FREE (as in you don't pay for it) SOFTWARE!!!



Here is a list of software products both closed source and Open Source (Free Open Source Software or FOSS) that is available for downloads from the web.
This list will be added to as various recommended programs are called to my attention!


Much of this software is as good as or even better than that offered in the commercial area for Windows users, or even MS software itself! In most cases below, the link goes to their home page so that you can read about the program and make a decision.

Browsers:

Chrome
This one is from Google and is still in BETA or testing now. It works only in XP SP2 and Vista, so download and use at your own risk!

Opera
This one has been around a long time and is a virtually bullet proof browser. The only drawback is the lack of plug in items to make this one more functional. But as far as safety on line is concerned, one of the safest there is. It is a lot like the old Netscape in the fact that it also contains the eMail client (program).

Firefox
This one is from Mozilla and is soon to be the most popular and most used browser on the internet. Surpassing all builds of Internet Explorer.
This browser can be set up to be a bulwark against malware on the internet, AND it is really customizable! Litteraly dozens of optional plug in features that make the browser a system unto itself. Many of the plug ins replace stand alone programs you would have to PAY FOR on Windows itself. ... IE: full bore FTP client, PDF writer, sniping tool for eBay (free, no service charges) and so on. The home page explains it a lot more! (but watch those ad-ons .. too many that actually load and run and the program becomes bloated and starts to slow down!)

Safari
This one comes from Apple but works in Windows. Has to be mentioned as it is a free browser that some (not many) use. Problem with this one is that it is bloatware. Bloated beyond reason in order to give you all of the eye candy, and not very customizable at all.


E-Mail Clients:

First an explanation. An E-Mail Client is the program you use to access your e-mail accounts .. can be one, can be many. Some e-mail clients do not like to work with web based e-mail servers such as AOL or G-Mail. IF you have such a service, best to check the program FAQ out before downloading and attempting to use it. Many e-mail clients are migrating to be able to do the web based mail in their newer itterations.

Thunderbird
This one is also out of the Mozilla stable and is gaining much respect and popularity. It can be set up to screen your e-mail for all sorts of bad guys .. a really customizable e-mail client. VERY easy to use and set up.

Eudora
One of the oldest surviving e-mail clients there is. They have to be doing something right to be arround as long as they have. Check it out if you are interested.

(NOTE: There ARE better e-mail clients out there. They are commercial with the highest ratings going to "The Bat" but, as stated, it is a COMMERCIAL (you PAY for it) program. HOWEVER, if you are running a business and need flexability and very real security, it rates at the top of the heap!)

Something you may consider (other than going to a web based eMail server), if you want to manage your e-mail further and do ON SERVER screening of your mail (not letting anything into your computer that has not been screened). Consider using:
Mailwasher FREE
This New Zealand originated program has been around for a few years and has a proven track record. The free version will only allow ONE e-mail account, but it is well worth the use of the program on your primary account to keep the spammers at bay and fill up their inboxes with "this mail can not be delivered" messages!


Office and Productivity

There really is only ONE!! and it is VERY good!
Open Office
From Sun Microsystems comes a complete answer to the expensive and bloated Microsoft Office series of programs. OOo is a full suite of programs similar to those in MS, but not as bloated and is much faster. Relatively easy to use with tremendous on line documentation, these programs freely exchange information with and are compatable with the Microsoft programs .. but unlike MS and their very expensive programs, this one is FREE.


Miscellaneous Other Programs:

Photography and photo management:

GIMP
This is the big one.
A FREE replacement for the bank busting Adobe Photo Shop.
This progam is HUGE, to say the least, but offers almost all of the same features as the high priced spread. As with Photo Shop, NOT EASY TO LEARN OR USE, but the hundreds of dollars saved may make it worth your time and energy. On line documentation is vast and thorough and there are several valid on line forums to answer that question you may have.
I you do NOT need a whole CS suite of Adobe programs and just want the Photo Shop .. this is well worth the effort to try it out. For those that are already familiar with Photo Shop, the similarity of even the menus and screens is scary!!

Irfanview
This freebie has been around for YEARS! And rightfully so!
A moderate weight photo processing program that will do just fine for most casual photographers to process their digital images. Great for eBay work! Not a heavyweight with all kinds of bells and whistles, just a good solid basic photo processing/viewing program that will not let you down. Documention is outstanding.

Photo Shop Album Starter!
An actual FREEBIE from Adobe! This little program is a very lighweight cross between Adobe Bridge and Adobe Lightroom. A nice photo management program with some minor tweaking abilities built in (not very STRONG ones, though) A nice edition if you shoot a bunch of pictures and need a free program to use for contact sheets and for moving your pictures into folders and for triage on your disks.

Lexar Image Rescue!
This program comes on the Lexar Media disks for cameras, but I am so enamored of it's ability to find those accidently deleted photos .. especially those ON YOUR DISK(S) .. that I uploaded the .exe to my site so others may use the program!

Computer testing and Repair:

UltimateBoot-CD
If EVER there was a disk that those that actually WORK on their computers ever needed, THIS IS IT, babe! After you download and burn this ISO, you will have a disk that boots on power up that can test more stuff than you can shake a stick at!! Memory, hard disk, you name it. Hard disk utilities for almost every drive made. Tools - Tools - Tools .... ya can't have too many tools!


Some small subustitute programs:

Ok, been asked to put these small programs in here.
IF you think that Windows Media Player is all you will ever need, fine. But if you really download or view material off of the web, or play pre recorded stuff on your computer, you will find it sorely lacking. Especially in the area of "codec" files. Those are the files that allow the dozens of various formats of video/audio files that are all over the web to PLAY on your computer.
Plus these programs to not keep track of what you watch or listen to and are much less memory intensive.

Media Player Classic
I use this one on Windows, myself. It is customizable and easy to use. I have yet to run into an on line codec that it would not play! (be sure to also download the K-Lite Mega Codec on the right side of the page to fully load the program.)
This one comes with both the Quick Time Alternative and the Real Player Alternative built in to replace THOSE memory hogs that also keep track of what you play and listen to!
It WILL take some time to get it tweaked, but you will be pleased with the results!

Winamp!
The granddaddy of all of the alternatives to Media Player! A really NICE program that many use and have grown to like. The audio portion of the program is OUTSTANDING and much better than most audio programs that come with generic sound installs on your computer. It also has a very nice playlist and track manager. Something that you will really like once you start using it!
Coupled with the fact that is has been around for eons and is totally customizable, a VERY good choice.
You will, however, have to install separate versions of both the Quick Time Alternative and the Real Player Alternative, as they are not included in the program at this time.