If you’re one of the lucky few who got a desktop or a laptop for Christmas, then you’re probably either testing its limits already or just toying with the BIOS settings. I sincerely hope that none of you are experiencing the second scenario. Needless to say, a software-less PC is as useless as a car without fuel.

Other than the operating system (assuming that your unit came with a bundled OS), computers that are fresh off the box don’t usually have any other installed application in it. Of course, installing software isn’t much of a problem. Present installation programs and procedures are already so simple that you’re participation in it is reduced to that mechanical task of clicking “yes” and “ok” mindlessly.

Many Alternatives to Expensive Software

However, all that simplified installation procedure that I’ve just babbled would be meaningless if you don’t have any software to install in the first place. Applications don’t come cheap these days. And don’t even entertain the thought of buying pirated programs. You’ll just court future headaches when the publisher of the software refuses to give you support or denies you essential updates or patches or using an unlicensed product.

But this doesn’t mean that you have to rush to an ATM just to have something to fill your hard drive with. Free applications abound in cyberspace. You don’t have to worry about not finding anything on the Net. On the contrary, the thing that will bother you is that there are too many free software out there that it’s difficult to filter the good ones from the bad.

Choose Wisely

You have to be very meticulous when choosing programs that do not come with a price tag. Many of them don’t deserve a kilobyte of your hard drive or a hertz of your multi-core processor. Worse, some of them might even be carrying an electronic plague.

Do some research on the program that you want to download. Don’t just rely on the lit that comes with the app. Look for unbiased and reputable reviews of the program, especially those coming from ordinary people like you. Their comments may be helpful and valuable.

You should also check if the free software is being sponsored by respected Web sites that offer downloading services, such as cnet and PC World. Both of them test and conduct thorough reviews of all the software that they make available on their Web site.

So is it wise to use and download free software from the Internet?  Well, the answer is a resounding “yes,” as long as you’re careful and wise enough to know which programs are safe, credible, and effective.

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New Year’s fast approaching. In fact, I could already see fireworks challenging the moon outside my window at this very instance. The sight is a treat. It’s not everyday that I see something new or spectacular whenever I peek out on the window.

Speaking of windows, do you expect to see something new and exciting on your desktop this coming New Year? If you’re using an operating system other than Vista, then chances are, you couldn’t or shouldn’t expect much. I still haven’t discarded XP on my old PC, and honestly I’m starting to get tired of looking at the same old desktop themes and menus.

Vista for Less

Of course, there’s a quick fix to that eyesore. I think I’ve already provided a solution to this problem on my December 26 post (Skin-Deep). There are many available Windows themes on the Web. The one that I’ve featured in the said article is a freeware by OrdinarySoft. Like most freebies on the Net, it doesn’t pack all the features of the program. You have to buy the full version. But the limited/trial version doesn’t expire. And if you’re just after the skin, then you don’t have to skin your wallet to get what you want from the program.

If you’re not a Vista fan though, or if you think that the new Microsoft OS is still aesthetically challenged, then OrdinarySoft’s mimicry of Vista would obviously just spoil your New Year. So let’s check on another alternative in cyberspace.

Willingly Deceived

Stardock provides a library of Windows themes that would surely make you look forward to opening your PC (except if you’re doing the same at the office and you’re up against a deadline). The program, called WindowBlinds, changes every perceivable detail of your desktop, be it the start menu, task bars, and even the buttons. I tried installing the trial version and it was great. My old PC suddenly seemed to have been rejuvenated. Well, not really. I mean it’s still slow, but the new theme makes the wait quite bearable.

WindowBlinds makes you feel and think that your PC is running on an entirely new OS. You may argue that the program is just a foolish superficial deception. Maybe. But the fact that many purchased Vista just for its skin makes theme programs very good alternatives. Nobody’s complaining about XP’s performance. In fact, it’s more reliable than Vista. The only complain that XP owners have about their OS is that it looks old.

Camouflaged

Installing programs like WindowsBlind may seem harmless, especially since it’s only skin deep. But be very careful when introducing any application that you’ve downloaded on the Internet, especially if the author of the same is unknown. Spyware are sometimes disguised as legitimate programs, and in most cases, they do seem to be genuine apps since they look like and perform the functions of the application that they purport to be. However, there’s more to it than meets the eye because the spyware is running simultaneously with the installed application and is camouflaged by the latter.

Make sure that you’re security suite is updated whenever you download and install programs from the Net, especially if the source is unknown or dubious. Many spyware focus on system files, including the operating system’s registry. So be sure you have a registry cleaner installed in order to protect your PC from veiled intruders. Start your New Year right by keeping your life (I mean your PC) safe and secured. Install RegCure and make 2008 a trouble-free and efficient year for you Happy New Year!

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While Microsoft is highlighting the technological advances of Vista as its main selling point, a considerable number of PC users don’t actually pay attention to the litany of new functions and features of the new operating system. This is especially true for those who are not tech-savvy.

Beauty is sometimes skin-deep. Such is also true for software. When Vista was first introduced almost a year ago, the first thing that many checked out was its new interface. It is only after they’ve scrutinized the program’s shell that they started to take notice of the flesh.

For those of you who want the touch and feel of Vista’s hide but are not yet ready to chew its meat, a freeware that replicates the new operating system’s interface could be the best temporary solution to your curiosity. It mimics Vista’s Start menu quite convincingly, as well as the program’s other artwork. It’s perfectly safe and it won’t affect system performance. Try it on. It might actually convince you to shift to Vista. But, then again, maybe not.

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Don’t you just hate it whenever you’re being informed that the software you’re planning to download is only valid for 60 days unless you pay for it after the said period? Sure, there are lots of freeware on the Internet, but not surprisingly, many of them are not worth the extra megabytes on any hard drive.

The ploy of software manufacturers in teasing users with 30 or 60-day trial periods is not actually reprehensible. In fact, it benefits users who may want to try out the program first before deciding to make his wallet a few centimeters leaner. However, you can’t help but detest this scheme, especially if you already became dependent on it.

If you think that the software that you’re trying out is worth the extra bucks, then I suggest that you purchase it. Don’t whine about the fact that it isn’t free or that it should be free. Programmers have to earn a living, you know. Learn to appreciate this set up. 30-60 days of free use is still a good bargain.

If you have separation anxiety every time you part with your money, then I suggest that you try installing shareware. However, be careful when relying on free software for your PC’s security. While there are many decent freeware on the Internet, they’re usually not as efficient as those which are being offered for a price. If you do find a security application that works as efficiently as those which bear price tags on them, chances are is that it won’t stay for free for too long

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