FREE SOFTWARE

There is a lot of free or 'shareware' software available but you have to know where to find it. If you are looking for something that is not listed, please email mmcc@ctcmm.net.

You can also use your search engine of choice to try and find what you want!

GParted

A hard disk is usually subdivided into one or more partitions. These partitions are normally not re-sizable (making one larger and the adjacent one smaller) The purpose of GParted is to allow the individual to take a hard disk and change the partition organization therein, while preserving the partition contents. More details and download here.

7-Zip

7-Zip is a free file archiver with a high compression ratio. More details and download here.

Free PDF Creator - PrimoPDF

Convert to PDF from any application by simply 'printing' to the PrimoPDF^® printer - it couldn't be easier! Within minutes, you can create high-quality PDFs by converting from Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtually any other printable file type.
A great substitute for the high cost Adobe Acrobat Professional if you don't need all the 'bells and whistles'. More details here where you can also download this program - about 14MB.

GoodSync

GoodSync is a file and folder bi-directional synchronization program. It uses innovative synchronization algorithms to synchronize your data between desktop PCs, laptops, USB drives and more. It has an easy-to-use interface.

After the first run, only folders or files that have been changed or added are synchronized, which greatly speeds up the process.

It is free for 'reasonable' home use, currently about 20,000 files per 30-day period. For heavier use, a Pro version is available for only US$ 19.95.

More details here where you can also download the program.

Roboform

Roboform is a top-rated Password Manager and Web Form Filler that completely automates password entering and form filling securely. Free for limited home use and you can also purchase the Pro version for US$ 29.95.

More details here.

DriveImageXML

DriveImage XML is an easy to use and reliable program for imaging and backing up partitions and logical drives.

The program allows you to:

You can create safe "hot images" even from drives currently in use and restore images to drives without having to reboot.

More details here where you can also download the program.

DVD Shrink:

An essential tool if you want to make back up copies of your DVDs and the size exceeds that of your DVD recording blank. You can download DVD Shrink freeware here. There is a guide for using DVD Shrink here.

DVD Decrypter:

You received a present from overseas of a DVD movie and it won’t play on your lounge room DVD player because the Region Code is locked? Or you want to make a back up copy of your DVD movie so the kids don't wreck the original - but there is a security block? Try using this free software to solve the problem and then use DVD Shrink to burn it. You can download DVD Decrypter here.

VoIP:

It can be free but not always. If the term is unfamiliar to you at present, we reckon you will soon have heard all about it. It stands for "Voice over Internet Protocol" and enables you to make free or low cost phone calls while you are connected to the Internet on ISDN or Broadband.

To try it out, all you need is sound on your computer and a headset with microphone, preferably 'noise cancelling'. You can then use Skype, recently acquired by eBay, details here, or MSN Messenger. This is free to anywhere in the world, provided the person you are calling also has registered with Skype or MSN Messenger and has the software installed.

In both cases, if you have a Web Cam and have sufficient bandwidth you can see each other as well as talk

To call a landline phone, you need to subscribe to a VSP (Voice Service Provider) or make a payment to Skype. We use PennyTel and MyNetFone but there are many others to choose from in spite of the fact that this technology is in its 'early adopters' stage.You can use and select more than one VSP to get the lowest cost calls.

Typically, call costs are 10c untimed to anywhere in Australia or, alternatively, a membership fee of $5 - $10 per month and thereafter 1c per minute. Costs to mobiles and overseas are also low but vary...you have to work out what suits your call pattern best.

If you want to use a 'regular' phone handset for convenience (cordless work well), you will need to purchase an ATA (Analogue Phone Adapter) to achieve this. There are good 'package' deals around but beware of those that lock you in to the one VSP.

AVG Antivirus Free Edition :

Antivirus program for use at no charge on a single home computer available from Grisoft here.

Avast! 4 Home Edition:

A full-featured antivirus package designed exclusively for home users, non-commercial users. Both conditions should be met! Avast offers Home Edition free of charge, since in their opinion, it is possible to avoid global virus spreading by efficient prevention; however, many users are not able or do not want to pay for antivirus software. You can download it here.

AntiVir Personal Edition:

Also free for home use and can be downloaded here.

Firewalls:

If you have DSL or a cable modem, your IP address is permanent. Although this has benefits, it also carries the serious shortcoming of rendering your PC vulnerable to attacks. A firewall becomes not just desirable but much more important. The basic version of ZoneAlarm is free for personal use and can be downloaded from here.

If you are using Windows XP you should have installed Service Pack 2 by now, which has an integrated Firewall.

Microsoft Windows Defender:

Windows Defender is a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. It is now included in the Vista OS. You can download the program here.

 Ad-aware:

This free product has the ability to comprehensively scan your memory, registry, hard, removable and optical drives for known datamining, aggressive advertising, and tracking components. It provides the user with the confidence to surf the Internet knowing that their privacy will remain intact and is available for download here.

Spybot - Search & Destroy:

Another application that scans for spyware, adware, hijackers and other malicious software. Available for free download here.

This is an easy-to-use download manager from Fresh Devices for speeding up the downloading of larger files from the Internet. This software is free, no charges, no banners, no spyware and the program can be downloaded here, plus some other free utilities.

Gadwin PrintScreen:

This is a very useful program for capturing selective screenshots, that is just the part of your screen that is relevant. It is free and you can download it here.

FastStone Capture

Another very useful program for capturing selective screenshots, with some additional features that can be handy. Originally free but there is now a charge for the new version. More details here.

ShieldsUp! Security Check:

This is a free Internet security checkup and information service made available by Gibson Research. You can check how good your computer’s security is here.

IrfanView:

IrfanView is a very fast, small, compact and innovative graphic viewer. It works with a wide range of images in different format and has useful editing and presentation tools. It is free for non-commercial use. You can download it and a wide range of plug-ins here.

Picasa:

A free software download from Google. Picasa is software that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures and sorts them into visual albums.

Picasa also makes advanced editing simple by putting one-click fixes and powerful effects at your fingertips. And Picasa makes it a snap to share your pictures – you can email, print photos home, make gift CDs, and even post pictures on your own blog.

You can download Picasa here.

Photo Story 3

This Microsoft program is a FREE download allowing you to easily create slide shows, add music, etc. Even if you already have more powerful programs, this can be a useful addition. Quick and easy to use, it can be downloaded here.

Adobe Acrobat Reader:

If you don't have this installed, you should have. You can download a free copy from here.

WinZip:

Another essential compression tool and a trial version can be downloaded here.

DriverGuide.com:

If you can’t find the driver you need at the web site of the manufacturer of your equipment or device, this can probably help you. Especially useful to find drivers of older devices. Go here .

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