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Music production software are digital audio workstations that give music artists a platform to record, edit, mix and otherwise refine their audio tracks. Above all else, they enable users to create music without any live instruments, which is probably preferable to banging away at the drums in a garage. Here are some freeware and open-source music production software you can add to Windows.

Audacity is one of the more renowned open-source audio editors that has had millions of downloads. This is a multi-platform package compatible with macOS, Windows and Linux. Press the Download Audacity 2.1.2 link on the softwares home page to add the program to Windows.

With Audacity, you can both record music from a variety of sources and post-process almost any type of audio. The software enables users to apply a range of effects to music, adjust pitch, treble and bass and even analyze tracks with its frequency analysis tool. The program presents music tracks as editable waveforms that users can edit. Users can also edit audio files with cut, copy and paste or use its truck load of additional plug-ins to enhance the range of effects and audio analysis. Audacity has built-in support for the LV2, LADSPA and Nyquist plug-ins.

Darkwave Studio is freeware that gives users a virtually modular audio studio that supports both VST and ASIO. The program supports 64-bit Windows platforms from XP to 10. It requires just 2.89 MB storage space and you can add it to your desktop or laptop by pressing the Download button on this web page. Note that Darkwave Studio also comes with adware, so check the third-party program offers in the installer.

The first thing most users will probably note about Darkwave is its elegant tabbed UI design. Darkwave has a streamlined UI with a lot of the options and settings in separate windows and context menus. The software incorporates up to eight separate modules that include a pattern editor, HD recorder, sequence editor, MIDI input and percussion synthesizer. With the pattern editor, you can select and edit digital music patterns. The sequence editor enables users to mix the track patterns together. The HD recorder tab includes recording options for streaming audio. The program also includes 19 built-in plug-ins with which to add virtual effects to the tracks, and you can add plenty more VST/VSTi plug-ins to the software.

Studio One Prime is the freeware version of the Presonus Studio One software, complemented by the Artist and Professional version which retail at $450. Studio One Prime is a stripped down version of those packages that you can add to your software library with a my.presonus.com account. The software is compatible with more recent Windows and macOS platforms, and youll also need at least 4GB RAM and 30GB of storage for it.

Although the freeware version lacks quite a few of the options and native audio effects offered in Studio One Artist and Professional, it still has the same intuitive drag-and-drop UI with which to create new tracks and add effects. Studio One Prime includes unlimited audio tracks, FX and virtual instruments. You can also add nine native audio effects to music tracks. Latency compensation, easy side-chain routing and the control link MIDI-mapping system are a few of the mixing and control tools retained in the freeware version. In addition, One Prime has multitrack MIDI and multitrack track transform (for track freezing) editing tools. So, even though its a stripped down Studio One version, it still has most of theessential tools to create recordings.

Hydrogen is open-source music production software thats more specifically a digital drum machine which imitates drums. The program is compatible with Windows, Linux and macOS. Note that the Windows version is still in beta, so it might have a few bugs. Click Hydrogen 0.9.7 on this page to save Hydrogens installer to Windows.

Hydrogen has a pre-installed GMkit that includes Snare, Jazz, Ride Jazz, Ride Rock, Stick, Snare Jazz, Closed HH (high hat), Pedal HH and Cowbell drum kits. among others. The softwares pattern sequencer has an unlimited number of patterns and enables users to chain patterns together within a music track. Users can select and arrange various drum audio effects over a file and even overlap them. Hydrogens Mixer is another of its handy tools with which you can tune drum volume and also apply some extra special effects. The latest version of the software enables users to export and import song patterns into tracks, and it also includes a Director Window with a metronome and a Sample Editor with cut and loop options. So, if you need to cook up some drumming beats, Hydrogen will provide the required tools and options.

LMMS, otherwise known as the Linux Multimedia Studio, is a comprehensive, open-source music production application that comes with five editors and a variety of synthesizers to further refine your audio tracks. This is cross-platform software you can run with Windows, Linux (Ubuntu, Mint and Debian) or macOS. Press one of the LMMS buttons on this web page to save either the 32 or 64-bit installer to Windows.

As mentioned, LMMS has five editors that consist of aSong Editor for composing melodies, a Beat+Bassline Editor to consolidate instrument tracks with, Piano Roll, Automation Editor and an FX Editor with which you can mix FX channels. Users can import both MIDI files and Hydrogen project files with the Song Editor. LMMS boasts a wide variety of instrument synthesizers, among which are a Roland monophonic bass, oscillator, wavetable, NES, organic and mallets synthesizers. The program also supports VST and LADSPA plug-ins with which you can mix a multitude of extra effects into the music track. As such, LMMS certainly packs in plenty of music production tools.

Those are five audio production tools for Windows that have most of the tools youll need for music production. As theyre all open source or freeware programs they offer unbeatable value and are great alternatives to proprietary digital audio workstations.

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Here are the best free music production software for Windows - Windows Report

Free malware removal tools

Malware is a serious problem, and if you download free software it's all too easy to end up with a malicious program on your PC that presents a threat to your personal data or system integrity.

Not all antivirus software comes with a specific malware scanner, and because malware doesn't behave like a virus, it can easily be missed. To identify and fully remove malicious software, you need a tool that's designed specifically for the job.

Note that you should only have one antivirus program installed at a time, but the rest of these tools are ideal supplements for your main security suite.

Malwarebytes is the best tool for removing stubborn malware infections, with deep scans and daily database updates

The most effective malware remover, with deep scans and daily updates to find the latest threats

If you suspect a malware infection, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware should be your first port of call. Its updated daily with the latest threats, and

The first time you install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, youre given a 14-day trial of the premium edition, which includes preventative tools like real-time scanning and specific protection from ransomware. After two weeks, it reverts to the basic free version. This wont stop you falling victim to a malware attack in the first place, but thanks to Malwarebytes regular updates,

Last year, Malwarebytes bought Adwcleaner, which as its name suggests targets and removes annoying programs that hijack your browser by changing your homepage, resetting your default search engine, or adding unwanted toolbars. Its also available free, and along with Anti-Malware, is a great addition to your malware-removal toolkit.

Download here: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Bitdefender is a superb all-round security suite, and unlike many free antivirus programs, it has a dedicated malware scanning engine

Prevention is better than cure, and Bitdefender delivers both in one slick package

If youre thinking about replacing your antivirus software, check out Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition. It has a dedicated anti-malware engine to help you avoid an infection in the first place, and effectively mops up any existing problems.

One of BitDefenders best features is the ability to scan files or folders that look a bit suspicious by simply dragging and dropping them onto its home screen (it might be a good idea to do this with your Downloads folder if youve noticed some funny business lately). Any unpleasantness detected by the anti-malware engine will be swiftly quarantined, and can be disposed of at your leisure.

BitDefender is unobtrusive, but its Protection Shield will alert you to any malicious attempts to compromise your system. All in all, its an excellent foundation for your anti-malware arsenal.

Download here: Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

Whether you want to replace your regular antivirus software or just want to beef up your malware protection, Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ is a dependable choice

Ad-Aware can replace your main antivirus or work a supplement to eliminate brand new malware

Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ is another great option if youre building an anti-malware toolkit from the ground up. It includes a virtual environment where suspicious programs can be analysed to see if they behave like malware (a technique known as heuristic analysis). This means youre always protected from new malware even if youre the very first person to be affected and the malicious program isnt yet in Ad-Awares database of known threats. The malware can then be safely contained and removed.

All this happens quietly in the background, and can be suspended temporarily if you want your processors full power for a gaming session.

Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ can also scan downloads before you install them, helping prevent malware infestations in the first place by filtering their most common point of entry.

If you already have an antivirus program you trust, you can opt to install a version of Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ without real-time scanning, so it wont cause conflicts and can work as a security supplement instead.

Download here: Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+

When you have to remove a malware infection for a friend or family member, EEK is invaluable

Portable malware removal thats perfect if youve been assigned the role of home tech support

If youre called in to help a friend with a malware infestation, Emsisoft Emergency Kit is the tool for you. Its a portable app, so you can keep it handy on a USB stick, or your cloud storage service of choice (its only 591GB, though it does generate log files, which will take up a little extra room).

Like any malware removal tool, Emsisoft Emergency Kit has a database of current threats, and the PC youre cleaning needs an internet connection so the software can check for updates.

Once its updated itself, it scans the PC for threats and quarantines anything it finds to stop it doing further damage to your system. After a quick reboot, the files will be deleted.

Download here: Emsisoft Emergency Kit

If you think a file or folder might be harboring malware, use SUPERAntiSpyware to submit it for closer analysis

All-round protection from malicious software that gives you full control over manual scans

The free edition of SUPERAntiSpyware detects all forms of malicious software including adware and spyware and removes every trace quickly and efficiently.

If you suspect that a particular file might contain malware, you can submit it to SUPERAntiSpywares threat labs, where its behavior will be analyzed. Its not as fast or convenient as tools that scan files using a virtual machine, but is a good option if your system is low on resources.

You can also control which types of file are scanned, whether SUPERAntiSpyware should follow shortcuts, and whether it should check inside ZIP archives very handy if youve downloaded a program in an archive and want to check it before extracting the contents.

Scans must be performed manually, but SUPERAntiSpywares granular control makes it a great choice for more confident users.

Download here: SUPERAntiSpyware

Read more:
The best free malware removal tools | TechRadar - TechRadar

PC Magazine

Navigating the Many Offers of Free Tax Help New York Times The Internal Revenue Service continues to offer the Free File program online, do-it-yourself tax preparation software from a dozen commercial vendors to low- and moderate-income filers. (Generally, this refers to people who earn less than $64,000 ... This is how much it will cost you to do your own taxesSTLtoday.com all 32 news articles »

Original post:
Navigating the Many Offers of Free Tax Help - New York Times

Sylvia Magleby is a software training employee in the HBLLs free software training lab. She is at the consultant desk in the media center helping answer students questions when she isnt teaching. (Maddi Driggs)

The library can be more than a study spot or a place to get a good book. On the fourth floor of the Harold B. Lee Library (HBLL) software classes are available free of charge to the BYU community.

The Software Training Lab is located in room 4840 of the Media Center and offers training for students, staff, faculty and family members with the opportunity to expandtheir knowledge. Instruction is given on a variety of subjects ranging from Adobe Photoshop to Microsoft Excel to 3D Design and Printing.Members can find a class setting that works best for their needs because the lab offers both individual and group training.

Caleb Thompson, an information systems major, had a desire to develop skills that could prove useful in his personal life and his field of study. After taking a couple of classes and enjoying them, he decided to enroll in all of them and has found them especially useful.

Ive always been around art and designing but Id never really done much graphic design. But through the classes and projects that I did, I was able to build my skills and get a job doing graphic design for the advisement center for the Family Home and Social Sciences college on campus, Thompson said.

Thompson said he believes many students arent aware of these classes offered in the library but thinks that these training courses often help students in their class assignments, providing them with skills that add creativity to their work. He recommends joining the trainings with a purpose, such as a project which needs to becompleted using certain software, so students can get the most out of the class.

Students are in fields where theyre going to need training. A lot of classes dont offer training so they come to us, said Sam Jackson, a student employee who helps provide software training.

Jackson is a psychology major but acquired many of his software skills in high school. He follows in the footsteps of his older brother who held the same job and recommended Jackson try it. Jackson is just one of many software training employees who teach classes in the Media Center.

Library Instruction Coordinator Suzanne Julian said class slots fill up quickly because students enjoy the crash course structure in which they are taught. She invites students to make use of this service in high demand.

When students get into a project, they want quick help. The Media Center offers that in a controlled environment, Julian said.

Sylvia Magleby, a training employee in the lab, said she believes classes fill up quickly at the start of the semester because of students lighter workload compared to the rest of the semester. This extra time allows them to make time for training classes.

Right now, we still have several seats available in some of our classes . . . The ones to fill up fastest are the Adobe Suite programs, especially Photoshop and Illustrator. Many students are keen to learn those programs because they are so useful for both school and personal purposes,Magleby said.

She suggests that anyone interested in those courses sign up in advance or risk missing out. Signing up as late as the day of the class is acceptableas long as spots are open.

Magleby calls the Software Training Lab BYUs best kept secret, although shes unsure why thats the case. Despite countless advertisements on campus, many people are unaware of what the lab is and what it has to offer.

Software Instruction Supervisor Jed Johnston enjoys having people come in and make use of the photo and video equipment available in addition to software training. He mentions that upon opening this service to the campus community, the library didnt always offer certain courses.

It started with OIT, who handed their classes over to the library, allowing us to add even more courses like Microsoft, Johnston said.

Johnston said he believes the library should always be a source of free knowledge.

Whenever something is offered in the library, (they) usually try to make it free. The only charge is filament for 3D printing, Johnston said.

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HBLL's free software training lab considered BYU's 'best kept secret' - Universe.byu.edu

By Lisa Ferdinando

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2017 With the tax season upon us, service members and their families can access free tax-filing software and consultations to help them navigate the task of submitting their annual taxes

Military members and their families can visit the Military OneSource website or call 1-800-342-9647 for the no-cost MilTax software, explained Erika Slaton, a program analyst with Military OneSource.

The Defense Department recognizes military members and their families have unique filing situations with deployments, relocations and various deductions and credits, she said.

The MilTax software, previously known as Military OneSource Tax Services, was created with the military situation in mind, Slaton said.

Expert Tax Consultants Ready to Help

Tax consultants are available via phone through Military OneSource, Slaton said. In-person tax filing assistance can be accessed at military installations at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance location.

The tax consultants can inform eligible users about the unique tax benefits available to service members and their families, Slaton said.

Tax laws change each year, Slaton pointed out, adding MilTax consultants are experts on the nuances of the law and can help users get the tax credits they earned and deserve.

Thats why its such a great program because it is a program that is specifically designed for those unique military tax situations, she said.

Confidential, Secure Resources

MilTax is confidential and secure, Slaton said. The online filing program allows users to submit a federal return and up to three state tax returns, she said.

Those eligible for MilTax include members of the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and National Guard. Coast Guardsmen serving under Title 10 authority are entitled to the services as well. Retired and honorably discharged members are authorized for up to 180 days past their separation. Spouses, dependent children and survivors are able to use the free services as well.

Calculations are backed by a 100-percent accuracy guarantee, Slaton said.

The deadline to file taxes this year is Tuesday, April 18. The traditional tax deadline day is April 15, but it falls on a Saturday this year, and the following Monday, April 17, is Emancipation Day, in the District of Columbia a legal holiday according to the IRS.

Call, Click, Connect

Slaton wants the military community to know about the range of services and resources available at no cost through the Defense Department-funded Military OneSource, including related to health, family relationships, education, employment, financial issues, deployments and transitions.

Military members and their families, she said, can call, click and connect today to access these services.

We encourage service members and their families to learn more about Military OneSource, MilTax and all of the services that are available because it is a benefit that they deserve, she said.

(Follow Lisa Ferdinando on Twitter: @FerdinandoDoDNews)

By Lisa Ferdinando

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DOD offering free tax software and support to military, families - AmeriForce Publishing, Inc.