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Free Downloads - Safe and Legal
When looking for the best free legal downloads, it is important to also look for sites that are safe because no download is worth opening your PC, Mac, or laptop up to viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. There are many choices for downloading today, but there are a number of time tested and user friendly websites that offer free and legal ones. Here are some of my favorites in the areas of general software, communication, and audio/video downloads.
Many people think they are stuck with the problems that come along with Internet Explorer and don't realize there are other more streamlined browsers that will give them better functionality and less headaches. One of these browsers is Firefox, which is an opensource project, run by a nonprofit corporation at www.mozilla.com. Not only is it free and easy to get, but it also runs much faster. The same company also offers an alternative to Adobe Acrobat Reader, called the Foxit Pdf Reader available at www.foxit.com. Another new browser that is turning heads with its innovative design and usability is Opera which you can find at www.opera.com. Although the Firefox browser includes anti-malware and anti-phishing features, if you use a different browser there is a helpful personal anti-spyware program available at www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware called Ad-Aware.
When it comes to communication, there are two of the best free legal downloads that come to mind: Skype and Trillian Instant Messenger. Many users rave about how Skype.com has revolutionized their phone use and saved them loads of money on long distance calling. Trillian IM is great for people who like to message in real time because you can run more than one account or username within accounts, while also having access to Wiki as well. That download is found at www.ceruleanstudios.com.
Free Audio, Music, and Video
Okay, so I know you're all wondering where are the audio, music, and video downloads in this article. The truth is there are many websites that promise the best free and legal downloads and most of them are file-sharing sites. Just because a site is popular, does not guarantee that your computer files will be safe or that the site will be legal in a few months. It is difficult to know what is safe or legal anymore, with all of the changes the recording industry is going through right now because of enforcement of copyright infringement. Your best bet is to go with a well-known streaming music subscription service, such as Rhapsody.com, that allows a 14 day or longer free trial. Rhapsody offers a wide range of musical tastes, play lists, the ability to listen anywhere you have an Internet connection (even from your Tivo), and also sells mp3 music files. Hulu is one of the very best sites for streaming high quality video programming safely and legally.