Max's Favorite Freeware

Software that I use and recommend

Opera@USB
http://www.opera-usb.com/
All-In-One browser/mail/rss/news

SoftMaker Office 2006
http://www.softmakeroffice.com/
At over 200mb install for MS Office or OpenOffice, using SM is a good alternative.
After install there is an oprion to create a USB version.

IZArc Portable Version
http://www.izarc.org/izarc2go.html
Very easy to use zip program.

X-Change PDF Reader
http://www.docu-track.com/home/prod_user/PDF-XChange_Tools/pdfx_viewer
Seems to have more features than Foxit. There is a portable version available also.

IrfanView
http://www.irfanview.com/
With all the plug-ins- it's hard to beat (very fast start-up too)
Can be used from a USB drive.

Rainlendar
http://www.rainlendar.net/cms/index.php
I didn't need all the special icons, sounds, and colors in the paid version anyway. Can be used from a USB drive.

TClockEx
http://www.rcis.co.za/dale/tclockex/index.htm
The best taskbar clock enhancement I've found.

WeatherMate
http://www.ravib.com/wm/
Can be run from a USB drive.

Defraggler
http://www.piriform.com/defraggler/builds
There is a no-install version available

CrapCleaner
http://www.ccleaner.com/
You can find the portable and slim (no yahoo toolbar) versions here
http://www.ccleaner.com/download/builds
I have heard reports of problems after running the registry cleaner module but I use it once a month and have never had an issue.

AntiVir (Free Version)
http://www.free-av.com/en/download/1/avira_antivir_personal__free_antivirus.html
I have used AVG and Avast but AntiVir just works. I have cleaned up friends' systems from infections while using AVG and/or Avast but have yet to do it on systems with AntiVir installed. I know it is nagware but I am able to click an ok button once a day as opposed to a 4 hour cleaning/repairing.

SUPERAntiSpyware (Free Version)
http://www.superantispyware.com/
One of the best tools I've found. When used in conjunction with MalwareBytes's Anti-Malware you can get rid of most infections but neither free versions provide real-time scanning.

MBAM (I use the paid version but there is a scan-only free version)
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

SpywareBlaster
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
Browser protection- Doesn't use any resources.

HostsXpert
http://www.funkytoad.com/index.php?option=com_content&id=13
What a great hosts file manager.

Homer
Used with a hosts file. It is a localhost webserver.