The Best FREE Programs for Microsoft Windows

I've worked in the computer industry for more years then I'd like to admit. Having more computer certifications that you can shake a stick at, I've done everything from building and selling computers to technical support and everything else in-between.

One of the things I run into the most is how upset people are with the expensive cost of programs for their shiny new computers running Microsoft Windows. Let me do you and your pocketbook a favor by sharing some great free programs for Microsoft Windows that you've probably never heard of.

Free Security Programs for Microsoft Windows

Everyone is concerned with internet safety and the security of their computers. If you aren't then you should be. Scores of computers are infected with viruses and spyware everyday. Here are some free programs to make sure that your's is not one of them.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition: Anti-Virus Software

Millions of people rely on the free edition of Grisoft's AVG Anti-Virus software. AVG's virus detection methods have won numerous awards and despite being a stripped down version of the commercial program, it is very robust.

Features of AVG Anti-Virus include a daily auto-updating virus definition list, weekly computer scans, a virus vault, and a resident anti-virus shield to test files for viruses before you access them. It also scans your incoming and outgoing email for viruses as well.

Support for the free version is limited to the Grisoft forums; and the AVG Free edition license is only for personal and non-commercial use.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition is for computers running Microsoft Windows XP, or Vista.

You can get your free copy of AVG here.

Spybot - Search and Destroy: Anti-Spyware Program

Spybot - Search and Destroy searches for and removes spyware from your computer. It was rated as being some of the best privacy software available by both PC World and PCMag.com.

Spybot - Search and Destroy helps protect and cleanse your computer of malicious software. The list includes: spyware, adware, keyloggers, malware, trojan horse programs, tool bar add-ons, and browser hijackers to name a few.

While they do request donations via Paypal, Spybot-Search and Destroy is a free program written for computers using Microsoft Windows.

You can download Spybot - Search and Destroy for free by clicking here.

Free Audio, Video and DVD Burning Programs for Microsoft Windows

Audacity: Audio Editing Software

Audacity is a free and extremely easy to use sound editing program that is disturbed under the GNU General Public License (GPL).

Audacity allows you to: record live audio, split tracks, convert record and tapes to mp3's, edit the most popular sound file formats including mp3 and wav files, clean up audio, record podcasts, and add effects to your sound files.

The list of features could go on and on. Let me just sum it up by saying that there is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on professional recording software because Audacity does it all-for free. Audacity is available for most operating systems including Microsoft Windows. Did I mention that it's free?

Download your free copy of Audacity here.

K-Lite Codec Pack with Media Player Classic: Video player and Audio/Video Codec's

If you're interested in an a easy way to view all of the various video files available on the internet then the K-Lite Codec Pack is for you. It contains all the major audio and video codec's in one easy to use and install package.

The K-Lite Codec Pack also includes Media Player Classic which is reminiscent of the older versions of Windows Media Player in looks only. Underneath the hood, it plays nearly all file types (mov, avi, mpeg, xvid, divx, rm, etc) and DVD's. It is literally one-stop shopping.

The K-Lite Codec Pack is available in Basic, Standard and Full Versions. I would recommend getting the standard version for most users. If, however you are planning on a doing a lot of video editing then the Full version is the one for you.

Get your copy of the K-Lite Code Pack with Media Player Classic for free from here.

ImgBurn: Free CD, DVD, HD DVD, and Bluray Burning Software

Why pay for Nero when you can you get ImgBurn for free? ImgBurn allows you to burn all forms of media, work with and create Images and supports all major file formats.

ImgBurn works on all versions of Microsoft Windows and is 100% free. The author does ask for Paypal donations if you like the program.

Get your free copy of ImgBurn here.

Free Office and Productivity Software for Microsoft Windows

Don't want to pay $399 for a copy of Microsoft Office? Read on.

OpenOffice: Free Productivity Software

Many are already aware of Sun Microsystems's OpenOffice. I would however be remiss if I did not include it for those who still don't know that it exists.

OpenOffice is a productivity suite that contains the same type of programs that are in Microsoft Office. This includes a word processor similar to Microsoft Word, a spreadsheet program like Excel, A database program like Access, and well you get the idea. Also included in OpenOffice is a presentation program (like PowerPoint) and a simple drawing tool.

Some other great benefits of OpenOffice, is that it works with Microsoft Office files and you can save your documents in a PDF format.

OpenOffice works on computers running Microsoft Windows and is completely free.

Download your free copy of OpenOffice from here.

When people hear about these programs that available for free, they often think that it's just too good to be true. It's true.

I have personally used or do use all of these programs and they are free. Many of the authors of these programs believe that software should be accessible to everyone. Others request small donations, which you should give them if you use their products. By donating, you ensure that they will continue to update and share their programs with the rest of us.

Happy computing!