Promo: Want to learn how to get thousands of dollars worth of software for free off the Internet? Stay tuned to find out...

After spending lots of money buying a computer, getting free software probably sounds good to you and the Internet is the place to start.

There are actually two different types of software on the Internet, shareware, which means you can run a limited test drive (usually 30 days). If you decide to continue using the shareware after your evaluation period, you are expected to register the software for a fee.

The second type is freeware. These no-strings-attached computer programs are offered to the general public free of charge, whether through benevolence of the author or a promotional give-away.

The best place to go for shareware and freeware is ZDNet's Software Library at www.hotfiles.com. You can check to see what are the most popular files transferred (or downloaded) or browse by category listing.

The quickest way to find what you want is to enter in a search request. Let's look for a word processor that is free.

You are initially presented with the highest rated files that match most, if not all, of your specific request.

Select the one you want and start downloading now or put it into the basket, keep searching and download later.

If you are unsure how to download, go back to the main page and select Help then Easy Download Guide. This step-by-step guide walks even the most novice through the process.

So the next time you are ready to blow up aliens or get a new graphics program remember the Internet and hotfiles.com.

From age 6 to 96 and beyond, there is something on the Internet for everyone. I'm Jack Nelson, The Internet Tutor.