Vista 64 - best freeware thread

[Taz]

I've been trying out a load of different freeware programs on my recently-built Vista 64 system. Some worked and some didn't. Anyway, here is a list of the things that are running well and are completely free for personal use:

1. Antivirus: AVG Free Edition (latest version: 7.5)

2. Disk cleanup: Piriform CCleaner (latest version: 2.03.532). Bonus: also cleans up your Vista 64 Registry!

3. Graphics viewer (useful for slide shows): IrfanView (latest version: 4.10)

4. Graphics Editor (for manipulating images): GIMP (latest version: 2.4.2)

5. Download manager: Free Download Manager (latest version: 2.5 build 728)

6. ADSL modem tweaker: DMT tool (version, availability depends on your ADSL modem)

7. Benchmark software: Sandra Lite XIIc

8. Internet Browser: Firefox (latest version: 2.0.0.11)

9. ZIP/archive manager: UltimateZip2007 (latest version: 3.2)

10. PDF file reader: Adobe Reader 8 (latest version: 8.1.1)

11. Media Player codecs (allows Media Player to play DivX/Xvid, etc): VistaCodecs (aka Vista Codec Package, latest version: 4.5.3)

You can Google for the downloads of these programs. Feel free to add to this list or offer altenative suggestions that are tested and working on Vista 64. I'm after a free disk defragmenter for Vista 64 that's better than the built-on one at the moment.

[godsdog]

Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic

Recently seen it in action on two Vista 64 systems so far and it seems to run fine. Considerably smaller than AVG and in my experience does a better job at detection and removal of general malware and virus.

[Taz]

^ Thanks for that. I've switched from AVG to Avira Antivir and Avira definitely has a much smaller footprint than AVG.

Anyway, i've found a free memory test program built into Vista. This can be accessed during boot up (I kept hitting the DEL key after the POST but before Windows starts to load. Then hit TAB to start the Windows Memory Diagnostics. You can also run this from within Windows. Enter 'memory' in the Start box and then choose the recommended action (restart now and check for problems). Your computer will reboot, run the memory test, load Windows and display the results of the test after Windows loads. Best of all, it's free and you don't have to boot up with floppies.

[pauldarkside]

Originally Posted by Taz

<snip> Windows Memory Diagnostics. <snip> Best of all, it's free and you don't have to boot up with floppies.

Um, it's free as in you need to have Vista ... that's like saying Aero or Explorer is free

[Taz]

There is a new version of the Vista Codec Package available here:

Vista Codec Package Homepage

It is freeware but you have the option to make a donation to the very talented author if you wish.

For Vista 64 users, I recommend installing the following:

- Vista Codec Package 4.5.4

- Vista Codec x64 Components 1.3.4

- QuickTime Lite for VCP 1.06

Those are the latest versions at the time of writing. This should allow you to play almost all multimedia files from within Vista 64. The x64 components allow you to set WMP11 64-bit as the default media player (amongst many other things).

[peterb]

From some the comments on Hexus, it seems that the best freeware for a Vista machine would be Fedora, or Ubuntu, or SuSE, or Knoppix or....

[menthel]

Yes, very funny.

I have no great troubles with vista, no more than I had with XP.

I agree on avira for the antivirus software. I had trouble with AVG on 3 diferent computers.

[john_m]

I still have USB issues, and BSOD on my XP box. I'd be tempted by Vista just to see if it was more stable. Anyone found Vista more stable on 2 year old hardware?

[Taz]

Originally Posted by godsdog

Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic

Recently seen it in action on two Vista 64 systems so far and it seems to run fine. Considerably smaller than AVG and in my experience does a better job at detection and removal of general malware and virus.

Been running with Avira Antivir for a couple of weeks now. IMO, a better AV product than AVG (seems less intrusive). Definitely a smaller footprint.

One downside is the daily 'nag' screen that pops up asking you to upgrade to the paid-for version! Ironically this might actually work as I will be shelling out to get the paid-for version just to get rid of the nag-screen...

AVG was less intrusive in this respect but, overall, Avira Antivir wins in my opinion.

[godsdog]

Originally Posted by Taz

One downside is the daily 'nag' screen that pops up asking you to upgrade to the paid-for version! Ironically this might actually work as I will be shelling out to get the paid-for version just to get rid of the nag-screen...

antivir nag screen in Vista - Google Search | antivir nag screen - Google Search

...you should seriously consider the pay for version, it's a good product. Certainly one that should be on your candidate list with the other usual suspects.

Originally Posted by Taz

Been running with Avira Antivir for a couple of weeks now. IMO, a better AV product than AVG (seems less intrusive). Definitely a smaller footprint. Avira Antivir wins in my opinion.

The thing with AntiVir is it's handling of general malware infections, both detection and removal, it's actually competent, whereas the other free ones aren't too clever at all.
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