Free software downloadsFree software downloads

Why pay for expensive computer software when you can good programs that do the same jobs for free?

Computer software can be expensive. Essential software such as Microsoft Office can cost upwards of hundreds of pounds – and many applications are rapidly updated so that you have to continually pay to stay up to date.

But you can download free software to your computer that will do the same thing. Created as part of the Open Source and Free Software initiatives, this is non-profit software created with the intention of making both the software available freely for others to use and give to others as they see fit.

Open-source software covers a range of applications – from Microsoft Office alternatives such as OpenOffice to photo-editing software such as Gimp.

Microsoft and Apple giveaways

Computer companies such as Microsoft and Apple distribute some software for free, such as Microsoft Accounting Express 2008 for home finances, to Apple iTunes 8 for managing your digital audio collection and downloading podcasts.

Freeware

A further type of free software is labelled freeware – software that relies on the goodwill of users and often you can make a donation to the authors as a thank you.

Some companies produce free versions of their professional software products, such as the Best Buy AVG Anti-Virus 8 Free (http://free.avg.com) free edition.

We’ve highlighted some of the more useful free programs for home office working, security, and digital photography so you can download and use these great alternatives for free.

Where possible, we have tested these against similar paid-for applications to help deliver our verdict and a potential money saving.

Want to find out about free add-ons for your web browser? Read the Which? guide to downloading and installing Firefox add-ons.