[Byteman]

Here's something everyone can make use of..
I realize this freeware site has been posted on TSG before, but I feel one feature there deserves a separate mention.
.( this freeware site uses no adware, no spyware)...they also publish online, an updated e- book (newsletter) for good freeware sites. It is in the form of a zipped file, which you can download, and when online you can use the hotlinks from the ebook page. It looks excellent- I havent checked all the sites they have links to yet. They also have a list of sites that use ads a lot, very helpful to avoid a lot of popups! Nicely designed site and I hope someone gets good use from it.
The ebook on freeware is halfway down the page here:

http://www.sover.net/%7Ewysiwygx/Sofffffffware.html

[GoJoAGoGo]

Cool site thanks...

[Byteman]

Hi Jo- Thanks! Did you download or open the ebook there...it's like a mini-browser with buttons at the top...very nice. There has been a very big improvement in free/shareware sites- though there are still lots of sorta sneakier ones readily found.
I tested SpyBot SS&D with a downloaded screensaver app today found at one site. The download of neato looking seminude models that set themselves up as the default screensavers ALSO contained: GAIN software,+ New.Net,+ SideSearch and some more stuff....with a little manual work, SS&D was easily able to remove it all, right down to restoring network files with New.net. Oh, one other was an oldie but nasty- BonziBuddy! ALL in the one downloaded screensaver file. The install routine did specify that it would install some 3rd party files...pays to read the acceptance speeches when you install stuff like that! And- those who try out free stuff must do so carefully. Try to use the sites that do screen for junkware....lots of them are doing this for us.
I really like one site found in the links from posts you and RSM123 made the other day.... ImBoring they call it- but it was pretty good actually. Keep posting GJAGG and thanks.

[GoJoAGoGo]

Byteman:

Yes, I downloaded the e-book zip file and opened it up into the mini browser world. The newsletter was very interesting and put together in a good format. I did check out a few links. I like the way they have a description of the freeware links giving a short review of each site.

Thanks again ... Joe

[cisco2004]

Wow! lottsa stuff in here.
I'll get into it when i get some time.

Thanks-

[Byteman]

That eBook is really cool- as well as the links in the other threads here. You do have to be careful with some freeware/shareware- always check reviews of the software. There are some good sites to do just that. I try to just use apps/tools from places that check for bad stuff.
Hints: Check the HOMEPAGE link when you download freeware, often there is a newer version than you may be looking at from the free site...one catch to this is- the newest version may also have gone into shareware status so you'd have to pay a small amount for it, but usually shareware is more fully functional and better at what it does...
Relating to spyware/adware stuff in free programs::
The better freeware sites tell you up front if they serve up downloads that contain that stuff. The experts that check these programs out have sites, info, utilities you can check many programs out before installing to save you time/problems.
There are special apps that will monitor installs, registry checkers that show you the changes made after an install, but why take chances unless you are an expert at that sort of thing?
http://www.spywareinfo.com/

( The above site is undergoing changes, moving to a new server- it looks a little crazy at above link, but the new server is text only until they get things running right HERE:
http://216.180.233.153/~swidotcom/2.html

This is a very good info site:
http://www.spywareguide.com/product_search.php