I am constantly looking for alternatives to expensive and/or bloated software that do their job as needed and nothing more. These programs have saved me a small fortune.
This list is fairly long but each and every item I still use so I can vouche for their effectiveness and stability. Most are relatively small applications that do not hog resources.
These items work well if you have an older system too, I am still on Win98SE w/128 mg RAM. They are all spyware and adware free.
PC Utilities-
Ad-Aware (well known)
AntiVir (self explaining name - a little slow on the DL and in updating the definitions...may need to try a couple times to establish a good connection...but well worth it in it's detection rate, which is far superior to other AV freeware and many payware)
CCleaner (removes all unnecessary items from PC)
Easy Cleaner (check out the website for info)
*note* I run EC and CCleaner together to rid my system of crap...they work wonderfully in tandem just like Ad-Aware and Spybot.
EnditAll (allows you to easily shut down all non essential programs running on your computer to facilitate software installation, burning CDs or running your ScanDisk & Defrag programs, etc. without interruption.) Get it while its still free.
Kerio (my personal choice for freeware firewall)
Ram Idle LE (a memory management program that will keep your computer running more efficiently, faster, and longer. Perfect for older systems without a lot of RAM.)
Registrar Lite (an easy to use registry editor with an explorer style interface.)
Spybot S&D (well known)
Spyware Blaster (prevents spyware from installing in the first place plus works in conjunction with Spybot S&D)
Spyware Guard (provides real-time protection against spyware that is a good partner with SpywareBlaster)
TCP Optimizer (a Windows program designed to help optimize your Internet connection. The program makes it easy to find the best MaxMTU value, test latency and tweak all the important broadband related registry parameters.)
WinPatrol (sniffs out malicious "mysteryware" and parasites that may assault your computer...an extensive list of all it does)
Audio-
MP3Gain (analyzes and adjusts, at your choice of db level, mp3 files so that they have the same volume)
dbPowerAmp (great audio file converter and more)
Audacity (open source software for recording and editing sounds)
MP3Cutter (a simple utility that enables you to cut out pieces of a MP3 without having to decode that MP3)
Browser-
*note* I use both browsers because of certain limitations with Firefox
Firefox (well known)
Avant (a great alternative to IE...this is what IE should be...tabs etc.
drawback...uses the IE engine so has the same security issues as IE)
Graphics-
Gimp (a superb open source image processor)
IrfanView (I think this is the best image viewer out there...small yet powerful with many add-ons for more purposes...it just about does it all...see site for more detail)
Easy Thumbnails (the name says it all..it was tough for me to decide between this one or Easy Thumbs but I already have Easy Thumbnails on my system)
Easy Thumbs (just for those who want to make their own decision)
Readers/Writers-
Jarte (a compact word processor...much better than AbiWord or others...very user friendly)
Foxit PDFReader (an excellent bare bones alternative to the ever increasingly bloated Adobe/Acrobat Reader)
PrimoPDF (convert to PDF from any application by simply 'printing' to the PrimoPDF printer)
T2T (converts CSV text files to HTML tables)
Sphygmic Software Spreadsheet (many many functions in a slim and fast alternative to Excel that can read and write Excel 4.0 files)
*note* the first DL link is dead, use the second
Video-
Media Player Classic (this app will play RealPlayer, QuickTime, DivX, and Windows video files...you will need to DL QuickTime Alternative and Real Alternative, as well as the codec for
DivX)
*note* install one completely then install in the same folder the other without MPC, which is included with both DLs, then add the codec to the folder
Misc-
IZArc (handles numerous different zip files)
AceMoney Lite (a simple home/small business accounting app)
Worth mentioning- because choices are good (some I have not used but found in my searching and appear to be viable alternatives)
Easy Office a little confusing at their site about free and free trial but in essence it means free for personal use but it has a small nag attached to the toolbar...amazing at what comes bundled with it
Dog Waffle an amazing "paint" program...free version @ Downloads
Atlantis Word Processor
Futuris Imager a program to rival IrfanView???
XNView ditto
1st Page an HTML editor
TSW Webcoder ditto
Finally, to escape the bloat of newer programs or those that are incompatible with older systems one can find many free items
here