• Browsers, email, utilities, & plug-ins
  • Try a different browser, email, newsgroup agent, or get a related utility
• Desktop Utilities
  • Handy (and cute) utilities
• Open Source
• Power User
  • Mainly for tweaking Windows or to add functionality. Some are tricky to install or configure
• Web Programs
  • Web-related utilities that (mostly) require you to be online to use them

• Off-site links:
  • Freeware:
    • Completely Free Software, Freeware Home, Moochers, Priceless Ware Strong Signals, Windows Toolbox, WinSite, ZD Net (52 Top Games)
  • Shareware, Adware, Demos & Freeware:
    • c|net, Download32, PC Mag, PCWin, Strouds, 32bit, WinFiles, WinSite, ZDnet (Award winners)

An explanation of the Comments and abbreviations:

• Rating/Comments: are based on usefulness, reliability, interface, price, and a truckload of subjectivity:

• *ware:
  • Freeware - free (duh).
    • Careware - Program requires that you care for a while (does the program cease functioning when you quit caring? ;-)
    • OpenSource - Source code for the program is available (add your own features) & using the program is free (huh? whazzat? Open Source on Windows?!?)
    • Postcardware - author requests that you send a postcard.
  • Shareware - honor system to pay $'s for program. (Often a few dollars will encourage the shareware's author to improve a project.)
    • Adware - displays ads (until you buy) while you're using or starting the program.
    • Crippleware - some features are disabled until you buy.
    • Demo - quits working eventually, forcing you to buy it (if you like it).
    • Nagware - an annoying window pops up, reminding you to buy.
  • Bloatware - can be any of the above, but the program is huge considering what it does (or is supposed to do). In spite of this, and depending on your needs/requirements, bloatware is occasionally a better choice than non-bloatware.

• Res. (Resources)
  • All loaded programs take a percentage of the resources Windows has available.
  • Since Windows runs poorly (in my experience) when the resources fall much below 35%, you should total the resources used by your (tray) programs, and decide which ones are vital. To check your resource usage, go to
    • Win95: Start/Programs/Accessories/SystemTools/ResourceMeter (this will place a box with green lines in your tray, double-click it to view)
    • Win98: Start/Programs/Accessories/SystemTools/SystemInformation (you'll see a table of info)
  • The System & User resources used by Win95 programs are usually similar (that's why only one % is listed in the table above for Resources).
  • The percentages were determined in a somewhat unscientific manner, your results may vary.

• File size:
  • The File Size is (usually) the dowload size, since most files are compressed into zip files, expect the actual program size to be 2-3 times as large.
    • Can't handle zip files? Get WinZip.
  • Many/most programs come with "install wizards," these typically range in size from around 50K to 200K+.
  • Some programs also install semi-common DLL's (into your C:\Windows\System\ folder), which you may already have installed.
    • Unfortunately, poorly designed install routines copy older versions of DLL's on top of your existing DLLs. The result of which can wreak havoc on other programs which require the newer versions (aka DLL hell). This is a design compromise/flaw that Win2000 somewhat eliminates.
  • Seems like all the programs I've come across written in Delphi have major bloat problems. BloatBusters has some good rants about CD players and a DNS resolver.

• The descriptions and ratings are just my opinions, a few inaccuracies are likely. There's no guarantee that they'll work well for you: caveat emptor, your mileage may vary, etc.
• All information provided on these programs is based on particular versions of the software. There may be variations and added/missing features in various newer & older versions available for download.
• All Copyrighted and/or Trademark names remain the property of the respective owners.