HELPING ME HELP MYSELF. (download.com)

Member Name: thingywhatsit

Product:	download.com
Date:	04/01/07 (241 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Super variety of programs available for all types of application.

Disadvantages: Not enough time to explore them all.

Download.com has been one of my favourite websites for a very long time. Not only is it a handy place to find programs of all different types to enhance your computer experience, but to me it's a place of learning, and I feel deserves looking at. The site is divided into different areas of interest, and I have tried many of the programs that the site explains in an easy to understand manner, knowing that if I don't like the programs I have the ability to rid myself of them, even if they do not include an uninstaller. One of the programs that I downloaded from this site deals with this issue for me, and is a superb tool for all who download.

Taking the different aspects of the site, the choice of downloads is amazing, some freeware, and some where you get a trial period of the software and eventually have the choice to purchase. Audio and Video Software is the first of the choices and here there are many programs, the most popular at the moment being Limewire software, although it is not software that I would choose. In this section, you can find tools to help you with your audio visual needs, and they even have a Karaoki program and a drumkit for those interested. Media players and all kinds of bits and bobs are available in this section.

The security and spyware section is one from which I have downloaded from time to time, and here you will find many programs that will help you protect yourself. For example, Spybot is one program that I downloaded from this section, and this is also the area where you find things like Pop up blockers.

From the anti virus area of the site, I downloaded Avast, which is a freeware program which has regular updates, although many other options are available.

There is a good search engine on the site which I like a lot, and you can run searches specifically for the type of programs you are searching for by using keywords. For example, I wanted a diary and found this easily. I also wanted to see what kind of photography programs they had, and programs for making personal stationary for Christmas, different email programs, and the choice that the site comes up with amazing, and also updated on a regular basis, which is good news. Pages load very quickly and searches always give results.

The tips section is somewhere you can go to get help and I have learned so much in this section, as I really do not have anyone to ask many of the questions that my computer useage calls for. The site loads quickly, and the choice of subjects and up to date news on the site is enough to help someone like me that has little technical expertise. I am learning at the moment how to turn my PC into an entertainment centre, since television will soon be available in my area through the computer, and it is important to me that I learn how to use it to its fullest advantage. I mean, what's the point of having all this technology at my fingertips and not bothering to learn how to use it all. The explanations on the site are very clear and helpful.

There are also links to forums on given subjects and if you have any doubt about issues concerning software, then this really does help enormously.

Games and Fun.

Here, this is the first site I come to when I want to try out a game before buying it, as many of the kind of games I enjoy are available in demo mode, so that you can make sure that the money you spend is spent wisely. There is nothing more disappointing than spending hard earned cash on new games to find that they really are not what you want. Typing in a search of my Myst games, I was able to try them out before deciding to buy them offline.

Download.com downloads.

I have been using this site for over 5 years, and have not once had one download that put my computer at risk. The information given about downloads is clear. They always tell you the requirements you need on your computer, what size the file is, and how many people have downloaded it. I really have more confidence with this site than any other download site, and when looking for new and innovative software, this is my first port of call. Downloads are always relatively quick (depending of course on file size), and one tip I learned a long time ago was to make a restore point on my computer before downloading anything, so that if anything untoward happens, I do have the chance to roll back. However, having said that, my experience of Download.com has not warranted this, and perhaps I am being overly prudent.

It's a super site, and caters for everyone and you can even sign up to get newsletters on new products, although I visit frequently enough not to merit wanting one. I have found some amazing programs, some of which were novelty like making a photograph talk and creating the mouth movements to go with the words, to a calendar that I use on a regular basis. Whatever it is that you are looking for, I would suggest a first stop here, because it really does give you choice, good information, reviews on products and great explanation. Even if you are just looking for software to help you with Ipod files, the site has it all.

My experience has been enlightening and yours could be too.

Rachel

Summary: A great site for those seeking answers to their computing needs.