Useful Software Tools You Can Download

I love free stuff, don't you? And whenever possible if I can find free - or low-priced software I jump on it. Not all free software is worth the risk of downloading, but occasionally there are some winners. I would like to share my free software choices. This is software to die for and that I cannot live without.

Google anything. I love Google and not because it is free. They keep pushing technology; an example is the Google desktop and sidebar. When I am at work and things slow down, the scrolling sidebar keeps me updated with the weather report and news briefs. It captures the last blogs I visited and alerts me to messages in Gmail. Google Search helps you find lost files. Oh right - you never lost a file in your computer? I created the file yesterday (for example) and don't remember where I filed it. Desktop will search your computer to find the file. You can add additional desktop gadgets like a bright antiquish clock, a calculator, calendar and music player. Do you want to play the game "Smarter than a 5^th grader?" You can add it to the sidebar.

The Weather Channel. At the bottom of the status bar in the corner sits the temperature and when it chirps and flashes red, it alerts me to severe weather conditions and changing conditions such as a steep drop in temperature.

My Folder Pro. Windows comes populated with yellow folders throughout the directory and the desktop. Since all the folders look the same it can happen that you open the wrong folder. Tired of that yellow folder? How about a tangerine color? Or a dark blue folder? My Folder Pro changes the colors of the folder.

Cam Unzip. You have a large folder with several files to unzip, but that brand name unzip/extractor software charges money after the 30 day evaluation. What do you do? Get Cam Unzip. It does the same function and it is free forever.

Front Page 2003 Web page designer. Yes, I know it cost money, but it is meager compared to that larger brand name web page designer, and this one is easier to use. You practically do not need to know HTML code. Just choose a template from its large library, type the content and insert images. Much friendlier to use for a novice.

NVU is a web page designer too, but you should know HTML code to use it. The screen interface is friendly.

Foxit PDF and Adobe Reader 8. I have both readers on my computer. One is not better than the other, but there were times when Office and Adobe conflicted and caused debug code errors. I never get those errors using Foxit PDF.

Trillian is my instant message lifesaver. Trillian allows me to chat with Yahoo, AIM and MSN buddies. No need to download those programs separately to chat with friends because Trillian alerts me when they are online whether they use Yahoo, AIM or MSN.

You can find and access free software with the keyword search, "free download" "free software" or go to the manufacturer's web site.