Best Free Stuff Online
Think all the goodies are gone? Our seventh annual roundup uncovers surprising treasures, from must-have tools to unique new services.
Kim Zetter
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.
