These are links to sites that contain programs that I (Carl) use on a regular basis. I will try to update these on a regular basis as well.
Utilities:
1. Classic Shell Menu This is a great alternative to the Windows Start Menu especially with Windows 8 / 8.1
2. Total Commander Alternative to Windows Explorer in the style of the old Windows File Manager. Plus FTP Client etc. Gets installed on every computer I work on.
3. Iobit Smart Defrag This is one of the better free Defrag programs. Just be careful during the download / Install not to download / Install all the other stuff they try to throw at you.
Multi-Media Related:
1. JRiver Media Center – Probably the best program for playing, organizing, tagging Music, Movies, Photos etc… Includes 30 Day trial. Also has Excellent IOS / Android companion app that lets you play all your files across the internet or control the player on local WiFi.
2. Foobar2000 – Good player in it’s own right. I use it mostly though to split/convert High Resolution .Cue / Image files into single song .FLAC files.
Database:
1. Collectorz – Very nice set of Media Database programs for Music, Movies, Books, Games and Comics each with Mobile / IOS App for synchronizing.
2. MyMovies – Movie Database program with companion Iphone / Android App. Extremely high quality / accuracy database to pull data from. Integrates with Windows Media Center for direct movie or trailer playback and movie info.
Backup:
1. Data Replicator – Basic Backup software designed to backup PCs to Synology DiskStations. But seems to run just fine to backup to whatever destination you choose whether or not you have a Synology DiskStation. (Link is to main Download page. Scroll down to find link to Data Replicator Download)
Additional “Recommended Links” pages