Internet Explorer 6.x

Yes, this is the one. There's only one best, and ever since (then Netscape, now AOL) Navigator skipped over 5.0 to 6.0, it's been a downhill slide. At least NN 4.7 could render pages properly (for its time), something 6.0 cannot. Interest in the Navigator is on the wane, with just over 3% of market share. Opera or Mozilla might be the new forces with which to contend, but it sure isn't Netscape/AOL. See the web the way it's supposed to look - get the latest version of Internet Explorer. Works great with Win9x/Me/2000/XP.

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Securo Lite

Provides solid, basic credit card security & privacy protection for online shoppers by checking and approving shopping sites in real time. protection for the home user. Easy-to-understand alerts and advice in real-time. Free for individuals and nonprofit organizations. Works on all versions of Windows 9.x or higher.

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EdenSoft My Logo

This proggie will change the throbber (that little logo in the upper right-hand corner of your browser) to the animation or image of your choice, customize the text that appears in the title bar after the Web page title, play a sound when a web page is completely loaded and open a page when you double-click on the logo - sort of a "second home". Requires Internet Explorer version 5.x+. Works on all flavors of Windows.

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CableNut

Everyone wants their Internet experience to be as speedy as the
limits of whatever sort of connection allows. Making the correct
settings to the Windows TCP/IP stack (your Internet connection) has
historically been a hit-or-miss proposition, with only awkward, clunky
software available for the purpose. CableNut optimizes all Internet connections, whether Dialup, Cable, DSL, or Satellite and does so easily. Works on Win 9.x/Me/NT/2000/XP. Get it and go ... faster.

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WebMon

If you find yourself frustrated, checking particular web pages for new content only to find nothing has changed, get this! It'll not only check an unlimited number of pages, but also portions of pages or particular sections and do so on a schedule of your choice; minutes, hours or days. Alerts with sound or pop-ups.  WebMon runs on Microsoft Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000 and XP.

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ieSpell

For those who post to forums (as I do), use web-based mail or keep one of those dreadful blogs or online diaries, this is a slick way to look smarter. Installs a button on the toolbar for single-click spell checking of  form entries. Sweet. Requires IE 5.0+ and Win9x/ME/NT/2000/XP. Choose *Open from current location.* 

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IE Power Toys

Originally designed for Internet Explorer 5.0+, this package of goodies works fine with IE 6.x. Enable the ability to zoom in and out on web page images, open pages in a new frame, search key words or the web from a current page, see a list of links or images on add the ability to highlight text. This one's a definite gotta-have.

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KeyWallet

Remembering and using different and varied logins & passwords could hardly be easier. This proggie records keystrokes as the info is entered, even remembering the appropriate URL for use, encrypting all for security. It'll then open the site for you, plug in the appropriate information and press 'Enter'. If it fetched Cokes I'd marry it (OK, maybe not. Ya can't cuddle with software). Add skinability to the list of features and this oughta please Win 9x/Me/2000 users.

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Naviscope

Here's the deal as I understand it. This app used to be $20. They say it'll be $20 again. Right now it's free, so grab it. What's the harm? Pre-fetches URLs, optimizes connections, blocks ads, maps sites and more. Of the available true, free 'accelerators,' this is the hottest. Freeware never expires, and while upgrades will become available, they're not required. Win 9x/Me/2000.

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3D Traceroute

Works like the old DOS tracert, but is easier and also looks really cool on your computer. Lotsa options are available using simple mouse clicks including the ability to turn and zoom in on an image. The images created may even be recorded for later playback. This should be seen in operation to be appreciated, it's a sweet piece of coding. Visit the website for some screenshots. Download it for fun and functionality. Win 9x/Me/NT/2000

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Startup Cop

Software programs are ordered to start with Windows from several locations in addition to the startup menu. For those not comfortable with mucking around with MSCONFIG, this proggie will lay it all out in any easy-to-use (and understand) interface. While it's still possible to make a mistake with this, it's very unlikely and easily undo-able. Resumes, 16 simultaneous threads, cool interface and multiple connection capability is just icing. All Windows.
 

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SmartFTP

This file transfer program was chosen over the fine WS_FTP LE due to its slick design, ongoing development, frequent updates and FXP support. These guys seem to really care about what they're doing; it shows in their forum. And there isn't a single ad on their website. Not unheard of, but refreshing. Win 9x/ME/NT/2000/XP. *Choose 'Run from current location.'*

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Stay Live 2000

Sure, there's plenty of these things that simulate activity to prevent cold-hearted ISPs from dropping you dial-up connection, but this one made the 'best of' list 'cause it's tiny and as long as it's pinging various atomic clocks around the US anyway, it can synchronize your computer's clock as well is you wish. Works on all flavors of Windows.

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Download Express

By using multiple 'channels' (different downloader proggies use different terms for this), your downloads happen faster. That's a good thing. This app integrates with Internet Explorer  so when you click on a zip, exe, mp3 and the like, DE grabs 'em and puts 'em wherever you specify. You're gonna download stuff or you wouldn't be looking at this stuff. You might as well do it more quickly. Works on all Windows platforms.

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Transloader

Downloading files or software on a dial-up connection can be painfully slow. Transferring via FTP from one server to another is quite fast however. Whether to meet your need for speed or for the sake of convenience, this proggie does just that. It'll transfer to free servers as well. Convenient for quick storage of graphics created online or for those stuck with WebTV and consequently no storage space. Online service works with all platforms.

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PopUp Killer

There are several utilities of this nature available, some of which aren't free, but none except this uses a configurable, downloadable database of pop-ups. Tweak this thing up to suit your own surfing style and needs and it'll slap those pop-ups closed before you even see 'em. Works with 'most all browsers and on any Windows operating system. Thanks, Chief!

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WebReaper

If, for whatever reason, you want to view or store web pages offline, this is the best ad-free, nag-free, spyware-free application available for that purpose. Just point & shoot. Works with any browser and on any Windows platform although IE 4.0+ must be installed. What else could you want? Version 9.8 is 'known bug free.' Win 9x/ Me/NT/2000/XP.

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Picture Downloader

What? You only want to download the pictures from a website. You perv. Just kidding, of course. I'm sure there are plenty of legitimate reasons for wanting all of the pictures linked to a page of thumbnails (which this will cue and show so you can choose). One click downloads the selections to wherever you specify. That oughta satisfy you, sicko. Win 9x/Me/NT/2000.

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Favorites Home Page

OK, this is clever. Simple software to create your own start page which features your 'favoritest' Favorites. If you're like me (which is unlikely, but still), you have over 1,000 Favorites and access a handful of them regularly or even daily. Put 'em on their own custom page which sits on your hard drive (no server or HTML experience required and no load time). Win98/Me/NT/XP

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Ever wonder how long it's been since a web page you're visiting has been updated? It's easy to find out if you have JavaScript enabled in your browser. Just type the following (or cut 'n' paste) into the address bar while on the page:    javascript:alert(document.lastModified)  and you'll know!