This article is a follow-up to a 'tutorial' I wrote a while back about freeware applications. So it's time again to leave your wallet aside and start browsing through our small collection of freeware programs. If in my last article I had mentioned some utilities that might have needed experienced-user handling (like CCleaner or Avast), this guide is entirely dedicated to software that requires advanced knowledge, so the user can fully enjoy the program's functionality.
Let's start with the vast category of multimedia applications. To make a screenshot of a window, webpage or your computer's desktop, you can try freeware utilities
like MWSnap, Gadwin PrintScreen, Screenshot Captor, Neoshooter or less complicated tools like WebShot or HoverSnap. When it comes to graphic editors, in the last few years two applications rose in popularity above all programs: The Gimp (maybe the single application once known as the free alternative to Adobe Photoshop) and Paint .NET. Of course, we should also mention other interesting editors like Photobie, Artweaver, Free Image Editor and VCW VicMan's Photo Editor. If we enter the world of 3D/vector graphics, a whole new variety of software unveils: from the recently updated Microsoft Expression Design to software 'dinosaurs' like Blender, 3D Canvas, Inkscape, K-3D and OpenFX.
Now that we've covered graphic capture and editing, let's see what your alternatives are in the video category of multimedia programs. If you wish to capture or record videos from your TV Tuner, there are quite a few options at your disposal: DScaler, GB-PVR, MsDVR, iZE TV or WinTVZilla. But if you're just looking for a freeware program to record the activity on your computer's desktop, here are some of our suggestions: ZD Soft Screen Recorder, Evan's AVI Screen Capture, AviScreen, Wipido.
A distinct feature of some video files is that some of them may require subtitles and/or codecs. Here are some free utilities that will enable you to easily handle (create, convert, load, modify etc.) subtitles: Subtitle Workshop, VobSub, Subtitles Creator, Txt2Sup, Subtitles Modifier, AviSub, Subtitles Translator, SubRip, SubCreator, AVISubDetector, DivXLand Media Subtitler.
We've talked about codecs in the first part of this article, but since then, some things have changed and other important titles must be mentioned. Let's start with a recap: certain video files require a codec in order to properly play them. Therefore, instead of downloading a different codec for each file type, codec packs have been created. Here are a few codec packs that will enable to play your video files without any hassle: Vista Codec Package, K-Lite Mega Codec Pack, X Codec Pack, CCCP, Codec. But here are some codec tools that will allow you to rapidly find out what codecs are required to play a video file or which codecs are already installed on your computer: GSpot, InstalledCodec, CodecViewer, CodecInstaller, AVIcodec, Codec-Sniper.
As 'special guests' in our discussion regarding free video utilities, we would also have to mention applications designed for DVDs, enabling you to backup your favorite movies, so you won't have to worry about deterioration. The most popular application that will probably help you in this matter to the point you'll never need another application alike is DVD Shrink. But we will mention, of course, other programs that can help you rip your DVDs, for example: cladDVD .NET and DVDx.
And last, but not least in our multimedia software list are the audio applications. As usual, let's start with editors. Besides the two world-renown free audio editors, mp3DirectCut and Audacity, we can also mention: EXPStudio Audio Editor, Free Audio Editor, Wavosaur, Audioblast and KISS Wave MP3 Editor. If you're just trying to trim or split a MP3 file, you can try other, less-complex programs like: MP3 Splitter, Mp3 Knife, MP3Cutter, mpTrim, musiCutter, Mega MP3 Splitter or mp3Split. Searching for a free utility that will help you record sounds or music? Here are some of your alternatives: Free Sound Recorder, FREE Hi-Q Recorder, Mp3 My MP3 Recorder, Pocket Voice Recorder, Free MP3 Recorder, SoundCopy, Free MP3 Sound Recorder.
Instead of carrying around your audio CDs with you wherever you go, and may be even scratching them, you can, of course, rip them. We suggest you use one of these freebies: CDex, Exact Audio Copy, Audiograbber, FairStars CD Ripper, Express Rip. In order to properly display information about your ripped audio files in your favorite player, you'll need a tag editor. Therefore, here are a few freeware tag editors that will make your life easier next time you try to edit information regarding your MP3 files: Multi ID3 Tag Editor, Mp3tag, The GodFather, ID3 renamer, TagScanner, JJ MP3 Renamer, Tag Editor Pro.
This is where part II of our freeware applications saga ends. In part III, we'll take a dive into another interesting software category: Internet-related programs.
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