The Old Codger's Free Software Guide

Most everyone that The Old Codger knows is cheap - though probably not quite a cheap as he is.  One thing he hates to do is spend money on software.  So, he is always looking for good programs that are free.  To get The Old Codger's interest in free software - it must have no hidden costs, contain no spy ware, and if it can't be avoided, minimal advertisements.  The following are The Old Codger's picks. 

Download Accelerator:  This is a good tool to have - especially if you have to download anything from the Internet.  This little program speeds up the downloads considerably.  It is the first program you should consider getting if you want to download any of the other programs that are listed here. 

Not all downloads will work with this program.  The vast majority of them will though, so it is invaluable to have.  The program comes with default settings for Internet Explorer.  If you use Firefox, you will need to go to Tools and then click on Configuration Wizard to configure the program for Firefox. 

One nice aspect of this program is that it will warn you if you are downloading something that is suspicious or from a site that is suspicious.  When you see the warning, simply cancel the download and you won't have any problems.

The program comes with an added bonus - a file shredder for smaller files.  This program will remove all evidence of a file from your computer.  There is another free program that will do the same thing here.

Downloading is simple, but pay attention when downloading it.  They of course want you to purchase the commercial program.

Get Download Accelerator Plus.

Firefox Internet Browser:  In The Old Codger's Opinion, Firefox is much better than Internet Explorer.  If nothing else, is is more secure.  There isn't a learning curve to use the program so be brave and try it.  It is easy to import all of your Bookmarks from IE.  If you don't like it - then take it off from your computer.  Don't miss the add on programs that are available! Of course, the program is 100% free - and updates frequently.   

Download Mozilla FireFox.

A Nice E-mail Client:  OK.  The Old Codger hates most everything that is associated with Microsoft.  Outlook and Outlook Express are two programs that easily fit into that category.  Give a look at IncrediMail.  The basic program is free,  It does carry some advertising - but it is for the paid version of the client.  The advertising is un-obtrusive and isn't a major distraction.  There are a lot of free ad ons to the program as well such as backgrounds, emoticons and e-cards,  The Old Codger finds this program to be much more user friendly than the Microsoft products and even Thunderbird.  Check out IncrediMail.

Virus Protection:  There are a lot of free virus protection programs available.  Picking the right one is always a problem.  The Old Codger recommends (and uses of course) Avast, which comes from a Czech Republic company.  It is free for non-commercial use.  No ads or anything else.  It updates daily as often as necessary.  As soon as a new virus is discovered and a fix for it exists, Avast will automatically download it to your computer.  This is accomplished by Avast periodically checking the website for both virus and program updates.  In The Old Codger's opinion, this program is much better than Norton or any of the other commercial products available. 

Program activation of the program is required, which is done over the Internet.  All that is required is your e-mail address.  Avast will not send you any e-mails or anything like that - unless you request them.  Registration is good for one year, and then you must re-register again.

Get Avast Virus Protection

File Shredder:  Whenever you delete a program or a file, there remains residual information about the file on your computer which can be reconstructed by someone experienced in computer forensics.  Shredding a file means that it cannot be recovered.  Just because you shred a file does not mean that you are paranoid or have something to hide.  It just makes good sense. 

A file shredding program will write binary codes over the information that is being deleted which means that the file path and information are removed.  The more passes that are made over a file with the binary codes being written, the harder it will be for a file to be recovered.  By writing over a file when you delete it or erase it,  you are actually doing some hard disk maintenance at the same time.  Deleting a file using the Delete button removes just the first section of the file which means that the information is still on your disk.  Shredding the file means that the space can be written over again easily and quickly, thus meaning that you do not have to run your disk defragmenter as often. 

This program works without any problems with Windows XP, Service Pack 1 or 2, even though the web site for the program does not state that.  Whether it will work with Vista is unknown, but the presumption is that it would.  If it doesn't, it is doubtful that it will adversely affect Vista, the program will most likely simply tell you that it is not supported by the operating system.  So, with Vista, use at your own risk. 

There is a newer version that has been released by someone that took over the program from the original programmer, but The Old Codger has not tested it out yet. 

Download the Old Version here
Download the New (Untested) Version here

Encrypt Your Data:  This is another security tool that can be invaluable - especially on shared computers.  This program will encrypt your data so that no one else can see your files.  For the average computer user, it will not make the data completely secure, but it will certainly make it extremely hard for the average person to see your files. 

Again, using this program does not mean that you are paranoid or have something to hide.  It just gives you peace of mind knowing that the average person can not read your personal files.

Download Axcrypt here

Hide your files:  This is another security program, of sorts.  What this program does is hide files that you specify. That means that the average person, looking at your computer will not know that those files exist.  Originally, this program was free - but now they are offering only a 30 day free trial and then you can purchase for around $45. 

The original free version allows you to lock only 5 folders.  It also has a nag screen that is slow to leave your screen - about 15 seconds or so - when you exit the program.  It works very effectively.  The newer program has a few bells and whistles that this program doesn't have, but with the other free programs that are available, you don't really need them. 

Download the free version here  This is coming off from The Old Codger's Server.  Virus free, guaranteed.  2 mg download
Download the newer version here

Registry Cleaner:  This is both a security type program and also a computer maintenance program.  What the program does is securely remove (7 pass over write of data) internet history, cookies, temporary files, etc. from your computer.  It can run on demand, or each time that you start your computer.  The Old Codger does not recommend having the program run every time that you start your computer, unless you use a program like Start Delay.  All in all, this is a good little utility to have to perform quick maintenance of your computer and quickly and securely erase files.

Download CC Cleaner here

Picture Viewer and More:  IfranView is a comprehensive picture viewing program that can do many different things quickly and easily.  For simple picture manipulation tasks, this is much faster than PhotoShop or any other imaging program.  Over the years, a number of perfections have been made to the program.  You can get a screenshot of the current program and a description here.

On some things, The Old Codger resists change.  After installing one of the updates, it was soon deleted in favor of the original one that The Old Codger had.  It was just a matter of personal preference.  No matter what program you decide to try, if you take digital photos, this is a slick, quick and easy to use program. 

The latest version has some plug ins that can be downloaded as well.  The Old Codger has not tried the new program or the plug ins, so do so with care.  When he tries it, he will give an update...

Download The Old Codger's Favorite Version - Version 3.30
Download the Latest Version 4.10

Dictionary:  This has been the most popular software program that The Old Codger has shared with others.  This is a free dictionary (English) which supports some British and Australian English as well.  The program can sit on your desk top and be accessed quickly.  No internet connection is needed.  Gives quick, comprehensive definitions of words.  The program was first reviewed in End of Month Ramblings (November 2007).

Download Sage Dictionary Here   

Reviews of Free Software:  The Old Codger checks out Freeware Genius on a regular basis.  A great compilation of free software and reviews.

Another Good Resource:  Check out  Make Use Of.Com.  Another resource for free software and free Internet Services.  Subscribe to their daily e-mail list.  Info for both PC and Mac.                   

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