Miscellaneous Freebies
In this category, you'll find a selection of miscellaneous freebies available on the Net. If you happen to stumble across an outdated link, we'd very much appreciate it if you could report it.
TVCatchup
An excellent service that allows you to watch free TV programmes via a PC or on the iPhone. TVCatchup features over 50 "free to air" TV and radio channels, such as BBC, ITV, Sky Sports News, Sky News, Dave, etc. There is no software to download either. To keep things legal, you are required to own a TV licence. (UK Only)
Zattoo
Download this neat piece of software to watch free TV via your computer. A number of channels are available: BBC, ITV, Bloomberg, CBBC, Channel 4, Five, STV, GOD, Ulster TV, and others. The program is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux. Since Zattoo has the rights to transmit these channels, this service is free and legal (although you are still required to own a TV licence).
OpenDNS
A popular and quality free DNS service, which can be used for a variety of purposes, including running a DNS server, or even for setting parental controls on your router at home. The service is very secure and there's even a community should you need assistance.
Own a Piece of America
Use this site to claim your own free piece of land in the United States. It's actually only one square inch, but it can be yours along with all the accompanying "bragging" rights. You may select from 50 states.
TeamViewer
Have you ever wanted to offer technical assistance to a friend, or access your home computer on the move? If so, check out TeamViewer, a free remote access and desktop sharing program. The software is completely free for non-commercial use and allows you to remotely control a computer as if you were sat right in front of it.
Cool Webcam Avatars
Using this nifty site you can create cool, animated webcam avatars for use in forums or on blogs. There is no need to install any complicated software either; you simply require a webcam. A number of effects can be applied to the avatars depending on what you are trying to achieve. Have fun!
Free Twitter Designer
Do you use the popular social networking site, Twitter? If you would like to update your page with a snazzy new background, check out this site: freetwitterdesigner.com. Even if you have no experience with image editing, this site will assist you in creating a good-looking and professional background within minutes.
Free PDF Cards
Want to create your own business cards on a shoestring budget? Check out this service, which will create a PDF business card design within minutes. Simply enter your contact information, upload a logo of your choice, then download the printable PDF file.
Free Ubuntu Linux Stickers (SAE Required)
Are you a user of Linux, particularly Ubuntu? If so, you can obtain stickers from System76. Simply send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the address listed on the site, and they will dispatch the stickers. They are available in the UK, United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, India, Argentina, Norway, France and other countries. (International)
MindMeister
This site is billed as a "collaborative online mind mapping" service, allowing users to create virtual mind maps over the Internet, and share them with friends and colleagues. Their basic "free" account is advertisement supported and limits users to 6 mind maps, but does offers a range of impressive features, including: export your mind maps to PDF and the ability to publish brainstorm ideas to blogs and other Web pages.
Movavi Online
This impressive and free online video converter allows users to convert videos into various formats, including MPEG, AVI, iPod Video, PSP Video, Flash, MPEG-2, and others. Better still, the service supports both file uploads and URLs, so online videos can also be converted. There is no software to install and no advertising. Each conversion is limited to 100MB in size. A total of 5 files lasting no longer than 10 minutes "per session" are the only restrictions.
Zamzar
This largely unique service allows users to convert various file types online, without the need to download any special software. If you need to convert image, video, audio, document or other files (i.e. JPG to PNG or WMV to MP3), this site can handle it. The maximum file size on their free version is 100MB, which includes 5 concurrent conversions. Note: this site loads a small pop-up window (to enable the owners to pay for such a solid - and free - conversion service). You can remove the ads for a small monthly fee.
Free Presentation Helper PowerPoint Slides
Do you need to deliver a slide presentation to your colleagues? Visit this site for various resources to help spruce up your slides, including free PowerPoint templates, clipart and sounds. Be sure to view their free editable PowerPoint newspaper slides, which provide an exciting design twist on a traditional newspaper layout!
Free Microsoft Office Training Manuals
Would you like to be more "productive" with your productivity software? If Microsoft Word, Access, Excel and other office programs have you pulling your hair out, help is at hand. The Mouse Training Company is offering a number of training manuals that you can download free of charge. They cover both basic and advanced functions and offer tons of reading material.
Bplans.com
If you're keen on setting up your own business and would like some extra help with writing a business plan, then head on over to this Web site. Bplans.com, amongst various other commercial products, offers 60 completely free sample business plans for you to browse through. There are plans included here for numerous industries and potential business ventures.