Free Software article discussion

Marty_J

Brisbaneroad wrote: »

For users of Windows versions before Vista, Startup Control Panel is a useful applet that lets you see and restrict which programs are started when your PC boots up. Lots of software will run update managers and background services that are completely unneccessary when you start your machine, this lets you simply uncheck them so that they are gone next time you boot. And if you find that something doesn't work afterwards, just check the box again and it's back. Download from the homepage of the creator, Mike Lin:
http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml

Can't you just type msconfig into the run command?

purplenails

iviv wrote: »

.Also, Foxit reader could do with a mention. While Adobe reader is also free, its a bit of a resource hog, foxit does everything adobe does at less than 10% the size. The only thing it can't do is open inside internet explorer, you have to click the link and select 'open'. But thats hardly a problem.

I've had a look at foxit and although I don't know if it's any better than adobe, I did find out that it's not free, at least not in the 'no-strings' attached sense. You have to go through a trialpay site, where you take up certain offers to get the software. So not so hassle free as adobe, but might be worth it for others.

fatbloke2

Firstly, whoever wrote the free software article - well done!

The article states that Sourceforge requires an account to be created before it can be used. This is not the case. Anyone can download software from Sourceforge without an account. However, registration is required for some activities (e.g. you want to participate in a software project or start one up.)

If you are an NHS employee, you can get Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise Edition for a whopping £18. See here for more details. Alright, so it's not free but it's close ;-)

Finally, on line document repositories and office suites are great but make sure you read the terms and conditions and privacy policies of these providers carefully. Security is not absolute (and often provided on a 'best endeavours' basis) so I'd recommend considering carefully the types of information you are willing to divulge, upload in documents and so forth before using them.

fatbloke2

purplenails wrote: »

I've had a look at foxit and although I don't know if it's any better than adobe, I did find out that it's not free, at least not in the 'no-strings' attached sense. You have to go through a trialpay site, where you take up certain offers to get the software. So not so hassle free as adobe, but might be worth it for others.

Certain aspects of Foxit Reader are paid for but the basic reader is free. There is no need to go through all the trial pay nonsense for the basic product. This is enough if all you want to do is read PDFs.

Use this link to jump straight to the downloads for the free reader.

The Foxit Reader Pro Pack is not free and the links at the top of the page provide ways of it getting it for 'free' (note the quotes) by trying or buying other products. Fine if you like this type of business model and there's nothing wrong with it per se if you were going to try or buy some other product in the first place I suppose!

It's a bit of a sneeky trick putting the trial pay type links at the top of the page!

superscaper

purplenails wrote: »

I've had a look at foxit and although I don't know if it's any better than adobe, I did find out that it's not free, at least not in the 'no-strings' attached sense. You have to go through a trialpay site, where you take up certain offers to get the software. So not so hassle free as adobe, but might be worth it for others.

No idea what you're on about, I downloaded it only yesterday straight from filehippo.com and going straight to foxit.com just now right this minute I'm presently downloading the .exe installer and not come across any "trialpay site" or typed a single thing. The file is right there to click on and download.

I suspect you're clicking on the links for the Pro Pack. Read the text carefully this time and click on "Download" to get just the Foxit reader.

fatbloke2

superscaper wrote: »

No idea what you're on about, I downloaded it only yesterday straight from filehippo.com and going straight to foxit.com just now right this minute I'm presently downloading the .exe installer and not come across any "trialpay site" or typed a single thing. The file is right there to click on and download.

I suspect you're clicking on the links for the Pro Pack. Read the text carefully this time and click on "Download" to get just the Foxit reader.

See above post - I just said that!!

straitjacket

A goor 3-D program is blender. It does animations too.http://www.blender.org/download/get-blender/

cadmonkeyuk

How about including Sketchup. Very simple to use 3d modelling package from google. Amazing what you can achieve with it - so good Autodesk nicked half the tools when they re-writ solid modelling in AutoCAD 2007!
http://sketchup.google.com/:beer:

superscaper

fatbloke2 wrote: »

See above post - I just said that!!

But you hadn't posted when I'd started typing. :rolleyes:

Alanh

Converting Office documents to PDF - Microsoft have a free download for office 2007 to allow you to save as PDF.

Microsoft have a programme called Home User Programme - The NHS is a member of this programme, it allows employees to purchase at an extremely discounted price a copy of MS Office products I have MS Office 2007 Enterprise edition and all I paid was £17. The idea of this programme is that it allows staff to have access to the same packages they have at work allowing staff to increase their familiarity with the product and improve their general IT skills making them more productive in the work environment.

The link for NHS staff is: https://www.microsoft.com/uk/nhs/pages/nhs_licensing_home_user_programme.aspx

Having just rechecked the site I see they now offer more: xp to vista upgrade for £81 as part of the employee purchase programme
https://www.microsoft.com/uk/nhs/pages/nhs_licensing_employee_purchase_programme.aspx

The above programs are not just for the NHS; Microsoft has these deals available for others to:
https://epp.microsoft.com/
You will probably need to talk nicely to your works ICT deptartment but well worth investigating.