GO FREE! Replace Your Paid Software - Comments Page 2

Thank you Bob and bzman 24 for trying to help me. I cannot expect you to understand just how disadvantaged we are here in S/E Asia in so many ways. I already have the two main modem suppliers and neither can cope with the modern world. For the most part computers experts do not exist because of their inability to understand English - the language of computers. I am unwilling to go to WIN 8 with W9 just around the corner and cannot find a dealer here that sells Win 7 Home Premium 64-bit on a decent make of desktop. The best place to purchase computers in the world today is the US but none of the major players will ship to S/E Asia even using Fed-X or DHL - I depair

"Using web-based (cloud) apps reduces clutter on your hard drive... And it gives you the freedom to use your software without being chained to your home or office computer."

But it doesn't give you the freedom of not being chained by that umbilical cord to the internet.

In the 'real' world, internet connections are not 100% reliable, or accessible. Having software on my hard-drive allows me to work when I want, not when someone else dictates.

@Ken Mitchell. I do volunteer work some of the time. If I was to do volunteer work 100% of my time I would like to know how I am supposed to feed me and my family? There is no unemployment benefits where I live. I have no problems with Gmail adverts -how the heck is Google to pay
salaries? Gmail ads are no big hindarence. Also if you are using Chrome browser Gmelius extension will remove Gmail ads. But you are speaking generally, I get it.I like to be told in advance when I am using freeware that they will send me ads.

Why I think LIVE MAIL is better.

1) Acessibility-available if internet is there. No hassles-No new setup required.

2) Can change ISP - and not have to tell one and all your new email id.

3)Cheaper-is especially helpful in Eurozone and East,South-East, South Asian countries where ISP charge for providing email id. After all were are looking for FREEdom.

Even though I consider myself to be of above average intelligence, I found installing any hardware on Ubuntu 12.04 LTS extremely difficult. As others have stated, you have to search for ages to find the right sudo commands and be able to use them correctly, to install some or all hardware.

Whereas in Windows, installing most hardware is just a case of attaching it to your computer and letting Windows install it automatically! If not, all you have to do, providing its drivers are fully compatible with your version of Windows, is insert the installation disk and run it. So of the two, I know which process I prefer!

I also found the GUI on Ubuntu very unattractive and uninspiring compared to Windows, with no quick access task bar or as far as I can remember, no visible clock/calendar on any part of the screen. So whilst free operating systems definitely have their place, I prefer to stick with Windows, in spite of all its critics!

Bob, I am one of the first to recommend, good, solid free programs. I am on a fixed income and completely understand the need to stay, within that income availability. However, I do try to "test" out these programs, before I recommend them, just like you do.

As for a new Operating System, other than Windows and Max OS ... I haven't been interested in any of the Linux/Ubuntu Operating Systems. Oh, I am a geek all right, just not that geeky, okay? I personal think, those that knew DOS, have a better time doing command lines, than those of us, who never used DOS. I am one, who never used DOS and only "dabbled" with it, a tiny bit, when I got my first computer, which was using Windows 95B. The Windows 95B version had a lot more opportunities, to use DOS language. Not so much, with today's Windows versions. Oh, it's there alright, just not as accessible.

Since, I have used some of the best FREE programs, in the past, I am now using their Pro versions. Please, I will always recommend their FREE versions, first. I have just found that, I prefer the Pro versions, because of the ability to "schedule" scans and actions with these programs, so that things are done "automatically" not manually. This is just my personal preference.

I avoided the Web-based Email Service, forever! I thought, it was not only a "hassle", on my part, but, that there would be lots of ads and etc., when using a Web-based Email Service. BOY ... Was I wrong!!! I used Outlook.com and was very impressed. I started using Windows 7, which does NOT have my "beloved" Outlook Express or any Email program. So, I tried Outlook.com. I still, have my husband using it and I am very, very pleased with the service.

I have gone on, to using Outlook, from my Microsoft Office. I still, love a program, where I have more control, over what does or doesn't happen. With me getting way more emails, than my husband, I wanted my Avast! to really better scan my emails, than what it could do with Outlook.com. I know, when I see that comment at the bottom ... "This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active" ... That my email is as virus free, as possible. Plus, my Avast Internet Security does look for malware and SPAM, as well.

Yes, I am completely aware, that Outlook email program from Microsoft Office has many issues, especially those where the program can be compromised. This is why I have Avast! Internet Security, as well as Malwarebytes Premium version. I feel, as those two programs are great protection, as great as I possibly can have. Plus, I also, have other Pro version programs, to help with security on my computer. I must be doing something right, it has been quite some time, since, I have had any "take overs." Well, there was the Conduit issue, last Fall, but, that has been resolved, thank goodness!!!

Now, I have tried to use Mozilla's Thunderbird Email program. I just never could get use to it and it never satisfied to accomplish, what I really wanted, in an Email program. Right now, I am "boycotting" Mozilla, so I will not use either Firefox or Thunderbird or any Mozilla programs. I do not like Microsoft's Internet Explorer, either. I am using Chrome and love it. It is just so easy to use and set up. I guess, I am really getting use to using Chrome and Google, because of my Android Smartphone. It took me awhile, to transfer over from Firefox, to Chrome, but, I am glad that I did.

The ads on Chrome, are not an issue with me. I use the AdBlock Extension, which works wonderfully. Sorry Bob, I know that the ads, help you in payment for your web server, but, ads simply drive me nuts. There are just so many, many wonderful FREE programs out there, for everyone to use.

Just remember, to scan the "executable" installer, when using a unknown program, for the first time. I know, that is what I do and have, for years. I got my very first virus, back in 1997, when I was on AOL and I got it, from an AOL download. I had to completely re-format my whole hard drive, to get rid of it, too. Talk about a "learning curve!!!" Boy, I was really ignorant about computers, in those days. However, I began to learn, what to do and how to do it. Some mighty hard lessons, were learned in those days. I can't tell you, how many times, I had to re-format my hard drive ... But, I did learn and learn well.

Enjoy your newsletter bob. Some "freeware" that I have used for awhile and been very happy with is Libre Office, VLC media player, and foxit reader for PDF files. I have had good luck with AVG FREE and Avast FREE. I also use and like CCleaner to remove junk files and clean registry. I used to use Zone Alarm, but when it tries to block something, it's hard to know what it is, and when you look it up, it wants you to purchase the Pro version which I guess gives you more info on the site. Keep up the good work!