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Jason Parker
3 downloads I absolutely couldn't work without

Jason Parker
Contributing Editor, Downloads
Friday, November 8, 2002
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In this column, I recommend nine different downloads a week--all of which I think are useful (or at least fun). But just the other day a colleague asked me an interesting question: If I had  to choose just three apps I couldn't live without at work, what would they be?

After thinking over the problem and combing through the numerous offerings at ZDNet Downloads, I came up with the trio listed below.

These programs may not have all the flash and glitz of larger commercial applications, but they do have the utility and efficiency we expect from superior shareware and freeware.

In short, they are my software workhorses. They're the MVPs my colleagues and I rely on every day to help us get our jobs done, whether we're writing stories, coding Web pages, or uploading content to our servers.

Textpad (32-bit) is a no-nonsense text and HTML editor that offers all the features you need for fine-tuning Web pages and content, including color syntax highlighting, macros, and great formatting tools. For us, being able to format text at 80 characters per line is indispensable. This download also offers advanced features for more hard-core Web programmers. (Shareware/Windows)

WS_FTP Pro is the FTP client the ZDNet Downloads gang uses most often for moving content from our computers onto the Web. It doesn't have a flashy interface, but for its reliability and ease of use, we give it a thumbs-up. (Free/Windows)

SnagIt is a great all-purpose screen-capture utility. Not only can you use it to make nifty screenshots, but you can also capture whole Web pages to review for development of new features and changes to the site. (Shareware/Windows)

While these programs aren't the only  programs you need on your PC, they are invaluable to anyone who creates content--for the Web or for offline presentation. I'll reveal our Mac MVPs in next Friday's column. Stay tuned.

Which software apps do you absolutely need at work? TalkBack to me!

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