Some General Places to Get Software

If you're not interested in any of the above categories, but you still want to see what kind of Internet software is available, try the following software repositories:

Download.com—http://www.download.com— CNET's repository of lots and lots of software. The Internet category will hook you up with the latest browsers as well as pop-up blockers and spyware detectors (look in the “online privacy” section.

Tucows.com—http://www.tucows.com— When you visit this site you'll first have to choose your operating system (Tucows archives software for several) and then choose the Internet category to get listings of software in over a hundred—seriously—subcategories. Keep an eye out for the spyware busters, the Web browsers, and the Web browser add-ons.

CWSApps—http://cws.internet.com/— Holy cow, I remember visiting this site back in the mid-90s. It's got a ton of software in a variety of Internet categories (check out “Internet Agents” for a listing of search software). The “New Releases” list keeps you up-to-date on freshly available client software.

Version Tracker—http://www.VersionTracker.com— Everything changes on the Internet constantly, and nothing changes faster than version numbers. Version Tracker to the rescue; it keeps tabs on the latest versions on a variety of software. This site ain't pretty; the main page is pretty much a listing of recently updated software programs and their version numbers. But if you want to make sure you've got the latest and greatest, check it out.

Hurry Up and Slow Down

The thought of spending time getting some software and gadgets to make your searching easier might be just as irritating as the idea of tweaking out your browser. But just as with your browser, it will pay off by saving you time and effort.