in this issue...

  Great FREE Stuff!

One of the very best features of the Web is that you can actually get something for nothing.  Free programs abound on the Internet and are yours for the downloading.  Of course, most of them aren't even worth the price and many are wolves in sheep's clothing waiting to pounce on your PC.  But in amongst the bad there are some good - and even great - programs that really are free.  Here are just a few:
 

_______________________________________________

 
  NetMeeting

NetMeeting is a video conferencing program that lets you talk with and see others over the Internet.  Think: Instant Messaging with the addition of audio and video.  NetMeeting is not only free, but it actually comes with most versions of Windows and you probably already have it on your PC (click: Start | Programs | Accessories | Communications).  You'll still need a webcam -- a small, fairly inexpensive video camera -- on each PC so you can see each other, and having a broadband connection at both ends of the conversation is a must.  But once it's up and running, you can chat with others and actually see who you're talking to.   Of course, that means you'll have to change out of your jammies before sitting down at the computer.  Well, the tops at least.
 
In yet another quirk of Microsoft's newest operating system, NetMeeting is not included with Windows Vista.  However, similar programs are available for free.  For example, newer versions of AOL's Instant Messenger (AIM) have video capabilities.  Although that program doesn't come with Windows, if you have teenagers, you almost certainly have it on your PC.  It's one of the three things they can't live without (along with a cell phone and an MP3 player).  It too is a free download and you can get it at http://www.aim.com .
 

_______________________________________________

Trillian (Basic)
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,8308-order,1-page,1-c,instantmessaging/description.html

And speaking of IM'ing, if you'd like to convince the kids that you're really with it (even if you're not sure what "it" is), here's how:

AIM is not the only instant messaging program out there.  Yahoo! has one; MSN has one; and ICQ, the grand daddy of them all, is still around (just to name a few).  Traditionally, you had to have an separate account and "screen name" with each service and you had to log in to each one using its own software.  But no more.  One program - Trillian - can connect to all of them simultaneously with a single click.  It's pretty cool and it might even make your kids think you are too.

OK, maybe not.  ;-)

_______________________________________________

Mozilla Thunderbird
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/thunderbird/

Outlook Express users now have an excellent alternative for sending and receiving e-mail.  Mozilla - makers of the top-notch web browser Firefox (see below) - designed this straightforward, highly functional e-mail client.  Setup is easy and it can even import settings and previous mail from most other e-mail programs.

And if that's not enough, T-Bird has a built-in spam filter (also free) that's nearly as good as the commercial programs.
 

_______________________________________________

A Few Words to the Wise

A vast store of free and nearly free software is available on the Internet.  However, we strongly advise using all due caution before trying any new programs.  Check each one out thoroughly before downloading it.  Google it. Find the name of the company that makes it and check with the Better Business Bureau or with sites like ePinions where users write their own reviews on anything and everything (hey, that's another good freebie!).  Or just give us a call and we'll be glad to steer you in the right direction.

Remember that the Internet is a frontier and not everyone will tell you the truth (but we will! ;-) .
 

_______________________________________________

OpenOffice
http://www.openoffice.org/

OpenOffice, from Sun Microsystems, is an outstanding, full-featured office suite - it does word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations (like Powerpoint) and more - and it's virtually100% compatible with Microsoft Office.  In other words, you can open, edit and save Word and Excel documents, and Microsoft Office users can do the same with OpenOffice files. The only functions missing from OpenOffice are bells and whistles that few people even know about, let alone need.

It's a very large download, so don't even think about it unless you have a fast Internet connection.  Installation is easy and, once done, it only takes a small tweak or two to save files in the Microsoft formats (.doc, .xls, etc.).  When you see it in action, and discover all its features, you'll think it can't possibly be free - but it is! 

If you like the idea of getting off the Microsoft merry go round, you'll love OpenOffice.
 

_______________________________________________

Mozilla Firefox
http://mozilla.com

Firefox is a Web browser like Internet Explorer, but better.  It boasts features that I.E. doesn't have and is somewhat safer from hack attacks.  And if that's not enough, it also loads pages faster.  What more could you ask of a browser?  Oh yeah, it's free!
 
Installation is easy and it even offers to import your Internet Explorer settings and your Favorites list.  Some tweaks are necessary to make it run its best, but even without them, it's a big improvement over I.E. 

It should be mentioned that some websites still don't support alternate browsers (Realtors take note:  the Multiple Listing Service has not yet awakened to the fact that popup windows are a bad thing, so Firefox - which refuses popups - cannot not used to log in to the MLS website). 

But we've used it for years here in our office, we've installed it for scores of users and its features are widely enjoyed.  This one is highly recommended.

_______________________________________________

Though it goes without saying, we'll be glad to install and configure any of the above programs right in your home or office.  Just say the word.

_______________________________________________

'Like more information on anything you read here?  Give us a call!

_______________________________________________

Happy computing!
 
Steve @ MCS