puppylinux.org/
  
• Specifically designed for running from the LiveCD, but installation is also available.
  
• Puppy Linux is an extremely lightwieght distro for those with older PCs. What makes Puppy special from other distros is the large number of preconfigured software for it makeing it's ease of use very high.

-XXXIX-Web Apps:

1. 15 Great Web Apps

• http://www.maximumpc.com/article/the_15_best_web_apps_youve_never_heard_of
  
• OS: All
  
• Want to do something, but don't have the program? This list may have a web app that can do it for you.

2. Vector Magic

• http://vectormagic.com/
  
• OS:all
  
• Vectorize your photos, smooth out odd parts, and allow for practically infinite scaling without loss of quality.

3. Jotti file scanner

• http://virusscan.jotti.org/
  
• OS: all
  
• Scans an uploaded file with multiple malware scanners, currently 20, to be even more sure a file is clean (or dirty). A very useful tool if you feel uncertain about the legitimacy of some file.

4. Trendmicro Virus Scanner

• http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
  
• OS: Windows 98-XP, Mac OS X 10.4, Linux with libc6 support, also ActiveX or Java VM
  
• Scans your computer for any malware for free.

Feel free to add what you think will make this list better.

-B- Contributors:
Vivi****
CCNA**
ROX
Sivartus********
Max_aka_NOBODY**
wolfpup****
MistaMo*******
Wierd****
Moo Cow
th3_oblivion
Anarkee
grand soul gem
povuholo
Sheepdragon
Ditre***
DarkOneVenzar**
Dogsbody
sgt deacon*****
crippknottick
doccolinni
Lemunde*
AshOfTheWaste
Kyuuen
Nuck
Thungrim
Mr. Oblivion
C-Euro

Excellent thread!!!
Exactly what we all want.
Thanks for doing it!

The games will be posted on page two (like last time), for now the link to the old game list will do.

I'm gonna try Ubuntu on one of my old machines. It has a p4 and 512mb of RAM. So far it has Windows: 98, 2000 and XP on it.

I joined nonags.com for all my freeware.
It's all prechecked for viruses, malware etc.,
Almost all the software I use is freeware.
I prefer freeware NOT because it's free but because it's better.

For instance I use Media Player Classic version 6.4. Even tho a fancy one comes free with Vista64.
Why use such an old outdated program? No skins, no unnecessary features other than volume leftrightstoppause.
because along with an old version of K-Lite Codec pack - it plays all types of videos without a hitch.
AND, a big plus here, it does NOT access the Internet continuosly looking for updates.

My choice when looking for an app is it's size in comparison to others.
If it's a tiny bit of code like 50 - 100 bytes. I know it will most likely be the fastest and do the job efficiently (ie: a Notepad replacer or color picker)
I prefer those as there is no extra crappola thrown in.

I do buy software, as I'm impulsive shopper and have a credit card, but several times find that I prefer to use a freeware program because their simpleness of use and the secure feeling I have because they are not in constant touch with the internet everytime I use my computer.

A good example would be Zone control - I bought the pro version used it for about a month and finally uninstalled it and went back to an older free version.
I bought Photoshop only to find I prefer to use freeware Paint.NET
I'm wondering now why I forked out 1500 for Max7 when I use NifSkope all the time.

If they put a sticker on the box that said "Does not automatically update" it would help my decision to buy or not.

Yep, I agree, in most cases freeware is actually better than the software you have to pay for. Many would argue that some flavors of linux (Ubuntu, Fedora etc...) are better than Mac OSX or Windows Vista, and I would probably agree with that (depending on what you are using it for).

Oh, and btw, great list DEFRON :cookie:

Does anyone have a freeware app for an alarm clock? Preferably one that you can choose music for.

Edit: Compatibility with Vista 32 and 64 bit, if possible.

This one may work doesn't say vista but does say plays all media.
http://www.nonags.com/software.asp?id=3088

Regarding freeware games, I think you should provide this link: http://www.freewaregames.net/

A huge list of freeware games.


edit: Also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_freeware_games, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_open_source_games and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_commercial_games_released_as_freeware, lol.

Here are a few I didn't see on the list.

Video encoding:
MediaCoder

• http://mediacoder.sourceforge.net/
  
• OS: Tested on Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista SP1 should work with other versions
  
• Very powerful video encoder that supports many formats and allows presets to be saved for specific settings. Also can resize video into HD quality with proper settings.

Maintenance:
Auslogics Registry Cleaner

• http://www.sitetodownloadthisfreewareprogram.com
  
• OS: 7/Vista/2008/XP/2000/2003, 32-bit and 64-bit and dual-core CPU supported
  
• Free easy to use registry cleaner.

This thread = win.

Anyone else here redirects people, who dont use these forums, to this thread? I keep it bookmarked for people with questions.

another one for you guys

System Information:
Techpowerup GPU-Z

• http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/, 434KB
  
• OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista
  
• Basically the same as CPU-Z but it tells you everything you would want to know about your graphics card, and then some. Updates come as often as new GPUs are released.

Now that I have it on, what is there to do?

Maintenance:
EASEUS Partition Master

• http://www.partition-tool.com/easeus-partition-manager/help/resizing-and-moving-partition.htm
  
• OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista
  
• The Free Partition Resizer (Partition Editor, Manager) to Resize, Move FAT32, NTFS Partitions

Yay for the Freeware Guide's revival!

Unfortunately, I haven't really been keeping an eye out for good freeware programs, be it games or otherwise, so I can't add anything to the list that I didn't in the previous iteration of this guide. However, the things I did post, mostly games I recall, are still solid and should still be going strong. I'd really love to see the list itself made a sticky, and have a couple of people assigned to periodically update the main list from the various submissions in the freeware thread. Pretty much how the TES photo sticky is run.

I come across a good number of freeware games by lurking at other forums, and had some submissions at the end of the previous thread. Let me repost them so Def doesn't forget...

Games:
Barkley Shut Up And Jam: Gaiden

• http://www.gamingw.net/forums/index.php?topic=68488.0
  
• OS: Windows
  
• The less I say about this hilarious and well-made RPG, the better. Come for the silly premise, stay for the satire of 90's basketball/JRPGs and unique blend of turn-based and real-time RPG systems.

Games:
Spheres of Chaos

• http://www.spheresofchaos.com/index.php
  
• OS: Windows, Linux
  
• A psychedelic twist on an arcade classic: Take Asteroids and pump it full of every psychedelic known to man. Frantic but addicting gameplay that's only made more difficult fun by all the the ships and colors onscreen. Epileptics need not apply.

Games:
Last Scenario

• http://www.scfworks.com/ls.php
  
• OS: XP and Vista. There's a small issue in Vista with the font but the creator has a solution on his site.
  
• Prepare to have your spirit crushed by this very challenging but very satisfying RPG. Features a board game playable with NPCs for prizes, equip-able spells that also provide stat alterations, and a mind-boggling, engaging, and not too cliche (by jRPG standards) plot.

I haven't tested any of these on Macs but if someone wants to try, give it a shot. I feel like I already know the answer.

First make sure you've got the latest patches for everything: System → Administration → Update Manager → Check, and if there are any updates available, install them.

Applications → Add/Remove → search for "restricted" (without quotes) → install "Ubuntu Restricted Extras".

Follow the instructions under "Adding the WineHQ APT Repository" and "Trusting the WineHQ APT Repository and installing Wine" from http://www.winehq.org/download/deb.

From http://www.getdeb.net/release/4236 (or http://www.getdeb.net/release/4237 if your system is 64-bit) download the packages and install them in this order:

• nexuiz-data
  
• nexuiz-music
  
• nexuiz

Also download and install http://www.getdeb.net/release/4258 (or http://www.getdeb.net/release/4259 for 64-bit).

Then imagine how would you reply if someone asked you "Ok, now that I installed Windows, what is there to do?", and you'll clap me.

Network Security:
Snort

• http://www.snort.org/dl/binaries/win32
  
• OS: *nix, Win32
  
• Intrusion detection.

Also, if I may, it may be more useful to just link to DistroWatch than to list a whole bunch of Linux distros.

Here's a better question: Why did you install it?

Thanks, doing that now. :thumbsup:


I was bored and Windows is easy to use, I wanted something I could work on. Also for my computer engineering class I get extra credit if I can get a Linux distro to work any way possible.

-XXXX- Freeware Games:

1. Orbiter: Space Flight Simulator

• http://orbit.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/home.php
  
• OS: Windows 98-XP (can "run" on Vista, has some known issues)
  
• Seriously, if you can land without crashing you should be a real astronaut, I have wasted several hours playing this game.

2. N - Platformer

• http://www.thewayoftheninja.org/n.html
  
• OS: Windows, Mac, Linux
  
• One of the best platformers I've played. No-name ninja (yes, I made that up) doesn't have any weapons, but since he has crazy acrobatic skills, he doesn't really need any.

3. Battle for Wesnoth - Turn-Based Strategy

• http://wesnoth.org/
  
• OS: Windows, Mac, Linux
  
• An amazing freeware TBS. Similar to Fire Emblem in that characters can follow you mission-by-mission, provided you level them up. Played with hex tiles, so you have to watch six sides instead of four.

4. Soldat - 2D Shooter

• http://www.soldat.pl/main.php
  
• OS: Windows 98 - Vista, Linux (through Wine)
  
• Pint-size carnage at it's best. Map and interface makers available. Many mods and maps already available. Playable online or with bots.

5. Cave Story - Action/Adventure

• http://www.miraigamer.net/cavestory/
  
• OS: Windows, Mac
  
• Very "Metroidvania" inspired. You must defeat enemies, upgrade weapons, backtrack (hey, it's part of the genre) and find new items, all to save the planet you're on.

6. Allegiance - Space Combat

• http://www.freeallegiance.org/
  
• OS: Windows 98-Windows XP
  
• Learning curve is a little steep but when you go through the Academy course (you don't have to but it's essentially needed), you'll be fine.

7. America's Army -FPS

• http://www.americasarmy.com/
  
• OS: Windows
  
• Modern, very realistic FPS. Can be graphics intensive, beware low-end computers.

8. Phun - physics

• http://www.phunland.com/wiki/Download
  
• OS: Windows all, Linux 32 and 64-bit
  
• A 2D sandbox game with physics. Good way to kill some time.

9. Toribash - Fighting

• http://www.toribash.com/
  
• OS: Windows all, Mac all, Linux all
  
• 3D fighting game with physics which requires you to move the fighter joint by joint. That's what I'm talking about.

10. Tremulous - FPS

• http://tremulous.net/files/
  
• OS: Windows all, Linux all
  
• Fun FPS where humans and aliens are pitted against each other.

11. Tribes 1

• http://files.filefront.com/Tribes+Full+Game/;3172689;/fileinfo.html (http://files.filefront.com/tribes18to111exe/;846100;/fileinfo.html)
  
• OS: Windows all
  
• The first and I believe the second were both released as freeware some time ago.

12. Wormux

• http://www.wormux.org/wiki/download.php?/en/
  
• OS: Windows all, Mac X 10.4, Linux all
  
• A clone of Worms where mascots of programs are fighting against one another (ie. Firefox, Thunderbird, Tux, GNU Wildebeest, etc.).

13. Jetpack

• http://www.adeptsoftware.com/jetpack/
  
• OS: Windows 95-Vista
  
• A very fun arcade style platform game, add a million user created levels for even more fun.

14. FlightGear Flight Simulator

• http://www.flightgear.org/
  
• OS: Cross-Platform
  
• Realistic flight simulator game that is open source. Also has extra downloadable content.

15. Eversion

• http://zarat.us/tra/offline-games/eversion.html
  
• OS: Windows, presumably XP and Vista.
  
• "A cute platformer with a dark secret", according to the download site. Think Super Mario Bros combined with The Talisman. Can be finished in an afternoon if you just need a quick gaming fix.

16. Hedgewars

• http://hedgewars.org/
  
• OS: Works on Windows and also seems to have packages for *nix distros as well.
  
• If you know what Worms is, you will love this. It's just like it but with hedgehogs!

17. East Side Hocky Manager

• http://www.fhockey.com/
  
• OS: Windows 98-Vista
  
• Text-based, full featured. Sports team manager

18. Barkley Shut Up And Jam: Gaiden

• http://www.gamingw.net/forums/index.php?topic=68488.0
  
• OS: Windows
  
• Come for the silly premise, stay for the satire of 90's basketball/JRPGs and unique blend of turn-based and real-time RPG systems.

19. Spheres of Chaos

• http://www.spheresofchaos.com/index.php
  
• OS: Windows, Linux
  
• A psychedelic twist on an arcade classic: Take Asteroids and pump it full of every psychedelic known to man.

20. Last Scenario

• http://site.scfworks.com/?page_id=9
  
• OS:Windows XP-Vista.
  
• Very challenging but very satisfying RPG. Features a board game playable with NPCs for prizes, equip-able spells that also provide stat alterations, and a mind-boggling plot.

21. Wing Commander: Privateer - Gemini Gold

• http://priv.solsector.net/
  
• OS: Windows, Linux, Mac
  
• Remake of Wing Commander - Privateer, using the Vega Strike engine.

22. Transcendence

• http://www.neurohack.com/transcendence/index.html
  
• OS: Windows 2000-Vista. Linux support soon.
  
• Explore randomly generated star systems for treasure, battle outlaws (or become one!) and customize & upgrade your starship in this amazingly deep spaceflight sim. Basically, the gameplay of Asteroids with the exploration/customization of a Bethesda game.

23. Rockman7 Final

• http://www7.atwiki.jp/wakuwakusuru/pages/13.html
  
• OS: Windows
  
• An 8-bit remake of Mega Man 7 from the SNES, minus a couple of the more useless parts of the game. Ability to read Japanese useful but not required if you played the original.

24. Iji

• http://www.remar.se/daniel/iji.php
  
• OS: Windows
  
• Defend Earth from the alien scourge in yet another first perso--wait, it's a 2D platformer? Outcomes based on the player's decisions and a horde of secrets/unlockables give the daughter (yes, it's a girl) of Metroid and Halo plenty of shelf life.

Contributors:
Vivi ***
MistaMo ******
CoolShady
C-Euro*******
Moo Cow
Sheepdragon

Maintenance:
SmartBuster

• http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Utilities/Misc__Utilities/SmartBuster.html
  
• OS: Windows Vista, 2003, XP, 98
  
• Smart Buster is a unique,compact,simple,user friendly little application that combines an uninstaller, a task manager, a file splitter, a disk space manager,a super fast floppy disk formatter(maybe the fastest) and a file wiper.

Video Player:
Rad Game Tools (Bink it!/Smack it!)

• http://www.radgametools.com/bnkmain.htm
  
• OS: Win 9x/Me, NT, 2000, XP, and Vista.
  
• Can view/convert bik files, plus most other common media files.

This guide is about quality, not quantity (though it has plenty of quantity as well ).

Audio Player:
Spotify

• https://www.spotify.com/
  
• OS: Mac OS X 10.4 or later and Windows XP or later. You can also run Spotify in Wine on Linux.
  
• Spotify offers you legal and free access to a huge library of music. All you need to do is create an account and download the streaming music player.

I'd like to mention this again:

I don't know if linking to other lists was a part of your original idea, but I don't see how it might do any harm.