The Cool PDF Reader lets you view, print, and convert PDF files to TXT, BMP, JPG, GIF, PNG, WMF, EMF, and EPS. The standalone package is only 650KB which makes it a very light program that can be downloaded in virtually seconds. The software recognizes PDF files of all versions. Other features of the software include:

• Works with 68 different languages, yours is bound to be one of them.
• Zoom in and out and rotate page displays.
• Slide show PDF document with full screen.

Perhaps the best part of Cool PDF Reader, besides doing what Adobe’s Reader does using only a fraction of the resources, is that it’s free. Get this reader for your netbook and keep those resources free.

Current Version: 2.00.62a     Installer Size: 1.6 MB     DOWNLOAD LINK

TopTenREVIEWS offers side-by-side comparisions of the best netbooks available.

Google Chrome is one of the best browsers for netbooks because it uses less memory to render sites and manages data better. It actually uses a little more memory to run one tab than other browsers, but when you start using multiple tabs, Google Chrome is much more efficient, leaving you more processing power for browser tabs or other applications.

Another nice feature about Google Chrome is security. Regardless of how careful you are in your Web surfing, it can still be pretty easy to run into malware. Google Chrome does an excellent job of protecting your computer by creating a sort of barrier around each website in the browser that limits the actions or changes a website can make on your computer.

Perhaps the most attractive feature of Google Chrome for Internet surfers is the speed. Chrome is one of the fastest browsers when it comes to rendering sites, and although there are still some sites that don’t render well in Chrome, nearly all sites are compatible with the browser.

Google Chrome also has a much simpler interface than most other browsers. The address bar allows you to type in website addresses or perform searches all in the same place. The menus for changing options and preferences are all packed away to the side, which is fine because most people don’t use them very often.

Overall, Google Chrome is a fast, simple and efficient browser which can allow you to browse quickly and easily despite having less spectacular hardware in your little netbook.

Current Version:2    Installer Size:9.72 MB   DOWNLOAD LINK

TopTenREVIEWS offers side-by-side comparisons of the best internet browsers available.

Looking at the netbook operating system of choice, Windows XP, Microsoft’s own Internet Explorer browser comes bundled.  As such, it is no wonder that IE remains the most used browser.  Unfortunately, this bulky attempt at a browser is about as efficient as a typewriter.  Don’t get me wrong, it gets the job done like a typewriter can but there are more efficient browsers out there for you to try.

Looking at the Mozilla Firefox browser specifically, it is a fully-functional browser that can take you anywhere Internet Explorer can – and it can do it more quickly and efficiently.  Netbooks already have limited resources available and Firefox runs much lighter, freeing up more of your netbooks resources for other tasks and processes.

Firefox also allows you to install third-party addons that can enhance your browser’s capabilities and the way you see and use a browser.  Take Xmarks (formerly FoxMarks) for example, this little addon stores your Internet bookmarks in the cloud so that any where you access the web you have easy access to your favorite sites.  Netbooks are always on the go so it can be a chore to sync your bookmarks manually.  Xmarks updates automatically upon exiting the browser so you don’t have to manage favorites across your work PC, home desktop, laptop and netbook.

Besides addons, it has a “snappier” feel to it.  It responds quickly to your requests and just feels faster as you bounce from page to page.  Because netbooks rely so heavily on Internet connectivity, it’s more important than ever that your browser is light and efficient.

There are faster-rated browsers out there, but none with a following the size of Mozilla Firefox.  How does your browser stack up? I recommend the PeaceKeeper Internet browser benchmarking site.  Not happy with your browser’s performance?  Perhaps it’s time you ditch the minivan and take the Ferrari for a spin!

Current Version: 3.5.1   Installer Size: 7.7MB   DOWNLOAD LINK

TopTenREVIEWS offers side-by-side comparisons of the best internet browsers available.

Key highlights of Media Player Classic include:

• MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 playback. These are the most common video types out there. They play without incident in Media Player Classic.
• DirectShow, QuickTime and RealPlayer architectures. These are lesser known file types but still play within Media Player Classic.
• Matroska and Ogg Containers. Even lesser known file types such as these will still play within Media Player Classic.
• Record live TV with TV tuner

The audio options are also excellent with Media Player Classic. It gives the user the option to output the audio stream in stereo or multi channel surround.

Media Player Classic has an easy to use interface, various custom settings, and is a lightweight installation. It has been able to play every type of file we could throw at it without bogging down our machine. Do yourself a favor and upgrade your cumbersome Windows Media Player to the Media Player Classic.

Current Version: Build 1.1796.0  Installer Size: 1.9 MB   DOWNLOAD LINK

TopTenREVIEWS offers side-by-side comparisions of the best netbooks available.

Some stellar features of Google Talk included with this ap are:

• The ability to text chat with your friends from GMail.
• Free PC to PC voice chat.
• Send and receive voicemails.
• Unlimited file transfers with no restrictions on size.
• Email notifications directly on your desktop.

Google Talk is by far the cleanest IM application that can easily be understood by novices.  While this software isn’t the most feature complete, it does the job beautifully for rich PC voice calls and simple communications through text.

Current Version: 1.0          Installer Size: 1.53MB          DOWNLOAD LINK

Some features of VideoLAN’s VLC Media Player are:

• Supports a huge array of video formats including proprietary ones.
• The ability to play incomplete videos and movies.
• Minimalistic user interface with only the features you need.
• Extensive hotkey support.
• Support for streaming protocols including networks.

While VLC doesn’t have the graphical appeal as WMP and other video playback applications, it does shine by supporting a myriad of file formats, and they simply just work in VLC, with impressive speed and performance.

Current Version: 0.9.9          Installer Size: 15.90MB          DOWNLOAD LINK

Some of the many features of FileZilla are:

• Configurable transfer speed limits.
• Transfer and resume of large files over 4GB.
• Powerful site management and transfer queue.
• Easy to use network configuration wizard.
• Multi-language support.

FileZilla is so simple to use and feature-rich, it’s amazing this software package is free.  The ability to send files to a server effortlessly with the simplicity of right-clicking to set file permissions is amazing.

Current Version: 3.2.4          Installer Size: 3.74MB          DOWNLOAD LINK

Some features included with LClock are:

• Calendar event reminder feature.
• Multiple language support.
• The ability to have balloon tooltips.
• Several gorgeous skins available.
• Extremely stable and uses little resources.

LClock is quite the desktop enhancement as it gives you total control over every element of the date and time including colors, fonts, sizes and positions.  The alarm feature is also quite handy for reminding you of personal items.

Current Version: 1.62b          Installer Size: 0.18MB          DOWNLOAD LINK

Some features included inside ImgBurn are:

• Burn music CD’s from the most common audio file types.
• Build DVD’s, HD-DVD’s and Blu-Ray discs with ease.
• Unicode support for international character sets.
• Image queue system for burning several images over multiple drives.
• Automatic write speed feature for storing your favorite burn settings.

Most files these days transferred over the Internet are image files, and this software will allow you to burn them directly to disc easily.  It is a great application that everyone should have in their toolkit.

Current Version: 2.4.4          Installer Size: 1.94MB          DOWNLOAD LINK

Some basic features of Font Xplorer are:

• Print predesigned professional sample sheets of your fonts.
• Save bitmap images of your fonts.
• Find the perfect font to use with an easy compare viewer.
• Zoom feature allows you to get a closer look at the characters.
• Rename the font files so they are easily identifiable.

What I like most about Font Xplorer is that you have an in-depth look at all the fonts installed on your Windows PC.  Scroll through them and delete the ones you know you will never use to save space and system resources.

Current Version: 1.2.2          Installer Size: 0.83MB          DOWNLOAD LINK

Some fun features of this Blip And Blop game are:

• More than 40 different kinds of enemies.
• Customizable controls including joystick and gamepad support.
• Play by yourself or with a friend in a two player game.
• Five levels of deeply entrenched and challenging action.
• Six available weapons to acquire and use.

Playing this game you will feel outgunned as it is almost like a one-on-ten battle.  Practice up and you can defeat these little cartoon creatures, but it won’t come easy.  Blip And Blop is a super fun game that you will totally enjoy.

Current Version: 1.0          Installer Size: 43.4MB          DOWNLOAD LINK

Some common features included with MP3Tag are:

• Tag multiple files at once with batch editing.
• Create and manage playlists automatically while editing.
• Cover art support for adding pictures to your albums.
• Import tags from popular online database sites like discogs and freedb.
• Rename file names based on tagging information.

There are many more great features with this application and I have found that this is one of the fastest and simplest ways to edit tags for your MP3’s.  MP3Tag is a powerful tool for editing metadata and is a must have for audiophiles.

Current Version: 2.43          Installer Size: 1.77MB          DOWNLOAD LINK

Some of the many features of Icy Tower include:

• Many unlockable floor types.
• Replay feature allows you to record the game while playing.
• Different music tracks and sound effects with different characters.
• Download more custom made characters for use in the game.
• Joystick and gamepad support.

I have to tell you Icy Tower is one of the best free games out there.  While there isn’t much to do in the game, it keeps you practicing and working hard to achieve higher floors, longer combos and a better score.

Current Version: 1.4          Installer Size: 5.26MB          DOWNLOAD LINK

A few impressive features of Skype are:

• Free Skype to Skype Internet calls 24/7 anywhere in the world.
• Video calls in many sizes including full screen.
• Multiple text conversations in a main screen or several windows.
• Send SMS messages right from the Skype client.
• Forward calls to any phone when you are offline.

Skype has many impressive features with many extras also including add-ins for more functionality.  They are a low cost solution for calling phones all over the world with functions like voicemail and caller id.  A truly great piece of software.

Current Version: 4.0          Installer Size: 1.88MB          DOWNLOAD LINK

Some standard features of SyncToy are:

• Copy, delete, move, rename files between folders and computers.
• Easy synchronization of folders and directories.
• Files renamed will carry over to the synchronized folders.
• Exclude files by exact name or fuzzy matching.
• The possibility to sync encrypted files.

The SyncToy software is truly a time saver, where normally you would be dragging and dropping files and folders to make backups on a consistent basis, with SyncToy you can do this effortlessly and on a schedule.

Current Version: 2.0          Installer Size: 4.15MB          DOWNLOAD LINK

Some key features of CDBurnerXP are:

• Burn MP3 CD’s to store many songs on a single disc.
• The ability to create bootable discs.
• Verify the written data automatically after the burning process.
• Simple UI with a multi-language interface.
• Quick and full options for erasing RW (ReWritable) discs.

Overall, CDBurnerXP is a top notch free burning application that works extremely well rivaling the big boys like Burning ROM and Easy Media Creator.  The software is speedy and intuitive, and quite simply, it gets the job done.

Current Version: 4.2.4          Installer Size: 3.06MB          DOWNLOAD LINK

Highway Pursuit has many entertaining features including:

• Travel diverse landscapes and sceneries.
• A variety of enemy agents must be destroyed or avoided.
• Multiple weapons to help you succeed while driving.
• Real time radio communications with headquarters.
• Configurable keyboard controls with joystick support.

This game is truly challenging no matter if your a driving novice or expert.  The further you travel, the tougher the roads get, and the persistence of the enemy agents becomes almost unbearable.  Highway Pursuit is a huge hit in our books.

Current Version: 1.1          Installer Size: 3.20MB          DOWNLOAD LINK

VirtualDub has many features including:

• Real time downsizing, noise reduction and field swapping.
• Keyboard and mouse shortcuts for faster operation.
• Remove and replace audio tracks without touching the video.
• Extensive video filter sets.
• Remove unwanted segments of video clips and save the rest.

VirtualDub has a simple user interface with a caption, info panel, menu bar and status bar.  Tons of video effects are included like blur, emboss, flip, rotate plus several others.  VirtualDub is a must have program for video editors.

Current Version: 1.8.8          Installer Size: 1.31MB          DOWNLOAD LINK

Some key features of LogonStudio are:

• Includes several pre-made logon screens inside the package.
• Windows XP users can use the built-in editor to create their own.
• Windows Vista users can make a logon screen from their own images.
• Applying a new logon screen is as simple as a mouse click.
• Upload and showoff your own creations to other users.

Also there are several thousands of LogonStudio screens available for download via many websites throughout the Internet.  To learn more about LogonStudio or Stardock’s other products you can visit this LINK.

Current Version: 1.0          Installer Size: 3.12MB          DOWNLOAD LINK

Some of the many features included with Snarfer are:

• Tabbed windows to allow for multiple feed reading.
• Drag and drop feeds, folders and messages.
• Three pane user interface for easy navigation.
• Built-in toolbar for quick access to Internet Searches.
• Email and export articles and feeds to others.

Snarfer sets itself apart from other Readers in a variety of ways, it is very simple to use with the ability to check for updated feeds on a schedule from every hour to once a day.  Manage feeds in one convenient place with Snarfer.

Current Version: 1.0.2          Installer Size: 0.38MB          DOWNLOAD LINK

Yahoo! Messenger includes a wide range of features including:

• Conferencing with multiple people.
• Send SMS text messages to mobile phones.
• Chat rooms to meet new people and discuss your favorite topics.
• Send files to your buddies up to 2GB in size.
• A barrage of emoticons and avatars are available.

Due to the extensive Plug-in library that is offered, Yahoo! Messenger is by far one of the best free IM clients.  The vast tweaking ability of this software makes all users happy.  To see a complete feature set visit this LINK.

Current Version: 9.0          Snub Installer Size: 0.41MB          DOWNLOAD LINK

Some features of DX-Ball are:

• 12 unique power-ups.
• 6 deadly power-downs.
• Background music with sound effects.
• 50 different colorful levels.
• Level editor included.

Casual gamers and players from an era past will really enjoy this new twist on the Breakout genre.  DX-Ball is very fun that keeps you entertained with a slew of popping bonuses from those those hard and hidden bricks you will encounter.

Current Version: 1.09          Installer Size: 0.80MB          DOWNLOAD LINK

Some features included with Audacity are:

• Change the speed and pitch of audio tracks.
• Conversion of tapes and records into digital recordings.
• Cutting, copying, splicing and mixing sounds and music.
• Editing of AIFF, MP3, Ogg Vorbis and WAV sound files.
• Recording of live audio.

This is only a small subset of features that Audacity can perform.  To view a full listing of advanced features, follow this LINK.  This complete audio package will satisfy your needs when working with all types of sound.

Current Version: 1.2.6          Installer Size: 2.12MB          DOWNLOAD LINK