Free Internet Software

The Best Internet Software

I've scoured the online world to find the best Internet software in several categories, and I tried hard to find Macintosh equivalents for Windows programs when available. Most of the Windows programs are FREE, as are most of the Mac versions, but there were a few cases where I couldn't find a freebie or equivalent for the Mac. Let's have a look...

WEB BROWSERS

FireFox (WIN/MAC/LINUX) FREE
Firefox is a full-featured alternative to Internet Explorer that offers more secure browsing, popup blocking, tabbed browsing (view more than one web page in a single window), built-in search and a download manager.
http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/

Opera (WIN/MAC/LINUX) FREE
Opera's hallmark is compliance with Internet standards, and features a pop-up blocker, multiple-window navigation, mouse gestures, keyboard shortcuts, an e-mail client with a spam filter, and integrated search for user security and speed. The cross-platform browser includes chat, support for RSS newsfeeds, a password manager and cookie manager.
http://www.opera.com

FORM FILLERS

Roboform (WIN) FREE
RoboForm memorizes and stores your passwords, so you don't have to. It automatically logs you into websites and completes online forms with one click. Passwords can be printed, copied to another computer, backed up, and restored.
http://www.roboform.com

My research shows no equivalent to Roboform for Macs. The Safari browser has some built-in form filling, but it will not work with IE, Firefox or other browsers.

RSS READERS

Feed Demon (WIN) FREE TRIAL
Stop wasting time checking your favorite web sites for updates. Take advantage of RSS feeds and use FeedDemon instead, and make them come to you. Easy-to-read newspaper format displays the latest news from dozens of sites, and Watches alert you to items of interest so you don't have to look for them.
http://www.bradsoft.com/feeddemon/

NetNewsWire (MAC) FREE TRIAL
NetNewsWire is an easy-to-use RSS and Atom newsreader for Mac OS X. Its familiar three-paned interface