Adobe Acrobat alternative

Acrobat Reader just keeps getting bigger, slower, and more bloated with each new release.

If you are ready for a smaller, quicker, lightweight, free PDF reader, you can now use Foxit Reader from Foxit Software.

Apple Quicktime alternative

It seems like with each and every new release of Quicktime, Apple has been trying to reach new heights in user annoyance. Things like - every time the Quicktime player pops up, it asks you if you want to buy some pay version of Quicktime - like anybody actually wants to do that. And it ask you EVERY single time.

Then, more recently, it has become difficult to download just Quicktime without also downloading iTunes. Well, now there is an alternative. The folks over at free-codecs.com have an alternative. It uses all the Quicktime codecs, plus an old version of the MS Media Player.

Get it here.

Application mobility program

Mojopac.com has an inexpensive ($49.99) program that allows you to install nearly any program onto a USB storage device (flash memory drive, hard drive, iPod, etc) and then connect that device to any computer, and run the application on that PC! How cool is that? They've got a 30-day free trial, too, so you can see if it will work with your programs.

Free remote access / screen sharing

Two free remote access / screen sharing apps I have recently become aware of:

Log Me In Free - similar to GoToMyPC
CroosLoop - supposedly similar to Webex, though I have yet to try it.

Cool hardware dept (water-cooling CPU kit)

Cool IT Systems has an expensive ($199) system called the Eliminator CPU cooler that provides drop-in water cooling for your new system. Not cheap, but very cool, and quiet.

Spyware Warrior website tracks fake anti-spyware

As you may know, there are loads of spyware applications out there masquerading as anti-spyware. I find it particularly distasteful when a**holes take advantage of clueless users by foisting this junky or malicious software on people.

If in doubt, check the list at www.spywarewarrior.com