Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with freeware

Help me think of fun freeware for a gift computer

louche mustachio — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 00:47:57 -0800

I won a computer at work. I'm giving it to Mr. Mustachio tommorrow night. What are some fun freeware prorams and Firefox add-ons I can install before I give it to him? So, we had a retired computer lottery at work, and I won an HP Compaq nx9030 laptop. My BF's computer went kablooey several months ago, so I'm giving this computer to him. I've already downloaded Firefox and set the theme to Red Cats (because they look like his much beloved kitty) and now I'm trying to think of other cool add-ons and freeware programs to install to make the machine less nekkid and more fun. I'm pretty broke, so it's going to have to be freeware, Firefox extensions, and fun bookmarks (which I'm already working on, along with trying to decide if I should make the desktop wallpaper a picture of his cat or a crude MS Paint drawing of a penis.)

Any thoughts? I have all night tonight and tommorrow afternoon. He's not very confident with his computer skills, so anything I download should have a nice, intuitive interface. If it makes any difference, he likes all kinds of music, international politics and history, science fiction, and cats. Oh, and crude drawings of phalluses, but I've got that covered.

Recommendations for freeware PC music composition software?

inbetweener — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:02:34 -0800

Soundtrackers and music composition software - OctaMED for today? Back in the day I used to mess around on my Commodore Amiga composing tracks using OctaMED.

Haven't used anything like it since I got my first PC back in 1995 but I'm quite keen to start playing around with music again...

I'm sure music composition software has moved on leaps and bounds in the last 13 years, and I wondered if anyone has any recommendations for freeware that serves the same purpose for today's PC?

Thanks!

Best web audio/video players

avocet — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:24:38 -0800

What are the best embedded open source/free audio/video players? I'm looking at finding a flexible media player for an arts related site I'm working on. Although I'm looking for something that will handle an audio playlist (i.e. like the ubiquitous myspace player) bonus if it can also handle flash video as well. I really like Flowplayer but it is $75 for a license and while that is a fair price, I'd rather find something free and open source with an active community around it. I'm looking for something to manage .flv and .mp3 files and would appreciate some more options. Thanks!

What's the best phone OS for me?

abkadefgee — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 23:37:14 -0800

Which mobile phone OS will work the best for my needs and can be easily expanded with free software? I'm looking at a new smartphone purchase and want to choose the phone that has the best OS for my needs. I want to run Skype on the phone for the occasional cheap voice call through SkypeOut and I want to be able to continue loading my phone with free software and features.

Of the OSes I know of, including Symbian, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile 6, and Palm, which support the most and best free software and applications? Which has the most active community? There's a lot out there for Palm, but is that community dying off? What are some examples of apps you use on those OSes?

I know that similar questions may have been asked in the past, but this is a case where I think the answer could have changed quite a bit over time.

Freeware or Shareware escrow software

Jenesta — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:01:53 -0800

Are there any freeware or affordable shareware (under $50) programs for Windows I can use to track multiple escrow accounts? I cannot find something specifically for this purpose, and I am not good enough with Microsoft Access to create something myself. Does anyone know of a solution that costs $50 or less for a small business?

INTERCUT JULIE GOOD MORNING BLUEBIRD

saysthis — Tue, 27 May 2008 11:12:21 -0800

I'm translating a script into English, and the dreaded "Hollywood format" in particular. Doing this in Word is a freakin' impossible task with all the goofy formatting and margins, so is there any particular freeware screenwriting software or preprogrammed Word styles I should be aware of? Would sure as cooter save me some hours of my life...

Older version of Filezilla, or newer version of something else?

middleclasstool — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 06:00:11 -0800

Older versions of Filezilla? Or another freeware ftp client that can handle SSH and SSL? Hard drive got fried in a storm this weekend, and I'm currently reinstalling everything to the new drive. I was running Filezilla version 2 (I think 2.3.2), and it ran like a top. But I just tried installing the latest version in its place, and a couple of SSH connections don't work with it. They're returning "garbled packet" errors.

Googling reveals that they use puTTY for SSH, and that's where the error comes from. Checking with puTTY, they insist it's not an error, it's a server configuration problem, but there's no way I can get these servers reconfigured, and anyway the older software connected and transferred to them just fine. Also, I've tried the connection with two other non-free clients at work, and no problems occur. Argh.

So I've tried to find a download page for older versions of Filezilla client, and am coming up with nothing. Does anybody know where I can find either Filezilla 2, or -- even better -- can you recommend a freeware ftp client for WinXP that can handle both SSH and SSL transfers?

Help me find the best online storage solution for my needs.

magnoliasouth — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:07:53 -0800

I need a reliable service that is either free, or low, cost for my research files. What is the best option? My needs are fairly simple.

1. A reliable service that likely won't disappear, and one that doesn't require a yearly contract. Case in point (regarding yearly services, not storage).

2. Free or inexpensive.

3. Easy to use.

4. Availability to use on more than one computer.

I need to store only about 1 or 2 GB of very important research, which must be available to me at any time in the future, on any computer. I don't anticipate a size larger than 2 GB, but I never say never. I also might later decide to store more (such as media files), but that's really low on the priority list. If this computer went out right this very minute, the only serious lament I would have - outside of the general annoyance and cost of the computer itself - would be the loss of my research. It just cannot be replicated.

I read this thread, and was a bit vexed with the naive solution of having paper back ups of text files at home. My house was damaged in Katrina, so none of those are an option to rely on in the least. Besides, these files aren't text documents anyway; they're associated with several applications.

Considering my needs, I Googled it and found that I really like Amazon S3. The downfall on that is the usability, or #3 above. I'm not a developer and I've searched high and low but I cannot find a free, user friendly, application that also works well with it. A previous MeFi comment suggested JungleDisk as a 'free' application but when I actually went to the site, I found that it now costs $20. Also here at MeFi I read about BucketExplorer and just like JD, I found that this one was not only not free, but it was even more at $30. Not to mention, it sounds like you can only use it on one computer, which isn't an option for me.

Is there not another decent alternative? I really do not want to have to pay for software as the software cost outweighs the cost of S3, or at least in my small little case.

I'm aware of Box.net (I've already filled that one up to capacity), Xdrive (filled that one too), and Carbonite (after reading this review I elected to skip that one altogether).

So what suggestions do you have? Is there an easy way to use S3? Or is there a better site/solution out there that I'm not familiar with?

If it matters, I have one desktop with Windows Vista, and one desktop and one laptop with Windows XP.

Paint for Macintosh?

macgenius — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:04:19 -0800

Is there a program that is free or shareware that works like Paint....except for Macintosh? I like Paint and I want to use something easy like it on photographs for fun. I tried Paintbrush but it isn't really like Paint enough.

Help Wordprocessor-man!

Neonshock — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 14:41:08 -0800

I'm fed up of Microsoft Word and Works, what freeware can I use instead? On my new laptop I had the 60 day trail verson of Word, which i didnt realise was a trial. Fine, whatever. Microsoft Works Word Processor is ok but for some reason it wont let me copy/paste into it. Fine, Whatever.
Is there some word-processing freeware I can use?
I need something that accepts word documents as well as other things that ususally open in word.
It would be great if it would be easy to use and student-friendly, by that I mean I'm writing my dissertation (thesis?) at the moment and the loss of my word processing ability is making me want to cry a bit.
thanks!

perhaps i just need a better mouse.

verisimilitude — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:25:37 -0800

I'm looking for a software app that helps me follow instructions for other computer procedures. Sounds complicated? Well what i am looking for should be really simple.

I am trying to learn various programs (SPSS at the moment) and find step by step instructions on the webpages of benevolent souls really useful. Perhaps I'm monumentally lazy but I find clicking back and forth from SPSS to the webpage really irritating. I'm sure its a simple task to make my mozilla browser stay in the foreground, but I cant figure out how.

In searching for a solution it dawned on me that there should be an even better way forward. I propose a simple app that allows me to select (like PrtSc) a set of instructions from a webpage, then pins this text in a lightweight easy to move and modify window that stays in the foreground. That strikes me as a good idea, so I am some bright spark has already bettered it.

What tools should I add to my iPaq?

fsmontenegro — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 05:55:53 -0800

What applications (freeware preferred) to people usually load up on their Windows Mobile (5.0) devices? After many years getting by with a regular cell phone, my company recently switched me to an iPaq (6955). While I dislike the form factor a bit, I like the option of extending functionality with new programs. I just added Google Maps for Mobile, One Note mobile and will soon add MyLifeOrganized mobile (the non-freeware task mgmt tool I use). Any other recommendations?

What are the lightest-weight antispyware and antivirus programs?

Ricket — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 14:29:46 -0800

What is a good lightweight anti-spyware/anti-virus application that wouldn't slow down an already old, slow computer, and would act as an extra layer on top of good behavior and careful Firefox usage? My step-sister had an old laptop (celeron 1.2ghz, 256mb ram) that she put in storage some months ago because she got tired of how slow it became over time, likely due to spyware and general clutter. We found it and now I've reformatted it, but before I give it to her I want to try and make sure she doesn't slow it down again.

In my household, all of my computers are set up to always use Firefox (no IE here!), and I use a modified HOSTS file to try and block malicious websites at the lowest level possible (google "hosts file" for more info). However, for maximum performance, and because I don't generally need it, I don't use any anti-spyware or anti-virus software, so I'm out of date on the latest and greatest.

I'm going to make sure she does the same now (she used to use IE, eww!). So I know that the likelihood of spyware is low, but I still feel like there should be one more piece of automatic protection there, since I won't be able to keep track of what sort of spyware-infested things she might get into. Is there a good free anti-spyware/anti-virus software out there that wouldn't bog the system down noticeably, yet would provide that extra little bit of protection just in case? It doesn't need to be terribly reliable, but I'm talking about something that would hopefully stop her from (for instance) opening a bad attachment from a stranger, or stumbling upon a website that isn't covered by the hosts file and asks her to download a spyware-infested installer.

Oh, and even though I posed those examples that require real-time protection, feel free to help me out with a suggestion that requires manual running; I would certainly consider it!

Thanks!
-Ricket

Recommendations for lightweight HTML editor for Mac?

sjuhawk31 — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 12:49:32 -0800

Recommendations for lightweight HTML editor for Mac? I currently have Dreamweaver installed on my Macbook because my company's website used to be managed through that and Contribute. Now we have a fancy CMS whose WYSIWYG text blocks don't handle copy and paste all that well. My workaround is to paste the text into Dreamweaver's "design" window, which does handle copy and paste well, and copy the HTML from the "code window."

Thing is...Dreamweaver is a memory hog, both in RAM and hard drive space. Would love to drop it for a simple editor that has just the functions I'm using. Has anyone used something that fits the bill and they'd recommend?

Freeware is preferred.

Recording a streaming webcast?

alcopop — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:20:20 -0800

Scheduling and recording an ASX webcast with freeware? In a few weeks, I will be on my college's radio show. My family and friends have expressed interest in listening to it, but aren't available for my time slot. There is an .ASX webcast, but it isn't recorded, merely streamed. I'm looking for a free (I am a college student) software to record the webcast as an MP3 (or not, as I've found many free converters). The webcast will be an hour long, and as I won't be on my computer to set it up, it needs to be able to schedule when to record. I have Vista on my desktop and Windows XP on my laptop though I'd much rather use the desktop as the laptop is extremely slow and prone to freezing at crucial moments. I found a program that can schedule and record here, but it's $18 (I'm really trying to avoid spending any money) and the trial inserts noise every 60 seconds.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Any recommendations on a Free Serverless instant messaging client?

AltReality — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:54:12 -0800

Any recommendations on a *Free* *Serverless* instant messaging client?I have a small network that I would like to allow instant messaging among all hosts. The problem is I am hoping to be able to do this without installing a server app. Any thoughts? These are all Windows boxes. I've done a few google searches...but haven't been able to find anything that really fits. (First question on AskMeFi!) Thanks, AltReality

Looking for a good Photography editing software.

bamassippi — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:13:47 -0800

Looking for a good Photography editing software. My PC was stolen a few months back. I had the latest version of Photoshop on that PC and when I went to Adobe I was told that there was "no record" of me ever purchasing or registering the product, and after multiple conversations with multiple individuals at Adobe, I gave up -- they win.

Obviously I would never stoop to the level on illegally downloading this software, though I am looking for options. I'm becoming more and more of a serious photographer, so cheap-o editing programs won't be sufficient.

1. How can I go about attaining a legal (discounted or second-hand) version of Photoshop (doesn't have to be the latest version).

2. What free or discounted services (like Picnik or Paint.net) might you suggest?

Need free, web based in out board

zymurgy — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:35:19 -0800

Where can I find a simple, free web based in out board? Yes, I searched and found two other questions, but they don't deal with free or web based. We are a small, less than 10 people, IT support team. We need a way to update a webpage quickly with our current status.

We use a wiki, so I thought adding a table to update if you are in, out, away from your desk, etc. Since you're still reading you know how long that took, which is way too hard for what it's worth.

I need a free solution of some sort. A way to send an email to a script that tosses the status into a webpage that is laid out? A simple program? Twitter for the intranet?

Any ideas would be great. A URL with a perfect solution would be awesome.

Looking for a Good Video Montage Freeware App

watercarrier — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 14:02:41 -0800

I'd like to put together a nice photo montage (put together from digital stills) with dubbing and/or background music. I'm looking for a freeware program that'll deliver a professional look and will allow me to save in the more popular formats, to eventually upload to YouTube and others. I'd rather it be a downloadable program and not work online. Can you help me find a good app?

Bejeweled.. But Not

Mael Oui — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 22:01:43 -0800

Addictive online game filter: Help me find a certain online game I miss. It's 'sort of' similar to Bejeweled. A few years ago there was an online game that I used to be addicted to. I can't remember its name, but I played a few variations. After looking around Addicting Games, I think the game I remember is very similar to Bejeweled. Edit: Bejeweled is interesting but isn't exactly what I'm looking for. Unfortunately, now we have to rely on my bad description!

Basically, I remember there was a board filled with brightly colored pieces (I've played essentially the same game with colored umbrellas and colored orbs). There are maybe four different colors, and the pieces are arranged randomly in stacks (the end result might look something like a full Tetris board). All adjacent pieces of the same color form a 'block,' and the object was to click on these blocks. The bigger the block of pieces, the more points you scored. As pieces were eliminated, the remainder would drop down, forming new blocks with like colors. The ultimate goal was to have as few pieces (or, no pieces) left at the end of the game. Okay, I hope I explained that well.

Does this sound similar to any games you know? I'm looking for any games that are similar to what I've described, though I'm hoping to find something pretty close. I'd be happy to find either an online version of the game or Windows freeware. Or even just a name so that I can Google!

What cheap software or webapps can I recommend to help my friend manage her small business?

abkadefgee — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 02:04:09 -0800

What free or cheap software, or webapps, can I recommend to help my friend manage and build her small business, a salon? Although there is software out there specifically made for this purpose, it seems out of her price range and shares a lot in common with more general software. I've recommended using Google Calendar to manage her appointments and suggested that her basic inventory needs can be tracked with Excel. However, it would also be helpful for her to be able to track the contact information for her clients and what type of services they receive at each appointment, and perhaps including pictures would be helpful as well.

I would think that someone who has experience in managing a business might have some suggestions for software without having specific knowledge about the salon world. Any advice would be helpful.

Freeware for Alarming Librarians

exceptinsects — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:53:20 -0800

Help my librarians remember to rove! I need a specific sort of break timer and I can't seem to find one anywhere. We are trying to implement the practice of "roving" at my library; that is, when it isn't busy at the reference desk the librarians should go walk around and be available if people have questions out in the stacks.
The problem is that it's hard to get in the habit of doing this, so I thought a little reminder message would help. I want it to just give you a little nudge when things aren't busy, but not to be annoying when you're trying to help someone.

What I want it to do:
--Pop up a message of my choosing at intervals of my choosing. (e.g. "Rove?" every 10 minutes regardless of what else is going on on the computer)
--It should require the person to click the window to close it, but should close without any further waiting.

It must:
--be free
--be web-based (Firefox or IE) or able to be installed on Windows without the intervention of the IT people. (Similar to Firefox).
--be unobtrusive when it isn't alerting you
--not be linked with Outlook since it doesn't work with the profile we use at the desk

I tried Workrave, but I couldn't get it to work like I wanted--it seems like it doesn't pop up consistently--maybe it doesn't count the time when you're not actually typing? Plus, you can't edit the text.

Other previously recommended options mostly seemed to cost money or not do what I wanted--a lot of them seem to want you to take a break for a certain amount of time, but I just want the message and that's it.

Help me find a free palm-scanning software

TuxHeDoh — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 08:48:48 -0800

I'm working a project where I need to be able to physically inventory computer equipment. We have 4 Palm/Symbol barcode scanners, I'd like to be able to scan a barcode and produce a csv file. Everything that I find on google I need to pay for and configure extensively. I have neither approval to purchase anything, or time to figure out a program. Does anyone have any suggestions?

XP software suggestions?

snowjoe — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 15:22:34 -0800

Last week with the help of AskMetaFilter I installed a new hard drive and a fresh install of Windows XP. Thanks! Now I would like opinions on software and utilities. Hopefully free. Before I reinstall I would love to know if there are alternative programs I should consider that are hopefully freeware. I love freeware. Here is what I have been using:

1. Security. Ad-Aware Free, Spybot, and AVG Free – Is this enough security? My firewall is excellent. I think it is cable company and also in a router.
2. Quicken – I suppose this is a non-issue since I kinda gotta stick with this.
3. Google Desktop – Not sure if I want this again
4. Music stuff – Amazing Slowdowner and Weird Metronome (freeware)
5. Firefox – Before if I clicked on a mp3 link it would open in another window and it was available to play. Now it opens Windows media player which doesn’t make me happy. Why?
6. Quicktime player – I like
7. Microsoft Office 2000. I own this and don’t want to buy another newer version. Should I consider something else? I am not a power user.
8. E-mail – I have Outlook – This is bundled with MS Office I think. I don’t use it much anymore but I would want to preserve my contacts somehow.
9. Chat – I have been using Aim 6 – I hate opening this program. What else can I use?
10. Photos – I have been using Jasc Paint Shop Photo Album. I don’t like it though.
11. Adobe Reader 7.0
12. iTunes
13. PDF Redirect for printing to PDF
14. Roxio Easy CD Creator 5
15. Real Player – Yikes
16. I also had Google Earth, Picassa, and Skype.
17. I used Easy Photo Print from Canon for printing photos.
18. Photoshop used rarely.
19. What am I not thinking of?

Yikes. That’s a lot of stuff?

Where has all the freeware gone? Mobile freeware to be exact.

TomMelee — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 21:17:25 -0800

Just got a shiny new Moto Q. Help me find free software! I've got it all set up and running well, gmail is working after I figured out the hack, oggsync is keeping my calendar up to date. What I need now are some softwares...specifically:
1. An all in one IM program, or at least w/ AIM/GChat/MSN/Yahoo
2. A checkbook register-style finance program.
3. Anything else that looks fun or promising.

I just don't want to PAY for these things, because I just KNOW they exist in a free-form somewhere. Bequeath unto me your wisdom of the smartphone softwares, MeFi!