If you like free stuff as much as I do, then you probably do a lot of downloading. The thing is, most of the free-ware out there is crap. To save you time I’ve compiled a list of little applications I’ve found and the reason I love them. This way, you won’t have to spend your time searching for free programs and can use the Internet for it’s intended purpose. Searching for free porn.

OpenOffice.org- Whenever a new set of Microsoft products come out, there is usually a period of time between it’s release and the point when it is offered for free. Enter Microsoft Office 07. This collection of task oriented programs is, with out a doubt, the worst version of Office I have ever used.

Microsoft moved all the operations and tools into little groups and subdivisions you have to select individually, making what used to take two seconds, take two minuets because you have to hunt down the correct group.

Honestly, it looks like Microsoft tried to make ‘07 look nice without worrying about the ease of use. Or they were trying to make it more user friendly (read “make it seem more like a mac”) and Microsoft is staffed by a bunch of retards. I actually watched someone at work curse at his computer for fifteen minutes because he couldn’t figure out how to print a document. To add insult to injury, they expect you to pay for this coding abortion. Your only other options are to use Word Perfect or download free-ware. That is why I love OpenOffice.org. It is compatible with most document file types and transfers information with other office programs well.

The Good:

Retains all the elements of other office programs you know and love.

Infinitely customizable.

Has a myriad of tools not included in Microsoft’s office brand; just waiting for you to discover.

The Bad:

It has a terrible spell checker. (Sometimes its suggestions are way off)

It does not have a dictionary.

It always retains source formating. (So you won’t find a ‘keep text only’ option in its text writer.)

Paint.net- I love this little guy. Think of this application as a casual version of photo shop. It has a lot of the features of a major photo editor with out the three thousand page manual. Simplicity is the major selling point of this piece of code. It is not meant to be the most comprehensive editor out there but, for the average user, you’ll find all the photo manipulating tools you’ll need. Without actually having to do something crazy like pay money to somebody.
The Good:

Easy to pick up

Fast and simple photo manipulating

You can draw straight lines.

The Bad:

Long load times (god only knows why)

Skype- This program allows you to call cellphones from your computer for very cheap; or other Skype users for free. Its simple to use and great for people who have friends and family spread out over wide areas. It even supports web cams so everyone can see your dorky face (Did you know the word “dork” was an old nautical term for a whale’s penis? Thats right, you have a whale penis for a face)

The Good:

Instant access to all of your friends and family.

Call conferencing allows you to talk to multiple users at once.

The program has a built in IM feature.

The Bad:

Your family and friends have instant access to you.

The program features a web cam snap shot application so any embarrassing thing you do will be preserved for eternity.

Speakonia- is a text to speech converter that offers a wide range of voices. The program is intended for handicapped people but I use it to proof read articles. And to make my computer say funny things in a robot voice.

The Good:

Whenever you copy something to your clip board, Speakonia will read it for you. (Try copying a forum argument, its hilarious.)

Its a real time saver if you need an article you wrote proof read. Or if you were too busy to learn how to read in kindergarten.

The Bad:

You can make your computer talk dirty to you, I’m pretty sure that voids the warranty.

So there you go, four cool programs you should download. They are all free so what are you waiting for? Ya big whale penis.

4 Comments »

1. I only used Open Office as a substitute of Microsoft Office because I didn’t have it back then.

   Comment by LoOpY — October 24, 2008 @ 4:06 am

2. I also use open office out of that list.

   Comment by whoozwah — October 24, 2008 @ 10:00 pm

3. I use Paint.net and I USED to use Open Office but then I got it with a military discount :P

   Another suggestion if I may :

   Trillian or Pidgin - all in one messenger clients. Perfect for those who have multiple messenger accounts. Pidgin even manages your Googletalk and Myspace IM accounts in addition to the normal AIM and Yahoo messenger.

   Comment by Jason.R — October 28, 2008 @ 10:04 am

4. (correction from my earlier post)
   *it being Office 2k7*

   Comment by Jason.R — October 28, 2008 @ 10:04 am

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