Here are some applications that you will find handy. Most of these come courtesy of Digital Media Net. We haven't used most of them at Hullabaloo, but you've probably heard of them.
1. GSpot Codec Information Application
If you have a video clip that won't play or you can't hear the audio, this tool will tell you what's happening. GSpot tells all about the video file; it's codec, bit rates, lengths, frames etc. It supports 350 video codecs and 150 audio codecs. That should have you covered. It also supports batch file processing. For PC's only. Check it our at http://www.headbands.com/gspot
2. Skype.
This is a free internet telephone service that let's you talk to anyone, anywhere in the world. The only catch is the person you talk to must have Skype as well, but it's free and easy to install. Obviously, you need a small PC microphone or headset.
If you want you can pay for a better version that lets you call any phone number and have voicemail. Check it out at http://www.skype.com
3. DVD Decrypter/Auto Gordian Knot
Have you purchased a DVD and you'd like to get the programme off it, compress it, so you can take it anywhere? Well these two programs can help you do that. They even take out the scrambling key and region codes. We can't give you a web site or tell you how they work, as that's against the law. But surely if you've bought the DVD and want to use it elsewhere, why shouldn't you. We did it with vinyl and cassettes for years. Just 'Google' the names and you'll get a direct result.
4. Time and Chaos
If you use Microsoft Outlook as your contacts application, you could be in trouble. Outlook is a popular target for worms and viruses. This program (for windows) organises your telephone list, contact list, appointments and 'to do' list. Everything appears on the one screen. If your business has a network, all your people can use the same database. You can mail merge with Microsoft Word, and work with your browser and email software. Have a look at http://www.chaossoftware.com/chaos32-legacy.html
5. Xn View
Here's something to look at a load of graphic files. It supports 400 file formats and can export in 50 formats. You can do basic functions such as crops, brightness/contrast, adjust colours, filters/effects etc. You also do batch conversions which is really handy, slide shows and filmstrip layouts. Have a look at http://perso.wanadoo.fr/pierre.g/xnview/enfeatures.html
Hope you find these goodies helpful. Some other freebies you should really have a look at if you haven't already are http://earth.google.com/ Have a look at your backyard from space! Also try Celestia at http://www.shatters.net/celestia Fly around the universe.