Bittorrent and Gnutella might be hogging the headlines of the peer to peer (P2P) world, but close behind comes Ares, a successful P2P application that boasts of having its own decentralized network and a simple, quick access interface. Ares spun-off from Gnutella in 2002, and since then has been building a strong and dedicated community of users.

Installing Ares only takes a few minutes and the interface is simple enough that anybody will feel comfortable with it. The new version has a very sleek and dark interface, not unlike that of WMP 11. When you start Ares, it lets you auto scan your PC to find files you might like to share on the network. Beginners will be relieved to know that there is no complex configuration process involved. Once Ares is installed, all you need to do is select the search tab and type the name of the file you want to download. Once it appears, double click on it to begin downloading. You’ll be able to check its progress in the transfer tab. The recent update adds bittorrent support, opening Ares up to loads of new content.

If you enjoy exchanging words with other users, click on the chat tab and connect to one of the thousands of channels available. You can pick up tips on how to use Ares better, ask which files other users recommend or just chit chat about your life in general. You can even insert emoticons into your conversation and keep a list of your favorite chat channels.

Of all the P2P programs, Ares probably features the widest preview screen. You can set it to fit to screen or adjust it to your preference. This is a great way of making sure you’re downloading the right movie or to get a sneak peak at your downloads.

Unlike WinMX or FileNavigator, the two other spin-off Gnutella projects, Ares did not drop into obscurity and unites a flourishing community of users. However, the same old problems usually seem to arise. According to many Ares users the application suffers from constant connectivity troubles making it difficult to properly search for a file or to successfully complete downloads. Others will worry that Ares is a much smaller network than the globally used Gnutella and does not offer quite as much download sources.

Ares is an ambitious project, and the fact that it still remains standing while eDonkey has fallen at the hands of the RIAA, is characteristic of its reliability. Thanks to a strong community of users, a simple interface, a great preview page and multichat service, Ares remains a P2P application of choice for anybody interested into sharing files over the internet.

Download Ares Galaxy 2.0.9 in Softonic

If you’ve had enough bad experiences upgrading your Microsoft products, you’re too poor to upgrade to Vista or you just refuse on principle, you can always customise Windows XP to make it look like Vista. The Windows Vista customisation pack gives you all the flashy features of Vista without having to shell-out a few hundred dollars for the original. It’s certainly proved a hit with Softonic users so far who have made this pack one of the site’s most popular downloads.

The pack includes a booty of Vista features including transparency of the windows, 3D Vista style icons, mouse cursors, boot screen, login screen, and a whole host of Vista themes to name a few. After installing the pack, you’ll be asked to restart, when you’ll find that your system has been through an impressive transformation although the fact that Windows Vista isn’t actually that radically different from XP, shouldn’t be held against this pack.

Amongst the major differences you will notice are some jazzy changes to your systems icons, skins and toolbars as well as new enhancements to your desktop such as a dock bar or if you prefer, a totally different system tray clock. Transfer file progress dialogs are transformed with swanky new 3D graphics and the sounds scheme has been beefed up to blow you out of your chair. Microsoft certainly spent lots of time designing these features. It was recently reported that they spent a year and a half just coming up with the start-up music alone.

Other changes include Windows Media Player which also receives a facelift although nothing worth getting excited about. The colours have been changed to a metallic-blue and the drop down menus have been replaced by an invisible menu which pops up when the mouse is waved over it. However, this feature actually becomes increasingly annoying with regular use and is best deactivated.

Whilst initially impressive, after a while these changes can cause problems. Users have reported that the new schemes not only slows down their PC’s but also cause it to crash randomly. It can also be a pain whenever there’s a problem with your PC. Since you are running a somewhat modified version of XP, normal troubleshooting guides may not work. You’ll subsequently have to uninstall the pack to make sure that it isn’t causing the problem. Fortunately however, the pack comes with an uninstaller that makes reverting back to XP simple although in time honoured Windows style, you’ll have to restart the computer.

For anyone who doesn’t add or remove programs regularly, we’d recommend this pack as it does an impressive job at emulating the $200+ Vista look. However, for those that make regular changes to their PC, the pack can end up being more hassle than its worth as the changes made can conflict with interfaces of other programs.

Download Vista Customization Pack 3.6 in Softonic

LyricWiki harnesses all the power of Wikis to allow you to compile and enter your favourite band and artist lyrics into a very simple and user friendly database.

LyricWiki has been designed to work via the context menu which can be opened via a right-click on the main window. The real appeal of the program is that it can perform synchronization with several different audio players simply by clicking on the player's name in the Player menu. These players include Foobar2000, Winamp, WMP and musikCube. If LyricWiki cannot detect the song that is playing, there is a help section in the FAQ's that advises you on how to solve the problem. The other nice thing is that, if you want to print out the lyrics, you can export lyrics in text format or XAML. XAML has been included so that you can maintain the elegant look of song sheets in in LyricWiki but unfortunately, it's only available with Internet Explorer as Firefox is not supported yet. This is a real shame as the song sheets look much better in their original format than simple text but it's a minor point on what is generally an excellent program.

For music lovers and those that want to link their music player to a lyrics database, LyricWiki is an excellent choice.

Download LyricWiki 1.4 in Softonic

This open source multimedia player allows you to watch films by just dragging and dropping the file on the video screen. It claims to support so many codecs that you’ll no longer need to download them. According to our test, though, this is not so true.

The interface is very elegant and the option for scrolling through the film has a pleasant, immediate response. It surely supports many different formats but in our test it didn’t work with DivX files while other competitors like Media Player Classic or VLC media player did. Also, when you open Cineplay for the first time, it tells you that an update is available and asks you whether you want to update the program, but if you click yes, you’ll just get a “404: Page not found” screen. A bit disappointing as a start.

A good option if you want a multi-format reader which is very fast to run and with a minimalist-elegant interface, remembering though that there are less stylish solutions which support a wider range of video formats.

Download CinePlay 1.1 Beta in Softonic

If you switch between WMP and iTunes, you'll know how tricky it is to keep your libraries in synch. Usually you have to do it manually and that can be a real pain if not impossible. Please note that MusicBridge does not copy songs between iTunes and WMP, and it does not let WMP play AAC/Mp4 files - it simply allows you to copy meta-data between the two.

For MusicBridge to work both WMP and iTunes must be pointing at the same set of files in the same location on your hard drive and those files must be playable in both applications. MusicBridge does not copy or move any music files from one application to the other. Additionally iTunes, WMP and MusicBridge must all be running on the same machine.

If you're not convinced by either iTunes or WMP but like to keep them both rolling, then this is an impressive, if not perfect solution.

Download MusicBridge 2.0.1 in Softonic

Picgl is an image viewfinder designed to organize the you digital photos. Once your photos are loaded into the program by browsing to them using Windows Explorer, the program automatically creates thumbnails. It has several ways of presenting or displaying the gallery of images as via slides with many different transitions.

In addition it adds a few useful functions such as the option to change the format and size, repair the brightness, change the saturation, add masks and filters etc. All-in-all, Picgl has an extremely attractive interface for such a basic program and is very easy to use. It's very useful to be able to see your images in thumbnail form although this is nothing new for image browsing programs.

The major downside is that it doesn't seem to employ any particular method for ordering your images and the instructions are virtually non existent because the developers are based in China. Nevertheless, it doesn't hog system resources and does the job.

Download Picgl 1.95 in Softonic

XviD Media Codec includes the open-source MPEG4 codec, which comes from the same open-source project that was the basis for DivX 4.x/5.x. The XviD codec will enable you to watch XviD movies. There's no XviD Player included, but with this codec installed on your machine, you can view XviD Movies with a media player, such as WMP or WinAmp.

Unlike many other Codec packs, the XviD Media Codec is completely free to use, it is released under the GNU General Public License, and is not advertisement supported. Also, its source code is available online for everyone. XviD Media Codec comes complete with both install and uninstall wizards for fast and easy installation.

Download XviD Codec 1.1.3 in Softonic

If AIMP is your favourite media player but you prefer the appearance of Windows Media Player, then you're in luck because with this skin, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Simply unpack the installation file and double click - AIMP will automatically open it as your new skin.

You can select from 6 colours - red, orange, blue, violet, green and aqua-marine.

Download AIMP WMP-11 Light Skin 1.2 in Softonic

You probably have a favorite video player by now, but that doesn't mean you can't test new apps and change your mind.

GOM Player is one of those players that goes unnoticed but proves to be an excellent tool when you take the time to give it a try. This compact, easy-to-use video player lets you enjoy video files and movies in a wide variety of formats. What's more, you won't have problems with codecs because GOM Player already includes them – and if not, it automatically searches for the appropriate codec online.

The program shows off a sleek interface with support for skins and has other powerful features: support for subtitles, favorites manager, support for playlists, use mouse and keyboard shortcuts for many functions and more. What it misses, for example, is the ability to take screenshots or even more important, to resume playback right where you left it (something I personally use a lot).

GOM Player offers to install the Google Toolbar during its installation process but you may as well decline the offer. As for the rest, it's a great video player that's well worth a try… even if you already have a favorite player.

GOM Player is a visually appealing video player with very interesting features and which, above all, solves any problem you may have with codecs.

Download GOM Player 2.1.9.3754 in Softonic

Streaming television apps get better as new versions are released and PPMate NetTV is an example of what these programs are evolving into. A friendly interface and a load of original features mean PPMate is one of the most solid P2P streaming apps out there.

It’s easy to navigate around the PPMate interface. The screen is divided into two tabs: the player and the menu. On the side, you have a scroll down menu from which you can select one of the 940 channels available to choose from, with all sorts of categories covered, like sports, news, movies, and TV series. Channels you have viewed will be saved in the "Favorites" list and you can use the search-as-you-type function to find a specific show. There’s also a ticker bar in the player view to remind you of upcoming programs, although unfortunately it appears in Chinese. We like how the main menu interface shows a thumbnail image of the program and you can select programs by clicking on the category tab. You have a little popularity marker next to each program. The more popular a show is, the better it will stream. You can also maximize your streaming quality configuring the XP TCP patch. Setting it to 256 or higher should guarantee you good streaming quality.

Apart from messy interfaces and dodgy streaming quality, I found early streaming TV apps to be very unfriendly to new users. PPMate thankfully launches a quick help window at the start, detailing the main functions accessible in the program, like channel list, player control panel or captions bar. This is really useful in helping you get acquainted with PPMate.

Thanks to the recording button included in the player bar, you can record any channel you’re watching. However, the “browse recording directory” button is not well configured and won’t take you to recorded files. You have to open up the PPMate folder yourself to take a look at what you’ve recorded.

We were also disappointed by the subscribe feature in PPMate. While it should be simple enough to select and save your favourite shows, clicking the subscribe button in tools only displays a blank “notify” window with no further instructions. Hopefully this will be corrected in the future.

Compared to other P2P streaming apps, PPMate offers a great interface and very good streaming quality. However, the new features like subscribe or record were not totally up to scratch. We were surprised to learn that the program only works with WMP 9 or 10, so if you have version 11 installed, you’ll have to downgrade. Also, while the program offers hundreds of channels to choose from, the majority of them are from Asian networks, meaning Westerners might not find what they want. Hopefully in future releases, there will be a wider variety to choose from.

Download PPMate NetTV 2.0.0.41 in Softonic

moreTunes fetches data about the music being played on your media player (Winamp 5 or Windows Media Player 9). It gets the list of albums, lyrics, album covers and a lot more. With moreTunes, you can also repair the ID3 tags automatically, rename your files in a convenient way and search similar music.

Take a look at what moreTunes has to offer:

• View the albums of an artist
• View the tracks of an album
• Buy music on Amazon
• Automatic search of songs played with Winamp 5, WMP 9 or Media Monkey
• Search for similar music
• Scan your playlist
• Album covers
• Amazon customer reviews
• MP3 ID3 v2 tags editor
• Suggestions to repair the ID3 tags
• Rename your mp3s
• Scan your playlist
• Album covers
• Amazon customer reviews
• MP3 ID3 v2 tags editor
• Suggestions to repair the ID3 tags
• Rename your MP3 files

Download moreTunes 2.0.4 in Softonic

PowerCinema is a complete home entertainment application that allows you to watch, play, listen, and surf. With PowerCinema (choose from hybrid or analog tuner card) you can do it all via remote control. The program boasts a series of tools for making the most of your video, audio and digital photos.

What you can do with PowerCinema:

• Watch analog and digital TV programs with time-shift playback
• Record your favorite TV and radio shows with smart scheduling
• Search for TV programs that match your interests via EPG
• Watch two channels simultaneously using PiP mode
• Play DVDs, videos, photos, and music. Get online news and weather info

TV on the PC: schedule, record, and watch your favorite shows

• Search for programs by name, category, and channel
• Schedule your PC to record shows while you´re out
• Catch up on the action of live TV shows even after they´ve started, with time-shift recording
• Record programs to DVD or hard disk
• Switch between channels, language settings, and subtitles

DVDs, Videos, Music, and Pictures: watch, listen, and enjoy

• 1Play movie DVDs with Dolby Digital audio
• Watch widescreen movies in their true display ratio
• Sync music files with your portable media player
• Remove photo red-eyes, auto fix contrast and brightness
• Display photos as a slideshow with background music and transition effects

News and Weather, More Options

• Access live weather and news information
• Change your interface colors and themes
• Expand functionality with packs for video editing, disc burning, and watching sports highlights
• Enrich the movie experience with the Advanced Audio Pack of home-theater technologies
• Get a remote control for the ultimate digital home experience

Download Cyberlink PowerCinema 5.0 in Softonic

If you ever tried to sync your iPod using Windows Media Player, then you know that the two just won't play together. Unfortunately, the only way to sync your iPod is to use Apple's iTunes software. However, MGTEK dopsip also syncs your iPod with Windows Media Player.

MGTEK dopisp is a plug-in for WMP that enables you to sync your MP3 music to your iPod directly from within Windows Media Player. There is no external user interface, no fluff, not even a program icon to click on.

Just connect your iPod, fire up Windows Media Player, start moving your music to your iPod, and forget that the two once didn't play together.

Download MGTEK dopisp 1.0.0044 in Softonic

If you´re a fan of the new wave of elegant MP3 players such as the iPod, Zen or the iRiver, then you´ll lap up this collection of three skins. Each of them is based around the design of a piece of MP3 hardware and all will make a welcome addition to your collection.

Download Pod in Softonic

With Windows Media Player (WMP) 11 Microsoft aims to counter iTunes’ dominance. The interface has been beefed-up, usability has been enhanced and Microsoft has worked at turning its flagship media application into a full multimedia center, linked to online stores and compatible with mobile devices. We take a look at its new features.

The first thing that will strike you when you start up WMP 11, is the complete revamp of the interface. No more deep blue, the whole application is now dark and shiny and you can customize it by selecting a hue of your choice. The left side is a drop down pane for your library, the centre displays your lists and the right side is used to create playlists which you can rip, burn or sync with a mobile device.

Compared to version 10, we feel that Microsoft actually made an effort to simplify the whole interface and give you more ways to browse through your media list, whether by using the drop down menu or the quick rollout line on the top left. The “play” and “previous” and next” buttons are now nested at the bottom of the interface and have a jazzy glow whenever you roll over them. Microsoft has finally succeeded in integrating a good search function into its WMP interface. As you type the name of an artist or title the application will bring up the results in the main window.

WMP 11 makes all your media more accessible. Double click the Media Library button to browse from your music to pictures, movie files and recorded TV. The thumbnail view is a great way to quickly scan through pictures and videos and to include the album image to audio tracks. By clicking the “Media information changes” option under the Library button you can also scan your PC to automatically find new media files. Creating a playlist is a case of drag and drop and oddly enough you can integrate audio, video and pictures. Burning and ripping is also very simple, yet disappointingly converting is limited to WMA, WAV or MP3.

The sync process is promising yet remains a bit unstable. While it’s very easy to create a list and sync media, WMP can occasionally crash or fail to load your mobile device, even if you press the refresh button. When we tested it with a Pocket PC, we had to restart WMP 11 so that it would recognize it and let us sync our music. As soon as the device became accessible though, it also became visible on the left sided menu, making it very easy to browse through it for music or pictures.

The Media Guide is Microsoft’s answer to Apple’s Media Store. The first page it leads you to is Windows Media , an attempt at music and entertainment news linking to albums on sale. The page works like an inbuilt browser window and loads up fairly quickly. Even though you will not get access to the Apple Media Store, you can still buy music via other known sites such as Napster, MTV’s Urge (the default store) or eMusic. Whilst on the subject of online features, note that WMP 11 doesn’t let you save and update podcast feeds, something that iTunes does very well.

WMP 11 is a huge improvement from version 10. The whole interface is snazzier and makes browsing through your media simpler. Microsoft has also made creating playlists, syncing, burning or ripping just a case of drag-and-drop. WMP lets you check out music on dozens of online stores and is loaded with small features to customize your interface and change how you interact with your media. While the syncing process still remains a bit unstable and we lament the lack of podcast feed support, WMP 11 is a solid competitor to Apple’s iTunes.

Download Windows Media Player 11 in Softonic

This skin for Windows Media Player 10 captures the look of the Caped Crusador´s latest outing. The detailed skin allows you to perform all of the tasks that you normally would in Media Player, but without having to suffer a drab interface.

Download Batman Begins WMP Skin in Softonic