The web is full of free software, but it can be hard to know which programs are safe. We have hand-picked 50 of the best
Backup and disk tools
Cobian
Backup
Everybody needs a simple backup tool and Cobian Backup is a great choice. It can
be set up to copy files to a separate disk an external hard disk would be a
good choice or storage on your network. It can also schedule backups, so you
can set it up once and let it repeat the process every so often, and it can even
scramble the backups to protect them from prying eyes.
Driveimage
XML
A utility such as Cobian Backup (above) is handy for keeping a backup of certain
files, but what if you want to store the entire contents of the disk? Disk
imaging programs can convert everything on a hard disk into a single file (the
‘image’), and Driveimage XML is a fantastic free imaging program. Use it to
create a backup of your main hard disk and you can restore Windows and all your
programs and documents if a problem occurs.
Easeus
Disk Copy
Rather than buy a new computer, it’s often cheaper to upgrade your existing PC.
One simple upgrade is to add a bigger hard disk. If you want to replace the
existing disk, it’s far easier to simply copy all the contents of the old one
across than to reinstall everything. If you can connect your new hard disk to
the computer at the same time, Easeus Disk Copy will move everything across from
the old disk to the new one. You can then remove the old disk, and you are ready
to carry on computing.
Paragon
Partition Manager 10 Express
Large hard disks can be split into several smaller ‘partitions’, each one of
which appears to Windows as if it were a separate disk. Most of the time there
is simply no need to change these, but if you do then you will be annoyed to
find that Windows includes only very limited tools. For example, if you find
that you have bought a computer with loads of unused space on its hard disk,
Partition Manager 10 Express will allow you to create a new partition or expand
your existing one.
Recuva
It is all too easy to accidentally delete a file or folder. Sometimes files can
be recovered from the recycle bin, but if that has been emptied then the process
is a little trickier. Install this tool on a USB memory key now, though, and all
need not be lost: plug it in, scan the hard disk and it should be able to
restore the file. As with all file recovery tools it’s vital to install this
before, not after, you delete the file.
Syncplicity
There are many tools and services that allow you to create an online backup of
your files, but Syncplicity is one of the very best. You can use it to store up
to 2GB of files on the company’s internet servers, and it is even possible to
set up synchronisation so that those files appear on two different computers
with any changes being automatically kept up to date. Web-based access makes it
easy to grab an individual file from any internet-connected computer.
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looking among your 50 best
I found the recommended K-Lite Codec but found its not available can you help
Posted by Stan Fryer, 10 Jun 2011