Software

Here is a great chance to download free software from Microsoft. They have released a public beta of Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2010 which you can download free at the link above. This is a beta release, which means there may still be some bugs and problems, but the software will be largely stable and will work for you just fine in almost every common circumstance.

Amazon has just released Kindle for PC software which you can download for free. This lets you purchase and view Kindle-based books, magazines, and other readable-material right on your PC. You do not need to own a hand-held Kindle to get and use the PC version, but if you do own one, you can sync it with this version.

There is a great free computer paint program available at tuxpaint.org. The site describes the program this way:

Tux Paint is a free, award-winning drawing program for children ages 3 to 12 (for example, preschool and K-6 in the US, key stages 1 & 2 in the UK). It combines an easy-to-use interface, fun sound effects, and an encouraging cartoon mascot who guides children as they use the program.

You can order several different freebies from NATO, including a free CD Map Game and a DVD of NATO history.

If you use AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) or would like to, get a free download of AIM Professional from AOL.com.

You can download free classic video games from Rockstar, including Grand Theft Auto 1 and 2 and Wild Metal 2.

If you are in need of anti-virus software (never ever connect to the internet without it), you can get a free download of AVG Anti-Virus. The Free Sample Foragers have used it on all our computers for years and recommend it to anyone who is tired of paying for anti-virus software. Click the Download link under the free version to get this freebie.

If you have a small business or are in need of free accounting software, Intuit is offering Quickbooks Smart Start 2008, a fully-functional program for windows that will help you organize your payroll and taxes. There are links to order the CD or to download the software.