Free Stuff

Over the years we’ve run into a number of programs that we find useful for our computing chores. In an effort to “share the wealth” so to speak, we’ve decided to offer them for download.

All of these files have been scanned and checked for viruses, and we’ve tried them at least once. However, we make no guarantees or warrantees about their use. Each program comes with everything the manufacturer included for download.  Not to mention the great names some of them have!

Debt Card Calculator — Provides a rough estimate of how much your credit/debit/store cards cost if you pay the minimum each month. Shows why many Credit Card providers reduced their minimum monthly repayments from 5% to 3%. Freeware.

Dipstick — If you ever found yourself stuck at an FTP server trying to retrieve a file, or had a menu of servers listed and you weren’t sure which to choose, Dipstick will help. It evaluates all the URLs on the FTP page and helps you choose the fastest site to download from. Freeware.

FileFerret — Queries multiple search engines and Archie sites and can even be configured to search only particular geographic areas. It searches for the file you’re looking for, and returns information on where to find it. You can search for files based on name, type, or keywords and save the results of your search for later. Best of all, once you've found the file you're looking for, you can use FileFerret to download it, without using your FTP program. Freeware.

Font Explorer — A terrific utility for viewing and managing your fonts. Lets you compare fonts, and see what characters are available for each one. You can even add your own text to see how it’ll look in each font. Freeware.

InfoFerret — Queries specialized search engines for news-related items. Available categories include Current Affairs, Entertainment, Finance, Science and Technology, Sports, and more. Each category includes a list of appropriate online publications to search. You can launch any of the results in your default browser and save your search results to disk for later use. Freeware.

IRCFerret — Search several available IRC networks to find anyone by nickname, email address, or description. Just enter your search criteria and choose to match any or all keywords. Limit the channels to search, or search them all with the criteria you enter. Results return very quickly in a simple list format. Just double-click a result to launch your default IRC client. A context menu can also load your email client with the selected address. Freeware.

IrfanView — Version 4.0. A 32-bit graphic viewer, with a great slideshow feature. It has terrific file support, and ignores simple file errors. Includes image editing features and file conversion utility. Freeware.

Loan Estimator — Calculate the amount to be paid back as well as the amount of each monthly payment. It will calculate this for any interest rate or term of loan. Freeware.

Loan Manager Template — Before you decide on a new mortgage, calculate your monthly payments and interest with this Excel template. Freeware.

Loan Spread Calculator — This loan calculator automatically displays results on a 2-dimensional grid as you enter the loan variables. Updated features include an enhanced user interface, online help and improved calculation routines. Freeware.

NewsFerret — Searches for Usenet articles using subject and newsgroup keyword criteria you select. You can include AltaVista, DejaNews, Reference.COM, and your ISP's news server as search targets. NewsFerret compiles a detailed list with subject, lines, author date, group, and source. You can sort the list by any header. Double-clicking on any entry delivers the text in Notepad. You can also open the item in your specified Web browser, email using your favorite client, or save the email address. Other features let you optionally save history, specify proxy information, and choose the maximum number of returns as a result of your search. Freeware

PhoneFerret — An easy way to find phone numbers on the Web. Just enter the first and last name of the person you’re trying to find, then refine your responses by choosing a state and keying in a city. PhoneFerret uses various directories available on the Internet and delivers the results in a listing. If Windows 95 Dialer is installed on your computer, a click on the search results will automatically dial the number for you. Shareware: Free to try, $13.95 if you decide to keep it.

Phoxel Unit Converter — Not sure how many ounces in a liter? Feet in a kilometer? And is 50ºC hot or cold? No problem: Just open Phoxel Unit Converter, choose the measurement type, and enter the amount. Just like that, you have every related conversion. The fastest, easiest way to convert any measurement, from volume to distance to time and so on.

WebFerret — WebFerret adds an entry to the Find option of your Windows 95/98 Start button, to find Web pages in addition to the standard files and folders. Enter your search terms, click on Match All Keywords or Match Any Keywords, and WebFerret will use your Internet connection to check several of the more popular search engines. You can also do more advanced searches, limiting the number of matches in total or by engine. Once the results are returned, tooltips give you a little more information about each site. Just double-click to bring up your browser and launch the page. Freeware.