Free Software

FREE Software is not always bad, but it is free !!
All the software on this page has been carefully selected an been tested over several weeks/months and longer,
… but please be careful and also read the instructions anyway, before downloading, installing and using.
However we cannot be held responsible, to any problems or defects with these programs, for what ever reason, as we don't have any influence on the development and future version releases.
We are currently setting up a new Software List, as we are also including Linux/Ubuntu/ZorinOS Software and Mac OSX Software, besides Windows Software.
Please give us some Feedback, if you like, we always like to hear from you.

Selected FREE Software (Freeware)


Operating Systems:

- Search the Internet for Free Operating Systems

Anti-Virus Software:

Office Tools:

Office Software: (OpenSource Software - widely MS Office compatible, especially LibreOffice)

- Also see Office Suite Overview for more details and a Chart of Derivatives.

Extensions and Add-Ins available for extra features (usable in OpenOffice.org, LibreOffice and OxygenOffice Pro)

Text Editing / Programming & Coding Tools:

File Format Converters:

  • FreeOCR — Not the very best, but an usable OCR program never the less - and it is FREE after all!
    Also try the new FreeOCR Version 4.xDirect Download !
  • doPDF is a PRINTER DRIVER, to convert any printable output into PDF format and save the resulting file on your Hard disc Drive for later use or eMailing. The advantages of this is that by printing to this PRINTER DRIVER, you can also include non standard Type Fonts, which the receiver does not have and it will ensure that the document looks like you set it up.
    * (PDF stands for Portable Document Format. When including the Fonts it will be displayed the same way on any device.)

Graphics / Photo Editing Software:

  • IrfanView (FREE for private use!) - The ideal tool to edit & enhance your pictures, convert and create Slide Shows, Burn to CD/DVD and upload to the Internet in HTML format and more, conversions and file renaming numbering, inclusive Batch Processing. It is worth getting used to this great tool, even tough it might take some time getting used to it !!

- Please don't forget to also download and install the Add-Ins for even more features.

Portable Document Format (PDF) Reader:

Internet Tools:

Browsers:

Add-Ons to customize Browsers:

Firefox Add-Ons

  • NoScript Script Blocker !! - The best security you can get in a web browser! Allow active content to run only from sites you trust, and protect yourself against XSS and Clickjacking attacks.
  • Dictionaries & Language Packs - Dictionaries are needed for the Spelling Checker and Language Packs will enable your browser to use another Language in its Menu
  • Wikidot Toolbar Button - Add-Ons for Firefox and Opera. - A must for all Wikidot.com Users !!!
  • Saved Password Editor is a Firefox extension
  • Tab Counter — A simple extension that counts the number of open tabs per window and displays the count in the toolbar
  • Tab Mix Plus — And excellent Tab Manager, customisable !!
    • My Tab Mix Plus setup file, so you can set it up easily. You can always change the settings, however I have streamlined these to work best for me.
      You can click to view, or right-click and Save Link as, to download it and save it for installation (importing) to your Tab Mix Plus add-on.
  • FEBE (Firefox Environment Backup Extension) allows you to quickly and easily backup your Firefox extensions. In fact, it goes beyond just backing up — It will actually rebuild your extensions individually into installable .xpi files.
  • CLEO (Compact Library Extension Organizer) is a Firefox extension that works with FEBE* to package any number of extensions/themes into a single, installable .xpi file.
  • OPIE Import/Export extension preferences — OPIE (Ordered Preference Import/Export) is a Firefox extension that allows you to import and export your installed extension preferences. This is useful when installing extensions in a new profile, or synchronizing multiple Firefox installations.]
  • Download YouTube Videos as MP4 — (No Firefox Restart needed!!)
    An extension that adds direct links to download YouTube videos as MP4 and FLV. It has a simple interface and it downloads videos directly from YouTube. The extension integrates with YouTube's interface and adds a download button below the player.
  • Basic Collection of Firefox Add-Ons for BEGINNERS, (and advanced Users). - by Peter_ZA

Opera Add-Ons

eMail Client / Software:

Downloaders:

Communication & Instant Messengers:

Other Internet Tools:

Programming Languages

Audio / Video / Multimedia Tools:

CD / DVD / BD Burning Software

Audio/CD Ripper:

  • CDex - customisable CD Ripper, Quality (bitrate), Output Formats (MP3, WAV, OGG, etc.), many Title Options possible

Audio Recording, Editing and Converting Tools:

  • Audacity - Audacity® is free, open source, cross-platform software for recording and editing sounds. An interesting tool than has quite a lot of features, inclusive of multi-track recordings. Edit OGG Vorbis, MP3, WAV or AIFF sound files.
    • Please also download the additional (free) LAME Codec, if you want to work with MP3 compatible files.

MP3 Editing and Cutting Tools:

  • mp3DirectCut - A fast, non-destructive and lossless MP3 cutter without any reconverting of the original MP3 file.

Screen Recorder:

  • CamStudio — Free Streaming Video Software
    CamStudio is able to record all screen and audio activity on your computer and create industry-standard AVI video files and using its built-in SWF Producer can turn those AVIs into lean, mean, bandwidth-friendly Streaming Flash videos (SWFs)

Audio / Video Players:

  • VLC (VideoLAN) - plays almost any Audio and Video file and brings along all the necessary Codecs to do that.
  • WinAMP - the good and trusted player
  • 1by1 Tired of handling playlists? - Play the contents of all your folders!

Audio / Video Conversion Software:

  • SUPER The best Audio and Video Converter I have come across - and all for FREE !! It can do more for free as others can for money !! ;-)

MIDI to MP3 Converter:

  • MIDI to MP3 Converter - Now you can convert your whole MIDI collection to MP3 and play it on a CD or DVD player and listen to it on your Hi-Fi !!!

Network Tools:

Network Setup Manager:

  • NetSetMan (FREE for private use!) Quick and easy Network Setup Tool, all in one Window/Screen !!

Network Monitor:

  • NetMeter - keeps track of your data volume (Downloads/Uploads) and keeps daily, weekly and monthly totals as well as calculated estimates for the day/month.
    Only works with Windows XP and earlier Versions, NOT with Windows Vista and Windows 7 or later !

Packers (ZIP Programs):

System Tools:

Renaming Tools:

  • Bulk Renaming Utility Change selected or all names of files and directories.. Many Options available. Totally customizable. — Please don't get frightened of the Selection Screen !!
    * Here is a Summary List of some useful SHARED Renaming Examples.

HDD Tools:

  • HDD Thermometer - Keeps tabs on your HDD's Temperature and logs it. Warnings and PC Shutdowns can also be set when it gets too hot, to protect your HDDs and valuable Data!
  • Roadkil's Unstoppable Copier — Recovers files from disks with physical damage. Allows you to copy files from disks with problems such as bad sectors, scratches or that just give errors when reading data. The program will attempt to recover every readable piece of a file and put the pieces together. Using this method most types … Can also Copy and Move files to new Drives. Supports Batch Processes.

Other System Tools:

  • The Synergy Project Free and Open Source Software that lets you easily share your mouse and keyboard between multiple computers, where each computer has its own display. No special hardware is required, all you need is a local area network. Synergy is supported on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. Redirecting the mouse and keyboard is as simple as moving the mouse off the edge of your screen.

Educational:

LEGO Digital Designer

Mathematics

  • Childsplay available for Windows, Linux/Ubuntu, Mac OSX

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Online Tools and Activities:

Online Video Streaming Bit-Rate Calculator:

Games (online):

  • Mühle (German) Online Board Game, originating from the 1600's, which is similar to 'Tic-Tac-Toe'

Children's Software:

  • Mühle (German) Online Board Game, originating from the 1600's, which is similar to 'Tic-Tac-Toe'


All the above Software was carefully selected and tested/used over several months - some of it for years.
The related software is to be used on your own risk and we are not to be held liable for any problems arising from the use whatsoever. Please read the instructions of the relative service/software providers.



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If you would like to add anything to THIS LIST,

please make an entry at FREE User Software