Here is a list of a bunch of free programs for Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows 2000. Most of the programs will also work on Windows 98 and ME. The list includes games, anti-virus programs, adware removal programs, backup and restore utilities, music and video media programs, and music and video production programs. There are text-to-speech programs, desktop themes, and a lot more. All programs are totally free of charge and may be downloaded directly from the Internet.
More than 2,000 companies have products listed here. The list is maintained by Microsoft. I was surprised to see that there is even a link to the Firefox web browser, the major rival to Microsoft's own Internet Explorer.
I bookmarked this one; I suggest you do the same: http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/category.aspx?bcatid=1&maxprice=0
Microsoft often pretends as if Opera does not exist, but this list does include not just Firefox, but Opera and Flock too. Well, when type in the search box, not when browse to the browser category....
Posted by: Jan Besley | August 24, 2008 at 07:12 PM
The first item in the list is Norton Antivirus 2009 Beta, and the comments all say that it is NOT free.
--Bruce
Posted by: Bruce Hamilton | August 25, 2008 at 02:44 AM
Before I send this to my twelve-year old, has anyone checked that there are no "adult content" items?
Posted by: Israel | August 25, 2008 at 03:31 AM
Even before I check out this website, I feel compelled to state first that I use Microsoft products not so much by choice as necessity, and find not just that it can be a real challenge finding utilities that will allow me to configure my computers in a way that I can take advantage of my skills, but also I must go to companies other than Microsoft to get them. However, I have learned the hard way to "inquire" about how close a relationship the company may have with Microsoft. Both McAfee and Norton used to have utilities that would allow not just the closing of a crashed program without having to shut down Windows, but even the recovery of the program. I don't know when McAfee dropped its program (Bomb Shelter) because I stopped using McAfee products when it made IE its interface for its utilities instead of simply providing, as Norton did, the dll file that Microsoft in its "ultimate wisdom" packaged as part of IE so that the programs would work with other interfaces, including Explorer. I stopped using Norton when it elimiated its program, CrashGuard, presumably because that was no longer, with the introduction of XP, and its Task Manager, any need for the same. However, Windows only offers the option of closing a crashed/frozen program, whereas both BombShelton and CrashGuard would allow recovery of a frozen program.
Posted by: Michael Pollock | August 25, 2008 at 10:34 AM
I suppose the Latin "caveat emptor" doesn't apply to freeware, since no buyer is involved. But perhaps "there's no such thing as a free lunch" does. While most of the software listed is indeed free of charge, there may be some that contain adware or spyware.
I recommend you check them, just to be safe.
Happy Dae.
http://www.ShoeStringGenealogy.com
Posted by: Dae Powell | August 25, 2008 at 11:41 AM
What would a Dick Eastman post be without Happy Day spam?
Posted by: Shue String | August 25, 2008 at 12:38 PM
I agree with you Happy Dae. Bette
Posted by: Bette | August 25, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Ever since I "upgraded" to a Vista laptop I have been using Firefox at the recommendation of my tech writer son. One of the best things I ever did. Whenever I try IE the browser freezes after a while and then the only option is to close all the open windows and restart. Never had that happen with Firefox.
Posted by: Penny | August 26, 2008 at 02:37 PM
User of Macs are always overlooked, it seems. Why? Irvine Brace, member OGS
Posted by: Irvine Brace | September 01, 2008 at 02:53 PM