5 Loaves & 2 Fishes

Many computer programmers, though not Christians, have followed the words of Jesus which are also central to us here at 5 Loaves & 2 Fishes - "Freely you have received; freely give." They have produced what is called "Open Source Software", which is software that can be downloaded from the Internet and installed FREE, and which is of equal or superior standard to commercial software. "Open Source" means that the actual computer program is released into the public domain and is not kept a commercial secret.

Also, some software houses have released cut-down versions of their applications. They hope that once you've tried the product you will upgrade to the paid-for version for the extra facilities that are available. But there is no obligation to do so, and you may download and install this software for free.

We at 5 Loaves & 2 Fishes have installed all the following applications and have literally years of experience in using them. We find them to be fit for purpose and reliable. To buy the equivalent commercial applications would cost you many hundreds of dollars, but you can download any or all of them completely free of charge.

We encourage you to download and use them. We will also support you in using them. If you need help, please let us know on our dedicated Computer & Technical Help Forum. Not only will you get answers to Open Source and Freeware queries, but also to queries about commercial applications such as Microsoft Office. Why not browse the Forum now and see how people have been helped?

SECURITY

You should be vigilant against viruses and other malware. These 4 security utilities are the bare minimum you need to keep your computer secure:

Ad-Aware is an anti-spyware and anti-adware application from Lavasoft. The free version must be updated and run manually, but that is easily accomplished with a few mouse clicks. You can choose to do an intelligent scan every day and an in-depth scan say once a week, but the choice really is yours.

Ad-Aware

AVG is an anti-virus application from Grisoft. Once installed it can be configured to download the latest updates at a user-chosen timeslot each day, and to perform a computer scan at a user-chosen time each day. It will also scan your incoming e-mail before allowing it into your inbox. You can pay for enhanced versions of AVG, but this free version is adequate.

AVG

Spybot-S&D ("Search and Destroy") is an anti-spyware application and, according to the review on the Top Tech News site, "the only real downside to this program is that it is not preinstalled on every PC". Spybot-S&D is the perfect partner for Ad-Aware and the two should be run in tandem for total peace of mind.

Spybot-S&D

ZoneAlarm is a computer firewall - a program which monitors what is trying to get IN to your computer and what is trying to "phone home" FROM your computer. Once installed, ZoneAlarm will pop up a warning when it encounters an access request for the first time. You can then allow or deny access, and ZoneAlarm will remember your choice. Comes with a useful tutorial.

ZoneAlarm

APPLICATIONS

The following applications are all free and are recommended by 5 Loaves & 2 Fishes. We have been using them for several years and unlike many commercial applications all the updates are also free:

Audacity is a digital audio editor which will allow you to manipulate audio files with ease. Downloaded from the source Website 24 million times, it is Open Source software and therefore free of charge.

Audacity

CDBurnerXP is a CD and DVD burning application. It is freeware and therefore free of charge.

CDBurnerXP

Firefox is the premier Web browser. It has excellent security and can be customised with different themes and add-ons which enhance its functionality. Another Open Source application.

Firefox

Perhaps the "jewel in the crown" of Open Source software, OpenOffice.org is a fully-featured office productivity suite including word processor, spreadsheet, database and presentation applications. You are automatically advised of updates which are, like the suite itself, entirely free of charge.

OpenOffice.org

OverLIB enhances websites with small popup information boxes (like tooltips) to help visitors around your website. Mouse over the navigation block on the left for a demonstration.

OverLIB

The GNU Image Manipulation Program (the GIMP) does what it says on the tin. Use it to compose new images as well as alter and enhance existing ones. It's issued under the GNU General Public License which means it's free to install and use.

The GIMP

A companion to Firefox, Thunderbird is the premier Open Source (and therefore free) e-mail client. It, too, can be enhanced with add-ons and themes.

Thunderbird