Free programs that are worth a lot

But there are free programs so good I'd gladly pay to use them; I'm even gladder I don't have to do that. We'll talk about what these software gems do and how to get them today.

But let me add a warning: Use the links I provide instead of searching for these programs. Unfortunately computer crooks try to sneak viruses and spyware into your machine using programs with names that resemble those of popular free programs. These sound-alike programs can pop up on a Google search and cause you no end of problems -- and cause me to receive e-mails that accuse me of being in league with the devil for recommending them.

Belarc Advisor

Has this ever happened to you? You've finally survived 18 minutes of canned music piped over the telephone while waiting for tech support. Then, once the phone is answered, you're made to feel as if your IQ is in the dull normal range when you are bombarded with questions you can't answer.

Many people competently use a computer but have no idea what model video card is installed on their machine, or even the amount of RAM or specific details about their operating system or processor chip.

Belarc was recommended to me years ago by a law enforcement officer who did computer forensics. His job with the police was to examine computers suspected of being used as part of a criminal act. He used Belarc as a way of getting a first quick snapshot of the computer's innards.

I've used it when I've lost the activation codes needed to install software and as a way to get the service tag number -- sometimes needed to get free technical support -- for the computer I use. It has so many uses that it's like having a Swiss Army knife for computers.

You can download this program at www.belarc.com/free_download.html.

Superantispyware

I've never liked the name of this program, which is designed to ferret out and destroy spyware and adware. That's serious work, and the cartoon-like name put me off when I  first heard it.

But the program itself is easy to love. It can find and delete malware that other programs, including some good ones, can't handle. And, it's never caused conflicts or problems when installed on the various computers I own.

I've recommended other programs for spyware and adware in the past and they continue to work just fine. But when it comes to my main computer, this is the program I've depended on lately for protection from spyware and adware.

You'll find the program here: www.superantispyware.com.

Once at the page you'll notice there are both free and commercial versions available. My advice? Use  the free program. Try it for several months. If it works as well for you as it has for me, you may want to consider opening your wallet a bit to buy the commercial version.

WordPress.com

I admit it. I'm a failed blogger. I once tried doing it professionally for a  newspaper and just couldn't do it with any flare. I'm a dinosaur -- a guy who grew up with print on paper. But that's my problem and probably not yours.

When it comes to creating and posting your own blog, WordPress stands out. It's easy  to use and it's free. If you end up needing more space or features you can pay extra to get them. But for most folks, you'll get everything you need to blog without paying a penny.

There are several excellent blogging programs out there, but this one is my  favorite. You can get started at http://wordpress.com. I recommend first clicking on the link you'll find on that page labeled 10-step walk-through guide.

And don't forget these programs, included with Windows:

Windows has many small programs that do a nice job. For instance, the  Windows firewall -- it serves to make it difficult for hackers to invade your computer -- is good enough for most home users. And while I use a commercial defragmenting program to keep my hard disk humming along at top speed, the Windows version works just fine. And the System Restore feature of Windows has let me fix
seemingly unfixable glitches on my computer by magically returning the system to the way it was when the computer was working.

To find and use these features type one of the words into the Windows help menu:  firewall, defragment or system restore.

Take a bit of time to check out some of my favorite free programs. I feel confident recommending the lot of them since I've used most for years. And not one of them has forced me to utter one of the other -- less socially acceptable -- four-letter words.