Selected WWW software directories

TUCOWS http://www.tucows.com/
TUCOWS is a popular source for Internet software for Windows and Macintosh platforms, and also Linux, Java, and PDAs. Within each platform, programs are grouped under categories such as Audio, Browsers, Communications, Connectivity, Email, HTML Tools, Mu ltimedia, Security, etc. and a search facility is available. For fast downloads the collection is mirrored at many sites in many countries. Each program gets a brief standard entry including access details and a rating based on its functioning, design and usefulness.

Shareware.com http://www.shareware.com/
Shareware.com from CNet offers a search of a number of existing Internet software archives containing 250,000 freeware and shareware (software that you can try before you buy) files. It includes software for PC, Mac, Unix, Amiga and Atari. You can sele ct your operating system then run a keyword search to generate a list of entries on relevant software. You can also search in specific shareware archives. Entries include size and date information on the package, and for some packages, useful descriptions as well. The site includes a list of `Top Picks' for PC and Mac.

Download.com http://www.download.com/
Download.com from CNet offers access to more than 20,000 Windows, Macintosh, DOS, Linux, Palm OS, Windows CE, and BeOS freeware, shareware, and demo software programs that are available for download over the Internet. The programs are categorized under headings such as Business, Development Tools, Drivers, Education, Games, Home & Personal, Internet, Multimedia & Design, Utilities, PalmPilot, and Windows CE, and there is also a search facility. Informative descriptive entries on each program off er links to reviews and download sites.

Filemine http://www.filemine.com/
Filemine offers an integrated index to programs on archive sites and mirror sites around the world. It includes shareware for PC, Mac, Amiga, Unix, Atari. Programs are grouped in categories such as Business, Internet, Multimedia, Desktop Tools, Home & ; Leisure, and then withinin a sub-category. Most are given a brief entry with evaluation rating based on ease of use, interface, documentation, and performance. Some specially selected programs (Jewels) get lengthy descriptions.

Filez http://www.filez.com/zhub.shtml
Filez offers searching of over 75 million files for a range of platforms including Windows, Mac, Unix, OS/2, Acorn, Amiga, Atari. It offers extensive Internet searching for files encompassing major corporate sites (such as Apple & Microsoft), and pop ular freeware & shareware archives including the contents of thousands of ftp servers. As well as searching by platform and keyword, you can search within categories such as MP3 or Real Audio by keyword. Results of searches are brief listings includin g hyperlinked filename, size, date and location.

ZD Net Software Library http://www.zdnet.com/swlib/
This library classifies its contents by category, and provides an informative descriptive entry on each with an evaluation. ZDNet's library lists thousands of software packages in categories such as Games, Internet, Home and Education, and so on. You can browse the archive or do a keyword search.

Jumbo http://www.jumbo.com/
Jumbo groups software packages under headings such as Internet, Multimedia, at the top level. Entries on each item include at least a definition, file size and date. It's possible to upload programs as well as download them.

Nerd's Heaven http://boole.stanford.edu/nerdsheaven.html
This is not a software directory but a list of sites relevant to the task of obtaining software. It includes links to many more software directories than are mentioned here, and also links to notable archive sites for specific categories of software such as Internet, operating systems, mathematical software, software for Windows and other platforms.