Free stuff

There is tons of free stuff available on the web so here are a few links that may help you find something you can use.
http://www.download.com/ is an excellent site for looking for software and I use it as my first port of call when I am looking for free software.

The PC Advisor magazine has loads of downloads (but make sure they are free and full programs not just shareware) their address is http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/downloads/

Some programs I recommend you have installed on your computer are AVG a virus checking program which has just been updated to version 8. Zonealarm a firewall (from Zonelabs.com) both these programs can be downloaded directly from download.com.

One last program that is well worth having is Open Office. This program is a FREE full office suite which is compatible with Microsoft Office . Go to http://www.openoffice.org/ for more information and to download it.

Software: A brief description .

There are 4 different types of software : OEM (original equipment manufacture) which you will pay full price for, Shareware (which is often time limited) this can be used for a period of time and then you are asked to pay for it. Freeware which is still owned by the company or individual who made the software but is free for your own use. Public Domain software is free to use and to change if you want.