SHAREWARE

By Larry Anders, Librarian, Tampa PC Users Group, Inc.

For this month’s newsletter I thought I’d pass along some Shareware files that can be easily downloaded from the Internet. As I have written about in the past, there are plenty of reputable locations where good software is available, and you don’t have to worry about downloading some gosh-awful virus along with the software. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t always be leery of viruses but I’ve been downloading Shareware for years and I have NEVER obtained a virus from a downloaded file. I have also been a registered user of McAfee VirusScan for years and so far it’s been well worth the minimal expense.

At this point, before I go any further, I would be remiss not to mention the passing of a very good friend of mine, which was responsible for me joining the Tampa PC Users Group several years ago, our very own Bits of Blue BBS. She is gone but not forgotten. Thank you for many, many hours of enjoyment. May it rest in peace! Enough said, now for the good stuff.

Back in the days of Bits of Blue BBS, before the Internet, there was a download protocol called Zmodem that would allow an interrupted download to start back up where it left off without having to start all over again. Now you can expect the same on the Internet with:

GetRight (32-bit), File size: 920 K (Shareware) GetRight gracefully recovers from the many errors that can occur while you're downloading files. No matter how you loose your connection, GetRight can resume downloading a file. It can dial your telephone, download a file, hang up, and even shut down your computer automatically. It can also schedule files for later downloading, support a file mirror list, and switch between download sites transparently to ensure that you find the best download site. In addition, GetRight supports clipboard monitoring, which can help you start the download process more easily. Other features include username and password storage, integration with Netscape Navigator, download filtration by file type, and a "speed limit" that limits GetRight's share of your modem's resources. Minimum requirements: Windows 95/NT.

Although I have all of the top rated graphic manipulation programs such as PhotoShop, CorelDraw and Micrografx I still use this program more than the rest. Here’s their latest effort at making it better with a little extra added:

Paint Shop Pro (with Animation Shop), File size: 7.3 MB (Shareware) Paint Shop Pro 5.0 (currently in beta 2.1) is the latest version of this popular graphics editor, with powerful new features such as complete layer support, Picture Tube brushes, CMYK separations, and pressure-sensitive tablet support. The program also includes enhancements to Paint Shop Pro's flexible painting and retouching brushes, adjustable cropping and selection tools, and images. If you have an existing installation of Paint Shop Pro (registered or shareware) and would like to keep this preexisting installation intact, simply install the Paint Shop Pro 5.0 beta into a different directory. This program will expire on April 6, 1998, but it’s worth the look until then. Minimum requirements: Windows 95/NT.

I’ve been doing my taxes on the PC for years but have never transmitted them electronically because of the charge. It’s starting to sound reasonable with this one:

Federal Tax Wizard (Nelco, Inc.), File size: 1.9 MB (Free) Now you can file your tax return electronically without using a paid preparer or buying tax preparation software. Download Nelco's free Tax Wizard electronic filing software and get the benefits of electronic filing. For $4.95 per return, you can transmit up to three returns using this software. This eliminates all of the delays associated with a mailed tax return and a mailed refund. Just enter your completed tax return information into Tax Wizard. (Note: Tax Wizard is not tax preparation software.) Then enter your credit card information and transmit your tax return. You can have your refund mailed to you or directly deposited into your bank account. Minimum requirements: Windows 3.x.

I’m sure most of you have heard about the dancing baby.

Boogie Baby Screensaver, (PJ Software), File size: 1.3 MB (Shareware) This screensaver, features the original dancing baby designed by Kinetix. After already making its way to prime time on the television show Ally McBeal, this little bundle of dance moves can also get down on your PC. Amuse yourself and friends as you watch it boogie to a version of the classic Village People hit "YMCA." Minimum requirements: Windows 95/NT.

All of these files can be downloaded from http://download.com. Just go to the site, search for the file name and follow the instructions. Enjoy! u