Is anything major missing from this first-pass freeware filing system by FUNCTION (not by brand)?

[Donna Ohl, Grady Volunteer Coordinator]

Games are missing.

GREAT POINT! Thanks!

I totally missed that one (I noticed it in Bear Bottoms' post just now
also). I will definately add games to the list of top-level freeware
categories. I don't play 'em; but I'm sure others do.

How would you handle Linux programs?

I noticed Bear Bottoms had a Linux category also. I don't get it. Please
explain why we would have a Linux category on a Windows PC? Are we talking
VMWare + Linux here?

Where does FTP go and why?

Good catch. I missed that one too! Thanks!

BearBottoms puts ftp freeware into an "Internet" category ... this might
work. However, I think I'd move all these freeware network-related clients
to "network" as in:
c:\programs\network\ftp\filezilla
c:\programs\network\telnet\putty
c:\programs\network\ssh\winscp
c:\programs\network\ssh\openssh
c:\programs\network\anon\vidalia
c:\programs\network\anon\privoxy
c:\programs\network\anon\tor
c:\programs\network\anon\ipig
c:\programs\network\wireless\airsnare
c:\programs\network\wireless\kismet
c:\programs\network\wireless\airshark
c:\programs\network\wireless\netstumbler
c:\programs\network\wireless\netcrumbler
c:\programs\network\wireless\ipig
c:\programs\network\wireless\ethereal
c:\programs\network\wireless\wifihopper
c:\programs\network\ip\macmakeup
c:\programs\network\ip\simplemac
c:\programs\network\ip\ipnetinfo
c:\programs\network\firewall\peerguardian
c:\programs\network\firewall\zonealarm
c:\programs\network\vpn\openvpn
etc.

Of course, some of these categories have vastly fewer than a dozen entries,
so, I might look at consolodating. Organization is always a compromise
between being too broad and being too narrow minded!
Donna

 

[Donna Ohl, Grady Volunteer Coordinator]

Where would you put a telephone CallerID or answering machine program,
or a program that backs up, edits and restores your cell phone data?

Telephone related programs would be easy for me.
My rationale on all EXTERNAL hardware is that they go under hardware.

Anything that plugs into the motherboard (e.g., memory) or plugs into a USB
port (e.g., Skype phone) or that plugs into the modem (callerID), or that
is a perhipheral such as a hard disk or a CD/DVD disc, etc., would all go
under "hardware" as in ...

c:\programs\hardware\cellphone\motorola phone tools
c:\programs\hardware\cellphone\motorola_pst
c:\programs\hardware\cellphone\midway
c:\programs\hardware\cellphone\p2kman
c:\programs\hardware\cellphone\p2ktools
c:\programs\hardware\cellphone\p2kcommander
c:\programs\hardware\cellphone\jadgen
c:\programs\hardware\iphone\sharepod
c:\programs\hardware\iphone\touchcopy
c:\programs\hardware\iphone\iphoneexplorer
c:\programs\hardware\iphone\iphonelist
c:\programs\hardware\voip\skype
c:\programs\hardware\memory\freeramxppro
c:\programs\hardware\disk\windirstat
c:\programs\hardware\disk\pcinspector
c:\programs\hardware\disc\rippers\dvdshrink
c:\programs\hardware\disc\rippers\DVDFabHD Decrypter
c:\programs\hardware\disc\rippers\DVDDecrypter
c:\programs\hardware\disc\rippers\anydvd
c:\programs\hardware\disc\rippers\freedvd
c:\programs\hardware\disc\rippers\ripit4me
c:\programs\hardware\disc\burners\ImgBurn
c:\programs\hardware\disc\burners\InfraRecorder
c:\programs\hardware\disc\burners\burnaware
c:\programs\hardware\disc\burners\cdburnerxp
c:\programs\hardware\disc\fixers\fixvts
c:\programs\hardware\disc\fixers\vobblanker
c:\programs\hardware\disc\viewers\ifoedit
c:\programs\hardware\disc\viewers\pgcedit
c:\programs\hardware\disc\translators\DGIndex
c:\programs\hardware\disc\translators\TMPGEnc
c:\programs\hardware\disc\translators\muxman
c:\programs\hardware\disc\translators\DGPulldown
c:\programs\hardware\disc\testers\DVDIdentifier
c:\programs\hardware\disc\testers\dvdinfo
c:\programs\hardware\disc\testers\gspot
c:\programs\hardware\printer\hpojd234c
etc.

Basically, anything that interacts mainly with a hardware item would go
under hardware.

Donna

 

[Donna Ohl, Grady Volunteer Coordinator]

Keep info files inside all directories to note specialities. You can
use it to refer to related directories, for instance. (Hex editors
and disk or memory tools come to mind as example.)

One important point to expound upon is the canonical rule that EVERY time I
download a freeware program, I print a PDF of the descriptive page for that
freeware tool and place it next to the freeware tool.

In addition, I always set the version and date in the directory name as I
often download the updates.

For example...

c:\installers\hardware\disc\rippers\DVDFabHDDecrypter\
....\dvdFabHDDecrypter v3.2.1.0 (Oct 10, 2007)
....\dvdFabHDDecrypter v4.0.1.4 (Nov 24, 2007)
....\dvdFabHDDecrypter v4.0.5.0 (Jan 10, 2008)
....\dvdFabHDDecrypter v4.1.1.2 (Nov 17, 2007)
....\dvdFabHDDecrypter v0.1.6.0 (Nov 12, 2007)
etc.

Donna

 

[Donna Ohl, Grady Volunteer Coordinator]

ProjectileVomitWare

 

[Bear Bottoms]

Wow. This is a GREAT list to see what categories I'm missing.
I can see I forgot all about "games", for example.
While that says something about me, I'm sure there are people out there
who
really do play freeware solitaire (shoot me if I ever do, by the way), so
I'll thankfully ADD "games" to my listings.

Some cagtegories you listed I had not thought of are ...
- education (what might that be?)
- links (why would a directory of links be needed?)
- linux (I thought we were talking Windows OS here?)
- parental control (now that's an interesting one)
- portable (what might this be?)
- web services (what might that be?)

Can you elaborate on these half-dozen new categories?
Donna

The examples I am providing are targeting the categories one would use for
a freeware listing website. While you are trying to build program
directories, the approach and issues are similar.

I don't worry about where programs are installed as I always create
shortcuts to them and manage those. If I lose a program, I find it in Revo
Uninstaller. I almost never use the Start button...and persish the thought
of using the Programs button to launch a program. About the only thing I
use the Start button for is the Run command and Control Panel though many
times I use shortcuts to them. Most of the programs I use are carried on a
USB stick and I use FreeCommander to launch those. The main programs
installed have quicklaunch links. I don't carry a lot of programs
installed on my computer. Especially the ones I only use occassionally.
Those I install, use it, and uninstall it.

I peruse Revo all the time and when I see a program installed that rarely
gets used, I uninstall it. Anytime I want it back, I get it from my
website...use it then uninstall it. I install/uninstall a lot. Revo is
great.

 

[Donna Ohl, Grady Volunteer Coordinator]

I peruse Revo all the time and when I see a program installed that rarely
gets used, I uninstall it. Anytime I want it back, I get it from my
website...use it then uninstall it. I install/uninstall a lot. Revo is
great.

I know not of this Revo Uninstaller freeware but will try it soon.
http://www.bestsoftware4download.com/software/t-free-revo-uninstaller-download-dsoaqqnu.html

It seems to be a variant on the style of "ccleaner" freeware, where it
uninstalls and finds startup items, etc.

The question would be WHERE would I store an uninstaller?
Generally, like a lawyer, I use precedence in my heuristic decision.

For example, one might put it under "os", e.g.,
c:\programs\os\uninstaller\revo

But, if I consider it similar to "CClearner" freeware, it goes next to it
c:\programs\vaccine\cleaner\ccleaner
c:\programs\vaccine\cleaner\revo

Over time, since the start menu is organized the same way, it becomes
natural to know where to find classes of tools.

Thanks for this Revo pointer.
Donna

 

[Donna Ohl, Grady Volunteer Coordinator]

But, I agree that "internet" may be too broad a category as I'd bet half my

programs interact with the Internet in some way.

I think I'll use "interact" for freeware two-way interaction programs such
as usenet clients, mail user agents, chat clients, etc.

I'm not sure if FTP & wget programs go here with "interact" or with
something more one-way like "browsers".

Perhaps "FreeFTP" freeware would go in interact (since it's a two-way
interaction) while "wget" freeware might go into browsers, especially if
it's "WinWget" which acts just like a browser, IMHO.

Donna

 

[Donna Ohl, Grady Volunteer Coordinator]

My top level categories are:
Hi BearBottoms,
I didn't mention it before, so I do so now at the risk of stirring up the
same daemons that plague us when I mentioned no spaces in the names. (The
minute I propose a directory with no spaces, I get accused of trying to go
back to the good old days.)

I NEVER have a category that has a space in it, so, suggestions like "File
Management" would have to be compressed, somehow, e.g., to "filemanagers",
and "Hard Drive" would be compressed, to, say, "hardrive".

In addition, I strive (but not always successfully) to keep the file names
to 8 characters because Windows XP still has a horrible time with long file
names when you're typing commands or modifying registry entries or writing
batch scripts. Sure, I can search for "~1", "~2", "~3", etc. and I can
constantly put quotes around everything I type at the Start command line
and in the Windows Registry keys ... but it's a royal pain that Windows XP
doesn't handle spaces well.

Does anyone know if Windows Vista finally overcomes the Windows XP
stupidity when it comes to handling long file names and spaces?

 

[Donna Ohl, Grady Volunteer Coordinator]

Without organizing further, here, collected in one post, are basically all
the paths which were listed in this thread to date - with some
modifications as proposed by the participants and duly considered ...

There is MUCH MORE to do to define a decent freeware PC so that will be the
topic of future threads... I think this post should close this thread
unless others have more to offer us on this topic.

Donna

HERE IS MERELY A RECAP OF THE ITEMS ALREADY LISTED IN THIS THREAD:
- archivers (for things like freeware zip and pdf creators)
- browsers (for things like freeware to browse the Internet)
- calendars (for things like freeware to manage your time and crontabs)
- coding (for things like freeware program languages & shell interpreters)
- editors (for things like freeware picture, audio, ebook & video editors)
- finances (for things like freeware financial and tax programs)
- games (for games)
- hardware (for things like freeware CD rippers and burners)
- interact (for interactive mailers, usenet clients, chat & ftp programs)
- maps (for things like freeware mail programs)
- networks (for things like freeware ethernet sniffers and firewalls)
- os (for things like freeware operating system tweaks and uninstallers)
- players (for things that only play media files but don't edit them)
- security (for things like freeware encryption programs)
- vaccine (for things like freeware antivirus and privacy programs)

HERE IS MERELY A RECAP OF THE FREEWARE ITEMS ALREADY LISTED IN THIS THREAD:
c:\programs\archivers\compress\izarc
c:\programs\archivers\compress\supernzb
c:\programs\archivers\pdf\acrobat (no freeware equiv exists)
c:\programs\archivers\pdf\bullzip
c:\programs\browsers\avfiles\itunes
c:\programs\browsers\avfiles\limewire
c:\programs\browsers\avfiles\utorrent
c:\programs\browsers\web\firefox
c:\programs\browsers\web\ie
c:\programs\browsers\web\k-meleon
c:\programs\browsers\web\netscape
c:\programs\browsers\web\offbyone
c:\programs\browsers\web\opera
c:\programs\browsers\web\safari
c:\programs\browsers\web\seamonkey
c:\programs\browsers\web\winwget
c:\programs\editors\audio\audacity
c:\programs\editors\ebook\bookreader
c:\programs\editors\ebook\ubook
c:\programs\editors\ebook\ybook
c:\programs\editors\graphic\paint.net
c:\programs\editors\hex\xvi32
c:\programs\editors\spreadsheet\Gnumericet
c:\programs\editors\spreadsheet\Sphygmic
c:\programs\editors\spreadsheet\SpreadCE
c:\programs\editors\suites\msoffice (not freeware)
c:\programs\editors\suites\openoffice
c:\programs\editors\text\lemmy
c:\programs\editors\text\vim
c:\programs\editors\video\dvdflick
c:\programs\editors\web\webtide
c:\programs\hardware\cellphone\jadgen
c:\programs\hardware\cellphone\midway
c:\programs\hardware\cellphone\motorola phone tools (not freeware)
c:\programs\hardware\cellphone\motorola_pst
c:\programs\hardware\cellphone\p2kcommander
c:\programs\hardware\cellphone\p2kman
c:\programs\hardware\cellphone\p2ktools
c:\programs\hardware\disc\burners\burnaware
c:\programs\hardware\disc\burners\cdburnerxp
c:\programs\hardware\disc\burners\ImgBurn
c:\programs\hardware\disc\burners\InfraRecorder
c:\programs\hardware\disc\fixers\fixvts
c:\programs\hardware\disc\fixers\vobblanker
c:\programs\hardware\disc\rippers\anydvd
c:\programs\hardware\disc\rippers\DVDDecrypter
c:\programs\hardware\disc\rippers\DVDFabHD Decrypter
c:\programs\hardware\disc\rippers\dvdshrink
c:\programs\hardware\disc\rippers\freedvd
c:\programs\hardware\disc\rippers\ripit4me
c:\programs\hardware\disc\testers\DVDIdentifier
c:\programs\hardware\disc\testers\dvdinfo
c:\programs\hardware\disc\testers\gspot
c:\programs\hardware\disc\translators\DGIndex
c:\programs\hardware\disc\translators\DGPulldown
c:\programs\hardware\disc\translators\muxman
c:\programs\hardware\disc\translators\TMPGEnc
c:\programs\hardware\disc\viewers\ifoedit
c:\programs\hardware\disc\viewers\pgcedit
c:\programs\hardware\disk\pcinspector
c:\programs\hardware\disk\windirstat
c:\programs\hardware\iphone\iphoneexplorer
c:\programs\hardware\iphone\iphonelist
c:\programs\hardware\iphone\sharepod
c:\programs\hardware\iphone\touchcopy
c:\programs\hardware\memory\freeramxppro
c:\programs\hardware\printer\hpojd234c
c:\programs\hardware\voip\skype
c:\programs\interact\chat\aim
c:\programs\interact\mailers\blat
c:\programs\interact\mailers\thunderbird
c:\programs\interact\usenet\freeagent
c:\programs\interact\usenet\pan
c:\programs\interact\usenet\xnews
c:\programs\map\google earth
c:\programs\map\gps\garmin mapsource (not freeware)
c:\programs\map\nasa world wind
c:\programs\network\anon\ipig
c:\programs\network\anon\privoxy
c:\programs\network\anon\tor
c:\programs\network\anon\vidalia
c:\programs\network\firewall\peerguardian
c:\programs\network\firewall\zonealarm
c:\programs\network\ftp\filezilla
c:\programs\network\ip\ipnetinfo
c:\programs\network\ip\macmakeup
c:\programs\network\ip\simplemac
c:\programs\network\ssh\openssh
c:\programs\network\ssh\winscp
c:\programs\network\telnet\putty
c:\programs\network\vpn\openvpn
c:\programs\network\wireless\airshark
c:\programs\network\wireless\airsnare
c:\programs\network\wireless\ethereal
c:\programs\network\wireless\ipig
c:\programs\network\wireless\kismet
c:\programs\network\wireless\netcrumbler
c:\programs\network\wireless\netstumbler
c:\programs\network\wireless\wifihopper
c:\programs\os\emulate\MKS Toolkit (not freeware)
c:\programs\os\emulate\VMWare (not freeware)
c:\programs\os\files\FileDate
c:\programs\os\microsoft\FCIV Checksum
c:\programs\os\microsoft\Windows Validation Check
c:\programs\os\registry\Registry Mechanic
c:\programs\os\registry\RegScanner
c:\programs\os\startup\StartUpCop
c:\programs\os\startup\StartupEntry
c:\programs\os\system\SiSoft Sandra
c:\programs\os\tasks\ProcessExplorer
c:\programs\os\tasks\PSTools
c:\programs\vaccine\adblock\Ad-AwarePersonal
c:\programs\vaccine\adblock\SpywareBlaster
c:\programs\vaccine\antivirus\avast
c:\programs\vaccine\antivirus\avir
c:\programs\vaccine\cleaners\CCleaner
c:\programs\vaccine\cleaners\MRU-Blaster
c:\programs\vaccine\idtheft\Doc Scrubber
c:\programs\vaccine\idtheft\ID-Blaster Plus
c:\programs\vaccine\rootkit\HiJackThis
c:\programs\vaccine\rootkit\RootKit Revealer

Note: This is NOT a suggested listing of (mostly) freeware that you should
install; it is merely a listing of the freeware organization that was
listed in this thread. Tons of useful freeware programs are omitted in this
listing as not being relevant to the discussion and will be covered in a
separate thread.

Donna

 

[David Morgan \(MAMS\)]

Without organizing further, here, collected in one post, are basically all
the paths which were listed in this thread to date - with some
modifications as proposed by the participants and duly considered ...

There is MUCH MORE to do to define a decent freeware PC so that will be the
topic of future threads... I think this post should close this thread
unless others have more to offer us on this topic.

Donna

When your posts first showed up a couple of weeks ago... I thought you
were making sense. But now I can see clearly that you are going to end
up with one (or more) seriously screwed PC(s), and contribute to the
confusion of people who don't know any better who will destroys their OS
by listening to this sandbox fantasy.

 

[Bear Bottoms]

The question would be WHERE would I store an uninstaller?
Generally, like a lawyer, I use precedence in my heuristic decision.

I put it under File Management on my website. Not eight letters though

I'm afraid this discussion is going to lead to a dead-end. It is just too
complex and much compromise has to be decided upon by each individual to
formulate one that works for them.

 

[Franklin]

Without organizing further, here, collected in one post, are
basically all the paths which were listed in this thread to date -
with some modifications as proposed by the participants and duly
considered ...

[snip]

HERE IS MERELY A RECAP OF THE ITEMS ALREADY LISTED IN THIS THREAD:
- archivers (for things like freeware zip and pdf creators)
- browsers (for things like freeware to browse the Internet)
- calendars (for things like freeware to manage your time
- coding (for freeware program languages & shell interpreters)
- editors (for freeware picture, audio, ebook & video editors)
- finances (for things like freeware financial and tax programs)
- games (for games)
- hardware (for things like freeware CD rippers and burners)
- interact (for mailers, usenet clients, chat & ftp programs)
- maps (for things like freeware mail programs)
- networks (for things like freeware ethernet sniffers and firewalls)
- os (for freeware operating system tweaks and uninstallers)
- players (for things that only play media files but don't edit them)
- security (for things like freeware encryption programs)
- vaccine (for things like freeware antivirus and privacy programs)

HERE IS MERELY A RECAP OF THE FREEWARE ITEMS ALREADY LISTED IN THIS
THREAD: c:\programs\archivers\compress\izarc
c:\programs\archivers\compress\supernzb
c:\programs\archivers\pdf\acrobat (no freeware equiv exists)
c:\programs\archivers\pdf\bullzip
c:\programs\browsers\avfiles\itunes
c:\programs\browsers\avfiles\limewire
c:\programs\browsers\avfiles\utorrent
c:\programs\browsers\web\firefox
c:\programs\browsers\web\ie
c:\programs\browsers\web\k-meleon
c:\programs\browsers\web\netscape
c:\programs\browsers\web\offbyone
c:\programs\browsers\web\opera
c:\programs\browsers\web\safari
c:\programs\browsers\web\seamonkey
c:\programs\browsers\web\winwget
c:\programs\editors\audio\audacity
c:\programs\editors\ebook\bookreader
c:\programs\editors\ebook\ubook
c:\programs\editors\ebook\ybook
c:\programs\editors\graphic\paint.net
c:\programs\editors\hex\xvi32

[snipped]

c:\programs\vaccine\antivirus\avir
c:\programs\vaccine\cleaners\CCleaner
c:\programs\vaccine\cleaners\MRU-Blaster
c:\programs\vaccine\idtheft\Doc Scrubber
c:\programs\vaccine\idtheft\ID-Blaster Plus
c:\programs\vaccine\rootkit\HiJackThis
c:\programs\vaccine\rootkit\RootKit Revealer

Note: This is NOT a suggested listing of (mostly) freeware that you
should install; it is merely a listing of the freeware organization
that was listed in this thread. Tons of useful freeware programs
are omitted in this listing as not being relevant to the discussion
and will be covered in a separate thread.

Donna,

This arrangement of programs is interesting. When you write

"I think this post should close this thread
unless others have more to offer us on this
topic."

I suspect you view this arrangement as almost ideal.

Without wishing to adversely disturb your evident contentment at the
above structure, I would like to ask if you propose the data for each
program above is stored in a set of folders which mirror your
arrangement for the programs.

 

[Franklin]

Hi Bear Bottoms,
You had to bring up Office huh!

Hi Bear Bottoms,
Bearing in mind,

Hi Bear Bottoms,
I know. I know. You and I are kindred souls!

"Kindred souls".

The times one reaches across the Usenet to touch minds together and join
one's kindred soul with another like mind are like the precious folder
categories which money cannot buy.

Two flames which burn as one. Life without endearing words is like
being in a garden without flowers. Will there be Valentine cards?

 

[Franklin]

I used to list into a text editor, the thousands (yes, thousands)
of files installed by Microsoft office with PC Magazine
In-CTRL4 and INCTRL5. Then, one by one, with PC Magazine's COA
(change of address), I'd move them to where they rightfully belong.
Sigh. It worked for years, but, EVERY SINGLE UPDATE from Microsoft
ruined the wonderfully crafted organization.

Interesting. Your statement provides useful insight.

 

[Donna Ohl, Grady Volunteer Coordinator]

I would like to ask if you propose the data for each
program above is stored in a set of folders which mirror your
arrangement for the programs.

If I understand you correctly, then, yes.
c:\data\applications\<same hierarchy as listed prior>

 

[Donna Ohl, Grady Volunteer Coordinator]

Interesting. Your statement provides useful insight.

Yes. There is nothing more disorganized than Microsoft Office.
Clearly these programmers use ad-hoc storage techniques.
Not something we should try to emulate.