If you are like any conscientious Christian, cost is always a factor to be considered when acquiring new software. Listed below are what I consider to be the best free downloads of the year for 2007.
- Gimp-is an open source program that does the same thing as Photoshop ... minus the cost. The learning curve is a bit steeper but well worth it. I am not a professional photographer and not ready to shell out the cabbage for it. There is an extensive support structure and lots of free tutorials and manuals. GimpTalk, GimpGuru, Gimp User Group and Gimp Tutorials all offer free tutorials and brushes.
- Open Office-is a free alternative to Microsoft Office 2007. Like Gimp it does the exact same thing as MS Office 2007 minus the cost. Here too there is a learning curve.
- Open Song-is free state of the art projection software. It includes many free extras. I have around 250 songs formatted with more on the way. I also have 8 Bible translations installed. It also has a built in transposer. Perfect for the musician on the go !
- Audacity and Kristal Audio Engine are both wonderful free computer mixing/recording facilities. Both are easy to use however, Kristal has that "Studio Look and Feel"
- The next two freebies work together and are excellent tools if you are an egghead like myself. I like my system to start up quickly and I want to know whats running at all times. AutoRuns and Process Explorer are both made by SysInternals which is now owned by Microsoft. They may or may not remain free. Process Explorer is an in-depth version of Windows' Task Manager. Autoruns lists EVERY program that is on Windows.You are able to select exactly what starts with Windows. Use caution when altering things with this program !
- Avast-is free for personal use Antivirus software. It updates the virus database on a daily basis.
- Comodo Firewall Pro-is just what it's name states ... Free professional Firewall software. It's easy to configure, whether novice or power user.
- FileZilla-is the best darn FTP client around. Enuf said !
- I saved the best for last. PortableApps is an absolute must for the person on the go who cannot justify buying a laptop. I personally use a 2 gig flash drive which I reformatted from FAT to FAT 32. I have the PortableApps Suite installed. Here's what I carry around on the drive. 7Zip, Audacity, Filezilla, Firefox, Kristal, Open Song, Open Office, Gimp, Miranda IM and VLC Media player. After you install the Suite you can delete any unwanted program by deleting the particular folder from the drive.
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