The best free home & education software
Get something for nothing.
By Mark Sikes
(9/20/05)
The best things in life may be free, but most software isn't. Limited functionality, annoying adware, and pesky nag screens mean even most "free" software isn't actually without cost.
Don't give up, though--some gems are out there. Here is a mélange of absolutely free applications from Download.com's most eclectic category, Home & Education. With global satellite images that zoom down to street level, Google Earth has serious time-waster potential. Is your vocabulary in need of some serious upgrading? WordWeb lets you look up any word on your desktop with one click. If geography is your thing, Seterra's many quiz and game options will keep you entertained for hours. MediaMan will have your cluttered collection of books, DVDs, CDs, and video games organized in no time. Need to turn meters into feet or Celsius into Fahrenheit? Quad-Lock Unit Converter can handle all your conversion needs.
Google Earth
Unleash your inner cartographer. Google Earth offers amazing global-satellite images down to the street level with street names, restaurants, bars, and other information.
WordWeb
Need another word for thesaurus? WordWeb is a nifty desktop app that gives you instant word definitions, synonyms, and antonyms.
Seterra
What's the capital of Moldova? Is Moldova even a country? With a host of quiz and game options, Seterra will get your subpar geographical knowledge up to speed faster than you can say Chisinau.
MaxType Lite Typing Tutor
There's no place like home row. With a slew of fun testing features, MaxType Lite Typing Tutor will have your typing speed revved up in no time.
Quad-Lock Unit Converter
How many stone are in a bushel? Quad-Lock Unit Converter will make quick work of all your measurement conversions.
Genealogy Finder
Is your family tree looking kind of sparse? Genealogy Finder will help thicken up your foliage by giving you quick access to a host of great genealogy resources.
ERMster
P2P for your recipes! ERMster lets you search for and share great recipes with friends. It even offers chat functionality so you can collaborate with your culinary coterie.
MediaMan
Get your media house in order. MediaMan lets you organize and catalog all your media, including books, DVDs, CDs, VHS tapes, and video games.
iDaily Diary
With an intuitive interface, iDaily Diary makes keeping an interactive, multimedia journal on your desktop a breeze. Beware of nosy siblings.
Desktop Weather by The Weather Channel
Auntie Em, Auntie Em-- it's a twister! Instant access to current temperatures, forecasts, and severe-weather alerts makes Desktop Weather worth the free registration.
