Free Software Downloads to Optimize Windows XP

Windows Vista is a liability.

Don't be hypnotized by the pretty graphics -- putting Vista on your computer is one of the least desirable things you could do this side of hitting it with a baseball bat. [Georgetown Independent]

“Welcome to the new world of DRM where expensive pieces of hardware across the world could potentially be remotely rendered useless by over-zealous copyright holders. Way to go, Hollywood!” — Chip Mulligan.

A Cost Analysis of Windows Vista Content Protection.

If you are using Windows XP then you are advised to stick with it.

The software titles below are a collection of free Windows XP utilities which optimize and add functionality to the O/S. The main points of the software are:

Simplicity - if it takes more than 5 minutes of reading to figure out how a program works I generally lose interest.
Effectiveness - a program has to do its job well.
Minimal system resources - I don't like bloatware.
No spyware or adware.

All of the software has been thoroughly tested, but it is recommended that you create a system restore point before installations so that your system can be easily rolled back should anything go awry.

Please note that all of these tools are free, and all are provided without warranty or support by WRH as a service to the community.

Programs shown with [NI] require no installation, therefore they add no bloat to the registry. ZipInstaller [38KB] is a free utility which installs and uninstalls applications that do not provide an internal installation program. It automatically extracts all files from a Zip file, copies them to the destination folder you select, creates shortcuts in the start menu and on the desktop, and it adds an uninstall module to allow automatic removal of the software. A minimal number of entries are added to the registry upon installation, and they are removed if the program is subsequently uninstalled.

Windows optimization:

Auslogics Disk Defrag [1.5MB] - Excellent tool for defragmenting hard drives.

Process Lasso [377KB] - Helps stop system lock ups by reducing the CPU priority of high load processes. It also allows the startup priorities of processes to be adjusted to improve PC responsiveness. Note: blindly modifying CPU processes can cause system problems, so this program is recommended for experienced users only.

Prio [221KB] - Allows the CPU priority you specify for any process in Task Manager to be saved. Also gives the Task Manager additional functionality. Uses no resources.

MRU-Blaster [496KB] - Protects your privacy and prevents the registry from becoming bloated with masses of MRU entries.

DieHard [351MB] - Helps buggy programs run correctly and protects them from a range of security vulnerabilities. Uses no resources.

ClearTweak [772KB] - Allows the contrast setting of Windows XP's ClearType setting to be modified.

WinMessControl [10KB] [NI] - Allows Windows Messenger to be easily enabled & disabled.

CCleaner [2.6MB] - A highly effective tool for removing junk from Windows.

Fast Explorer [925KB] - Allows program shortcuts to be added to and removed from the right click context menu - handy if a program uninstallation has left a dead link in the menu.

If you're looking for maximum memory and number crunching speed from your PC use SparkleXP to create a second lightweight user profile and replace Explorer in this profile with LiteShell. My PC runs ~2% faster when using this setup.

CTFMON.EXE is a service which loads at boot up. It is rarely used, can cause system problems, and is a pain to stop [details]. CTFMON-Remover [NI] solves the problem by swapping ctfmon.exe with an inactive dummy file. The original ctfmon.exe is backed up and can be easily restored if required.

Windows add-ons:

Dexpot [1.75MB] - Puts an end to a desktop congestion by allowing you to work on multiple virtual desktops. [Screenshot]

PopSel [48KB] [NI] - A handy pop-up menu which launches programs, documents, web links, and programs. Uses no resources when not in use.

WinRoll [88KB] - Ultra light application which allows open windows to be rolled into their title bars, transparency to be applied to Windows, minimizes apps to the tray, and more besides.

PureText [13KB] [NI] - Adds a Windows hot-key (default is WINDOWS+V) that allows you to paste text to any application without formatting, e.g. "PureText" is pasted as "Puretext".

RunWithParameters [112KB] - An Explorer shell extension which allows applications to be run with parameters. [screenshot]

Clipomatic [96KB] - Allows text to be retrieved from the clipboard even after you've copied something else to it. Very handy, and uses negligible resources.

FileNote [206KB] - A shell extension which allows a relevant text file to be created with two mouse clicks. A picture is worth a thousand words - this screenshot explains all.

Shell Places Bar Editor [300KB] [NI] - Allows you to customize shortcuts that are displayed in the Places Bar.

RAMpage [169KB] - Displays the amount of free memory available in the system tray.

MouseAway [60KB] - Moves the mouse pointer out of the way as you type. Very handy.

BarDat [149KB] [NI] - Adds date and time to the title of the active window.

7-Zip [840KB] - High performance compression software which works with numerous compressed file formats (zip, rar etc).

EasyRename [522KB] - Allows multiple files to be renamed without fuss.

Volumouse [44KB] - This program is great for lazy folks like myself as it allows the sound volume to be controlled by a simple roll of the mouse wheel. The zipped program download requires no installation.

VistaMizer [21.6MB] - If you are desperate to give Windows XP the Vista look give this a try (untested).

Security software:

WinPatrol [670KB] - Alerts you to hijackings, malware attacks and critical changes made to your computer without your permission, amongst many other things.

avast! antivirus [10.3MB] - Avast is great for folks like myself who are a bit forgetful as it automatically updates its virus database regularly. Requires free registration after 70 days use.

System Protect [4.8MB] - Prevents the modification/deletion of system files, programs and documents.

RegistryProt [30KB] [NI] - Protects the registry from unwanted visitors such as trojans. Note: run RPADMIN.EXE to set up protection and start/stop the program.

Ad-Aware SE Personal [20MB] - Checks for adware etc.

SpywareBlaster [2.5MB] - Prevents ActiveX based spyware, adware etc from installing on your computer. Uses no resources.

Xpy [76KB] [NI] - Disables the default threats of a Windows XP installation. Also removes those pesky Windows Assistants. Easy to use, but not recommended for beginners (see this program review).

Windows Vulnerability Scanner [1MB] [NI] - Checks your system for Windows Vulnerabilities. Handy if you have disabled Windows automatic updates.

Sandboxie [330KB] - Allows web browsers to be run in a "sand box" which prevents web nasties from getting into your PC via the browser. Can also be used to test program installations.

If you have a directory in Program Files named "Viewpoint" and you don't know why it is there read this.

You can give your PC a free security check here.

PDF software:

Sumatra PDF Viewer [1MB] [NI] - A lightweight alternative to Adobe's bloated PDF Reader - Adobe's 20MB+ reader places over 130 entries in Windows registry, Sumatra places none there.

P D F Converter [314KB] - A simple utility which extracts text from a PDF file and saves it as a text file via the right click context menu. [Screenshot]

Text software:

Tiny Editor [17KB] [NI] - Ultra light (and more functional) alternative to Notepad.

EditPad Lite [3.1MB] - Feature rich tabbed notepad.

Text Tally [1.18MB] - Automatically counts lines, words, and characters in clipboard text.

WordWeb [7.4MB] - If you are ever stuck for words this dictionary/thesaurus will prove to be very handy.

Graphics/images software:

Diagram Designer [1.3MB] - Easy to use vector graphics editor for creating flowcharts and diagrams.

FastStone Image Viewer [4MB] - Excellent image browser, converter and editor.

Internet software:

TurnFlash v2.10 [6KB] [NI]- Allows web page Flash content to be turned off in IE. Speeds up web page downloads and prevents your PC from being hijacked by malware.

Foxmail [5.4MB] - A light and well featured alternative to Outlook Express. Emails can be viewed either as text or html - text emails doesn't look as pretty, but they are lot more secure.

MailTime [39KB] [NI] - A tiny and easy to set up program which periodically checks email accounts for incoming messages.

i.FTP [439KB] - Straightforward FTP client. [Screenshot]

SG TCP Optimizer [596KB] - An easy way to optimize internet connection registry settings.

TheWorld Browser [521KB] - A fast and well featured IE compatible browser.

HFS - HTTP File Server [1.7MB] [NI] - A simple way to share files with friends, amongst many other things.

Free Download Manager [5.4MB] - A well featured downloading program.

NetMeter [600KB] - Monitors internet connection speed and keeps a log of bandwidth used.

No Frills Timer [105KB] - Allows you to keep a check on how long you've been online.

FollowMeIP Lite [152KB] [NI] - A simple tool which displays your external IP address.

Audio/video software:

Media Player Classic 6.4.9 [1.9MB] - Excellent media player.

FFDShow MPEG Video Decoder [3.8MB] - Media Player Classic will play many A/V codecs with this installed.

RealPlayer adds more than 600 entries to Windows registry.

QuickTime adds more than 1000 entries to Windows registry.

This mass of registry entries slows down Windows. Revo Uninstaller [1.5MB] is not recommended for novices, but it allows all program traces be uninstalled from Windows.

Real Alternative [5.6MB] is a light alternative to the snooping RealPlayer.

QT Lite [10.3MB] is a light alternative to the snooping QuickTime.

Avidemux [11.2MB] - A video editor designed for simple cutting, filtering and encoding tasks.

FLAC [2.6MB] - Free Lossless Audio Codec. Allows audio files to be compressed / uncompressed without audio data loss.

FLACdrop [132KB] [NI] - A simple way to convert audio files into FLAC - simply drag and drop files into a target window. To get the program working place it in the folder containing FLAC.

oggdropXPd [450KB] [NI] - Audio files compressed in the ogg format have proven to sound better than other compressed formats (mp3, wma etc). oggdropXPd is a simple way to convert audio files into this format - simply drag and drop files into a target window. Note: the aoTuVb5 version gives improved audio quality and offers lower bitrates.

Wavosaur [200KB] [NI] - Software for editing, processing and recording sounds, wav and mp3 files.

SHERLOCK - The Codec Detective [80KB] [NI] - Displays the codecs installed on a Windows XP computer and checks to see if any are broken.

Alternatives to Microsoft software:

AbiWord [5.8MB] - MS Word alternative

PageBreeze [6MB] - If you are in need of a MS Frontpage clone then this is as close as you will get. Note: always save documents via the file menu or you may lose updates due to a program bug.

A43 [838KB] [NI] - A customisable and highly functional Explorer alternative which uses few resources. I was sceptical when I first tried A43, but it has ultimately reduced Windows Explorer to redundant software on my PC. [Screenshot]

Desktop/display software:

Desktop Calendar [628KB] - A customisable calendar which sits neatly on the desktop.

Desktop Info [190KB] - Displays system information on the desktop.

Clock! [3.1MB] - A customisable analogue clock for the desktop. Comes with 50 different clock faces.

iRotate [112KB] - Rotates the screen display with a click of a mouse.

General software:

BAD CD DVD Reader [2.4MB] - Can help recover data from unreadable CDs and DVDs.

DriverMax [2.5MB] - Allows you to easily back up and reinstall PC drivers.

SpeedFan [1.3MB] - Shows fan speed(s), voltage and chip and hard drive temperatures.

HD tune [180KB] - A tool to keep a check on the condition of a hard drive. The zipped program download requires no installation.

AMP Font Viewer [442KB] - Font viewer / installer. The zipped program download requires no installation.

ShortcutsMan [36KB] [NI] - Removes broken shortcuts from the desktop and Start Menu.

Convert [152KB] [NI] - A very versatile conversion tool.

FreeGuide [9MB] - A handy TV guide.

From a reader: Under certain legislations, ISP's have the right so it appears to view and probe the "My Documents" folder, if any of you have anything in that folder that might be viewed as troublesome or just want kept private, putting it into another folder outside of My Documents will stop government snooping. I was tipped off to this by someone at AOL UK who seem to do this because it's an American company.