Are you looking for good, uncomplicated antivirus software to protect your computer, but don't want to cough up the dough for it? Then Avast! Home Edition is the free antivirus, anti-spyware software solution for you. This full-featured antivirus software package is made exclusively for non-commercial home use only. Avast! is free, but you must register the software before the end of the initial 60 day trial period. Don't worry, because registration is also FREE! After registering, you will receive by e-mail a license key valid for one year.

Software features of Avast! Home Edition include the following:

• Anti-spyware built-in
• Anti-rootkit built-in
• Strong self-protection
• Antivirus kernel
• Simple User Interface
• Resident protection
• P2P and IM Shields
• Network Shield
• Web Shield
• Automatic updates
• Virus Chest
• System integration
• Integrated Virus Cleaner
• Support for 64-bit Windows
• Internationalization

Avast! Home Edition is a great free alternative to other mainstream, commercial antivirus software available. You know it's working because it frequently and helpfully informs you when it has updated it antivirus database. Also, when opening a suspected malicious site or file, Avast! instantly alerts and warns you of the dangers of whatever site or file that triggered the alert.

I fully recommend Avast! Home Edition. This free software deserves the awards and accolades it has received from various publications and sites (as displayed on its website). It is easy to use and is certainly dependable. Plus, it's FREE!

Related Links:
Avast Home Edition's Website

In[Perfektion] is a Portuguese music project that began back in 2005. The band is composed of two former members of the now-defunct band Twilight Garden. The members of the band In[Perfektion] are Walter, who provides the vocals and is on the synths, and guitars; Charlotte, who is on synths and programming, and Hypecrash, a Live Member on the synths. Their third release, "Perfekt Chaos," is a five-track dark electro EP that was originally released in 2007.
Now, the EP has been remastered is now available for free download via the netlabel Enough Records.

"Perfekt Chaos" is a fun, pulsating, high-energy EP that one can play at clubs or dance parties. You can also use the music as background music for working out. Every song on the EP has a distinct sound and a driving beat that gets the blood pumping. Walter's vocals, present in almost all tracks, and a gruff and urgent counterpoint to the electronic music. In[Perfketion] also likes adding snippets of movie dialogue to their songs, as in the opening track "Imitation of Life" and "Tech-No-Logic." This adds an interesting dimension to their songs.

The EP opens with "Imitation of Life," a highly danceable opener to the album. The song blends In[Perfektion]'s electronic beats, Walter's gruff vocals, and some dialogue from the Will Smith movie "I, Robot." (The quote includes the songs title.) It continues with "Toxikaotic," which is just as entertaining and danceable as the previous track. They slow things down a bit with "Tech-No-Logic," the only track without Walter's vocals, but has another snippet of movie dialogue. Things pick up again with the last two songs, "K-Us" and "Thisgrace."

Some of the songs sound almost alike, but there are definitely differences that make each song a unique listening experience. In[Perfketion] throw enough curve balls within each song to keep things interesting, while Walter's vocals and the movie dialogue snippets add flavor to the proceedings. All in all, if you're looking for some energetic, danceable music, then "Perfekt Chaos" is a great download for you.

Related Links:
In[Perfektion]'s Website
In[Perfektion] on Enough Records
In[Perfektion] on Legal Torrents
In[Perfektion] on Archive.org

Have you ever spent too much time at your computer that you forget about your other commitments? Have you ever been so distracted by social networking or online gaming that you end up ignoring other things you need to do? Have you ever scheduled your appointments in a planner, but end up forgetting them once you log on to your computer? Then Rainlendar can help you out. Rainlendar is a customizable desktop calendar that allows you to set up tasks and events as well as alarms reminding you when to do them. It doesn't take up much space on your desktop either.

Features of Rainlendar include:

• Platform independent - Rainlendar can be run on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.
• Localized - Rainlendar supports localization so you can have the user interface in your own language.
• Standards Compatible - Rainlendar uses standard iCalendar format for it events and tasks to maximize the compatibility with other calendar applications. You can easily transfer the events from the calendar you are currently using to Rainlendar.
• Look'n'feel - The appearance of the calendar can be changed with skins. The skins can be of any shape and size and they can also use scripts for additional functionality.
• Highly Customizable - It is possible to have multiple months visible at the same time.
• Multiple Calendars - You can have any number of calendars show at the same time.
• Import & Export - Events and tasks can be transferred to and from other calendar applications.
• To do list - In addition to normal events Rainlendar includes a separate to do list where you can store your ongoing tasks.
• Alarms - Get notified in advance before the event is due so that you don't forget any important events.
• Recurrence - The events and tasks can be made to repeat automatically so you don't have to enter them multiple times.
• Scripting - Lua scripting language makes it possible to extend the functionality of Rainlendar.
• Backups - Integrated backup and restore functionality makes it easy to make sure your events safe if something bad happens.
• Printing - Print your events and tasks as a separate list or as a month view.
• Search - If you have a lot of events and tasks you can find the one you are looking for easily with the substring search in the Manager dialog.

The end result is a fully functional, very customizable, and non-obstrusive calendar application. The program is useful for everyone, from students who need to be reminded about deadlines for papers and schedules of exams, to freelancers who need to be reminded of little tasks they need to fulfill, to bosses and managers who need to be reminded about important meetings and appointments. Rainlendar will gladly remind you of your important tasks with a customizable alarm, so you can choose what sound will best get you off your computer to start working.

Be aware that while there is a paid Pro version, there is also a free and fully functional version of Rainlendar that has all the features mentioned above. You get all the nifty bells and whistles of Rainlendar without paying for anything! That makes Rainlendar a definite must for people who need a little organizing and reminding.

Related Links:
Rainlendar's Website

Happy Elf is the performing name of Dutch multi-instrumentalist Jeroen Elfferich. As Happy Elf, Elfferich has released more than ten albums since 1999. He considers his music "electropopmusic," but the truth is that it is a good mix of various styles thrown together with a nice electronic beat. His latest release is "Sexmachine," a five-track mini-album that's all about dreams, sex, love, and relationships. Don't expect a thoughtful and introspective album, though; as the release information says, "[D]on’t take it too seriously: it’s Happy Elf!"

Based in Delft, the Netherlands, Elfferich has been making music for the last 25 years. He has an eclectic musical background, performing as a percussionist in orchestras, guitarist and lead singer in a rock band, and drummer for various bands with styles as varied as jazz, fusion, and cajun. Since 1999, Elfferich has been making music as Happy Elf. While he primarily works with two analogue synthesizers, he also plays the electric guitar, bass guitar, and drumcomputers. Happy Elf proudly states that he doesn't use a computer to create the music, but plays all the instruments himself.

"Sexmachine" is a fun and funny album. Each of the five songs has a good beat, driven by Elfferich's drums. It's not your typical electronic music where computer synthesizers make up more than half of all the sounds you hear. Because Happy Elf plays all the instruments himself, the result is a more organic and beat-driven sound. You also get to hear bits and pieces of the various influences Elferrich has had, with some songs giving a jazz or an R&B vibe. In fact, on this album, famous blues guitarist/singer Willem van Dullemen from Rotterdam joins Happy Elf on two tracks, adding a bit of blues to the mix.

I also mentioned that this is a funny album. All you need to do is listen to the lyrics of the title track, "Sexmachine": "I am such a handsome guy / When you see me, you'll know why / I am not nice, but mean / And I am not your sex machine!" Elfferich isn't a great singer, either, so listening to his half-spoken, half-sung voice adds to the fun. (Think "I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred, and you have an idea what the music is like.) Even the video is a bit ridiculous.

"Sexmachine" is a fun, funny, and highly-recommended mini-album from Happy Elf. I can imagine it being played at clubs, while guys embarass themselves trying to dance to it.

Related Links:
Happy Elf on WM Recordings
Happy Elf on MySpace
Happy Elf on YouTube

• You can open as many files in EditPad at a time as you want.
• You change between the open files by clicking on their tabs. No hassle with heaps of overlapping windows.
• You will enjoy EditPad's unlimited undo and redo. You can even undo changes after saving them, as long as you did not close the file.
• EditPad reads and writes UNIX (LF only) and Mac (CR only) text files (in addition to DOS/Windows CR+LF files, of course).
• With EditPad you can directly edit Unicode text files and text files encoded in a variety of legacy code pages. This means EditPad can edit any text file, whether it was saved on a Windows or Linux computer, an old DOS PC or an IBM mainframe.
• If you run EditPad again when there is already an instance running, the file(s) you wish to edit will be opened by the existing EditPad window. This means there will be at most one EditPad window open, which will save you from a lot of task switching.
• Block functions: save parts of your text to disk and insert a file in the current text.
• You can specify many print settings: font, margins, headers/footers, etc. and immediately see the effects in the print preview.
• You have the option to keep the EditPad window on top of all other windows.
• When you close an unsaved file, EditPad will either warn you, automatically save the file as you prefer.
• Reopen menu that lists the last 16 files opened.
• EditPad puts an icon in the system tray that remains visible, even if EditPad is closed. This way you have easy and fast access to EditPad, without the need to keep it running all the time.
• EditPad fully supports double byte character systems (DBCS) so you can edit texts written in Far East languages, such as Chinese, Japanese or Korean, as easily as those written in European languages.
• Many settings such as word wrap, line numbering and auto indent can be made for each file type individually. You could activate word wrap but not auto indent when editing a plain text file, and just the other way around when editing source code.
• Configure EditPad's appearance to your own taste and eyesight.
• Uppercase, lowercase, invert case and initial caps conversion
• Easy and working installation and uninstallation, delivered with DeployMaster.

For me personally, two features of EditPad Lite stand out. I like the fact that the files open on separate tabs in the prgram itself, so I don't have to scramble to the Task Bar to find the file I want to edit next. I also like the fact that EditPad Lite highlights the line that you're currently working on, so you never have to squint at your computer screen trying to find the cursor.

EditPad Lite is an excellent solution for those who want a little more functionality than Windows' default plain text editor provides, without taking up too much space on your computer. The fact that it's easily portable is another plus, in my opinion.

Related Links:
EditPad Lite's Website

Confusion is Next is a four-person alternative rock band. The band, which takes its name from a lyric by Sonic Youth, was established in Monza, Italy in 2004, and has since created and released three albums. Their first album, "Spread the Spirit," was released in 2005, while their second album, "Lost in Dark Days" was released in 2008. Their latest release is "The Generation of This Order" contains five new songs (in English) and album is now available for free download on their Spanish netlabel Trastienda.

Confusion is Next is made up of Matteo Radice (guitar/vocals), Lorenzo Nocerino (guitar), Giuseppe Pinnavaria AKA Pinno (bass), and Fabrizio Pontiggia AKA Bicio (drums). The band names Sonic Youth as one of its major influences. The band is influenced by the American indie-rock/grunge sound of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The band's influences are in full display in "The Generation of this Order." Matteo's rough, raspy voice is appropriately grungy and can be heard in full force in all five tracks. The first track, "Graffiti," is my personal favorite, and it's a radio-friendly mix of great instrumentations and a smooth, more restrained vocal by Matteo. The album, which the band describes as a "long journey thru sonic nights, white venetian masks and dark shadows," then takes a darker, more gothic turn starting with the second track, "Leaves." The intro sounds like a cross between Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive" and a matador's entrance, if you can imagine that, and proceeds to take you to a much darker place than the first song. The rock is a little heavier, and the vocals get a little rougher. The third track, "Anemones and Elephants," has a catchy tune, and the first sung line gives you a clue as to the tone of the song. The vocals are even rougher than before, and there's an awesome drum solo about halfway through the song. It feels like two different songs put together, though, as the tune seems to change drastically near the end of the track. The next song, "Lichens on the Lich Gate," feels rather overlong with repetitive lyrics, but it's a very moody track that goes with the gothic tone of the album. The album's official final track, "Logora Worn," is a headbanger's delight, with great guitar riffs, driving drum runs, and Matteo's ever-present vocals. Those who download the full album get a special bonus track, which you have to listen to.

Overall, the album is a good addition to any rock fan's collection. Confusion is Next comes up with some great melodies backed up by rocking guitar riffs and good drum work. Matteo smartly holds back his vocals on some songs, then lets loose on others, which changes things up a bit. I enjoyed every track on this album, except perhaps for the last third of "Anemones and Elephants" as well as "Lichens on the Lich Gate," though that may be a personal preference. Download the album and check it out for yourself.

Related Links:
Confusion is Next on Trastienda
Confusion is Next on MySpace
Confusion is Next on Jamendo
Confusion is Next on Facebook

Helsingfors is a five-person instrumental post-rock/math rock band from London, England. The band, which includes all four members of the now-defunct instrumental band From the Sky, is composed of Daniel King, James Morris, Barry Rogers, Alan Ross, and John Spears. The band has released its debut EP entitled "Schematics," which includes four all-new songs. "Schematics" was recorded primarily as a live band, and as such, the EP pulsates with all the energy a live show brings.

The album is available now as a free download from the netlabel Lost Children.
Math rock is described as a "rhythmically complex, guitar-based style of experimental rock music" (per Wikipedia), and the music on "Schematics" embodies that. All four songs on the EP are interesting, guitar-driven, and have great rhythms you can rock out to. While each song has a pretty good drum beat, it's the guitars that are the stars of the EP. Every song has an excellent riff to it. The complexity of the work also shows; just when you think you know where a song is going, or how the beat is supposed to go, Helsingfors throws in a little syncopation to the mix.

The band takes the geekiness inherent in a style named "math rock" to heart, at least in their song titles, such as "Angle of Depression" and "The Panda Conundrum." (The song titles also sound like titles of "The Big Bang Theory" episodes.) Don't let that discourage you from giving this a listen, though. The music shows none of the awkwardness associated with geekiness. Each track is a confident and soaring song that you can definitely rock out to. The music doesn't suffer from a lack of lyrics or vocals; in fact, it allows you to fully immerse yourself and enjoy the melodies and guitar-work that Helsingfors puts into their music. Plus, despite the fact that the tracks run a bit longer than usual (the longest track is seven minutes and thirty second long), none of the songs feel overlong. The band switches things up enough within the song to keep your interest.

Instrumental rock doesn't typically get the publicity or renown as rock music with vocals, but you should definitely give Helsingfors a shot. If you enjoy well-crafted melodies and strong guitars, then "Schematics" is a must-download for you.

Related Links:
Helsingfors on Lost Children
Helsingfors on Archive.org
Helsingfors on MySpace
Helsingfors on Last.fm

One of the difficulties of traveling, especially if you don't have your laptop with you, is leaving behind your bookmarks and email settings. Security can also be an issue; perhaps the browser you're using on that internet cafe computer has been infected with a virus or a keylogger. Fortunately, there is now a portable alternative that fits into even the tiniest USB flash drive. PortableApps.com provides a completely free, portable, and open source solution for the person on the go: The PortableApps.com Suite.

A portable app is basically any application or computer program that can fit on any portable device, such as a USB flash drive or portable hard drive, and can be used on any Windows computer. All personal data, such as bookmarks, are also saved in the app, so even when switching computers, you still have access to your personal information and preferences.

The PortableApps.com Suite is an excellent starting point for someone who wants to travel with one's personal preferences even without lugging around a laptop. Included in the suite are the PortableApps.com Menu and Backup, so you can launch programs and make back-ups straight from your portable device.

Other portable apps bundled with the suite are Firefox (browser), Thunderbird (email), Sunbird (calendar/tasks), ClamWin (antivirus), Pdigin (instant messaging), Sumatra (PDF reader), KeePass (password manager), CoolPlayer+ (audio player), PNotes (notes), OpenOffice (office suite), and the games Sudoku and Mines-Perfect. Once installed, you also have the option of downloading and adding more portable apps, as found on the PortableApps.com website.

The Suite has everything you may want as a travel companion, especially if you don't want to use the default programs the internet cafe you're at has. What's great is that you can save your bookmarks and personal settings as well, so you don't have to memorize or write down important URLs or passwords. Plus, the Suite is ony 355MB total, so there's more than enough space for anything else you want to bring along.

System Requirements:
Windows 95*/98*/Me*/2000/XP/Vista.
Wine under Linux/UNIX/BSD/Mac OS X

*The base apps and some bundled apps will work under Windows 95/98/Me

Related Links:
PortableApps.com's Website

Mindburner, AKA Alan Watkins, was born in Belfast in 1968 and he has been producing electronic music for the past 15 years. He owns several vintage synthesizers and enjoys playing them very much. He involves various styles in his music, and incorporates influences from early 1980s electronic pioneers such as John Foxx, Gary Numan, and others. His music generally ends up being about the darker side of life: the half shadow, the unanswered question, or the hidden fear. These emotions drive him to write and produce.

"Your Slave" is Mindburner's latest album, and this free download contains seven new tracks. Despite his music being about "the darker side of life," "Your Slave" is not a dreary, plodding exercise in introspection. Instead, it's a catchy electronic album with just a hint of the darkness. You can feel a bit of it in the music, but unless you listen closely to the lyrics, you won't notice just how dark the themes of the album are.

The opening song in this album is the title track, "Your Slave," and it perfectly encapsulates the feel of the album. The catchy beat is very 1980s electronica (think Depeche Mode), and Watkins' vocals perfectly complement the sound. The song also contains some of the darker themes and emotions present in Mindburner's music; when you listen to the lyrics, you'll learn that he's talking about being a slave to love, and what it makes you do ("join a cult, start a war, run away").

The rest of the album continues the pattern of mixing '80s-influence electronica with dark themes and lyrics. For example, in the second track, "Sodem," a robotic voice talks about wanting to walk to the park but being too scared; the voice then lists down reasons not to go, and ends with "that's not the half of it." Meanwhile, "TV Noise" starts off with a voice clip of someone pretty much calling everyone "vile. depraved sinners"; later in the song, Watkins sings that "when a child is born, he has blood on his hands."

Mindburner's "Your Slave" is a definite must-download. Don't let the dark themes scare you away; each track on this album is a catchy and entertaining song you can listen and groove to. It is pumping with 1980s electronica, as epitomized by the laser effects in the song "Change" (incidentally, one of my favorite tracks on the album). At its most basic level, Mindburner has created a listener-friendly record that one can enjoy. Do take time to give it a closer listen, though; the lyrics add a whole other depth and dimension to the album.

Related Links:
Mindburner's Website
Mindburner on YouTube

Anois is made up of the German pair of Lars Kranholdt and Anne Baier. They describe their songs as "fragile folk-electronica," and they record their songs with instruments as varied as the guitar, melodica, fan organ, glockenspiel, and other acoustic instruments. The result is a rather introspective album that you can relax to. It also gives you greater insight into their world if you really listen closely and pay attention to their lyrics. "Tree House Whispers" is a 13-track album available for free via the netlabel Aerotone.

As a special bonus, if you subscribe to their newsletter, then you can get another EP for free!

The Aerotone website proclaims that they "love melancholic music," and Anois is no exception. Don't let that scare you off though - the music is still very accessible and a good listen no matter what your mood. The electronica elements elevate the album from being yet another excessively introspective collection of music.

Still, I do not recommend listening to it if you want to listen to something to cheer you up, or if you need a boost. Anois does admit that their songs are inspired by how they feel when the weather is miserable outside, and even that they may "remind you of your own lost heart." The album is best listened to when it's cold or dark outside.

If you don't mind receiving a free newsletter, then you can also sign up so you can download "Foreign Tragedies," a 7-track EP also by Anois. Be sure to visit their website to have a sneak peek at the songs on "Tree House Whispers" (there's a Flash player with their songs on the site) as well as to sign up for the newsletter for your bonus free EP! That's two free albums in one trip!

Related Links:
Anois's Website
Anois on MySpace
Aerotone Website