I normally don’t blog about software that I’ve found, usually because I feel there is enough people doing that online. However, there are a few pieces of software I want my friends and family to have, either because these are very helpful or are just that badass. Let the shameless plugs begin!

Glary Utilities – CNET raved about Glary Utilities, so I thought I would try them out. Now, I don’t run a personal computer without it! This little program is free, but also has a fairly inexpensive paid side. The free version gives you most of everything, the paid version offers some additional functions like scheduling tasks. This is a utility knife of software: it is a registry error scan and repair program, shortcut fixer, startup manager, temporary files cleaner, tracks eraser, and removes spyware. While it isn’t a 100% catch all and doesn’t replace a good Anti-Virus and Firewall (more on that later), it does an incredible job performing these routine maintenance tasks and keeping your registry nice and clean. Another feature I love is the Dept. of Defense grade file shredding utility (to get rid of those documents completely), and a free-space wipe to nuke the residue of recently deleted files. It also offers the ability to encrypt and decrypt files for security, which if you have a laptop you take with you on the go, is a must.

There are other tasty little modules in this all-in-one tool. There is a module that finds empty folders, another that finds duplicates, another that analyzes your disk usage, and the list goes on. Just as I carry my Leatherman multi-tool on my belt, I keep this software equivalent installed on my computer and run it weekly. It helps keep my investment running. As a A+ Certified Repairman, I have to recommend this to everyone I know. The free version does ask users if they want to install the Ask toolbar or not, and it depends on if you use Ask.com for searching. Being that it is for free, I’m glad they do give the option to opt-out of installing the addon, but it isn’t that annoying.

Smart Defrag - Defrag in Windows has always been a suck program. It does the very basic. I’ve tried a few of these Defrag programs, but most end up pissing me off. Enter Smart Defrag. This is a low frills software that allows you to do active-defrag as you use your computer, schedule defrags, or, do an on-demand defragment. Only, this goes one step further and gives you the option to also optimize your files. Another must have program, and free as well.

Fences - Windows 7 has come a long way toward having a user-friendly GUI, but there are certain things it is lacking. Fences makes your desktop more than just a desktop. It allows you to create, well, fenced off areas for icons, files, links, you name it. You can label them, move them around, shrink or grow. It’s a great way to organize the desktop. But, what if you don’t like having ANYTHING on  your desktop like I do? Well, you’re in luck, Fences helps you there as well. Double click on the desktop and everything disappears. Perfect for packrats who need to suddenly do a presentation, or, those who like an uncluttered desktop but wish they could still have easy access to things. I just installed Fences today and I love it. Fences is free from Download.com.

Chrome – If you’re not using Chrome, you’re really missing out. An amazingly sleek, dare I say sexy, fast, stable browser. The available add-ons and themes for Chrome are amazing as well. Sync your bookmarks to your Google account and have your bookmarks available if you ever need to reinstall your OS.  I ditched IE a long time ago, and used Firefox up until Chrome came out. Since I started using Chrome I’ve only had to use another browser on very rare occasions when a site is optimized so much for IE that Chrome just gives up, however as Chrome has grown up that has become less and less. Chrome has replaced my other browsers so much that I rarely open any of them, except to test websites I’m developing!

And for those of you who tend to search from the address bar and type in web addresses in the search bar, no need to feel awkward anymore: your search bar and address bar are one! Not only that, but some websites like Wikipedia will, after searching their website once, will allow you to type in the web address, hit tab, and search their site from the Chrome Address Bar. I use it all the time for searching Wikipedia and the web. Chrome comes with Tabbed browsing, complete with drag and drop reorganization.

The Bottom Line

The software I’ve recommended above are programs I think everyone should have. Glary Utilities keeps your computer and privacy safe. Smart Defrag helps keep your computer fast. Fences keeps you organized, and Chrome gives you a whole new web experience.