I use freeware every day. All my computer security needs are handled by freeware. I use freeware for creating and maintaining MP3s. I use it for text editing, editing pictures, programming, and just for fun. To help out those authors, here is a list of their programs with links. I don't claim that these are the best or the newest in their category, but I have found them adequate for my uses. Unfortunately, some consider "adequate" a perjorative term, but I personally think that more software should strive to be adequate rather than the biggest with the most features -- features that I will probably never use. For even more freeware, I suggest starting at KidsFreeware or Pricelessware. Of course, I also use some commercial software. Choose what best fits your needs and budget.
AVG AntiVirus Free Edition: Scans files and emails. Always running. Free and frequent updates.
Sygate Personal Firewall: Always running. Unlike the firewall included by Microsoft with WinXP, this firewall controls also the outgoing messages. Very useful if a virus attempts to hijack your computer. Unfortunately, Symantec acquired Sygate in November, 2005 and discontinued the program! Still available from Simtel.
Ad-Aware Personal: Detects Spyware, Trojans, Hijackers, and other malware. I run this a couple of times a month. Frequent updates.
Spybot: Similar to AdAware. I run both in case one catches something the other missed. Frequent updates.
Spamihilator: In the good, old days, I posted my email address on this website in text form. Perhaps because of that, I get dozens of spam messages a day. This program works with Outlook Express to filter out most of the spam. Requires some knowledge and dedication to use properly. I also like K9. I believe K9 makes better use of Bayes filtering, but K9 doesn't have the other filters that Spamihilator has.
Firefox: An alternative to Internet Explorer. Opens multiple sites with tabs, popup blocker, user contributed add-ons.
StumbleUpon: An add-on to internet browsers. Tell Stumble! your interests, and it will take you to user recommended sites. Great fun.
MP3Tag: Edits tags in media files. I use it to help organize Podcasts from NPR, etc.
Exact Audio Copy: Used to convert CD songs into MP3 files.
Crimson Editor: A source code editor that provides keyword highlighting. I use it to edit web pages.
IrfanView: Very powerful image editor. I use it for resizing, and to convert from one format to another.
MWSnap: The program I used to make my screen captures.
Rename Master: I use it to rename all my digital photos.
JAlbum: Creates a photo album for viewing with an internet browser. Many themes available.
