This month’s article deals with free software I have personally tested and can vouch for. Money is tight these days and these packages will allow you to achieve the same results as commercial packages costing hundreds of euros.
The caveat is that you should only download these packages from the links listed in this article.
Cautionary Tale On Downloading From Non Verified Internet Sites
I’ve come across a good few cases recently of people being stung for 20 euro by a software tool call Freerecorder. This application enables you to record music video from the internet but includes a scam where it gives you a chance to win an iphone. It also secretly embeds itself inside your browser and creates fake links on pages you visit. If you click on one of the links up pops the chance to win the iphone. Clicking on this link they ask for your mobile phone number to send the entry code and if you enter your mobile you will be stung for around 20 euro in sms texts per week until you send stop which will cost you 70 cent. The scam is currently perfectly legal under our very, very weak technology laws.
Alternative To Microsoft Office
Featuring 90% of the power of Microsoft office and available for free Open Office is an excellent package. If you have used Microsoft office you will have no trouble mastering it as the interface is very similar. Developed and supported by Sun computer systems I highly recommend this product. It can read and write office files, some conversion is necessary, and is quite fast. Sun asks for a donation and if you use it then send them a few bob. Download ONLY from http://www.openoffice.org / as there are numerous scam sites falsely claiming you can download from them.
Logmein Free
This handy application lets you access your computer from anywhere in the world for free. If you are out and about or away and need to get on your machine this application will allow you to connect and view your pc as if you were sitting in front of it. The professional version lets you transfer files between your pc and the remote location but in most cases people don’t need this feature. Download from http://www.logmein.com
Escan Anti-Virus
This is top class anti-virus software that beats the competition hands down and won’t slow your computer to a crawl. Forget the so called “free” anti-virus programs and download a professional solution that will protect your system. You will need to uninstall any existing anti-virus you have before trying it. Download from www.reidyonline.com/escan.htm Full step by step instructions on downloading are provided as well as video tutorials on how to quickly get the software working for you.
