Free Windows Software

7zip: Most people are familiar with file compression. Windows generally comes pre-loaded with a trial version of WinZip that repeatedly asks you to purchase the full version of the software. WinZip is capable of compressing and decompressing *.zip files, but does not work with *.rar or other common file types. 7zip compensates for both of these shortcomings. Since it is open source software, it does not nag you for anything. 7zip also handles nearly any imaginable compressed file quickly and intuitively.

Audacity: Working with audio is generally not something the average user does every day. As such, it's not really worth it to pay $40+ for a program. Audacity is an open source program that is quite capable for most audio editing tasks. One can alter *.mp3 files, record an original track, apply nifty audio effects, or even create a podcast for distribution on the web.

Avast Antivirus: Norton is a beast. I'm not going to hide my total dislike for the program. Norton is ineffective at it's primary task (protecting one's computers from dangerous code) yet it requires a large amount of system resources to do such. In my humble opinion, that makes Norton little more than a virus in and of itself; it serves very little good and sucks up far too much system resources. Oh yes, did I mention that it also is a nightmare to uninstall...once again not unlike your average neighborhood virus. Avast! offers a very cheap ($0) yet surprisingly effective alternative. It has live protection and doesn't take up too much of your systems precious power.

AVG Antivirus: Ditto the above comments. AVG has long been a favorite antivirus solution for those who'd rather not drop their hard-earned bucks into the coffers of Symantec (the makers of Norton). AVG is quite transparent and quick. Like Avast!, AVG is not truly freeware. It is a free version of AVG's corporate product. It is somewhat feature-limited, but an average user will not be affected.

Blender: I wish I could tell you that I knew how to use this program, but unfortunately, I don't. Blender is a 3D animation suite. Yes, like the programs that make Pixar movies. This program has received numerous awards for being one of the most impressive open source projects. Check out their website to see what kind of art can be created with this program.

E-Sword: Most Bible software programs cost a small fortune. This one's free. Although it doesn't contain many of the copyrighted versions of the Bible such as the NIV or the NRSV, it does contain many older translation (e.g., KJV), foreign translation, original language translations, and even the Message. It contains many helpful study tools, and the website contains countless extra resources and add-ons such as books, maps, and lexicons.

Filezilla: FTP stands for file transfer protocol. An FTP client is used to access files on a FTP file server. Using this program, it is possible to quickly move files back and forth from one computer to another (even if they are positioned across the globe from each other). While there are other FTP clients that are also free, I have the most experience with this one, and I find it to be quite simple and efficient.

FolderShare: I have found FolderShare to be one of the most useful tools in my 'kit'. FolderShare allows me to remotely access files on my computer(s), synchronize folders on 2 or more computers, and grant access of a certain folder to others. The program works on both Windows and Macintosh machines, and files can be accessed by any computer with internet access (even if FolderShare is not installed on their computer).

Guild FTPd: Whereas Filezilla allows one computer to access the files of another computer over an internet or network connection, GuildFTPd is a program that hosts the file transfers. A little knowledge is required to configure this program, but once running, it is an very useful tool.

Inkscape: There are two general types of images. First, there are raster images (e.g., *.jpg, *.png). These types of images consist of dots or pixels that combine to make up an image. Vector graphics make up the other images. Instead of pixels, these images are stored as points, lines, curves, colors, and gradients. This may seem more complex, but it's really quite simple. Take a square for instance. In a raster image, the square is actually x number of rows and x number of columns. In a vectorized square, there are simply 4 points (corners), 4 lines connecting the corners, and information dictating the color and gradient of the square's fill. If the raster square is, per se, 60 by 60 pixels, it might take up 8 kilobytes. However, if the square is 60 by 60 inches, the file size balloons to hundreds or thousands of megabytes. If we create a very similar square using vector graphics, the small image will take up exactly the same amount of file space if the image is 60 by 60 pixels or 60 by 60 miles. Vector art is fully scalable, and never pixelates. Inkscape is capable of both editing and creating vector art (commonly known as SVG or Scallable Vector Graphics). Similar programs such as adobe illustrator or corel draw can easily cost more than $400. For interest sake, nearly every one of the icons pictured on the right was originally created as a vector graphic.

iTunes: Although iTunes is not open source software, it is completely free. Made by Apple, iTunes works on both Windows and Mac. iTunes is capable of managing very large libraries of music, and is capable of streaming music over a network to other users using iTunes. iTunes is a nice balance between a attractive yet efficient and slim (fast) user interface.

Mozilla Firefox: Over 90% of all computers are shipped with Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Arguably, it is the most comonly used program in the world. Surely this must be because it is the best program in the world, right? Au Contraire! This program would be better named internet exploder. PC World calls it an "engraved invitation to hackers" and lists it among the Top 25 Worst Tech Products of All Time! The U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) took the unusual step of urging PC users to use a browser--any browser--other than IE. Why? Unfortunately I don't have the space or time of day to go into this any detail (if you'd like you could search Google for "why internet explorer sucks"), but suffice it to say, it is very very bad news for your computer. If there is anything you derive from this section of my website, let it be this:Don't Use Internet Explorer....Use Firefox!!!. Aside from being infinitely more secure, it is also much faster and more pleasurable to use! Oh, and did I mention that it was free!

Mozilla Thunderbird: Made by the same good folks who have given us Firefox, Mozilla Thunderbird offers a powerful alternative to Outlook. if you use Outlook Express, STOP! Your security is in danger. If you're willing to pay the big bucks for a full version of Outlook, go ahead. Thunderbird, however, is quite a lot easier on the pocketbook. In addition to this, I have found Thunderbird to be very full-featured (with countless availabe plugins) and much more intuitive to use than either of Microsoft's products.

nVu: There are many who fall into the following category: people who don't have lots and lots of money to spend on web design tools, don't know how to manually code HTML or CSS, and don't own a Mac. As such, finding an effective tool for creating a fun little website like that of yours truly can be quite a challenge. nVu may be the tool for you. Not only is it a WYSIWYG (What you see is what you get) editor, it's also exceptionally priced at...wait for it...zero dollars. Don't expect this tool to make web design a snap; it won't. However, it does offer a pretty good alternative to...well...nothing.

OpenOffice.org: Microsoft Office is really quite an impressive set of tools. It even works well (assuming you have a machine that's capable of running its somewhat bloated utilities). However, at $500+ for a version that actually contains most of the desired features, it's quite, shall we say, bloody flippin' expensive! OpenOffice.org (not my favorite name, I'll admit) is a gem of a program. It is pretty much the only Office suite that can hold a candle to MS Office. It contains a powerful word processor, a presentation suite (like PowerPoint), a spreadsheet program, a database creator, and a few other useful tools. Perhaps the best news is that it is completely compatible with MS Office. If you worried that your children would have to hungry for a month just so you could buy a legitimate copy of MS Office for work, fear not! Set your browser (Firefox!) to work downloading OO.o and go to Costco to buy that 45 gallon drum of ketchup that you oh-so-need!

Picasa: Google, the tech giant that we all know so well for their lickity-split quick search engine also has their finger in the software pie. Not surprisingly, they're quite good at it. One of their best offerings to date is a program that they acquired the rights to several years ago. It's called Picasa. While you can relatively easily browse images and photos by means of Window's built in file browser, it can become a slightly tedious task after a while. Picasa is somewhat similar to Apple's iPhoto in that it allows a person to quickly browse through massive amounts of pictures. Simple editing such as red eye removal and sepia are also quite simple. The program offers some oh-so-cool effects and ties in nicely with Google's Blogger and Flickr services to aid you in blogging and posting your pictures online both quickly and efficiently.

Primo PDF: Despite the current lack of an icon, PrimoPDF is a wonderful program that allows a person to easily create a PDF document in literally any program that has the ability to print. Installation is quick, and creating your PDF's is as easy as printing (since PrimoPDF actually installs as a "printer").

Shareaza: We've all heard of Kazaa (how to pronounce it is anyone's guess). Most of us have also probably heard of the spyware that is so kindly packaged with it. Thankfully, Shareaza is different. As an opensource project, it has absolutely no spyware. It is a very simple, fast, and easy-to-use program. However, still be cautious of what and how you download files from unknown peers. Once on your hard drive, it is no longer Shareaza's fault if any files ravage your computer and send all your personal information to Igor in North Siberia. This is not an antivirus.

Skype: VOIP, or Voice Over IP is a trend that is catching fire, thanks largely in part to a program/service called Skype. This program can be likened to MSN messenger on steroids. Not only can you share text messages, but you can actually converse with another person. Y'know...communicating with one's voice. Maybe I should have "likened" this program to a telephone. That might make things clearer. Like most other computer to computer communications systems, Skype is a free service! If your friends on the other side of the globe have a high-speed connection and skype installed on their computer, you can call them for free without postponing the purchase of the aforementioned ketchup (see OpenOffice.org). Also, until the end of 2006, you can place calls to landline phones anywhere in Canada or the US for free (assuming that you're calling from one of those two countries).

the GIMP: For those of you who don't know what a raster image is, read the description beside "Inkscape". For those of you who do, allow me to introduce you to a free raster image editor called the Gimp. Like Photoshop, it allows you to create and manipulate images. I'm sure I could spend a lot of time explaining this program to you, but I'm thinking you get the picture. No pun intended.

VLC: Perhaps it would be swell if there were just one super duper all-encompasing video codec that suited everybody's needs. However, such is not the case. Quite often, we stumble upon, or are sent a movie file that just won't open in Windows Media Player. Well, that's just because it sucks. However, knowing that WMP sucks solves none of your problems. However, this little application will. VLC has an odd name and a doubly odd icon. However, it is a very powerful app that is capable of playing nearly anything and everything that you throw at it (except for soccer...it's not very good at playing soccer).

Windows Defender: Thanks to Microsofts monopolistic methods, Internet Explorer was imbedded into the source code of MS Windows. As a result, the insecure browser is now an open door to an insecure operating system. Spyware and viri abound. We've already covered anti-virus software, but the spyware is still out there...spying and such. To their credit, MS has actually created a relatively decent spyware sweeper called Windows Defender. I suppose Microsoft making this sort of product is kind of like a farmer cow tracking device after brainlessly ripping the barn door from his barn, thus allowing every cow in the barn to get out. However, not everyone can buy a Mac, so while you're suffering with your Windows operating system, at least try to defend yourself against the inevitable.

XnView:The one program that I had on my windows machine that I really wish that I could have on my Mac right now is XnView. Those of you familiar with Irfanview will be quite at home with this program, and may even appreciate some of the extra features. XnView is a photo browser, organizer, batch editor, regular editor, and manager. It's very impressive and is also quite customizable. This is a great tool to have if you work with large numbers of images.