The Technician’s Toolkit
Below is a list of Programs that fit your daily computer needs:
Please note: All blue underlined programs are links to download sites.
Hardware Utilities:
1. WinDirStats
Windows Directory Ststistics (WinDirStats) is an effective application which analyses the composition of a Hard Drive, allowing identification of files that are using the most disc space. It presents this information in a size-ordered directory view, or as a colorful treemap, making it a snap to see exactly what is using hard drive space. WinDirStat allows the removal of suspect files with its built-in Clean-up system.
Windows Directory Ststistics (WinDirStats) is an effective application which analyses the composition of a Hard Drive, allowing identification of files that are using the most disc space. It presents this information in a size-ordered directory view, or as a colorful treemap, making it a snap to see exactly what is using hard drive space. WinDirStat allows the removal of suspect files with its built-in Clean-up system.
2. CPUID Programs:
CPU-Z: Displays details of information about the Computer Processing Unit (CPU). -
CPU-Z: Displays details of information about the Computer Processing Unit (CPU). -
GPU-Z: Same thing as CPU-Z except this one is designed to display Video Card information.
3. HWMonitor
Keeping track of a computer system’s temperature and operating conditions just makes good sense, especially since today’s hardware makes it so easy, with a little help from programs like HWMonitor. Basically this program monitors the main sensor chips. HWMonitor checks the temperature, voltage and fan speeds of modern CPU’s and GPU’s as well.
Keeping track of a computer system’s temperature and operating conditions just makes good sense, especially since today’s hardware makes it so easy, with a little help from programs like HWMonitor. Basically this program monitors the main sensor chips. HWMonitor checks the temperature, voltage and fan speeds of modern CPU’s and GPU’s as well.
4. Synergy
This software will allow connection between two or more computers over a network, and control them with a single keyboard and mouse; it doe not matter if they’re running different operating systems. Where there are two computers running side by side, this is a must have.
This software will allow connection between two or more computers over a network, and control them with a single keyboard and mouse; it doe not matter if they’re running different operating systems. Where there are two computers running side by side, this is a must have.
5. Temp File Cleaner – by Old Timer.
Temp File Cleaner (TFC) is a handy utility for cleaning out temporary files (temp files) from all Web Browsers. Once TFC has finished its operation, the computer will immediately reboot; therefore, it is wise to save any unfinished work before running the program.
Temp File Cleaner (TFC) is a handy utility for cleaning out temporary files (temp files) from all Web Browsers. Once TFC has finished its operation, the computer will immediately reboot; therefore, it is wise to save any unfinished work before running the program.
6. Revo Uninstaller.
This program is a must when there are times that uninstalling a stubborn program does not remove all of the traces. Revo Uninstaller also incorporates an Autorun Manager to control programs that start with Windows.
This program is a must when there are times that uninstalling a stubborn program does not remove all of the traces. Revo Uninstaller also incorporates an Autorun Manager to control programs that start with Windows.
7. Process Explorer.
As the name suggests, Process Explorer does just that. This utility displays information about which programs are open and the DLL’s (Dynamic Link Libraries) that are in use or loaded.
As the name suggests, Process Explorer does just that. This utility displays information about which programs are open and the DLL’s (Dynamic Link Libraries) that are in use or loaded.
8. SpaceSniffer.
SpaceSniffer finds lost disc space, and shows how Files and Folders are structured on a Hard Disc; it can also find older ‘lost’ files, that are occupying valuable free disc space.
SpaceSniffer finds lost disc space, and shows how Files and Folders are structured on a Hard Disc; it can also find older ‘lost’ files, that are occupying valuable free disc space.
9. Speccy.
“Speccy” is another utility that is widely used by technicians to find the composition of a computer; such as, hardware and software; thus assisting the tech to solve computer problems.
“Speccy” is another utility that is widely used by technicians to find the composition of a computer; such as, hardware and software; thus assisting the tech to solve computer problems.
Gamers:
1. Steam.
The ultimate gamers website; this program has thousands of games, plus Forums to discuss gaming and diverse Chat areas to meet like-minded people to discuss the gaming experiences. There are many of the latest games available for download, or purchase; such as,TF2 (Team Fortress 2, is available for download).
The ultimate gamers website; this program has thousands of games, plus Forums to discuss gaming and diverse Chat areas to meet like-minded people to discuss the gaming experiences. There are many of the latest games available for download, or purchase; such as,TF2 (Team Fortress 2, is available for download).
2. Fraps.
Fraps is a real-time video and benchmarking application that can be used with games using DirectX or OpenGL technology. Using Fraps taking screenshots has never been easier, with just the press of a Key. No need to paste into a paint program, Fraps will capture it; timestamp it and name it at the same time. Fraps can capture audio and video up to 7680×4800 with custom frame rates from 1 to 120 frames per second!
Fraps is a real-time video and benchmarking application that can be used with games using DirectX or OpenGL technology. Using Fraps taking screenshots has never been easier, with just the press of a Key. No need to paste into a paint program, Fraps will capture it; timestamp it and name it at the same time. Fraps can capture audio and video up to 7680×4800 with custom frame rates from 1 to 120 frames per second!
Web Designers:
1. Notepad++
This is perhaps one of the best programs used to code in HTML, CSS and JavaScript; it is so simple and so effective, it highlights the code and tabs making it easy to navigate and find a file. This is truly the best software for Web Designers everywhere.
2. Dreamweaver CS6
A great program made by Adobe®, it allows easy editing and move items around in it’s design panel. It’s paid software though but it is definitely worth the money, Web Designing has never been so easy.
A great program made by Adobe®, it allows easy editing and move items around in it’s design panel. It’s paid software though but it is definitely worth the money, Web Designing has never been so easy.
General Software:
1. 7-Zip.
There is a need to compress folder, or files, with these formats; ZIPs, RARs, CABs, JARs, plus many more, can be easily opened with this open source freeware program.. This is made possible by 7-Zip; an elegant, open source file archiver that can handle just about any compressed file.
There is a need to compress folder, or files, with these formats; ZIPs, RARs, CABs, JARs, plus many more, can be easily opened with this open source freeware program.. This is made possible by 7-Zip; an elegant, open source file archiver that can handle just about any compressed file.
2. ImgBurn.
This is a free CD/DVD/Blu-ray Burner program, that supports Unicode file/folders. ImgBurn also supports a wide range of image file formats – including BIN, CCD, CDI, CUE, DI, DVD, GI, IMG, ISO, MDS, NRG and PDI.
3. Ultimate Boot CD.
This is a very handy program that can boot the most stubborn of computers, UBCD can be made to run from a USB Memory Drive.
This is a very handy program that can boot the most stubborn of computers, UBCD can be made to run from a USB Memory Drive.
4. TrueCrypt
This is an open source app that allows creation and mounting of an encrypted virtual drive.
Anything can be stored in this drive, and it will be completely inaccessible and invisible to anyone who does not have passphrase.
This is an open source app that allows creation and mounting of an encrypted virtual drive.
Anything can be stored in this drive, and it will be completely inaccessible and invisible to anyone who does not have passphrase.
5. Rocket Dock.
A free program tested on Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7, that allows having a ‘dock’ similar to those on Apple® computers. It can be fully customised, editable and movable; drag and drop items onto the dock just like on an Apple® computer. Rocket Dock “skins” can be personalised to suit individual tastes.
Photo & Pixel Art:
1. Gimp
Gimp is an Open Source full featured program for almost any photo manipulation; it can even draw Pixel Art and create Animations.
Gimp is an Open Source full featured program for almost any photo manipulation; it can even draw Pixel Art and create Animations.
2. GraphicsGale.
Graphics Gale is a Pixel Art program that will allows editing or creation of personalised 2D images. GraphicsGale isn’t as sleek and precise as its costly counterparts, but it performs well as a free image editing tool. There are two versions of this program; a 30 Day Trial Version, and a Paid Version; .gif extension images are only available with the Paid Version.
Graphics Gale is a Pixel Art program that will allows editing or creation of personalised 2D images. GraphicsGale isn’t as sleek and precise as its costly counterparts, but it performs well as a free image editing tool. There are two versions of this program; a 30 Day Trial Version, and a Paid Version; .gif extension images are only available with the Paid Version.
There are a number of other programs available, perhaps these might be included in future updates. Hopefully using this list of programs will help with rectifying computer problems and adding to the enjoyment of any PC.
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