The Download Dispatch

DIY Windows 7 for free

We won't lie: we're looking forward to Microsoft's final release of its Windows 7 operating system. It's well-designed, with some strong usability features that make it smooth and comfortable to operate. However, it will also cost a small pile of cash to update.

Luckily, if you've got a Vista computer, there are ways to tease out some of that new functionality and look without an upgrade. CNET Executive Editor Tom Merritt shows you the free downloads you can get to turn Vista into Windows 7.

Since we do so enjoy assembling freeware alternatives for you, … Read more

What iTunes 9 can do for you

Welcome to this week's special edition of the Download.com newsletter. There have been some new developments in the world of Windows software that we wanted to share, starting with the arrival of iTunes 9 (for Windows and Mac).

Apple released iTunes 9 on Wednesday (that's version 9 on 9/9/09--oh, the symmetry) at a special music-themed event in San Francisco. On top of enhancements like some new navigation tabs, Apple has expanded the content that can be distributed through iTunes, including bonus content packages you get when you buy movies or whole music albums. iTunes 9 … Read more

The season of security

The year 2010 may still officially be some months away, but that's not stopping security vendors from releasing major 2010 software upgrades to their antivirus apps and security suites. Just this week, Check Point Software released ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2010 and ZoneAlarm Extreme Security. What's the difference? The former is a complete suite with the familiar ZoneAlarm firewall, plus antivirus, antispyware, and parental controls. It costs $50. The latter lays on extra padding with Web browsing protection, antiphishing technology, and backup and system tune-up tools. It costs $70 for the complete set. How did the apps do? Read … Read more

Smarter Firefox, happier you

Not long ago, I discovered what is to date, a favorite productivity add-on for Firefox. Maybe even the favorite. As someone who lives half the waking week plugged into the Web, add-ons aren't just about novelty, they're also about getting things done. The less I have to manage open tabs, media downloads, and the often laborious task of seeking information in the deeper layers of a site, the more time I can spend evaluating software.

So, if you haven't had the pleasure already, meet SmarterFox. Developed by Yongqian Li, it's a multitasking fiend that helps make … Read more

CNET's back-to-school downloads

It's true what they say: You don't always know what you've got until it's gone. The object of mourning in this case is the yearly spectacle of summer break, when kids (and their instructors) flood shopping malls, ice cream shops, amusement parks, and beaches for a blissful two and a half months of freedom (apart from that pesky summer job.)

But I'm just a 9-to-5-er, waxing nostalgic in my air-conditioned cubicle. I don't really yearn for those inevitable spells of boredom, bad sunburns, or the dread of returning to deeply regimented days after weeks … Read more

CNET's new beta software

For years, you've been begging for the return of CNET CatchUp, a Download.com program that helped track your software installations and informed you when new versions were available. It went the way of the dodo, but CNET has been working on a similar service and we'd like your feedback on it. Consider it CatchUp 2.0.

CNET TechTracker FAQs:

Name: CNET TechTracker (download)

What: Free beta service that starts with a small desktop app and culminates in a Web dashboard that, like CatchUp, reports which software versions you have on your hard drive Aim: Alert you to … Read more

Top free antispyware picks

Major malicious software epidemics like the much-feared Conficker virus may be fewer and farther between these days, but just because you can't see a threat, doesn't mean it can't hurt you. To that effect, we've rounded up a collection of top antispyware applications on Download.com. Not only will these six favorite programs help catch out lurking intruders, but also their services won't cost a cent, unless you choose to upgrade.

In the meantime, those considering an upgrade in the fall to Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system should take note that Microsoft has enhanced … Read more

Downloads: Worst of the worst

Every three months, one of us gets the thankless task of calling out the most disastrous downloads of the season. This is no easy assignment. It requires hours sifting through title after title of terrible software, assiduously testing each one, until at last, exhausted from the toil, eyes twitching at the lunacy of poorly conceptualized or poorly acquitted software, we narrow our sights on the dreaded infamous five. Summer has had its share of clunkers, which Senior Associate Editor Seth Rosenblatt now offers up for your personal amusement--and lingering aversion. Without further ado, here are the Top 5 worst downloads of summer 2009.… Read more

Windows 7 and Norton: What's ahead

Think touch-screen designs are just for mobile phones? Think again. One of the most notable tricks Microsoft has up its sleeve is what Windows 7 will do at your fingertips. Large, finger-friendly navigation will make the interface easy to control, and simple gestures like flicking up and down will replace the mouse. Like the iPhone, you can pinch and pull to zoom in and out. Take a look at what's in store for touch-screen users in our First Look video.

Microsoft isn't the only software giant with an eye on dramatic change. Dark and sleek, Norton Internet Security 2010 beta … Read more