To extract and compress your files, 7-Zip is a perfectly viable alternative to the better known WinZip or WinRAR. The application works exactly like its main competitors yet manages to mix in WinZip’s selection of tools with WinRAR’s versatility.

The 7-Zip interface is similar to that of its competitors, with a main file manager and a command line to search and select files to extract or compress. The control panel is comprised of the essential buttons like extract, add and test, but also features copy, move and delete functions to allow you to manage your files. 7-Zip extracts and compresses files as fast as WinZip and WinRAR and handles the main archive formats like ZIP, TAR, RAR and ISO.

The archiving process is where 7-Zip differs most from its rivals. Where WinZip only lets you compress to ZIP and WinRAR to RAR or ZIP, 7zip offers you up to 5 different archive formats to choose from. The application lets you choose the update mode, depending on whether you want to add and replace files, refresh the archive or just synchronize files. If you don’t want somebody opening up your archive without your permission, you can set a password to protect your archive.We particularly liked the split tool because it can cut up your archive into equal parts which fit on a floppy, CD or DVD, handy if you need to distribute a particularly large archive.

Security is where 7-Zip lags behind its main rivals. There is no option to scan archives for viruses and you can’t repair damaged or corrupted files. While you can set a password to protect your archive, you can’t choose between different levels of encryption.

7-Zip might not be as secure as WinZip or WinRAR but it is definitely more versatile. It works with more archive formats and offers many useful tools like update mode or splitting. If you feel too limited by WinZip and if you don’t like WinRAR we suggest giving 7-Zip a try and taking advantage of all its possibilities.

Download 7-Zip 4.60 in Softonic

Firefox already features a password manager, but if that's not enough for you, then you may want to give Sxipper a try.

Sxipper is a Firefox add-on that managers all the usernames and passwords you enter on many different websites on a daily basis. Every time you enter a username and password, Sxipper will offer to remember the data - just like Firefox does – so that next time you visit that site, you don't have to type the same information again.

The difference is that Sxipper is able to fill in complete forms (not just the username-password couple) and can also store different data for different users. I especially liked the way stored data is presented, as an overlay window in which you only have to click on your username to log in to the website.

The only drawback in Sxipper is that it doesn't work with websites you have previously told Firefox not to save passwords for. In that case you'll have to go to the browser's settings to delete them from the list.

Sxipper is a useful add-on that makes user authentication easier and faster on any website you visit.

Download Sxipper 2.2 in Softonic

After having successfully launched their own webmail service, RSS reader, online suite and many other apps, having a Google web browser was only a question of time.

Google Chrome has joined the so called web browser battle with a neatly designed web browser which, in spite of being still at a development stage, already shows a lot of potential.

The first thing that caught my attention when launching Google Chrome for the first time was its minimalist design. Besides a couple of bars and a couple of buttons, there's nothing else on the interface to steal screen space from the websites you visit – not even a status bar, as it automatically shows and hides whenever it's necessary.

Another feature I loved is the fact that Google Chrome uses the same keyboard shortcuts and mousewheel combinations as Firefox. With a zero learning curve, you immediately feel at your element and there's no need to start testing new shortcuts or reading the documentation. Other similarities to Firefox in Google Chrome include a complete download manager (which reminded me a lot of the Download Statusbar extension) and a handy password manager.

If you don't want Google Chrome to track down your browsing movements, try the incognito window. This special window won't save anything about your session (no browsing history, no cookies, etc.), so no breadcrumbs will be left after you close it.

But if there's a feature that makes Google Chrome really stand out, that's having separate processes for each one of the tabs you open. That means that you can check the amount of system resources used up by each tab, and close any of them in case of trouble without having to shut down the whole browser.

That said, I don't think Google Chrome is perfect yet. Like I said before, it's still in development so there's still plenty of room for it to grow and improve. I must say I had some stability issues when trying to install the Flash plug-in, and that I was totally unable to make the Java Virtual Machine work – which eventually prevented me from using certain web services. Despite these flaws, I really liked Google Chrome and I think it may become a serious option when choosing your web browser. Only time will tell.

Google Chrome, Google's web browser, mixes a clean, minimalist interface with a variety of powerful tools that can easily turn it into a great web browser.

Download Google Chrome 0.2.149.27 in Softonic

MessenPass is a password recovery tool that reveals the passwords of the most popular instant messenger applications, such as MSN Messenger, Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, Trillian, Gaim and many more.

The application can only be used to recover the passwords for the current logged-on user on your local computer, and it only works if you chose the remember your password in one of the above programs. You cannot use this utility for grabbing the passwords of other users.

Download MessenPass 1.22 in Softonic

Password Safe is a tool that allows you to have a different password for all the different programs and websites that you deal with, without actually having to remember all those usernames and passwords.

Download Password Safe 3.14 in Softonic

All My Movies is a nifty utility for cataloging one's movie collection. It supports all formats, new ones - DVD, Video CD, AVI and MPEG files, and old ones as well - VHS tapes, for example. The program helps easily track films - which movies are loaned, which ones are borrowed, etc. Most importantly, the program is specifically designed for DVDs and works fully automatically with all digital carriers.

Basically, all a user has to do is to insert a DVD or scan a hard-drive. The program will extract all movie information - title, director, actors, description, genre, languages, subtitles, etc. If absent, this information can be imported from online movie databases, like IMDb.com with one mouse click or entered manually.

The best thing about All My Movies is how easy it is to use. Having a tree-like database structure, program owner can quickly sort movies by genre, actor or director. Another great perk is an option to capture movie screens for DVDs and AVI files and attach them to the database. User comments can be added too.

True movie fans with thousands of titles in their collection are certain to like the fact that movie data stored with All My Movies can be exported to HTML, MS Excel or plain text files. In addition, the program comes with password protection options to prevent unauthorized access, and a straightforward loan manager. Another advantage is that the program support third-party plug-ins, including database import from other popular movie cataloguing applications.

Download All My Movies 5.0 in Softonic

If you usually have trouble when trying to remember passwords or even coming up with new ones, you need a tool like X-Lizard PM.

With X-Lizard PM you can manage all your existing usernames and passwords, and also create new ones from scratch whenever you need them. The program includes a password generator which can lend you a hand in case you run out of ideas. The password database in X-Lizard PM is safely protected by a master password and 256-bit AES encryption.

X-Lizard PM features a tabbed interface where passwords are conveniently organized in different categories such as web, programs, e-mail and so on. From there you only have to copy and paste the data whenever you need to give your user credentials.

While the tab system is quite handy, it's a pity X-Lizard PM doesn't let you create new categories. Also, I missed some sort of of browser integration to make password entering even easier.

X-Lizard PM is a simple yet efficient password manager that includes a password generator and takes care of all your confidential data.

Download X-Lizard PM 1.0.0.0 in Softonic

Managing passwords is a difficult and sometimes stressful ordeal if you've got hundreds of different ones for various sites but Lastpass makes life that bit easier.

Lastpass is basically a free password manager that makes your web browsing easier and more secure by bringing everything under one password. Lastpass can create strong passwords that protect all sites, meaning that logging into your favorite browser, network or secure network becomes a one-step affair.

Lastpass is particularly useful for those that want to work together securely in different locations because it allows you share credentials to log in via Lastpass. This includes those that are working on Mac and Windows platforms as it works across both. Of course, the big concern is security - if your Lastpass password is lost or obtained by someone else, it makes everything protected under it vulnerable. However, it does use SSL and RSA encryption so you should be OK.

Lastpass is a great way to manage passwords under one umbrella without worrying about remembering the access credentials to them all.

Download Lastpass 1.28 in Softonic

GMDesk is the kind of application only Google fans would install. In any case, if you use Google apps on a daily basis, you may find it useful too.

With GMDesk you gain automatic access from your desktop to several different Google tools, including Mail, Calendar, Docs, Maps, Reader and Picasa web albums. The big advantage of using GMDesk is that you don't have to open your web browser, load the website of each one of those services, login with your username and password and then wait for it to load. GMDesk is not faster than your browser, but it makes the whole process just easier.

GMDesk is based on Adobe AIR and has no settings menu except for the possibility to choose which Google service you want to load first on launching the program. Like I said, GMDesk may be interesting for Google fans, but I wonder if it's really necessary, as it doesn't really add anything new to the Google apps we all know.

If you're hooked on Google apps, GMDesk is made for you: an app launcher that enables you to access Google tools right from your desktop.

Download GMDesk 0.99 in Softonic

Studiometry is a project management system that enables you to handle every single aspect of your work projects. Either if you work as freelancer or you're member of a professional team, you can take full advantage of all the tools features in Studiometry to make your work easier and also improve your relationship with customers.

The program takes care of every detail to such an extent that it looks very confusing at the beginning. In fact, I strongly recommend following the tutorial that you can access through the Help menu. Once you learn the basics of the program, you may start creating a new project, adding customers and customizing options. Also, there's a sample project for you to use to practice a bit before starting the real work.

In all, Studiometry is a very complete project manager that can really help you with your work. Just one small complaint: I hope they make the interface font size bigger in future versions. Maybe it's because I'm short-sighted, but I found them to be too small.

Download Studiometry 5.1.5 in Softonic

If you don't trust passwords to protect your computer, you should take a look at Rohos Logon Key.

With Rohos Logon Key you can block access to your computer using any USB memory stick you have previously configured with the program as access key. So, instead of a weak, easy-to-forget password, Rohos Logon Key uses a combination of hardware (the USB device) and software (the PIN code associated to that device) to protect the computer.

Rohos Logon Key is very easy to configure and use. It features a wide variety of configuration options with which you can not only customize security settings, but also graphic settings such as the welcome message or the logon screen Rohos Logon Key will use.

Some other interesting features in Rohos Logon Key include the Emergency login option in case you lose your USB key and the restricted access based on time limitations, which I personally find very handy to control the amount of time your children spend on the PC.

Rohos Logon Key is a comfortable and powerful alternative to traditional passwords you can use to protect your PC from unauthorized access.

Download Rohos Logon Key 2.5 in Softonic

While most security packages employ 128-bit encryption, Data Guardian goes a lot further with a staggering 448-bit level of protection.

The Blowfish protection system is enough to stop all but the most determined hackers. The program basically allows you to create multiple databases based on different themes e.g. an address book, customer database, journal, password manager, or even notepad. With 448-bit encryption employed on each of these however, you can be sure that they'll be pretty safe even if they're not stored locally.

The program prides itself on customizability - i.e. you can create just about any kind of database you require with any category or colour coding of your choice. The program also employs what it calls "Keychain integration" which basically autofills passwords. Although Firefox and IE also do this now, you're probably much safer using Data Guardian because of the encrytion protection that surrounds your data.

It also offers a few other useful shortcuts such as one click calling based on auto recognition of phone numbers, instant access to your e-mail client via auto recognition of e-mail addresses and generation of secure passwords.

A well designed a super secure database/productivity enhancement application, Data Guardian gives you more than one less thing to worry about.

Download Data Guardian 1.5.1 in Softonic

InSync is a high-performance, one-way, two-way, or backup data synchronization application. SNTP Service and YATS32 Time Synchronization applications for desktop or corporate LANs. Safeguard your identity using 4UOnly password vault and generator.

InSync is a folder synchronizer that hits the high notes when it comes to rapidly making identical copies of folder structures and the files within. Perform backups or propagate data from one machine to another with ease. Use InSync to define and run multiple synchronization jobs specifying one or more source folders, synchronized to one or more target folders.

Achieve higher data transfer rates and maintain data integrity with performance focused design. InSync copies only data that is different between source and target folders and takes advantage of multi thread processing to support concurrent execution of tasks.

Download InSync 8.1.41 in Softonic

Move Action is designed to allows your webcam to detects motion and set it up as a security camera.

This can be used to trigger a blocking mechanism on your PC or signal an alarm. Alarms can either be sent via e-mail or even text to warn you of intruders. The PC blocking function works by blocking your PC and requiring a password to access it again. It can also save webcam shots in JPG format and then send them submit them by mail or transfer them by FTP, play a sound file or run external applications. However, as impressive as this is, the most intriguing feature of this program is that it can compare two images captured at different intervals. This way you can monitor a site without having to look at the videos on the camera constantly. This saves you sitting there for hours on end monitoring and is great if you need to use evidence to prosecute or charge someone.

A great little program for those concerned with security although the configuration is rather complicated.

Download Move Action 2.5 in Softonic

Anyone with kids worries about what they might be exposed to on the Internet. To protect them you need to make sure you can monitor their usage of both the internet and the computer. Net Nanny is a parental control tool built to help you do this.

First things first, Net Nanny lets you block inconvenient material such as adult sites, violence or drug related websites. In all there are 31 categories of sensitive material that you can choose to block or not. Net Nanny also integrates Safe Search, a feature which works with most search engines like Yahoo! or Google.

Net Nanny also lets you set time restrictions and decide when your computer is blocked. You can also put limits on games played on internet by your kids.

The best way to use Net Nanny is probably to create profiles for each of your kids and set filters, different login types and passwords for each of them.

Net Nanny will also generate reports of login and usage and keep you aware of any attempts at accessing restricted material.

Although the installation is a little lengthy, Net Nanny will give you good control over what your children can access on your computer.

Download Net Nanny Parental Controls 5.6 in Softonic

KeyPass is a versatile password manager that types your passwords for you. Unlike other password managers that require tedious cut-and-paste or drag-and-drop operations to enter your passwords, KeyPass types the passwords for you when a user-defined "hot key" is pressed. As such, it works with any browser or application, including web browsers, terminal emulators and corporate services.

The information is encrypted using 448-bit blowfish algorithm and a master password is required to unlock the information in the database. This means that only you can access secret information such as passwords, credit card details, PIN numbers and any sensitive documents you have.

Unlike other password managers that write configuration information to the Windows registry, KeyPass stores everything in the encrypted database so that it can be run without prior installation. This allows you to carry all your sensitive information with you wherever you go. Simply plug the device into any PC and immediately access all your information and passwords.

Download KeyPass 4.7.4 in Softonic

If you're tired of your old web browser, try using alternatives which, despite not being very well-known, they work perfectly well. One of them is Sleipnir.

Sleipnir is a complete web browser that can fully replace Internet Explorer or Firefox. In fact, it uses the Internet Explorer core engine but you can replace it by the Mozilla Gecko engine if you want. Sleipnir also comes bundled with Roboform, a handy password and web form manager.

When running Sleipnir for the first time, you can import data from quite a varied amount of browsers. I must say however that my first impression of Sleipnir wasn't very good: the interface is simply bloated with buttons and toolbars, too many for someone like me who loves minimalist design.

That said, Sleipnir does have many positive sides to it. You can browse the web comfortably (thanks to its powerful tab management system) and safely (with a wide array of security tools). Sleipnir also features a complete built-in search tool, an RSS manager similar to Firefox Live Bookmarks, support for proxy servers and many other interesting tools.

Sleipnir is a powerful alternative web browser that's definitely worth a try, even if you're happy with your current browser.

Download Sleipnir 2.8 in Softonic

Keeping track of hundreds of passwords that you need to use the internet everyday is a full time job in itself.

TyphoonPassword does the hard work for you by allowing you to store all of your passwords in one secure program. TyphoonPassword automatically displays a password reminder, whenever you open or visit a web page or window that requires a password. The developers claim that all passwords in TyphoonPassword can be secured using "military strength" encryption tied to one master password. How strong the encryption actually is is not clear but this is obviously a major concern when entrusting your precious passwords to one single application such as TyphoonPassword.

If on the other hand you're more worried about losing your passwords or TyphoonPassword crashing and losing all your data, then it does allow you to export them to a document. In addition, if you need to create a new password, TyphoonPassword has a password generator that generates hard to crack passwords.

If you trust it, TyphoonPassword can take the burden of remembering passwords off of you.

Download TyphoonPassword 1.00 in Softonic

Titan FTP Server is one of those rare FTP servers that aims to cater for both home users and huge commercial enterprises. Because of this, it's a bit daunting for beginners although if you get the hang of it, you'll find yourself with one of the most powerful FTP servers out there.

The good news is the user interface is very simple and straightforward to use meaning the server is fairly simple to setup and maintain. For home users, the functionality does not extend much more than this although it does offer configurable upload/download ratios and disk quotas and you can control the way that files are shared on your system.

For large businesses, Titan FTP Server offers unlimited user accounts (in the professional edition) and the power to appropriately manage them. It also offers bandwidth throttling and configurable maximum transfer speeds that allow you to customize the bandwidth given to any user or server.

The security features are particularly impressive as they should be when serving big businesses. Titan FTP Server features SSL for secure file transfers, S/Key MD4 and MD5 password encryption, enabling or disabling of anonymous access, and the ability to permit or deny access based on IP address. This is an excellent FTP server although business users will get much more out of it than home users.

Download Titan FTP Server 6.23 in Softonic

Sometimes you need to be sure that your FTP transfers are not going to get hijacked or intercepted by a third party. Most FTP applications are not designed for secure transfers over SSL which is why WinSCP was developed.

For starters, be warned that WinSCP is not the easiest FTP client to use. Because of the extra security features, it can appear overwhelming at first although it does feature a graphical user interface. It also supports integration with Windows in terms of drag & dropping files, pasting in URL's and shortcuts.

The key to the program is the fact that it supports both SFTP and SCP protocols over SSH-1 and SSH-2. Of course, it also supports normal FTP protocols too. It also features full support for SSH password and Kerberos (GSS) authentication. A particularly nice little addition is the Session Saving option. If you want to save your session configuration, you can use the save button on the login dialogue. In this way, you can make huge FTP file transfers and not worry about stopping and completing it later.

This is not the most user friendly FTP client out there but it must be one of the most secure. If security is your concern, you won't be disappointed by what it offers.

Download WinSCP 4.1.6 in Softonic