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The best free developer tools The best free developer tools

Want something for nothing? We mined Download.com to identify 10 free applications developers will love.

More spyware horror stories
(11/30/05)
We asked our readers to relay their worst encounters with spyware, and they responded with plenty of hair-raising accounts. This week: Always read the fine print.

Best free utilities
(11/23/05)
Want something for nothing? We mined Download.com to identify 10 excellent utilities that won't cost you a cent.

More spyware horror stories
(11/23/05)
We asked our readers to relay their worst encounters with spyware, and they responded with plenty of hair-raising accounts. This week: How a virtual PC can save your hide.

iTunes Advanced for the Mac
(11/18/05)
Apple's megapopular media player is pretty easy to use right out of the box. But if you want to get down and dirty with some of the more advanced features of iTunes for the Mac, you have to dig a bit deeper. Take iTunes to the next level using some of our tried and true tips. Then peruse some great add-ons.

More spyware horror stories
(11/16/05)
We asked our readers to relay their worst encounters with spyware, and they responded with plenty of hair-raising accounts. This week: Destruction of personal property.

The best free Internet software
(11/10/05)
Want something for nothing? We mined Download.com to identify 10 very useful yet totally free Internet applications.

iTunes Advanced for PC: updated
(11/8/05)
Want to quickly learn your way around iTunes 6? Our newly updated iTunes Advanced feature has tips and tricks to help you out, as well as a few add-ons to make this popular jukebox even better.

More spyware horror stories
(11/9/05)
We asked our readers to relay their worst encounters with spyware, and they responded with plenty of hair-raising accounts. This week: Watch your bank.

More spyware horror stories
(11/2/05)
We asked our readers to relay their worst encounters with spyware, and they responded with plenty of hair-raising accounts. This week: Nasty ads from a nasty program.

The best free audio and video software
(10/31/05)
Want something for nothing? We mined Download.com to identify the most entertaining free audio and video applications.

More spyware horror stories
(10/26/05)
We asked our readers to relay their worst encounters with spyware, and they responded with plenty of hair-raising accounts. This week: Transformed into a spammer.

The best free desktop-enhancement software
(10/20/05)
Want something for nothing? We mined Download.com to identify the coolest and handiest desktop-enhancement software.

More spyware horror stories
(10/19/05)
We asked our readers to relay their worst encounters with spyware, and they responded with plenty of hair-raising accounts. This week: Dark days, courtesy of Aurora.

More spyware horror stories
(10/12/05)
We asked our readers to relay their worst encounters with spyware, and they responded with plenty of hair-raising accounts. This week: An unpleasant encounter with BargainBuddy.

The best free design and photo software
(10/11/05)
Want something for nothing? We mined Download.com to identify the most useful freeware for your creative side.

More spyware horror stories
(10/5/05)
We asked our readers to relay their worst encounters with spyware, and they responded with plenty of hair-raising accounts. This week: Don't trust P2P files.

The best free Mac software
(9/27/05)
Want something for nothing? We mined Download.com to identify the sweetest Mac freeware available.

Before disaster strikes
(9/23/05)
You can't plan for everything that might go wrong, but these programs can help you reduce the impact of misfortune.

More spyware horror stories
(9/21/05)
We asked our readers to relay their worst encounters with spyware, and they responded with plenty of hair-raising accounts. This week: Why sharing a PC can spell trouble.

The best free home and education software
(9/20/05)
Want something for nothing? We mined Download.com to identify the most educational (and fun) freeware around.

More spyware horror stories
(9/14/05)
We asked our readers to relay their worst encounters with spyware, and they responded with plenty of hair-raising accounts. This week: Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing.

Parents' guide to online safety
(9/13/05)
Your children will surf the Web, chat, and download files. With some help from these software tools, you can protect them while they do what kids do.

More spyware horror stories
(9/7/05)
We asked our readers to relay their worst encounters with spyware, and they responded with plenty of hair-raising accounts. This week: What you should know before downloading software from Freeze.com.

Spyware Horror Stories
(8/11/05)
Download.com users are no strangers to the frightening world of spyware. Each week, we'll share a new reader tale of spyware woe. This week: Targeting minors is a major problem.

PC Starter Kit
(8/4/05)
Buying a new computer can be a pricey proposition, and that's not even including the software. We've drummed up 20 essential programs that can be had for cheap or even free.

Meet the editors!
(7/18/05)
Ever wonder where all the great content on our site comes from? Our team of producers and editors hail from all over, with varied experience and interests. Find out more about us.

Message in a bottle
(7/7/05)
SOS! SOS! Eight Download.com staff members washed up on a remote tropical island. Here's the software they downloaded to get through the harrowing ordeal.

Get started with podcasting
(6/20/05)

What the heck is podcasting, and why should you care? Catch up on this tech craze with our beginner's guide.

Scrub away spyware
(6/8/05)

Webroot Spy Sweeper lets you guard your hosts file, control cookies, and schedule recurring scans. Find out how to put this powerhouse to work.

Better health through technology
(6/1/05)

Enhance your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being with a trip to our Healthy Living Center, where you'll find downloads and products that help you live your best life.

Audio-codec shoot-out
(5/24/05)

Is there an audible difference between WMA and MP3? Does OGG always sound better? We put four audio codecs to a listening test; find out which we think sound the best for different kinds of music.

Take photos further
(5/23/05)

Whether you're looking for tips on digital cameras, downloadable editing software, or photo sharing, you can find it in our Digital Photo Center.

Destroy spyware using Spybot
(4/25/05)

Even if you've been using Spybot - Search & Destroy for a while, you may not have explored all its features. These tips will help you fill in the blanks.

Don't get misdirected
(4/15/05)

Malicious software can change your hosts file so your bookmarks will take you to the wrong Web sites. We show you how to lock it down.

Protect your PC with Ad-Aware
(4/15/05)

Ad-Aware, a powerful free program, makes quick work of expelling ghastly spyware. This tutorial will get you up to speed with the program in no time.

Spyware Obstacle Course reloaded
(4/11/05)

The last time we ran some popular antispyware applications through our Spyware Obstacle Course, Spybot took first place. Find out which product performed best this time around.

Supercharge Office
(3/16/05)

Struggling to get Office to work with you? Use our guide to Office add-ins and improve your work flow.

Get more out of iTunes
(2/14/05)

Taking iTunes to the limit means getting familiar with its less-obvious settings. We show you how to get under the hood of this popular jukebox, then recommend add-ons for enhancing the experience.

Valentine's Day: Love it or leave it
(2/10/05)

Steeped in pagan ritual, Valentine's Day is many things to many people. Whether you plan to spend the holiday this year with your honey or Han Solo, this Love/Hate collection has something for you.

Spyware that makes kids cry
(2/4/05)

In our final spyware horror story, a mother relates an awkward encounter with a malicious piece of software that drove her young daughter to tears. Find out how to keep your own children safe.

These are a few of our favorite things
(12/23/04)

Get up-close and personal with the staff of Download.com--find out our favorite music, games, and software downloads of 2004.

Get started with Internet calls
(11/30/04)

Voice over IP, or VoIP, promises to make long-distance cheaper than ever, or even free. We've put together a guide to get your computer ready to connect to friends and family around the world.

Spyware Obstacle Course
(11/22/04)

We take five popular antispyware programs and run them through a grueling gauntlet of the most malicious spyware around. Find out who crosses the finish line first.

Stomp out spyware
(8/26/04)

Spyware is not only aggravating, it severely compromises your privacy. Fortunately, exiling these invaders from your machine is not as tough as you might think. No matter what kind of user you are, our feature tells you how to send the snoops packing.

Should you install Service Pack 2?
(8/11/04)

Microsoft released a major update to Windows that greatly enhances security. We tell you exactly what changes you can expect to see in Windows, Internet Explorer, and Outlook.

These are the champions
(7/20/04)

Find out which programs won the 2004 Shareware Industry Awards, which were picked by a panel of shareware developers. We also have the People's Choice Awards winners.

Get the news delivered
(6/23/04)

RSS feeds are the new way to get news, job listings, and classifieds delivered straight to your desktop. Don't browse when you can subscribe to feeds for continually updated content.

Spyware Center
(5/27/04)

Learn how to rid your computer of adware and spyware. Find out what you need to know about adware and how to prevent it from infecting your computer.

Speed-test your computer
(1/20/04)

Does your computer feel sluggish? Is it running slower than it should be? We show you how to run SANDRA to diagnose your computer and tweak its settings for maximum performance.

Build a DVD slideshow
(1/12/04)

Tired of thumbing through that old photo album? Create an interactive picture show that will work on most DVD players with Ulead DVD PictureShow. We show you how to get started.

Set up a surveillance system
(12/15/03)

With a simple Webcam, you can turn your computer into a high-tech burglar alarm. We show you how to set up home surveillance that alerts you when someone breaks in.

Create custom startup screens
(11/17/03)

Bored with the same Windows loading screen every time you turn on your machine? With Logo Organizer 2000, you can feast your eyes on fancy new graphics every time you start up or power down.

Blog from your desktop
(11/4/03)

Online journals, or blogs, are all the rage on the Internet. But how do you post your own? We show you how to use W.bloggar, a tool that lets you write and edit posts on your desktop, then post them to your blog.

Tame the paper trail
(10/20/03)

Tired of combing through that nasty tangle of paper documents? With a scanner and Readiris Pro, you can quickly turn the contents of your overflowing filing cabinet into easy-to-manage editable text.

Surf without a Net
(10/6/03)

Who needs Internet access just to surf the Web? With WebCopier, you can copy and save your favorite Web sites to your hard drive, so you still have something to surf the next time your DSL goes down.

Copy contest
(9/24/03)

Which backup utility do you use to save your everyday documents from hard-drive crashes and other disasters? We compare two top applications, CopyRite and Second Copy 2000, to decide on the best choice.

Keep your Web pages fresh
(9/22/03)

No one likes stale content, but Web-page updating can be a painstaking process. We show you how to use Macromedia Contribute to easily update the content of your site.

How to give your PC voice commands
(9/15/03)

Tired of typing in the same stuff day after day? Realize Voice is a great listener. The voice-recognition software lets you navigate your PC and the Web by voice alone. We show you how to set it up.

DVD deathmatch
(9/10/03)

The two powerhouse software DVD players, InterVideo WinDVD and CyberLink PowerDVD, compete head to head. Which one gives you the best display, controls, and extra features to be your personal hero?

How to rip audio streams
(9/8/03)

StreamRipper32 lets you easily capture Internet radio streams and break them into individual MP3 tracks, complete with artist and song information. We show you how to set it up.

How to animate your GIFs
(9/2/03)

You don't need to master Flash or DHTML to get a bit of animation on your Web site. Animate your GIFs with Ulead GIF Animator. We show you how to get started with simple animated images and text.

Uninstaller duel
(8/27/03)

Uninstaller programs aim to remove all traces of unwanted programs from your computer. We compare Ashampoo UnInstaller Suite with Advanced Uninstaller Pro to see which leaves you with a clean machine.

How to create a disk image
(8/25/03)

Protect yourself from the heartbreak of data loss by creating a disk image of your system. We show you how to make an exact copy of your current operating system and software using Acronis True Image.

How to add Flash to your Web site
(8/18/03)

Why settle for boring, static Web pages when you can spice them up with Flash animation? We show you an easy way to get started using SWiSH to create interactive graphics and text that won't stand still.

Erase your Internet trail
(8/13/03)

Getting rid of your Internet history cache protects your privacy and saves hard drive space. In our latest brawl, Window Washer goes up against Tracks Eraser Pro to see which one can deliver the cleanest knockout blow.

Find more files online
(8/11/03)

Tired of the "more sources needed" messages from your favorite file-sharing program? With Tifny you can easily find and download quality content from the original file-sharing service, Internet newsgroups.

Improve your computer's speed
(8/4/03)

Your computer picks up extra baggage over time that hampers its performance. Follow our tips for bringing your computer back to showroom condition, and keeping it that way.

Battle of the compression superstars
(7/30/03)

We pit veteran utility WinZip against up-and-comer WinRAR to find which most easily compresses your files and saves you the most hard drive space. A contest between these closely matched competitors promises excitement.

Sideline the spam
(7/21/03)

Sick of combing through unwanted messages about weight loss, wonder vitamins, and cheap time shares? POPFile works with your e-mail client and ISP to sideline the spam through intelligent filtering.

Dueling downloaders
(7/16/03)

A good download manager helps you recover gracefully from dropped Internet connections and computer crashes. We put the two top ones, Download Accelerator Plus and GetRight, side-by-side and see how they measure up.

Extreme makeover
(7/14/03)

Fire up DreamRender and breathe new life into your desktop design with animated wallpapers, icons, and mouse pointers. Choose a premade theme or customize your own.

Get Web users talking
(7/7/03)

Want to hear from your Web site visitors without fattening up your e-mail inbox? Quask FormArtist makes survey creation and data retrieval a simple and script-free process.

Picasa vs. ACDSee
(7/2/03)

Two powerful photo management applications, one chance at victory. Read our blow-by-blow comparison and see how these contenders stack up against each other.

Art for amateurs
(6/23/03)

Even if you don't know the difference between a Van Gogh and a velvet Elvis, ZBrush lets you create impressive 2D and 3D graphics, thanks to the software's intuitive painting tools and prebuilt effects.

Edit with the pros
(6/18/03)

WYSIWYG Web page generators merely get in the way of the seasoned HTML coder, but a good editor can help without hindering. We compare HTML Kit with AceHTML to see which has the tools and features to get your sites built.

Arrange files fast
(6/9/03)

AnyWhere Pro takes the turmoil and wasted time out of file management. Its collection of simple tools can move, copy, rename, or replace any number of files with a single mouse click.

Take your best shot
(6/2/03)

Give that Print Screen key a well-deserved rest with SnagIt. This simple screenshot utility can help you take a perfect picture of anything that appears on your PC's screen.

Speed up your system
(5/28/03)

Clean out the flotsam and jetsam collecting in the corners of your system. We compare Ashampoo WinOptimizer Suite with Advanced System Optimizer to see which does the best job.

Lost and found
(5/19/03)

Want to be able to locate files faster? Use Find to make a mini search engine from all your hard drive fodder, letting you quickly find any document, or e-mail by size, date, and even body text.

Ready, set, burn!
(5/14/03)

In our latest comparison, we let RecordNow Max and Nero Burning ROM battle it out to determine which software offers the most features and works the best for burning discs.

Free speech
(5/5/03)

Why shell out big bucks for basic long-distance? With a simple hardware setup and Gphone, you can talk to anyone over the Internet for as long as you want, without spending a dime.

Spybot vs. Ad-aware
(4/30/03)

Ad-aware and Spybot stand at the top of their class for defeating adware and spyware, but which one is the real king of the mountain? We put these downloader favorites into the ring and let the chips fall where they may.

Wallpaper gone wild
(4/28/03)

Tired of your PC's static backdrop? Add images, Flash animations, and even sound to your wimpy wallpaper with a little creativity and SWiSH 2.0.

Get faster CDs
(4/21/03)

Give your aging CD-ROM drive a rest by creating hard drive copies of all your favorite application and video game discs with Virtual Drive. Your hard drive will offer immediate and faster access to your CDs.

Media player rumble
(4/16/03)

In each corner is one of the biggest names in media playback and organization. We put them in the ring and let them duke it out. Which will emerge victorious? Follow our blow-by-blow commentary to find out.

Put your PIM online
(4/14/03)

What happens when you lose your Day-Timer, or your Palm Pilot runs out of juice? Load all your personal information onto the Web and access it from anywhere with the help of RedBox Organizer.

I want my MP3 TV!
(4/7/03)

Use an old computer to build an MP3 music server. We show you how to hook it up to your stereo system and TV, so MP3s become an integrated part of your entertainment center.

Build some character
(3/24/03)

Manipulate your favorite video game character’s shape, movement, and textures with MilkShape 3D. Customize characters and objects for Max Payne, Half-Life, The Sims, and many other popular games.

Winamp vs. JetAudio
(3/19/03)

Winamp or JetAudio? Winamp commands considerable popularity, but its 3.0 version gives JetAudio a fighting chance. We throw both in the ring to see which delivers the knockout punch.

Be a desktop director
(3/17/03)

Easily edit and add special effects to your humdrum home videos with Video Edit Magic. Turn your video scraps into movie magic.

Digitize your record collection
(3/3/03)

Turn your old record collection into sparklingly clear MP3s. From hardware to software, we show you what you need and how to do it.

Take a message
(2/24/03)

Build your own voicemail system in minutes. We show you how to use EzVoice to record greetings, create multiple voicemail boxes, and save your old messages.

Call up your computer
(2/18/03)

Remotely access your PC from almost anywhere. Remote Administrator lets you work on your desktop through a secure connection.

Make Web menus pop
(2/10/03)

Replace static menus on your Web site with animated DHTML menus that offer more compact navigation and look great.

Caught on tape
(2/3/03)

Record and edit all activity on your computer screen with Camtasia Studio to make the perfect tutorial or presentation.

Make your own music
(1/27/03)

Pump out any electronic jam you can dream up with Reason 2.0.

Easy 3D animations
(1/21/03)

Create professional-looking 3D animations in a matter of minutes with 3D Impact Pro.

Manhandle your music
(1/13/03)

Keep track of all your albums with Music Label 2003, whether they’re on MP3, CD, or good, old LP.

Make a date
(1/6/03)

Keep your appointments close at hand by building your own Web-friendly calendar.

Make your own MTV
(12/16/02)

Become the latest Hollywood hotshot by making your own music videos. ACD VideoMagic does all the hard work for you.

Design your own video game
(12/9/02)

Make the next Myst without hammering out a line of code. We show you how to get creative with Adventure Maker.

Diversify your disks
(12/2/02)

Make space for backups or dual boot systems by creating new partitions on your hard drive with Paragon Partition Manager.

Webify your photos
(11/25/02)

Creating a Web photo album involves a lot of tedious work, such as making thumbnails and coding JavaScript. We show you an easier way, using JAlbum to do the work for you.

Add your own spin to Winamp
(11/18/02)

Tired of the basic black and orange interface of Winamp? With a little inspiration and a few minutes you can put a new face on the tried and true application by building your own skin.

Go from VHS to DVD
(11/11/02)

Wipe the dust off your old home videos and convert them to state-of-the-art DVDs.

Glossy interactive greetings
(11/04/02)

Wow your friends and family with custom-built electronic greetings using Ecardiy.

Work around Windows
(10/28/02)

TweakAll lets you decree how your version of Windows will behave. We show you how to optimize and personalize your OS.

Tear down the IM wall
(10/21/02)

Trillian chews the fat with every major instant messenger service, using one simple interface.

Typeface tutorial
(10/14/02)

The Font Creator Program lets you modify existing fonts or come up with your own. We show you how to make unique fonts.

Make 3D text
(10/8/02)

Designing 3D text doesn't have to be difficult. We show you how to use Xara3D to animate and export your text for use on your Web site.

Roll your own icons
(10/1/02)

The default look of Windows is hopelessly vanilla. Those bland folder and desktop icons work, but they're far from flashy. We show you how to make your own icons.

Time for your close-up
(8/26/02)

With a CD-RW burner you can create videodiscs viewable with a standard DVD player. We show you how.

How to create a slide show
(8/19/02)

Digital pictures easily get buried in remote corners of your hard drive, but you can bring them to light with a slide show.

Get your message out
(8/12/02)

We show you how to use Easy Mail Plus to print personalized letters and envelopes from a customer database.

Hack-proof your computer
(8/7/02)

Installing a firewall is easier than you think. We take you step-by-step through configuring ZoneAlarm Pro.

Make your computer literate
(8/5/02)

We show you how to give your computer a voice so it can read out loud. You will never go without a bedtime story again.

How to organize and bill clients
(7/29/02)

Organizing your invoices is essential to running a small business. We show you how easy it is with the right software.

Save your screen with style
(7/22/02)

We show you how to build a screensaver using your own images and audio files, with effects to dazzle your friends.

How to create Web graphics
(7/10/02)

Learn how to use two programs that help even those of us without a modicum of artistic talent create lovely Web graphics.

How to manage shareware registration
(7/9/02)

Managing shareware registration is tough, but the Software Administration Kit can make it easier.

How to make an MP3 mix
(7/3/02)

Learn how to organize your MP3s into groovy mixes using MusicMatch Jukebox.

Clean up your PC
(6/3/02)

Learn how to clear out the file clutter on your hard drive, making space available and improving performance on your system.

How to make an auto-installer
(3/11/02)

If you build software, you need to make sure users have an easy time installing it on their systems. We walk you through two popular install makers.

How to send faxes from your PC
(2/20/02)

Send paper documents around the world at e-mail speed by turning your computer into a fax machine. Fax directly or via an Internet service.

How to remote control your computer
(2/7/02)

Need to manage multiple computers, but don't want to wear out your shoes? VNC lets you access a computer as if you were at its keyboard.

How to create software patches
(1/8/02)

Use shareware to make patches for your software applications and quickly get your users up on the latest version.

How to generate PDF files without Adobe Acrobat
(12/21/01)

Don't shell out $200 for Adobe Acrobat. Get shareware applications that let you create PDF files from any document creation program.

Adversarial adware
The wrong kind of adware can report your personal information and your Internet activity. Find out how to detect it and stop it.


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