Download.com
Is like Tucows, a one stop shop for programmes that do what you want, things that you do not want, things that you did not even know you did not want. A good starting point.

 

Jumbo.com
Downloads? We gotte'm.

 

Freshmeat.net

 

Hitsquad.com
Music downloads

 

http://www.hitsquad.com/
Programmes galore

 

http://pcworld.com/downloads/

 

http://www.webattack.com/

 

Privacy Software
Governments worldwide are taking steps to spy on us and rob us of our privacy. The 9/11 attacks were the excuse which have led to something much nearer to a total suspension of the American Constitution. Blair is pushing a Bill through Parliament which will allow him Draconian powers on a whim. It is a time for taking all the steps that you can  protect yourself.

When you send an email it is like sending a postcard. Anyone along the line can read it. If you are planning to overthrow a government, email is not a good idea. If you are telling newspapers about crooked bosses at your firm, email could cause you problems. Encryption is part of the answer. Strong encryption is better. PGP is as good as it gets if you are an innocent civilian.

 

Phone Software
Some good news. Phone further, phone longer, phone free. Use VoIP. Uh, what does that mean? Worry not, just install it on your computer and follow the instructions.

http://uk.biz.yahoo.com/040921/244/f30pu.html

Skype is the way to go though.

 

AVG anti-virus software
AVG is an anti-virus programme which was recommended to me and it works. It has two major virtues. It is certified good by an independent laboratory, which has to be better than hoping that it does what it ought. The second is the pricing. The free version has an attractive pricing. These people are in Czechoslovakia where they make first rate guns; remember the Bren.

Two others rate better in this review: - http://www.anti-virus-software-review.com/

Here they are but they cost more.

http://www.anti-virus-software-review.com/bitdefender-review.html

http://www.anti-virus-software-review.com/pc-cillin-review.html

 

Mozilla
Offers you a web browser and an email programme. One useful virtue of Firefox, their browser is that it is not prone to the attacks against Microsoft's offering. It works too and the price performance ratio is satisfactory. This one is a freebie. I like it.

Firefox, their web browser has now been formally released into the wild and it still works fine. Beta testing has not thrown up any major horrors.

 

Pegasus Mail
Is a programme for handling all of your incoming and outgoing email. It keeps track of your address book and all of the other functions that you need. The free version will pester you with adverts. This is real try before you buy. Pretty good.

 

Eudora
Eudora is a programme for receiving and sending email. It has all of the usual functions and a pleasant appearance. It works. You may well prefer it to the Microsoft offering.

 

Computer Security
This is advice from a real expert.

 Girl of the Day
This is just a morale booster, in case you have had a bad day at work.