FREE PROGRAMS
by Ray DeCosta

Here's a collection of links to useful programs that actually work as advertised.  Many of our SIG leaders discuss and use these programs in their presentations.  And the best part is that they are all FREE!  Well, what did you expect? 

Try 'em, you'll like 'em!

Audacity - An extremely useful audio editor which allows you to edit your WAV and MP3 files.  It can also be used to record Internet radio, acquire sound effects and add voice-overs to your video projects.

Belarc Advisor - This program creates a profile of your computer and lists all your hardware and software so you can tell your geek friends what you have under the hood when they ask.

CDex - A great way to convert your CDs into MP3 files for inclusion on your audio player.  With the proper tuning, it can rip CDs almost as quickly as you can change discs in your CD drive!

CrossLoop - This program allows an individual to access another's computer.  This is extremely useful to help you solve someone else's computer problem without even leaving your house.

FastStone - FastStone Image Viewer is a fast, stable, user-friendly image browser, converter and editor. It has a nice array of features that include image viewing, management, comparison, red-eye removal, emailing, resizing, cropping and color adjustments.  You hear Phil talk about this one all the time!

FireFox - This Internet browser is far superior to Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) in many ways.  It is faster, more secure and better thought-out than IE.  And it that's not enough to convince you, there are numerous free plug-ins available to further enrich your browsing experience.

Google Earth - You probably already know about this great geographical mapping program which allows you to fly anywhere on earth and see satellite imagery, maps, buildings as well as other views ranging from galaxies in outer space to the canyons in the ocean.

MalwareBytes - A great program for finding and eradicating malware. This program came into its own during the Conficker worm incident.

MP3 Gain - Can't hear your MP3s on the plane even with noise cancelling headphones?  This little program quickly boosts the volume of your MP3 books or music so you can actually listen to something while you shut out the screaming children and cell phone talkers.  MP3 Gain works better with audio books than music, but it's extremely useful for its intended purpose.

MP3 Tag Tools - A must-have program used to clean up your ID3 tags if your MP3 player is not properly displaying the song information on your screen.  It also has a very useful bulk file renaming function.

Open Office - This suite of office applications is directly compatible with everything Microsoft Office has to offer.  It will give you state-of-the art word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software without the high cost normally associated with these programs.

Secunia Personal Inspector - This great program scans your computer and looks for insecure and out of date software, missing Microsoft updates and provides easy access for correction of the problems.

ThunderBird - An email program designed to replace Microsoft's Outlook and Outlook Express.  It mimics most, if not all, of the working functions of Microsoft's offerings in this area and gets rid of the bloat which seems to have invaded those two programs.

A Few Thoughts:

While these programs are really free and never nag you for money, the providers are generally very appreciative of receiving something from those who actually use their programs.  The writers do incur costs for website hosting, equipment and development expenses and can't really be expected to work for nothing on top of that.

If you find you use certain programs and they met your needs, please feel free to contribute something to help keep them in operation.  There's usually a "Donation" section to be found in the program or its website.  Please help out your provider of choice by sending them an amount which you feel is appropriate.  A contribution of $15 to $25 is certainly a reasonable amount to donate for a program that actually works.