Windows software of the day [July 5, 2012]

Today’s Software

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About Windows Software of the Day

Windows has hundreds of thousands of programs. Because of this great volume and lack of a central store, software discovery (aka finding new and useful programs) is extremely difficult. With our Windows Software of the Day initiative, dotTech aims to change that. Everyday we post three programs, allowing our readers to discover new software, daily. Enjoy! [Subscribe to our Windows section to never miss an article: RSS Feed | E-mail]

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Software for July 5, 2012

Folder iChanger

When I recently reinstalled Windows, I didn’t bother to remove my old installation. Instead, I installed Windows alongside itself so I could for a short period of time have the files and data from the old installation while running the new install. It’s been a few months, and I still haven’t prepped the old partition to be formatted, but since I installed Folder iChanger, I can at least change its icon to a large red warning sign.

Folder iChanger is an easy-to-use icon changing program. You add directories to be changed, you choose an icon, and you apply them. It even comes with a nice set of built-in icons! Now I can have my D: drive practically yell at me whenever I open My Computer, reminding me to finish up.

Unfortunately, Folder iChanger doesn’t work with thumb drives, as they’re non-persistent. However, even with that small con, Folder iChanger is a great way to change folder and drive icons across your computer.

Price: Free!

Version discovered: v2.1

Supported OS: Windows XP+

Download size: 5.4MB

VirusTotal malware scan results: 1/40

Portability: Requires installation

Folder iChanger homepage

[via Addictive Tips]

Filelist Creator

Want to do inventory of your computer, making sure you aren’t missing a file here or there? Filelist Creator is a great program for doing just that. For instance, you can make sure none of your vacation photos got corrupted or forgotten by simply creating a list of photos on your computer and a list of photos on your memory card, and using WinMerge or a similar tool to verify their similarity.

Filelist Creator is quite simple to use. You can simply drag files onto the upper left hand corner, or use the file browser, to add files to the list, and select the necessary categories on the right hand side. A live preview will appear in the bottom left, showing you just what will be created.

The exported lists can be text files, CSV files, one of various image formats, and even an HTML table. It’s quite handy, and with just a bit of time, you can come up with lots of uses.

Price: Free!

Version discovered: v

Supported OS: Windows XP+

Download size: 783KB

VirusTotal malware scan results: 0/42

Portability: No installation required!

Filelist Creator homepage

[via Addictive Tips]

Windows 7 Boot Updater

Customizing your computer can be quite fun when you’re in the mood. That’s why programs  like Windows 7 Boot Updater were created: with it, you can change your computer’s boot animation to whatever you feel like.

You can download boot logos from DeviantArt. They range from Windows 8-style logos to re-imagined Windows 7 logos to My Little Pony animations. The original boot logo can be re-downloaded from the Windows 7 Boot Updater site. Personally, I’ll be sticking with my new MLP boot animation!

Windows 7 Boot Updater is just one of those programs that lets you make your computer really your own, and due to the wealth of downloadable, pre-prepared logos out there, it only takes a few minutes to use!

Price: Free! 

Version discovered: v0 beta 1 / v.0.0.1.1

Supported OS: Windows 7

Download size: 644KB

VirusTotal malware scan results: 0/42

Portability: No installation required!

Windows 7 Boot Updater homepage

dotTechies: We have tested all the software listed above. However, Windows Software of the Day articles are not intended as “reviews” but rather as “heads-up” to help you discover new programs. Always use your best judgement when downloading programs, such as trying trial/free versions before purchasing shareware programs, if applicable.

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