What's the best place to get some real good free software? Microsoft, of course! Here are some real good 'gems' that we found at Microsoft.com, all of which are downloadable for free. We are sure you will definitely find a few on this list, you never knew Microsoft made.
ActiveSync keeps your Outlook, Videos, Music and Office documents in sync with Smartphones and Windows Pocket PC's.
Windows Movie Maker is a full fledged movie editing tool designed for easy use. Features compression, special effects and burning to a CD. Not as user-friendly as 'iMovie' for the Mac, but very powerful nevertheless.
Emulates a PC inside a PC, so you can run multiple operating systems in one PC at the same time. No need for dual boot. Great for testing Linux or installing testing multiple operating systems without crashing or formatting your existing OS.
The Taskswitch Power Toy is really cool 'Alt-tab' replacement that shows the preview of the application you are swtiching too. Works great when you have two sessions of one applicaiton open.
Microsoft Location Finder is a client-side application that turns a regular WiFi enabled laptop, Tablet or PC into a location determining device without the addition of any separate hardware.
Runs upto 4 virtual desktop screens on a Windows machine.
Microsoft eBook reader with ClearType for flicker free ebook reading.
Converts your handwriting into a TrueType font.
Diagnostic Tools
Microsoft offers a variety of 'free' tools for diagnosing and trouble shooting problems. Here are a few of the best we tracked down - Memory Diaganostic for RAM, Network Diagnostic Tool, Port reporter, Fiddler for HTTP diagnosis.
Build virtual stories (slideshows) with pictures, digital images, sound tracks and special effects.
Virtual Collaboration tool for Windows XP. Collaborate on Powerpoint presentations and electronic whiteboard. Currently a research project at Microsoft .
Detects if network sniffers are running on your network. Network administrators will love this.
Group Shot can make composite group photo from a series of photos and images.
Make remote and local security scans on Windows machines. Reports missing security updates and service packs.
Media Capture
Video and Audio capturing tool with un-compressed AVI and Surround sound capturing ability.
Formerly called Windows Antispyware, the Windows Defender protects against spyware and website pop-ups.
Windows Media Encoder is a powerful tool for capturing audio and video content with high-quality multichannel sound, high-definition video quality and support for mixed-mode voice and music content. There is also a studio edition for power users available free.
Mounts ISO files as virtual CD/DVD drives. Works great for games and other type of applications, which require original CD's in the drive.
Simultaneously connect to different Wi-Fi networks at the same time. This is an amazing tool. Highly recommended.
Why type when you can use your finger. All you need is a fingerprint reader and this software to logon to Windows.
The Power calculator with mathematical and scientific functions.
Powertool for Microsoft PowerPoint users.
Tweaks the fonts to give better resolution and easy-readability on laptop's and LCD screens.
The Powertool for Windows Media player. Tweak the Windows Media player for automatic volume levelling when burning audio CD's and full screen videos.
We would love to hear about some of your favorites.