A huge quantity of some rather unique freeware/donationware:

http://www.donationcoder.com/Software/index.html

Check out the links there for Skrommel's One-Hour Software, and the Coding Snacks Download Page

They will keep you busy for awhile.

Oh...and they do small tools on request for free, in case you have an idea for something that nobody has ever created, for a job you need done.

http://www.afreedll.com/installing-dll-files.php
this is a good site for getting missing dlls

if u dont have a clue what they are dont download them
this is for the advanced user only!!!!!

http://freewarearena.com/html/Downloads.html
freeware software

http://freeware.carolsvault.com/
this one has a few errors but is a magnificant freeware site

http://www.carolsvault.com/best-freeware/
another favoret freeware
GOATD_ you should put some of these in your featured list as they provide no stupid update to “pro” version

http://www.onlythebestfreeware.com/category.asp?category_id=16
best for last freeware A MUST CHECK OUT

http://www.ghacks.net/2005/12/29/5-best-freeware-games-of-2005/
this is the best 5 game freeware
fricken hillarioous

and last but not least
http://www.mouserunner.com/FreewareSites1.html
a link of all websites that a person can find freeware on

Suggestion for software giveaway:

Can we have some more programs from Wondershare? I'm thinking of particularly the Quiz Creator program they have. I've tried out the trial program and it's very good.

Cleanse Uninstaller was very good, thanks tons!
Ukprimaryteacher

At the moment there are already two such threads that are "sticky'ed" in the "General Discussion" section of these forums.

If you go HERE (The General Discussion Section) and look at the first few threads listed at the top of the page, you will see one freeware thread for applications, and one freeware thread for games.

As some of the suggestions were copied from other forums - and the freeware status of other program suggestions might change over time - please make a comment (or send me a PM) and I will check the programs / links again and update the list if it requires changing.

I may also edit people posts if they become "chatty" and not strictly on subject. Remember these threads are a reference for many of us, the "thank you's" and "does anyone know a program" type of questions can be asked elsewhere. (I'm just saying so people don't get offended if some posts are trimmed or removed from these threads).

I hope this discussion does not degenerate into lists of links. As Bubby said: "Taking it one step further - rather than just listing the program titles and a download link, getting people to actually explain WHY they think it is so good compared to other apps." And don't forget to include the software's name, as also noted. Better still - don't do it here. Can someone get such a thread/forum started?

I like this idea A LOT. I have found some gems by reading the comments on some GAOTD offerings and checking out links to alternate software mentioned. Many of your commenters are knowledgeable and generous with their finds. I had decided just yesterday that it would be worthwhile to go back over the comments for software offered before I found GAOTD, for this very reason - and I will, when I find the time!

I hope you can get this started and organized as suggested. I would visit often and try to contribute.

I like this one:

3D Studio Max: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=5972446
Flash MX: http://www.soft32.com/download_353.html

That are the links to the trial versions.

Part of the problem with the freeware section is that it's not easy for freeware authors to get their software on it. You submit the info for your PAD file and then it's never added to the database.

Fix that and you'll have more freeware to offer.

I have a great little time management/productivity/anti-procrastination/RSI prevention tool that I have been trying to get added since you started that freeware section. I have had no success so far.

Maybe I should try to submit a screensaver instead?

No problem.

Thanks Michelle.

It would be more useful to post the program name with the link (in case the link goes dead - people know what the software is called so they can google it).

I'll post the freebies I have installed, don't have spyware terminator or Windows Defender installed, some people say they are pretty good. I just don't want them conflicting with existing programs I have installed as I already run Webroot Spy Sweeper on startup. I also don't have bufferzone installed anymore.

Active Virus Shield-powered by Kaspersky
http://www.activevirusshield.com/antivirus/freeav/index.adp?

Comodo Firewall Pro- http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/

GesWall- http://www.download.com/GeSWall-Freeware/3000-2239_4-10626513.html?tag=lst-0-1

Adaware- http://lavasoft.com/products/ad-aware_se_personal.php

Spybot Search & Destroy- http://www.safer-networking.org/

A-Squared Free http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/

Spyware Terminator- http://dnl.spywareterminator.com/install/sap_landing_spyware_terminator.aspx?tbid=60283&banner_id=OVT_CT_Free_Spyware_*GeoUSCA*&OVRAW=free%20spyware&OVKEY=free%20spyware&OVMTC=standard

Spyware Blaster- http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Windows Defender- http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Bufferzone- http://www.trustware.com

Thanks! I'll sniff around a little more, and maybe sign in.

Having an account lets you "Write a Review" and have a watch list (when watched programs are updated you get an email). You can change the layout to some extent and ignore programs (these won't be displayed).

If you can only see one comment - that's all there is. (sometimes "view all Reviews" appears if there are older reviews not displayed).

Just had a quick look. Nice setup! Pretty much ideal. So do you sign in to view all comments and post reviews? I only see the last comment, without registering.

I like the format used at Betanews.

http://fileforum.betanews.com/

The products are grouped into categories - but each program has it's own page with people posting feedback/discussion (and religious wars) underneath. In fact a freeware only version of fileforum but with a "related products" (other programs like this) list would be brilliant.

Thanks for the replies and support, guys.

I agree with your suggestions. Categorized, with description, brief critique (pros + cons) and a user rating system is what I had in mind. If GAOTD take up the general idea, I hope they will get back to us and discuss setup suggestions/options.

Basic concept would be to submit links to software/sites we have some experience with, and know to be reputable. Build the forum on community help and trust (Don't want the less savvy loading their machines up with evil bots).

Do you think it would be a good idea to keep the link threads free from general chat, making them easier to navigate? We could have separate help and chat sections if need be - Or is there a better way?

Anyhow, keep the thoughts coming while admin think it over.

Cheers.

"Members freeware discoveries" - sounds like a great idea. Some might even become the new quality benchmark for screensavers and arkanoid games. ;P

Taking it one step further - rather than just listing the program titles and a download link, getting people to actually explain WHY they think it is so good compared to other apps.

That way people can decide on which program best suits their needs based on the experience of people who have used it and in consideration of the programs strengths and weaknesses.

I find knowing what a program does particularly well helps me match it with my requirements - my favorite might be different to everyone elses, if the most important thing is printing support and other people might want support for the ability to run from a USB key.

A pro's and con's list with a description for each program helps in the selection of the right program for the individuals needs.

What sort of support can we get from GOTD for this?

I TOTALLY agree, -Good Idea!
I also think w/in that category they should setup separate threads for different types of SW like 1]'Creative apps.'for art/photo, 2] Utilities for Windows,..etc;...

I have foud some Excellent 'Free' SW through suggestions from others on this site
but ur right they have been spread out.-It would be great to have them all in one place,
otherwise u might never know of them.
--------------------------------------------

***I also think GAOTD should have their own Forum Tread -[that is Closed to members]-
where GAOTD can post news/info/responses directly to their members.***

Sounds good to me. I've tried a few from the GOTD "free" section. Most were very "dated" or just weren't that good. A couple were even "unuseable".
I realize it would be a chore and possiblity expensive. Perhaps someone could re-evauliate the "free" section and include suggestions from the "community". I am cautious of some links posted in the forums. I used one that I can't recall, that I think had a "spoof"...

Hear! Hear! Wolven! :)

BOSS,

Any chance of starting a categorized "MEMBER'S FREEWARE DISCOVERIES" forum/thread.

Why do I ask? Well, we are all here for one reason - Good quality, free and/or inexpensive software.

Scanning through the GAOTD freeware, I notice many titles which are trialware, not freeware. Some others are basically uselessware, or of very poor quality.

As internet junkies, it would be good if we could pass on our 'Classic Finds' to each other and have them all stored in one place, rather than spread across the board.

Anyone see the worth in this suggestion, or am I out of my tree? Hey, go easy,...I'm new.

Thx muchly.