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How do I Choose the Best Freeware Program?

B. Miller
B. Miller

A freeware program can be a great way to accomplish tasks on the computer without needing to spend money on an expensive computer program. In addition, it can be a way to support developers and give them feedback on their programs, which can then be improved. To choose the best freeware program, it is important to first consider the functionality you want the program to have, as well as the amount of other users who have tried the program in the past.

A freeware program exists for many different types of uses; word processing and office tasks, photo editing, music editing, DVD viewing, graphic design and games are some of the most common, but there are hundreds to be found online. Determine the type of program you need and the functions you need it to perform, then simply search online to find programs with these capabilities. Freeware programs are often very basic and may only be able to perform simple tasks; they may also be highly specialized, and only able to perform one task.

Downloading freeware programs from a reputable site can help ensure malicious software is not downloaded along with it.
Downloading freeware programs from a reputable site can help ensure malicious software is not downloaded along with it.

For these reasons, it is important to do your research thoroughly. Though you can of course always uninstall a program from your computer if it does not perform as expected, it is best to avoid doing this too frequently and to simply choose the best program the first time. In addition to simple functionality, it is a good idea to read reviews of the freeware program to determine what other people have experienced.

Some professional reviewers will test and review a freeware program, then publish reviews for free online. These reviews can help you to determine if the product performs as expected, or if it has any bugs or glitches that need to be worked out. In addition, it will help you to determine if it is safe to install the program on your computer; for instance, a professional reviewer can verify that the program does not contain any spyware or Trojan horse programs.

Even if professional reviewers have not examined the freeware program, other users often leave comments and reviews on the site from which the program may be downloaded. Such sites often have discussion forums for users to share their experiences. These comments can offer more insights into use of the program, as well as if the program ever needs to be updated and the frequency of those updates. Other users are often the best source of information when trying to choose the best freeware program for use on your personal computer.

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    • Downloading freeware programs from a reputable site can help ensure malicious software is not downloaded along with it.
      By: jamdesign
      Downloading freeware programs from a reputable site can help ensure malicious software is not downloaded along with it.