My Favorite Utility Freeware Programs

After the computer is bought and up and running, the never ending need for one more program never seems to end. I never stop looking for freeware options to accomplish the needed tasks. Many people use shareware programs. However, shareware programs are only for trial purposes. Legally, you are expected to pay for the program if you decide to use it past a certain trial period. Shareware often also has limited functionality unless it is purchased. Freeware programs, on the other hand, are designed to be distributed completely free of charge, with full functionality. I've found a lot of freeware programs that are extremely useful. The following are my favorite utility freeware programs.

1. Mozilla Firefox
Firefox is a wonderful and free alternative to Internet Explorer. Firefox featured tabbed browsing long before IE did, and also features Add-on extensions, which enable you to customize and add additional features to your browser. I recommend Adblock Plus; Download Status Bar; Last Tab; Nuke Anything Enhanced; and Print Preview. Firefox 3 is coming soon, and the current edition can always be downloaded from the Firefox website, here.

2. AVG Anti-Virus
AVG Anti-virus is freeware for home users, in its most basic edition. The free edition automatically updates itself and automatically scans for viruses daily. It is the second most popular download from Download.com. It can be downloaded from Grisoft here.

3. Ad-Aware 2007
This program is one of the best at removing spyware. I've found it to be unbeatable at cleaining up a spyware filled computer. It's the most popular download from Download.com. It can be downloaded here.

4. Zip Genius
Windows XP and Vista have built in capabilities of unzipping (uncompressing) archived files in the zip format. Zip Genius adds to these capabilities. It adds right-clicking (context menu) options to zip (compress) files. Additionally, self-unzipping files can be made with advanced options for distribution. It truly is a powerful program that adds a multitude of options to compressed files. I have found no better compression program, and this one is free! Available here.

5. SyncEXP
I use two computers regularly, and like to keep my files synchronized between the two computers. Unfortunately I have found that Windows Briefcase is not up to the task. I have frequently had the sad misfortune of Briefcase mistakenly deleting files. So I began looking for an alternative. SyncEXP is not quite as user friendly, but is more powerful and gets the job done. I have also been a little disappointed with its speed - it seems to transfer files more slowly than a normal copy. All in all though, I can trust it to make the proper transfers. It can be downloaded from here.

Well, those are my favorite utility freeware programs. Look for future posts about my favorite Audio, Video, and Graphics freeware programs! A wonderful freeware program is a diamond in the rough, but they're worth looking for!

Choosing a Bible Study Software Package

This post looks long, and it is, but it is primarily long because of the comparison to follow!

There are so many different Bible study software packages on the market today. Each package claims to be the best, listing many reasons why you should select that package. Each package provides many of the same benefits including: fast electronic searches, multiple Bible translations, commentaries, savings over purchasing the materials in book format, etc. The packages generally include some different resources and tools as well. Some of the programs include macros to easily paste Bible verses into Microsoft Word or other word processing programs.

The most popular Bible software programs I know of include: PC Study Bible, Quick Verse, Logo's Bible Software, GRAMCORD, and E-Sword. While there are others, these are the five that I most often hear recommended. The price of the different current versions of these programs ranges from free to $1,379.95. In the spirit of frugality, or should we say in the spirit of stewardship and yet retaining our interest as students of God's word, I want you to consider what is the best Bible study software package for your investment.

In order to make this determination, one really has to compare the contents and prices of different Bible programs. In the chart below I look at many of the reference tools that I frequently use or that are considered standard reference tools, and compare which of the programs they are included in. In the chart the following programs are being compared:

• E-Sword v. 7.8.5
  
• Quick Verse 2007 Standard Edition
• Quick Verse 2007 Expanded Edition
• PC Study Bible 5 Reference Library Plus (Red Box)
  
• PC Study Bible 5 Complete Reference Library (Purple Box)
• Logo's Bible Software 3: Christian Home
• Logo's Bible Software 3: Scholar's Library
  
• GRAMCORD for Windows: Scholar's Bundle
• GRAMCORD for Windows: Ultimate Bundle

Click the image to the
left or here to see the full
comparison chart of
the different programs.


When I compare what is included in the programs listed above, I must conclude that what I get for around $100 or more is a brand name program with extra reference materials which I wouldn't use even if I had access to them. I would like to have the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament on my Bible program, but I do have it in book form for the times I need to consult it. I would like to have the NKJV and the NASB in E-Sword, but those really aren't necessary with the KJV, ASV, and ESV, but I can add them both for $35 if I'd like to.

I use the free E-Sword program. I do so because it is free and I cannot see how I can justify spending hundreds of dollars for the bells and whistles that come with the other programs when I will rarely access those extra tools. I look forward to hearing comments from users of other programs, and your reasons for going with your program. If you disagree with me at this point, that's fine, but I encourage you to seriously consider . . . what am I getting for the hundreds of dollars I spend every few years to have the latest version, compared to what James has for free?