PC Central

Your place for good, concise, PC related hints.

Windows Programs I Recommend

I love learning new computer software, and so I'm always trying out new programs. Every once and a while I come across a little gem that I feel is worth sharing with others. Here are some programs I find useful, maybe you will too.

Free

7-Zip (Alternative to WinZip)

7-Zip is a free Open Source compression program that’s a great alternative to WinZip. It’s simple to use and works just as well if not better than WinZip. So why pay? Try 7-Zip for free today!

To learn more visit their website: http://www.7-zip.org

Free

Bonjour Printer Setup (formerly called Rendezvous)

If you’ve manually had to setup a network printer you know that it’s not the simplest thing. Some new printers (especially HP Laser printers) support a technology Apple developed called Bonjour (formerly called Rendezvous). Once you install Bonjour you can set up a printer by simply browsing for it, no address to type in, etc. Yes, that’s correct... a free Apple technology helping making Windows a little easier.

To learn more visit their website: http://www.apple.com/bonjour

Free

Firefox

If you’re still using Microsoft’s Internet Explorer you may want to consider using this feature rich and secure web browser. Firefox is a streamlined fast browser that doesn’t have all the security problems that Internet Explorer has been suffering from lately (like spyware, adware, etc.). It also is faster and has useful features such as a pop-up blocker (never see a pop-up ad again!), tabbed browsing (so you can have several pages open at a time, all in one window), and an integrated Google (or other search engine) search bar for fast and easy web searches. It's a small download and once you try it you won’t regret it. From the ashes of Netscape burns Firefox!

Don’t wait any longer, download it now: http://www.firefox.com