My Freeware Experience

As it turned out when I went to download some freeware programs I was to discover that I was already an avid user of such things

Firstly there was VLC Media Player. This program has always been a pleasant alternative to the default Windows Media Player, allowing different video and audio streams as well as the application of different sets of subtitles. To this day I still don't understand the workings, generally if you can't play a video you simply download a newer codec and that should do the trick, but not always, however, simply with VLC you can play nearly any type of file you desire. I highly recommend this if you're having any troubles in that area.

Yet another example of my already ample use of freeware was Mozilla Firefox which I have been using for years. Simply put, it feels smoother than the standard Internet Explorer, it has the option of downloading applications to make browsing a safer and more pleasurable experience. Such applications include the Video Downloader which allows one to save videos from sites such as youtube for offline viewing. While not too much different to Internet Explorer, the interface is slightly different and just feels more aesthetic, so again, a good recommendation.

Frets on Fire is a more creative application. I had never tried it, but my friend introduced me to the program a few years back and I was impressed. In the style of the popular video game series Guitar Hero, Frets on Fire allows users to take any song and then use their keyboard like a guitar to electronically play the song. This is a greta free program if you're too cheap to dish out for Guitar Hero and if you're not too embarassed about using a keyboard as a guitar. Though you have to program songs that don't automatically come with the program, most songs can be found by users from other sites if you're willing to seek them out.

Ah, and now we come to GIMP, a Godsend for anyone who doesn't happen to have a spare $1000 or so sitting around for something than they more often than not need in a computer class. GIMP is essentially photoshop, while minus a few features, all the essentials are there, including shade and colourization, chopping out backgrounds, multiple layers and plenty more. So don't be a chump and fork out for photoshop, get GIMP.

The world of freeware continues to evolve as wonderful individuals contribute a great array of programs to the already prominent catalogue. There's a bright future in the world of freeware, a world where you don't quite know what's around the corner, but you're sure it'll be good.