 |
|
The Internet and the web contain a vast array of software to improve the performance of your computer and the capabilities of your web browser. However, not everything that is available may be right for your needs or wallet; knowing what you want and where to get it is the key to a successful search for the perfect program.
Terms such as 'shareware' and 'freeware' refer to the way software is distributed, not to the programs themselves; they are really no different than what one would find at an office supply store. Instead of a going through a middleman, the software is sold directly by the creators themselves.
One advantage to using shareware or freeware is the chance to try out a program before purchasing or registering it. After the standard 30-day trial, you simply either uninstall the program or buy it from the creator.
However, the shareware concept is based on the honor system — it is left up to you to pay the creator. If you don't buy the software, you will be stuck using a demo version with limited capabilities. Buying and registering the software allows you not only use of the full version, but access to upgrades and tech support.
Freeware is just that, free software available from the creators themselves. But there may be a few strings attached; the creator of a utility program I downloaded asked that anyone using his software send him a picture postcard. You still have to register freeware, but there are no 30-day trial deadlines to worry about.
To learn more about shareware and freeware, check out the web site of the Association of Shareware Professionals, an organization dedicated to promoting "user-supported software." It has an excellent FAQ about shareware and freeware.
The best sites I've found for shareware and freeware include Download.Com and its sibling site, Shareware.Com. Both feature hundreds of thousands of programs covering everything from utilities to multimedia for PCs and Macs. There are reviews and descriptions for each program to help you determine the best one for you. Best of all, each site has search engines to help you plow through the thousands of programs.
If you are cheap like me, you might want to check out Moochers, the most complete listing of freeware available on the web. For gaming enthusiasts, nothing beats Happy Puppy, probably the best gaming site on the web. It has thousands of games ready for downloading as well as updates and reviews of current games.
Plug-ins are a whole different ball game. They are simply attachments to your browser to enhance your web-surfing experience. Plug-ins allow you to listen to audio files, watch video clips and participate in real time chat— for starters. Most plug-ins are free but if you want the deluxe version, be prepared to pay a few bucks. Before downloading a plug-in, be sure it is compatible with both your browser and operating system.
The following are plug-ins I have found to be indispensable.
RealPlayer G2 is among the most popular multimedia plug-ins on the web, and for good reason. Its most recent version allows you to watch snippets of South Park and other Comedy Central offerings and listen to radio from around the world.
Shockwave is not just for animation, though it is certainly great for that. It is capable of crystal clear audio as well. For film clips, many sites such as Miramax Cafe use Quicktime. And to read web pages in the popular Portable Document Format (PDF), Adobe Acrobat is an absolute must.
Perhaps the biggest worry about downloading anything from the web, be it shareware, freeware, or plug-ins, is viruses. Chances are slim that you would get a virus from, downloading a program, since the creators and companies that sell and distribute software check and recheck products for viruses before making them available. After all, it wouldn't be good business to sell an infected product.
To be safe though, have an anti-virus program installed on your computer. You don't want to have your fears get in the way of discovering programs that can help make your time on the computer productive and fun.
