FreePrintables.net

Do you want to print some business cards?  Need a template for a fax cover sheet, a form letter, or just an easy-to-read yearly calendar to post by your desk?

Then you need FreePrintables.net.

Simple go to the site and find the sort of thing you want to print.  Put the appropriate label, business card, or plain paper in your printer, and get the job done!

While most of the site is filled with ads, constant redirections to another domain (like http://www.printablecashreceipts.com) obviously part of the same "system", attempts to help you "upgrade" and customize, and the layout is kind of sad, there is some real gold, hidden somewhere, here!

GuyOnTheAir's FREE Stuff Rating: 1 of 5
Offer Type: FREE
Cost: FREE
Supported by: Google Ads, Paid links, Upgrades
Restrictions: Only simplest version of many things is FREE.
Offer Expiration: None/unknown

Mac Antivirus Products

The Mac media is all atwitter with talk of viruses coming to the Mac.  Although one pundit took a few moments to point out that they've been talking of Apple malware for at least 6 years. http://daringfireball.net/2011/05/wolf  

In any case, I thought I'd go over a couple of free choices for Mac Antivirus, for those users who you know will get something.

PC Tools iAntiVirus - http://www.iantivirus.com/
    This tool is perhaps well-known in some circles, but even the Web site notes a 2008 copyright date, and many believe the program hasn't been updated since then, either.  I've installed on my machine for a couple years, and it's never really done anything.  NOT recommended.

GuyOnTheAir's FREE Stuff Rating: 0 of 5
Offer Type: FREE
Cost: FREE
Supported by: Unknown/Generosity of developer
Restrictions: None known
Offer Expiration: None/unknown

ClamXav - http://www.clamxav.com/
    ClamAV has long been a staple of opensource PC antivirus, and there's been a Mac version for some time that uses the same engine as the PC versions.  I've had this on my home machine for a couple of years, and while I've never gotten any viruses, I also don't know if I would've gotten them without it.  I have used the software repeatedly to scan files that I've downloaded for questionable sources, and no other Mac or PC antivirus has ever argued with what ClamXav had to say!  I do like that definitions files and such appear to be regularly updated.

GuyOnTheAir's FREE Stuff Rating: 3 of 5
Offer Type: FREE
Cost: FREE
Supported by: open source community
Restrictions: None known
Offer Expiration: None/unknown

Sophos Antivirus for Mac Home Edition - http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-edition.aspx
    With the recent "outbreaks" of virus problems, almost every article on the topic ends up quoting something from Sophos.  Of course, Sophos is also hanging out the welcome banner with this free versino of their software for Mac.  Sophos is a respected name in antivirus, so this might be a good pick.

GuyOnTheAir's FREE Stuff Rating: 3 of 5
Offer Type: FREE
Cost: FREE
Supported by: Commercial use fees
Restrictions: Home use only.
Offer Expiration: None/unknown

FREE Online Storage And Synchronization

I'm surprised I haven't thought of this FREEbie before!

DropBox is a great tool I've used for years now.  It allows you to basically "create" a "special folder" on your Mac or PC that you can then store things in.  The things you store are secure, and accessible from any other computer, either via the Web site, or from an install of the software.

Here's how it work!

First, create an account, and then download the DropBox software.  Install it on your Mac, PC, iPad, or iPhone.  You get 2 GB of storage space, FREE!

Now, copy files into the special folder created on your Mac or PC, and magically, they'll be available everywhere.  If you install the software on your iPhone or a 2nd PC, or the machine at the office or wherever, everything will always be in sync.

Instead of using a thumb drive to carry a few important documents around, just put them in your DropBox.  Even if you don't have the software installed, you can go to the Web site, and download or upload files safely and easily.

And get creative!  Download those .torrent files at the office, and put them in a folder in your DropBox.  Have your torrent client at home watch this folder, and start downloading your files to be ready when you get home!

Here's another thing I do: Put that folder of your pictures of yourself in your DropBox.  Then when you're chatting online, or need a profile picture, you'll have one available to email off or upload!

Or, get a bunch of books or things you wish to read in PDF form.  Copy them into your DropBox.  Now, from your iPhone or iPad, just open them up and read them, wherever you are!

DropBox is great!  And it's free.

And, if you click the links I've included, we'll both get more space for FREE!

GuyOnTheAir's FREE Stuff Rating: 5 of 5
Offer Type: FREE
Cost: FREE
Supported by: Upgrades to more space
Restrictions: 2 GB limit
Offer Expiration: None/unknown

FREE Backup and Sync Tool

Today I found a very cool tool called SyncBack. It's a simple, yet feature-rich tool for copying files around, or even keeping them in sync in multiple folders, devices, or even to an FTP server. It also supports easy email reporting, and has a simple wizard to set up scheduled tasks.

I'm using it where I want to daily create a backup of an external drive to another external drive that the client takes off-site, and I needed those email reports if something didn't work right.

It's SyncBack Freeware, and it's got so many features and options, it's great!  SyncBack Freeware is for Windows only, but supports Windows 98 through Windows 7!

GuyOnTheAir's FREE Stuff Rating: 5 of 5
Offer Type: FREE
Cost: FREE
Supported by: Generosity of developer, and minor ads for upgrades to more featured versions
Restrictions: None known
Offer Expiration: None/unknown

FREE LogMeIn Central features for FREE users

Recently I posted about how excited I am about LogMeIn. And my excitement has only dwindled in a minor way. It appears, that in an effort to get you to upgrade your LogMeIn to a paid, or "pro" version, or to their new management interface "LogMeIn Central", features are being removed from the free version.

But, if you know how to get there, the features are still available. First, log into your account. Then, use these handy URLs (until they change them or figure out a way to block them, to try to force more upgrades.)

To add or edit users on your account, simply go to:
https://secure.logmein.com/UsersManage.aspx

To edit the groups your computer reside in (useful for allow those users you created above access to groups of computers at once):
https://secure.logmein.com/pcgroup_edit.asp

Part of the LogMeIn Central upgrade is that it allows you to create "deployment links." These are URLs that you can distribute to whomever, and with a simple click, it'll download the LogMeIn client software, install, and add that computer to your account. Right now, you can use LogMeIn Central for FREE as part of a FREE trial. I encourage you to go and create as many deployments links as you want, now. You can set the links to last forever, and my guess is, they'll continue to work, even after your LogMeIn Central trial expires. Then you can keep the URLs handy. I've created different links for all of my groups I created above. So, a specific link will install and add to my "home" computers, "clients" or "office", or whatever groups you desire.

You can try one of my links, if you'd like to add your computer to my account: https://secure.logmein.com/i?l=en&c=2q10sw812t8c8sny0u5jaq6f4bx30bwze9mwlq03

Now, as these links are meant to get around paying for LogMeIn Central, as part of their free trial period, you can more easily do this stuff in LogMeIn Central, and still pay nothing.

Kudos to LogMeIn for making a great product, and giving it away absolutely FREE for so long. And, I'm enjoying many of the new features found in this latest 4.x.x version. Also, the check box in the installer to keep the machine from going to sleep when LogMeIn is running is ingenious. However, I think it unfortunate that LogMeIn has chosen to take away features of a free product after they'd already given them to us for so long. I understand the concepts of trial and trialware, but these features were included with a FREE version, and we were never told that they would expire, or be going away, as with features that were clearly part of a trial we may or may not have taken part in.

The final word? I don't expect LogMeIn to let these loopholes fly for long (and posts like this one may lead to their sooner demise). However, since I'm an avid LogMeIn proponent and user, I'll be kicking the tires, and attempting to use the product for my needs, and to get around restrictions as long as I can. And you can bet I'll post them here, as I find out about them or discover them. Also, I fear that this may be the beginning of the end for LogMeIn FREE. Even though subscription information for my computers shows my FREE subscriptions not up for renewal until March 15, 2020, I'm not confident that the rules won't change again, and that this FREEbie will not just go the way of the dodo.


GuyOnTheAir's FREE Stuff Rating: 1 of 5
Offer Type: FREE (with gotchas)
Cost: FREE
Supported by: Ads for paid Pro versions
Restrictions: No obvious links to key configuration parts.
Offer Expiration: None/unknown

FREE Network Scanner

As an IT guy, I spend a lot of time trying to figure out how a client has things configured, or where that mystery device is showing up on the network. And for my money (or lack thereof), there's no better tool for this sort of network discovery than SoftPerfect's Network Scanner. It's fast, and best of all, FREE.

Simply download the EXE. Network Scanner checks for the latest version, and then prompts you to download a file from an internet standards site that lists NIC manufacturers. Type in the range you want to scan, and you're off. You can find out the IP address, name, and MAC address of any network device. You can see shared folders (even hidden ones), and mount them as network drives for use. Also, you can use the software to issue those remote shut-down commands that can confuse people...

Save a file of your findings, or create a bookmark for a particular range you want to repeatedly scan.

Overall, I can't find anything to gripe about. SoftPerfect Network Scanner does what it does very well!

(While I haven't tried them yet, SoftPerfect has some other FREE tools that look very compelling, and that you might like to check out. Visit http://www.softperfect.com/)

GuyOnTheAir's FREE Stuff Rating: 5 of 5
Offer Type: FREE
Cost: FREE
Supported by: Unknown/Generosity of developer
Restrictions: None
Offer Expiration: None

FREE Computer Remote Control

It's not possible for me to get very far on this blog without mentioning one of the best FREE products I know of. LogMeIn FREE.

Have you even been at a store or a friend's house, and wanted to get something off of your computer at home, or look something up? Or maybe you're an advanced user and realize your computer at home isn't behaving as it should, and you need it to be performing some task for you while you're out! Or, maybe you're the tech guru for your circle of friends and family, and you need access to their computers from time to time.

This is where LogMeIn comes in. Create a FREE account on the Web site, and then install the client software on your PCs or Macs.

Now, merely log into the Web site, and within a few clicks, you can be working on your home computer, no matter where you are! All you need is Web browser, and good internet access.

Control your remote computer, as if you were sitting in front of it. And it's secure, safe, and totally easy to use.

Also, if you need to force your remote machine to restart, options that are just as effective as pushing the "reset" or power button on the front of your machine are available.

And, it's free for as many computers as you like! 1, or 100, it's all good. Organize your machines into groups, or invite other people to use your machines.

Upgrades are available that give you remote sound, file sharing, and printing capabilities. But, I find that I don't need those options 99% of the time, so the product is perfect for me in its FREE version.

LogMeIn FREE is one of my very favorite freebies!

(NOTE: GuyOnTheAir does not condone the use of software like this for spying on others, or their computer use, and frankly, doesn't think this product is much good for that purpose anyway. Unless you really know what you're doing, LogMeIn is far from stealth...)


GuyOnTheAir's FREE Stuff Rating: 5 of 5
Offer Type: FREE
Cost: FREE
Supported by: Ads for upgrades to more features
Restrictions: No sound, printing, or remote file sharing support.
Offer Expiration: None

FREE Windows CD Burning Software

For a long time, I've used Roxio Easy CD Creator, and whatever else they've called it over the years. But, it's become bloatware, and the version that comes with many computers doesn't seem to be to my liking.

But, for the last couple of years, I've worried no more. Enter ImgBurn, free Windows software that does everything I need, and for a great price: FREE!

ImgBurn is a lightweight CD/DVD/HD DVD/Blu-ray burning application that everyon should have in their toolkit!

I simply downloaded, double-clicked the installer, next, next, next, install, and we're off and running. A simple "what do you want to do today" panel allows you to choose your option, and the rest is easy.

My only gripe is that I often want to make an exact copy of a disk. In ImgBurn, it's a two-step process, requiring me to first create an image of the CD on my harddrive, and then burning that image to a CD. Even if you have two CD burning drives. :-(

I like the little quotes at the bottom of the window, too! Load it up. You'll see what I mean!

GuyOnTheAir's FREE Stuff Rating: 3 of 5
Offer Type: FREE
Cost: FREE
Supported by: Unknown/Generosity of developer
Restrictions: None known
Offer Expiration: None/unknown

FREE Faxing

Send up to 2 FREE faxes per day!

FaxZero is a service that allows you to send up to 2 FREE faxes per day, to any number you like in the US and Canada. You can simply type in a message, or send a .doc, .docx, or .pdf document.

When you press "send", FaxZero sends you an email. You click on the link in your email to complete the sending of the fax, and then are directed to a page that updates you on the status of your fax attempt. An email is also sent to you once your fax has been successful or failed.

This is a great service to use to test a fax machine or number, or to simply make that once-per-year fax that you actually have no other way to do!

GuyOnTheAir's FREE Stuff Rating: 3 of 5
Offer Type: FREE
Cost: FREE
Supported by: Advertising
Restrictions: 2 faxes per day, US & Canada only
Offer Expiration: None/unknown

Welcome!

Welcome to GuyOnTheAir's FREE Stuff!

Over the years, GuyOnTheAir has become known for his knowledge, and use of FREE stuff. From telephony services, to computer software, to FREE checks in the mail, if it's FREE, chances are, GuyOnTheAir has heard of it, and might have even made it part of his everyday life.

This is not going to be a blog that lists every FREE service known to man. It will not be exhaustive, or even authoritative. But, it will feature some great FREE products and services for everyone to enjoy. And, it'll tell you how to get the service or product for FREE, as well.

Some free offers are time limited. Those will be clearly marked. Others are ongoing offers. Very few offers will be posted that GuyOnTheAir has not personally used and tried, and rarely will offers ever be posted where there are unreasonable "strings" or "catches."

As for your part, email GuyOnTheAir with your suggestion of FREE stuff and services. The email address is simple: FREE@GuyOnTheAir.com. And, make sure that you comment on products and services you've tried, whether you had a good experience, or bad.

Thanks for reading, and again, WELCOME!