Freeware, Shareware & Open Source

These resources can provide a reliable (and cost saving) alternative to conventional "retail software."  Here are a few of the very best programs around for security, productivity and recreational applications.

ANTIVIRUS

• GRISOFT AVG FREE provides antivirus protection for private, non-commercial, single home computer use.  [download]

ANTISPYWARE

• LAVASOFT ADAWARE provides you with anti-adware safety, security and privacy, giving you real peace of mind.  [download]

• PEPIMK SPYBOT detects and removes a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer.  Spybot also cleans program and Web-usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer.  [download]

• WINDOWS DEFENDER is a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. It features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected and minimizes interruptions and helps you stay productive.  [download]

SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION

• PIRIFORM CCLEANER is a system optimization and privacy tool. It removes unused files from your system registry, allowing Windows to run faster.  [download]

PROGRAMS & UTILITIES

• ADOBE READER is the indispensable reader for platform-independent documents.  [download]

• FLASH PLAYER 10 is the obligatory ActiveX Control for viewing Flash enabled files.  [download]

• FTP COMMANDER is simple and easy to use ftp client. It's really the bare minimum with no extra frills or thrills. It offers a no-nonsense interface consisting of two side-by-side local computer and FTP server panels.  [download]

• KIDZUI BROWSER is a graphical Web browser designed just for kids with access to over a 800,000 kid-friendly Web sites, pictures, and videos. Real parents and teachers review content for KidZui so your kids can surf independently.  Great reporting features help you to guide your kids' Internet experience with confidence. [download]

• KLITE CODEC MEGAPACK will give you all of the codecs you need for a fully functional multimedia platform.  [download]

• PDF CREATOR allows you to create Adobe PDF documents with a "virtual printer."  [download]

• VIDEOLAN VLC PLAYER is a highly portable multimedia player for various audio and video formats (MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, mp3, ogg, ...) as well as DVDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols.  [download]

GAME DEMOS

• ALIEN SKY...You and your hyper-advanced space-fighter are the only chance to prevent an alien force from attacking. Battle formations of vicious alien enemies in this thrilling action game.  [download]

• ASTRO RAID...The fate of humanity is in your hands! The Earth is in the danger of being destroyed by a fast spreading alien virus that kills anybody it infects. The only hope is a vaccine that was developed on a remote space station by our scientists. You are now on your way back with the precious cargo on board, when you start to understand that the virus was intentionally introduced. How do you know it? Simple - it seems that everything goes wrong on your way back.  A classic Galaga-like shooter.  [download]

• SPACE TAXI...Fly your taxi around futuristic space settings picking up and delivering passengers while avoiding many hazards like falling stars, black holes, bad weather and much more.  [download]

• STAR BLAZE is a classic "shoot 'em all" side scrolling arcade game, featuring modern graphics, sound and intense gameplay.  Just sit down, start the game, choose your spaceship, give it firepower and feel the adrenaline, just like the old good times.  [download]