Maintaining Windows in decent working order can be a full time job and it's a pain to have to download multiple programs to keep everything in check.

Pristy Utils 2009 is a collection of tools to maintain your PC. It features everything from a power scheme manager to a web management utility and Vista tweaker

The first Pristy Utils 2009 utility, System PowerDown serves to schedule shutdowns, restarts, suspensions and blocking sessions in the PC after a specified time. Web assistant is the second application which works as a quick shortcut for different Web related uses such as sending mails, files over the internet etc. The third tool is called PC detector. It displays all the information from your computer hardware in eight different sections: - CPU, screen, sound, memory, network, disk storage devices, and so on.

Finally, Pristy Utils 2009 has three applications for maintenance tasks - a cleaner to free RAM Memory, File Wipeout for secure deletion of files, and a desktop clock which is basically a widget for the desktop. More recently, Pristy Utils 2009 has been bolstered with a Vista booster that defrags your boot sequence. However, what this program is crying out for is a defragmentation tool - it's all very well cleaning up your hard drive but it doesn't speed them up which is where a defrag tool would come in really useful.

Pristy Utils 2009 is a great all round lightweight maintenance and web management tool although it lacks a few essentials.

Download Pristy Utils 2009 1.0.8 in Softonic

Probably one of the parts of Windows most in need of a overhaul is Windows Explorer. OK, it's simple, easy to use and functional but it could surely be made far more intuitive and useful.

That's what the developers of Explorer++ have attempted to achieve and, for the most part, they've done a really good job. Explorer++ is a free multi-tab clone of Windows Explorer, featuring several enhancements and additions that make it a more useful tool.

Probably one of the most interesting features of the application is the ability to use tabbed browsing to manage multiple folders. Instead of multiple Windows, just use one and each tab represents an open folder. It's exactly the same principle as tabbed browsing that's now common in internet browsers.

It also features some handy shortcuts for simple file transfer operations and also allows you to split and merge files, which is something notably absent from Windows Explorer.

Explorer++ brings new functionality to Windows Explorer although it could have gone a lot further in revolutionizing this archaic part of Windows.

Download Explorer++ Alpha 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

K-Meleon is an extremely fast, customizable, lightweight web browser for the win32 (Windows) platform based on the Gecko layout engine (the rendering engine of Mozilla). K-Meleon is free, open source software released under the GNU General Public License.

Features:

• Choose your desired bookmarking system
• "Tabbed" browsing
• Mouse gestures
• Complete toolbar, menu, context menu, & keyboard shortcut customization
• Block popup windows
• Fast load time
• Easy web searching
• Themes & skins
• Macros

Download K-Meleon 1.5.0 in Softonic

If you want to access your favorite programs as quickly as possible, you may find Microsoft Speed Launcher interesting.

Microsoft Speed Launcher is an application launcher from which you can access and run your most frequently used programs. Not only does it work with software, but it can also open web pages. Plus the program comes with a few handy shortcuts bundled as an example.

Microsoft Speed Launcher stays on your desktop at all times for quicker access, but being a semi-transparent icon on the bottom right corner it won't disturb you. You can always reduce the size of the icon or hide it completely (in which case you'll have to use a keyboard shortcut to open the launcher).

You can easily customize Microsoft Speed Launcher with your favorite programs, either using the built-in shortcut manager or simply dragging and dropping the executable file on the launcher's icon.

Microsoft Speed Launcher works fine as an app launcher, but it's not certainly the handiest I've seen. I miss having more configuration options plus a more comfy way to access shortcuts. Then again, the program is still under development, so hopefully it'll be improved in future versions.

Microsoft Speed Launcher lets you quickly access applications and websites from a desktop customizable menu.

Download Microsoft Speed Launch 1.0.811.0 in Softonic

Many Windows users stay with the standard applications included in the operating system for their most common tasks, like managing files with the integrated File Explorer. However, there are alternative file managers that can also help you to do the job – and sometimes even better than Windows Explorer! Total Commander is one of them.

First of all, be warned that Total Commander is intended for medium to advanced users, and especially for those who like working mainly via keyboard shortcuts. It's not that Total Commander can't be used with your mouse; it's just that it's optimized to be keyboard-controlled.

Total Commander doesn't have what we could describe as an eye-catching design. In fact, it looks pretty dull. It does, however, support three possible views (Full, Brief and Tree) and also uses a double-pane interface, which seem to be quite a common characteristic among other alternative file managers.

This double pane allows you to perform file management tasks like moving and copying in a much more comfortable way. But Total Commander has other aces up its sleeve. It includes extra integrated applications like an FTP client, a ZIP viewer, a renaming tool, a disk space analyzer and a file synchronizer. Another great tool I found to be especially interesting is one that allows you to control, manage and edit file associations so they're not suddenly messed up by a program that you just installed.

Like we said before, Total Commander is intended to be used mainly with your keyboard. This is why it offers handy shortcuts for common tasks like viewing, editing, copying, moving or deleting files. But if you find it hard to abandon your mouse, don't worry: you can use the icons on the program's toolbar as shortcuts for Notepad, Wordpad and the Control Panel, and also add your own shortcuts to your favorite applications via the Configuration > Button bar menu. In fact, Total Commander has such an exhaustive configuration menu that you'll be able to tweak every single detail of the program.

In all, Total Commander is an excellent application that could almost be described as a professional file manager for the advanced user. If you prefer more simple apps then you’d better stick to Windows Explorer.

Download Total Commander 7.04a in Softonic

The Start menu is supposed to give you quick access to programs and files, but it often ends up being a real mess. This is the time when you need some alternative like Executor.

Despite its scary name, Executor is a nice, useful application that enables you to open files and launch your favorite applications and websites just by typing the keywords you have previously assigned to them. What's more, as the program auto-completes each entry, the first few letters are usually enough. The program also includes some built-in keywords for the most common tasks, such as performing a Google search or opening the Control Panel.

Executor features an extensive configuration menu that enables you to customize every single detail. It also has support for skins, but the included skins are generally very dark and hard to read. Luckily enough, you can create your own personal color combination and save it as skin.

Download Executor 0.98b in Softonic

Some years ago ICQ was one of the most popular IM applications among Internet users. But when Microsoft launched MSN Messenger, many of these users forgot about their original IM client and joined a network that was growing very quickly. In the meantime, ICQ continued to be upgraded until finally reaching version 6, which sets a new milestone in the history of this classic piece of software.

To begin with, the installation process is fast and easy, the only downside being the fact that you must set ICQ Search as your web browser's default search engine, as there's no way of getting around this option.

This new ICQ boasts a fresh-looking interface which has been completely redesigned. Also, you can customize it with skins, although you'll have to download them because there's not a single skin included in the program. It does include, however, a very complete personal profile which you can fill in with all your information, including name, location, interests, spoken languages and a personal avatar that ICQ oddly refers to as "devil".

Generally speaking, ICQ 6 offers all the functions that we find in other IM applications, namely instant written messages, voice calls and video calls. All of these are complemented with a very nice set of animated smilies and the so called "Tzers" which are the equivalent to Messenger's "Winks". Chat sessions can be grouped together under the same window, which prevents your taskbar getting cluttered. ICQ allows you to start text conversations right from the contact list using the Quick message feature. There's also the option to send SMS messages to your contacts, but this is not available in all countries yet.

This new version promises to give you complete control over configuration settings. However, we must admit that we had some trouble in finding them, until we happened to click on the "Main" button on the interface. The configuration options are quite complete indeed, allowing you to change every single detail regarding sounds, notifications, privacy and security, message history, appearance and the program's general behaviour.

In all, ICQ seems to have developed a new version with a fresh redesign only to measure up to its main competitors but without really offering any new functions. Again, choosing ICQ (or any other IM app) ends up being just a question of which IM your friends use.

Download ICQ 6.0.0.6063 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

When analyzing a software application one must praise its virtues, but also look for possible flaws that developers can improve in future versions. However, in the case of Glary Utilities it's really difficult to find anything that we don't like.

This excellent toolkit includes a handful of system utilities that enable you to tweak, repair, optimize and improve your system's performance. Tools are conveniently categorized so that you can quickly find what you're looking for: disk cleaner, uninstall manager, memory optimizer, file shredder, duplicates finder, tracks eraser... just about any tool you need. They're all generally very intuitive and in case they make important changes to the system (like the Registry repairing tool) the program creates a backup copy first.

Not all the tools included in Glary Utilities include configuration settings, something we missed in some of them such as the Disk cleaner. Also, we would like to have a Firefox Assistant, the same way the program includes an Internet Explorer Assistant.

Download Glary Utilities 2.6.1 in Softonic

If you're bored of Windows Explorer or would like to experiment with something a little different, then NexusFile may be your answer.

NexusFile is a powerful and fast file manager that allows you to browse through the contents of your hard drive with great ease. The vast majority of its functions can be controlled by keyboard shortcuts, which makes it quicker and more convenient than other programs especially Explorer. The program also includes integrated utilities that let you go beyond just file browsing and exploring such as a file extractor for compressed files in ZIP, RAR and ACE and it also allows you to create ZIP files, rename multiple files and directories simultaneously, add a description to your personal files and directories, and much more. The program features a very intuitive interface also can be customized completely, using colour coding to better distinguish the various elements, changing fonts and so on.

This is a neat little alternative to Explorer although it takes some getting used to but if you invest the time, you might find yourself sticking with it.

Download NexusFile 5.02.3196 in Softonic

Registry errors are one of the main reasons for the slow operation of your PC or frequent crashes. Baku can ensure that if your registry does have malicious entries, they can be removed safely. Baku also deletes empty folders, 'History' folder contents, 'Recent documents' folder contents, 'Temp' folder contents and temporary internet files. It can also search Windows log files, shortcuts to missing files and folders and user specified file types. The registry scan itself aims to remove unused and obsolete keys, including ActiveX, Application Paths, Fonts, Help files, Icon files and pesky uninstallers.

Like all such programs, it backs up your registry in case of any wrongful changes although I found that this wasn't exactly easy to restore. Probably the most useful function is the registry compacting facility which does seem to make a notable difference to the running speed of your PC. The developers claim the program uniquely works by recreating each registry hive "from scratch", thus removing any slack space that may be left from previously modified or deleted keys. Note that this function does NOT change the contents of the registry in any way, nor does it physically defrag the registry files on the drive. Be warned though that it takes a little longer than programs such as CCleaner and you'll have to wait more than few minutes for the registry backup to be made.

Download Baku 3.6.3.31921 in Softonic

One of the things that drew most people to Firefox in the first place was its wonderful tabs feature, which, for many, revolutionised the way they navigate the Web. Of course, most browsers these days now have this feature. Despite the convenience of a tabbed interface, it can still be a little tricky to figure out what's what in terms of the pages you have on each of your tabs. Tab Catalog gives you the power to take control of your tabs by managing them all from one screen.

With the click of a single button this neat extension allows you to view thumbnails of all the tabs you have open at once. The default shortcut key is F8, but this can be customised to your choosing. Once the tabs are in view, you can open a page simply by clicking on its thumbnail image. There are a few other nice options, such as the ability to zoom in on or close a tab with a single click.

Download Tab Catalog 1.4.2008050271 in Softonic

EssentialPIM Portable (both Free and Pro) is U3 compliant and works straight from your removable media, whether it's a USB flash drive, compact flash card, or even a good old floppy.

Benefits:

• Plug and run EPIM. All your settings are stored on the removable media
• All your data is saved in one single *.epim file, which can be stored on the same removable medium
• All data is strongly encrypted. The portable edition uses industry standard Rijndael, 128 bit key (same as the desktop edition)
• No traces are left whatsoever on the system you are using
• Directories for backup and temp files can be setup on your home computer

Technical differences from the desktop version:

• All settings are stored only on the removable drive
• *.ini and *.epim files are stored in the Portable EPIM'S program folder by default
• Optional autorun of Portable EPIM can be selected when the removable media is inserted
• Automatic association/dissociation with Portable EPIM's *.epim files on any PC
• Creating shortcuts to Portable EPIM from within the program on any PC

Download EssentialPIM Portable Free 2.71 in Softonic

Do you get tired of using desktop shortcuts or the Start Menu to access programs in Windows? If so, don't fret because Launchy can make your life a lot easier.

Launchy is a free windows utility designed to help you forget about your start menu, the icons on your desktop, and even your file manager. Launchy indexes the programs in your Start Menu and can launch your documents, project files, folders, and bookmarks in just a few keystrokes! Launchy is very fast and ultra discreet because it runs quietly in the background or system tray ready for use.

When you need Launchy, simply bring it the fore by holding the Alt key and tapping the space key. Then type in a few letters of the program you are searching for and hit enter once it has been found. To make Launchy disappear, just hit escape or alt+space. It's a bit annoying to have to hit two keys but a small price to pay for a quick launch method such as Launchy.

Launchy can help boost your productivity and cut down the amount of mouse clicking time you need to do every day - you won't be disappointed.

Download Launchy 2.1.2 in Softonic

EasyGestures is a Firefox add-on intended to make it easier to control the browser's main functions. It displays a pie menu that can be triggered with a hotkey (the default is the mouse middle button) and which displays Firefox's main navigation buttons, so that you can go forward and back, show bookmarks or load your homepage from anywhere on your screen.

This is supposed to be a more comfortable way to use Firefox, but my feeling is that it's just too different from the menu toolbars we're used to. Besides, the pie menu buttons don't have any explanation and you have to leave your cursor on the pie menu central spot if you want some hints as what to use them for.

For those of you who overcome the initial show, EasyGestures is still a good alternative to keyboard shortcuts and can be totally customized to display different options on its menu.

Download easyGestures 4.2 in Softonic

Mac users are often said to be the most loyal customers in the computer market, but that's because they have very good reasons, such as iTunes, to stick to Apple products. And if I were in your shoes, I wouldn't miss the opportunity to have this application on my Windows PC.

iTunes has become one of the most popular music managers available today. When you run it for the first time, you can choose your music folders or let the program take care of everything. Then you can keep on adding new music, videos, podcasts and other multimedia elements from various sources and – of course - synchronize all this content with your iPod or iPhone thanks to a perfectly seamless integration.

Managing your iTunes library is a piece of cake. The program's interface is simple and straightforward, plus there are right-click shortcuts and keyboard hotkeys for many tasks. You can view extended information about each track and edit their tags, give them a score with the iTunes star ranking tool and comfortably browse through your collection with the amazing Cover Flow system. And for those of you who work in a LAN environment, the great news is that you can share your music libraries with your network mates.

One thing I particularly like of iTunes as music manager is its ability to create playlists. The Smart Playlist tool enables you to create almost any kind of playlist based on just about any criteria you set: artist, genre, date added, star ranking or even the number of times you've played each song. Another great playlist is the so called Party Shuffle, which comes in very handy when you invite some friends over to your place. You can then leave iTunes working as a DJ and play music on its own, but if you drop by the PC at any time, you can freely add more songs to the list or rearrange them in any way.

However, if there's something where iTunes is not perfect yet, that's the player function. You may disagree here, but I think the iTunes player falls too short, especially when compared to its music manager side. It does have some interesting features, like the Smart shuffle function and crossfading playback, but I still find it too simple. The visual effects in the Viewer window are particularly poor. I also missed the ability to control the player from anywhere with global hotkeys, which is great if you listen to music while you're working on the PC with other apps. Fortunately there are some plug-ins that cover this need.

In all, despite these slight flaws, iTunes is probably the best choice to manage your music collection –and that includes Windows users.

Download iTunes 7.7.1 in Softonic

If you have a large collection of wallpapers but can't be bothered to change it, Craig's Random Wallpaper Changer is the tool you need.

Craig's Random Wallpaper Changer has no complicated options or configuration settings. In fact, it doesn't even have a graphical interface. To use it, all you have to do is copy the Craig's Random Wallpaper Changer EXE file into your photo directory and double click on it. The desktop wallpaper will be immediately updated with one of the images in that folder.

Having no configuration menu, you'll be wondering how you can set Craig's Random Wallpaper Changer to run automatically and change the wallpaper every time you start Windows. In that case, simply create a shortcut to the EXE file and place it in the Startup menu and you'll get a new paper every time Windows launches.

Craig's Random Wallpaper Changer is probably the easiest way to load a new wallpaper automatically, though in my opinion it lacks some basic functions like the possibility to schedule wallpaper changing according to a certain period of time.

If you're searching for a dead simple wallpaper changing tool, look no further: Craig's Random Wallpaper Changer is your app.

Download Craig's Random Wallpaper Changer 1.0.0 in Softonic

Power Notes is a multi-featured desktop notes organizer, reminder and scheduler allowing you to create electronic sticky notes and display them at a set time. The program is very easy to use and has low system requirements.

The program allows you to perform the following:

• Create electronic desktop notes (stickers)
• Edit sticky notes in the quick and advanced modes
• Specify the date and time of reminder
• Customize the default parameters of notes (their size, text, background and title color, position on the desktop, transparency; shortcuts)
• Specify the date and time of a reminder in every detail with the help of "Alarm Wizard"
• Run programs and opening web pages when the note appears
• Print the text of stickers
• Save the text of a note to a file
• Anniversary and birthday reminder
• Use various skins
• Scheduling turning off the computer

Download Power Notes 3.33 in Softonic

Master touch type is one of the most valuable things you can learn to do if you work in front of a PC all the time.

All The Right Type 3 Plus is a fun way for kids to do exactly that set in a space-age scenario and a futuristic campus that you might expect The Jetsons would study at. According to the developers, All The Right Type has been adopted in classrooms across the USA because it uses uses tried and tested classroom teaching methods to develop typing skills. All The Right Type instructs students on everything from realistic posture and finger positions to shortcuts to speeding-up your typing.

For teachers, All The Right Type is a very useful resource because it allows you to print certificates and awards for achievement and you get special effects when your student completes a task successfully. All The Right Type encourages students work at their own pace and also automatically grades and monitors students on their progress without the teacher having to be looking over their shoulder all the time. The graphics in All The Right Type are not exactly great but that's not really what this program should be judged on. What All The Right Type does do, for kids anyway, is entertain with meteorites, spaceships and planets while their typing skills should improve.

Kids (up to 8 years) will find this fun while teachers can sit back and let All The Right Type do the hard work while they can sit back.

Download All The Right Type 3 Plus in Softonic