How to get free things from Microsoft

The utilities page on the Microsoft website includes links for... — The utilities page on the Microsoft website includes links for downloadable security software, games and applications. Credit: Handout

By RONNIE GILLronnie.gill@newsday.comMay 20, 2013

Finding your way around Microsoft's website can be daunting. Hidden among its pages are some gems -- programs and perks that are free. Here are some:

1. Among the things on the Utilities page (tinyurl.com/chta3m2) are links for: Microsoft Safety Scanner, which helps protect your PC and remove malicious software; games and applications for Windows touch-enabled PCs; and a tool to install a downloaded copy of Windows 7 onto your computer from a USB flash drive or DVD.

2. Have you purchased MS Office 2013? On the Office templates page (tinyurl.com/cyzu3m9), you'll find additional templates for Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher, ranging from a birthday gift certificate card in Word to a wedding photo album in PowerPoint.

3. On the Personalize Your PC page (tinyurl.com/cwdyyaq), there are extra themes and gorgeous desktop wallpapers as well as additional language packs for Windows XP through 8.