More Tools

A tool for viewing PDF files is missing in any Windows version. A good replacement for the otherwise recommended Adobe Reader is the free Foxit Reader. It starts on most PCs faster than the Adobe Reader and is also more fluid during PDF playback.


PDF viewer: Foxit Reader


Practical: By default Foxit Reader is installed with a Firefox plug-in, so you can view clicked PDFs directly in the Firefox browser. Make sure that the appropriate check mark is selected during setup.


Photo management: Picasa


In Windows 7, Microsoft has granted Windows Explorer some functionality to view and edit photos. There is no real image management in the operating system. We recommend the free Picasa program from Google. Digital images can be easily sorted, tagged and presented as a slideshow.


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Picasa also offers many possibilities for post-processing the images. The software works hand in hand with the Picasa Web Albums: If you have a Google Account, you can upload images from Picasa to the Web.


Burning Tool: DeepBurner


The Windows proprietary functions for burning CDs and DVDs are rather modest. Luckily, there is DeepBurner, a free burning program. It is a real alternative to known buying software like Nero. DeepBurner can burn data CDs and data DVDs, music and photo CDs. It supports the BurnProof technology, which automatically controls the writing speed when burning so that burn errors are largely ruled out.


For burn professionals, DeepBurner offers the unique possibility to design a custom Autostart menu: For example, CDs and DVDs can be created with software that offers a program selection when inserting. The integrated label printer lets you design and print CD / DVD covers, booklets and labels.


The Windows Media Player can not measure with the free VLC media player yet. VLC plays files in any conceivable video or audio format. The vast majority of known video codecs are integrated into the program, eliminating the need to install so-called codec packs.


VLC plays home MPEG2 and DivX, Quicktime and Real Media videos. As a result, VLC users do not usually need to install another media player. The appearance of the VLC Media Player can be customized using so-called skins.


The VLC Media Player can play both video and music, but it is not good for large music collections. This is best done with the free program Songbird. This allows music files not only to be cataloged and reproduced - the software also facilitates the transfer of music to mobile devices. In addition, there are custom Songbird applications (apps) for many smartphones.


On the Windows Live Skydrive, Microsoft provides 25 GB of free online storage. However, the access to the private network hard disk becomes only comfortable with SDExplorer. The free tool integrates the Windows Live Skydrive into Windows Explorer, so you can use online storage like a hard drive.


After installation you will find the folder "SDExplorer" under "Computer". Enter your credentials (Live ID and Password) and tick anywhere to save the data for later.


Media Player: VLC


Jukebox: Songbird


Memory: SDExplorer