Lambda Computing - Downloads

Here are some great software downloads that we have been recommended and used over the many years spent in IT.

Shareware: is software that is distributed free on a trial basis with the understanding that the user may need or want to pay for it later. Some software offers a shareware version of a program with a built-in expiration date (e.g. after 30 days, you can no longer get access to the program). Other shareware is offered with certain capabilities disabled as an enticement to buy the complete version of the program.

Freeware: Freeware (not to be confused with (free software) is programming that is offered at no cost and is a common class of small applications available for downloading and use in most operating systems. Because it may be copyrighted, you may or may not be able to reuse it in programming you are developing. The least restrictive "no-cost" programs are uncopyrighted programs that are in the public domain.

Free software: a somewhat newer and unrelated concept, is software that can be freely used, modified, and redistributed with only one restriction: any redistributed version of the software must be distributed with the original terms of free use, modification, and distribution

Nonags: Tired of software that doesn't work? Tired of installing software that was nothing more than a sales pitch for some overpriced utility? Did someone ask you to pay more than you paid for your operating system for a utility that took 10 minutes to produce and could be substituted with a three line batch file? Then this site is for you.

Tucows: Another excellent site which is easy to navigate and as the 'cow star rating'!

5 Star Shareware: The UK’s Premier Website for Shareware and Freeware Downloads. This quality UK site claims to feature only the best products in each category. And it does...almost. The Home page is a bit busy but offers great links.

Download.com: Another great site that we have used which also offers great IT advice.

Avast: Download FREE Avast (AntiVirus Protection - automatically updates itself with the latest software to combat viruses)

Windows Defender: Download FREE security software (Windows Defender is a free program that helps you stay productive by protecting your computer against pop-ups, slow performance and security threats caused by spyware and other potentially unwanted software)

Windows XP Service Pack 2: Download FREE Windows XP SP2 ( Major software patch for Windows XP, resolving major security issues in the first release of the operating system - and essential download).

Do you want an easy to use calendar on your desktop, then download DeskTop Calendar

Every wondered which folders are taking up all your disk space - is it the iTunes folder, the My Picture folder - now you can find out with this great utility - Treesize Free.

Have you ever wanted a great text editor that lays out not only text but HTML and JavaScript in colour allowing easy read of the syntax - look no further this software is excellent - EditPlus.

This software is excellent for editing graphics, photos and for website design, but it's a 30 day trial version, and then you have to pay to continue to use it - Adobe Photoshop CS.

Essential for being able to read information downloaded from the internet - Adobe Reader

Is your system safe from internet hackers? Download this tool and find out! - Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer.

Many files you'll encounter for downloading on the Net are in compressed form. Typically, these files will have a "ZIP" extension. Many software sites compress files, so that you may download them quicker. Get free UnZip software.

Cool Stuff:

TuneUp Utilities: This is the best utility software we have seen in recent times. It is a substantial PC utility program that will do a decent job maintaining and optimizing your computer. You are given a 30 day trial period at no cost - but you have to pay for it after that period....but it's great, (approximately £20).

Object Dock: Do you want to make your Desktop shortcuts like a MacIntosh! Then this software is for you. ObjectDock is a program that lets you organize your short-cuts and running tasks onto an extremely customisable dock that sits nicely on your desktop.

DVD Shrink: This is an amazing piece of software that enables you take the backup your favourite movies. DVD Shrink takes a digital movie and compresses the file so it's easily saved on disc or to a hard drive on your PC so you can view it on your PC screen.

K-Lite: Contains everything you need to be able to play on your PC the most popular and widespread movie formats. It is designed as a user-friendly solution for playing all your movie files. You should be able to play 99% of all the movies that you download from the Internet. Great software - try it!

AoA: With AoA DVD RIPPER, you can take your DVDs on the plane, train or automobile, watch them on your computer, laptop or the following pocket devices on vacation, at work or at school:

Apple iPod Video
Microsoft Zune
Sony PSP
XBOX 360
Windows Mobile Pocket PC
Creative Zen Vision (and Vision M)
Archos Media Player
HP iPAQ Pocket PC
Windows Smartphone
Video Cell / Mobile Phone
Windows CE handheld device

DivX: Everything you need to create DivX videos. With your videos converted into DivX you can burn them to CD or DVD and watch them on your TV with a certified DVD player or transfer them to certified handheld or portable devices. You can also post your home movies online, email videos to friends or store your whole video collection on your computer while saving valuable hard-drive space.

iTunes: Music playing software - does other cools stuff too.