Best Free Stuff Online

Hall of Fame: Still Free--and Fantastic--After All These Years

These days, it seems that just when you get attached to a free offering on the Web, its proprietor either takes it away or starts charging for it. But some top-notch, long-running freebies are here to stay--at least we hope they are. Here's our free stuff hall of fame.

Adobe Acrobat Reader: Must-have utility for reading PDF documents.

AOL Instant Messenger : Our favorite instant-messaging program on the Web. (Note: PC World provides computer content to AOL.)

Citysearch : A directory of what's happening in your city; great if you've got a life or are looking for one.

DSL Reports : All broadband news and information, all the time.

Efax: Lets you get faxes via e-mail, no fax machine or phone line required.

Encarta: An encyclopedic world at your fingertips.

Evite : Automates invitations; if only it could clean up after the party.

Google : The best big-name search engine for taming the chaotic Web.

MapQuest : Maps and driving directions when you feel a little lost.

Nolo.com : Lots of helpful free articles from this publisher of legal reference books to get you ready for your day in court.

PC Pitstop : A personal pit crew (and PC World partner) dedicated to helping you optimize your PC's performance.

Pretty Good Privacy Freeware : Personal encryption for times when it's no one's business but your own.

Winamp : Unobtrusive MP3 player free of ads or proddings to upgrade.

Yahoo Mail: Still the most reliable and hassle-free no-cost e-mail service.