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Free Software That's Useful Too!

By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2005-07-15 02:37:00-04:00

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What's the best type of software? Free software, of course. There are many free programs available on the Web, but it's often difficult to ascertain which programs are truly worthwhile. I've put together a list of ten free software programs that I use everyday, all of which are useful.

NOTE: As I write this, all of these programs are free. Be aware, however, that a company can decide to start charging a fee for their software at any time. The links in this article will take you to the main page of the software company, who often move the links to their free software around the site. You may have to search through the Web site to find the location from which you can download their free software. Also be aware that some companies use the free software to entice you to purchase an upgraded version, but you are never required to purchase the premium or upgraded version.

1. Hotmail
   If you want to lessen the spam at your main email address, you can set up an alternative email account from a web mail service like Microsoft's free Hotmail. Use the alternative address whenever you give out your email address on the Internet. With this type of email service you can check your email from any computer that has Internet access. Other similar free email services are Yahoo! Mail and Netscape Mail.
   
   
2. Firefox
   This is an Internet browser like Internet Explorer and Netscape. It has some wonderful features not found in other browsers and is known to have fewer security flaws. If you are interested in an alternate browser, this is a good option. It's free to download and use. You may also want to read my review of Foxfire for more information.
   
   
3. AVG Anti-Virus by Grisoft
   This is a full-fledged antivirus program that is free to download. As with other antivirus programs, you must often update the program with the latest virus definition, which are also free.
   
   
4. Picasa from Google
   This full-fledge photo program will help you find, edit, and share all the pictures on your PC. You can crop, enhance, and remove red-eye from photos. It also lets you add keywords and organize your photos. Try Picasa before you purchase a photo-editing program.
   
   
5. Ad-Aware by LavaSoft
   This program will find and eliminate spyware. Read my review on spyware for more information.
   
   
6. Spybot Search & Destroy
   This spyware detection and removal program is similar to Ad-Aware. Read my review on spyware for more information.
   
   
7. Zone Alarm by Zone Labs
   This is yet another free program that will help secure your computer. It is a firewall that will help protect your computer from hackers and unscrupulous marketers.
   
   
8. Google Toolbar
   The Google Toolbar lets you use Google search without leaving the page you are on. It has a convenient pop-up blocker and several other useful tools. You may also want to read my review on the Google Toolbar for more information.
   
   
9. Trillian Basic
   If you are into Instant Messenging, you know that Instant Message programs like AOL and Yahoo! are all free, but they are not compatible with each other. This program lets you communicate with AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ, IRC, MSN and Yahoo! users simultaneously.
   
   
10. Power Toys
    If you like to play with your computer settings, this is a set of great free programs from Microsoft. The link above will take you to the power toys for Windows XP, but you can also find Power Toys for previous Windows versions at this Microsoft website. These toys have image resizers, power calculators, a taskbar magnifier, and many other programs. Microsoft does not officially support Power Toys, but I have used these fun programs for years without any problem.
    
    

There are so many great free software programs that I can hardly limit myself to just ten, so, here are a few more that Gabe Goldberg and I have reviewed for you recently, all of which are either fully free or have free versions:

• Free Microsoft Office Viewers
• Opera Web Browser
• Eudora 6.1 Email Program

AARP does not recommend or endorse any of these products or web sites. Please be advised that there are other similar products and web sites available which were not reviewed and are not listed here.

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