Reading through so many blogs and articles a day, I always come across really interesting applications that help with computer maintenance or just make my life a lot better. I’ve compiled a list of these tools along with a brief summary of how they can help you out.

AVG 9.0

1. AVG : Freeware : 80 million PCers use this nifty little application. AVG is THE top of the line anti virus and it comes equipped with an anti spyware and a link scanner. Antispyware is all those pop ups you get and those random applications you always catch floating around your machine and a link scanner does that exactly, ensures every web page you visit is safe – even before you go there. Another cool thing they have, that they don’t mention, is an email scanner. Scans every email sent to you and by you. Definitely something 90% of the people I know should get. “It’s always been our philosophy at AVG that everyone has the right to basic computer security at no charge.” AMEN!

You're only good if Morrow says so.

2. Microsoft Security (codename: MORRO) : Freeware : This is “basically” the same thing as AVG. Only difference is the Microsoft logo. For those of you not trusting a name that you’ve never seen before, trust these guys. It includes the ability to schedule and customize scans and exclude particular files, file locations, or processes. It remains to be seen whether this aspiring application will proove to deliver more of a punch to common viruses and malware than off-the-shelf solutions, or AVG. I haven’t used this yet but I’m definitely gonna give it a shot. What I did read somewhere is that, unlike other anti viruses, this one doesn’t work well with others. That’s Microsoft for ya, always trying to be the best at everything. If you guys have feedback on this program, go ahead and post some comments, before I download it.

Tech Tracker

3. Tech Tracker : Freeware : TechTracker utilizes CNET Downloads, the most comprehensive and trusted database of software products and updates IN THE WORLD. What it does is scan your PC (or MAC) and let you know what updates you need to make to what programs. Sure you do Windows updates every night but that doesn’t mean that all your applications are running at it’s best, and as fast as they should. It’s free now, but when everyone starts realizing how important these updates are, these types of programs are going to be rather expensive. Take advantage now of the FREE and of he fact it’s coming from one of the top leading companies.

Now for the fun ones. YAY!

Flag Tab for FIREFOX!

4. Flag Tab : Freeware : For those of you that are FireFox Tab whores, like myself, this is the add-on you’ve been waiting for and didn’t even know it. I constantly have two open FireFox windows and have about 5 tabs in each. It’s just the way I work and check my emails and Facebook and search for things. Sometimes I’ll find something great in one of the superstar blogs I read and want to post it on Facebook, or antisteez and I’m looking for a while for the tab that I need. Ok, fine. Maybe I’m searching for 10 seconds but my time is priceless, mainly cause I’ve never put a price sticker on it. Maybe I’ll consider making one in the future but for now, Flag Tab will do. It labels your tabs by color. And it’s incredible. Ok?

I <3 this app.

5. Fences : Freeware : I know all of you that have ever thought a computer can literally do anything have come across a company named Stardock. Stardock, specializes in programs that let you optimize the look and feel of your whole Windows Interface. This program is brought to you by Stardock. It makes these cool, totally optimizing, windows that you can put your desktop icons on. Label each window whatever you want. Coolest thing is, when you want, you double click on your desktop and all the icons, including your Recycle Bin, disappear. If you’ve read at least a little bit on anything, you’ll know that the graphic for an icon will take up a bit of memory. That said, if you have 86754 icons on your desktop, it will slow your machine down a bit when minimizing to view your desktop. Awesome program.

6. XPIZE : Freeware : One simple little thing that not many people realize about the computer you use. Every thing you see is an image, and can be updated. The start menu isn’t a green or blue button because Daddy Gates made it that way and that is all. It is that way because they think it looks better that color. Well, WHO THE FUCK ARE THEY?!? Make it purple with yellow polka dots if you want, using this program. I refuse to have a blue task bar just because the man up in Microsoft heaven like it that way. I’m a rebel, and I want a fucking RED task bar. Got it? This one had too many screenshots of too many different options. Go to the site and check them out. This one looks fun.

They’re all free. Read a bit, you won’t regret downloading these programs. I promise.