Chances are, you would need to install additional software to get more out of your computer.

There are lots of software available in places like Best Buy, Fry's or CompUSA. And, there's even more choices that can be downloaded from the web.

There are so many, in fact, that it makes it extremely difficult to find one that would best suit your purpose.

Some software might work only "so-so", while others might be too powerfull - slowing down your computer in the process or imposing a steep learning curve. And then you have the dubious.  Some of the "Free" software that you can get from the web come loaded with spyware. All these make the choices even more difficult.

That's where this article comes in. We have started a thread in our forum that lists all sorts of applications that you can get for free - without spware of course!

Shareware, Open Source, Trialware, and Freeware are excellent ways to "experience" the program first, without having to risk anything upfront. If you don't like the application, just in-install it from your computer - no falling in line to get your money back, no waiting for tech-support, no shipping hassles.

Of course, If you do like it, make sure to support the authors of the program! Some of these guys don't ask for money, but I'm sure, even a Thank You e-mail will be appreciated.

Here is a short list: More listings are available in the forum (registration required) 

AntiVirus:
AVG AntiVirus Free Edition: http://free.grisoft.com
 
AntiSpyware:
Lavasoft AdAware SE: http://www.lavasoft.com The SE edition is free, and has less features that the other versions that they offer for sale. Its mostly manual, but pretty decent in catching spyware. 
 
Office Productivity:
Open Office:http://www.openoffice.org Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Presentation Software and a Database program. Multi Platform - runs under most operating systems. Not as powerful as the retail Microsoft Office, but good enough - and it is compatible. 
 
Web Utilities:
FileZilla: http://filezilla.sourceforge.net An Excellent FTP Program
 
Other Utilities:
 
TimeSync: http://www.softnik.com/download/timesync_setup.exe Excellent Time Synchronizer. Timesync synchronizes your computers time and date with the Atomic Clock. Load on startup to make sure that your computer's clock will never be wrong. Expecially important if you need timestamps in your e-mails or use your computer to remind you of events. 

Please feel free to add / review / comment on the items that are listed in the forum. Perhaps your experiences might help someone looking for a similar program.

We expect that list to grow and change over time, so visit our forum regularly. Due to the amount of SPAM postings that the board recieves, we have disabled public access for posting. Make sure to register in the forums first (its free, and only requires that you have a valid e-mail address).