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Download this By Randy A. Salas
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com | (MCT) Where do you go to download software on the Web? Here are some great sites to bookmark when you're looking for specific applications, especially when they offer so much that can be found for free.www.download.comWhen I'm looking for a computer program, my first stop is usually the vast searchable repository at CNET's Download.com. Virtually anything you might need can be found there, whether it's a demo, shareware or freeware. Demo or evaluation versions work for a trial period or have some functions disabled until you pay for the program -- try before you buy. Shareware is fully functional but has a suggested price that you're asked to pay to the developer if you find the program useful. If you want only free programs, you can search just for them using the site's advanced-search function, which also can return results for specific operating systems, Macs and other options. Comments and reviews by CNET editors and users can help winnow your choices, as can ratings for the most popular downloads.Sure bet: Lavasoft's Ad Aware SE Personal Edition 1.06 (www.startribune.com/a2485; click on "Download Now") is a powerful, free program that roots out spyware on your PC and eradicates it. Such software is a must for anyone who surfs the Web. www.pure-mac.comWhile Download.com does house Mac programs, Pure Mac (be sure to use the hyphen in the URL) specializes just in software for Apple computers. Online for more than 10 years, the no-frills site has a fully searchable directory that is broken down into dozens of categories. Each week, the site announces its Pure Picks (www.pure-mac.com/purepicks.html), two noteworthy programs that are worth downloading.Sure bet: Gimpshop 2.2.11 (www.startribune .com/a2486) is a completely free, open-source image-editing program that mimics all the features of Adobe Photoshop except the latter application's high price tag.www.oldapps.comMany people continually upgrade to the latest versions of their favorite software. OldApps is aimed at those looking to downgrade. Why? Sometimes users install a new program only to find that they don't like it. Unfortunately, developers don't always make old versions of the software available. OldApps archives nearly 2,500 previous versions of about 180 PC programs and about 330 old versions of 25 Mac applications. They're all free, but some are trial versions with no clear direction on how to register a program that's no longer supported by its maker. Sure bet: Disenchantment with iTunes 7 by iPod users, especially those who report compatibility issues with older models, has made the previous version, iTunes 6.0.5 (www.oldapps.com/itunes.htm), the most popular download at OldApps.www.giveawayoftheday.comEach day, Giveaway of the Day makes available for free a PC program that otherwise would cost users to download. The catch? The program must be downloaded, installed and activated through the site during the 24-hour period in which it's offered. After that, it goes back to its normal price. Sure bet: There is none, because you never know what you'll get on a given day -- a throwaway screen saver, an also-ran CD ripper or a powerful $200 program to convert PowerPoint presentations into Flash movies. That's why it's wise to bookmark the site and check it regularly. Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes what many in in the media and Washington consider "must-reading". Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.
Randy A. Salas is a columnist for the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Do you have a favorite Web site or a question about how to find something on the Internet? Send a note by clicking here.
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