(Last updated 05/12/2001)
(Last updated 05/12/2001)
This only lists links to freeware or non-expiry shareware. I am not affiliated with any companies listed here and do not provide storage for download or technical support.
I will, whenever possible, give a short review or summary, and the size of the download to help you make up your mind about using them.
Enjoy!
| Freeware | Shareware |
| ZoneAlarm
by Zone Labs Download size: 2.8MB |
The ultimate free firewall
for computers with 24/7 internet connection, as well as the occasional
internet user. Zone Labs also has ZoneAlarm Pro, a paid version of
the program with more sophistication and control for the more demanding
users.
Pros: extremely good firewall protection. Cons: might seem difficult at first to novice users, not much information on blocked intruders compared to some programs. Comment: Highly recommended. |
| ICQ (I-Seek-You) Download size: 5MB+ |
The most popular online
chat program. Now claims over 100million registered users.
Need I say more? New versions now feature online advertising.
Pro: very popular, fun, offline messages, multiple-user chats. Con: computer resource hungry, poor security, not that easy to setup, intrusive ads, large download size, can have problems with firewalls, not all 100million users are still using it. Comment: One of the best way to chat online for fun, and definitely the most popular. |
| EasyMonitor by Jonas Bratt Download size: 1.2MB |
Keeps track of your online
time. Can also notify you when you have email waiting in your POP3
server.
Pro: can reset to zero on 1st of the month, checks POP3 server for email then notifies you, non-expiry shareware. Con: cannot reset to zero on days other than 1st of the month, not actually freeware - annoying message reminding you to register and pay for it during every 4th load up, cannot check multiple POP servers. Comment: Give it a try if you are looking for a good online timer. |
| LetterBox by
Ultima-Thule Download size: 743KB |
Monitors multiple POP3
email accounts for email.
Pro: multiple accounts, customisable email preview, easy setup, flexible and customisable rules for auto delete. Con: crashes when minimising, steals "focus" from the working window when it notifies the user of email. Comment: A good program to have if you have plenty of POP3 accounts to check all the time. |
| Shields Up!
by Gibson Research Corporation Download size: N/A |
Shields Up! checks your
computer for Internet security on the web (hence no download).
Written by Steve Gibson, the security guru, it is the de facto place for
checking your computer's Internet security. Steve has also written a
program called LeakTest that tests your personal firewall for leaks.
This is the program that exposed holes in firewall protection in many of
the early versions of personal firewall programs, such as Norton, McAfee,
and others. Note: these personal firewall programs have since
patched the leaks, so they are safe to use.
Pro: good tests, informative site. Con: the tests can take a while for dial-up connections. Comment: You will be surprised by insecure a computer can be on the Internet |
| PowerArchiver Download size: 2.1MB |
Why bother with WinZip when you can have this for
free? You won't get any confirmation screen like the one when
loading WinZip to remind you it's a shareware because this is totally free
- not a shareware or ad-supported freeware, PLUS it handles more
compression formats than WinZip.
Pro: 100% free, changeable skins for toolbar, support more multiple compression formats than WinZip. Con: download size bigger and less popular than WinZip. Comment: You will soon forget about WinZip. |
