Free PC Software
Here you will find some helpful software for your PC which is all free [and legal!!]
Anti-virus Software
We all know that viruses and trogans and the like can cause huge problems on a PC. You can pay quite a lot for some anti-virus programs, but why bother when you can download and use free ones which are just as good [if not better, some would say]. I have used both of these below and found them to be excellent. The AVG one comes with its own anti-spyware program as well.
Anti-Spyware
From what I understand [which isn't a great deal!!] it is good to run various anti-spyware programs because they look for different types of files. I use the top three in the list below, along with the free AVG software above.
Anti-Spam
Stop unwanted emails getting into you Inbox. Mailwasher has two versions. The free one only works with one email address and the Pro version which you have to pay for, works with multiple email addresses. Spamihilator works with multiple email addresses.
Cleaning Utility
Getting rid of all unnecessary files saves space on your PC and can help speed it up. I use the top two programs to remove unwanted and unnecessary files. On Glary Utilities make sure the 6 boxes are ticked under the 1-Click Maintenance tab before you scan for issues. Make sure you download the free version and not the Pro version.
Firewall
Helps to protect against outsiders attacking your PC or your PC connecting to unwanted sites. Windows XP and Vista have their own firewalls built in which quietly work in the background so you may not want to download another firewall [always have only one running at one time]. I prefer Zone Alarm because it lets me know what is happening and gives me the option to allow or deny access to certain sites etc. If you load this on it will automatically disable the Windows firewall so only one is running.
Defragmentation
Someone has compared a PC to a library. When you go to a library and ask for a book, the assistant checks where it should be and goes and finds it for you. If the book is not put back in the right place it will take the librarian longer to find it. When you use a program, the PC goes looking for that program or file and if it is not in the right place it takes longer to find it. Defragmentation puts the files back in the right place and therefore speeds up your PC as it finds the right file in the right place quicker.
Once you have downloaded Smart Defrag hit the Defrag Now button, then the Analyze button. After a while it will tell you if your PC needs defragging. If you need to defragment your PC change the setting to Defrag and Optimize in the drop down window next to the Start button. Then hit the Start button. Once this is done, hit the Auto Defrag button and make sure this feature is enabled. Then sit back and Smart Defrag will work quietly in the background putting all your files back in the right place.
Office Suite
A free alternative to Microsoft Office. It is compatible to Microsoft Office so if someone sends you a Microsoft Word document, for example, you will still be able to read and edit it.
All these pieces of software are freely available on the internet. Of course, you download them and use them all at your own discretion and risk. Have fun!!