To view the notes, you will need Adobe Reader. The view the old test files, you will need an unzipping program (such as 7-Zip, IZArc, WiZ, PowerArchiver, PKZIP, or WinZip) and word processing program that can read files saved with Microsoft Word 6.0 (possibilities are Microsoft Word and Open Office Writer).
Windows XP Utilities
7-Zip (archiving file manager -- used to unpack ZIP and ISO files)
This is the one that
I use
when PowerArchiver cannot do the job.
IZArc
(another
archiving compression program -- used to unpack ZIP and ISO files)PowerArchiver (my favorite archiving program, but the last freeware version I know of is from 2001)
This is my current
favorite, but I do not have a location to download it from.
WiZ
(a fourth choice of archiving programs -- used to unpack ZIP files)WiZ did not have an
installation program when I used it. It may still require a manual set
up.
Notepad++
(ASCII and HTML editor -- allows you to make changes to text files
without creating any strange formatting codePDFCreator (sends your print output to a PDF file rather than a hardcopy -- sets up as a new printer on your computer)
SyncBack (backup utility -- compares and copies updated files only)
Internet
Firefox (internet web browser -- replaces Internet Explorer)
This is my favorite browser because it is easy to customize and the DO NOT TRACK options
There are many free add-ons that can enhance Firefox. Some great ones include:
Adblock
Plus (stops
advertisements from being displayed)
All-in-One Sidebar (toolbar that accesses your bookmarks, history, downloads, and add-ons quickly)
DuckDuckGo Plus (search engine that DOES NOT collect information about your searches)
FaviconizeTab (shrinks the tab size so that only the symbol is displayed)
Firebug (great way of viewing/analyzing the source of a web page)
Lightbeam (informs you of third parties that are recording information about you)
NoScript (prevents programs from running on your computer without your explicit permission)
Session Manager (saves your open tabs and closed windows when you close/crash the web browser)
StartPage Site Search (another search engine that DOES NOT collect information about your searches)
Xmarks
(bookmarks and password synchronizer among several computers) All-in-One Sidebar (toolbar that accesses your bookmarks, history, downloads, and add-ons quickly)
DuckDuckGo Plus (search engine that DOES NOT collect information about your searches)
FaviconizeTab (shrinks the tab size so that only the symbol is displayed)
Firebug (great way of viewing/analyzing the source of a web page)
Lightbeam (informs you of third parties that are recording information about you)
NoScript (prevents programs from running on your computer without your explicit permission)
Session Manager (saves your open tabs and closed windows when you close/crash the web browser)
StartPage Site Search (another search engine that DOES NOT collect information about your searches)
Personal Productivity
Open Office (word processor, spreadsheet, database, and presentation -- replaces Microsoft Office)
Adobe Reader (reads PDF files)
CMapTools (concept mapping)
GIMP (graphics and photo manipulation -- replaces Adobe Photoshop)
ScreenMarker (allows you to "write" on your screen with your mouse)
Security
avast! (antivirus and antispyware software -- requires registration every 14 months)
KeePass (creates and securely stores passwords -- can be used on smartphones)
Science
Case It (molecular biology and genetics simulation -- requires registration)
Integrative Genomics Viewer (view genes from chromosome to DNA sequence to amino acid sequence -- requires registration)
Virtual Genetics Lab (breed insects in the comfort of your computer)
FoldIt (adjust proteins into their optimal 3D structure)
ACDLabs ChemSketch (highly sophisticated chemical structure drawing package -- requires registration)
Stellarium (terrific astronomical star guide)
Entertainment
Combined Community Codec Pack (allows you to view numerous video formats in a single media player)