READ FIRST!!BEFORE DOWNLOAD!!
Download shareware, freeware and Demo software for PC, Mac, Linux, and Handhelds categorized into categories, plus software reviews.
How to Download Software (Safely)
There are two kinds of people who download software -- those who have picked up a virus or other computer infection, and those who will. You need to be very careful to put it off as long as possible. I've downloaded and installed scores of programs but so far none have bit me.
First things first: software categories
Commercial: Mainstream software offered for download by big companies. Some is even free or free for home use. Most of it is priced in the "boxed software" range. The same software is usually available in stores as well as online.
Freeware: Some freeware rivals the capability of commercial software, but usually it's smaller programs developed by individuals or shareware developers. Warning: freeware can be addictive -- it's free -- easy to download -- often excellent -- and there are thousands of programs to try. :-)
Shareware: Usually modestly priced, intermediate in size and closer to commercial software in features. Some shareware is the best software written. The usual price range is $10 to $30. Often there's both a freeware and shareware version of the same software. The freeware version may run ads and/or limit functions. Shareware can often be used for 30 days or so on a free trial basis. After that time it will shut down unless you buy a registration code to keep it working.
Updates & Extensions: "Filters", "codecs", "modules", updates, etc., that augment or revise the capabilities of Windows and other programs, mostly browsers. They're usually free, and they are often offered when you click a link that won't work without the new software. They're often needed by Multimedia programs like Windows Media Player and RealPlayer. Be very sure the site is trustworthy before you proceed though.
