Free Software - Miscellaneous and Hobbies
Reviews and ratings of quality, hand-picked, websites
Google Earth
• http://earth.google.com
Program Type: Earth Imaging
Bliss!! For areas that are mapped by Google Earth the detail is fantastic. Download this and you will probably spend the next couple of hours just browing around. You can type in an address and it will zoom in there for you. You can also search for schools, parks, restaurants and hotels plus get driving directions.
Its a large program and you will need broadband to use it.
Platforms: Mac OS X, Windows, Linux
Lektora
• www.lektora.com
Lektora is a free program that allows you to easily download your favourite blogs and RSS feeds in order to build your own virtual newspaper. Lektora installs a button in your browser and will automatically download several feeds, but you can easily add more and delete the ones you don't want.
Platforms: Windows, MacOS X, Linux
Evolution Software
We have found two free pieces of virtual gene pool software:
Darwin Pond and Gene Pool.
Darwin Pond and Gene Pool are easy enough to install and run. Darwin Pond is a little more sophisticated but we like Gene Pool in that you have the oportunity of segregating the population into halfs and quarters and seeing what happens.
Platform: Windows
There is also an online applet called the Blind Watchmaker Applet. Just start the applet and leave it running - it takes quite some time.
(You do need to keep the browser window open while the applet is running).
Fractal Forge
• http://sourceforge.net/projects/fractalforge
Explore the branches of the Mandelbrot set!
Platforms: Windows
Periodic Table Classic
http://www.freshney.org/education/pt/
Free periodic table software. Very nice indeed. Well recommended.
Before 3you 3Know It Lite
• www.byki.com
Program Type: Free Language Software
Choose from over 60 different languages. from Spanish to Afrikaans. This is the lite version which means that they are hoping you will buy the deluxe version - but this is not essential. And the lite version is still pretty good.
Platform: Windows, Mac, PocketPC, Palm
Saver Forge
• www.bouffler.freeserve.co.uk/Screensavers.htm
Program Type: Free Screensaver
This freeware program allows you to make slideshow screensavers of your favourite pictures. Very easy to use. The program will create and install the screensaver for you, all at the same time.
Platform: Windows
EZBack-it-up
• www.rdcomp.net/ezbackitup
Program Type: Back Up Utility
Freeware program that allows you to do back up jobs with just a couple of clicks once the job has been set up. Note the author of this software is not updating at present and the last update was 2004. Very good program.
Platform: Windows
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