Freeware DB
This page contains a list of all of the best free software applications that I have found over the years to perform a multitude of tasks on the PC platform. Over time, some of these might change if I find an even better tool than I originally had on here. Enjoy!
Databases
Application | Description | Similar to |
|---|---|---|
| QueryCommander | SQL Query Tool | Microsoft SQL Server |
Development 
Application | Description | Similar to |
|---|---|---|
| Nullsoft Installer | Tool to create installers | Installshield |
| PowerGUI | Windows Powershell Script Editor | |
| Visual Studio Express | Programming Environment | Microsoft Visual Studio |
| WinMerge | File comparison tool | Beyond Compare, Araxis Merge |
Firefox Extensions
Application | Description | Similar to |
|---|---|---|
| Ad-Block Plus | Removes ads from web sites | |
| Firebug | Web Site Debugging Tool | |
| Friendbar | Facilitates the creation of Twitter or Facebook posts. | |
| IE Tab | View pages using IE Engine in Firefox | |
| Oldbar | Makes location bar look like Firefox 2 bar | |
| Screengrab | Browser Screen Capture | |
| Smart Bookmarks Bar | Only shows icons in bookmark toolbar | |
| Web Developer | Web Developer Tools | |
| XMarks | Bookmark Synchronizer |
Internet Tools
Application | Description | Similar to |
|---|---|---|
| bDule | Twitter / Facebook client | |
| Cooliris | Image and Video search engine | |
| Filezilla | FTP Client | CuteFTP |
| HydraIRC | IRC Client | mIRC |
| Mozilla Firefox | Web Browser | Internet Explorer, Opera |
| Mozilla Lightning | Calendar Plug-In for Thunderbird | Microsoft Outlook |
| Mozilla Thunderbird | E-mail Client | Microsoft Outlook Express, Microsoft Outlook |
| Pidgin | Instant Messenging Client | MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, AIM |
| uTorrent | BitTorrent Client | Azureus |
| WordPress | Self-Hosted Blog Manager Software | Blogger, TypePad |
Multimedia 
Application | Description | Similar to |
|---|---|---|
| Audacity | Sound Editor | Goldwave, Adobe Soundbooth |
| AudioGrabber | CD Ripper | iTunes |
| CamStudio | Screen recording software | TechSmith Camtasia, Windows Media Encoder |
| CDBurner XP | CD/DVD Burning Software | Nero, Roxio CD/DVD Creator |
| Dia | Chart Creator | Microsoft Visio |
| DVD Flick | DVD Authoring Software | Ulead DVD Workshop, NeroVision |
| FastStone Viewer | Image Viewer | ACDSee, Microsoft Picture Viewer |
| Gimp | Photo Editing Software | Adobe Photoshop |
| Inkscape | Vector Graphics Editor | Adobe Illustrator |
| K-Lite Codec Pack | Codec Pack | |
| MediaCoder Audio Edition | Audio Conversion | |
| MediaCoder for iPhone/iPod Touch | Video Converter for iPod Touch/iPhone | |
| Mp3 Book Helper | MP3 File Tag Editor | |
| MWSnap | Screen Capture Application | TechSmith SnagIt |
| Picasa | Digital Photo Organizer | Adobe Photoshop Elements |
Productivity 
Application | Description | Similar to |
|---|---|---|
| OpenOffice | Office Suite | Microsoft Office |
Security
Application | Description | Similar to |
|---|---|---|
| Ad-Aware Personal Edition | Spyware Remover | |
| AVG Anti-Virus Free | Anti-Virus | Norton Anti-Virus |
| Spybot Search and Destroy | Spyware Remover |
Utilities 
Application | Description | Similar to |
|---|---|---|
| DirectorySync | Directory Synchronizer | |
| DisplayFusion | Multi-Monitor Wallpaper Manager | |
| DriveImage XML | Disk Imaging Software | Symantec Ghost |
| GParted | Symantec PartitionMagic | |
| HotKeyBind | Keyboard Macro Management | |
| Input Director | Remote System Control | |
| Installed Programs Printer | Print list of installed apps | |
| JZip | File Compression Tool | WinZip, WinRar |
| KeePass Password Manager | Password Manager | |
| OpenProj | Project Management / Gantt Charting | Microsoft Project |
| PDF Creator | Create PDF files | Adobe Acrobat |
| Process Explorer | Process analyzer | |
| Programmer's Notepad | Text Editor with Syntax Highlighting | |
| Rapid Environment Editor | Windows Environment Variable Editor | |
| SIW - System Information for Windows | System Information Viewer | HWInfo32 |
| Startup Manager | Windows Startup Program Organizer | |
| Tatuk GIS Viewer | GIS Data Viewer | |
| WinDirStat | Directory Content Analyzer | |
| WinSpy | Window Info and Control |
I'm a tech enthusiast working in the modeling and simulation software industry. I am also married and the father of two very energetic little girls.
