The top 10 list is defined by category. In some categories, there’s more than one
file per category. Unless I recommended
to download all, you’ll be fine no matter which one you download.
Some of the software listed below is bundled with Netscape
Communicator and Internet Explorer, so you may already have it installed. But even if you do have them, don’t discount
their presence on the list. Chances are
pretty high you don’t have the latest version.
The top software download are either:
1)
Browse the web
Internet Explorer 5.5 and Netscape
Communicator 6.0 chances are you’re
using at least one of these and have an older version. You need the latest version to view the
coolest pages.
2)
Unarchive downloads
WinZip-- Shareware ($29) To speed
up download times, most software online is compressed in an executable format
(EXE), and some is archived as a ZIP.
For ZIP files, you’ll need an unarchiving program. WinZip is one of the most popular and
easiest to use. After downloading a ZIP
file, use WinZip to unpack all the contents of the archive.
3)
Listen to MP3’s
Winamp--Free It’s the
standard player for listening to MP3’s.
But that’s not all. It’s
expandable. Change the color and design
of the player or make colors dance on your monitor to the beat of the
music. Add functionality like audio
mixing fading, control of your music via joystick, and lots more. All those features are a part of Winamp’s
skin, visualizations, and plug-ins.
Find the features here.
4)
Watch video
RealPlayer, Windows Media Player,
and QuickTime-Free They’re the three standards for listening and watching
streaming audio and video on the Web.
Don’t just download one. Get
them all. Unfortunately, there’s no one
streaming standard.
*Warning: Real will
try to trade you up to its Plus Version.
That version costs money. Don’t
buy it. The free one will give you just
as good a picture.
5)
Watch animation
Shockwave and Flash
Player--Free Download the Shockwave player to play games on the Web. Download the Flash Player to see most of the
animations online. You may already have
both when you installed your browser.
Even if you do, you’ll want the latest version.
6)
Protect your system
McAfee VirusScan-(Demo $30) and Norton
AntiVirus-(Demo $40).
You need to protect your computer form viruses. Viruses enter your computer from download
software, email, and floppy disks you exchange with friends. The good new is you can protect yourself
while still not know anything about online security. Just set up either program, and it’ll do all the work for you
behind the scenes. It’s important to
have the latest virus definition files.
You can set up download schedule within both programs to automatically
do it for you. If you don’t it’s like
not having the antivirus program running at all.
7)
Chat with friends
AOL Instant Messenger and ICQ--Free
The two most popular online chat
programs are both owned by AOL. Run
either one and then create a Buddy List (a list of your friends’ online
names). Both programs will find your
friends and let you know when they’re online.
When you see the presence of an online friend, initiate a chat via video
or even play games.
8)
Browse images
ACDSee- Shareware ($50) Whether
you’re importing pictures form your digital camera or scanner, or just
downloading the latest Mandy Moore snapshot form the Web, this is my favorite
program to manage and view all types of images.
9) Editing images
Shareware (under $100) Yes, you
can edit and manipulate images like a pro with no knowledge of darkroom
techniques and without spending $400 on Adobe Photoshop. The latest release of Paint Shop Pro offers
auto image-editing features that let you look like a professional photographer.
10) Read formatted documents
Adobe Acrobat Reader-- Free Adobe
Acrobat Reader is probably already built into your browser. Almost all formatted documents online are
produced in the Adobe Acrobat format.
To view and print them, you must have this plug-in. I have found the reader to be most useful
when downloading and printing out appraisals, tax forms ECT. For those and many
more downloads go to: http://www.zdtv.com/zdtv/superguides/downloads/
Scroll down to downloads and choose.
.