These issues aside, some of the best software is free - including Netscape Communicator, Eudora Light and RealAudio. The shareware sites listed above include freeware in their listings. If you're looking for a type of software product without a specific product in mind, it pays to read some reviews. Many popular freeware and shareware sites offer short reviews of their software. Other magazine-style sites such as PC World and CNET offer comparative reviews of similar products to help you decide exactly which to buy.
Mirrors help share the load and offer faster downloads for users in different locations.
If a download site advertises mirror sites, use the site geographically closest to you for your download. The FileZ search engine searches for software. Choose your operating system, software name and type, and it scours software archive sites on the Internet for matching items. Unlike professional shareware sites, FileZ returns results in a simple, crude form. You don't get software sorted by category nor accompanied by reviews.