by Danette M. Scott

Created on: June 09, 2008

After signing on to the internet you are immediately bombarded with visual and auditory cues to click on free trials for software programs. The advertisements seem interesting, so you click on one of them. The offered software seems like something you may want, but really can't afford. Suddenly, it occurs to you to use your search engine to find a free ware program that performs similar functions and costs nothing.

You are now on the fast track to becoming computer savvy. The first lesson on the journey to enlightenment is learning that you don't have to pay for something if it's available for free. Thousands of free ware, donation ware, and share ware programs are available for down load to your computer. Programs which consist of ever application that you could ever need, want, or use. Programs like games, utilities, business, hobbies, and internet applications are abundant.

Where can you find all these free programs? Star with your search engines. Utilizing search engines can lead you to the discovery of a world of free computer applications. Type in free ware and a list of free ware sites should pop up on your search engine. Select a site and peruse through the large inventory of free ware that it has to offer. Read very carefully the description, license, and system information. A few sites sometimes offer specials of licensed computer applications for free for a limited time.

Here's a short list of free ware and share ware sites on the internet:

1. freedownloads.com
2. download.com
3. zdnet.com
4. tucows.com
5. majorgeeks.com
6. apple.com(mac)
7. microsoft.com

Warning! Downloading free ware can be very addicting and a little risky. Frequent downloading of software can cause your computer to become unstable. It may be necessary to run a system defrag program after installing and uninstalling numerous free ware programs. Viruses and other dangerous software may find its way into your computer and damage it. Using a good anti virus and spy ware removal program should help to keep your computer safe and healthy. Scan every download with an anti virus or spy ware program to ensure that viruses, worms, and phishing software aren't included in your free ware. To protect your privacy even further, always run a disk clean up after your finished.

Free ware isn't a bargain to the computer operator unless it is useful. Be careful about your selection and ensure that it is compatible with your computer and operating system. Risky but fun, free ware shopping is the first step in becoming computer savvy.

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