Free Download InfraRecorder

InfraRecorder is an open-source alternative to commercial CD and DVD burning software like Nero. It uses a standard graphical interface for creating disc images and an express creation wizard that helps guide you through the process for the less technology savvy people.

InfraRecorder is a really capable piece of software that allows you to burn all the usual kinds of CD and DVD types. It also supports the creation of dual-layer DVDs and the burning of ISO and BIN images. CNet tested it and said "We got perfect results from discs burned with the software and had no trouble using it from start to finish."

However there can be some slowdown using the application, especially when preparing to burn a disc.

If you have used Nero, Magic ISO or Daemon Tools to create DVD's and CD's, InfraRecorder is a fantastic open source alternative. However if your a complete newbie to burning software you might find Nero that little bit easier to use.

Download InfraRecorder Here

Clearing Up Duplicate Files

Severe lack of posts this week. Working on an ASP.NET project at the moment. So just for another short entry here’s my download of the week. A nice handy one for helping you clear up some clutter from you’re hard disk. If you download/share files, there is a immense likelihood that you have some duplicate files.

Duplicate Cleaner saves disk space by finding identical files and allowing you to delete them. Find duplicate mp3s, photos, or perhaps old versions of documents.

You can download it here

Weekly Download: Vista + AVG = Slow Start-Up

It has recently come to my attention that AVG anti virus (which is very good) hinders Vista when booting it up. I am unsure why, but if you want to speed it up I recommend Avast to use as an alternative. It looks pleasant and its easy to use and update. The application reminds me of a car stereo. I haven’t decided if that’s a good or a bad thing. And as always the price is right. Free.

So try it out. If you have Vista and currently using AVG, try using Avast and see if you notice the start-up speed. If you’re not using Vista, I would still highly recommend AVG, and hopefully they will sort out the problems with vista.

Download Avast Here

Diarmuid's Download of the Week - OpenOffice

This is the real deal people. OpenOffice is a FREE alternative to the vastly over priced Microsoft Office 2007 package. It includes a Word Processor (Word), Spreadsheet (Excel), Database manager (Access), a maths writer (handy for school work), a presentation suite (PowerPoint) and a Draw package for diagrams (Visio). Unlike Microsoft Office, OpenOffice was designed as one program and not designed separately. So once you’re up and running the programs work together really nicely.

Another great thing is if you own an illegal version of Office (and 72% of people do*) you can use this instead and not have to worry about updating other Microsoft products or installing their Genuine Checker. I have been using OpenOffice for over a year now and it is well worth a look at if you need an Office type package. There are some downsides to open office. It is frequently updated (could be a good thing) which actually annoys me. Also the initial loading of the suite is longer than MS Office. Did I mention the price? Another alternative to MS Office is of course Google Docs, which I also use quite a lot.

Download OpenOffice Here

*Might be a statistic I made up.

Gift Grub Downloads

I rather enjoy Today FM in the mornings. The Ian Dempsey show is great company for my otherwise lonely early morning commute from Limerick to Galway (Thank God for the Ennis bypass!). Like most people the skit named Gift Grub is the highlight of the show for me. Hilarious stuff altogether. I always wanted to download the gift grub clips, but in my esteemed opinion Todayfm.com is one of the worst websites to navigate ever! I really hope they fix it up sooner rather than later. Anyway getting to the point of this ramble I came across a brilliant site for downloading the gift grub skits.

Download Gift Grub Here

If you're a fan I recommend bookmarking it. While I'm at it I must also recommend Ray Foley's blog. The best show on Today FM. Remember its only a bit of fun for your lunch time.

Diarmuid's Download of the Week: Are you Listening Photoshop users?

Here's my weekly recommended download. It’s the turn of Paint.NET. This is one of the best free alternatives to Adobe Photoshop. It has all the basic features you would expect from a graphic design application, and a whole lot more. I did give GIMP a go for a while, but thought it was complicated compared to Photoshop. Paint.NET is much easier to use and has a good user interface. Tutorials are widely available and it offers support for plug-ins. It works on Windows XP, VISTA and with a little help Linux. I’m actually not sure about Macs. Additionally it featured in PC World’s top 20 products of 2007.

Download Link

Paint.NET homepage

DOWNLOADS - CCleaner (It Rocks)

I do like scouting the Internet for free but yet useful applications/programs. I have quite a few in my collection, and decided to share the best ones with you.

I would like my fist download recommendation ever on my blog to be CCleaner. This neat little free program, cleans up your hard drive by removing all the crap you might be unaware still exists. Also it has a nice registry cleaner. Meaning you don't have to mess around with it. Good for all computer users, novice to expert.

Download CCleaner here