| This is a list of free software that you can use at home for homework, coursework and revision. All of the programs are designed to run on a Windows operating system, such as XP and Vista (remember each individual program will have slightly varied requirements). This information is generic and so some software may have different terms and conditions etc. Please check the information on the websites if you have any concerns.
Is it Legal?
Yes its all completely legal! The software is released under a special licences designed to allow people to freely share software.
Why is the software free?
Many people find it infuriating that companies charge so much for software, and so they create their own versions. "Open source" software allows you to edit and change it, so the software can keep growing through what is best described as community programming. But don't worry! You do not need anything beyond basic computer knowledge to simply use these programs.
Are the downloads safe?
There should be no problems with this software, there are a vast amount of people around the world using it. However if a problem is caused by the download then HSLC cannot be held responsible.
Are they better than their respective paid versions of the software?
This can vary, generally open source software strives to be at what is called the "industry standard" which means that if they are not at the same level as a product you have to pay for then it will be close. However some specialist programs will not be anywhere near as good as products that you pay for. We will always try and direct you to the best alternative that we can.
What is the difference between freeware, shareware and open source software?
You may have seen these terms around the internet. The basic difference is, freeware is not editable, and contains a stricter copyright license than open source software while still being free. Shareware is like a demo of the software, it normally gives you access for a limited time and then you have to pay for the product.
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OpenOffice
Open Office is a fantastic piece of free software that will enable you to use documents created in Microsoft Office such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel without having to pay large amounts for the Microsoft Office Suite. Remember when you save to go to File>Save As>Word Document [Download, Non-Subscription]
Audacity
Want to make recordings for revision but dont have any software that will let you? Audacity is a great program for recording and editing sounds. If you don't like your own voice you can change it so it sounds completely different. You will need to download this file also to use Audacity to export the file in MP3 format, click here for the download, and have a microphone to be able to record your voice thorugh which can be bought very cheaply. [Download, Non-Subscription]
Hot Potatoes
Hot Potatoes can be used to create quizzes in different formats to test your knowlege of a subject or topic. [Download, Non-Subscription]
Cam Studio
CamStudio alows you to record a section or the whole of your screen and even add a voice-over. This can be used to create a guide for using a program. All you require is a microphone and this piece of software. [Download, Non-Subscription]
Go Animate
Rather than just showing your understanding by writing an essay, use this website to create cartoons about a subject. You can even put yourself in them! Not only is it free but you dont even have to download it. [Non-Download, Subscription Required]
Pivot
Pivot is an animation program that allows you to very easily create a stick figure style animation. [Download, Non-Subscription]
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