The Freeware Outpost Blog

gone but not forgotten

2010-10-27T21:09:00.002-04:00

I was several (actually many) years back involved with a very worthy online effort called the 'Freeware Revolution', which sadly has vanished, gone into hibernation or well I just don't know as of yet what happened but will be contacting the man behind that noble cause/movement to discover the 'story' on things.

two years and finally I am back

2010-10-27T21:06:00.002-04:00

It's been 2 plus years since I last posted and alot has transpired, but you are not here to listen to my adventures (and misadventures) you are here for freeware, right?
So as I get settled back in (and reacclimated to cyber life again, a long story for another time...) and start off on a new chapter in my freeware mission as it were, please allow me to first get up to speed and start posting what you came for which is freeware.

Thunderbird v. 3.16

2010-10-27T11:44:00.000-04:00

That email client that you can't do without, or have to pay for is not at ver. 3.16

Thunderbird ver. 3.16

PhotoFiltre

2008-06-15T14:25:00.001-04:00

PhotoFiltre is now at ver. 6.40

Wow, it has been awhile since I have worked on this site, as when I took time off it was at version 6.40.
So I need to work on a fresh/up-to-date 'review'/synopsis on this outstanding image editing app soon!

Contact

2008-06-15T09:33:00.001-04:00

Due to my unhappiness with the forced (and intrusive) ads being used by the service that I had been using for my "contact" form, I now will just provide a contact email addy here. It is not a clickable mail link (sorry), so you must manually type it in.

OR - you can use my contact form (opens in a new window).

If the image above does not load for any reason(s), simply type in freewareoutpost@gmail.com_mail (but remove the _mail)

If you are submitting freeware, please include :
Name of proggie
Size of proggie
Version # of proggie
Homepage url
Screenshot url
d/l url
Author's name
Author's contact info (and if/how to be listed)
Which version(s) of Windows it works with

Desktop search.....

2008-06-13T11:40:00.001-04:00

This post will soon be 'updated' to reflect the plethora of 'desktop search' apps that are available.

Have you taken the 'desktop search' plunge yet?

FAQs

2008-06-12T21:49:00.000-04:00

How do you choose what proggies/applications are listed?
I list only programs I personally use and find useful, and that are true 100% freeware (NO exceptions).

What is the definition of 'freeware' for this site's purposes?
My/The Freeware Outpost's opinion of true freeware is software
that is available for download at no costs and with no spyware or
adware included. And with no expiration/no time restrictions or and no
'demo only' features (or the lack of features).

Can I submit a freeware program for possible listing on Freeware Outpost?
Click here to submit your freeware only suggestions (please - no spyware or adware).

How often is the site updated?
New listings are posted as I find them. This may vary depending on my schooling and work schedules.

When was this site started?
This site first came online in April 2003, though it had been an idea of mine for over a year. Thanks to the support and encouragement of several friends, it finally was born/created/conceived (?)

Do you list spyware or adware?
NO, I do not consider (in my opinion) spyware and adware to be
freeware so I do NOT list them or consider them for listing on this
site.

Where can I ask a question not answered here?
Use my contact form to send your question(s).

What is The Freeware Revolution?
Here is where you can view an informational page regarding this movement.

Is it spyware?

2008-06-08T21:38:00.000-04:00

Ever wonder if a 'freeware' program may actually be "spyware"?
Use the form below (from the folks at SpywareGuide.com) to see.

Or if you care to, you may puruse the full listings of spyware as listed at SpywareGuide.com here.

Graphics Freeware

2008-06-02T08:21:00.000-04:00

PhotoFiltre (ver 6.31)
Author : Antonio Da Cruz
PhotFiltre just may be THE photo editing proggie of choice for me from here on out. FREEWARE photo editing proggie that is!
It has a vast array of option and functions and comes preloaded with a slew of plug in/filters!
Size : 1.6 Mb - Rating : 5
Homepage - Download

Irfanview (ver 4.10)
Author : Irfan Skiljan
If you get one graphics freeware program - Irfanview is it. It may appear to be just a graphics viewer (it is notable that Irfaniew was the first Windows graphic viewer WORLDWIDE with Multiple (animated) GIF support. One of the first graphic viewers WORLDWIDE with Multipage TIFF support. The first graphic viewer WORLDWIDE with Multiple ICO support), but it goes far past 'just' that. It is a thumbnail creation tool, can support many plug ins, can view many additional formats (avi, mpg, mp3 among others).
Size : 4.6 Mb - Rating : 5
Homepage - Download

PIXIA (ver. 3.1te)
Author : Isao Maruoka
PIXIA is a very well rounded graphics program. It serves all this site's graphics needs superbly. It has so many features of commercial graphics programs costing hundreds of dollars (ie, working with brushes, layers)
Filesize : 3.6 Mb Rating : 4
Homepage - Download

DeKnop (ver. 4.3.11)
Author : Sam Francke
I want to thank the author of this proggie for submitting it and for providing this very nicely detailed description :
"DeKnop is a graphics editor that is designed to let you create buttons for your web site without requiring any graphic design experience. Besides it's easy to create 3 fold buttons for Neobook projects.
It provides an easy to use step-by-step interface that lets you select
the text, font style, colors, 3D bevel, size, gradients and more. DeKnop also supports projects, allowing you to save your work.
Create you mouse-over buttons.
Easy to translate the user interface in your language.
Help and interface in French, more interface: Spanish, Francais, Dutch,
Hungarian, Polish, Catalan, Chinese, Czech."
Filesize : 950 Kb - Rating : 4
Homepage - Download

Capture (ver. 1)
Author : Bernt Levinsson
The program's title is 'Capture' and it does just that - screen captures. It saves the 'grabs' as bitmaps (no need to sweat the size of bmp.s , just fire up Irfanview and convert it to another format, my choice is gif). It can do window captures, screen captures or selected areas. You can also do time delayed captures.
Filesize : 248 Kb - Rating : 4
Homepage - Download

Color Cop (ver. 5.3)
Author : Jay Prall
If you work with web pages or graphics, a 'color picker' is a very necessary tool. ColorMania is by far the best and easiest to use I have run across.
Filesize : 326 Kb - Rating : 4
Homepage - Download (download is from C|Net site)

The 'selling' of freeware

2008-06-02T06:33:00.000-04:00

Note : This piece was originally written back in 2003, but it is still as relevant as it was back then.

I am actually beginning to 'enjoy' part of the 'freeware' world (note, I said 'some parts of the freeware world'). For I am so delighted that the Freeware Revolution is now beginning to gather momentum and to reach many via some open mined media journalists. This is contrary to the previous maligning goings ons about it that were occurring(and for all I know still do go on). I also am really pleasantly suprised at the numerous kind exchanges I have had via membership at FreewareArena, which it is free, with no strings attached, and no pressures to 'do anythings' (like the typical 'tell everyone about us', click on this link, or visit these sites because we "approve" of them), for people have sent me very nice messages and that is not the typical result of 'joining' a site, usually the site operator is either 'pushy' (as previosuly addressed) or the 'webmaster' simply wants anyone and everyone to be a 'member' to either A ) brag about members numbers, B ) lourde over their 'members' like they are their 'minions' to do their bidding (sorry that is just a line I have always treasured from "Creative Writing" class a few years back), but it does illustrate what many nefarious 'webmasters' do - they impose their greedy goals by pushing the 'promote me' issue, sometimes very discreetly (albiet subtle) or just plain 'hammer to the head' boasting of how their site is so..."blah blah whatever, bling bling of this or that...and soon we will be on top", and other pathetic diatribes to encite visitors to act as promotional tools. I feel sympathy for sites that have to play the 'fame game' and play dirty to 'succeed'. They spend so much time talking trash** that they only end up appealing to the same type of users that they are (**lowest common denominator theory).

The more opportunistic 'webmasters' there are, the narrower the lines of useful knowledge become. Search engines are already overwrought with poor 'results' when searches are done. And the number of 'keyword games players' grows. I am in total agreement that content trumps flash anyday. But intelligence is insulted when this 'knowing how to properly use keywords' is the petty excuse put into play.

Then there are those sites that will proudly link to anyone. Anyone? Hmmm...anyone, could that signify either an urgency to get traffic or simply that they have no regard for visitors as they have no standards. I myself (though new to the 'webmastery' realm) am very selective and though that may ire many, I don't use my site as a soapbox to scream 'look at me'. I have communicated with a small number of very reliable and professional 'webmasters' whose sites are useful and certainly are usable from my youngest cousin to my Grandma. I was raised to be respectful of others and the Internet has the potential to reach untold numbers, so should someone new to my site visit and I send them to a site that I myself would not revisit or am appalled at, what message am I sending to 'guests' to this site? That people are only numbers? NO, I prefer to do things honestly, professionally and straight as an arrow. I only seek to share resources and sites that I find helpful or useful.

Now if I were so inclined to make money, I could follow the trend of 'selling' freeware on disks. But how can doing that convey to people what freeware truly is? If you visit a site that sells freeware, stop, and click to another site, or resign yourself to having been indoctrinated into believeing freeware and shareware are synonymous. And abandon the respect that freeware authors deserve for you have just enabled a plagarist to take a 'gift' and turn it into a 'product'. Also acknowledge that by frequenting/supporting these 'payware' sites, you are condoning and validating these bandits lack of creativity. For they haven't the intelligence to create an original idea, and must ripoff talented people.

Perhaps the answer is one that may trouble some but 'could' alleviate such thievery from getting recognition - censoring on the part of search engines. But with a different approach - have 2 Nets, one for free content(s) and one for 'pay for' contents(s). YES that is a far fetched idea, and no doubt would have 'free speech radicals' warbling about freedom of speech, but when something is blatantly stolen it is a crime, plain and simple. And users deserve the truth, not just 'come ons' of the best 'free software', and then to be led to questionable sites, or lurid content(s). Nor to be duped into 'buying freeware'.

But maybe it relates to how the words aesthetic and pathetic sound so similar any yet are so diametrically different, one deals with beauty (or the conveyance thereof) and one is the almost putridness that results from wallowing in depravity and smirking at what one can wreak.

Sincerely,
Lis

Monopoly?

2005-06-04T21:10:00.000-04:00

Monopoly (courtesy of Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
):
1 : exclusive ownership through legal privilege, command of supply, or concerted action
2 : exclusive possession or control
3 : a commodity controlled by one party
4 : one that has a monopoly
First - I DO like Google.
Second - I have no ill will against Google, and that has nothing to do with the fact that Google owns Blogger and Picasa and Hello.
Third - I have long been one who is using a computer because of Microsoft and just want to snap out when I hear/read that real jagasses that rant about "Microsloth", the "Evil Empire" and so on.
Now in that vein I refer to the whole MS is a monopoly mindset/mindrot.
Ok, MS is a monopoly because of their huge and control of the market right?
Google rules in search right? And now in blogging, right? And sports a pretty cool desktop search tool (though it is free, some plug ins are demos, what's up with that??), right? And Picasa and Hello rock too right?
So...not that I am saying it, but using the bonehead thinking applied to MS, wouldn't some comspiracy theorists who must wear aluminum foil hats and use radiation mointors to ward off being radiated by evil neighbors also apply such accusations to Google?
"Nah...not Google, they are just looking to knock MS down a notch or two, which somebody should", they'd say. Hmmm...so if MS is on top of things and has so much in a tight vise grip, then wouldn't knocking of and thereby taking over mean that they would be the new monopolizer?
Here's my thoughts on it all. I like MS (no they are not perfect and Windows NEEDS improved and all the holes plugged just to mention a few things), I also like Google.

As long as users examine what they do and what others may be able to do to them, then who's fault is it at the end of the day if we ALLOW compamies or whatever to hold sway over things and or us? Either build a better whatever or please, please do me and everyone else a favor, please?
Do this. Push your lower jaw up against your upper jaw, and do not make a sound, thx:)

Antivirus

2005-06-03T09:44:00.000-04:00

McAfee AVERT Stinger (ver. 2.5.4)
Author : McAfee
McAfee provides a free anti virus tool called STINGER that is a good secondary tool to detect and remove specific viruses.

As stated on McAfee's website, "It is not a substitute for full anti-virus protection, but rather a tool to assist administrators and users when dealing with an infected system.", but that having been said it is worth having for certain instances, and it IS freeware.
Filesize : 1.1 Kb Rating : 4
Homepage - Download

AVG (ver. 7.323)
Author : Grisoft
Antivirus is an absolute without question necessity! And AVG is fantastic (not only because it is freeware and that updates are free) in it's functions. I love the shell integration (making it so simple to scan specific files. It can also be set to scan your Outlook Express mail - NICE! (note - the screenshot is of ver. 6)
Filesize : 11 Mb Rating : 5
Homepage - Download

avast! 4 Home Edition (ver. 4)
Author : ALWIL SOFTWARE
avast! Home Edition is a superb antivirus program. It has a ton of useful attributes, like - automatic updates, shell integration and email scanning. Much like AVG, avast! requires registration, but as with AVG I gladly gave up my email addy (ok actually I gave a 'throw away' addy I use for such registration needs).
Filesize : 8.92 Mb Rating : 5
Homepage - Download

Firefox 1.04

2005-06-02T11:43:00.000-04:00

Firefox ver. 1.04 is here!!

Get it here

Desktop Search the battle rages for supremacy

2004-12-23T12:56:00.000-05:00

Here's some of the big name entries in the "desktop search" battle that is under way......
blinkx
Copernic Desktop Search
Google Desktop Search
MSN Desktop Search
Ask Jeeves Desktop Search
Article about the Yahoo! Desktop Search projected for launch Jan. 1st (2005)
A piece that touches on AOL's potential "desktop search" entry that is purported to be part of their soon to be released AOL Browser (** yawn **) can be viewed here

Home Computer Magazine

2004-12-22T18:59:00.000-05:00

Home Computer Magazine home of "Free PC tutorials, reviews, advice, help and more", according to the site's main page.

You can dl an app that will "deliver" each issue (pdf format) to your computer.

Sounds interesting and I will report on it when (and if) I give it a go.

How to write Firefox extensions

2004-12-20T11:50:00.000-05:00

How to write Firefox extensions

Handy dandy easy read on creating Firefox Extensions!

The Smile Project

2004-12-17T11:58:00.000-05:00

The Smile Project - a "must have" extension for Firefox users who frequent forums and such!

MS plugs weak XP firewall

2004-12-17T11:35:00.001-05:00

MS plugs weak XP firewall from The Register

Microsoft Buys Anti-Spyware Company

2004-12-17T11:35:00.000-05:00

Microsoft Buys Anti-Spyware Company from PCWorld.com

A few interesting articles.....

2004-12-01T12:12:00.000-05:00

From PC Pro : XP SP2 passes security experiment

A rather "duh" article from USA Today entitled, "Unprotected PCs can be hijacked in minutes".

From IT Observer, one titled, "HP Looking to Ward off Viruses."

And finally, from PCWorld, "Lycos Antispam Screensaver Draws Fire"

weather.com - weather at the Freeware Outpost

2004-11-29T05:04:00.000-05:00

weather at the Freeware Outpost

Thunderbird for OE

2004-11-26T06:01:00.000-05:00

I love the various Lockergnome.com newsletters, and an article in a recent edition of the Windows Fanatics is version entitled Switching to Thunderbird is a very good and timely piece to read.

This one is especially for my friend PearyLime.

Stinger (specific anti virus freeware tool)

2004-11-23T23:36:00.000-05:00

McAfee provides a free anti virus tool called STINGER that is a good secondary tool to detect and remove specific viruses.
It currently is at version 2.4.5.1

As stated on McAfee's website, "It is not a substitute for full anti-virus protection, but rather a tool to assist administrators and users when dealing with an infected system.", but that having been said it is worth having for certain instances, and it IS freeware.

free image editor called Enhance

2004-11-18T19:19:00.000-05:00

Image Enhance is a very basic but handy graphics tool for applying a number of graphics enhancements to images. Not a fancy proggie loaded with bells and whistles - but does the job.
This is one I used a few years back and just remembered about it and thought I'd share it with those that may not have known about it.

Like ALL freeware I list (after using**), it is real freeware - NO ads, NO time limits, NO hidden malware, NO demands for anything from the proggie, just that you enjoy it and hopefully share with others about it and about what REAL freeware is.

(**beware sites that list freeware without testing it and using it FIRST. For they'll never be able to say anything about the software, other than it is supposedly 'freeware'. Such sites do not really respect either the freeware authors or you, the end user)

Cheers......

2004-11-16T15:29:00.001-05:00

Alcohol facts, informations and such at drinkaware.co.uk

*thanks(?) to spedder's son* for sharing this one with me.

Yahoo, Google, Yahoo, Google.......

2004-11-16T13:49:00.000-05:00

Your Own Web at Yahoo 'My Web' from Techtree.com

Yahoo works to outflank Google in the search battle.

Top spyware threats?

2004-11-14T16:09:00.000-05:00

Top spyware threats as determined by Webroot.com?

Don't know that I agree with their "top" threats, but you decide.

Free Undelete (freeware proggie)

2004-11-12T17:07:00.000-05:00

Handy freeware utility that allows you to recovers deleted files and lost data.

IE-SPYAD (to add some protection to IE)

2004-11-12T17:05:00.000-05:00

IE-SPYAD: (author's concise descriptive) "IE-SPYAD adds a long list of sites and domains associated with known advertisers, marketers, and crapware pushers to the Restricted sites zone of Internet Explorer. Once you merge this list of sites and domains into the Registry, the web sites for these companies will not be able to use cookies, ActiveX controls, Java applets, or scripting to compromise your privacy or your PC while you surf the Net. Nor will they be able to use your browser to push unwanted pop-ups, cookies, or auto-installing programs on your PC."

So, IF you so choose to use Internet Explorer, this is well worth utilizing.

CLSID BHOList ToolbarList (from CastleCops.com)

2004-11-12T15:33:00.000-05:00

CastleCops - CLSID BHOList ToolbarList
Regularly updated list that is another worthwhile 'bookmark' to add.

Treepad Lite (freeware proggie)

2004-11-12T15:30:00.000-05:00

Treepad Lite : freeware Personal database, PIM, organizer, notes manager, text editor and search engine.

CastleCops - StartupList

2004-11-12T15:26:00.000-05:00

CastleCops - StartupList
Bookmark this one!
It details exactly what various startup programs do and are all about.

Google Goo??

2004-11-11T14:10:00.000-05:00

Google Goo
Google sells something called 'Google Goo'........
Well at least that proves that technology isn't being wasted, right?

Quote from Albert Einstein

2004-11-11T14:01:00.000-05:00

'Technological progress is like an axe in the hands of a pathological criminal.'

PlacesTweaker* (*freeware) from iolsland.com

2004-11-11T13:47:00.000-05:00

No brainer freeware for tweaking/customizing your 'placesbar'

This developer also has two other freeware offerings - 'ClearTweak' and 'RAMTweak'

Microsoft PowerToys for Windows XP

2004-11-11T13:43:00.000-05:00

Microsoft PowerToys for Windows XP
No comment necessary...just as the title states...these are powertoys for Win XP

Proxy Resources for Anonymous Surfing

2004-11-10T19:21:00.000-05:00

Proxy Resources for Anonymous Surfing
Very good primer about proxies.

I posted this one especially for Jen.

The Dangers of Desktop Search- Google Tool as Spyware

2004-11-10T13:24:00.000-05:00

The Dangers of Desktop Search- Google Tool as Spyware
A very unbiased, honest and thought provoking piece from Spywareguide.com

Just what I know....

2004-11-09T14:02:00.000-05:00

My freeware listings are NOT huge and only list freeware that I myself have tried and found to be useful for me.
So though my listings aren't voluminous - they are honest and reliable, meaning I can speak from experience about the freeware I list.
For it IS freeware, without exception.

Many sites only see their 'purpose' as touting their thousands of listings, which tells you right there, that they couldn't possibly vouch for that many programs from personal testing.
Think about it.....

I do this as a pastime, not as a job, as an 'obsession' or to gain "fame and fortune", just simply because I enjoy it.

Google "cheat sheet"

2004-11-05T14:59:00.000-05:00

Google Help Central
Handy "cheat sheet" from Google for use with Google.

Bust Banner Ads with Proxy Auto Config

2004-11-04T08:52:00.000-05:00

Bust Banner Ads with Proxy Auto Config, nicely written and useful piece!

ERUNT and NTREGOPT ver. 1.1g

2004-11-04T08:13:00.000-05:00

ERUNT and NTREGOPT the 'must have' registry backup and restore, and optimiziation tools for your registry now available in ver. 1.1g

Security News Portal, computer networking security hacking and virus news alerts and advisories

2004-11-02T18:04:00.000-05:00

Security News Portal, computer networking security hacking and virus news alerts and advisories

Visit it - bookmark it - stay informed!

Microsoft Security Home Page

2004-11-02T18:03:00.000-05:00

Microsoft Security Home Page

STOP laughing.....

My browser of choice

2004-11-02T13:51:00.000-05:00

mozdev.org - free project hosting for the Mozilla community

2004-11-02T13:49:00.000-05:00

mozdev.org - free project hosting for the Mozilla community

Change extension

2004-11-02T13:43:00.000-05:00

Nice freeware app called "Change Extension"

nLite - Freeware tool to remove Windows components like Media Player, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, MSN Explorer, Messenger...

2004-11-02T10:30:00.000-05:00

nLite
Makes removing Windows components like Media Player, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, MSN Explorer, Messenger simpler.

MSNBC Newsbot

2004-11-01T20:58:00.000-05:00

MSNBC Newsbot
This is according to Microsoft's release, " MSN Newsbot (beta) is an experimental, automated news service. We gather news from over 4,000 sources on the internet and speed your discovery of news stories on the internet. News headlines are clustered together to allow you to compare coverage from multiple sources and each story links to the publisher's site where you can read the full article.

As news changes around the world, MSN Newsbot (beta) updates continuously to keep you current on what stories are being reported online. You can search to find news related to particular topics, or browse the sections to find news in Sports, Business, Technology, or World News. As you click on stories Newsbot will suggest other stories based on your selections."

I can't say it is THAT new and unique as it is looking to emulate several other online resources that do pretty much the same, but it is worth checking out a time or to to see what you may think about this "service".

Yahoo! News - Mac and Linux Not Immune to Viruses

2004-11-01T15:56:00.000-05:00

Yahoo! News - Mac and Linux Not Immune to Viruses

New worm variant spreads, clogging e-mail

2004-11-01T15:53:00.000-05:00

New worm variant spreads, clogging e-mail

2004-10-31T18:06:00.000-05:00

Small community - big heart

November 2004

I always find it very disheartening to travel around the Net to various sites that purport ot be "freeware" sites and yet are merely lame excuses for representing the real "freeware community".
Sites that basically are riding on the coat tails of freeware to be seen, or to garner exposure.
They spend time harvesting "freeware" to list and yet if queried can only spout what is on a developers page as they themselves probably have never used said program(s).

HOW can someone vouch that a program is freeware if they only go by being told it is???

That is where the huge divide exists between the genuine freeware world and the 'wannabes'.

The small, but true freeware community is made up of those who have an actual heart, and an actual passion for the subject of freeware.
They are selective and discerning about what freeware they discuss, list or share to others.
They by doing so, are extending a high degree of respect to the developers of real freeware, for they aren't merely "using" the gendre of freeware as a tool to further their online/website pursuits.

Yes the numbers in the legions of trye freeware admireres is very small, but as this article's tiles states, it is a big one.
And THAT is the gist of it all...not quantity, but quality

Some will never grasp, nor appreciate that simple idea.
Some are just so driven by some pathetically petty ideology that bigger is better that they alienate themselves from rather than collaborating with others who share common interests.The Net could bring so many together for better things.
To bridge huge distances...but sadly it can be a matter of ego rather than altruism that feeds some.

Blurbs on Spyware from Yahoo!

2004-10-31T15:54:00.000-05:00

Yahoo! Security Center - Spyware...pretty basic, but better than not saying a word, like many online presences do.

Site of the week

2004-10-31T15:33:00.000-05:00

Site of the week for week ending December 26, 2004 :

FreewareArena
I haven't the words to say enough about this site and it's author (Scott). His site is home to the Freeware Book and is the "birthplace" to the Freeware Revolution.
A man of commitment and steadfastness in championing real freeware in a cyber world overwrought with many who "use" and misrepresent freeware.

This site is just returning online after being offline due to many, many personal problems for it's benevolant webmaster (and family).

I wish Scott and his family all the best and continued healing on their road ahead and am grateful that there are those like Scott that aren't concerned with having the biggest listing by harvesting freeware listings from other sites or can't be bothered in doing an altruistic and collaborative project like the Freeware Book, nor are decent enough to join and unite for a cause like The Freeware Revolution.
Also those who are fair weather friends and assume email is a one way street (they only write when you write them).

Site of the week for week ending December 19, 2004 :

Snapfiles
Formerly knopwn as WebAttack, this site has loads of freeware (and shreware) listings. The listings are seperated (freeware and shareware), and though adware is listed, it is so notated.
Keep up to date by using their RSS feed!

Site of the week for week ending December 12, 2004 :

Ur I.T. Mate Group
Ur I.T. Mate Group is both a great freeware site and home of many excellent freeware programs developed by the site's webmaster Steven Burn.
This site and it's webmaster are members of The FREEWARE REVOLUTION.

Site of the week for week ending December 5, 2004 :

ShellExtensionCity
ShellExtensionCity provides daily freeware and shareware news and infos. They also serve up a great set of news resources.

Site of the week for week ending November 28, 2004 :

Buzzy's Stall Wall
At Buzzy's Stall Wall you can find very nicely (and honestly) reviewed freeware.
I salute this site as the webmaster takes the time to really check out and go through freeware, this way you KNOW what you will get and what to expect from the freeware that is listed.

Site of the week for week ending November 21, 2004 :

Freeware4U.com
A very nice freeware site that I recently ran across. Very good selections of freeware and a pleasant site to behold.

Site of the week for week ending November 14, 2004 :

Nirsoft
Home of the many outstanding freeware creations of developer Nir Sofer.
I use every single freeware proggie from this site, and am so pleased with the fact that they are outstandingly functional, AND not hugely overbloated like a number of freeware proggies I have run across.

Site of the week for week ending November 7, 2004 :

Freeware-Guide
It's a great resource for a number of great freeware sites and resources as well as a growing freeware library of their own.

To submit a site for "Site of the week" listing, contact me here

Spyware Free Spy Software Blocking Tool

2004-10-31T14:31:00.000-05:00

Spyware Free Spy Software Blocking Tool
Well worth getting and keeping updated on.

What it does is blocks all known "bad" ActiveX controls from running inside Internet Explorer.

It is regularly and often updated!

New IE Flaw Spoofs URLs

2004-10-31T14:26:00.000-05:00

"New IE Flaw Spoofs URLs"

PCWorld.com - Bagle Is Still Biting

2004-10-31T14:21:00.000-05:00

PCWorld.com - Bagle Is Still Biting

AM-DeadLink - Detect dead links and duplicates in your Browser Bookmarks, download FavIcons

2004-10-31T09:31:00.000-05:00

AM-DeadLink - Detect dead links and duplicates in your Browser Bookmarks, download FavIcons ver 2.03 released

Another virus news story -

2004-10-30T17:46:00.001-04:00

Virus variant targets Google : from CNET News

AOL to give antivirus software away in Version 9: October 28, 2004: By : SECURITY

2004-10-30T17:46:00.000-04:00

AOL to give antivirus software away in Version 9
hmmmm....?? I wonder why??

The future of AVG Free

2004-10-30T07:10:00.000-04:00

Grisoft post regarding the future of AVG Free
Now I can breathe a huge sigh of relief.................

Calendar Of Updates Forums Calendar

2004-10-30T06:31:00.000-04:00

Calendar Of Updates Forums Calendar
Pretty useful resource (not all resources listed/referenced are for freeware).

PC Pitstop Top 25 Spyware and Adware

2004-10-30T05:10:00.000-04:00

PC Pitstop Top 25 Spyware and Adware
Well worth checking regularly!!

Scrap Book (freeware proggie)

2004-10-29T10:57:00.000-04:00

Scrap Book - very nice and concise method to get organized (and to stay that way)

Topix.net Weblog: The Secret Source of Google's Power

2004-10-26T19:12:00.000-04:00

Topix.net Weblog: The Secret Source of Google's Power

GooOS, the Google Operating System (kottke.org)

2004-10-26T19:11:00.000-04:00

GooOS, the Google Operating System (kottke.org) ? ? ?

AVG freeware edition going soon.....

2004-10-25T18:25:00.000-04:00

Grisoft discontinuing** freeware version (**Grisoft announces the end of support for AVG version 6.0 effective on
December 31, 2004 for technical reasons.

End of support means they will no longer provide program updates or Virus
Database updates for version 6.0" ;-(

SpywareData BHO - list of spyware that is a BHO

2004-10-25T18:24:00.000-04:00

SpywareData BHO - list of spyware that is a BHO

Great cleaning tips for your system

2004-10-25T05:57:00.000-04:00

Computer Cleaning Information

Great free image hosting!

2004-10-22T13:37:00.000-04:00

More freeware.............

2004-10-22T13:20:00.000-04:00

I am (as time permits) adding more freeware listings and categories thereof.
So please do not be disappointed, or assume that my listing shall remain as sparse as present.
Also, remember that quantity does not trump quality and that any online resource that touts numbers above selectivity has motivations that are not geared towards your enjoyment or fulfillment but rather self serving and potentially egotistically fueled.

Freebies prove profitable for software companies

2004-10-22T10:37:00.000-04:00

Freebies prove profitable for software companies

My new forum/messageboard

2004-10-21T08:49:00.000-04:00

Messageboard (opens in a new window).

Messageboard courtesy of phpBB Star.com

Blocking Unwanted Parasites with a Hosts File

2004-10-21T06:12:00.000-04:00

Blocking Unwanted Parasites with a Hosts File

Google Desktop Search Download

2004-10-21T06:11:00.000-04:00

Google Desktop Search Download
Security??

Keeping REAL freeware FREE!

2004-10-20T08:14:00.000-04:00

Link to Freeware Outpost

2004-10-20T02:55:00.000-04:00

If you so choose to link to this site, please feel free to use one of the following graphics - please copy the graphic and store on your webspace though.

The above graphic was kindly created by Ur I.T. Mate Group's webmaster!

Registry tools

2004-10-18T00:20:00.000-04:00

ERUNT* (ver. 1.1g)
Author : Lars Hederer
Registry backup and restore for Windows NT/2000/2003/XP
This download also includes NTREGOPT* which is a registry optimization for Windows NT/2000/2003/XP
Filesize : 785 Kb - Rating : 5
Homepage - Download

Set them straight about freeware

2004-10-15T14:50:00.000-04:00

I want to extend this to the online world.
Freeware is being greatly diluted to many by the gross misleading of a huge number of online resources.
Consequently untold numbers of computer users are misinformed about what REAL freeware REALLY is.

I submit that users should email webmasters as to the veracity of the "freeware" they list.

IF a site does a program/application as freeware and it is not, immediately email the webmaster of said site and notify them of such.

For if a site believes it is acceptable to does this knowingly, then they are NOT a resource for freeware and merely are seeking to cash in on freeware by garnering visitors via the hook of purporting to be a freeware site.

One evening recently I visit 12 alleged "freeware" sites and found that out of the 12 randomly chosen "freeware" sites - 8 listed adware or spyware.
NINE listed time limited "free downloads".
Now I do acknowledge that a site may run into listing a freeware proggie that has switched to being non-freeware.
But when a site has something that is NOT freeware on their main page - what conclusion am I or any one else to draw??

My personal opinion(s) advisements are as follows :

IF a site implies it is a freeware resource, it should state clearly what it (the site) defines freeware to be.
A freeware site should test freeware prior to listing, endorsing or reviewing - that is only honest, as well as fair and ethical.
A true freeware site should work to raise the level of awareness about freeware to users and should consider it's (the site/resource) recognition/ranking as secondary.
A concomonent to the previous is that it would be nice if "freeware" sites (the non-commercial "freeware" sites that is...but then again isn't a 'commercial' freeware site akin to selling a gift to the recipient of a gift?) acted as a community and not in clanish fashion.

Search Freeware Outpost

2004-10-14T19:59:00.000-04:00

File freeware

2004-10-12T13:21:00.000-04:00

Change Extension (ver. 1.0)
Author : Pierre-Marie Devigne
Very easy to use app to change the extension on selected files.
A handy dandy shell extension.
Filesize : 295 Kb
Rating : 3
Homepage - Download

Harddisk Search & Stats (ver. 2.1)
Author : Freebyte
Useful text-Search Engine for your harddisk.
Allows you to search large numbers of text/ascii-based files simultaneously.
Free for commercial and non-commercial use.
Filesize : 557 Kb
Rating : 4
Homepage - Download

Internet Related freeware

2004-10-12T09:32:00.000-04:00

Thunderbird (ver. 0.9)
Author : The Mozilla Organization
Thunderbird is an email client that will beef up your security pertaining to your email.
It is customizable.
It boasts a wide range of spam fighting options.
Filesize : 5.8 Mb
Rating : 5
Homepage - Download

AM-DeadLink (ver. 2.03)
Author : Martin Aignesberger
Favorites/Bookmarks, we all have loads of them and after awhile they can be filled with dead or redirected links. You 'could' manually check them, OR use AM Deadlink - it will scan/check them for you and even download/update the FavIcons of all your Favorites from the Browsers Internet Explorer and Opera.
Filesize : 800 Kb
Rating : 4
Homepage - Download

Mozilla (ver. 1.73)
Author : The Mozilla Organization
Powerful browser with a built in mail client, newsgroup client, IRC chat client, and HTML editing can be done using Mozilla!
Filesize : 11 Mb
Rating : 5
Homepage - Download

Firefox (ver. 1.0pr)
Author : The Mozilla Organization
The last year has shown the extreme vulnerabilities in IE*. Enter Firefox from Mozilla.
This is one 'must have' browser, as it will add a higher level of security to your browsing not to mention loads of features and great customizationing.
The growing number of "extensions" for Firefox even more broadens the functionality of it.
(*Firefox imports your Favorites, settings and other information)
Filesize : 4.5 Mb
Rating : 5
Homepage - Download

BlogExpress (ver. 1.56.2)
Author : UsableLabs.com
This is "THE" news feeder read/blog reader to get.
It supports all RSS versions and ATOM.
So get with the program and embrace all those rss and xml feeds with this one program that you will be glad you did.
I still am at a loss as to why anyone pays for some of the many 'shareware' programs of this gendre??
Filesize : 557 Kb
Rating : 5
Homepage - Download

About this site

2004-10-11T18:30:00.000-04:00

The reason for creating and having a site varies from one person to the next.

My sole purpose is to list freeware that I have found or been informed about, and that I find useful for my needs.
I seek not to list ALL freeware as that is merely a pandering to the lowest common denominator of having the BIGGEST listings.
I prefer to know of what I list and endorse.
So there are bigger (and less personal) "freeware" sites out ther but I just do what I do as I see fit to do.

For the record, if a site doesn't at least run a program through the riggers, how can you know it is actually freeware????

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Freeware is defined by me/this site, as free software that is just that - FREE to use with no restrictions, contains no malware (no adware, no spyware, etc.) of any kind and requires no payment or registration that seeks to extract private informations for the use of marketing.

That may be a rather narrow realm for listings, but I feel it is totally WRONG to just list software and pass it off as "freeware" and further insult the great freeware developers by perpetuating the blatant lie that continues online by many purported "freeware" sites who work only to have the biggest set of listing and whose site generally does contain 'less' than true freeware. For developers to labor and create freeware only to have their creations lumped in with programs that are encumbered with limitaions, demands for money (which is NOT wrong as long as said authors clarify that their works are not frereware but are shareware or trials or time limited demos or such).

It should also be made clear that end users deserve better treatment than to be misled by what is not truly freeware.

On a personal note - I look to a day when the online experience is less wrought with the need to be leery or cautious regarding "freeware". Perhaps a time will arrive where webmasters will display a respect for end users by being 'honest' and detailing if their site(s) are merely libraries/resources for downloadable software and not totally just freeware. If a webmaster merely culls alleged "freeware" and lists it without any verification as to the authenticity of said "freeware" as being that, they should run such a disclaimer prominiently throughout their site(s).

For just posting alleged freeware to post for the sake of being the most "up to date" and enlarge their listings is underahnded, deceitful and conveys a rather disingeniousness as well as contemptable arrogance.

Web building tools

2004-10-11T16:18:00.000-04:00

RSS Builder (ver. 1.2)
Author : W. Bokkers
The web is ever evolving and to stay up to the minute informed means accessing info as it becomes "new".
RSS is such a method.
Until now it was for some a daunting task to create such a feed - NO LONGER with RSS Builder.
It is very user friendly.
Filesize : 417 Kb
Rating : 5
Homepage - Download

XENU (ver. 1.2f)
Author : Tilman Hausherr
Do you know what turns me off about a web site? bad/broken links! I hate that!
XENU Link Sleuth will help eliminate that happening with your site. It checks for links validity.
A nice simple interface. A must have for any webmaster.
Filesize : 506 Kb
Rating : 5
Homepage - Download

Matizha Sublime (ver. 3.2)
Author : Matizha Inc.
Excellent HTML editor (my main point for being such a lover of this program is the DHTML scripting included with it, as it was how I created the former navigation I used on my original version of "Freeware Outpost").
Filesize : 1.76 Mb
Rating : 5
Homepage - Download

Startup tools

2004-10-11T06:37:00.000-04:00

Startup-Mechanic (ver. 1.3.11.04)
Author : Opensoft Corporation
What runs on start up can not only slow your system, BUT...it can also contain known data mining, advertising, and tracking components (which can jeopardize your privacy).
Startup Mechanic deftly scans your system and details just what is loaded on start up.
Filesize : 696 Kb
Rating : 4
Homepage - Download

Startup Monitor(ver. 1.02)
Author : Mike Lin
From the program's author, "StartupMonitor is a small utility that runs transparently (it doesn't even use a tray icon) and notifies you when any program registers itself to run at system startup".
Filesize : 60 Kb
Rating : 5
Homepage - Download

Thank you for your feedback

2004-10-09T17:26:00.000-04:00

Thank you for contacting Freeware Outpost.

I will respond as soon as I am able to.

Back to main page

Site of the month

2004-10-09T06:43:00.000-04:00

coming soon (as soon as I migrate it from my other/old host)

Revolution Members

2004-10-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

Under1mb.com
FreeStop
ZeroPlus2 Freeware
Fort Freeware
WebGrid
Ur I.T. Mate Group
FreewareArena (Founder and Chairperson)
Freeware Outpost
The Freeware Motherload
Son of Spy
LiquidLinks
The Cave Freeware
Freesitebuilder
Craigsoftware
OjCorp.net
Downloads 4 All

Tools I use

2004-10-08T06:46:00.000-04:00

First I think it behooves me to take a lil time to share the great resources I am using to bring my site to you :

* - Blogger.com who hosts this site/blog

* - mytempdir.com a free host who can provide space for images AND files (up to 1 Mb in size).
They provide my download locales for the Freeware Book :-)

* - Imagehosting.us who make my graphics I use available (meaning they allow 'hotlinking' and direct linking which the vast majority of so called FREE webhosts do NOT allow)

* - Scott of FreewareArena for the long friendship and association we have had and his great patience and kindness towards me (and the freeware world online) also to various other members of the Freeware Revolution who have been equally kind, helpful and thoughtful to and towards me.

* - Tinyurl.com : A great FREE shorter url service. There are a large number of services that do the same, but I find this a useful, easy to use service, and the extension for Moz makes it simple for my needs.
Note : I also am recommending Urlsnip.com - an equally great shorter url service!

* - phpBB Star - they provide a freely** hosted phpBB forum for your site. Visit mine here if'd you'd care to.
(**Note : They do have the following posted on their site "We currently have no ads or advertisements of any kind!", I do not know if that is to possibly imply that in tiem they may utilize ads??)

* - Sitemeter.com - free counter service. I highly recommend it. You can have stats delivered you via email if you so choose.

* - FreePolls.com - nice resource that provides free hosted polls for your site (which is great if you don't want to mess with cgi or if your host doesn't allow use of such scripts on their servers).

* - Atomz.com - Providers of the excellent free search utility for this site.

* - myHQ.com - VERY useful free online bookmark manager service (which will be where I will have hosted my next version of my "portal"/links page). It is also notaeworthy that this service is provided banner free.

* - FreeFind.com - an ad supported resource (though a pay service that eliminates the ads is available) that can provide a pretty efficient search function for a website (also it can list a 'site map' and a "what's new" link/listing. All in all - it is a quite decent service that can enhance a website.

Full Freeware Listings

2004-10-07T19:11:00.000-04:00

All freeware categories will be listed here to better facilitate navigating for freeware by categories. (coming soon)

  Text related freeware

  Graphics freeware

  Anti Virus freeware

  Anti Spyware freeware

  The Freeware Book

  Text related freeware

  Web building tools

  Start up tools

  Internet related freeware

  File tools & utilities freeware

  Cleaning tools & utilities freeware

Security News

2004-10-07T18:06:00.000-04:00

De-evolution online

2004-10-07T06:39:00.000-04:00

Editor's note : I ask you read the following as it hits home about what rancidness is taking ahold of many online users.
For the record, my friend spedders_son is a regular at Sims Online, but the article in no way is directed at him. Nor am I attacking any online gaming.

It is directed towards the vapidness that is swirling across the Net and holding some in a vise like hold.
Please listen, set times you use the Internet and do not go beyond the set time limits. Also do not use the Internet as a means to insult, harrass or to be indignant.
Spend time with your children, or wife/husband/girlfriend/boyfriend, take a walk, visit a neighbor, make a new friend by speaking to a stranger at the supermarket, volunteer in your community, start a hobby, join a church or group of your choosing, get a pet, read a book, watch/rent a DVD/VHS or whatever movie, go out to a movie, call a long lost friend, call a long lost relative, coach a youth sports team, exercise, turn on a radio, anything, just please do not make the online world your whole world.

Sex, mob hits: Sims tests virtual morals

Orginally from :
http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/fun.games/07/05/misbehaving.online.ap/index.html
Saturday, July 5, 2003 Posted: 9:17 AM EDT (1317 GMT)

NEW YORK (AP) -- Jeremy Chase admits to shaking down his enemies. His Web site advertises extortion, hits and prostitution for a hefty fee.

Chase is a mob leader -- but only in the virtual world. He is one of hundreds of players who found the path of lawlessness and deviance too irresistible when "The Sims Online" challenged them to "Be Somebody ... else."

The popular commercial game, where thousands of people interact electronically, is turning into a petri dish of anti-social behavior. And that's raising questions about whether limits on conduct should be set in such emerging virtual worlds, even if they are huge adult playpens.

"Games give people the opportunity to either do something they've never had the ability to do before or allow them to do the stuff they are too afraid to do in real life," said Chase, an unemployed, self-described computer geek who lives in Sacramento, California. "This is as close to the real-life mafia that I'm going to be able to get."

All online games see their share of ne'er-do-wells, or "griefers." In other games where violence is the norm and killing routine, thugs delight in slaughtering the less powerful and stealing their loot.

But there are no guns in "Sims," made by Maxis, and it's impossible to do serious harm to another player. That means griefers -- admittedly a small percentage of the game's 100,000 subscribers -- have to be devilishly creative in their social deviance.

Chase and others insist they're just role-playing like everyone else in the game. But harassment can be a big deal in "Sims," which resembles a neighborhood of virtual dollhouses where you build a home and invite others to come over and play.

The game's raison d'etre is socializing; barely a half year old, it's the biggest game yet whose rewards come from making friends and being popular.

One mob tactic is gathering the foot-soldiers to stigmatize someone else with several so-called "red links" -- a sort of demerit that shows others how many enemies a player has.

For gamers who have spent hours building a reputation, red links can be devastating. The platform may be virtual, but the attack isn't.

Simulated or real?
"It's only a game but the people operating those little animated cartoons are real," said Holly Shevenock, a postal worker from Harrisburg, Pennsylania.

Shevenock quit playing "Sims" because she was spending too much time in it -- up to five hours a day. "If you're not careful, you begin to play this game with your real emotions."

She and others said they knew several people who stopped playing or reduced their time online because of groups that seemed intent on harassment.

Psychologists who study online behavior say in-game spats and the visceral responses to them aren't surprising. With simulations becoming more lifelike, the line between real and fake is blurred.

"The more real you try to make these online worlds, the more the problems are real-world problems," said John Suler, a Rider University professor who specializes in the psychology of cyberspace. "It's not always easy to contain this stuff in the fantasy world."

The game's Terms of Service agreement tells players they cannot "harass, threaten, embarrass, or do anything else to another Member or guest that is unwarranted." They're also told, "The laws that apply in the off-line world must be obeyed online as well."

Maxis gives warnings, terminates threads in message boards, suspends players and in extreme cases, bans accounts. Chase himself endured a three-day suspension for what he said was foul language.

"We have a very big hammer to wield when we have to," said Kyle Brink, a Maxis associate producer.

But Maxis can't cover everything.

Real-world liability
Some players have reported online spats leaking out of the game players have hacked into others' accounts, posed as acquaintances and spread rumors about real people through instant messaging. Some have even reported identity theft.

That puts far more pressure on game makers to begin cracking down in earnest on gamers, experts say. It could lead to more real-world, legal liability for both players and the companies that make the games.

"We're going to be forced to create a whole new area of social convention -- and probably law -- that reflects that kind of behavior," said psychologist David Greenfield, founder of the Center for Internet Studies and author of the book "Virtual Addiction."

"You can't produce something that's this potent or powerful psychologically and not have some accountability for it," he said.

Piers Mathieson and his wife, Jennifer, are two more hardcore "Sims" players. They log several hours most days.

After the Las Vegas couple distributed photos of themselves to friends, one griefer hacked into Piers' America Online account and stole his in-game character's possessions. Someone else posed as Piers and told other players that Jennifer had died of cancer.

The Mathiesons may have been easy targets. Their character, Mia Wallace, was the most popular in Alphaville, as one of the game's servers, or cities, is known.

"You start having to question who your real friends are, who you can trust, who you can't trust," Jennifer Mathieson said. "It also paints a huge bulls-eye in your forehead."

The two are also founders of the Sim Shadow Government, a group boasting 1,000 members dedicated to cracking down on griefers where Maxis couldn't.

Though the Mathiesons say they dispense justice, their online tactics can be just as rough. The couple say they have ransacked apartments, sent out their "troops" to urinate on others' lawns and once drove another player from the game.

Brink insists the griefers are a far less serious problem in "Sims" than in other games because it has a different demographic, a lot of women, people from all age groups, and "players who are looking to build not destroy," he said. "This is a mature, social crowd as a whole."

There are also many ways to block out people who bother you. Even the players agree, after all, that there's no law against being annoying.

"It reminds me of sales calls during dinner time," said Laura Robinson, a student who lives in Philadelphia. "They always seem to message at the wrong time, which in my case is always."

Sincerely,
Lis

Articles

2004-10-07T06:15:00.000-04:00

NEW Monopoly??

Set them straight (about freeware)

Small community - big heart

What's in a name?

Don't join the 'Revolution'

Thoughts of a 'webmaster'

The 'selling' of freeware

Read why some online are devolving

Portal Webmaster

2004-10-06T10:12:00.000-04:00

Home >> Freeware Outpost's Portal

The following are useful resources that I personally use and find to be exemplorary.All links will open in a 'new window'
To suggest a link or report a bad link contact me here
I am not responsible for the content of sites linked/listed here.

I have notated the sites I find the best per category with BEST
As well as newest added sites/resources are designated as NEW.
Warning : Some sites may use pop ups.


	FREE Tutorials Downloadable Tutorials HTML Made Easy AAA HTML Beginners.co.uk Tutorials HTML Clinic Tutorials resources aplenty! ascenvia.net Tutorials Free MailingList Services FreeLists Listpower Messagebot.com Notifylist.com Coollist Yourmailinglistprovider Free Form Providers FormMail.to BEST Freedback.com Free Online Meta Tag makers Courtesy Addpro.com Free Site Monitoring Changedetection.com Top Keyword Search Top 300 Search Keywords Site Popularity Check Link-popularity-checker.com Free Site Monitoring Service SiteProbe.com ismysiteup.com Free Site Search Engine PicoSearch Atomz BEST FusionBot whatUseek Freefind.com Free Site Tools - POLLS FreePolls.com Bravenet Free Site Counters Seehits.com WEBCOUNTER.ws SiteMeter BEST FreeStats eXTReMe Tracking ServuStats RetroStats GoStats AddFreeStats Free Graphics/Clipart FreeGraphics.org Free Online Graphics Creation Cooltext.com web-animator.com Coolarchive.com GIFWorks 3D Text Maker webfx.com FlamingText.com BEST Free Messageboards/Forums InvisionFree BEST Conforums.com runboard.com Proboards.com Boards2Go.com	FREE Tech Support Windows notes and tips Free Webmaster Resources EchoEcho.com BEST Webhostingtalk.com MasterDiz.com 321webmaster Webmaster Tools Central free-webmaster-tools.com a2z-free.com WebmasterEdge 123webmaster.com Mega Web Tools Bravenet Webmaster Circle webmaster-toolkit.com BuildTraffic.com Guistuff.com DHTML Dynamicdrive Free Scripts Free-PHP.net Cgi-resources.com BEST The Perl Archive a1javascripts.com javascriptkit.com java-scripts.net JavaScript 2 Scriptsearch.com Free Hosted Scripts Hostedscripts.com BEST Html Gear (Lycos) Cgi-spy.com Free URL ReDirection freedomain.co.nr BEST cjb.net shortURL UNI.CC Network free-url-redirection.com.ru 123redirect.com Free Web Space Providers GeoCities/Yahoo! Free-webhosts.com free-hosting.com.ru Freehu.com 00freehost.com Coolfreepage Free-webhosts.com absolutely-free-hosting.com envy.nu freeweb-hosting.com Freewebs Free Download Counters Downloadcounter.com Free Site Templates ZeroWeb FreeWebTemplates

Last Updated October 17, 2004

Submit Freeware

2004-10-06T09:38:00.000-04:00

Thoughts of a 'webmaster'

2004-10-06T06:36:00.000-04:00

Thoughts of a 'webmaster'
- Written September 2003 -

First let me begin by saying that I am not a 'webmaster'. I personally despise such a term of arrogance that implies such a supremacy. Secondly, is it to convey that one is the 'master' of 'web'??

I am a web site operator, or if you prefer a web site 'presence' operator.
From this point forward I shall address the issues that trouble me in regards to mainly 'freeware' websites (but some points may be applicable to all gendres of sites).

Point # 1 - Why does a person create a website? In my case, it was my respect and admiration for freeware and by an inspiration of a friend who has been a true and pristine light in the world of freeware. But for many it is to make money (which I shall touch upon later in this piece), or to attain 'fame' (by having the highest traffic or highest rankings in the search) engines.
The previous two 'reasons' are enough to make one wretch. If you were to provide a product or servivce of your own creation, you are entitled to set a fair price for such if you so choose. But to plagarize something like freeware, that is criminal.
Regarding 'fame', simply put, 'get a life'. If your small depraved world is primarily orbitting around how 'popular' you are online, you need to immediately seek help. That is not a joke, that is a fact. If you are some engrossed in a cyber world as being your center, you are displaying extreme anti-social and possibly dangerous behavior(s).

Point #2 - Do the words that were utterred by Rodney King (in his fifteen minutes of fame), "Can't we all just get along", mean anything to more than a handful of 'webmasters'? Obviously not, for in the short time I have run this web site, I have been the victim of slander, 'flames', and a total shunning by some.

"Shunned" you may ask? I have chosen not to partake in the mad scavenging for 'links' (in the pursuit of 'fame/popularity'). This is the practice (to those uninitiated) whereby 'webmasters' are on the prowl to get other sites to link (list a display be it textually or graphically) to a site. It is basically a game, many sites make promises of 'traffic' or conversely sites seeking links (to bolster their search engine rankings) will be so, so very sweet and accomodating to (as my Great Grandma always refers to it as) 'court' sites to link to them. It can be accomplished through what in political circles amounts to 'butt kissing'. It comes down to forming 'alliances', and that destroys the whole beauty of the Net. The concept of the Net to many with a degree of intelligence is an interconnected set of 'places' to visit to obtain informations. But this concept is smashed when sites become clanish in their hunger for 'popularity/search engine fame'. The proverbial slitting of throats is so common that if it were not a metaphor, many parts of the net would look like medievel torture chambers (or perhaps like the early barbers who performed blood lettings). Or the analogy of 'backstabbing' maybe more appropriate. But it is a display of the depravity of people's empty lives when they use the net to fill the holes that exist in their lives. For an addiction negates all rational thinking(s).

Point # 3 - Anything for a buck, and oh how true that is in a growing section of the freeware world. I was viewing a messageboard recently and I was reading two 'webmasters' discussing 'selling' CDs of freeware programs. YES selling!
I wondered out loud to myself, "If one runs a freeware site, why sell the freeware?" The answer is so simply a child could comprehend it, money. It could be a perpetual money maker for some. "Hurry, hurry step right up ladies and gentlemen, I have kindly downloaded all these freeware programs and will graciously spare you the downloading time by selling them to you in one complete package"....Now THAT makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. This kindly 'webmaster' downloads these freeware programs, so would that not imply you too can/could download these freeware programs as well?? It is pathetic, people create freeware sites and still want everything - 'fame', money (and probably the opportunity to feature/display ads). And THOSE are the people who give freeware a huge black eye.

Point #4 - Actually sub point to Point #2, which is this. If a people want to operate websites as their cyber 'personas', which is a variation of the actions of a ventriloquists (whereby a person uses a character to convey things that they are unable to in normal settings or to vent what they may be unable to directly), please explain the dynamics that drive this, for I am at a one thousand percent loss to having an understanding. And if the rationale (or lack thereof) can be disseminated to me I would be grateful, for I am a student of all behaviors (be they typical or of the abnormal nature). They wonders of the internet are vast, and yet it is rather disturbing when a segment of society seizes a mass communications method to almost infect untold numbers with a dissociative thinking, it to me weakens the foundations of civilization.
In a nutshell, when people are lacking in the capacity to be productive, effective and work in a unilateral means it is sign of problems, major problems. The breakdown of society is when chaos and irrational thinking is allowed to be 'accepted'. hatred, jealousy, resentment are all emotions, and emotions are not truly tangible 'items', so to act based upon contempt solely dues to ire at another merely illustrtaes the old analogy of 'misery loves company'. In this case when an individual is so 'miserable' that they feel the need to 'share'/transfer their feelings on others it is the signal again of a very weak mind operating.
In the 'real world' if one is unable to function as a part of society, the results can be in instances, deadly. And it is a microcosm of this when online sites become 'seperatist', they only will "cooperate" with other similar thinkers. THAT is a 'red flag' to take instant note of and avoid. If a site is either 'elitest' or just plain the proverbial 'angry young man' railing at the world for no valid or useful purposes it is spreading the message be it veiled or glaring that technology is being wasted, as are those lives disrupted by the message(s) being broadcast.

My personal view is be very, very careful of your words and thoughts exchanged or posted online in any form, for they will exist for an undetermined time and if your 'word' changes from day to day, week to week, month to month you fail as a person. Your value to others is by your actions, nil.

But there will always be those disenfranchised individuals who need help so badly and never receive it, and they will attempt to purge their demons/problems by seeking noteriety online, and they will all the while become shallower and more callous for they will never be 'satisfied' and they will become more arrogant and the 'need' to bolster themselves will further manifest itself through more 'boasting', more isolationism (where they will shower those who 'follow' them and abide by their methods), and above all more 'attacks', insults and other actions towards others as they will become slaves to their egos. They will lose sight of the good that can be accomplished with computers and will only serve the hunger of being 'seen', which is merely a metaphor for 'being accepted', or 'validated'. Such persons need help, and they are hurting, the more they spew anger and/or hatred, the more they are showing their pain(s).

My advice, step away from the computer for perhaps one day a week, and enjoy another activity. Be amongst people, savour the tangible and intangibles of reality as well as of creativity. If who you are is about what you 'act out' online, you have a void, and nothing you scheme online will ever fill or even begin to fill. Be who you are, and if you are confused about that, take the time to get to know who you really are. Once you can recognise that, and only then can you actually set useful and productive goals for you and your life. If online 'fame' is your goal, the minute those you believe see you as 'famous' either disconnect or walk away from their monitor, your goal has disappeared. And is THAT what would bring you happiness? An illusion?

Sincerely,
Lis

Text Freeware

2004-10-05T10:28:00.000-04:00

metapad (ver. 3.5)
Author : Alexander Davidson
metapad is my text editor of choice. Not only is it small and uses a very tiny footprint, but it has so many uses (like web page editing to mention but one).
Filesize : 45 kb Rating : 5
Homepage - Download

Cleaning freeware

2004-10-05T07:53:00.000-04:00

CCleaner (Crap cleaner) (ver. 1.22.142)
Author : Spazmatic

Normally I try to write a brief summary/review, but with this proggie (CCleaner) I want to make sure that all it's functionality is hit upon so I will 'borrow' the program's author's description from their website :
"CCleaner (Crap Cleaner) is a freeware system optimisation tool. That removes unused and temporary files from your system - allowing it to run faster, more efficiently and giving you more hard disk space. The best part is that it's fast! (normally taking less that a second to run) and Free. :)

Cleans the following:
* Internet Explorer Cache, History, Cookies, Index.dat.
* Recycle Bin, Temporary files and Log files.
* Recently opened URLs and files.
* Third-party application temp files and recent file lists (MRUs).
Including: Media Player, eMule, Kazaa, Google Toolbar, Netscape, Office XP, Nero, Adobe Acrobat, WinRAR, WinAce, WinZip and more...
* Advanced Registry scanner and cleaner to remove unused and old entries.
Including File Extensions, ActiveX Controls, ClassIDs, ProgIDs, Uninstallers, Shared DLLs, Fonts, Help Files, Application Paths, Icons, Invalid Shortcuts and more...
* Backup for registry clean.
* This software is completely Freeware and contains no Spyware or Adware."
Size : 320 Kb - Rating : 5
Homepage - Download

CleanCache (ver. 2.17)
Author : ButtUglySoftware
Handy dandy cleaner for Internet Explorer 6.0 and Windows 2000/XP. Very customizable, and can run automatically.
Size : 345 Kb - Rating : 4
Homepage - Download

CleanMOCache (ver. 1.05)
Author : ButtUglySoftware
Outstanding cleaning app for Mozilla/Netscape/Firefox/Opera and Windows 2000/XP.
From the same developer as the above listed CleanCache.

Size : 349 Kb - Rating : 5
Homepage - Download

:: This page is in the works...check back.... ::

Don't join the 'Revolution'

2004-10-05T06:30:00.000-04:00

There is a movement afoot called the Freeware Revolution, whose main goals are to educate and inform people about the oft misunderstood idea of what freeware is (and isn't). But I have thought long and hard about telling others about learning about it and participating in and/or joining it, and then a lightbulb so bright went off in my head - NOT everyone can understand, respect or appreciate freeware or be able to be a part of such a cause. It was my misguided thinking that told me that everyone should know and that everyone would want to come along, which was a flight of fancy that now has been rationalised and I know that it is only for those who are truly concerned for and about others.

It is a forum to actually do things outside the selfish circle that some may dwell in. I laugh when I actually wander back in time and believed that everyone and anyone would understand what it is all about and for. So I now say, if you have an ego or are close minded, DO NOT JOIN. If you are one who cannot get along with others and must be the performing chimp who lives for the attention of being 'paid attention to', DO NOT participate or even go near this group. Perhaps auditioning for a 'reality television show' (oxymoron) is a better course to take. Maybe writing an angry blog or anti-whatever you despise site is more in line with your personality.

We all have free will, and freedom of thought and freedom of speech, right? We all can say whatever we want? Right? There are no boundaries, no parameters, it is 1,000% acceptable to insult and namecall and single people, companies or groups out....that is after all what free speech is, isn't it?

And working to better the internet experience of those less financially well off, well that isn't anyone's responsibility now is it? If you have a good paying job, you are ENTITLED to do as you please right?

If you answered yes to even one of those preceeding questions, you should block your'e being able to access the Freeware Revolution's messageboard as well as those sites and individuals who truly support it, for you would only be wasting your undoubtably valuable time by bothering with any of us.

The Revolution is not a rewarding endeavor in the traditional (traffic, noteriety) sense, it's reward is in the service provided, that the message spread is greater than any one member or even all those committed to it combined. It is helping many whose lives would be so very limited and whose chance to learn, grow and become enabled. Education can accomplish more than any madman can ever hope to.

Our greatest leaders have been those who call others to rational and united action(s) to improve problems and to accomplish this via education/empowerment...for look to the words of Dr. Martin Luther King who said, "The limitation of riots, moral questions aside, is that they cannot win and their participants know it. Hence, rioting is not revolutionary but reactionary because it invites defeat. It involves an emotional catharsis, but it must be followed by a sense of futility." ...or when he said, "Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and consciencious stupidity." or him saying, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." he also wisely said, "I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant." And he once stated, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

Dr. King never endorsed radicalism nor hatred for those who were ignorant and closeminded, he sought to educate so as to enable all peoples.

We have so many great figures throught out history whose words were and continue to inspire us to go outside our selfish restraints. The Revolution is a bold set of individuals, who aspire to better the Net, they exemplify what Shakespeare wrote, "Our doubts are traitors, And make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt.". It also brings to mind yet another Shakespeare quote, "No legacy is so rich as honesty.", think about that - 'honesty'....ponder to yourself what you consider honesty means. Or the oft referred to, "To be, or not to be: that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles", perhaps that distsills what is lacking in the online world, the desire to address the sea of troubles/problems or is it nobler to aspire to outrageous fortune? In 2003, "outrageous fortune" is to achieve success, which to many dullards is equated to traffic/visibility/power. Is THAT nobler? Will THAT mean anything in 5 years?

NO......5 years from now, if there is still any freedom truly available online, I may post this Shakespearean inspired passage...
Alas poor freeware I knew you well....were not for the egos and callousnesses of the depraved, we would see you now as the brightest light upon yon internet, but you were treated as a concubine and used for the sole motive of fame...fame, so fleeting that the very opiate that it is to some, each moment loses it's potency and so withers more souls who serve you - their master......
Sleep dear sweet freeware, rest and know not the torments that so many cast upon ye.....know the peace of eternity and look back not on the possibilities and lives you may have perchance enriched.......gaze upon the void and smirk with the knowledge of what you had done in your brief time in this troubled place....be all those whose trespasses against ye be remembered, for we shall not see the likes of ye again....may my tears turn to cascading streams that may soothe you and release my some of my sorrows of your ascention from this mire....

But if you do care about the future of freeware...then my friend, find out about the Freeware Revolution. For we can stop the slow death and prostituting of freeware..NOW.

Sincerely,
Lis

What's in a name

2004-10-05T06:24:00.000-04:00

- Written October 2003 -

Recently I had a friend tell me about a 'redirect' service (free??) called www.freedomain.co.nr.

Then I recalled a conversation from nearly 2 years ago I had with Scott of freewarearena.org, who told me that his site was originally called 'Free Computing' but had to rename it to FreewareArena after someone purchased the domain name 'freecomputing'. I went to www.freecomputing.com the other day and lo and behold it is for sale, it never was actually ever used, it just must have been one of those 'get rich quick' crooks that sees a site become popular and such and figured, "hmm, I could buy that name and make some lazy money*" ( *lazy money is my Dad's term for anything that requires no effort, or worse yet profiting from another's labors).

But it is merely another reflection of the mentality that permeates the Net - $$ first, creativity last (or not at all). The practice of buying a domain name for alterior motives (for profiteering or using name recognition) is termed "cyber squatting". And it is a very sad state of affairs when originality is discarded for $$ and/or 'fame'. IF the perpetrators of such actions were to use their creativities to do something orginal it would be mindboggling to see how the Net could blossom so fully and vivarently.

So when the day comes that someone sees 'Freeware Outpost' as valuable or has name recognition (and that is truly not likely), and they buy the domain name, it would be perfectly legal...Oh I see the very black toothed grin of someone cackling with delight as they buy one doman name after another and all the while they are actually stifling what the potentials of the Net truly are.

Well you say, "save that from happening Lisa, buy the domain name now". To which I retort, "Why??"
To use a similar analogy to this situation, any law enforcement officer can tell you, 'if a crook really wants to rob you they will find a way'.

And besides, I already have 19 alternative names I have ready when/if the no talent weasels come to pilfer.

They can 'take' the name, but they can never duplicate the creativity or heart that conceived this all. I for one have almost a feeling of pity for those who need ideas given to them (actually taken by them) as they are wasting their intellects and creatvities for such sad reasons.

Sincerely,
Lis

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