Software
Here are some free and open source software packages available for you. We can't guarantee the availability of external links and unfortunately are unable to provide support for these packages but there is loads of really good advice available - just use your favourite search engine.
If you have any favourite and useful applications that you use for your college work, please let us know. Just fill in our contact form. We're always interested to hear what works for you.
Anti-virus and anti-malware
Available in free and paid-for versions, AVG will provide your Windows based computer with a basic level of anti-virus protection. The paid-for version provides better protection against spam and other threats.
If you've been nobbled by malware then this is a great program for helping to root out the troublesome items from your computer.
Office Applications
Versions of Microsoft Office are available in special student editions which are fairly priced. We use Office 2007 in college and if you decide to purchase a student edition, please get 2007 if possible.
There are, however, some free office suites available as well.
A free office suite which is largely compatible with the college version of Office. Some of the more advanced features such as macros are not available but for normal, day to day assignments and spreadsheets is fantastic. Has the ability to save in MS Office formats to make documents usable in college.
Audio and Graphics packages
There are lots of free and open source solutions available for Audio and Graphics. Here are a couple of our favourites.
The GNU Image Manipulation Program
A powerful, open source Photoshop style package with lots of online help available and many third-party plug in modules to extend the basic functions.
Audacity is a basic, but very usable audio file editor and basic multi-track recording studio. MP3 compatibility can also be added in by downloading a special plugin.
Encryption and Security
A fantastic utility that helps you organise and keep all those passwords for all those sites safe and in one place. Will generate safe, secure passwords for you and eliminates the need to remember 1,000,001 different passwords!
Truecrypt allows you to encrypt your memory sticks, external hards drives, your home computer etc. to a very high level. Very useful if you carry sensitive data around with you or wish to keep information private.
Other useful stuff
A powerful utility for compressing and uncompressing archive files like .zip files. Also has the ability to zip files up and encrypt them to AES-256 standard. This is useful for sending email attachments which will remain private.