Free software

Software programs

In the old days software had to be installed and updated constantly, here is a list of software you can install on your computer at home for free so you can do the same thing!

Open Office

Similar to Microsoft Office, Open Office can open all Office files and save files as office files. Works very similar to office, better in most opinions! Highly recommended

Scratch

Free games design software. Easy to use with plenty of tutorials and examples. Used at the college in ICT. Highly recommended. Here's the getting started page

GIMP (GUI Image Manipulation Program)

Free advanced graphic design software. Similar to Adobe PhotoShop or Fireworks. Very good, and free! Highly recommended. Tutorials to get you going

Google Sketchup

Free 3D design software. Originally designed for creating buildings for Google Earth. Used at the college in ICT / Graphics. Highly recommended.Link to video tutorials for Sketchup

AudaCity

Free sound manipulation and recording software. Used at the college for OCR ICT. AudaCity will ask you for a LAME Encoder when you try to export your sound as an MP3, click here for a version of it.

Kodu

This is a wonderful 3D games design package that works with XBox controllers as wells as keyboard / mouse. Easy to use lessons are built into the software. Highly recommended.

Paint.NET

Free simple graphic design software. Simple design software for beginners. This software uses layers and a few useful tools.

VLC media player

Free media player. This media player usually plays files that other media players can't play. A useful addition. Highly recommended

Google Earth

Free 3D map software. Fly around the world... See your house, plan your holiday! Used at the college in Geography.

MSWLogo

MSWLogo is used in ICT to practice programming skills. Guide the "turtle" around the screen using commands. Here is a ZIP file containing tutorial videos

AVG

It's probably best to purchase anti virus software but if you need a free one...

K9 Web Protection

We believe children should be educated instead of restricted as a form of protection on the internet but if you really feel you need it here is some free Internet filtering and control solution for the home.

Blender

Advanced 3D modelling software. Modelling software for modelling, rendering, animating etc.

Google building maker

Make buildings from photos provided by Google and see your building in Google Earth

Firefox

Firefox is a very good alternative to Internet explorer Highly recommended

Other browsers

Safari - (Apple), Chrome (Google)