Free Portable CD/DVD burning solution

Infra Recorder, a free CD/DVD burning solution for Microsoft Windows (Windows 2000/XP/Vista, 3.27 Mbyte). It offers a wide range of powerful features; all through an easy to use application interface and Windows Explorer integration.

Features:

    * Create custom data, audio and mixed-mode projects and record them to physical discs as well as disc images.
    * Supports recording to dual-layer DVDs.
    * Blank (erase) rewritable discs using four different methods.
    * Record disc images (ISO and BIN/CUE).
    * Fixate discs (write lead-out information to prevent further data from being added to the disc).
    * Scan the SCSI/IDE bus for devices and collect information about their capabilities.
    * Create disc copies, on the fly and using a temporary disc image.
    * Import session data from multi-session discs and add more sessions to them.
    * Display disc information.
    * Save audio and data tracks to files (.wav, .wma, .ogg, .mp3 and .iso).

Link: Download Free Portable Burning Software.

Free Matrix Screensaver

Matrix screen saver: very cool! It uses the authentic Matrix font from The Matrix movie. It includes a lot of custom options, see below for details.

Features:

# It's unique because it uses the actual matrix characters, no look-a-likes.
# Includes automatic support for single, dual, tri, and quad monitor configurations! You don't have to do anything, it will recognize your other monitors automatically.
# You can choose color schemes! If you're tired of the lime green matrix animation, you can now choose red, yellow, white, blue, gold, pink, or even rotate each of them! You can also specify how often to rotate them.
# Includes option to display an image within the Matrix - choose any jpg, set the location and transparency of the window!
# Includes (optional) user and system information displayed at the top of the screen.
# Includes option to display text from a text file (instead of user/system info).
# Includes an option mini-slideshow of images - displaying on a small CRT in the matrix. Cool! You choose a local image directory (supports bmp, gif, jpg, etc.), and it randomly displays the images (smart-sized for the small monitor they're shown in). Here are a few screenshots: pic 1,   pic 2. To find some good images, visit the official Matrix site. To get the best animation effect with this feature, use images at least around 400 pixels wide. :)
# Includes options to play your favorite MP3 files while the screensaver plays. You can download this sample music text file (playlist file) which shows the format needed. The text file MUST be in the same folder as the screensaver.
Here are simple instructions:

    * Save the sample file above to your local system.
    * Edit the sample playlist file and put the path of your MP3 instead of mine.
    * Drop it into your C:\windows\system folder (for example).
    * Go to the screensaver settings and under the Music tab, browse and select the C:\windows\system\Matrix-ks.txt file.

For Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, Win2k, XP, Vista

Link: Free Matrix Screensaver

Freeware for Shutdown Computer

TimeComX is a resource-friendly tool that can put your computer into different states after specified time: Restart, Shutdown, Hibernation, Suspend, Alarm-clock.

TimeComX has one default alarm sound which can be replaced by any sound you like. Within a fixed period of time before the countdown has run out, you will be optically advised of it and a bit later acoustically as well. Win 2000/XP/2003/Vista/Windows 7.

This software has been designed to be portable, which means it can be installed and used on an USB-Stick. TimeComX is distributed as freeware and does not contain spyware, adware or any other kind of malware!

New Features:

    * installation routine supports UAC
    * fixed shortcut bug
    * added stopwatch mode
    * added full counter mode
    * improved user interface
    * splash screen can be disabled
    * improved network usage measure

Link: TimeComX Freeware Shtutdown Restart Computer.

Free tool for your computer protection, AVG

AVG Anti-Virus system, free distribution version of the popular antivirus. You will get a reliable tool for your computer protection against computer viruses.

Features:

    * Automatic update functionality
    * The AVG Resident Shield, which provides real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run
    * The AVG E-mail Scanner, which protects your e-mail
    * The AVG On-Demand Scanner, which allows the user to perform scheduled and manual tests
    * Free Virus Database Updates for the lifetime of the product
    * AVG Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files
    * Great customer satisfaction!

Important: any previous version of AVG Free will be un-installed automatically during the installation of the new AVG Free. Compatible with Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.

Link: download free antivirus AVG.

Avast! 4 Home Edition is a free certified antivirus

Avast! 4 Home Edition is a free certified antivirus software for home non commercial use.

Features:

    * On Demand Scanner - with Skinnable Simple Interface - just select what do you want to scan in which way and press the Play button.
    * On Access Scanner - resident scanning of all files being opened, read and written and behavior blocker monitoring dangerous actions of viruses.
    * E-mail scanner easily integrates with most mail clients and it checks both incoming and outgoing mails, it provides heuristic analysis of mail content to protect against new Worms.
    * Network Shield - scans traffic for malicious content - lightweight Firewall.
    * Resident protection for IM programs (e.g. MSN Messenger, ICQ) and P2P programs (e.g. Kazaa, DirectConnect).
    * Boot Time Scanner - scans disks in the same way and in the same time as Windows CHKDSK does (on NT/2000/XP only).
    * Explorer Scanner - right click on the object allows you to scan it.
    * Screen Saver Scanner - scans PC during your coffee breaks.
    * Virus Chest - safety isolated folder to store infected, suspicious and even some system files - to restore them.

Avast! 4 Home is available in English, French, German, Italian, Japaneese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and other languages.
You will download a 60 days fully functional demo. You will obtain the FREE license key by E-mail after the registration.

True incremental updates of size under 100 KB are available at least twice a week and within couple of hours in the case of emergency of new virus. avast! automatically checks for new updates - downloads.

Link: Download the Stable version. avast! 4 Home Edition.