Once in a while, it feels good to run through the computer, check for programs that were hardly used, un-install them and clean the system. End of the year is as good a time as any.

While doing this I pondered on a handful of applications I use all the time on a daily basis and some well… were just a waste of my money. Here are the most commonly used desktop applications in no particular order:

1. Firefox. Yes! Used to hate the idea of extensions. I just couldn’t understand why anyone would want to install plugins just to make the browser do things it should do but once it clicked, I love it. In fact, extensions are the biggest reason for my using FireFox.
2. Thunderbird. Just email, no thrills, frills and I like it like that ;). Also, the best part about this and Firefox, I can use them on my Mac and they have portable versions that you can carry in a USB stick. Now that’s freedom.
3. Direct Access – I can’t launch applications without this. Well, yes I can but this is much, much easier than clicking Start, Programs and trying to sift through the 10 million programs. Besides, some programs use their company names (how silly is that) which makes things hard to find. Try looking for a program which you can barely remember the name while a few kiddos whine in your ear. With Direct Access, I just type the name and it launches.
4. Filebox Extender – Another one I can’t live without. Programs are already a long list trying folders/files. Yikes! This puts a little short cut so to speak on the Windows Explorer window so I can just click and go directly to the most used folders.
5. Mailwasher – Helps me keep those SPAM messages in check and you know what? It’s a good way to find out if your email messages will get caught in the filters too.
6. Syncback SE – I do all my computer backups with this. It backs up to the external drive and remote (FTP) automatically for me. Oh and a new use – it’s great for upgrading the numerous WordPress installations I have. So, so easy.
7. Agendus for Windows – Desktop version of my PDA schedule
8. Camtasia – You should know this one. My trusty screencast recorder.
9. OpenOffice – Saves me lots of dough and works superbly. Use it to create PDF reports and stuff like that too.
10. Screenshot Captor – Love this one. Takes static screen shots which I can edit, annotate and make them really pop with shadows and what nots.
11. RoboForm – Need I say more? If you don’t have RoboForm, you’re wasting hours of your life logging in. Also, here’s a tip. If you have an assistant or several assistants, use RoboForm to share your logins. Not only is it much, much safer, you’ll help her save time too – which translates to savings in your monthly VA bill.
12. FileZilla – Just FTP.
13. Ecto – I don’t post to blogs using the web unless I have to. Ecto is cool because you can spell check, makes it easier to post to multiple blogs and also it doesn’t ever time out on you.
14. PSPad – Just a geeky text editor. Do a lot of programming, hacking, WordPress theme coding, site building with this. Love it.
15. ClickBook – Save the planet and your bottom line! Prints those ebooks in a more efficient manner. E.g. printing 4 pages on one sheet or more. Great for computer crafting too. Another alternative to this is Fineprint.

What are your most used applications of the year?