What's the Best Freeware?

Thu Feb-17-2005

There are a lot of places where you can get freeware on the web. Some of them use confusing language, such as "Free Download", which doesn't necessarily mean that the program is freeware. Usually, it means there's no charge for downloading, but after a period of use, the program will follow the shareware model and require payment of some kind for continued full functionality.

Other sites can be simple traps for the unwary. Their object is to lure you to the site in order to implant a trojan or a virus on your machine, or, in the case of banking scams, to relieve you of your money.

For reasons like these, I've found that it's best to identify reliable sources and follow their freeware recommendations. OK, it's a bit cowardly, perhaps, to let other people stick their toes in the water first, but with such severe consequences for the inexperienced, it just seems safer generally.

In some cases, the only way you can get freeware recommendations from a site is to sign up for the site's newsletter, which is usually free, or very inexpensive, considering the valuable advice they offer. You can filter incoming newsletters in your email client so that instead of cluttering your inbox, they're transferred immediately to a "Newsletter" folder for your later perusal.

Newsletters run the gamut from newbie to techie, and life is pretty short, so choose carefully. Don't sign up for something you can't unsubscribe from easily. Here's an older but still valid list that identifies some of the best ones to start.

Here are some reliable lists of Best Freeware to get you started:

Pricelessware: A list compiled by the readers and members of the Usenet group alt.comp.freeware
The 16 Best-ever Freeware Utilities chosen by TechSupportAlert
OnlyTheBestFreeware : a non-redundant list of freeware utilities
Nonags.com : freeware listed here does not nag you for registration.
The Free Site : more than just utilities stuff here.

Use the search boxes on these sites to make finding good stuff easier.