PC apps and utilities

Listed below are 46 different freeware categories with my selection of the best products in each category.

hacking the Firefox browser settings

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Firefox Extensions and Firefox Themes

Introducing AOL® OpenRide™, the newest AOL software. So much more than just a Web browser, its breakthrough four-pane design will streamline your online activities. No more jumping from one window to the next — everything you need is right there the moment you need it. And it’s absolutely free

remote-access utility for months to connect to my own PC while I'm out of the office, but it's also ideal for remote tech support. Just have your friend or family member create a LogMeIn account and install the software (both are free, though the company does sell various paid versions)--preferably before a crisis occurs. When it does, head to the LogMeIn site and sign in using their username and password. In a few seconds you'll see what they see. You'll also gain full control of their PC, so you can investigate, troubleshoot, and (hopefully) fix the problem.

Technical Tips : I want to ... (122 tips)

MPlayer is arguably the best media player application of the world.

Cerulean Studios Previews Trillian Astra - new features and web presence - great upgrade .....

1videoConference is a free web conferencing tool in alpha stage that’s burning up the charts on Sourceforge. Like the previously profiled DimDim, it’s software you download and install on your server. It’s designed to be folded into your domain just like your other web pages. Site administrators can then invite users to participate in a video, voice, text chat and screen sharing web conference.

In the Chair is music education software that lets you practice by performing with professional musicians, bands and renowned orchestras. Be part of the band - hear the other musicians as you watch the video from your chosen spot - and perfect the piece with the feedback you receive as you play. With In the Chair you practice with real musicians, playing real music (not Midi) using your own instrument!

Zooomr Doubles Flickr’s Monthly Photo Upload Limits

Just learning how to work with Cascading Style Sheets, a.k.a. CSS? You'll definitely want to print a copy of blogger Leslie Franke's cheat sheet.

Keep your PC safe with Comodo Personal Firewall, a free security program designed to block outside intruders and keep your PC from "leaking."

These days we spend a lot of time managing our email inboxes, but what about the snail mailbox? You can de-cluttering your mailbox with some easy techniques that reduce unwanted paper and streamline what you get delivered to you.

USB-drive based collection of software that'll help you resuscitate any ailing PC. All wrapped up into one convenient, 14.2MB zip file, the USB PC Repair System contains 37 fix-it proggies, many of which we've recommended here on Lifehacker before, including: CCleaner, Eraser, ProcessExplorer and TweakUI. The PC Repair System is a free download, Windows only.

Kiwi Cloak: a quasi-coercive anti-websurf-procrastination tool [Jeremy Freese's weblog]

Create 3D models with Google SketchUp 6. The new version adds a Google Earth plug-in, photo tracing, 3D text and new collections of display settings.

Prevent RSI from setting in after long, uninterrupted hours on your PC with the free WorkRave timed break application. WorkRave pops up and prompts you for a "micro break" or a longer exercise break at time intervals you determine. The app will even suggest anti-RSI exercises for your eyes, back and shoulders to help prevent backaches, headaches and carpal tunnel. WorkRave is a free download, Windows and Linux only

Set up spur-of-the-moment conference calls with Foonz (pronounced "phones"), a new service that automatically invites friends, co-workers and others to join in.

Connect to and take control of another PC with iRemotePC, the latest in an increasingly long list of remote-access programs.

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list of 7 PC resolutions - those nagging PC activities you should engage in more often but don't - to help you and your computer start off the new year on the right foot. From defragging and backing up your hard drive to organizing your documents, this is a roundup of best practices and automation tools straight from the Lifehacker vault.

Let's get something straight, you've come to the wrong place if you are looking for a laser pointer. We do not sell laser pointers. Wicked Lasers can burn, slash, melt plastic and when your lighter runs dry, it'll even light up your smoke. This is a joke right? Well you can see here. Have you seen videos like that anywhere else? Didn't think so. Can your laser pointer do that? Didn't think so.

Want to take Linux for a spin? Forget partitions, dual-boot setups and live CDs: The new Ubuntu Windows installer lets you run the Linux distro while keeping the rest of your system intact.

Ultimate Boot CD is completely free for the download

Everything you want to know about your computer.

check out popular songs by gluing together the two services with Pipes.