- a superb freeware file viewer.  Great for looking at, and enhancing, digital photographs.

 

Libre Office -  a real alternative to Microsoft Office - for free!   

 

SuperAntiSpyware - the name makes you think it’s another of the many fake or rogue anti-malware programs, but no, this is the genuine article.  It’s absolutely excellent and is highly recommended.  The free version is legal for home use.

 

Malwarebytes Antimalware - does much the same job as SuperAntiSpyware, but each program may detect threats that the other could miss.  It does no harm to have both installed.

 

SpywareBlaster - reduces the risk of spyware infection.

 

Microsoft Security Essentials - Would you believe it?  An effective, easy to use anti-virus and anti-spyware program from Microsoft for free.  Most of the reviews I’ve seen say that it has minimal impact on system performance, but I have to say this has hasn’t been my experience.  It does slow down the PC’s start up a bit and grinds away loading itself for a while, but once it’s settled down, it sits in the background without hampering the machine’s operation very much at all. Highly recommended.

 

Microsoft ICE - Another small but significant step in Microsoft’s rehabilitation. This is a wonderful free image stitcher than enables the production of stunning panoramic images.  I was looking to buy a wide angle lens for my camera a little while ago, but was put off just a bit when I saw that the price was a jaw-dropping £800.  This program does the same job for free.  Thanks Microsoft, that’s one I owe you.

 

AVG 2012 - effective, easy to use anti-virus program, free for home use.  When AVG release a major upgrade, they give the free version a very low profile indeed, leading many to think that only the paid for version will be available.  The free one is still there if you look hard enough.

 

PC Tools Firewall - A very nice free software firewall.  Not too difficult to understand.

 

Tech Support Alert  (aka Gizmo’s Freeware) - reviews of the very best free programs and loads of useful technical information.

 

The Register - a wry look at what’s going on in the world of IT.

 

Mozilla - the home of the Firefox browser and the Thunderbird email client.  Both great, both free.

 

MozBackup - backup your Firefox and Thunderbird data with this free utility.

 

CDBurnerXP - I used to use Nero, but when it started crashing, and reinstallation wouldn’t fix it, I thought I’d look for a free replacement.  I found this and have used it ever since.

 

Skype - free phone calls across the internet.  Sounds too good to be true, but it really works and it’s just brilliant.  Now supports video as well.

 

GetSafeOnline - an excellent source of internet security information for home and small business users.  Written in largely non-technical language, it’s easy to understand and is essential reading for every internet user.

 

ThinkUKnow - Lots of advice for parents who want to ensure that their children use technology safely.

 

Google Earth - just amazing!  If you have a reasonably new PC and a broadband internet connection, you’re missing out if you don’t have this installed.

 

Nonags - loads of great software for free.

 

VLC - an excellent media player.  

 

McAfee SiteAdvisor - gives an instant warning if you visit a dangerous web site. Superb and free.

 

CCleaner - safely removes the junk and clutter that accumulates as you use your PC.

 

Foxit Reader - does the same job as the rather bloated Adobe Reader, but quicker.

 

PC Pro magazine - the weekly podcast is essential listening for anyone interested in technology.

 

 

Other links

 

VisitCumbria.com - a wonderful site that tells you everything you could ever want to know about Cumbria.

 

Jennings Brewery - where I can sometimes be found working as a part-time tour guide when I’m not fixing computers.

 

The Sun at Bassenthwaite - one of my favourite places.

 

The Kirkstile Inn - and another one!

 

Cockermouth Astronomical Society - where science and fun come together.

 

The Cockermouth Post -  the electronic version of the town’s favourite magazine. Features an occasional contribution from a local itinerant computer engineer.

 

Tight But Loose - all the latest news about a rock band that broke up in 1980.

Did you know that the largest Led Zeppelin collection in the north of England has its home in Cockermouth?

 

Cockermouth Harmonic Society - my wife’s choir (and one of my other web sites).

 

Bridgefoot Holiday Home for Cats - looks after our cat when we’re away.

 

The Mahler Society - another of my minor obsessions.

 

 

 

 

This page last updated 20 October 2011