Miscellaneous Freeware
In this category, you'll find a selection of miscellaneous freeware available on the Net. If you happen to stumble across an outdated link, we'd very much appreciate it if you could report it.
Stellarium
A superb free and open source planetarium-style program offering realistic views of the cosmos directly from your computer desktop. If you are an avid stargazer, this program is a "must download". The program is ideal for identifying celestial objects and helps users to see all constellations from the various hemispheres. Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems are supported.
Bullzip PDF Printer
This tool allows users to create PDF documents from Windows programs (including the popular ones like Word, Excel and so on). By simply printing to a virtual "PDF printer", you can write an instant .pdf file which is ready to save or distribute. The software is free for both personal and commercial use (limited to 10 users), but you may donate money to the author if you find it particularly useful. Functions on all modern versions of Microsoft Windows.
EncodeHD
Dan Cunningham's EncodeHD program is a user-friendly freeware video converter for popular entertainment devices. It supports a variety of formats, including iPod/iPhone, PSP, YouTube and YouTube HD, AppleTV, and others. If you need to convert a video from one format to another, be sure to give this a go.
Tidy Favorites
Are your computer bookmarks in a clutter? If so, this program could help. Tidy Favorites is a free, browser-based bookmark management tool that vastly improves the process of bookmarking your favourite sites. It seamlessly integrates into most popular Web browsers, including IE, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, etc.
PrimoPDF
Highly recommended if you need to create PDF documents on the fly, especially from popular programs such as Word. The service utilises your computer's printer service: You simply select a document to "print" by using the normal method and select the "PrimoPDF" virtual printer. After that, you'll be able to create your PDF's quickly and easily. It functions on all modern versions of Windows and is less than 8MB in size.
Free YouTube to MP3 Converter
A free and easy-to-use program that converts any YouTube video into MP3 format. To make things easier, you can add multiple videos and convert them all at once - outputting them to a chosen directory. The program also allows you to modify the level of MP3 quality (the higher the quality, the larger the file size).
Transmute Free
Do you use more than one Web browser? If you do, it is often helpful to have your bookmarks accessible, whether you're using Firefox, Chrome, IE, Safari, Opera or otherwise. Transmute makes converting you bookmarks back and forth so easy you'll wonder how you ever managed without it. Note: to download the "free" version, select "Download" and then click on the links in the "free" column. Functions on Windows, Apple and Linux.
Vista Start Menu
Does the Vista "start menu" leaving you wanting more? Step forward Vista Start Menu, a handy little program that expands and enhances the start menu on Windows Vista. The program aims to make it easier to select your files and software. There is also a "pro" version which offers other useful options, such as "quick uninstall".
Printee For IE
If you regularly print pages from the Web, you will have likely encountered the irritating (and often unnecessary) pictures and adverts that can accompany your print-outs. Thankfully, thanks to Printee for Internet Explorer, you can condense any page down to the content you wish to print, and save both ink and paper in the process.
Comodo EasyVPN
This freeware program from Comodo allows users to set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) the free and easy way. This means you can create a "virtual" local area network with your friends or colleagues via the Internet. 128 bit encryption is included to ensure the VPN remains safe and secure. EasyVPN is ideal for linking office branches together, but the possibilities are endless!
Ace Money Lite
It is a good idea to keep a close eye on your finances especially when times are hard. Thankfully, you needn't shell out on expensive commercial software. Ace Money Lite is an easy to use and freeware personal finance manager, with numerous features, including: budget creator, bill management, mortgage planner, stats on spending habits, etc.
iClone3 Free
Are you a budding film producer? Check out iClone3, which is now available in the standard version as a free download with no expiration. The "pro" features (available in the commercial version) function for 30 days, after which you will revert to the "free" version. However, for most people dabbling for the first time in movie making, this should be adequate.
Nero 9 Free Version
Nero have released a free version of their popular disc burning software. The features in this program are somewhat limited in comparison to their commercial product, but despite this, the software is still an effective way to write or copy data from CDs and DVDs. It functions on all modern versions of Microsoft Windows and never expires.
Miro
Miro is an open-source and free video and podcast audio player with a sleek, easy-to-use interface similar to Apple's iTunes. Miro has the ability to play almost any video file (including those in High Definition), features an integrated Torrent client, and even has access to over 6000 Internet TV stations.
QuotePad
A handy notepad program that's designed to help you when copying and pasting text from the Web. By pressing "Ctrl+Shift+Q" over an area of selected text, you are able to instantly save it, along with the page URL for future reference. Some other features include: timestamping, print, automatic backup, quick filtering, etc.