A n t i v i r u s      &      A n t i S p y w a r e

AVG Free Antivirus
LINK:  "AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition" - This is the top-rated FREE antivirus program available on the Internet.  It's easy to set up and does automatic updates every day.

Spybot Search & Destroy
LINK:  "Download Spybot-S&D" - This wonderful program has to be used MANUALLY, but it's very easy.  First, get updates.  Second, immunize to block bad websites.  Third, check for Spyware on your computer and "fix" the problems to delete it.  Check your computer often if you go to 'risky' websites.

"Audio Recorder"
LINK:  "Audio Recorder for Free" free download.  This great little program lets you record with a microphone and save in MP3 format.

LINK:  Setup Instructions DOC
                                            Written by Tom   (These open in a new tab or window.)
LINK:  Setup Instructions PDF

Retriever          HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
LINK:  "Retriever" - If you have a laptop computer, DOWNLOAD AND USE THIS GREAT PROGRAM!  It's free for one laptop, then costs only $15 for a second one.  If your computer is lost or stolen, just log in to the company's website, www.frontdoorsoftware.com, report the laptop as stolen, and the next time the thief connects to the Internet, the computer will be locked remotely, and they will see your name and contact information on the screen.  Also, you'll get an email with a Google map showing WHERE your computer is anywhere in the world.  The program is from Evergreen, Colorado.

OpenOffice   (free program like Microsoft Office!)
LINK:  "Open Office 2.4" - This is a free program that looks almost the same as Microsoft Office.  It comes with a word processor, a spreadsheet program, a presentations program like PowerPoint, and more - all free, all very good quality!  This program can open all your Word, Excel and PowerPoint files!

You can download it from the Internet, but be prepared: it takes a while even on a FAST connection.  You can borrow a copy on CD from Spring and install it on your computer - ask Tom.  The official website is www.openoffice.org.

Note:  New version 3.0 is in beta testing.  You can download it now, but it may not work perfectly.

---

Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats
LINK:  "FileFormatConverter.exe" - This program lets Microsoft Word 2000, XP and 2003 open and read and save Word 2007 documents, along with Excel, etc.

Download the program, then run it on your computer that has Office 2000, XP or 2003 installed.

Convert MS Word Documents to PDF files
LINK:  "PrimoPDF 3.1" - This neat little program adds a virtual printer to Microsoft Word.  If you want to convert a document to a PDF file, just "print" it to PrimoPDF instead of to a printer. 

XnView
LINK:  "XnView 1.90.3" - This free program lets you browse your photos and view photos in tabs, so it's easy to navigate.  Also, you can crop, resize, print, etc. very easily.

Belarc Advisor
LINK:  "Belarc Advisor 7.2k" - This powerful program scans your computer and gives you an instant report on your Microsoft Update status, your antivirus and security, details of your hardware, a list of installed programs, and more.  Great for tech people.

Memory Finder
LINK:  "Crucial System Scanner" - You need to click on "Start My System Scan" and follow the instructions to download and run the scanner.  Then, it will tell you what memory is installed in your computer and what kind and how much you can add to make your computer run better and faster.  Be careful: occasionally, the scanner reports the wrong number of memory slots.  Open your computer and LOOK first, or check your online manual, to be sure.  Don't know how?  Ask Tom.

NOTE:  Crucial memory is very good, but you can almost always find cheaper memory with a lifetime guarantee from "NewEgg.com" - Click on the recommended memory at Crucial, then write down all the exact details (laptop or desktop, size, CAS Latency, speed, voltage, etc.) to find a perfect match.  Always buy the maximum you can afford!  Tom can teach you how to add memory to your computer.

Synchronize your files on office computer, flash drive, & home computers!   GREAT!
LINK:  "SyncToy 2.0" - Download and install this program from Microsoft - it's awesome!  It's easy to set up, then you can just click pop in your flash drive, click one button, and it will match the newest versions of all your "My Documents" files from your office computer.  Ask Tom for help in setting it up.

Cnet's DOWNLOAD.COM
LINK:  "Download.com" - The best and safest site on the Internet to find and download free, shareware, or retail software trials.

Computer Shopper's List
LINK:  "The Best Free Software" - A very good beginner's list with categories for different kinds of programs.  All safe and free.

Please tell Tom if any download links change and no longer work:  tom@spring.edu