Geoduck's Computer Programs

GEODUCK PROGRAMS

I made this list mostly so I'd have links to all these sites in one place, but perhaps someone out there will find them of use.

INTERNET

While my computer does use Windows, I make every effort not to use Microsoft software for anything else. Cuz it's crummy, and shot full of security holes. Here are a few alternatives to the Usual Suspects.

Opera and Firefox
Unless you really take the plunge and use Unix, these are two good alternatives to struggling with "Internet Exploder". Both are available for free. Each has quite vocal defenders and detractors; try 'em both and pick the one you like best.

Lynx
Or if you want to forego pictures altogther, there's this option as well.

WS_FTP
A great little program for moving files via FTP. Like Opera, it has both free and pay versions. People have reported problems with the latest version(s), so use with caution.

(Free) Agent/ 40tude Dialog
A couple of good Usenet readers. Dialog is still in Beta-testing, but it offers a few more bells and whistles for free.

Ad-Aware
Spiffy little utilty that goes through your hard drive and wipes out any spyware or ad-tracking programs you may have picked up during your websurfing. Just be sure and keep it regularly updated.

ARTISTIC PROGRAMS

Irfanview
Wonderful and free image-file viewer.

Paint Shop Pro
Good low-cost alternative to Adobe Photoshop; my cartoons and my NetHack tile set were all created with this program. May not be so great now that it's been sold to the Corel corporation.

Crimson Editor
A nifty little writing program, free and with more features than Notepad or Wordpad.

GAMES

VGA Planets
A great play-by-email turn-based 'space empire' game.

NetHack
A great, free, 'explore-the-dungeon-and-kill-monsters' game. Promotes planning and strategy over hairtrigger joystick action and fancy graphics.

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