By Bruce A. Love
Good software can be very expensive. However, if you check reputable sources for worthwhile free software, you can get some real bargains. With gasoline approaching $4/gallon, it feels good to download these gems without having to drive anywhere to get them!
It has been a while since I’ve written about the importance of protecting your computer against viruses, spyware, and other malware (malicious files or programs that are designed specifically to damage or disrupt a system). One cannot overstress the importance of having defenses against these unwanted intruders. For years now, I have used a combination of programs, system components, and good web surfing practices to block attacks from these demons. Amazingly, the software I rely on most is free!
According to their Web site, AVG anti-virus products are used by over 70 million people. The free version (at http://free.grisoft.com) is what most of us use to find and kill computer viruses. Viruses are computer programs that can copy themselves and infect computers without the permission or knowledge of the user. Various programs are available that will eradicate viruses, but I have never been sorry for switching to AVG-Free from fee-based McAfee and Norton. Of course, AVG also has a souped-up version that they recommend for $55/year, but the free version is fantastic, and will probably suit your needs.
“Spybot Search and Destroy” is another free product I use that specifically targets spyware and adware. These programs often try to enter your computer through hyperlinks that users are tricked into clicking on disreputable websites. Spyware can collect various types of personal information, and can also interfere with PC performance and user control of the computer. Visit the Spybot Web site, click the Download link at the top of the page, and find the latest version of Spybot Search and Destroy to download. When you run this program, it’s fun and gratifying to see it locate and destroy it’s prey.
Piriform, Ltd produces several good (and free) programs. Although your PC already has a utility to defragment your hard drive, Defraggler gives you more control of the defragmentation process, which optimizes disk space. CCleaner, also by Piriform, is a freeware system optimization and privacy tool. It quickly removes unused files from your system. This allows Windows to run faster and frees up valuable hard disk space.
One more program that is getting great reviews from a lot of trusted sources is GIMP. Use GIMP (the GNU Image Manipulation Program) for such tasks as photo retouching and image composition. Many compare this program to Adobe Photoshop, whose various versions run anywhere from $100 - $1,000. My daughter, who has used Photoshop, wasn’t as impressed with this software as many reviewers, but considering the price tag you may want to give it a try. Caution: this program is not for beginners.
Free programs can be a bargain, but make sure the program has a good reputation and that you are downloading them from legitimate sources. Programs described in PC Magazine or discussed by Kim Komando (www.kimando.com) have been tested and approved by experts in the field. Most of the free programs discussed in today’s column also can be downloaded from FileHippo.
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