•  MailWasher 
  This handy freeware E-mail management program lets you fight back against spammers and E-mail viruses and helps protect your privacy. MailWasher lets you check and manage your E-mails before you download them. You can also use it to bounce E-mails back to spammers, so that it looks as though your E-mail address is no longer valid. (For Windows).
  
  
  
•  KPKFile 
  Does your PC have sensitive data that you'd like to keep safe from prying eyes? This "privacy management tool" is the best freeware program we've seen for encrypting (as well as hiding) files on your hard drive. KPKFile offers drag-and-drop functionality and is easy to use. (For Windows).
  
  
  
•  NetBrute Scanner 
  How safe is your network? This freeware tool lets you locate dangerous and easily exploitable security holes in your network. NetBrute Scanner includes three helpful network utilities that are the same types of tools that have long been available to UNIX-equipped hackers. (For Windows).
  
  
  
•  Ad-aware 
  Protect yourself from "spyware" with this handy free utility. (Spyware consists of sneaky software programs that use your Net connection--usually to report data to advertisers--without your approval or knowledge). Ad-aware removes spyware on your PC and scans your memory, registry and hard drive for known spyware components. (For Windows).
  
  
  
•  StealthMessage.com 
  Are you worried about the security of your E-mail? A free service, StealthMessage.com offers a secure messaging system that encrypts your private messages and stores encrypted messages anonymously. The service is easy to use and there's nothing to download.
  
  
  
•  CupidWhisper.com 
  This free service lets you send an anonymous message that can let you find out whether someone you like feels the same way about you. Your anonymous message invites your secret love to the site to send a message of their own. If all goes well, the person who they send a message in response to will be you.
  
  
  
•  Cryptext 
  Need a quick, easy way to encrypt files on your computer? Just install Cryptext and whenever you right-click on a file, you'll get a pop-up menu that lets you easily encrypt or decrypt it with one click. This freeware utility uses a combination of SHA-1 and RC4 to encrypt files using a 160-bit key (which is geek speak for saying that it renders your files unreadable to snoops). (For Windows). Available in English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese language versions
  
  
  
•  Anonymizer 
  A very useful site that lets you surf the Web without leaving a trail of personal information about yourself across cyberspace. Anonymizer offers unlimited free trial access. You can either surf anonymously via the site's online version or you can download the free version of Anonymizer's "PrivacyButton," a tool that downloads into Internet Explorer's toolbar.
  
  
  
•  ZoneAlarm 
  If you have DSL or a cable modem, you may have heard about the security problems that these types of always-on connections pose. An essential free firewall program, ZoneAlarm offers your computer protection against thieves, snoops and vandals. ZoneAlarm includes five interlocking security services, including a Stealth Mode, which renders your computer invisible to the Web (and potential intruders). (For Windows).
  
  
  
•  Sneakemail 
  Have you ever been reluctant to enter your E-mail address in an online form, for fear of being spammed? Sneakemail is a free service lets you create disposable E-mail addresses. These addresses are aliases of your real E-mail address, (which is kept hidden). Using this service, you can ensure that your E-mail won't be abused, bought or sold.
  
  
  
•  ScramDisk 
  Here's a freeware hard drive encryption program that's a must if you have data on your PC that must be kept secure. ScramDisk creates an envelope on your hard drive that can be mounted as a virtual disk when you enter the correct password. All data written to this disk is encrypted and can't be accessed without the password. ScramDisk supports several encryption algorithms, including Blowfish, IDEA and Triple-DES. (For Windows).
  • Note: ScramDisk has been succeeded by a new program, DriveCrypt, (which is not freeware). However, ScramDisk is still free and available at this site, although it's no longer in development.
  • Since it was developed in Britain, ScramDisk is not subject to U.S. export law.

  
  
  
  

•  JBoot 
  This handy free utility will secure your PC's contents against unwanted prying eyes while you're away. Think of it as a MasterLock for your computer. It's only 52 kilobytes in size. (Requires Windows).
  
  
  
•  HushMail 
  Are you worried about the privacy of your E-mail? You should be, given the security woes that plague E-mail these days. A free Web-based E-mail service, HushMail offers 1024-bit technology encryption for your messages and attachments. (Note that your recipient must also be a HushMail user for you to take advantage of the 1024-bit encryption feature). Service is available in English, French and German. (For Windows only). A Mac version is promised in the near future.
  
  
  
•  IDzap.com 
  Are you worried about your privacy on the Web? Here's a free, anonymous Web surfing service that is easy to use. IDzap.com removes sensitive information such as machine names, IP addresses and cookies so that your Web surfing session can be conducted anonymously and safely. There are also good FAQs here on cookies, JavaScript and security issues.
  
  
  
•  SurfinGuard 
  (Note: this program is no longer free, but a 30-day free trial is available). These days, even if you've installed firewall and anti-virus programs on your PC, you're still not safe from all the dangers that lurk in cyberspace. SurfinGuard can protect your PC from today's new generation of online threats that include malicious executables, Windows scripting files, ActiveX and Java. (For Windows).

Business Stuff

•  AllFreelanceWork.com 
  Looking for a job? This popular directory lets you post (and apply for) jobs with no fees, unlike other freelance sites. The site includes a search engine, so you can quickly find the job you're seeking. Thousands of new jobs are posted here daily.
  
  
  
•  LookSurf Consultants 
  Do you have a business, Web-related or other type of project that you need completed? This handy freelance site allows you to easily post your project (and unlike other sites of this kind, there are no signup fees or monthly fees).
  
  
  
•  WHOS-IN 
  A helpful program for businesses, WHOS-IN lets people on a company's network keep track of where everyone else is (and what their availability is). It's the equivalent of a traditional "in-out" board, but much more versatile. The 5-user version is freeware. (For Windows).
  
  
  
•  Free tax filing 
  U.S. taxpayers who are eligible can get free online tax preparation and electronic filing via The Free File Alliance, a public-private partnership. Eligibility is determined by several factors, including your age, income, state of residence, etc.
  
  
  
•  Opportunity247.com 
  At this site, you can request free information about starting a home-based business via the Web. You must be 18 or older to request this item. (U.S. and Canada only).
  
  
  
•  Free tax tips cassette 
  Fill out the form to request a free "101 Hot Tax Tips" audio cassette, which offers tax reducing strategies "to save you and your family thousands on your tax bill." Allow two weeks for delivery. You must be over 21 to request this item. Offer expires March 31, 2004. (U.S. only).
  
  
  
•  Active-Income.com 
  Looking to make money on the Web? This site reviews and rates various programs that can earn revenue for you, including ad networks, affiliate programs, home business opportunities and more. Revenue programs are available here for Webmasters, as well as a general audience.
  
  
  
•  The IM4Newbies Forum 
  Looking to do business on the Web? This lively free forum covers all aspects of marketing on the Net. Topics in this family-friendly, moderated forum range from advertising techniques to online business management. IM4Newbies also offers free ads for members.
  
  
  
•  Laser Printer Cleaning Kit 
  Refer a friend to this site and complete the short survey to request a free laser printer cleaning kit. (Note: this kit can't be used with inkjet printers). LaserPage is a site that offers support, news and advice aimed at printer users. (U.S. only).
  
  
  
•  602Pro PC Suite 
  This software suite offers a nice alternative to Microsoft Office and has the added advantage of being free. 602Pro PC Suite offers four Office-compatible applications: a word processor, a spreadsheet program, a graphics editor and a digital photo organizer. (For Windows).
  
  
  
•  Dialpad.com 
  (Note: this service is no longer free). This unique service lets you make long distance calls to and within the U.S. via your computer. Dialpad is Java-powered, so you don't need to download and install software to use this service. Note: you'll need a sound card, speakers and a microphone. For Windows. (U.S. only).
  
  
  
•  FreeRealTime.com 
  Tired of stale, delayed stock quotes? This free, advertising-supported service gives you real-time quotes that you can retrieve as fast as your connection will allow. All you need to do is register (which is free, too) and abide by the rules. This popular service can be difficult to access during times of peak stock trading. The service may encounter some problems behind firewalls (read their FAQ for solutions). (Information available on U.S. markets only.) Options quotes not available now, but are promised soon.
  
  
  
•  Free investing book 
  (Note: this site is temporarily unavailable). Sign up for a membership with The Motley Fool (it's free) and receive a free book, "13 Steps to Investing Foolishly." The Motley Fool is one of the Net's largest (and certainly the funniest) investment-related sites. Allow four to six weeks for shipment. (U.S. only).
   

•  MemoToMe.com 
  Here's a useful free reminder service that lets you easily specify one-time or recurring events and automatically sends you a reminder about them via E-mail or a wireless device.
  
  
  
•  Free-Minder.com 
  Do you need a helping hand in getting your day organized? This helpful free reminder service sends you E-mail that you can customize to remind you of everything from birthdays to wedding anniversaries to business meetings.
  
  
  
•  LottoBot 
  This is a helpful free reminder service if you play the lotto regularly (particularly if you're too busy to have time to check your tickets.) LottoBot will automatically check your lotto tickets for you and send you an immediate E-mail notification of your results for the latest draw. LottoBot sends personal lotto results for all the U.S. state lottos and the biggies like Powerball, Big Game, etc. LottoBot also offers results for games in Australia, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand.
  
  
  
•  The Emergency E-mail Network 
  Sign up with this unique free service to receive notification via E-mail of natural disasters or other emergencies in your area. To get started, select your state and county from the lists provided and follow the instructions. (U.S. only).
  
  
  
•  TVEyes.com 
  A fascinating free service that sends you an E-mail alert any time a topic or keyword that you specify is mentioned on TV. Many uses: from following the latest news on your fave celebrity to keeping up with anything that's mentioned on the air about your investments. TVEyes.com monitors broadcasts in real time and "watches TV for you when you're not able to."
  
  
  
•  EZ-Reminders.com 
  (Note: this site is temporarily unavailable). This free reminder service can help organize your life. You can configure it to automatically E-mail you when important dates and events roll around. It's handy for remembering birthdays, anniversaries, meetings, doctor appointments, auto maintenance, etc.
   
•  MailBR 
  This free service from Brazil offers POP3 support and it supports attachments. You also get multiple domains and the option to create folders.
  
  
  
•  Talk21 
  This is a major, free, speedy Web-based E-mail, offered by British Telecommunications. You may send up to three attachments per message (for a maximum file size of one megabyte). Your address here will be YourName@talk21.com.
  
  
  
•  Postmaster 
  This British site bills itself as Europe's first free E-mail service. Postmaster offers features such as file attachment capabilities and a personal address book. No software or special configuration is need to use this service.
  
  
  
•  163-Net 
  This is a Chinese-language free E-mail provider.
  
  
  
•  Post.Cz 
  Here's a reliable E-mail service from the Czech Republic that offers Web-based E-mail, as well as POP E-mail.
  
  
  
•  Mail.EE 
  This is a free E-mail service from Estonia (and is intended only for Estonian users.)
  
  
  
•  MultiMania 
  This is a French service that offers free POP E-mail. (Formerly known as MyGale.com).
  
  
  
•  CaraMail 
  Another free E-mail service from France.
  
  
  
•  Global Message Exchange 
  Here's a free E-mail service from Germany. Here, you may compose your messages off-line. They have a POP and a SMTP server, so you can use your favorite E-mail program to handle all your E-mail. (No spam allowed).
  
  
  
•  Freemail 
  This is a free Web-based and POP3-based nonprofit E-mail service from Hungary.
  
  
  
•  Free Mail (from the Netherlands) 
  FreeMail is een gratis e-mail adres op Internet. Het is gebaseerd op het principe dat de toegankelijkheid eenvoudig moet zijn en mogelijk gemaakt moet worden voor elke computer met een aansluiting op het World Wide Web.
  
  
  
•  Pinoymail 
  A free Web-based E-mail service from the Philippines. Your E-mail address here will be yourname@pinoymail.com.
  
  
  
•  CODEC 
  Free E-mail service from Romania. Web-based and easy to use. You get a choice of 3 domains.
  
  
  
•  Pobox 
  This is a free E-mail service from Slovakia. They offer many features, including address books, directories, message filtering, POP3 mail, forwarding, signatures and autoresponders.
  
  
  
•  MixMail 
  This is a free advertiser-supported E-mail service for Spanish speakers. Users may choose a permanent E-mail address at one domain (user_name@mixmail.com) that will exist as long as they wish. MixMail accounts will forward and retrieve E-mail messages from multiple POPs to one location. MixMail also features personalized address books and both standard and HTML-coded text.
  
  
•  Kitty.cc 
  A free Web-based E-mail space provider from Taiwan, Kitty.cc offers services in both Chinese and English. Many features, including blind carbon copies and attachment capability. No spamming allowed.

•  Free-Mails.com 
  Here, you can get a free, reliable E-mail account for either personal or business use. Unlike a lot of services of this kind, the signup process here is quick and easy. Free-Mails.com currently offers POP3 E-mail; Web-based E-mail accounts will be offered soon, as well.
  
  
  
•  WebMail4free.com 
  This handy free service lets you easily check and read your POP E-mail messages via the Web from any computer. It's handy if you're on the road and don't have access to your computer.
  
  
  
•  TheFreeSite.com E-mail 
  TheFreeSite.com offers its own free E-mail service. This service gives you six megabytes of space for your messages and attachments. There's a handy filtering feature to let you sort your mail into different folders and block spam, and the service can be configured to allow you to read your POP mail, as well. Requires Internet Explorer or Netscape, version 4 or more recent.
  
  
  
•  GetAMessage.com 
  This free service lets you send E-mails and then notifies you when your recipient has opened your message. The service is easy to use and spam-free.
  
  
  
•  Yahoo! Mail 
  One of the top free Web-based E-mail services, Yahoo! Mail offers a powerful package that gives you four megabytes of storage space, along with nifty features such as spam filtering. We particularly like the Norton Antivirus feature, which automatically scans incoming E-mail attachments. Yahoo! Mail also lets you password-protect outgoing E-mails.
  • Note: In March 2002, Yahoo! Mail announced that it will no longer provide free POP3 access or free E-mail forwarding services.

  
  
  
  

•  BurntMail 
  (Note: BurntMail will suspend its free E-mail service in March 2004). Here's a superb Web-based E-mail service that offers a lot of nice features such as spam protection, stationery, POP3 support and E-mail forwarding. A big plus to this service is that it doesn't plaster ads on your E-mails.
  
  
  
•  Hotmail 
  Owned by Microsoft, Hotmail is the largest free Web-based E-mail provider, with over 110 million registered users. Hotmail offers mail filtering that allows you to direct mail into folders and also features a spell checker and a signature option, as well as the ability to customize the layout. You can add up to 20 recipients per message, as well as send attachments. Hotmail also offers its users the option of scanning attachments for viruses.
  • Signing up for Hotmail's free service is confusing and cumbersome these days. You must deal with strong pitches for Hotmail's commercial, for-pay service, as well as page after page of ads that pester you to sign up for various mailing lists.
  • Note: In June 2002, Hotmail announced that it would no longer provide free POP3 access.

  
  
  
  

•  AmExMail 
  (AmExMail ceased operations in May 2002). This is a competent free Web-based E-mail service. With AmExMail, you can have a permanent E-mail address, so if you move, change ISPs or switch jobs, you'll always get your mail. AmExMail also offers message forwarding, as well as junk mail blocking, filters and mail collection from multiple accounts.
  
  
  
•  Universal Post Office 
  (Note: the free E-mail service here has been suspended). Here's a versatile E-mail service that features Web-based, POP and WAP E-mail access and five megs of storage. Universal Post Office also offers access to external E-mail via IMAP and POP. Here, you also get a vanity E-mail address, with over 120 domains to choose from.
  
  
•  NetMail 
  A superb freeware E-mail client that offers advanced filtering capabilities to help you organize your E-mail and fight spam. An easy-to-use program, NetMail supports multiple E-mail accounts and is suitable for both home and business use. (For Windows).
  
  
  
•  MSGTAG 
  Have you ever wondered if your E-mail recipients have read your messages yet? An easy-to-use freeware program, MSGTAG alerts you when E-mails you send are opened. MSGTAG works with most E-mail clients, including Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora and Pegasus Mail. (For Windows).
  
  
  
•  Schmaili 
  Liven up your E-mail correspondence with this fun, freeware program that lets you easily insert an animated smiley face into your messages with a simple mouse click. There are a wide range of nifty-looking smiley face characters to choose from here. (For Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, IncrediMail, and Netscape Messenger 7.0).
  
  
  
•  MailWasher 
  This handy freeware E-mail management program lets you fight back against spammers and E-mail viruses and helps protect your privacy. MailWasher lets you check and manage your E-mails before you download them. You can also use it to bounce E-mails back to spammers, so that it looks as though your E-mail address is no longer valid. (For Windows).
  
  
  
•  POP Peeper 
  Having trouble juggling your different E-mail accounts? This nifty freeware utility runs in your Windows task bar and notifies you when you have new E-mail in any of your POP3, Hotmail, MSN or Yahoo accounts. (For Windows).
  
  
  
•  JB Mail 3.2 
  Here's a unique, free portable POP3 mail reader and mailbox maintenance utility, that gives you direct access to your POP mailbox. You can view, preview, delete, save, print, and even get attachments directly from your mailbox. As a result, you don't have to go through the hassle of downloading anything that you don't want to your hard drive. Handy, particularly for those who get lots of E-mail. (For Windows).
  
  
  
•  Outlook Messenger Express 
  If you're using Microsoft Outlook, then you'll find this freeware utility very helpful. Outlook Messenger Express lets you quickly and easily send a message without going to the hassle of loading the cumbersome Outlook program itself. You can minimize it to the Windows desktop tray when you're not using it, as well. (For Windows).
  
  
  
•  Hikyaku Japanese E-mailer 
  Here's a free E-mail client that is capable of displaying Japanese characters on non-Japanese computers. Using Hikyaku, you don't need a commercial character extension program such as KanjiKit or Twinbridge. This is a helpful program for Japanese speakers who are on the road and want to send E-mail from standard PCs. (For Windows).
  
  
  
•  ePrompter 
  A useful freeware program, ePrompter is an E-mail retrieval and notification utility that can automatically check up to eight password-protected E-mail accounts for you, including POP3 mail, AOL, Hotmail, Juno, Mail.com and more. ePrompter is easily accessible via a rotating tray icon in your taskbar. (For Windows).
  
  
  
•  Plaxo 
  Do you have a tough time keeping your E-mail address book up-to-date? A handy program, Plaxo, which is available in a free beta version, piggybacks onto Microsoft Outlook and provides you with various tools for keeping your contact list current. (For Windows).
  
  
  
•  PureVoice Player/Recorder 
  This free application offers a player and recorder for voice messages that you can use with your E-mail software. PureVoice offers excellent sound quality and its files are 10 times smaller than WAV files. There's a plug-in specifically for Eudora software, and a separate application for other E-mail products. (For Windows and Macs).
  
  
  
•  Eudora 
  Our favorite free E-mail program. Eudora offers loads of features, such as the ability to filter your mail and efficiently organize it into folders; multiple signatures; drag & drop capabilities; nicknames and more. We also love its sleek and elegant interface. If you use Eudora, then you need to check out eMailman, which offers a big selection of utilities, tools and plug-ins for getting the most out of Eudora. The only quibble we have with Eudora is its cumbersome search function, which makes it time-consuming to find just the E-mail you're hunting for. To learn how to block spam with Eudora, go here. (Available for Windows and Macs.)

  Eudora's latest version, 6.0, is a fully featured E-mail client, which is available for free in "sponsored" mode (a version that displays small ads). This powerful new version offers such handy features as automatic name completion, which lets you address E-mails quickly.

  
  
  
  

•  Listserv Lite 
  We've had a number of visitors ask if there are any free mailing list programs available on the Net. Here's one from the makers of the well-known industrial-strength creators of Listserv. The Free Edition is a freeware version of Listserv Lite, limited to a maximum of 10 mailing lists with up to 500 subscribers each. This version is free, as long as the licensee does not derive a profit from using the software. Be sure to read the usage policy.
  
  
  
•  Pegasus Mail 
  One of the Net's all-time classic freeware products, Pegasus has a very strong following, and with good reason. It has tons of helpful features, including a spell checker, multiple signatures, checking of multiple mailboxes, etc. However, Pegasus does suffer from a few drawbacks. We find its interface a little clunky and its cut & paste capabilities are limited. If you download Pegasus, then be sure to check out the Guide to Pegasus Mail Add-ons, which is a good collection of enhancement programs for this E-mail client. (Available for Windows and Macs).
   

•  Free Outlook Mail stationery 
  We've had a number of requests lately from visitors using Outlook Express Mail, asking where they can get custom stationery to liven up their correspondence. This is the place to go. Here, you'll find a wonderful collection of free themed stationery for use on Outlook. Each self-installing package includes beautiful scrolling backgrounds, and some include music. (These files are for Outlook Express running on Windows. They won't work on Outlook Express for the Mac).
  
  
  
•  EmailChooser.com 
  Are you looking for a free E-mail account? This site serves up a convenient, searchable database of free E-mail services from around the Web, including over 1,600 domains.
  
  
  
•  WebMail4free.com 
  This handy free service lets you easily check and read your POP E-mail messages via the Web from any computer. It's handy if you're on the road and don't have access to your computer.
  
  
  
•  EmailGifsandSounds.com 
  This unique site specializes in E-mail themed images and sounds. Here, you'll find over 500 eye-catching animated GIF images and over 200 E-mail notification WAV sounds (in both English and Dutch).
  
  
  
•  Funletters 
  This site offers free "Funletters," (animated E-mail stationery for Microsoft Outlook Express). Funletters are easy to use and there is a wide variety of styles to choose from. You can also add sound and music to your Funletters, as well.
  
  
  
•  Yahoo! Mail 
  One of the top free Web-based E-mail services, Yahoo! Mail offers a powerful package that gives you four megabytes of storage space, along with nifty features such as spam filtering. We particularly like the Norton Antivirus feature, which automatically scans incoming E-mail attachments. Yahoo! Mail also lets you password-protect outgoing E-mails.
  • Note: In March 2002, Yahoo! Mail announced that it will no longer provide free POP3 access or free E-mail forwarding services.

  
  

•  T-Mail.com 
  This nifty, free easy-to-use service will translate your E-mail for you. You can use it to help ease the language barrier with your friend and business contacts overseas. Supported languages are English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Portuguese. Note that the translations are done by computer and, as a result, may be flawed, and "cannot be relied upon for documents which require precise translation."
  
  
  
•  Find Me-Mail 
  If you've ever changed your E-mail address or anticipate doing so, then check out this free service. Find Me-Mail offers a place to post your new E-mail address for your old E-mail contacts. When you register with their directory and update your information you won't have to worry about losing contact with anyone again. Offered in English, German, Spanish and French.
  
  
  
•  MailandNews.com 
  (Note: MailandNews.com's E-mail/voice access feature has been suspended). How'd you like to be able to access your E-mail via your phone? Or access your existing POP3 E-mail account via the Web, anywhere you go? MailandNews.com, a fast-rising free E-mail and newsgroup access provider offers all this, as well as a free Web-based E-mail service that gives you a hefty 10 megs of space for your messages and attachments.
  
  • Although the E-mail-by-phone feature is free (via a toll-free phone number), you'll have to make a long-distance call to access your E-mail, if you don't live in the U.S. or Canada.

  
  
  
  

•  ZDNet onebox 
  (Note: this service closed down on Sept. 1, 2001). A competent Web-based E-mail service, ZDNet onebox allows you to access your E-mail from any computer via a browser. It's easy to access and offers you a permanent address (even if you change Internet service providers). Features include: an address book, the ability to send graphics, etc. as attachments, an autoresponder (which you can set up to reply to people when you're on vacation).
   

Free Disk Utilities