11 Free Softwares from Microsoft!
Microsoft has been known for the proprietary softwares and need no introduction! There has always been a conflict of views across communities. While some claim that Microsoft provides value for money, FOSS activists have often denied it. Suites and programs like Open Office and GIMP have often been compared to MS Office and Adobe Photoshop, on various grounds. One of the factors being the price.
However, there are a lot of free programs that Microsoft has to offer. We list 11 of them, today;
- Windows Live Writer This is undoubtedly the best desktop-blogging application that comes for free. The amount of flexibility it offers is matchless, making it one of the best picks for bloggers across the world, both professionals and amateurs.
- Server Quest Game II Do you find it relaxing to sit and play on your console of PC for hours on end? Well, there is one more item to include to your inventory. If you are into classics, it is one classic you will want to try your hands on. It features the same pixilated graphics featured in King Quest and Leisure Suit Harry. The game is designed with Silverlight and runs on the Internet browser.
- SQL Server Express 2008 This is a slimmed down version of the SQL server but with the same powerful tools to enable you create your websites and applications. The server comes in three variations - Express, Express with Advanced Services and Express with tools. The program is simple to learn, easy to use and offers the same database capabilities as the SQL server.
- Office Accounting Express 2008 Structured on the familiar Microsoft office interface, Office Accounting Express 2008 is a simple to use but powerful accounting tool of all times. It is engineered to blend seamlessly with other office applications.
- SyncToy 2.0 As the name has it, SyncToy acts a synchronization tool that is tailored to help you keep duplicate files open on your computer or over a network. It is also a powerful back up tool. It has a simple to use interface which is a plus.
- Windows Steady State If you operate a cyber café or a large class and the chances of computers getting crashed is high, you might want to try out Windows SteadyState. The program allows you to restore every computer to the first day of configuration.
- Worldwide Telescope With images straight from the Hubble Space Telescope, this program brings the power of outer space exploration right into your house. You can engage in a rich user experience where you shuffle through hundreds of images from space.
- Virtual PC 2007 This program allows you to run several operating systems and applications on one physical computer. A simple to install and run software.
- XML Notepad 2007 If you find XML scripting task boring, you might want to give XML Notepad 2007 a try. Featuring different colors for different tags and classes, it is developed to make scripting and editing your XML files easier and fun.
- Visual Web Developer 2008 Wannabe website developers have something for them! This program allows you to get as imaginative and diverse as it can possibly get. Tagging along powerful tools, it is one of the easy-to-use web design tools.
- Paint.Net This is simply a clever, well designed image editing software. Structured on the .NET platform, it is set to take your image editing to an entirely new level.
How many of these have your had a hands on? Which are the other Microsoft programs that are free to use? Do share your experiences with us.