Below is a list of the top 10 apps I use every day. All are free, most are open source and all are indispensable.
1. Utorrent (PC/Mac)
What it does: Downloads torrents really well.
Why you need it: To download torrents.
Why it's better than the rest: It's small, uses much less memory than Azereus, and it has a web user interface, allowing management of torrents from any browser (Including work!)
Where to get it: Here
How to use it: Coming soon...
2. Firefox (PC/Mac)
What it does: Surfs the web really well
Why you need it: Firefox allows you to customize you entire internet experience. Break free from the bonds on internet explorer.
Why it's better than the rest: Add-ons, Add-ons, Add-ons, from ad blocking to complete html control firefox is da bomb!
Where to get it: Here
How to use it: Coming soon.
3. Peer Guardian (PC)
What it does: Covers your ass when you download stuff
Why you need it: To cover your ass ( by blocking government, MPAA, and RIAA computers from connecting your your computer)
Why it's better than the rest: It's the only program other than firewalls that can do this. And unlike firewalls it automatically updates it's P2P list daily.
Where to get it: Here
How to use it: Coming soon....
4. Orbit Downloader (PC)
What it does: Downloads anything you can see or hear with a web browser
Why you need it: Ever wanted to keep that song you heard on Pandora, or the video from Youtube?
Why it's better than the rest: It the only one I know of
Where to get it: Here
How to use it: Coming soon....
5. Picasa (PC/Mac)
What it does: Organizes pictures really well
Why you need it: It will keep that mess of pictures organized and backed up.
Why it's better than the rest: Unlike most built-in picture apps (iphoto/ windows photo gallery) picasa will upload to snapfish, google photo album, or walgreens. Giving you more options. It also has a very easy to use back up feature.
Where to get it: Here
How to use it: Coming soon....
6. DVD Shrink (PC)
What it does: Rips DVDs really well
Why you need it: It will strip copy protection allowing you to make copies of your dvd collection (which you legally have the right to do if you own the dvd.)
Why it's better than the rest: Dvd Shrink will remove most copy protection, as well as remove the annoying disabled user functions that dvds are crippled with. It will also shrink dvds to fit on regular sized discs. It has also saved scratched discs that couldn't be read by other programs like nero.
Where to get it: Here
How to use it: Coming soon....
7. DVD Shrink (PC)
What it does: Rips DVDs really well
Why you need it: It will strip copy protection allowing you to make copies of your dvd collection (which you legally have the right to do if you own the dvd.)
Why it's better than the rest: Dvd Shrink will remove most copy protection, as well as remove the annoying disabled user functions that dvds are crippled with. It will also shrink dvds to fit on regular sized discs. It has also saved scratched discs that couldn't be read by other programs like nero.
Where to get it: Here
How to use it: Coming soon....
8. WinDirStat (PC)
What it does: Answers the question "where'd all my hard drive space go?"
Why you need it: To keep you hard drive from bloating out of control.
Why it's better than the rest: It has a great graphical representation of your hard drive usage as well as the ability to delete it when needed.
Where to get it: Here
How to use it: Coming soon....
8. CCleaner (PC)
What it does: It cleans up the crap (ccleaner stands for crap cleaner.
Why you need it: Windows can get very bogged down with crap. CCleaner can get rid of it.
Why it's better than the rest: Ccleaner can do many of the things paid for programs do, like cleaning page files and cleaning out the registry. It also remove incomplete installs from the install dialog.
Where to get it: Here
How to use it: Coming soon....
9. AVG (PC)
What it does: I almost forgot the most important, a Virus scanner
Why you need it: Viruses = very bad.
Why it's better than the rest: AVG has real time virus detection, virus definition updates for free (some paid programs costs as much as $120 a month) Low CPU and memory usage, (more than 2x the compition) and a better detection rate than any other program. And it's free
Where to get it: Here
How to use it: Coming soon....
10. MIRO (PC)
What it does: Miro is the swiss army of media apps. It will play anything (video or music) will download streams of content and has access to 2500 unique online shows.. Miro will even download torrents and catalog them based on if you have watched them or not.
Why you need it: Everyone want free easy quality entertainment (no DRM please).
Why it's better than the rest: Miro HD, I don't even have an HD tv but that's awesome. There are no restrictions placed on what you can watch or for how long, no commercials and no tracking of which shows you watch. And above all it handles torrents. Downloading tv shows can become cumbersome, Miro will aggregate the downloads and automatically remove them after you watch.
Where to get it: Here
[Don't forget to install I Heart Miro from the website above. The money raised from I heart Miro goes to support open (no DRM) video and Miro]
How to use it: Coming soon....
