Where to find computer applications?

Posted by: wfaulk

Where to find computer applications? - 15/10/2009 17:05

When you're searching for a computer application with particular features, what do you do to try and find it? Like if you want a new archive utility.
Posted by: andym

Re: Where to find computer applications? - 15/10/2009 17:08

Google it?
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Where to find computer applications? - 15/10/2009 17:08

I thought I'd list the web sites that I frequent for finding applications.

AlternativeTo
VersionTracker
Tucows (mostly Windows)
nonags (Windows completely-free-ware)
I Use This (mostly Mac)

I came across AlternativeTo recently, and I really like it. It needs some more users, to hit critical mass, but it does a pretty good job of actually presenting applications to you. For one thing, since you can only vote for, not against, not rate, you don't get the only-complainers rating problem.
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Where to find computer applications? - 15/10/2009 17:09

Uh, I meant a program with certain features, not a particular named program. (Updating)
Posted by: jmwking

Re: Where to find computer applications? - 15/10/2009 19:25

Silly - you ask here! This board knows everything.

-jk
Posted by: andym

Re: Where to find computer applications? - 15/10/2009 19:41

I wasn't trying to be facetious. Why couldn't you just google it?

In addition to VersionTracker I usually use Freshmeat or SourceForge.
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Where to find computer applications? - 15/10/2009 20:09

Google for, for example "winzip-compatible-encryption archiver -winzip"?
Posted by: andym

Re: Where to find computer applications? - 15/10/2009 21:05

I presume it didn't throw up the results you wanted then.
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Where to find computer applications? - 16/10/2009 01:02

Excellent question Bitt, and I can answer unequivocally.

I search Lifehacker.com with Google Reader.

Every time I'm presented with a computer task for which I'm certain someone must have created a program already, I simply fire up Google Reader, type in my query, choose Lifehacker as the source, and I almost always come up with a solution.