http://www.roggel.com/NGNeer/Freeware/fw_alternatives.shtml NGNeer| Freeware Alternatives CDBurnerXP Pro 3 When it comes to general purpose CD and DVD burning, CDBurnerXP Pro 3 is prime choice. Despite its threatening name, CDBurnerXP Pro 3 offers advanced capabilities and a dreamy interface, while avoiding the bloat that is so common in similiar applications (you know who you are). CDBurnerXP Pro's features include direct disc copying, creating and burning ISO images, ripping audio CDs, burning audio CDs and creating bootable discs. A more complete list of features can be found on the pages linked to below. Latest Version: 3.5.101.6 File Size: 4.39Mb Installed: ~14Mb Links: * CDBurnerXP Pro Home Page * CDBurnerXP Pro Features List PSPad Nothing can transcend the simplicity of Notepad. But for advanced text editing, PSPad comes close. With PSPad, you can work on multiple files simultaneously, utilize syntax highlighting for many a programming language, specify an eexternal compiler, record macros, compare text files, run a spell checker and perform advanced search and replace (for all files in a directory, for instance). I also use it for its hex editing functionality and its ability to manipulate HTML pages - TiDying them up, compressing them, and safely picking their colors. The program is loaded with many more useful features, but manages to maintain an easy to use interface. A more complete list of features can be found on the pages linked to below. Latest Version: 4.5.0 (2183) File Size: 3.03Mb Installed: ~8.5Mb Links: * PSPad Home Page * PSPad Features List Tera Term Pro For simple serial port communications, it is possible to make do with the application that is bundled with Windows (HyperTerminal). However, Tera Term Pro not only offers a nicer GUI and telnet capability, but also posseses a powerful scripting language that enables intricate automation. Tera Term Pro Web is an independent revision to the original programm. It adds the ability to connect with SSH, and the ability to monitor and control the Telnet, SSH and serial connections remotely, via a web interface! Latest Version: 3.1.3 File Size: 949Kb Installed: ~1.9Mb Links: * Tera Term Home Page * Tera Term Pro Web Nvu Nvu offers a professional interface for WYSIWYG web design, similar to that of Microsoft's Frontpage. Nvu addresses the basics of web design and does so well. It also supports CSS and allows for automated publishing. All in all, Nvu is a, good, free solution to help create web pages without worrying about their code. There *are* some complimentary features that are missing. Namely, these are report generation, integrated todo lists and site navigation overview. These can be performed by other freeware applications. Still, you certainly get your money's worth :-) on this open source cutie. Latest Version: 1.0 File Size: 6.57Mb Installed: ~21Mb Links: * Nvu Home Page Miranda Instant Messenger "Miranda IM is a multi protocol instant messenger client for Windows." Miranda IM is very lightweight, flexible and extendable. It is *the* answer for those who simply want universal text messaging without having to endure the nefarious installations of ICQ, AIM, MSN Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger. It can even fit onto a floppy. The drawback to this approach is that while a certain messaging network's client always remains up to date, an integrated client such as Miranda is one step behind. This means that certain advanced features, such as voice chat, are often unavailable. An upside to its design, however, is that Miranda IM is highly extendable. This means that you can use the same comfortable interface with many other protocols, such as Battle.net chat, NET SEND, and Jabber. Latest Version: 0.4.0.3 File Size: 993Kb Installed: ~4.2Mb Links: * Miranda IM Home Page * meebo * Trillian The GIMP The GNU Image Manipulation Program is the only professional open source image editor that I am aware of, and it is a very good one at that. I am not an expert in computer graphics - I just use it for photo touch ups and website graphics. Latest Version: 2.2.10 File Size: 7.67Mb (plus 3.6Mb for required GTK+ and 21.4Mb for optional help files) Installed: ~19.1Mb Links: * GIMP - Windows Installers * Grokking the GIMP