5 Free Programs Everyone Should Use

There are plenty of programs out there that claim to be "free" with no strings attached. However, you will notice that a lot of them install useless toolbars and other junk or your machine in order to keep their software free. Here are 5 programs that won't be leading you to the Add/Remove Programs list within two minutes of installing:

• AVG Anti-Virus: Keep those viruses away!
  
  • Every computer needs an anti-virus program, but you don't need to pay a cent for a good one. AVG has been around for a while, well-maintained, and updated regularly.
  
  
• Malwarebytes: Remove those nasty bugs that slip through first line defenses!
  
  • A good backup plan is always to have an anti-malware/spyware on your machine. If you ever tell your anti-virus to allow a program to install that it wasn't sure about, and all of a sudden you start getting pop-ups or programs stop working, the first thing you may think is to do a scan with your anti-virus. However, this may not solve the problem for you, and for the deep cleaning your computer needs, give Malwarebytes a try.
  
  
• CCleaner: Change the oil every 3,000 miles!
  
  • CCleaner is one of the best programs I've found for cleaning out your temporary/junk files and also the registry! Just make sure that when you use the registry cleaner, you say "Yes" when it asks if you want to make a backup of the registry. I use my both of my computers quite a bit on a daily basis, so I run this program at least once a week to keep things from getting cluttered.
    
  
  
• OpenOffice: The ultimate Microsoft Office alternative!
  
  • OpenOffice is a great option for those of you who lost your key to Office after reinstalling Windows, or just don't want to pay that large lump of cash for a new copy of the program. This program has the same functionality as Microsoft Office, and it opens all of the file types that are compatible with Office. The best part is that its free and supported by the community, so you won't be getting any ads or popups.
    
  
  
• Skype: Free long distance without a phone? Really?
  
  • If this didn't already come with your computer, you should pick it up right away. Skype is completely free to use and allows you to make voice or video calls right from your computer. This works when calling to both regular phones and other Skype users. It even has a built in text-chat system so you can type to the other person if you don't have a microphone. Bottom line, you have to try it out!

If you have any suggestions for free programs you couldn't live without, please feel free to comment about them on here.