12 free applications for your Windows PC
Posted
Aug 21 2008, 12:53 AM
by
Ryan MacClanathan
Rating:
Call me a geek, but I love new software. I love exploring
the options, I love customizing my settings and I love playing with all the new
bells and whistles.
Most of all, I love it when new software is free.
Randy at Fiscal Zen
has a handy set of links to 12
of his favorite free Windows applications -- everything from a tool to
help you organize digital photo collections to a free Internet music service.
"Twice this week I've had the opportunity to help
friends and family work through issues with their computer; and each case, I
used or installed a freely available application to address the need,"
Randy writes. "There's a lot of really great software out there that
doesn't cost a dime."
I recently installed one of the listed applications, 7-Zip, after
my evaluation copy of Winzip stopped working (What? They want me to pay for
it?). My new tool works like a charm, no viruses or spyware have been detected and, of course, it was free. According to Randy, 7-Zip can perform better than Winzip or Windows' built-in file-compression tool. Sounds good enough for me.
If none of these applications suit your needs, MSN Tech
& Gadgets has a roundup of 14
vital Internet tools suggested by the editors of PC World. Another roundup,
"Organize
your life with free online tools," has links to sites useful for
straightening out chaotic finances.
Have you tried any of these applications? Do you have any
favorite online tools or free downloads that are not listed?
