For a long time, especially when I was a student, I was reduced to using trial versions of a number of software because I could not afford to buy them. Whenever possible, I joined a number of other Indians who relished in in using pirated software, again because the original stuff was priced way out or reach for an ordinary middle class boy! All that stopped sometime back, thanks to two reasons. First, I could now afford to buy the stuff that I really need(thanks to Manmohanomics) and second because I discovered a great website that gives away stuff for free! Really!
GiveAwayOfTheDay is a site that offers a single software as a free download for 24 hours. The software on offer is something that you would normally have to pay good money for, and I have seen stuff here that costs as little as$12 or as much as$199. The catch is that you have to install and register the software during the offer period. You cannot download the program today and then use it a week later. They have a very nifty way of checking this, which you will discover when you try something from their site.
So, what sort of stuff do you get there?
I have come across a lot of video/audio converters, DVD rippers, office assistance software, music software, CD burners and even an antispyware. Some of it may not be worth the price, but hey, you are getting them FREE!
As a bonus they offer two games a week. usually on weekends. Now, don’t get your hopes up. The games on offer are usually 2-D scrolling types, but some of them are really interesting and addictive, and would be good downloads for those who are not ardent gamers.
Advantages and disadvantages
The biggest advantage, obviously, is the price. Where else can you get such goodies for free?
Another big plus for the site is an active pool of downloaders, who will try and rate the software, as well as offer comments on them. Very often, I have discovered great freeware alternatives for paid software just by diligently going through the comments.
The site has been tagged by Siteadvisor(https://siteadvisor.com) as one which occasionally lets through adware or malware. Though I have never personally come across any such file, I would suggest that you scan all downloads before using them.
All downloads are in the zip file format, and you should read the instructions carefully before installing the software, as the activation process differs from file to file.
So here is a site to put on your favourites bar. Check it out every day, and you are sure to get at least one or two really great software programs for free every month