Are you looking for ways to use your computer more efficiently? Free programs can help by adding features that are lacking in Windows.

Here are some programs for my favorites:

Manage Web mail: These days, more people are using Web-based e-mail. With it, you can retrieve e-mail anywhere. But visiting a site to check e-mail is time-consuming. You usually must pay to connect to Web mail from programs like Outlook. But ePrompter lets you check your accounts directly from your desktop. EPrompter alerts you to new messages. It supports Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail and more.

Rename files quickly: Poorly named files slow you down and make it difficult to find what you need. But renaming files is time-consuming, too. Rename Master renames batches of files quickly and easily. You can remove parts of file names. Or name MP3s and pictures based on data tags stored within files.

Instant messaging anywhere: Instant messaging is a fast, easy way to keep in touch. However, you might not be able to use instant messaging on a shared computer. Meebo connects you to a variety of instant messaging services from the Web. There's no software to install. And you can use multiple services at once! AIM, Yahoo, Google, MSN and others are compatible.

Create PDFs: PDF files are a good way to share documents. Anyone can read them with the free Adobe Reader. DoPDF won't edit PDF files, but it creates PDF files in virtually any Windows program.

Get the skinny on your PC: Have you ever needed information on your RAM or motherboard? Belarc Advisor tells you what hardware and software are installed on your machine. It also tells you the last time your computer was scanned for viruses. Or, you can view a list of installed Windows updates. It recovers lost product keys.

Search and organize your files: In search of a better way to organize your photos? Picasa locates photos on your computer, making them easy to browse. And Google Desktop helps you find any file on your computer. These are a couple of highlights from Google Pack. It also contains fun programs like Google Earth. And StarOffice, an alternative to Microsoft Office, was recently added.

Never forget a password: Let KeePass do the heavy lifting for you. Just put your user names and passwords in KeePass' encrypted database. You just need to remember one strong master password. Put the program on a thumb drive and take it with you anywhere!

For your convenience, visit www.komando.com/windows for the download links for these programs. All adware and spyware are free.

Reach Kim Komando at gnstech@gns.gannett.com.