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n e a r l y F r e e S o f t w a r e ?
nearlyFreeSoftware is a list of free programs that I use and recommend.
This list may not include the very latest because I won't change until I see a clear advantage.
However all the programs I recommend will work quickly and well.
My main computer is a tool which serves me.
I don't fiddle with it for fun because changes to programs and operating systems often brings trouble.
For example, I've been using the same anti-virus software for five years.
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w i n d o w s 7
The new Windows7 part of this site is identical to the original XP site, except where there are differences - er...
Let me try that again.
The list of recommended programs is very similar, where a program will work under 7, I continue to use it.
The list of procedures differs considerably.
update: I've now used Windows7 on my home computer for the last 12 months but not at work.
This is because one of my 'mission-critical' programs refuses to save under Win7.
Anyone remember MS Word2?
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d o n a t i o n s
My hope is that everyone who reads this site saves some money and gets a more reliable computer from the advice on it.
If you feel this site is worthwhile a donation will help cover some of the expenses.
Email and Paypal information is available in the 'contact me' link above.
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s o u r c e
I don't normally keep copies of programs on this site - instead there are links to the download pages of the copyright owners.
This means you always download an up-to-date version of the program.
While I don't have any use for continual updating (change = trouble) it seems reasonable to start a new install with an up-to-date version.
The exception to this rule is if I can't find the original author's site.
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| P R O G N O S T I C A T I O N S |
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| w h a t ' s n e w |
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My most recent additions to nearlyFreeSoftware...
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F r e e p r o g r a m s
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telecoms
o telephone
o videophone
o landline
o mobile
o instant messaging
o chatline
development
o ftp client
o editor
o syntax checker
o font
office
o desktop publisher
o fonts thing
o fonts
maintenance and security
o backups program
o unlocker
o cd/dvd burners
o ip address identifier
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P r o c e d u r e s
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The 'program squabble' syndrome.
A short discussion on not allowing programs to auto-update over the internet.
Note:
Strangely enough I've already found the Procedure section useful myself.
Most of the procedures are things I don't do often and I tend to forget bits and pieces.
Having this write-up as a reference has been handy on a couple of occasions.
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R e c o m m e n d e d w e b s i t e s
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Has been expanded and descriptions added.
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O p e r a t i n g S y s t e m s
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I've turned this into a page its own right and much updated it.
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n e a r l y F r e e S o f t w a r e f o r W i n d o w s 7
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Is now complete.
I regard Windows7 as 'Service Pack 3' for Vista.
Looked at that way, Microsoft do seem to have got the rough edges knocked off Vista at last.
They've got the speed up a bit and in time-honoured Microsoft tradition they've moved and/or hidden important adjustments and setups for no good reason.
Still that's what I'm here for...
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V i s t a
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I've put on a page for Vista users.
It has a couple of Vista-specific procedures for getting the best out of it and the rest is references to the Windows7 pages.
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| t h i n g s t o c o m e |
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The best laid plans etc.
But nearlyFreeSoftware is up and running again, which at one point I thought it never would be.
So here is what I'm planning next...
If you've got any suggestions do please let me know.
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F r e e p r o g r a m s
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This is a list of programs I'm currently looking at or looking for:
fun
o a stick-figure animation program
office
o a more capable replacement for notepad
graphics
o mid-range graphics program (I've finally got something I like, just trying it out now...)
o a screen-grab program
o a vector graphics program similar to Corel
o an animation program to produce small moving graphics
customising
o a program which avoids manual registry edits (testing)
o soft keyboard/mouse switch (testing)
o a set of small programs which makes WindowsXP look and work like Windows7
operating systems
I'm revisiting Linux, both Puppy (now v4.3.1) and Ubuntu (now v10.04).
Both are significantly improved - more anon...
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P r o c e d u r e s
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I've got some more customising suggestions for WindowsXP and Windows7, but that section's already too long and complicated.
Thinking about this - I'm open to suggestions.
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R e c o m m e n d e d w e b s i t e s
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Definitely more to come...
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W i n d o w s X P
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A discussion of service packs, auto-updating and stability.
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n e a r l y F r e e S o f t w a r e f o r W i n d o w s 7
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Finished! - I'll now do updates ad hoc in this section.
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V i s t a
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I can't see this changing a lot.
Most of the content of the Windows7 pages are also relevant to Vista.
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Last update: 27th June 2010
Site & Contents Copyright © 2001-2010 Gerry Parnham BSc - All Rights Reserved
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u p d a t e s
I update this site on a regular basis, so what's here reflects my current kit.
If you find a broken link or a piece of freeware that no longer performs as I describe, please let me know.
I'll sort it out.
Mail me by clicking on the 'contact me' link at top left of this page.
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p r o c e d u r e s
Microsoft have never had the faintest idea of how to design and explain a user interface, you only have to look at an Apple computer to see that.
I've always complained about how badly WindowsXP is set up when first installed.
The icons are jammed together, the taskbar is locked in place and too small to use properly and to cap it off the main colour is bilious blue.
This is caused by the fact that Microsoft is populated by engineers who designed Windows to be an engineers toy, then tried to make it easy to use by giving it big letters.
The best way to make XP easy to use is to run it on a large, high definition screen and then follow my setup instructions in the 'procedures' page of this website.
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