Software Hot 100 │ Entries 100 - 80

Ad-aware 2008 Free

Adware isn’t the most dangerous nuisance on the internet but it can still have adverse effects on your PC. That’s why Ad-Aware 2008 has been downloaded over 300 million times, keeping PCs adware-free.

Price Free
Web http://www.lavasoft.com/

K-lite Codecs

If you’re an avid video watcher, you’ve probably already encountered the codec nightmare of what plays in which program. Banish it with K-lite codecs, the most comprehensive pack you’ll find.

Price Free
Web http://www.free-codecs.com/

Glary Utilities

A popular free new tool, Glary is designed to optimise performance and keep your PC running smoothly.

Price Free
Web http://www.glaryutilities.com/

PrimoPDF

A simple application that enables you to ‘print to PDF’, which saves paper, and means you can easily create PDF documents from existing programs.

Price Free
Web http://www.primopdf.com/

WinRAR

Used for unpacking files, WinRAR is fast becoming an essential tool when downloading files.

Price Free
Web http://www.win-rar.com/

MaxiVista

Not specifically for Windows Vista but a great program all the same. MaxiVista enables you to add extra monitors for your main PC without the need for extra hardware.

Price $29.95 (£15.09)
Web http://www.maxivista.com/

Picasa

A free file organiser that puts the focus on sharing, Picasa is an online photo album with added editing tools.

Price Free
Web www.picasa.google.com

SpywareBlaster

Spyware is nasty stuff but if you’re looking for free protection, try SpywareBlaster – it’s a monitoring program that has been recommended by scores of Windows Vista Magazine readers.

Price Free
Web www.javacoolsoftware.com

RocketDock

Another reader favourite, RocketDock is an animated application launcher that handles programs and minimised applications alike.

Price Free
Web www.rocketdock.com

Sony Vegas Movie Studio

If you want to take your movie editing up a level, but are budget-conscious, Sony Vegas Movie Studio is the answer. It offers professional effects and editing tools
without the expense of pro-level software.

Price £32.95
Web www.sonycreativesoftware.com

VideoWrap

One of the best video conversion programs on the market, VideoWrap makes it easy to choose the right file type by taking the emphasis off the complicated extensions and on to your devices. Choose your make of phone, media player or destination, and it works out the format and resolutions required.

Price £35
Web www.fxhome.com/videowrap

Windows Live OneCare Family Safety

There are plenty of parental controls in Windows Vista but this puts you in charge of your children’s internet habits. It enables you to monitor Windows Live Messenger contacts to vet who they’re talking to, and block internet sites as well.

Price Free
Webget.live.com

Outlook Mail Connector

If you want to bring your Windows Live Hotmail to Microsoft Office Outlook, then you’re going to need some extra help. The Microsoft Office Outlook Connector enables you to import mail, and now calendar and contacts as well, making Office Outlook your primary mail tool.

Price Free
Web www.microsoft.com/downloads

Microsoft Expression Studio 2 (Educational)

A hot tool for any budding web designer, enabling you to create great effects and interactive sites with impressive reach.

Price £86.99
Web www.microsoft.com

Cyberlink Live

This tool lets you remotely listen to your music, watch video and TV, as well as accessing webcams so you can monitor your home while you’re away.

Price Free
Web www.cyberlinklive.com

X-oom Music Clean 4

Converting old music to digital is a great way to immortalise a collection, but creaky old records and tapes don’t translate well on to MP3. X-oom Music Clean 4 removes clicks, pops and hisses, making those old tunes sound their best.

Price £19.99
Webwww.x-oom.com

The Filter

This nifty program searches your music and video collection to create playlists and suggest others you might like. A great way to discover new music, or to choose from your own collection, which could contain thousands of tracks.

Price Free
Web www.thefilter.com

GameSpy

Any multiplayer gamer should be aware of GameSpy. It offers a great way to find fast servers, update your games, get exclusive content and find friends online.

Price Free
Web www.gamespyarcade.com

LogMeIn

An easy way to offer remote desktops across the internet, LogMeIn lets you access your PC remotely. Great if you’re working away from home or helping relatives sort out problems.

Price Free
Web www.logmein.com

Digsby

Bring instant-messaging applications such as Windows Live Messenger together with Digsby, a multifunctional social networking application. Many services are blocked by corporate networks, so if you need to contact a colleague, Digsby offers a way forward.

Price Free
Web www.digsby.com

EverNote

Another productivity application, EverNote enables you to create rich hand-written and audio notes, as well as clippings, when surfing the web. It’s able to recognise the text from web pages and even photographs on mobile devices, so you won’t forget important information.

Price Free
Web www.evernote.com

100 -80 │ 79 - 60 │ 59 - 40 │ 39 - 20 │ 19 - 1