| Here are Ambit's software choices to enable you to use the Internet to cybersurf Web pages, transfer files, chat & message other people, and participate in, & gain information from, interest groups. If you are new to the Internet, read the sidebar explanations of each type of software to learn what it is and why you need it. If you are experienced, bookmark this page and return to obtain the latest versions of the software you regularly use. |
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To Download The Software On This Page:
You only need to click on the underlined name of the software.
You will be asked where to save the file.
You can use any directory to store it.
Note:"Windows 9.x" below refers to either
Windows 95 or Windows 98
"Windows 3.x" below refers to either Windows 3.1,
Windows 3.11 or Windows For Workgroups
(That's Right! For diehards, we STILL have Windows 3.1 ware listed.)
Want More Software?
Go To Ambit's Advanced Internet Software Page
| FIRST DO THIS!! Get WinZip: Some files you receive through this page will install simply by double-clicking on the file from the list of files you find in Explorer (Windows 9x) or File Manager (Windows). Other files are "compressed" (ZIPped). This means the file you download becomes many files when it is uncompressed. WINZIP makes Un-ZIPing files a snap! Get WINZIP first and you will be ready to get any of the files on this page. |
| Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP: WinZip for Windows 9x |
| Windows 3.x: WinZip for Windows 3.x |
| Although you don't need to download WinZip for files on this page, you will find WinZip useful for compressing files on your hard drive as well. This will allow you to back up your files on your hard drive and put them onto a floppy disk. You can also "put away" old programs so they won't take up as much space on your hard drive. WinZip has easy-to-use buttons to create or uncompress all kinds of compressed files. In addition to ZIP files, you may find TAR files on the Internet. WinZip will uncompress these, too. There is no doubt that WinZip is THE BEST OF THE BEST in file compression programs. |
| If you want to learn more about WinZip, go to The WinZip Web Site |
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| Installing WinZip: All you have to do is double-click the file after you receive it. Nothing could be easier. |
| Using WinZip: Downloading - When you download a .zip file, you "save" the file into a directory (also known as a folder - you can use an existing folder or create a new one.) Extracting Files - WinZip makes things easy. First you can load the file into WinZip by simply double-clicking on the file. To "extract" the files in the .zip file, all you do is left-click on the Extract Button then type the drive and name of the folder to put the extracted files into (WinZip can automatically create a new folder for you. Just type in the name you want for the new folder - for example: c:\newfoldr) Now left-click on "Extract." All the files will be uncompressed into the folder you selected or created. For more about zipped files, click HERE |
| Browser Program A Browser allows you to see Web pages. You are using a browsing progam right now to view this page. Originally, these were documents with only pictures and text. Now they have sounds, animation, and video. With the right browser, you can enjoy all the information and entertainment on the Web. |
| Microsoft Internet Explorer - Some Explanations First
It comes built into your Windows computer. It works, and with every version it works better still. But there are some important things you need to know. Below you will find links to downloading a number of different versions of Internet Explorer. The reason for this is that Microsoft has been removing features that are used widely on the Web. Why? Microsoft is substituting their technologies for the "open" technologies that everyone can use. The reason is obvious: to force companies and people to depend on and use products Microsoft owns. But as long as Web pages work, you probably don't care. The problem is that, as of this writing, all Web pages don't work the way the people who wrote them intended. What to do? Well, your choices are:
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| NOTE: The download file for a browser is large (many megabytes), no matter which version you choose, and will take a while if you are using a telephone modem. Sorry, die-hards, Microsoft no longer supports Windows 3.x! The versions of Internet Explorer below work with Windows 9.x/Me/NT/2K/XP unless otherwise noted. |
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| Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6
NOTES: #1) This is the newest version of Internet Explorer, but, as of September, 2001, a Web page that uses Quicktime is not likely work with it. Quicktime is used on many Web site to view videos and movie trailers. Web designers must change the code in Web pages to help Quicktime to work. If you do not care, then read on. #2) This version of Internet Explorer does not have JAVA support built into it. JAVA lets programs run within your browser. Many pages use JAVA, and JavaScript, in thier pages to make more things happen than just showing text and pictures. But, if your computer is not brand new (purchased with Windows XP) you have JAVA support on your computer already and this is not a concern. #3) Lastly, Microsoft dropped support for Netscape-style plug-ins before this version of Internet Explorer. Companies have been, and are, changing how you play music, view videos (using programs other than Quicktime), view stock prices, etc., so you can still use their products with Internet Explorer. But you may find that some of what you cna od with an earlier version of Internet Explorer won't work with this new version. You should go to the company's Web site for the plug-in you use, and see what they say about all this. |
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| Windows 98/Me: Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 SP2 (English version)
(NOTE: If you have Windows NT or Windows 2000, or wish to download another language version of Internet Explorer, Click HERE) NOTES: #1) This is the version of Internet Explorer in which Microsoft dropped support for Netscape-style plug-ins. Read #3 above to learn more about this. #2) This version DOES support Quicktime (see #1 above) and JAVA (see #2 above), making it is the most compatible version for most Web pages. If you are using an earlier version of Internet Explorer, it is likely advisible that you upgrade to this version. |
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| Windows 98/Me: Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 SP1 (English version)
(NOTE: If you have Windows NT or Windows 2000, or wish to download another language version of Internet Explorer, Click HERE) NOTES: #1) This version of Internet Explorer has ALL the compatibility, and none of the concerns, expressed in the notes above. #2) Obviously, this version DOES NOT have any of the improvements in newer versions. That includes bug fixes and improvements in displaying pages. If you are using an earlier version of Internet Explorer, you should certainly at least upgrade to this version. |
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| The links above will either download the Internet Explorer directly or will take you lead you to pages where you can download it.
There is more to know or download, so here are some links to do just that: |
| If you want to learn still more about Internet Explorer, go to: |
| Installing Internet Explorer: If you are using a version of Internet Explorer, all you have to do is choose "Run this program" option before the download begins. Alternatively, no matter what browser you use to download it, you can choose "Save to disk" and store it in a folder on your hard drive. Then just double-click the file after you receive it. Nothing could be easier. |
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| Netscape Navigator - The Supplement (or Alternative) |
| Windows 9x/NT: Netscape Navigator 4.7 |
| NOTE: If you are going to use a browser for online banking, etc., then download |
| Windows 3.x: Netscape Navigator 4.08 (comes with strong encryption) |
| The links above will directly download versions of Netscape Communicator. These are not the latest version. The versions recommended here have proven reliable for speed and features. If you want the latest version, use the link below to Netscape.com.
Netscape Communicator comes complete with the Netscape Navigator browser. Netscape invented the browser used most in the early days of the Web. It is THE BEST OF THE BEST particularly because it is a program INDEPENDENT of Windows and can be installed, updated and uninstalled with none of the consequences that are inherent with Microsoft's Internet Explorer. If you don't have Netscape Navigator, or have an earlier version, get this version of Netscape Navigator right now, install it, and then return to this page. All the newest sights and sounds on the Web can be seen with version 4.0x. Best of all, Netscape Communicator is FREE. |
| If you want to learn more about Netscape Navigator, go to Netscape.com |
| Installing Netscape Navigator: All you have to do is save the file you download to a folder on your your hard drive, and then double-click the file after you receive it. Nothing could be easier. |
| eMail Program An email (electronic mail) program let's you send and receive messages from individuals. Email can have "attachments". These are files (programs, pictures, text files, etc.) you can send or receive with an email message. But you likely know all that. Email is the most-used type of Net software; more used than even browsers. This is because email is easy to learn and works with a click or two - one click on "Reply" and one click on "Send." But because it is so easy, most people don't take the time to learn more than how to use it. This section will help you learn a bit more. You want an email program which will keep you organized easily, gives you easy editing and spell-checking capabilities, can find one message within all the messages you save, and overall makes sending & receiving email a quick chore you don't have to think about. Since email was the first use for the Internet, there are many email programs. This category has more than one BEST OF BEST program for you to choose. Once you learn to use the program you choose, you're not likely to want to change to another email program, so make your choice carefully. |
| Some Notes On Modern email:
If you want to use something besides AOL, you need another email account. There are free accounts available from most of the major Web "portals": Hotmail, Yahoo, Excite, etc. But your AOL email program will NOT receive mail from another email account. Because of AOl's limitations in this regard, some people dial into AOL and then minimize the AOL program, use a different browser and email program on the Web. The advantage is that there are more features in these programs than in AOL's progam. But a separte email program will not receive your AOL email. Then again, your AOL program is minimized and waiting to be used so it is available to getyour AOL email. If this interests you, then the programs here might interest you as well. Since this page is here to help, here are some links for Outlook Express information and more:
But you do not have to use Outlook Express. Other companies have been working at email before Microsoft got around to it. The Eudora and Pegasus programs, for example, don't cost anything to use and might be of interest to you. | ||
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| Win95: Win95 Internet Mail Update | ||
| This program is an update for the Inbox already on your Windows 95 desktop (NOTE: This update is for the ORIGINAL Windows 95 - if you are using Win95a, Win95b or Windows 98, you already have Internet Mail capabilities installed.) The Inbox with Internet Mail Update is very easy to use and versatile. From the Inbox you can also fax messages if you have a fax modem. The Inbox with Internet Mail Update lets you use "Rich Text Format." Your email messages with different type-styles and use bold, underline, italics & even color (but the other person must also use Exchange or An Inbox with Internet Mail capabilities to see it.) The Inbox with Internet Mail Update is best for Windows 95 because it integrates with the Win95 operating system, gives you more than Internet email and uses MS Word or MS Office to give you still more capabilities (and ease-of-use if you are familiar with MS Word). If, however, all this seems complicated then consider Eudora. | ||
| If you want to learn more about Windows Messaging, first read the Windows 95 Exchange Help File on your hard drive then go to Internet Mail Update | ||
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| Installing Win95 Internet Mail Update: Make sure the Inbox is on your desktop (if not go to the Control Panel, choose Add/Remove Programs and check the "Inbox" box). Once the Inbox is on your desktop, just double-click the Internet Mail Update file (W95inetmail.exe) you downloaded. The update will install itself! | ||
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| Win 98/NT/2000/XP: Eudora 32-bit | ||
| This version of Eudora is FREE. It displays ads. If you like it, and don't like the ads, you can pay for Eudora and the ads will be gone. Eudora's features and ease of use put it among THE BEST of all email programs.Click Here for an overview of Eudora's features. | ||
| If you want to learn more about Eudora, go to Qualcomm's Eudora Web Site | ||
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| Installing Eudora: Click HERE for installation instructions. | ||
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| Win 98/NT/2000/XP: Pegasus 32-bit | ||
| This version of Pegasus is FREE. Absolutely FREE, provided as a service to the broader Internet community. Pegasus is very full-featured and well worth the download, also putting it among THE BEST of all email programs. Click Here for an overview of Pegasus' features. | ||
| If you want to learn more about Pegasus, go to the Pegasus Mail Web Site | ||
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| Installing Pegasus: Click HERE for installation instructions. | ||
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| Pegasus Mail: The Windows 3.x version of Pegasus Mail is also FREE! It's many, many features make it a dead heat with Eudora for THE BEST email Program for Windows 3.1 and Windows For Workgroups. | ||
| If you want to learn more about Pegasus Mail, go to the Pegasus Mail Web Site | ||
| Eudora Light: There is absolutely NO reason why Eudora Light is listed second on this page. MANY people prefer it over Pegasus Mail. For more information, see the description in the Windows 9x section above. | ||
| If you want to learn more about Eudora, go to Qualcomm's Eudora Web Site | ||
| Installing Pegasus Mail: All you have to do is double-click the file after you receive it. Nothing could be easier. | ||
| Installing Eudora Light: Click HERE for installation instructions. (TIP: You can use your browser's PRINT function to make yourself a paper copy to refer to.) |
| FTP Program An FTP (File Tranfer Protocol) program lets you receive, and send, files from many locations on the Internet. The files you download (receive) are stored on your hard drive and are yours to use. If you have a Home Page, an FTP program will let you upload (send) your home page to the computer that shows it to others on the Web. |
| Windows 9x: CuteFTP 32-bit |
| Windows 3.x: Sorry, die-hards, a version for Windows 3.x no longer is available. |
| CuteFTP is very easy to use yet has many, many features. It is yours, unregistered, for free. If you register it, however, you will be able to RESUME downloading when a file transfer is interrupted. And if the FTP location you are trying to reach is busy, CuteFTP will try connecting over and over again until it gets through. These two features alone makes CuteFTP THE BEST OF THE BEST. |
| If you want to learn more about CuteFTP, go to The CuteFTP Web Site |
| Installing CuteFTP: All you have to do is double-click the file after you receive it. Nothing could be easier. |
| Newsreaders A Newsreader program lets you read and send newsgroup messages. Think of a newsgroup as a bulletin board where people sharing the same interest post messages for everone to read. There are thousands of newsgroups. You can share experiences & opinions in travelling, hobbies, politics, religion, or just about anything that interests people. Newsgroups will give you information about your computer, but don't believe everything you read. Newsgroups are public and anyone can post an opinion. |
| Windows 9x: Free Agent 32-Bit |
| Windows 3.x:Free Agent 16-Bit |
| Most newsgroups have many messages posted each day. Free Agent is exactly that - FREE! It is the full-functioning, but scaled-down from the commercial product, Agent, from Forte, Inc. The both the free and commercial releases of Agent (there is one for Windows 3.x and one for Windows 9x) are absolutely THE BEST OF THE BEST for keeping up with, and sifting through, the hundreds of messages in the multiple newsgroups that interest you. |
| If you want to learn more about Free Agent & Agent, go to About Agent Newsreader |
| Installing Free Agent: All you have to do is double-click the file after you receive it. Nothing could be easier. |
| Chat Program A Chat program allows you to have conversations with other people all around the world by typing instead of talking. Chatting is done on the IRC (Internet Relay Chat), sites on the Internet where people are discussing everything from what is happening in the world to what is happening in their lives. Depending on the site, the IRC can be divided into in as many as a few thousand special interest topics called "channels" so you can "talk" to people that share your interests. |
| Windows 9x-XP: mIRC 32-Bit |
| Windows 3.x: mIRC 16-Bit |
| mIRC is designed to offer the new user easy access to IRC and the experienced user enough power to play (and play and play...) mIRC has been designed with the aim of simplifying and speeding an IRC session. mIRC combines the easy-to-use Window's interface with the color-coded displays of Macintosh programs and the best parts of the power of UNIX. mIRC has a good FAQ page with more links to help you. And mIRC has many advanced features, which combine to make it THE BEST THE BEST in Chat programs. |
| If you want to learn more about mIRC, go to The mIRC Home Page |
| For still more information, add-ons and support files, go to mIRC Archive - Chris Butdorf's treasure trove for mIRC users! |
| To learn more about the IRC, go to What is IRC? |
| Installing mIRC: All you have to do is double-click the file after you receive it. Nothing could be easier. |
Advanced Internet Software Page
to find some of the most interesting ware
Use Ambit's List Of
Online Software Sites
to find Internet and all kinds of ware for your computer
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