MEDIA SERVERS
153. Air Video
http://www.inmethod.com/air-video/
Windows | Mac
Load Air Video on your PC and you'll soon be streaming video in any format to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. It transcodes on the fly, so you don't have to worry about the format of the original video.
http://www.inmethod.com/air-video/
Windows | Mac
Load Air Video on your PC and you'll soon be streaming video in any format to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. It transcodes on the fly, so you don't have to worry about the format of the original video.
154. Plex
http://www.plexapp.com/
Windows | Mac | Mobile
Plex covers the gamut of systems. Load the media center on a PC and stream video, audio, and photos to your Plex-enabled mobile devices, game consoles, and more. It features 150 channels of content to share.
http://www.plexapp.com/
Windows | Mac | Mobile
Plex covers the gamut of systems. Load the media center on a PC and stream video, audio, and photos to your Plex-enabled mobile devices, game consoles, and more. It features 150 channels of content to share.
155. TVersity
http://tversity.com/
Windows
TVersity turns Windows into a media server for just about any device on your network (except for iDevices—that requires the Pro version). The company is working on an open alternative to AirPlay.
http://tversity.com/
Windows
TVersity turns Windows into a media server for just about any device on your network (except for iDevices—that requires the Pro version). The company is working on an open alternative to AirPlay.
156. XBMC
http://xbmc.org/
Windows | Mac | Linux
Once known as Xbox Media Center, XBMC has become an open-source media center for multiple OSes; it even runs on the original Apple TV box. It's an elegant media center interface (that you can skin to personalize) for accessing your own video on any home theater system.
http://xbmc.org/
Windows | Mac | Linux
Once known as Xbox Media Center, XBMC has become an open-source media center for multiple OSes; it even runs on the original Apple TV box. It's an elegant media center interface (that you can skin to personalize) for accessing your own video on any home theater system.
MINDMAPS
157. Blumind
http://blumind.org/
Windows
Charts are nice, but mindmaps are charts of your brain's inner-workings. Blumind gives you basic diagram tools to track your thoughts and the connections between them.
http://blumind.org/
Windows
Charts are nice, but mindmaps are charts of your brain's inner-workings. Blumind gives you basic diagram tools to track your thoughts and the connections between them.
158. FreeMind
http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki
Windows | Mac | Linux
Think of this mindmapper as an outliner on steroids and use it to keep track of your thoughts, projects, research, or as a database.
http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki
Windows | Mac | Linux
Think of this mindmapper as an outliner on steroids and use it to keep track of your thoughts, projects, research, or as a database.
159. XMind
http://www.xmind.net/
Windows | Mac | Linux
Multi-lingual, open-source XMind is the best-looking free mindmapper. It also stresses sharing maps and using them for collaboration with others.
http://www.xmind.net/
Windows | Mac | Linux
Multi-lingual, open-source XMind is the best-looking free mindmapper. It also stresses sharing maps and using them for collaboration with others.
NETWORKING
160. Axence NetTools Pro
http://www.axencesoftware.com/index.php?action=NTPro
Windows
Axence offers a full suite of tools, including network audits and scans, monitors for connections to your computer, and more.
http://www.axencesoftware.com/index.php?action=NTPro
Windows
Axence offers a full suite of tools, including network audits and scans, monitors for connections to your computer, and more.
161. Connectify
http://www.connectify.me/features/
Windows
Connectify has one job: turn your laptop into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Now everyone around you can share your Internet connection.
http://www.connectify.me/features/
Windows
Connectify has one job: turn your laptop into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Now everyone around you can share your Internet connection.
162. LAN Speed Test
http://www.totusoft.com/lanspeed2.html
Windows | Portable
It's easy to test your Internet speed with SpeedTest.net, but how do you test your interior home network speed? LAN Speed Test will do it on both wired and wireless connections.
http://www.totusoft.com/lanspeed2.html
Windows | Portable
It's easy to test your Internet speed with SpeedTest.net, but how do you test your interior home network speed? LAN Speed Test will do it on both wired and wireless connections.
163. NetSetMan
http://www.netsetman.com
Windows
If you travel a lot and use many different wireless networks, NetSetMan is your new best friend. Use it to create special settings for your home, work, or travel needs and the software will ensure that you get connected without jumping through extra hoops.
http://www.netsetman.com
Windows
If you travel a lot and use many different wireless networks, NetSetMan is your new best friend. Use it to create special settings for your home, work, or travel needs and the software will ensure that you get connected without jumping through extra hoops.
164. SpiceWorks
http://www.spiceworks.com
Windows | Mobile
SpiceWorks costs you nothing (though you'll have to put up with some on-screen ads), and grants access to networking experts and the ability to audit, map, and manage all of your network devices, no matter your skill level. It even creates a helpdesk for you.
• Read PCMag's review of SpiceWorks 5.0.
http://www.spiceworks.com
Windows | Mobile
SpiceWorks costs you nothing (though you'll have to put up with some on-screen ads), and grants access to networking experts and the ability to audit, map, and manage all of your network devices, no matter your skill level. It even creates a helpdesk for you.
• Read PCMag's review of SpiceWorks 5.0.
165. TCPEye
http://tcpmonitor.altervista.org/tcpeye-network-monitoring/
Windows
Keep track of every single TCP and UDP connection that happens on your computer in real-time, complete with info on what process opened ports in question.
http://tcpmonitor.altervista.org/tcpeye-network-monitoring/
Windows
Keep track of every single TCP and UDP connection that happens on your computer in real-time, complete with info on what process opened ports in question.
166. Wireshark
http://www.wireshark.org
Windows | Mac | Portable
Network pros who need a protocol analyzer and packet sniffer should add Wireshark to their tool box. It captures data that can tell you plenty about your network.
• Read PCMag's review of Wireshark 1.2.6.
>>Next : Office
http://www.wireshark.org
Windows | Mac | Portable
Network pros who need a protocol analyzer and packet sniffer should add Wireshark to their tool box. It captures data that can tell you plenty about your network.
• Read PCMag's review of Wireshark 1.2.6.
>>Next : Office
INSTANT MESSAGING
138. AIM
http://products.aim.com
Windows | Mac | Web | Mobile
Fifteen years ago, America Online launched a service called AOL Instant Messenger. Today, it's AIM and it's a platform in and of itself for instant messaging, of course, but also for audio and video chatting, tweeting, and messaging with people on other services like Facebook. The innovation continues.
• Read PCMag's review of AIM 7.3.
http://products.aim.com
Windows | Mac | Web | Mobile
Fifteen years ago, America Online launched a service called AOL Instant Messenger. Today, it's AIM and it's a platform in and of itself for instant messaging, of course, but also for audio and video chatting, tweeting, and messaging with people on other services like Facebook. The innovation continues.
• Read PCMag's review of AIM 7.3.
139. Facebook Messenger for Windows
https://www.facebook.com/about/messenger
Windows | Mobile
Wish you could talk to your Facebook friends all the time, even when you're not on Facebook? This new software puts the chat and ticker right on the desktop. It's for Windows 7 and smartphone users only at the moment.
https://www.facebook.com/about/messenger
Windows | Mobile
Wish you could talk to your Facebook friends all the time, even when you're not on Facebook? This new software puts the chat and ticker right on the desktop. It's for Windows 7 and smartphone users only at the moment.
140. Miranda IM
http://www.miranda-im.org
Windows | Portable
If you like your instant messages to be lightweight, Miranda's open-source program is the ticket. At 3MB, the installer is tiny and the app is fast. It's multi-protocol, so it accesses multiple messaging services, including the big names like AIM, Yahoo, Facebook, and others, some of which use extra plug-ins.
http://www.miranda-im.org
Windows | Portable
If you like your instant messages to be lightweight, Miranda's open-source program is the ticket. At 3MB, the installer is tiny and the app is fast. It's multi-protocol, so it accesses multiple messaging services, including the big names like AIM, Yahoo, Facebook, and others, some of which use extra plug-ins.
141. Pidgin
http://www.pidgin.im
Windows | Linux | Portable
Another open-source, multi-protocol way of accessing instant-messaging networks, Pidgin talks to AIM, Google, Yahoo, and many others. (The Mac equivalent is called Adium.)
http://www.pidgin.im
Windows | Linux | Portable
Another open-source, multi-protocol way of accessing instant-messaging networks, Pidgin talks to AIM, Google, Yahoo, and many others. (The Mac equivalent is called Adium.)
142. Trillian Astra
http://www.trillian.im
Windows | Mac | Web | Mobile
This multi-protocol instant-messaging client is on all the major OSes, even phones (iOS, Android, and BlackBerry). Trillian talks to AIM, Yahoo, Microsoft Live, Google, Facebook, and many others, plus features some social networking and location options.
• Read PCMag's review of Trillian Astra 4.2.
http://www.trillian.im
Windows | Mac | Web | Mobile
This multi-protocol instant-messaging client is on all the major OSes, even phones (iOS, Android, and BlackBerry). Trillian talks to AIM, Yahoo, Microsoft Live, Google, Facebook, and many others, plus features some social networking and location options.
• Read PCMag's review of Trillian Astra 4.2.
143. Windows Live Messenger
http://explore.live.com/messenger?os=other
Windows | Mobile
Windows Live's instant-messaging service (formerly MSN Messenger) is built into Windows, and it has support for video and audio chats. It will read/post status updates from social networks and even connect to chat on Facebook.
http://explore.live.com/messenger?os=other
Windows | Mobile
Windows Live's instant-messaging service (formerly MSN Messenger) is built into Windows, and it has support for video and audio chats. It will read/post status updates from social networks and even connect to chat on Facebook.
MEDIA MANAGERS
144. Apple iTunes
http://www.apple.com/itunes/
Windows | Mac
Apple's iTunes remains our Editors' Choice for a combination of media management, sharing, and shopping. You can't beat the store Apple has built, and it's a requirement if you're one of the millions with an iPhone, iPad or iPod.
• Read PCMag's review of Apple iTunes 10.6
http://www.apple.com/itunes/
Windows | Mac
Apple's iTunes remains our Editors' Choice for a combination of media management, sharing, and shopping. You can't beat the store Apple has built, and it's a requirement if you're one of the millions with an iPhone, iPad or iPod.
• Read PCMag's review of Apple iTunes 10.6
145. Clementine
http://www.clementine-player.org
Windows | Mac | Linux
Clementine will organize your music, play Internet radio (including Spotify) and CDs, create playlists, transcode audio, edit tags, and even copy tunes to your iPhone or iPod.
http://www.clementine-player.org
Windows | Mac | Linux
Clementine will organize your music, play Internet radio (including Spotify) and CDs, create playlists, transcode audio, edit tags, and even copy tunes to your iPhone or iPod.
146. doubleTwist
http://www.doubletwist.com/
Windows | Mac | Mobile
DoubleTwist will import all your data from iTunes, not just the songs and videos but also playlists and ratings. You can also build your own music library from scratch, and then sync it with non-Apple devices, such as Android and BlackBerry phones.
• Read PCMag review of doubleTwist 2.6.
http://www.doubletwist.com/
Windows | Mac | Mobile
DoubleTwist will import all your data from iTunes, not just the songs and videos but also playlists and ratings. You can also build your own music library from scratch, and then sync it with non-Apple devices, such as Android and BlackBerry phones.
• Read PCMag review of doubleTwist 2.6.
147. Data Crow
http://www.datacrow.net
Windows | Mac | Linux
When your library of photos, music, video, ebooks, and free software is out of control, Data Crow is a must. It gets info from online sources, like Amazon and IMDB, to keep track of it all.
http://www.datacrow.net
Windows | Mac | Linux
When your library of photos, music, video, ebooks, and free software is out of control, Data Crow is a must. It gets info from online sources, like Amazon and IMDB, to keep track of it all.
148. JamCloud
http://jamcloud.com/
Windows | Mac
JamCloud is cool but to categorize. It's a music and video (from YouTube and SoundCloud) player. The company also stresses that it's a "social app" first and foremost, meaning the emphasis is on sharing.
http://jamcloud.com/
Windows | Mac
JamCloud is cool but to categorize. It's a music and video (from YouTube and SoundCloud) player. The company also stresses that it's a "social app" first and foremost, meaning the emphasis is on sharing.
149. Miro
http://www.getmiro.com
Windows | Mac | Linux
Open-source Miro is a desktop player and converter ready to sync content with mobile devices, specifically Android devices, after you download that content via BitTorrent or get it from YouTube or podcasts.
http://www.getmiro.com
Windows | Mac | Linux
Open-source Miro is a desktop player and converter ready to sync content with mobile devices, specifically Android devices, after you download that content via BitTorrent or get it from YouTube or podcasts.
150. Songbird
http://www.getsongbird.com
Windows | Mac | Portable | Mobile
On the desktop, Songbird is like an iTunes clone for audio playback and management, even working with Apple and Microsoft's DRMed files. It incorporates a music store (7digital), brings you extra info on tracks (via mashTape), plays Internet radio (via Last.FM), and even sells concert tickets.
http://www.getsongbird.com
Windows | Mac | Portable | Mobile
On the desktop, Songbird is like an iTunes clone for audio playback and management, even working with Apple and Microsoft's DRMed files. It incorporates a music store (7digital), brings you extra info on tracks (via mashTape), plays Internet radio (via Last.FM), and even sells concert tickets.
151. TagScanner
http://www.xdlab.ru/en/
Windows
When TagScanner manages music, it gets in there deep, allowing you to control placement tags, rename the media database and files, make new playlists, and, of course, listen to the tunes.
http://www.xdlab.ru/en/
Windows
When TagScanner manages music, it gets in there deep, allowing you to control placement tags, rename the media database and files, make new playlists, and, of course, listen to the tunes.
152. WinAmp
http://www.winamp.com
Windows | Mobile
WinAmp was once known for music. Now, it's a full media manager/player. It still sports customized skins, but the ability to control your files and transfer data to other devices is now its best feature.
• Read PCMag's review of WinAmp 5.55.
>>Next : Media Servers, Mindmaps & Networking
http://www.winamp.com
Windows | Mobile
WinAmp was once known for music. Now, it's a full media manager/player. It still sports customized skins, but the ability to control your files and transfer data to other devices is now its best feature.
• Read PCMag's review of WinAmp 5.55.
>>Next : Media Servers, Mindmaps & Networking
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