10 Free Software Programs You Should Download Right Now

Everybody loves trying out new software. It's something I've loved to do for years. Sometimes it might be a new software utility to help manage your computer. Other times it might be a new web browser, IM client, or computer game. There are thousands of different programs you can download and there are many hidden gems out there. So are you looking for some new programs to download? Check out this top ten list of programs you should download right now.

1. Startup Inspector

Startup Inspector is a very useful program. It's main purpose is to help you manage the items that run at start-up. One of the quickest ways to slow down your computer is having 50 different programs running when you turn the computer on. With Startup Inspector, you can take care of that problem and pick which items YOU want to run when you turn on your computer.

2. ManyCam

ManyCam is a really fun software program. With ManyCam, you can have fun with your webcam and use all different kinds of effects. For instance, want to look like you are wearing a Santa hat? Want to wear funny sunglasses? Want to give yourself a warp view? All of that and more is here with ManyCam. Definitely a fun way to break the ice with someone you are talking to for the first time on webcam.

3. Snood

Snood! This game has been around for years, yet I never get tired of it. It is very similar to the Bust-A-Move arcade games that were around many years ago. The object is to shoot the objects at other objects with the same color. When you group them, they are eliminated. Your goal is to eliminate all of the objects before you run out of room. Fun game!

4. TeamViewer

Ugh, if only this software would have been around years ago! This is one of the most useful software applications I have ever used. TeamViewer allows you to access a desktop remotely over the internet. This is perfect for helping your mom or a friend with their computer problems. With TeamViewer, you can literally see the other persons screen and move their mouse. It's a perfect way to fix someone's computer and not have to resort to trying to explain each step. Don't worry though, it's very secure and is password protected, so you don't have to worry about people accessing your computer without your consent.

5. WorldWide Telescope

If you have any interest at all in astronomy, then WorldWide Telescope is a must have. WorldWide Telescope is to the universe what Google Earth is to Earth. With WorldWide Telescope, you can explore the sky and find details about the thousands of stars that you see in the sky. WorldWide Telescope includes photos from the Hubble, so you can see just what these stars actually look like up close. Very educational and a lot of fun. There have been nights after looking at the stars where I came home and immediately loaded WorldWide Telescope to find out the names of those stars I was looking at. Isn't technology great? :)

6. Trillian

For every person that is using multiple IM Messengers, I ask them, "Why aren't you using Trillian?". Trillian is an all in one messenger that includes support for AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo, and more. Not only does it load all of them at once, but running Trillian takes up less memory then AIM alone! Imagine how much RAM you can save if you run Trillian instead of every single messenger that you use. Do yourself and your computer a favor and install Trillian. Don't worry, it still has all the major features that the messengers have.

7. Opera

All the computer techs always talk about FireFox vs Internet Explorer. Which browser will be on top 10 years from now? Which one has better security features? My response? Don't forget about Opera! Opera is an amazing web browser that in my opinion has more features then Internet Explorer OR Firefox. Seriously, give Opera a try. You just may choose it over FireFox.

8. Audacity

What is Audacity? In short, Audacity lets you edit your audio files. This may sound simple or boring, but Audacity is so much more and can be very fun. Audacity has all types of features like slowing down and speeding up music, changing the pitch, adding effects, etc. It can be entertaining taking your favorite song and hearing how different it sounds with certain effects added. In a way it's like taking a peek at being a record producer. After you spend some time with Audacity, you can easily learn to make your own remix of your favorite song. Give it a try!

9. Spybot Search & Destroy

This program should come with every computer when it's first bought. Spybot is the best way to protect yourself from spyware. Spybot has a lot of great protection features and its scanner is top-notch. The team at Spybot also releases updates frequently, so you can stay protected against the latest spyware threats.

10. Elastomania

Let me start off by saying, Elastomania is a very addictive game. Do you like impressive graphics? You won't find them here. What you will find though is a motorcycle game that is insanely addictive. Each level features many obstacles and it is your goal to finish the level without dying. The graphics are a good 15 years old, but that doesn't matter because it's so addictive. Seriously, check this game out!

I hope with this list you were able to find some new software programs to try out. Discovering new software applications can be a blast, and hopefully you will have fun trying out these new software programs. Have fun!