Originally Posted on Lifehack.org by Kim Roach

The Internet is loaded with free software, making it hard to know which one’s you really need. This article will act as your guide to the top 20 free applications (Web and Windows) for increased productivity.

These programs will make your PC faster, stronger, and more productive.  Here the are.  Get the details at the article at Lifehack.org.

1. Launchy

Launchy is the best free program launcher. It allows you to launch your documents, files, folders, and bookmarks with just a few keystrokes. Launchy is also packed with a few extra features. You can use Launchy’s keyboard shortcuts to:

• Search Google
• Check the weather
• Search other sites
• Browse your computer
• Use the built in calculator
• Index your music, pictures, bookmarks, and folders
• and much more…

2. AutoHotKey

When it comes to raw power, it doesn’t get much better than AutoHotKey. This software can automate just about anything by capturing your keystrokes and mouse clicks. This free utility allows you to define your own hotkeys, enabling you to launch an applicaton with a single key press.

AutoHotKey is a bit more technical than Launchy, but it’s well worth the effort. Fortunately, this application does come with a built-in macro recorder.

3. AVG AntiVirus

If you’re looking for free antivirus software, nothing beats AVG Antivirus 7. This product has been continuously improved and updated since 1991.

4. SpyBot Search and Destroy

There’s nothing worse than spyware to cripple a computer. For years, millions of users have relied on SpyBot Search and Destroy to keep their computer running smoothly.

5. Ad-Aware

Ad-Aware works perfectly along side SpyBot Search and Destroy to help protect your computer against harmful spyware.

Other good choices include SpyWare Terminator and Win Patrol.

6. Free Download Manager

Free Download Manager is a highly recommended download accelerator and manager. Don’t waste time waiting for your files to download. Free Download Manager will instantly increase your download speed by up to 600%.

7. BK ReplaceEm

Have you ever needed to replace a certain string of text in multiple files? If so, then you know what a pain it can be. Fortunately, there a number of free search and replace utilities that will help you get the job done quickly.

BK ReplaceEm is one of the most powerful search and replace utilities, allowing you to operate on multiple files at once.

8. Google Web Accelerator

Speed up the Web with Google Web Accelerator. This simple program will allow you to enjoy faster web browsing in seconds.

9. CamStudio

CamStudio is free recording software that will allow you to create demonstration videos, online tutorials, or even video-based information products. The possibilities are endless with this professional software. Fortunately, it doesn’t have the price tag that goes along with most streaming video software.

10. Audacity

Audacity is free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. You can use Audacity to record live audio, edit sound files, mix sounds together, and much more.

11. Foxit PDF Reader

Here’s a small PDF reader that loads in a flash. It’s an excellent alternative to Adobe’s slow, bloated PDF Reader.

12. 7-Zip

7-Zip is one of the best file compressors available. This open source software will allow you to compress a number of different file formats.

Another excellent zip utility is IZArc, which supports nearly 50 different archive file types.

13. CCleaner

CCleaner is a simple program that will help keep your computer running at its peak. This freeware utility removes unused files from your system, freeing up valuable hard disk space.

14. OpenOffice.org

OpenOffice is the number one open source alternative to Microsoft’s Office Suite. OpenOffice includes a word processor, spreadsheet software similar to Microsoft Excel, web page editor, photo software and a presentation program similar to Microsoft Powerpoint.

15. Skype

Skype allows you to talk to people across the world for free. This program is perfect for business application as well as personal use.

16. Gmail

Gmail is hands-down the best email client available. It comes with built-in Google search technology, 2.6 GB of storage, and a number of excellent features.

Gmail allows you to apply labels to your email, create filters, and presents your email messages as threaded conversations.

17. Better Gmail

To enhance your Gmail for optimum productivity, then you will need to download the Better Gmail Firefox extension. Better Gmail adds a number of features, including:

• Google Calendar in the folder list
• a number of new Gmail skins
• saved searches and…
• additional macros

18. FileZilla

FileZilla is a fast and reliable FTP client that packs a ton of useful features. This is by far the best free FTP client that I have found.

19. RoboForm

RoboForm will help you navigate the Web with ease. It is the top-rated password manager and web form filler that will allow you to browse the Web faster than ever.

20. Google Calendar

Organize your life with Google Calendar. You can use Google Calendar to set up automatic event reminders, add important events with a single click, and use the built-in search tool to keep track of all your events.

Kim Roach is a productivity junkie who blogs regularly at The Optimized Life. Read her articles on 50 Essential GTD Resources, How to Have a 46 Hour Day, Do You Need a Braindump, What They Don’t Teach You in School, and Free Yourself From the Inbox.

SITE: Education World
URL:  http://www.educationworld.com/

The Education World website claims to be the “educator’s best friend.”   Being packed full of more content, tools, projects, reviews, and templates than you can shake a mouse at, this is not hyperbole.  Though geared for the K-12 community, this place has enough stuff for anyone who wants to use technology tools – or wants to get up to speed with technology – to teach or learn or just play around with.  The site offers areas specifically for teachers, administrators, lesson plans, technolgy, professional development, tools and templates, subjects, worksheets, standards, and scads more stuff too numerous and detailed (and illustrated) to name here.  Bookmark, save and otherwise tatooo this site to your person if you have anything to do with education and learning.

–  J. A. Seay

*****************************************************************

Website description of itself:   In 1996, the founders of EducationWorld recognized the need to create a home for educators on the Internet, a place where teachers could gather and share ideas. They wanted to create a complete online resource that educators could visit each day to find high-quality lesson plans and research materials.

The result is EducationWorld.com, a resource that includes

• original content, including lesson plans, practical information for educators, information on how to integrate technology in the classroom, and articles written by education experts;
• Web site reviews;
• special features and columns; and
• employment listings.

The EducationWorld team works hard to produce this FREE resource for educators. In order to keep the site free for all visitors, EducationWorld is funded by corporate sponsors and advertisers.

EducationWorld Corporate Headquarters is located at:
5471 Kearny Villa Rd.
Suite 310
San Diego, CA 92123

Can you find this installation in the library? On display for a limited (undisclosed) amount of time.

Do your students think that good Academic Advising just means putting together a schedule that doesn’t have too many 8 am classes?? Then they’re missing out on a whole array of services, support, and expert guidance that is offered by the Academic Advising and Planning Center! They can dig deeper into Academic Advising at this week’s Study Skills Seminar

• The Advising Advantage!
• Wednesday, February 23 at 6 pm
• Thursday, February 24 at 4 pm
• Robert Scott Small, rm 103
• Snacks served!

where they will meet the staff from the AAPC, take a virtual tour of the Center, explore the many ‘self-serve’ options- such as using the GPA calculators and degree worksheets,-and find out ways to make their advising appointments work for them! This is a great, informative session—I learn something new every semester!

Whether your students are first years or seasoned professionals, there is valuable information about academic success available to them at this Seminar!

I hope you will encourage your students to join us!

Lindy Coleman

Coordinator, Study Skills program

Center for Student Learning

colemanm@cofc.edu

Students often report that they use the first round of tests to ‘get a feel for’ what will be expected on future tests. But if they aren’t happy with the results of the first test, are they making the necessary changes and ‘tweaks’ to their study habits and strategies so they will have better results the next time around? At this week’s Study Skills Seminar

• Take Your Best Test!
• Wednesday, February 16 at 6 pm
• Thursday, February 17 at 4 pm
• Robert Scott Small, rm 103
• Snacks served!

we will go beyond the “study harder” mantra, and examine ways to “study smarter”! Included will be strategies that encourage students to consider the radical notion that Every Day Is a Test Prep Day! We will look at study strategies for both Objective and Essay tests, beginning with Prep Before the Test, followed by Ways to Manage Time and Anxiety During the Test, and finally How to Use Returned Tests as a Springboard for Greater Success.

I hope to see your students this week!

Lindy Coleman

Coordinator, Study Skills program

Center for Student Learning

colemanm@cofc.edu

843.953.5635

Facebook Finally Offers Users The Encryption They Deserve by Tim Brookes

4 weeks into the semester, and students’ notebooks are already bulging with page after page of class notes. The question is: what are they going to do with those notes? Students very quickly find that ‘reading through my notes a bunch of times’ does not usually prepare them adequately for college tests, but are often unsure of what to do differently. At this week’s Study Skills Seminar

• Notable Notes!
• Wednesday, February 9 at 6 pm
• Thursday, February 10 at 4 pm
• Robert Scott Small, rm 103
• Snacks served!

we will address a variety of Active Note Taking Strategies, including how to use Visual Organizers, the Cornell System, and the 4R Method. We will also discuss how to be a more ‘active’ student in the classroom, even in a lecture class, and will extol the benefits of ongoing, regular review of notes. Students will leave with a new Tool for their Study Toolbox!

I hope to see your students this week!

Lindy

A lecture presented by Temple University’s Dr. Joyce Ann Joyce on Thursday, February 10th at 6pm at the Avery Research Center.