Freebies

Ready for one last sweet freebie before the year runs out? It might be something you already have (especially if you're a regular Cheapskate reader), but I can't not write about it.

From now until Dec. 27, iSkysoft's iMedia Converter (Win) is available free of charge, no strings attached. It normally sells for $49.

Update: To get the software, you must have a Facebook account.

The program offers two core functions. First, it rips DVDs (even protected ones) to just about any format: iPod, iPhone, Zune, etc. It can also rip just the audio from, say, a … Read more

Quick bit of housekeeping before I begin. Based on the volume of e-mail and comments I've received lately, there's something important I need to repeat.

I have no control over prices. I have no control over a vendor's inventory. I don't sell anything directly, nor does CNET (with a few exceptions).

What I do is write up the best daily deal I can find, then publish it around 10 a.m. ET. CNET sends out a newsletter version at 1 p.m. ET (which, FYI, is several hours earlier than it used to go out).

Sometimes, … Read more

Most users never think about data-recovery software until they need it--like, say, after a corrupted hard drive has cost them years' worth of family photos.

Make like the Boy Scouts and be prepared: get a recovery tool now and keep it at the ready.

From now until December 25, iCare Data Recovery 4.0 is available absolutely free. Regular price: $69.95. To get it, follow the "Steps to get registered iCare for free" instructions, making sure to run the program as an administrator and then pasting in the provided code. (FYI, you must activate it before the … Read more

It's the holiday season, and that means photos--lots and lots of photos. If you're a traditionalist, you'll want to print those photos to put in albums, share with friends, and all that.

HP's Snapfish service has a deal that's impossible to beat: 50 free 4x6-inch prints and free shipping when you use coupon code HPINK50 at checkout. (Note that the link takes you to the main Snapfish site; there's no special landing page for this offer.)

The only catch? You must order at least 50 prints; the code won't work with any fewer. … Read more

Many of you probably have some vacation time coming up. What better way to spend it (besides reading, spending time with family, etc.) than by playing some great games on your PC?

Today I've rounded up three deals I consider too good to pass up:

BioShock Action, adventure, role-playing, sci-fi, and horror all rolled into one of my all-time favorite games. It may be a few years old (and there's already been a sequel), but if you've never played BioShock, it's time to find out what all the fuss is about. GamersGate has the download version … Read more

For people who love to read but don't have a lot of extra cash to spend on books, nothing beats the public library. Love ya, Ben Franklin!

In recent years, many libraries have started offering e-books that you can check out for a few weeks, just like the real thing. Unfortunately, despite the plethora of e-book readers in the App Store, you couldn't read these DRM-protected library titles on your iPhone, iPod, or iPad.

Now you can. Bluefire Reader now supports not only ePub and PDF formats, but also the Adobe DRM used by most libraries. I just … Read more

Need to convert a video or audio file into a different kind of video or audio file? Freeware favorite Handbrake can handle some video formats, but it's a bit out of date--and nowhere near as comprehensive as a utility like WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe.

That tool normally sells for $29.95, but from now until November 4, you can download WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe absolutely free. It's available for Windows and Mac; the license codes you need are listed right on the download page.

What's the catch? There isn't one, except that this freebie … Read more

There are plenty of free security tools out there, but few include technical support, and many of them bug you with ads and nag screens.

Those are just two of the reasons to spend a few bucks on a pro-level antivirus solution. Of course, why spend a few bucks when you don't have to? Until tomorrow, you can get Panda Cloud Antivirus Pro 1.3 absolutely free. Regular price: $29.95.

As with most paid AV programs, that price is for a one-year license--and so is this freebie. Next year at this time, you can decide if you want … Read more

Let's say I own the box set of TV's most criminally canceled show, "Firefly." Now let's say I want to watch some episodes on my iPhone. Or iPad. Or even just my laptop. Do I really have to spend more money to buy or rent them from Amazon or iTunes?

Not if I have a good DVD ripper, which copies movies and TV shows from the discs I already own and converts them to other formats (like, say, iPhone-friendly MP4).

Rippers often sell for $30, $40, or even more--but I have a pair you can … Read more