Utilities

Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) Version 1.1-Probes your PC from the web to find vulnerabilities in the OS- alerts you to available updates and fixes. Win NT, 2000, and XP-freeware

Microsoft Memory Utility-The Windows Memory Diagnostic tests the Random Access Memory (RAM) on your computer for errors. The diagnostic includes a comprehensive set of memory tests. If you are experiencing problems while running Windows, you can use the diagnostic to determine whether the problems are caused by failing hardware, such as RAM or the memory system of your motherboard. -freeware

AleGr MEMTEST- Windows XP and 200 users need a boot disk to use this, but it's worth it. Diagnose memory problems with a top notch memory tester. Has command line switches for testing specific memory addresses. -freeware
Win Zip- used for compressing and uncompressing files. This is essential for downloading files from the net. Free trial available.

Adobe Acrobat Reader- A plug in for your browser that allows you to read PDF (portable document format) files. Many sites use PDF files because they can be accessed cross platform. This means that computer users using various operating systems have the capability (with PDF software) to view PDF files. Mac, Linux, Windows, etc. Free download for reading PDFs. But to edit and create your own PDFs, you will need the Adobe Acrobat full version which costs about $250.00.

BK ReplaceEm- here's a nice string-replacing utility for Windows 95/98/NT. You can scan multiple files for text search-and-replace. Freeware.-submitted by Stacy Rowley

Ranish Partition Manager- Partition your hard drive using a freeware utility. Great for dual booting. You can copy, move, and resize disk partitions. The newest version includes command line interface similar to gdisk and an executable to simulate disk partitioning using large files instead of messing with the real disks.

Emergency Boot Disk- This site has all of the boot disk files for downloading onto a floppy. DOS, Win95b, Win 98, ME, Win NT, etc.

Belarc Advisor- The Belarc Advisor builds a detailed profile of your installed software and hardware. It displays as an HTML document but doesn't sent info to the Belarc web server. Very useful knowledge. Freeware for personal use-submitted by Stacy Rowley

EndItAll-This utility shows you a list of all programs running in the background and allows you to shut them down. You decide. (Helpful before running ScanDisk and Defrag.) Then you can configure EndItAll for automatic action via a script or a batch file. -another member submission

AllChars- AllChars provides a quick, easy-to-remember way of creating accents like é Ü ç î æ and special characters like ƒ ² ‰ © £ ± ß ° 1/2 ¿ « » ™ „ in most Windows programs. It is very easy and intuitive in usage and it is possible to adapt it to your wishes. Freeware -submitted by Stacy Rowley

Prompt Explore 1.02- PromptExplore lets you quickly open an MS-DOS (Windows 9x/Me) or Command Prompt (Windows NT/2000) from any directory within Windows Explorer.-freeware

Frhed- hex editor--allows you to edit hexadecimal data-also known as a binary file editor-freeware

CyberBuddy- as featured by John DeFino, the author at our September 2002 general meeting! Using Microsoft® Agent are animated characters that can move around the screen and talk to you.Keep reminders and get your attention when a reminder is due. Instant Message (like ICQ) with speech and animation.Send Voice Messages. Bring you the latest Headlines, in several news categories.Give you the local Weather. Tell you the time at designated intervals. Check Your Email - Many more functions! He will become your friend!-freeware

Diskeeper Lite- The excellent file defrag software just came out with the freeware version. Look for it on this download page.
Clean Disk 2002- a program to free up unwanted hard disk space-freeware