fully free software utilities for biz use - discussion

[40hz]

Angel Writer added to office and word processing, although it could use a contact and/or EULA check.

-Steven Avery (June 26, 2009, 06:00 AM)

re:Angel Writer:

There isn't anything like a EULA (or even a FAQ) up on their website. I sent an email to the Angelic Software asking for a clarification as to what's allowed. Will let you know what they say when I hear back.

[40hz]

re: SanityCheck

Looks like we're going to need to remove that entry after all. This from the splash screen (emphasis added):

Home Edition notice
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This version of SanityCheck is free for use at home only. If you would like to use this software at work or in a commercial environment you should get the professional edition.

Too bad. Looked like a handy app to have.

[Steven Avery]

Hi Folks,

http://tinyurl.com/bizsoft
fully-free software for biz - the lists !

40hz, thanks for the info, keep us informed on AngelWriter.

I was also wondering about Atlantis Nova, the free version of Atlantis Word Processer.  The unregistered version looks like it might be quite full-featured, so tentatively it will be added.

Utilities
Attribute Changer and Flexible Renamer added (mentioned in recent DC thread).
Cowspy, WinLister and WinExplorer similarly.
WinEnabler by SMarmotte and a few others en passant.

Stefan products noted, WinGrep and TrafficWatcher added, MailNoter and SKTimeStamp mentioned en passant

SoftPerfect in various places, NetWorx, File Recovery, Network Scanner and LanSearchPro now entered individually.

Wireshark and WinPcap added.
MZL & Novatech TrafficStatistic

BackUpTime by Cezeo (review needed) and other software by Cezeo, including a disk wipe and two network softwares.

Sanity Check modified/removed, some notes made on Resplendent group.

Shalom,
Steven

[Steven Avery]

Hi Folks,

http://tinyurl.com/bizsoft
fully-free software for biz - the lists !

Some new entries.

SourceEdit

grepWin
WinMerge
Easy Duplicate File Finder, Image Finder, MP3 finder
Clonespy

Attribute Changer
Flexible Renamer

WinLister  NirSoftWinExplorer - NirSoft
CowSpy - NakenCow (2004)
WinEnabler - SMarmotteTaskbar - System Tray

Ext2 Installable File System For Windows

FreeMeter

Ace Backup
DataSafe Backup

Registrar Registry Manager

Cute Partition Manager

TIME TRACKING
TaskClerk - British Micro
TimeTracker - Rachota -
Time Stamp  
Klok Adobe
PowerPro

Shalom,
Steven

[4wd]

For Editors - Notepad Replacements you can also add Notepad2 - I use the version with code-folding from here.

And they themselves are of course based on the Scintilla code editor.

It comes with complete source code and a license that permits use in any free project or commercial product.

PSPad editor

The PSPad editor was tested in the Softpedia labs. Softpedia guarantees that PSPad is 100% FREE, which means it is a freeware product (both for personal and commercial use) that does not contain any form of malware, including but not limited to: spyware, viruses, trojans and backdoors.

I believe the ever useful A43 file manager is also free for use and it also had an update this year, (I think I just fainted ).

FileMenu Tools adds some useful items to context menus, eg. synchronise, shred, etc.

HFS - HTTP File Server

How much does HFS cost?

HFS is completely free!

However, if you like the project, please click the Donate button at http://www.rejetto.com/hfs/

PDF XChange Viewer Free - my personal favourite PDF reader, you can also download a portable version.

Free for Private and Commercial use, provided not bundled with other software or for financial gain)

[Steven Avery]

Hi Folks,

PDF-XChange Viewer - good to see the free version is ok for commercial use, added.

A43 - added, with the recent updates being a factor.  Also JExplorer added.  There will like be a few more (after those two and Free Commander and Q-Dir).

HFS - HTTP File Server likely to be added shortly, also Notepad2 and PSPad.  FileMenu Tools, want to look at it and see where it fits.

SearchMyFiles - Nir Sofer  and ExtraSearch Free - Crave Worlwide added, although a EULA/contact check is needed on Crave.

New section on:

fully-free editors and notepads.
(bottom of page - 30+ listings plus others in discussion)

http://tinyurl.com/bizsoft
fully-free software for biz - the lists !

Note: there are not many "free for personal use" in this category, and we have one good one noted at bottom.  Most editors are either complete free (often open source) or straight commercial, usually with a free trial.

Oh, I made a division-of-sorts between programmer and notepad oriented.  Clearly any such divisions are a bit queasy, however if you want to help my rather guessed-at methodology, share away.  Here, or in message.  Thanks.

Shalom,
Steven

[4wd]

I forgot to add: OpenVPN (the OSS version)

Commercial Licensing: Businesses and enterprises who wish to incorporate a modified version of OpenVPN Software into an appliance for re-distribution and keep those modifications proprietary must license a commercial version of OpenVPN.

Also, for your list of links/resources section, I've always found something interesting to look at, (if not actually end up keeping to use), at BearWare.

And: Ultimate List of Free Windows Software from Microsoft.

[mwb1100]

I forgot to add: OpenVPN (the OSS version)

Commercial Licensing: Businesses and enterprises who wish to incorporate a modified version of OpenVPN Software into an appliance for re-distribution and keep those modifications proprietary must license a commercial version of OpenVPN.

-4wd (July 05, 2009, 08:36 PM)

Also note that any restrictions having to do with commercial use apply *only* if you are modifying and/or redistributing the software.

If you're simply *using* the software, no commercial license or release of source code (theirs or yours) is necessary. 

This applies to all "Open Source" licensed software (at least open source licenses as defined by the Open Source Initiative - http://www.opensource.org/docs/osd).

[Steven Avery]

Hi Folks,

Understood.  

Clearly we are compiling this list with the idea of "as-is" use in biz, not trying to repackage or modify or combine in new packages (anything like that would require special license considerations). However, license wording can be a smidgen intimidating or difficult.

Added a few more editors, quite interesting to read about these.

HFS ~ Http File Server and Cobian Amigo added in a "Home (Office) Server" section, with url to some helpful Lifehacker articles.

Drive Manager and Window Seizer and System Spec and System Spec spinoffs Device Info and Optical Info from Alex Nolan added.

Driver View and ServiWin from Nirsoft added.

And set up a "Whois" section with about five softwares.

Cubic Explorer added.

And began the "Resource" section, taking the urls from here with a few others.  And will add some of the more significant and obvious later.

So far we generally do not list Net .url comparable resources (that would be a separate Net 2.0 biz thing, not hard to find, and less applicable to business situations) .. however I may add a few of the better online WhoIs with those programs.

FileMenu from LopeSoft added to a new Windows Explorer section (one that is planned to be kept limited to the very highest-grade-helpful items).

We repeat this next url all the time with the new additions since a link from the "current" Donationcoder posts will come right here.

http://tinyurl.com/bizsoft
fully-free software for biz - the lists !

Shalom,
Steven Avery

[Steven Avery]

Hi Folks,

  Noticing yesterday at work how easy it is for their to be security lightness on browsers and crapware and stuff, the emphasis of new entries today.

 Zoned Out
 IE-Spyad
 Hostsman
 Homer
 Host Administrator
 Bluetack

And also :
 
 Ini-Beast (ini file editor)
 
 File Assassin - Malwarebytes (checking their utilities now)

 Asterik Logger
 Password Revealer

Abandonware
 NetDrive
 Ecco

http://tinyurl.com/bizsoft
fully-free software for biz - the lists !

Shalom,
Steven

[tomos]

from the lists thread

GImageX[/b] (AutoIt application)
http://www.autoitscript.com/gimagex/
"GImageX is a graphical user interface for the ImageX tool"
AutoIt Forums
http://www.autoitscr...com/forum/index.php?
What is ImageX ?

-Steven Avery (June 28, 2009, 02:11 PM)

I'm not sure were you asking 'What is ImageX ?' or had you simply forgotten the link

ImageX sounds interesting What is ImageX?

Common ImageX Scenarios

ImageX is a command-line tool that enables the creation, the modification, and the deployment of images, by using a shared imaging format across operating system images, including applications. The following scenarios are particularly compatible with the ImageX process.

If you intend to transfer a Windows image to a different computer, you must run sysprep /generalize, even if the computer has the same hardware configuration. The sysprep /generalize command removes unique information from your Windows installation, which enables you to reuse that image on different computers. The next time you boot the Windows image, the specialize configuration pass runs. During this configuration pass, many components have actions that must be processed when you boot a Windows image on a new computer. Any method of moving a Windows image to a new computer, either through imaging, hard disk duplication, or other method, must be prepared with the sysprep /generalize command. Moving or copying a Windows image to a different computer without running sysprep /generalize is not supported.
Creating an Image for Rapid Deployment

The most common scenario for ImageX is capturing and applying an image from a network location for rapid deployment. This scenario requires booting your technician computer into Windows PE, capturing the image with ImageX, putting the image on a network share, and then applying the image to the destination computers.
Modifying an Image File

Another common scenario for ImageX is customizing an existing image, including updating files and folders. This scenario involves adding, removing, editing, and copying files from your image by using the Windows Imaging File System Filter (WIM FS Filter) driver and a file management tool, such as Windows Explorer.

edit/ in case you want to copy paste link:
[url=http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc722145(WS.10).aspx]What is ImageX?[/url]

[40hz]

Angel Writer added to office and word processing, although it could use a contact and/or EULA check.

-Steven Avery (June 26, 2009, 06:00 AM)

re:Angel Writer:

There isn't anything like a EULA (or even a FAQ) up on their website. I sent an email to the Angelic Software asking for a clarification as to what's allowed. Will let you know what they say when I hear back.

-40hz (June 30, 2009, 12:49 PM)

UPDATE: Well, it's been a week. Two e-mails - no reply so far. I'll try contacting them once more. Maybe the third time will be the proverbial charm.

[4wd]

And began the "Resource" section, taking the urls from here with a few others.  And will add some of the more significant and obvious later.

-Steven Avery (July 06, 2009, 07:53 AM)

You need to kind of fix the URL for Ultimate List of Free Windows Software from Microsoft, only half of the link is within the tags.

[Steven Avery]

Hi Folks,

Thanks 40hz and 4wd and Tomos.  Changes made, awaiting responses, and more.

A few newbies put into the security startup section including

HijackThis and HijackReader
FreeFixer
RunScanner
HijackThis automated log analyzer!

Free Internet Window Washer

Swift To-Do Lite
To-Do Desklist

Webroot Firewall

And a couple of others.

http://tinyurl.com/bizsoft
fully-free software for biz - the lists !

[Steven Avery]

Hi Folks,

New additions.

CreativeDocs.net

WinSplit Revolution

Registry Editors and Editor utilities (some EULA/author contact checks will be helpful)
O&O Registry Editor
Regalyzer - Safer Networking (suthors of Spybot Search & Destroy)
Registry Explorer - Vilma Software - Bulgaria
RegEditX
RegScanner - NirSoft
Registry Jumper - Eolsoft

PIM X-treme

PDF Printer from Ronyasoft

CleanMem
MemClean

NeoSearch

DiskMax

CyberNet news added to resource list

DBF Explorer from Pablo Software .. other utilities may be added.
Unsure of EULA .. so moved here for now.
Also the Quick 'N Easy Web Server could use a trial, a $30 software, with only
one needed in a company, it may fit our value-inexpensive section.

DBF Explorer - Pablo Software
http://www.pablosoft...ml/dbf_explorer.html
"DBF Explorer is an application for viewing and editing DBF files"
C++ source code is also available inexpensively, note groupings of programs and extensions fro $50 and license page.
http://www.pablosoft...om/html/classes.html

all nettools
Software Geek
4sysops

DBF Explorer - Pablo Software
http://www.pablosoft...ml/dbf_explorer.html
"DBF Explorer is an application for viewing and editing DBF files"
C++ source code is also available inexpensively, note groupings of programs and extensions fro $50 and license page.
http://www.pablosoft...om/html/classes.html

http://tinyurl.com/bizsoft
fully-free software for biz - the lists !

[Steven Avery]

Hi Folks,

New Section on :

Web Browsing and Research and Activities and Recreation

Browsers mentioned earlier move into the section along with:

HTTTrack WebSite Copier

Songbird

A mild startup

SiteShoter
Website

http://tinyurl.com/bizsoft
fully-free software for biz - the lists !

Being considered :

Registry Trash Keys Finder (version 3.8.1.1)
http://www.databack4...om/snc/rtkf_eng.html

[tomos]

what about ArsClip clipboard extender ?
http://www.joejoesof...showpage.php?cid=111

if nobody knows I can contact the author - it's donation/freeware and appears to be free for all to use

[Steven Avery]

Hi Folks,

Arsclip and RDilly added from JoeJoe.

Arsclip looks like a very competent additional clipboard extender, with source code to boot.  RDilly is quite similar to ERUNT, whichever came first, and I am not sure if it has any advantages. However the reputation is strong and source is included.  StartRight, however, looks a bit problematic for the list.

Did some rearranging, added a few new posts, divided the utility disk programs into their own section, also startup and shutdown and process in its own section, lots of smaller stuff, plan more breakout of utility, etc.  .. Made it to pg 2 !

ClipX also added to clipboard section.

http://tinyurl.com/bizsoft
fully-free software for biz - the lists !

http://tinyurl.com/bizsoft2
fully-free software for biz  - resources - pg 2

Bleachbit added to cleanup section.

Svchost viewer added to Process Managers

Safarp Uninstaller (Open Source)

Memtest86 and Memtest86+ (Open Source)

Synkron (Open Source)

JaBack - (Eula check in process)

HDDScan
(article given with extensive hardware program info)

Sumatra PDF

FTP Servers
FileZilla
JScape
(others mentioned)

Outlook Software
Xobni
MailViewer  (additional software from MiTec to be added)
OutlookStatView - Nirsoft
Outlook Attack View

Mozilla Thunderbird now leads off email section  (likely to break off to its own section)

Network Scanner and Network Meter (MiTec)

XPDF
Zilla PDF to Txt

The Guide
Mempad

MyDefrag update to JKDefrag and JKDefragGUI

Shalom,
Steven

[Steven Avery]

Hi Folks,

New section (inspired, as often, by a recent DonationCoder thread.)

WINDOWS SHELL & DESKTOP

Emerge Desktop

Sharp Environment

DesktopCoral

ObjectDock programs needing EULA-type checks.

===============

Table of Contents of sorts added to first post.
Can we URL directly to each post ?  
If so, I'll hotlink the TOC.

==================================================

Get File Type Distribution - Howard Kaikow - (reference of his other utilities.)

DiskDective - Freebytes 

Showman - David Taylor (reference of other programs)

Harddisk Search and Stats - Freebytes

==================================================

http://tinyurl.com/bizsoft
fully-free software for biz - the lists !

http://tinyurl.com/bizsoft2
fully-free software for biz  - resources - pg 2

Shalom,
Steven

[steeladept]

Well, I have sent multiple emails to the developers of SpaceMonger with the result of deafening silence.  As a result, I am not so sure I can recommend it anymore for this purpose, though if you are looking for something for personal use and don't want or need support, this isn't a bad piece of software.  However after my recent attempts at contact, I am now hesitant to even recommend the paid version.  If you can't get support when you need it, then you either don't really need the software, or you really need to consider other options....

[Steven Avery]

Greetings, steeladept.  

Well, I had not yet included SpaceMonger, it is rather a packed (yet interesting) section.  One reason I allow such a section to get packed is that the tools are not identical, generally each one can have some real advantages.  Also it will lead to the developer's website where there might be other tools and all sorts of interesting info.

ADDED
Automated cleanup tool to remove the .NET Framework- Aaron Stebner

Plus some links put in to uninstall articles, such as those with the URLs for security tools.

LiteStep added to Windows shells + DC thread link.

File Unlock and Kill Process section expanded with programs and notes and urls  Malwarebytes tools removed from section, other than note.  Section now has detail entries for:
ProcessKO
LockHunter - Crystal Rich
Kill Process
Killbox
WhoLockMe - Dr. Hoiby
Advanced Process Termination - Diamond CS
UnLock IT - Emco
MoveOnBoot - Emco
GiPo@MoveOnBoot
Unlocker - (with caution on install concerns)

Crossloop  (a fine remote access/support program, reported to be free for commercial use)

Registry Wizard

==================================================

http://tinyurl.com/bizsoft
fully-free software for biz - the lists !

http://tinyurl.com/bizsoft2
fully-free software for biz  - resources - pg 2

[app103]

Found this one on Free Download a Day

DRoster - Employee Scheduling Software

Q: How much does DRoster cost? And what is the annual renewal?
A: The unregistered version of DRoster is a freeware. This means that you can download DRoster and enjoy the benefits of a fully featured software that is unlimited in time (no trial period). The unregistered version enables you to schedule up to 300 concurrent shifts. This means, for instance that if you have, say, 6 employees per shift and 2 daily shifts, this amounts to 12 duties (total shifts) per day. Dividing 300 duties by 12 daily duties gives you 25 days of scheduling, after which, you must delete the old duties to continue scheduling. You have to delete the old duties one by one. The drawback is that you lose the benefits of automated scheduling. In deleting old shifts, you also delete an employee's scheduling history, which includes data such as how many days off an employee has taken, vacations, absences, overtime - data you need for payroll and future scheduling. The history can be important when an employee complains of being under/over - scheduled. You have scheduling history to back you up.
The registered version of DRoster software (249 USD for one user) includes the exact same features, however, you get unlimited shifts but there is no need to delete old shifts. The annual maintenance renewal fee is not necessary for the first year of using DRoster. It is only recommended after your first year of use and entitles you to all DRoster updates, new releases, and continued rule making support. Although you can download new versions, you will not have the benefit of saving all your scheduling data and unlimited shifts without the annual renewal.
Kappix offers support throughout our customers' use of DRoster, regardless of renewal fee; however, the maintenance fee entitles our customers to specific rule-based scheduling support beyond regular support. We offer email support, phone support via Skype/Yahoo Voice, Instant Messaging Programs. Feel free to schedule a session with Kappix Support .

http://www.kappix.com/

[Steven Avery]

Hi Folks,

Added:

Root Repeal
(And considering major expansion of security section)

ScanPST - Microsoft PST fixer

Chromium Browser (the open source Chrome source)

Mail PassView - NirSoft
SmartSniff - NirSoft

CamStudio - Open Source

AutoPatcher

Dial-a-Fix from Lunarsoft

Access to MYSQL - Bullzip
              MSSQL

pdftk - pdf toolkit

7 Online PDF tools (new section)
Online Conversions - Image and more

Mikogo Remote Access

IEFix

Dan's Dead Pixel Fixer
UDPixel
(Full monitor section added)

Combofix
Roguefix
SmitFraudFix

Crucial System Scanner

Adobe Flash Uninstaller

  Shutdown of Running Programs
EndItAll2
SmartClose
Close All Windows
TaskPower 3
Just Close Some Tasks

Offline Update

Email broken out form office and notes and PIM to own section.

Also considering multi-thread and multi-page formats.

Shalom,
Steven

[app103]

Just found this one on Free Download A Day:

Lansweeper:

This seems like something that the bigger your company is, the more useful this will be.
 There is both a free and paid version. Free version is feature packed and OK for commercial use, and possibly all your business will need.

What it does:

• Automatic computer inventory of all your Windows clients.
• No need to install an agent on your workstations. Scanning is triggered when a user logs on.
• Active Directory user and computer details.
• Reports on custom Registry Keys and custom File Information.
• Find unauthorised software, unknown processes, browser hijacks.
• Scan used software, track licenses.
• Build you own custom reports.
• All information is stored in SQL server (or in the free SQL Express version)
• Freeware: use with unlimited clients in your domain.

http://www.lansweeper.com/default.aspx

[app103]

Thanks to tinjaw's recent post, someone on friendfeed told me about this one:

Anti-virus/anti-spyware/anti-rootkit/firewall (and more) intended for commercial use.

Standard version of FortiClient Endpoint Security Suite is freeware.

http://www.forticlient.com/standard.html



And add in my recent discovery of a freeware product similar to Deepfreeze:

Microsoft's Windows SteadyState