Software helping to improve your productivity

A non-exhaustive list of software that can help you improve your productivity (individually_or make your life easier.

FreeMind

FreeMind is a Mind-mapping software, a technique of taking notes to organize the information, even complex, and make them easier to find.
The mind-mapping allows you to keep track of small details while keeping an overview.

It can help you see a lot of information and organize them so you do not forget anything or help you better understand them.

FreeMind is free, open source and runs on Windows, Linux and other systems.
Link: http://en.kioskea.net/telecharger/telecharger 1922 freemind

ThinkingRock

ThinkingRock is like an advanced to-do list. This lets you quickly note things to do, to organize and deal with the context.
(This is a method is called GTD (Getting Things Done)).

This software can help you not to forget, and process tasks in an optimal order.

ThinkingRock is free and runs on Windows, Linux and MacOS X.

Link: http://en.kioskea.net/telecharger/telecharger 1963 thinkingrock

Launchy

Launchy: you don’t have to use the start menu to launch a program.
This avoids having to waste time looking for the right program in the Start menu.

With Launchy, some keys are sufficient to launch a program:

VL for VLC.
EXC for Excel.
WO for Word.
etc..

It saves much valuable time.

Launchy is free and runs on Windows 2000 and XP.

Link: http://www.launchy.net/

Total Commander

Total Commander is a very effective alternative to Windows Explorer. Its dual panel and allow you to see 2 folders at the same time.
It has keyboard shortcuts that allow you to easily select groups of files to achieve some files directly without moving the mouse.

It also has many other functions: a powerful tool for comparison and synchronization of directories and files, an FTP client integrated switching and integrated file compression, user menus, etc..

Once keyboard shortcuts mastered, it works significantly faster than Windows Explorer.

Total Commander is a shareware, but you can try the demo version (it is complete and unlimited in time).

Link: http://www.ghisler.com/

Virtual Dimension

Virtual Dimension allows you to have virtual desktops.
Example: to have several offices, each with their windows and wallpaper. One can very easily switch from one to another (with the mouse or keyboard).

This is especially useful when working with many windows, or you are working on several things at once (you can easily change the context).

It allows you to concentrate on the task at hand without being drowned in the windows, and reduces clutter in the taskbar.

Virtual Dimension is free, opensource and runs under Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP.
Link: http://en.kioskea.net/telecharger/telecharger 2087 virtual dimension

FastNote

FastNote allows you to have some sort of electronic Post-It.
FastNote allows you to keep track immediately of a text, a URL, a note without having to launch a program, create a new document and save it.

Just press the Windows key + N and type (or paste) the text directly. It can not be simpler.

The notes can be changed (color, fonts ...), displaced, reduced or masked. You can even put an alarm on a note for a date and time data (useful to get reminders).

FastNote works well with virtual desktop software such as Virtual Dimension or VirtuaWin.

This software is free
Link: http://en.kioskea.net/telecharger/telecharger 1446 fastnote