MacFreewares: Help and Frequently Asked Questions

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If you need any help, you can always write to me.

* Where do i get free MP3 tools?
* How do i expand the files i download?
* Where can i find a free word processor?

Where do i get free MP3 tools?
mp3 files (about 5 MB) are compressed audio (AIFF) files (about 50 MB for a 5 minute song). These mp3 files can then be saved to your hard disk from which you can listen to anytime even if you forgot your CDs. Now there are even mobile mp3 players as small as a Walkman! The steps involved in making your first MP3 files are simple.
First, get your CD, and use TrackThief to copy your favourite song onto your hard disk in the AIFF format (make sure you have sufficient memory in your hard disk). Second, use either BladeEnc or mp3 encoder to encode your AIFF files into mp3 files. Both save the mp3 files onto the same hard disk so please make sure you have lots of free space available. Although there are more options in BladeEnc for example you can automatically delete your AIFF file after encoding, both are stable freeware and perform really well.
And finally players. There are lots of players available, from GrayAmp, SoundApp, MegPeg, MPlay, QuickTime etc. Some allow the creation of music lists whereas some have great interfaces.

How do i expand the files i download?
The beauty of MacOS is its ease of use. Most files downloaded are automatically expanded by the ubiquitous Stuffit Expander. If you downloaded pdf files, use Acrobat Reader to read it. Sometimes if you cannot expand sit files with Stuffit, try Mind Expander (works well with old sit files).

Where can i find a free word processor?
You are in luck. There are lots of fine word processors available for free. Most are old versions but they work well and are of commercial standard. Nisus Writer, Nisus Compact (a smaller package less than 1 MB that is suitable for those with limited on board memory) and Corel WordPerfect.
Except for Nisus Compact, both Nisus Writer 4.1.6 and Corel WordPerfect are complete word processors with tables, equations, and picture input support. You can even include sound or recordings of your voice onto Nisus Writer documents. You can also draw simple diagrams, and flow charts. If you have tried using Microsoft Word to draw, i suggest you try Nisus Writer for the same task. You will be blown away by the ease and the quick response of the software. Both Nisus Writer and Corel WordPerfect can also perform as HTML editors.