Top Freeware Every Computer Should Have
September 17, 2009 at 03:09:34 AM, by Jesper Berg
Every computer needs software to make it worthwhile. However, many programs are over $100 dollars each! Many people don't realize that you can almost always find the same type of software for free, if you know where to look. Look no further, my technically-savvy friends. Here are the very best and top freeware I think every computer should install.
AVG Anti-Virus Free
This free anti-virus is a small and non-intrusive anti-virus software that works well. It uses a “Resident Shield” that works well and is even better at detecting some viruses and other threats that Norton and other commercial products can not. Some features are anti-virus, anti-spyware, e-mail scanner, ID Protection(this requires activation by user), resident shield, link scanner and update manager. One detail you may find handy is that the settings are already set for business hours to do a scan when your computer has the best chance of being on(unlike Norton). It also places every infected file or folder it finds into a virus vault (his can be emptied when required) that you do not delete. It also notifies you when it detects bugs or any threats much like most others anti-virus programs, although AVG may find more than their commercial counterparts do. Note-A premium paid version is available, but the free version is just as wonderful. 
Where to download- http://free.avg.com
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Gimp
This free and advanced image editor very professional, without having the cost of Adobe Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro. You can also download an animation suite to go along with it for a complete pro package. All without paying a dime. It even allows you to create professional designs for web sites. With GIMP being open sourced, it allows users to help build the GIMP even more and to add more features all the time. Many people use it for all types of purposes and it does have large user base that helps the whole GIMP community out. Highly recommended for anyone who needs or wants to do some virtual artwork or layouts. 
Where To Download- http://www.gimp.org
CutePDF
This small and simple application is great to turn files into pdfs. It is a virtual printer where you send the desired file to be “printed” into a PDF. It's small and may only have one purpose, but it is a good program to have on hand and perfect for someone who needs a small application to do such. 
Where To Download- http://www.cutepdf.com
Miranda IM
Again this small yet multifunction tool allows you to be on all main instant messengers at the same time, while not taking a lot of resources. It even supports IRC chat rooms. Miranda supports AIM,YIM,MSN,ICQ,IRC, and Gadu-Gadu. 
Where To Download- http://www.miranda-im.org
Media Monkey
Most OS’s already come with media players. However many do not play all types of audio formats nor can they convert files. This is why Media Monkey is a popular freeware, as it supports many audio files and can convert them easily. While they do offer a paid version (Media Monkey Gold), the free one covers the needs of most users . It looks and acts much like iTunes (minus the music store), however it plays and covers much more audio formats than any other music player around. One thing that comes handy is the easy to make play list and file conversions. Most media players lack both of these tools, so it makes Media Monkey a popular option. You can also “sync” iPods and iPhones with Media Monkey. 
Where To Download- http://www.mediamonkey.com
Spybot-Search and Destroy
We all know in the world wide web, we will get infected with spy ware and adware. While Microsoft and many anti-virus companies claim that they cover this-it doesn’t cover it all. So using a third party software that is designed for spy ware and adware alone is the best thing one could use to protect and prevent. Spybot-Search and Destroy is recommended by professional PC repair companies all around the world. This freeware scans your PC for many types of spy ware and adware that your computer may never be scanned for otherwise. It also takes care of tracking cookies and many other types of unwelcomed intruders that attach themselves to your pc. They also allow you to make your computer immune to those known problems and infections, which will allow you not to be re-infected by them again. 
Where To Download- http://www.safer-networking.org
While these are just a few applications you can get for free, the internet is full for many more. Many sites have full list of many types of freeware, rather it is system tools to games! A rule of thumb to live by, if they have a commercial version of it, chances are they have a free version of it. So next time you plan on buying software, do a search online and see if you can find something just like it for the cost of nothing Page:1/1
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