Windows 7 has this cool new feature (at least new to being built into Windows) that allows for the "snapping" of windows.  Basically, the Windows 7 snap feature has to do with having a window line up with either an edge (or edges) of your desktop OR with the edges of other windows.  As you drag a window close to an edge, it can actually "snap" into position!  This can be handy if you are trying to split the screen between several open windows.

If you are running other versions of Windows, you may wish you had the Windows 7 snap feature (I know I did).  Here are 3 free programs that can help you in your quest to snap windows like a Windows 7 user!

Windows 7 snap feature

Being true to its name, FreeSnap is a free program.  FreeSnap will let you use your keyboard to snap your open, focused upon window to any side of the screen.  The trick is that you hold the "Windows" button and hit either the arrow key or number pad to direct which side you want it to snap to.  Very cool for keyboard lovers!  For laptop users without a number pad, the arrow keys work fine but it may be a bit cumbersome if your "Windows" button is at the top-right instead of the bottom-left.  Still cool anyhow.

ReSizer

Windows 7 snap feature

ReSizer, just like FreeSnap, is free and utilizes the "Windows" button.  There are a few differences though.  ReSizer will allow for more precise movement by only moving the selected window a little bit when the arrow key is hit.  If shift is also held, the movements will be even finer.  There is also a simple key combination for switching the window to another monitor.  Very cool for us dual monitor types!  There are also keyboard combos for changing window sizes, changing window properties (ie. on top, opacity), and switching to other windows.

Nimi Visuals

Windows 7 snap feature

Nimi Visuals is actually a program that adds a lot of "eye-candy" to Windows but one ability it offers is window snapping just like the Windows 7 snap feature.  You can turn it on by going to the "On resizing or moving" effects category and you'll find the effect labeled "Window edge snap."  The darkening effect when you drag the window close to a snappable edge is quite helpful (hard to see in the screenshot, I know).

windowsnapping

Browse around and I'm sure you'll find other effects in Nimi Visuals that you'll either find helpful or just plain cool.

I know there are other solutions like upgrading to Windows 7 or some other tools on other operating systems.  However, if you are comfortable with your current Windows version, these three free programs can still help you snap those windows just as if you were a Windows 7 user!  There are other cool tools, such as WindowSizer which cost money, but just know that you can have much of the same functionality using one of these 3 free programs!

Do you know of any other free programs that help fulfill your window snapping needs?  Let us know in the comments!