Personal Computer World

7-Zip 4.62

Freeware

File compression is a popular way of reducing download times and making back-ups easier. Windows XP and Vista can both work with zip files but lack some more advanced features as well as the ability to use formats such as .rar. Create and read all of the common file formats.

Requires: Windows 2000, XP or Vista

Adobe Media Player 1.6

Freeware

Debut media player from Adobe, based on Flash technology. This is media playback software that rivals both AppleÆs Quicktime and Windows Media Player but also an array of online video content, from well known TV programmes to the latest music videos. Online content will be available for streaming or download.

Requires: Windows 2000, XP or Vista

AntiVir RescueCD 12.2008

Freeware

Build yourself a rescue disc that you can use to boot in to your computer, if you experience issues in the future. Of course, you donÆt need to have this rescue CD on disc just æin caseÆ, you could borrow someone elseÆs computer, download the latest version and burn this to disc.

Requires: Windows 2000, XP or Vista

AbiWord 2.6.5

Freeware

Worthy of consideration should you be looking for a free word processor but don't require the comprehensiveness of Microsoft Word and its ilk. It is very similar in design and layout to Word, and is fully compatible with Word documents (.doc) and many other file formats

Requires: Windows 2000, XP or Vista

Amazon MP3 Music Downloader

Freeware

Enables you to intercept the music you purchase via their MP3 store and automatically move it across to iTunes, the Windows Media Player or other software you use to manage your digital audio. This means that your downloaded Amazon MP3 tracks appear in iTunes, and thus can be used on your iPod.

Requires: Windows XP or Vista

Auslogics Registry Defrag 5.0.17.435

Freeware

Useful program to keep your registry as compact as possible. As a result of keeping the registry defragmented and as small as possible, your computer performance will be much improved. By keeping your registry optimised you improve your computer performance. Data is frequently removed from the registry, but the allocated space remains.

Requires: Windows 2000, XP or Vista