[TIP] ★ Recommended Software ★

[Larry Mashburn]

Install and Update Drivers with Snappy Driver Installer

Wonder how it compares to Slimware Utilities

I get really nervous when i download something from download.com. I haven't used this yet, have you? SDI is really flawless in execution. Load it up, it discovers devices, then asks if you want to install them all or you can pick and choose. Start the install, walk away and you are done. no programs to install or anything. Works off a USB as well.

 

[Larry Mashburn]

No trouble yet. I only discovered it a few months ago. It is pretty ugly, but the interface is easy to navigate. You have to download the driver packs through a torrent client to stay up to date. It is about 10 gigs. This means it isn't cloud based. If you are needing to get a computer connected and the nic didn't install, this program will really help you out. It has been spot on with really up to date drivers.

Here is a thread on it.
https://www.technibble.com/forums/threads/anyone-use-driverpack-solution.66562/#post-519134

 

[cypress]

Great stuff, although I would add in Geek Uninstaller to replace IO Bit Uninstaller.

 

[cypress]

Quick, easy and portable. Allows to remove program normal or perform a force removal; then it removes the registry entries. Never had an issue.

 

[Richard Chapman]

thank you! This is so very helpful.

 

[ZenTree]

Gsmartcontrol for testing hard drives. Portable version available, easy to use. Can also use in winPE environment and linux version available.


http://gsmartcontrol.sourceforge.net/home/index.php/Downloads

 

[Technicholls]

Latest Update: 11/10/2015
Last Update: 12/9/2012

★ Here's a list of some of the software that I currently have or had at one point. They're organized by the folder they're in on my hard drive.

★ Hopefully there's quite a few new programs here that will be of use to you

★ Please add any must-have programs or your list of programs in the comments

★ Computer Repair Tools


Software

• Acronis True Image - make images of computers super easily
  • EaseUS Todo Backup Free - free alternative
• CCleaner - best and most loved tune-up program
• Defraggler - favorite defragmenter
• Foxit Reader - great alternative to Adobe Reader
• IObit Uninstaller - uninstalls programs and then removes their leftovers
• CDBurnerXP - favorite DVD/CD burning software
• EasyBCD - easy bootloader editor
• Eraser - permanently removing individual files
• Everything Search - uses the NTFS file system to find files (doesn't create an index = very fast)
• iTunes
• Java
• LibreOffice - free alternative to Microsoft Office
• nLite - used to customize your Win XP CD
• PeaZip - free file and archive manager (highly preferred over WinRAR & 7-Zip)
• PowerISO - open, extract, burn, create, edit, compress, encrypt, split and convert ISO files
• Royale Theme for XP - I install this on all XP systems because it makes XP look way better
• SARDU - multiboot CD /DVD and USB Builder (this program is awesome)
• Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI) - security tool designed to detect vulnerable and out-dated programs and plug-ins which expose your PC to attacks
• qBittorrent - favorite bittorrent client (doesn't have ads like uTorrent)
• VeraCrypt - encryption program that's a fork of TrueCrypt
• VLC Media Player - media player that'll play just about anything

Hard Drive Tools

• Crystal Disk Info - gives SMART info for HDDs/SSDs
• Crystal Disk Mark - benchmark drives
• Recuva - super easy and effective data recovery from the creators of CCleaner
• Western Digital DLG Diagnostics
• HDD Low Level Format
• IsoBuster
• SeaGate SeaTools
• SpinRite - this is supposed to be an amazing program for data recovery

Microsoft Office

• Get a Backup Copy of Office
  • There used to be direct download links to Office suites provided by Microsoft, but they have been eliminated. May want to search torrent sites for clean versions of Office.
• Office Service Packs
• My Digital Life Office Search - might find some good stuff here
• Microsoft Office Configuration Analyzer Tool - provides a quick and easy way to analyze Microsoft Office programs for known configurations that cause problems

Malware

• Autoruns
• AVG - my current favorite AV because it doesn't have annoying popup ads like Avast and Avira
• ComboFix
• Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
• HiJackThis - analyze log at www.hijackthis.de
• Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
• Kaspersky Virus Fighting Utilities
• McAfee AVERT Stinger
• Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
• Process Explorer
• rKill
• Rootkit Detection and Removal Tools
• Spybot Search & Destroy
• SUPERAntiSpyware
• SARDU is my most important tool for removing viruses

Windows Service Packs & Updates

• Autopatcher
  • Download Windows updates for faster installation. Best used for Windows 7 to avoid having the SVCHost.exe program consume massive amounts of RAM and slowing down the process.
  • Keep a an untouched copy of the apup folder. Make a copy of it and use that copy whenever you want to download new updates.
• Service Pack and Update Center
  • Download service pack for XP+, including 64-bit versions

Operating Systems

• Windows ISOs

Network Tools

• HeatMapper - free Wi-Fi coverage mapping site survey tool
• inSSIDer - Wi-Fi scanner
• KiTTY - Telnet/SSH client
• Nmap - network exploration and auditing
• Vistumbler
• WireShark - network protocol analyzer
• Xirrus WiFi Inspector

Portable

• Fab's AutoBackup - the best data migration program
• Battery Benchmark
• BIOS Beep Codes Viewer
• CCleaner
• Complete Internet Repair
• Crucial Memory Scanner
• D7 - a tool for PC technicians to aid in many tasks and provide a uniform procedure for technicians to follow
• Don't Sleep - temporarily prevent system Shutdown, Standby, Hibernate, Turn Off and Restart.
• Envelope Printer - use this often
• Google Chrome
• JavaRa - remove legacy Java
• FileZilla - FTP client. Personally use to upload data to my website.
• NirLauncher - the most massive collection of portable apps, all from NirSoft. So good.
  • List of NirLauncher utilities
• Notepad++ - awesome portable Notepad that can be used for editing HTML and code
• RegASSASSIN - delete stubborn registry entries
• Rizonesoft Pixel Repair
• Rufus - create bootable USB drives the easy way
• svchost.exe Lookup Tool
• Sysinternals Suite - huge collection of troubleshooting tools from Microsoft
• TagScanner - the ultimate tag scanner
• TeamViewer QuickSupport
• TreeSize Free
• Unlocker
• Unknown Devices - useful for finding out what an unknown device us
• Universal Extractor - extract executables
• Windows Repair Portable - awesome tool for fixing Windows
• Uninstallers
  • List of Uninstaller Programs
  • Avast! Uninstall Utility
  • AVG Remover
  • McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool
  • Norton Removal Tool
• Hardware
  • CPU-Z
  • GPU-Z
  • Hardware Monitor
  • Hardware Identify
  • Speccy
  • Unknown Device Identifier

Other Software to Consider

• Ninite - use to install multiple programs at once (unattended installation)

Software Recommended by Technibblers in the Comments

• Snappy Driver Installer - download an offline copy of many different drivers
  • Technibble thread discussing it

• Geek Uninstaller - rather than IObit Uninstaller

Thanks again for keeping things current!

 

[Krynn72]

I'm a big fan of SDI (snappy driver installer.) Has found missing drivers when I had no other recourse. Very user friendly and is still current as of maybe last month.

Gsmartcontrol for testing hard drives. Portable version available, easy to use. Can also use in winPE environment and linux version available.


http://gsmartcontrol.sourceforge.net/home/index.php/Downloads

+1 to both of these. I'd also like to suggest UVK for malware and windows repair automation. We use it many times every day. Its like D7II but with more focus on malware removal and common windows repairs, and its only $30 bucks for the full version, $50 for a brandable version, and a free version available with no ads/adware but just some features are locked out.
http://www.carifred.com/uvk/

 

[Kristie Roberts]

Thank you so much, Appletax! This was extremely helpful.

 

[Nossy Drelich]

Office direct links. Hope they help y'all

Office 2016
Office 2013
Office 2010
Office 2007
Office 2003

 

[Nossy Drelich]

for AV I use 360 Total Security

its free, no ads, it has a sandbox too, and it also patches your system instead of slow Microsoft update.

Tray Player is great for listening to music while you work.

Instant Shutdown shuts down your system really fast, saves 15 seconds.

 

[TechLady]

Saw this on another forum and it looks mighty useful: https://www.wuinstall.com

 

[Nossy Drelich]

Cubic Explorer a file manager that creams Windows, much faster too.

Listary an excellent search that works wherever you go on your system, like Everything Search on steroids

YUMI USB utility to make your USB bootable

 

[jfigg]

Latest Update: 11/10/2015
Last Update: 12/9/2012

★ Here's a list of some of the software that I currently have or had at one point. They're organized by the folder they're in on my hard drive.

★ Hopefully there's quite a few new programs here that will be of use to you

★ Please add any must-have programs or your list of programs in the comments

★ Computer Repair Tools


Software

• Acronis True Image - make images of computers super easily
  • EaseUS Todo Backup Free - free alternative
• CCleaner - best and most loved tune-up program
• Defraggler - favorite defragmenter
• Foxit Reader - great alternative to Adobe Reader
• IObit Uninstaller - uninstalls programs and then removes their leftovers
• CDBurnerXP - favorite DVD/CD burning software
• EasyBCD - easy bootloader editor
• Eraser - permanently removing individual files
• Everything Search - uses the NTFS file system to find files (doesn't create an index = very fast)
• iTunes
• Java
• LibreOffice - free alternative to Microsoft Office
• nLite - used to customize your Win XP CD
• PeaZip - free file and archive manager (highly preferred over WinRAR & 7-Zip)
• PowerISO - open, extract, burn, create, edit, compress, encrypt, split and convert ISO files
• Royale Theme for XP - I install this on all XP systems because it makes XP look way better
• SARDU - multiboot CD /DVD and USB Builder (this program is awesome)
• Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI) - security tool designed to detect vulnerable and out-dated programs and plug-ins which expose your PC to attacks
• qBittorrent - favorite bittorrent client (doesn't have ads like uTorrent)
• VeraCrypt - encryption program that's a fork of TrueCrypt
• VLC Media Player - media player that'll play just about anything

Hard Drive Tools

• Crystal Disk Info - gives SMART info for HDDs/SSDs
• Crystal Disk Mark - benchmark drives
• Recuva - super easy and effective data recovery from the creators of CCleaner
• Western Digital DLG Diagnostics
• HDD Low Level Format
• IsoBuster
• SeaGate SeaTools
• SpinRite - this is supposed to be an amazing program for data recovery

Microsoft Office

• Get a Backup Copy of Office
  • There used to be direct download links to Office suites provided by Microsoft, but they have been eliminated. May want to search torrent sites for clean versions of Office.
• Office Service Packs
• My Digital Life Office Search - might find some good stuff here
• Microsoft Office Configuration Analyzer Tool - provides a quick and easy way to analyze Microsoft Office programs for known configurations that cause problems

Malware

• Autoruns
• AVG - my current favorite AV because it doesn't have annoying popup ads like Avast and Avira
• ComboFix
• Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
• HiJackThis - analyze log at www.hijackthis.de
• Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
• Kaspersky Virus Fighting Utilities
• McAfee AVERT Stinger
• Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
• Process Explorer
• rKill
• Rootkit Detection and Removal Tools
• Spybot Search & Destroy
• SUPERAntiSpyware
• SARDU is my most important tool for removing viruses

Windows Service Packs & Updates

• Autopatcher
  • Download Windows updates for faster installation. Best used for Windows 7 to avoid having the SVCHost.exe program consume massive amounts of RAM and slowing down the process.
  • Keep a an untouched copy of the apup folder. Make a copy of it and use that copy whenever you want to download new updates.
• Service Pack and Update Center
  • Download service pack for XP+, including 64-bit versions

Operating Systems

• Windows ISOs

Network Tools

• HeatMapper - free Wi-Fi coverage mapping site survey tool
• inSSIDer - Wi-Fi scanner
• KiTTY - Telnet/SSH client
• Nmap - network exploration and auditing
• Vistumbler
• WireShark - network protocol analyzer
• Xirrus WiFi Inspector

Portable

• Fab's AutoBackup - the best data migration program
• Battery Benchmark
• BIOS Beep Codes Viewer
• CCleaner
• Complete Internet Repair
• Crucial Memory Scanner
• D7 - a tool for PC technicians to aid in many tasks and provide a uniform procedure for technicians to follow
• Don't Sleep - temporarily prevent system Shutdown, Standby, Hibernate, Turn Off and Restart.
• Envelope Printer - use this often
• Google Chrome
• JavaRa - remove legacy Java
• FileZilla - FTP client. Personally use to upload data to my website.
• NirLauncher - the most massive collection of portable apps, all from NirSoft. So good.
  • List of NirLauncher utilities
• Notepad++ - awesome portable Notepad that can be used for editing HTML and code
• RegASSASSIN - delete stubborn registry entries
• Rizonesoft Pixel Repair
• Rufus - create bootable USB drives the easy way
• svchost.exe Lookup Tool
• Sysinternals Suite - huge collection of troubleshooting tools from Microsoft
• TagScanner - the ultimate tag scanner
• TeamViewer QuickSupport
• TreeSize Free
• Unlocker
• Unknown Devices - useful for finding out what an unknown device us
• Universal Extractor - extract executables
• Windows Repair Portable - awesome tool for fixing Windows
• Uninstallers
  • List of Uninstaller Programs
  • Avast! Uninstall Utility
  • AVG Remover
  • McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool
  • Norton Removal Tool
• Hardware
  • CPU-Z
  • GPU-Z
  • Hardware Monitor
  • Hardware Identify
  • Speccy
  • Unknown Device Identifier

Other Software to Consider

• Ninite - use to install multiple programs at once (unattended installation)

Software Recommended by Technibblers in the Comments

• Snappy Driver Installer
  • "It is not as friendly and simple to use as some of the competition but I don’t think that was their goal. With this program you can not only download drivers for your computer but also large (over 8 GB) driver packs to update drivers on almost any computer. As anyone who has reinstalled or recovered a computer knows, the first thing you might need is the network driver to get on the internet. It is a portable program so you can save the “driverpacks” you download which can be updated as needed. Unattended installation and snapshots are also available. I would not put this on a novice’s computer as I can see the confusion on their faces already, but for those of us who need to get geeky with it or take drivers with us, this could be the best way to have drivers on hand and ready to go."

• Geek Uninstaller - alternative to IObit Uninstaller

• Ultra Virus Killer
  • "For malware and windows repair automation. We use it many times every day. Its like D7II but with more focus on malware removal and common windows repairs, and its only $30 bucks for the full version, $50 for a brandable version, and a free version available with no ads/adware but just some features are locked out."

Awesome list.....thank you!!!! Many helpful tools I use everyday.

 

[midnightbomber]

Excellent list there. I have used autopatcher in the past but I now use WSUS Offline Updater http://www.wsusoffline.net/ instead. I also switched from Ninite to chocolatey for application installation/updates https://chocolatey.org/ .

 

[midnightbomber]

I forgot to mention Easy2Boot. It is absolutely the fastest way to build a multiboot USB drive. Much better than SARDU IMHO.

 

[noizician]

You need to change your name to Mister Lister.
Great job.

 

[PCDevo]

Great list!! Very helpful!

 

[TheBLU26]

My favorite list thanks Appletax!

 

[Reema]

The list is impressive and lots of updated links thanks to share. I download some of these.