100 Essential Downloads for Windows

Video Tools

89. Quicktime Player for Windows

If you want to watch a Quicktime file (.mov), you really need the Quicktime Player. Apple's video format uses the ultra-efficient H.264 compression for high-quality files that don't take up a lot of space. Price: Free (Commercial version $29.99).

90. RealPlayer

RealPlayer lets you download Internet videos with just one click. It also lets you create a video playlist and burn videos to CD or DVD. Price: Free (Plus version $29.99).

91. Windows Media Player

Microsoft's multimedia player makes it possible to store and use all of your photos, videos, and music from a single interface. The latest version makes it easier to sync with external devices like your MP3 player or Xbox. Price: Free.

92. Zoom Player

The Zoom Player aims to convert your PC into a home entertainment center by playing DVDs and a huge assortment of video, audio, and photo formats. In fact, it claims to be "the most powerful, flexible and customizable DVD and media player for the Windows PC platform." Price: Free (Professional version $27.95).

Vista Enhancements

93. Start++

"Made by a guy named Brandon," this tool improves Vista's desktop search capabilities by incorporating the "Desktop Shortcuts feature" from XP. For example, typing "w" before a search term on the Start Menu will take you to the appropriate page in Wikipedia; "g" before the term will look up the appropriate page on Google, etc. Price: Free (Donations accepted).

Web Development Tools

94. Adobe Dreamweaver

The state-of-the-art in Web design, Dreamweaver offers professional-quality tools and a price tag to match. The latest version includes cascading style sheet tools and Ajax components. Price: $399 (30-day free trial).

95. NetObjects Fusion

NetObjects Fusion makes it easy to design a good-looking Web site, even if you have no knowledge of html. It includes features for professionals, like CSS style sheets, as well as wizards and templates to help beginners get started. Price: $199.95 (30-day free trial).

96. Hypertext Builder

For a much less expensive approach to Web authoring, try Hypertext Builder. This XHTML authoring tool packs a lot of features into a small footprint, but you'll need to have some foundational knowledge of html code in order to use it. Price: Free.

97. HotDog Professional

Another more affordable option, HotDog Professional boasts a user-friendly interface and the flexibility professionals need. Novices may want to check out HotDog's less expensive PageWiz version for beginners or the Junior edition for programmers age 6 and up. Price: $99.95 (Free trial).

98. Microsoft Office Live

From the name, you might guess that this offering has something to do with Word and Excel, but Office Live has nothing to do with Microsoft Office. Instead, this collection of tools allows small businesses to set up a Web address, create a Web site, attract search engine traffic, and manage multiple e-mail accounts. Price: Free (Ad-supported).

99. TopStyle

TopStyle lets you edit HTML, XHTML, and CSS from within a single program. It's user-friendly and includes an integrated style checker. Price: $79.95 (Free trial and lite versions).

100. Microsoft Expression Web

The replacement for the well-known FrontPage, Expression Web offers support for CSS, XML, ASP.NET, and XHTML. It integrates seamlessly with the rest of the new Microsoft Expression Studio, including Expression Blend, Expression Design, and Expression Media. Price: $299 (60-day free trial).