100 Essential Downloads for Windows: Page 4

Browser Add-ons

20. Adobe Flash Player

More and more Web sites utilize Flash multimedia technology, and if you want to interact with them, you'll need the player. It's already been downloaded 750 million times, and if you need the latest version, you can find it here. Price: Free.

21. Roboform

Too many passwords to remember? Roboform remembers passwords and fills in forms for you. It can even generate a hard-to-guess password for you if you can't think of one. Price: $39.99 (30-day free trial).

22. Google Toolbar

Google Toolbar puts a Google search box right at the top of your browser. It also provides easy access to a number of Google features and it blocks pop-ups on Internet Explorer. Price: Free.

23. Shockwave Player

Shockwave Player lets you interact with online applications created with Macromedia Director, including games, product demonstrations, and educational presentations. The latest version also includes the Flash Player. Price: Free.

24. McAfee Site Advisor

Before you click a link, McAfee Site Advisor checks it for spyware, spam, viruses, and scams. Simple red, yellow, and green buttons let you know if a site is safe or if you should think twice about clicking. Price: Free.

25. Website-Watcher

Need to keep an eye on what your competitors are doing? Website-Watcher will monitor a group of sites, notify you when the sites change, and highlight the changes on screen. Price: 29.95 Euros (30-day free trial).

Desktop Search

26. Google Desktop

Google desktop indexes the files on your PC and uses the famous Google search technology to find files on your hard drive, including e-mail and IM threads. It also comes with some handy gadgets and an optional sidebar. Price: Free.

27. Copernic Desktop Search

Copernic claims to be able to search your entire hard drive in less than a second. And the beta lets you use your mobile phone search your desktop remotely. Price: Free.

E-mail Clients

28. Mozilla Thunderbird

This open-source alternative to Outlook comes from the makers of the Firefox browser. The latest version boasts enhanced security, customization, and organization features that make it easy to send, receive, and manage your e-mail messages. Price: Free.

29. Windows Live Mail

The replacement for Outlook Express is still in beta, but draws kudos from critics for its improved features. It integrates seamlessly with other Windows Live apps, displays RSS feeds, and offers improved security. Price: Free (ad-supported).

30. Pegasus Mail

Pegasus Mail, "the Internet's longest-serving PC e-mail system," is also one of the easiest e-mail clients to use. Plus, it's small, fast, and offers exceptional security. Price: Free.

31. PocoMail

With its unique Focus Box feature, PocoMail makes it easy to review your folders and manage your contacts. It also includes a number of automation features that help you customize and streamline the process of sending and receiving messages. Price: $39.95 (Free trial version).

32. The Bat!

Available in both home and professional versions, The Bat! aims to make e-mail simple and convenient. It also includes strong privacy protection, including support for encryption and digital signatures. Price: $25 and up (30-day free trial).