AVG Free Edition
I'd like to start by mentioning that AVG Free Edition is only free for non-commercial use. With that disclaimer aside, I've been using this program to protect my machines for the past four years and it has never disappointed. The latest version contains an email scanner, link scanner, resident shield (which stays in the background and scans every file you open) and anti-spyware in addition to your anti-virus protection. It's basically five programs in one. AVG Free Edition also does everything it claims to- it caught and safely dealt with five viruses and six trojans, keeping them from infecting my machine.
All this power is contained in an easy to use control panel. This ease doesn't compromise or hide any important features, such as scanning selected drives and folders, or manually checking for an update. Automatic scanning is also included (of course).
Pros: Did I mention it automatically updates?
Cons: Computers with hundreds of thousands of files may take over an hour to scan
User Level: Beginner to Expert
DOWNLOAD NOW
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Instead of Pro Tools try...
Kristal Audio Engine
Featuring support for multiple tracks and various pre-loaded effects, this software is more powerful and versatile than many of its free cousins. Quickly and effectively open audio files, edit them, add effects and multiple tracks then just as easily export the results. With support for up to 26 tracks, Kristal is perfect for making intricate mixes and importing samples. The modular interface allows easy access to tools and commands.
Pros: Professional-level recording and mixing at your fingers
Cons: .mp3 files must be converted to .wav beforehand
User level: Beginner to Advanced. Expert users may need more features
DOWNLOAD NOW
Featuring support for multiple tracks and various pre-loaded effects, this software is more powerful and versatile than many of its free cousins. Quickly and effectively open audio files, edit them, add effects and multiple tracks then just as easily export the results. With support for up to 26 tracks, Kristal is perfect for making intricate mixes and importing samples. The modular interface allows easy access to tools and commands.
Pros: Professional-level recording and mixing at your fingers
Cons: .mp3 files must be converted to .wav beforehand
User level: Beginner to Advanced. Expert users may need more features
DOWNLOAD NOW
Instead of Photoshop try...
GIMP
Short for GNU Image Manipulation Program, anyone who has opened Photoshop and poked around will immediately recognize the layout. GIMP features familiar and necessary tools such as masks, filters, layers, paths, and the ability to make custom brushes. This program is unparalleled in flexibility and is perfect for sketching, coloring, photo manipulation, and touch ups. Pair it with a tablet and you're unstoppable!
The number one reason to use GIMP, however, is its compatibility. It's possible to open, work with, and save Photoshop (.psd) documents. When you're transferring projects between multiple computers, it doesn't get any easier than this.
Pros: All the features of Photoshop. Can save in many useful formats.
Cons: Beginners may find the learning curve a little steep
User level: Beginner to Expert
DOWNLOAD NOW
Short for GNU Image Manipulation Program, anyone who has opened Photoshop and poked around will immediately recognize the layout. GIMP features familiar and necessary tools such as masks, filters, layers, paths, and the ability to make custom brushes. This program is unparalleled in flexibility and is perfect for sketching, coloring, photo manipulation, and touch ups. Pair it with a tablet and you're unstoppable!
The number one reason to use GIMP, however, is its compatibility. It's possible to open, work with, and save Photoshop (.psd) documents. When you're transferring projects between multiple computers, it doesn't get any easier than this.
Pros: All the features of Photoshop. Can save in many useful formats.
Cons: Beginners may find the learning curve a little steep
User level: Beginner to Expert
DOWNLOAD NOW
My Computer
Programs work better on some machines rather than others. All of the programs here I've personally tried and used, otherwise they wouldn't be here. I'm here to help. And to further that purpose, following is a list of my computer's specs for comparison to your own machines.
HP Pavilion dv9827cl Entertainment Notebook PC
Vista Home Premium x64 SP1
2.10 GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core (512KB+512KB L2 Cache)
4GB RAM
NVIDIA GeForce Go 7150M Graphics Card (1GB memory)
250 GB (5400 rpm) Hard Drive
17.0" WXGA+ High-Definition BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900)
Manufacturer's Webpage
It's true that the graphics card and processor could be better, but for most programs, they're fine. If not, you'll know because it will be listed in the Con section of the post.
HP Pavilion dv9827cl Entertainment Notebook PC
Vista Home Premium x64 SP1
2.10 GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core (512KB+512KB L2 Cache)
4GB RAM
NVIDIA GeForce Go 7150M Graphics Card (1GB memory)
250 GB (5400 rpm) Hard Drive
17.0" WXGA+ High-Definition BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900)
Manufacturer's Webpage
It's true that the graphics card and processor could be better, but for most programs, they're fine. If not, you'll know because it will be listed in the Con section of the post.
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