Internet & Network Tools Free Software for Windows

There is no free lunch in this world. Fortunately, the same doesn’t apply to software. Finding free software is a boon. But finding free software that is not a crippleware (functionality is so limited to the point of almost useless), nagware (repeatedly reminds user to purchase the software), demoware (can be used for certain times or certain number of days only), and does not contain adware(display advertisements every now and then), spyware(collect your personal information) is tough.

Here is a list of what I consider as Top 100 Free Software for Windows. Most of these are software that I am using or have used before. Majority are freeware with some of them under open source software license agreement. There are a number of shareware in this list too. These are great shareware that provides good functionality even if you don’t buy.

Internet & Network Tools

1. Azureus
   Azureus implements the BitTorrent protocol for P2P file sharing using java language and comes bundled with many invaluable features for both beginners and advanced users:
   http://azureus.sourceforge.net/
   
2. Emule
   If BitTorrent is not your cup of tea, you can try Emule for P2P file sharing. It is originally based on EDonkey2000 network, but now includes Source Exchange and Kad networks. It is stable, efficient, and has many features.
   http://www.emule-project.net
   
3. Limewire
   Not my favourite, but surely among the most popular P2P file sharing program. It claims to be fastest P2P file sharing program.
   http://www.limewire.com/english/content/home.shtml
   
4. SG TCP Optimizer
   The TCP Optimizer is a free, easy Windows program that provides an intuitive interface for tuning and optimizing your Internet connection. There is no installation required, just download and run.
   http://www.speedguide.net/downloads.php
   
5. HTTrack Website Copier
   HTTrack allows you to download a website from the Internet to your local harddisk, and after that browse the site even when you are not connected to the Internet.
   http://www.httrack.com/
   
6. Free Download Manager
   Free Download Manager (FDM) is a full-featured download accelerator and manager. It is absolutely free! Using this software product you can easily download a list of files and whole web sites from any remote server via HTTP, HTTPS and FTP. With FDM the downloading process will be as easy as never before!
   http://freedownloadmanager.org/
   
7. Skype
   Skype is a little program for making free calls over the internet to anyone else who also has Skype. It’s free and easy to download and use, and works with most computers.
   http://www.skype.com/
   
8. TightVNC
   TightVNC is a free remote control software package derived from the popular VNC software. With TightVNC, you can see the desktop of a remote machine and control it with your local mouse and keyboard, just like you would do it sitting in the front of that computer.
   http://www.tightvnc.com/
   
9. Peer-To-Peer Network Messenger
   This program is a peer to peer messenger program which functions (and looks) like MSN messenger with no server code required. This is only intended for use on LAN’s or any other network which uses static IP addresses, since the IP address is the primary contact identifier unlike MSN messenger which uses email addresses. It works by making socks connections to all other users on the contact list. there are some problems with this: i.e. when you have a large list of users it can take a very long time to attempt to connect to all contacts.
   http://www.codeguru.com/cpp/i-n/network/messaging/article.php/c5419/
   
10. SDP Receiver Downloads
    Ever wished you can download the mms video streamings? SDP receiver downloads (or copies) the stream to your hard disk. It can support following protocols: Http v1.0 streaming protocol, Http progressive (simple http download) and of course: mms, mmst and mmsu over both TCP and UDP transport protocols.
    http://sdp.ppona.com/
    
11. FreeProxy
    FreeProxy enables many users to share an Internet connection. The basic features include proxying HTTP, SMTP, POP, FTP Proxy, TCP Tunneling, and SOCKS 4/4a/5. The application works well with a wide range of clients including browsers, ICQ, and MSN messenger and comprehensive help illustrates the setup of these clients. In addition, FreeProxy includes authentication to both an internal user database or to a windows domain, extensive reporting, comprehensive control of resource permissions, URL filtering, IP address filtering, local port binding, demand dialing, calendar control, proxy chaining, and includes a functional Web server, plus numerous other features.
    http://www.handcraftedsoftware.org/