Getting the Software You Need There are many kinds of software that you will eventually need as you surf the Internet. Fortunately, much of this software is free, or very affordable.  The sites below will help you decide which software is worth downloading.

Internet Software (clients, plug-ins, servers):

• Tucows - A  large, well-done site focusing on Internet applications.  Tucows also rates the software for several platforms (windows, mac, unix, etc). 
• If you are setting-up a home network and don't know what software you need...Go to   Practicallynetworked.com - This is THE_best_site for helping you build/configure your own home network, and how share an Internet connection among all the computers in your home. He also talks about security issues.
• ServerWatch - Focuses strictly on server software.   In many cases, you can  actually become a server for virtually any type of internet application.  (Servers are typically used if you have a dedicated connection and want to host the content directly on your own computer.  Caution: server applications usually enable other users to access information on your computer)

General Software Resources (including  non-internet software: games, utilities, educational, etc)

• Shareware.com and download.com  - need a screen saver, capture utility, calendar program, ABC teacher?  Search through over 250,000 different programs to find what you want. Most software is not reviewed, but you can see download statistics to see how popular that application is with fellow internet users.  These resources are both now under the CNET web site and their content does seem somewhat combined.

Note for my Alumni: Your referrals are always appreciated