One way of downloading large files is to do so by using a torrent file, these can be sourced fairly easily and shared with others. Torrent files are actually separated into pieces, arriving from different machines, and then reassembled on arrival. Like a download manager, a good torrent client will enable you to control all aspects of file sharing, from downloading and sharing to queuing and setting speed limits.

BitComet 1.07 is a free file sharing tool that's BitTorrent compatible and designed to help you manage all aspects of torrent file management. Use it to queue, pause and resume downloads. Although it's very similar to BitTorrent, it ships with a better interface. 

BitComet 1.07 link.

It's important to prevent clutter building up on your computer, not only for the benefit of your computers performance but also for privacy reasons. Most of the files accumulated are relatively harmless but some may be more sensitive, containing personal information. Some tools are more thorough than others at completely removing these files, so it's important to find an application that's proven to work, so you won't have to second guess its effectiveness.

CCleaner Portable 2.14.763 is the portable version of the popular standard version. This version enables you to run the application without having to install it; this also makes it possible to customise cleaning options. You can also put the application on an external or portable drive.

CCleaner Portable 2.14.763 link.

Typing up a letter or document is most people's first experience of using a computer, usually with Microsoft Word. Many people don't really move away from Word and before long, it becomes difficult to begin using an alternative. The reason for moving to an alternative is usually cost, as with many other office applications, Word is an expensive piece of software and if you're on a budget, it's not always a viable option. But cost is just one reason, other people look for alternatives as they do not require all the features that ship with Word.

AbiWord 2.6.5 is a free and competent word processor that's compatible with Microsoft Word documents. The application itself may not be as feature rich as word but it still offers extensive functionality, more than enough for the average user. There are also free plug-ins available via the AbiWord website.

AbiWord 2.6.5 link.

Only yesterday did we mention that the Amazon UK MP3 music store has gone live. This store enables users to download DRM-free audio from the site and some of the prices are certainly compelling. For example, the latest Will Young album - if you like that kind of music - is available for only £3 as a download. However, whereas the Apple iTunes Music Store is a self-contained manager that enables you to purchase, download and manage your tracks from the application, the Amazon MP3 store requires some basic technical knowledge.

Amazon MP3 Music Downloader is a simple free tool that enables your computer to intercept the MP3 audio files you purchase and download from the store and integrate directly in to your existing music manager, whether that's iTunes or another tool.

Amazon MP3 Music Downloader link.

There are numerous freeware download managers available, all of which claim to increase download speeds or provide a more secure download. Most of us use or have used a download manager at some point, often noticing that they don't always improve your download experience. However, there are some more effective managers out there that do improve speeds and provide a more secure environment for downloading files.

Download Accelerator Plus 9 claims to increase download speeds by around 400% by identifying the most reliable serving download. The application can also split the download into several segments and access them from multiple sources if necessary as well as manage your downloads. 

Download Accelerator Plus 9 link. 

Tweaking the performance of your Windows operating system may sound relatively easy, but if you don't really know what you're doing, it could have the opposite effect. There are a number of applications available that will help you get the most from your PC, some of which are free. When looking for a tool it's important to identify one that will enable you to enhance performance in the required areas, or a complete tool, one that lets you choose which area of your system will benefit most from being optimised.

Ashampoo PowerUp 3.23 is a tweaking and optimisation tool for your Windows PC that ships with a number of pre-configured settings or 'profiles' designed to enhance particular areas of your PCs performance. This enables you to quickly tune areas of performance, depending on what you may be doing.

Ashampoo PowerUp 3.23 link. 

It only seems like a few years ago when we had to give a commercial printer a Quark document, relevant images, in the right format, on a disc, so they could output your work. It didn't always go to plan and you had to meet their specifications or they couldn't print. These days it's far easier to print commercial documentation as you simply give them a commercial-grade PDF document. However, you can't really use a free PDF application to achieve these results.

novaPDF 6 is a PDF generation tool that's been around for a long time and has recently received a major upgrade (well, major as in version change). At a base level, it will enable you to output a PDF document, suitable for either web download or commercial printing, from just about any Windows application.

novaPDF 6 link.

Web ads are not only annoying; they can also hinder browser performance as you wait for them to load. These adverts are usually located away from the page or site you may be visiting and this is what causes your machine to slow down, and what hinders your browsing experience. The trouble with online adverts is that they feature on almost all websites in some way or another, so avoiding them is almost impossible, unless of course you use an ad-blocker.

Adblock Plus 1.0 is a useful addon for Firefox that enables you to prevent annoying adverts. Download the plug-in, right click a chosen add, and it won't be downloaded again. Alternatively, choose a filter subscription and block adverts automatically. Note that this blocker is designed to prevent in-line ads, not pop-ups.

Adblock Plus 1.0 link. 

Most people will go out and purchase and audio CD or use an online music store to purchase a song or album they like but more casual music listeners, who aren't too worried about audio quality, will use music download sites to obtain the majority of their music. Unfortunately most file sharing sites are littered with users sharing poorly compressed or recorded audio files, all of which do no justice to original audio recordings. However, if you do want to listen to a track online, is there any way of legally obtaining free audio files using the web?

Songbeat 3.1 is an interesting application that enables you to search for, listen to and download audio files for free, well, kind of. It uses search engines to locate audio files rather than relying on users to share files from their drives, the audio is streamed but can also be downloaded but you only get twenty-five free downloads, after this you are required to upgrade, which costs of course.

Songbeat 3.1 link.

Having a website is a must for many, especially those who own a business or need to advertise themselves to a large audience. Unfortunately a good website can be a hefty investment, and for most people, creating their own may be too challenging. Even template-driven applications may be confusing, especially if you don't have an understanding of web-building languages. Once you've overcome the initial design and layout stages, you've then got to think about hosting and site maintenance.

TOWeb 2.71 is an application designed to enable novice users to create and maintain their own website. You can add text, images and other content to your site whilst TOWeb provides assistance with the rest, helping you to create a professional looking, well made site. 

TOWeb 2.71 link.