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[F813]Free Software Downloading Sites

by Jim Edwards, Jim

I started writing this column way back in 1998 and one thing rates as true today as it did ten years ago: people love free stuff online. Free software tops the list of free things they love. People particularly love free software that solves annoying little problems, offers some fun, or saves them time and effort.

If you own a PC, the following free software will help you save time, enjoy a little fun, and protect yourself and your computer too.

** EULAlyzer **

Log on to www.javacoolsoftware.com and download the "EULAlyzer" software that helps you spot troublesome language in those "End User License Agreements." You know, the software installation agreements we should all read, but normally we just click "Agree" and keep right on installing the software.

However, blindly agreeing to those EULAs means you could potentially consent to all sorts of unpleasant things, including your desktop getting assaulted by advertising "spyware" and worse. EULAlyzer helps you by analyzing virtually any EULA for trouble.

As they say on their site, "If you aren't reading the license agreements, you have no idea what you could be agreeing to."

** Want To Make A Movie? **

Ok, this software resides online instead of running on your PC. But that actually works out better because you only need a web browser to access it.

Log on to www.jumpcut.com and you can create your own cool videos to share on YouTube and other sites. No, it won't make you into a Spielberg, but it can help you get a basic video done with text overlays and more without complicated software.

A must-look website for the online video newbie.

** Fast Photo Changes **

Did you ever need to resize a digital photo or just crop it?

Did you ever need to take a huge 8 mega-pixel photo and resample it to make it work as an email attachment?

Well log on to www.irfanview.com and install the "IrfanView" software that makes these two tasks easy as 1-2-3!

Though the software takes a bare-bones approach to look and feel, it does exactly what you need to resize and resample photos and images on the fly.

** Online Flash Games **

Everybody loves video games! Ok, well, maybe not everybody, but did you know that online gaming by adults represents the fastest growing segment of the game industry?

If you love to play games online (but hate to pay for them), then log on to www.Kongregate.com. This website boasts thousands of flash games you can play right in your web browser.

Sure, some of them are a complete waste of time, but, isn't that what playing online games is all about? I guarantee you'll find at least one game to enjoy on this ever-expanding site. (I admit I got hooked on "Desktop Tower Defense.")

** Free Anti-Virus **

Log on to http://free.grisoft.com and download the free anti-virus protection. It doesn't come with any tech support, but it sure beats running your computer without any protection.

I like AVG anti-virus products because they don't seem to bog down your system the way Norton does and, in this case, you can't beat the price.

Copyright (c) 2008 Jim Edwards

No matter which type of computer operating system you own, it can be very confusing deciding what software you should purchase. Since updates continually take place, you definitely don't want to spend money on something that is going to be changed in the near future. Software can also be quite expensive, so you want to make sure you are getting the best possible price.

At free software download websites, you can take advantage free software for your computer system. Many free software sites contain a wide variety of applications for computer system maintenance and security. For those of you who depend on your computer for more than entertainment, you know how vital that is. Other types of software available include billing, system recovery, and software to help you develop your website.

Since software is so expensive, why not check out what free software sites have to offer for free before you spend your money on it? Chances are you will find a variety of software products available that will work well for you.

One of the disadvantages of free software sites is the risk of spyware or adware. This problem is easily avoided by using sites such as CNET's download dot com, which does not allow any software with adware or spyware. Many other sites also use a scanner system to alert you if a piece of software contains any adware, spyware, viruses, or other unwanted components.

Another possible disadvantage of free software is the lack of support available. This is something you should consider – if the software you need is crucial to you and you will need good support, you may need to buy the software. If you can make do with lesser levels of support, free software may be the best way to go, though. Many free applications do offer support via user forums and online help centers.

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Both Jim Edwards & Gabriel Adams are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Jim Edwards has sinced written about articles on various topics from Surveys, Video Games and Six Sigma. Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the co-author of an amazing new ebook that will teach you how to use fr^e articles to quickly drive thousands of targeted visitors to your website, affiliate links, or blogs... Need MORE TRAFFIC to your. Jim Edwards's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.

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