The Web Pirate

Your Home for Freeware

     This is a list of my personal favorites in Freeware software. They are the programs I use on my systems. In order for these programs to make my list they must meet or exceed some very strange requirements.

     THEY MUST:

1. Be 100% FREEWARE.

2. Be simple enough for a child to understand and be able to work.

3. Contain a HELP FILE that works and has details on the program.

4. Work on all of our computers without any problems. Currently we have FOUR makes of computers, ONE laptop, and THREE desktops. Running versions of Windows '95, '98 and '2000.

     With this in mind here are my choices of software programs every one working on web pages should get.

• HTML 4.0 Version 1.0
       This is a reference tutorial for leaning and writing HTML 4.0. It installs a file full of HTML 4.0 documents that operate like a web site both on and off line. They include text and samples of all subject matter laid out in a book format.

• IE and FrontPage Express
      IE 4.1 comes with a copy of FrontPage Express (HTML Editor). If you are still running IE 4.0, update your browser and get a copy of FrontPage Express.
       If you're using Windows '95 or '98 you can chose to update Windows and get a copy of it in the update. Whatever it takes try to get a copy from Microsoft it is one of the easiest editors to use and learn with. Netscape also makes one called Composer, but I haven't used it much. I can only tell you it seems as easy and as good as FrontPage Express.

• WinZip
       One of the best-known Zip extractors. Works in classic or wizard modes. You can view zip file documentations before opening. It also has several options for the way it operates. It can be updated to the pay version that zips as well as unzips.

• BK Color Coder
       This is a must have for anyone designing web pages. It allows you to visually check the colors of your page layout. Settings for Background color, Background Image, Text, Link, Visited Link, Active Link, and Margins. Using these
  settings you can produce and copy the HTML Code use to format the body of your page. It has a Snag Color option allowing you to select any color off your Desktop or you can use the color chart or advance colors chart.

• Harm's Tile 99
       This neat toy was designed to make seamless backgrounds, buttons, and so on. It has so many options and effects it's hard to believe. It works on any size image and most file types. He has tutorials and pre-made images available for FREE at his web site. Go check it out.

• Thumb-Nailer T5
        Makes thumbnails of up to 99 images at one time without registration. Sized by pixel width, height, both or percentage.

• Icon Maker
  If you want to make Icons this is what you need.

• AOL Instant Messenger
       AOL Instant Messenger creates a chat link between you and one other person anytime you want online. You can run more than one chat window at a time. All that's required is that you both have signed up for AOL Instant Messenger.

• Real.com
       Real com. provides top of the line auto, video playback and online news, radio, video entertainment.