There is already a Software page here on Barchester but that is purely for software as it affects model railways and the cameras that we use to take pictures of them. This page is here to list software that hopefully will make your computer experience both more productive and hassle free. After all, the easier your computer is to use then the more likely you are to use it. All the software listed has been tested on my own computer and the bulk of it is free for the home user. In the odd case where I have purchased the full version of a piece of software you can be assured that it has been worth every penny I have paid as I hate diverting funds from Barchester and it's needs. Many of these programs are listed here just because I like them, for one reason or another.
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Adobe Photoshop Album : Freebie. A cracker this one and indispensible if you have many photographs on your computer. hard to believe it's free.
Ad-Aware : Freebie . Protecting yourself and your family are top priority. Lavasoft anti-spyware provides you with safety, security and privacy, giving you real peace of mind. There is also a more sophisticated paid version available.
Adobe Reader : Freebie. This is a must have for downloading PDF files. Many programs and companies use this method of displaying instructions and even online magazines can be downloaded in this format.
Add-RemovePro : Freebie. This free tool shows you what is in the Add-Remove Programs list, which entries are valid, and allows you to uninstall or remove any entry. Yes, you deleted the program a few months ago, yes it still appears in your Add/Remove Program directory and yes, it’s because you went in and started deleting files like a maniac because you found out that the stupid program was indeed adware/malware or just a plain old’ nasty virus. Well, guess what? It’s still there, lurking around, taunting you every time you see its remnants in Add/Remove.
Hopefully Add/Remove pro can help you with this problem. This little tool lets you finally get rid of all those pesky and irritating programs that still show up in your registry.
Avast - Antivirus : Freebie. avast! 4 Home Edition is a full-featured antivirus package designed exclusively for home users and non-commercial use.
This one is brilliant and automatically updates itself all the time. Once it is installed you don't have to do anything. If you use this program then make sure you use the screensaver as well because not only is it pleasing to the eye but it also progressively scans every file on your disc.
Auto Backup - Every Day : Freebie. I know we all back up our valuable files, information and pictures but just in case you have been neglectful in the past there is no excuse now. Download this small backup program, enter the files you want to be backed up and then forget it. This program will back up at times to suit you or every time the computer is switched on. Easy peasy.
Currency Converter : Freebie. Just in case you want to compare the price of models from different countries all you have to do is use this Universal Currency Converter.
Date Reminder : Freebie. Date Reminder is a small Windows utility to remind you of family birthdays, anniversaries, or any other important dates. When you start your computer, it looks at the dates you have entered, and if one is approaching, it flashes a reminder.
Easy Image Converter : Freebie. Easy Image Converter is a small Windows 95/98/00/NT/ME/XP utility to convert your image files to different formats.
Use it to convert web images to Easy Mail icons, or for any purpose you like.
FastStone Image Viewer : Freebie. FastStone Image Viewer is a fast, stable, user-friendly image browser, converter and editor. It has a nice array of features that include image viewing, management, comparison, red-eye removal, emailing, resizing, cropping and color adjustments. Its innovative but intuitive full-screen mode provides quick access to EXIF information, thumbnail browser and major functionalities via hidden toolbars that pop up when your mouse touches the four edges of the screen.
HTML & CSS Tutorials : Freebie. Again nothing to do with model railways but a lot of you may be making your own web pages and these tutorials may be very helpfull. easy to follow.
HTML Editor : Freebie. If you have been trying your hand at html then here is a free editor for you.
Icon Maker : Freebie. A very nice and easily used program for making your own icons. You can either design one yourself or load a picture in to the program and convert it to an icon.
MediaFire : Not software but a site which will host your pictures, programs, texts, almost anything, which can then be downloaded by your friends.
Netcaptor : Try before you buy. This web browser operates on top of IE and is of the tabbed variety so making it easy to flick between pages once they are loaded. I have been using it for years now and have never had any problems. I find it particulary good with my dialup internet access as once my working pages are loaded in I can flick between them with a click of the mouse. This browser, used in conjunction with ONSPEED, the link for this is shown below, gives me a very satisfying internet use solution. Have a look at it if nothing else.
Onspeed : Purchase. This one is for dialup and broadband users but especially for dialup. I have been using it for more than two years now and it does indeed make a difference to speed, perhaps not quite as much as they say but a significant difference. One big enough to make me pay for it anyway and that should say something.
Presorium FrontGate MX : Freebie. Rid yourself of spam and take control of your inbox! Frontgate MX is the personal email filter that's effective and easy to use, and with its superior "one step" operation, it won't change the way you work. Best of all, Frontgate MX is free. This is another program that I wouldn't be without.
RegSeeker : Freebie. A very powerfull registry cleaner program and one I have used for years with good effect. Not really for the faint hearted.
SIW - System Information For Windows : Freebie. Everything you ever needed to know about what's on your system. Performs computer configuration analysis and diagnostics. Gives detailed information about your computer properties and settings, and much, much more.
Serif Software : Freebie. PagePlus download. Great free software to have on your computer. No snags, no nags.
Web Building Tutorials : Freebie. Many of you may be making space for yourself on the web and these tutorials may be of great help. Free too.
WebcamXP : This is a powerful webcams and ip cameras management and streaming software for private and professional use.
Windows Error Messages : Freebie. Getting error numbers that are meaningless to you. Download this small piece of software and all will be revealed. Error Messages for Windows is a small utility that will allow you to look up MS Windows error code numbers and display a descriptive message explaining what the numeric code actually means. If you have software programs that produce numeric error codes now you can find out what they really mean.
WinPatrol : WinPatrol uses a heuristic approach to detecting attacks and violations of your computing environment. Traditional security programs scan your hard drive searching for previously identified threats. WinPatrol takes snapshot of your critical system resources and alerts you to any changes that may occur without your knowledge. You'll be removing dangerous new programs while others download new definition files.
WinZip : Freebie. Probably the most popular zip program in use today. Everyone should have this or something similar.
WordWeb : Freebie. WordWeb is a quick and powerful international English thesaurus and dictionary for Windows. It can be used to look up words from almost any program, showing definitions, synonyms and related words. It includes pronunciations and usage examples, and has helpful spelling and sounds-like links. For the freebie scroll down to the bottom of the page. This neat program sits at the bottom of your screen and you can pick out a word in any text and see if it is spelled correctly. Neat.
