giveaway posts

The great Google Wave invite giveaway!

by Sebastian Anthony Oct 31st 2009

If you haven't heard of Google Wave yet -- a) wake up! and b) watch this tech demo. It's long, but if you're a nerd, or someone who uses the Internet a lot, you'll find it more exciting than the latest Harry Potter film. And at only 80 minutes, it's not a potentially-bladder-exploding endurance event, unlike the bespectacled wizard wannabe.

And with that said, the goodies: Download Squad are giving away Google Wave invites. We're going to start giving away invites whenever we have them to give away and today, to get the ball rolling, we've got 20 up for grabs! If things heat up, we'll scrounge under the couch cushions until we find more!

Wave is just starting to pick up steam, with more gadgets and gizmos and robots appearing every day. With reports of Google Wave server federation (the ability for anyone to run a Wave server) coming soon, and the sandbox walls being torn down, now's your chance to get in on the action.

Tags: giveaway, google wave, GoogleWave, invite, wave, wave invites, WaveInvites

Filed under: Fun, Features

Win one of three Halloween treat bags from Download Squad

by Victor Agreda, Jr. Oct 30th 2009

Have you ever wanted your own bag of leftover schwag from SXSW Interactive? Or how about a new laptop bag? Would an AOL USB LED flexible light help you in any way? Check out each of the treat bags below, leave a comment on the pages that describe the treat bags to enter, and in a week we'll randomly choose our winners.

Sorry, limited to US and Canda, restrictions apply, read the rules, etc. and so on below. Happy Halloween from your friends at Download Squad! Each winner also gets a t-shirt or two from LogMeIn, since they sent us a giant bag of shirts.

Treat bag One: the musical coder.

Treat bag Two: the collector.

Treat bag three: the mobile warrior.

NOTE: Do not leave comments on this post -- you can't. You must leave a comment on the post describing the treat bag you wish to enter to win.

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Tags: giveaway, halloween

Treat bag one - The Musical Developer

by Victor Agreda, Jr. Oct 30th 2009

The musical developer. Featuring some CD's from SXSW, a soma fm sticker, an old copy of Microsoft Expression, a "Games and Puzzles" book from O'Reilly, an AOL USB light and a bottle opener from Sapient.

Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.
To enter leave a comment on this post to win this prize package.
The comment must be left before Friday, November 6, 2009, 11:59PM Eastern Time.
You may enter only once.
One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
Prizes: One Soma FM stick, one "Games and Puzzles" book, 2 promotional music CD's, one Xiine disc and one version 1.0 copy of Microsoft Expression, plus one USB LED light and one aluminum bottle opener. Estimated value: no more than $100.
Click Here for complete Official Rules.

Tags: giveaway

Treat bag three - the Mobile Warrior

by Victor Agreda, Jr. Oct 30th 2009

In treat bag three we find some gear for the mobile guy. LogMeIn pen and shirt remind you of a good service for remote workers, the gel pad keeps your phone on your dash, the Brenthaven bag (15") cradles your laptop and the HeatShift Cooling Pad keeps it cool when gaming.

Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.
To enter leave a comment on this post to win this prize package.
The comment must be left before Friday, November 6, 2009, 11:59PM Eastern Time.
You may enter only once.
One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
Prizes: One HeatShift cooling pad ($50) one Brenthaven laptop bag ($50). One LogMeIn shirt, one pen and one gel pad, all valued less than $100 total.
Click Here for complete Official Rules.

Tags: giveaway

Treat bag two - The Collector

by Victor Agreda, Jr. Oct 30th 2009

In this bag we find a collector of small gems from SXSW, including Internet All Star cards, a Firefox button and an iPod sock. Or something. Flash doesn't run on iPods, but OK Adobe.

Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.
To enter leave a comment on this post to win this prize package.
The comment must be left before Friday, November 6, 2009, 11:59PM Eastern Time.
You may enter only once.
One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
Prizes: One promotional light-up pin, two stickers, one gadget sock, three buttons, three collector cards. Estimated value: no more than $100.
Click Here for complete Official Rules.

Tags: giveaway

Filed under: Fun, Microblogging

Freezly: use Twitter to get free stuff

by Jay Hathaway Sep 3rd 2009

There's an absolute treasure trove of free stuff on Twitter, but it can be hard to find the best giveaways.

Freezly is a new site that points you right to them, links and all, so you don't have to follow a ton of extra people to hear about the best contests. The front page of the site features a hotlist of popular giveaways, sorted by the number of times they've been retweeted.

There might be more to Freezly's algorithm than retweets, but whatever they're doing is working. Sometimes you'll have to retweet or reply on Twitter to enter a contest, and sometimes you can just go to a website and collect your freebies, but there's a lot of great stuff out there.

Free business cards! MacBooks! Ludacris' car?! It's a bonanza out there, and Freezly will help you get in on it if you're so inclined.

[via Mashable]

Tags: contests, free, freezly, giveaway, twitter

Filed under: Business, Social Software

SquareSpace isn't giving away new iPhones, exactly

by Jay Hathaway Jun 11th 2009

Web publishing providers SquareSpace are giving away 30 new iPhone 3GSs over a period of 30 days on Twitter ... or are they? If you read the fine print -- and SquareSpace's FAQ for the contest, you'll see that what they're actually giving away is a $199 Apple gift certificate. For some people -- like new AT&T customers, that amounts to a new iPhone. For other winners who already have iPhones, it might be a harsh wakeup call when the $199 only covers a fraction of the unsubsidized price.

What AT&T and Apple decide to charge for an iPhone isn't SquareSpace's problem, and if I found $199 on the ground, I would pick it up. On the other hand, though, there's something a bit tricky about getting hundreds of Twitter users to spread the word about your product and land you on the trending topics using the promise of an iPhone that may or may not actually be attainable through your giveaway. That $199 can be used for anything from the Apple Store, and a discount on a new MacBook Pro is nothing to sniffle at, but it's not an iPhone 3GS.

Tags: giveaway, iphone, squarespace, twitter

Filed under: Developer, OS Updates, Microsoft, Commercial

Microsoft gets drunk, gives away Technet subscriptions

by Lee Mathews Jun 3rd 2009

Ok, so I can't actually back that title up with any actual evidence, but when Microsoft pulls a Jack Napier and starts throwing money on the people of Gotham, you assume something is up.

Regardless, they're handing out free subscriptions to TechNet Plus - which normally run $349. Sign up via the appropriate link for the US, Canada, or the UK (readers in other countries may be out of luck), complete the registration forms, and you'll get access to all the glorious goodies in the TechNet vault. Despite my misgivings about the certificate warnings and badly-rendered page layouts, this is the real deal.

There are, of course, a couple catches. First, it appears as though the program will expire on September 30 - not a terrible thing, since you'll still get three full months of downloads and access. Second - and a much bigger issue - is that product key troubles abound.

It's all fine and dandy to have access to download things like Windows Home Server and Office 2007 straight from Microsoft, but access to legitimate keys is equally (or perhaps more) important.

That said, with a little patience and several re-clicks, I've managed to secure keys for Home Server and Office 2007 - so it does work.

Update: with IE8 and compatibility mode enabled, I'm having very good results getting product keys (9:36AM Central)

Update: Even better results when using Opera 10. WTH?

Update: Original links may no longer be working...Try this product link, as suggested in the comments:

Quick, go sign up before they come to their senses!

[via Ars Technica]

Tags: drunk, freebies, giveaway, microsoft, technet

Filed under: Internet, Security, Utilities, Windows, Commercial, Freeware, Troubleshooting, Windows x64

Wednesday giveaway: Comodo Internet Security Pro

by Lee Mathews Mar 11th 2009

I took Comodo's free Internet Security suite for a test drive when they released it last year, and was pleased with how it performed. The company has been a respected provider of firewall protection for years, so it was nice to see them develop a more complete desktop security solution. The free version is packed with great features, and is an excellent free antivirus/firewall/HIP product for Windows PCs.

Thanks to the good folks at Comodo, ten lucky commenters will get their hands on a product key for the Professional version.

Curious about what sets Pro apart from the free version? For starters, you'll be eligible for live 24-7, "remote hands-on" tech support. Our regular readers are all pretty tech savy and may not need this, but maybe there's a relative or two on your support list that might appreciate it? That way, you both get a prize - less phone calls for you, and CIS Pro for them!

You'll also get access to Comodo's TrustConnect service, which provides you a trusted VPN connection that's available everywhere - even on your iPhone or iPod Touch. It's a nice layer of protection to have available when you're stuck using untrusted wireless access on the road.

To enter, just leave a comment on this post before the clock strikes midnight EST on Sunday, March 15th. We'll announce the winners on Monday the 16th.

This contest is open to legal residents of the United States only. Foreign DS readers, fear not! We've got more giveaways coming up for other great apps that you'll be able to participate in!

Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 and older.
To enter leave a comment on this post.
The comment must be left before March 15, 11:59PM Eastern Time.
You may enter only once.
Ten winners will be selected in a random drawing.
Prize: Key code for one year of Comodo Internet Security Pro (US$39).
Click Here for complete Official Rules.

Tags: antivirus, comodo, contest, firewall, free, freebie, giveaway, internet-security, tech-support

Filed under: Internet, Security, Windows, Commercial, Freeware

Download Zonealarm 2009 Pro for free on 11/18/2008

by Lee Mathews Nov 17th 2008

ZoneAlarm has been around for years, and is still one of the most popular Windows firewall programs around (about 1.6 million CNET downloads to date).

As reported on gHacks, Checkpoint will be giving away the 2009 Pro version tomorrow - complete with one year of updates. We're not sure about the exact URL for the promotion, but gHacks thinks it will probably be associated with this address.

ZoneAlarm Pro adds anti-spyware protection to ZoneAlarm's firewall product. Pair that with your favorite antivirus program, and you have a full security suite!

The latest version of the ZoneAlarm family has received good reviews. CNET Australia reviewed ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 2009 and said, "ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 provides top-notch fundamental security protection that is light on system resources, allowing you to work unencumbered." It's also a perennial favorite of PC World, winning Editor's Choice awards four years in a row.

If you're not a fan of ZoneAlarm, you may want to check out Comodo's latest offering.

We'll see if the Checkpoint servers can cope with the increased demand. I'm sure we all remember what happened with the Codeweavers giveaway last month.

Update: at 6am Pacific, this page will be changed to offer the free Pro version.

Update: It's 6am Pacific, and still no link. The traffic has started. As I expected, their servers weren't able to handle the influx and there's a "we're sorry!" message up now.

Update: It's Live! Go and get it!

Tags: antivirus, firewall, free, giveaway, zonealarm

Filed under: Fun, OS Updates, Linux, Novell, Open Source

Giveaway: OpenSUSE 11.0 box set with all the trimmings!

by Kristin Shoemaker Jun 19th 2008

The people at the OpenSUSE project are so excited about their recent 11.0 release, they're ready to share the love with a lucky Download Squad reader! And it's not that garden variety elementary school crush sort of love, either. It's the bona fide, dyed in the wool, hand-holding sort of love, complete with instruction manuals, quick start guides and 90 days of end-user installation support bliss!

The OpenSUSE 11.0 boxed version is especially nice for new users, not only because of the support and great manuals, but because it has every iteration of OpenSUSE 11.0 you could ever imagine. Need the x86 version? There it is! Got a 64 bit processor and a ridiculous amount of RAM to support? Hey, the 64 bit version's there too!

There's the usual Linux suspects, too, of course: KDE, GNOME, Xfce, OpenOffice, Firefox, GIMP, Amarok, firewall software, and AppArmor. But lest your heart become overwhelmed, there are a few hoops you have to jump through to get up close and personal with the OpenSUSE 11.0 box set of love.

In order to win the OpenSUSE 11.0 team's heart (or at least the fruits of their labor):

Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older
Leave a comment on this post and tell us what you like best about free speech and/or free beer (and keep in mind that our moms visit this site, so go easy on the free speech concerning the free beer, okay?)
Contest is open until 11:59 pm Eastern Time, June 26, 2008
You may enter once.
One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
Prize is one boxed copy of OpenSUSE 11.0, including manuals and 90 days of end-user installation support. (valued at $60)
Click here for complete official rules.

Tags: giveaway, linux, opensuse, opensuse 11, Opensuse11

Filed under: Internet, Windows, Macintosh, Windows Mobile, Commercial, Beta

Signup for Evernote for free - today only

by Brad Linder Mar 21st 2008

Note taking and organization application Evernote comes in a few forms. There's a Windows Desktop application, a mobile cleint, a web client, and a beta Mac desktop client. The Windows app would normally set you back $50, while the Mac version is in private beta, meaning you can only download the software if you have a beta invitation.

While we have a few invites to give away, Giveaway of the Day has an unlimited number of beta invites. But you have to sign up today. You probably figured that out once you read that the site was called Giveaway of the Day, but we thought we'd make it clear.

Oh, and if you're a Windows user, you can download and install a full version of the Windows desktop client for free today only as well. Just makes sure to follow the download links and instructions available at Giveaway of the Day.

Tags: beta, evernote, free, giveaway, invitations, invites

Filed under: Fun, OS Updates, News, Windows, Microsoft

Last chance to win a copy of Vista Ultimate

by Victor Agreda, Jr. Feb 2nd 2007

Just a quick reminder: our giveaway contest where you can win a totally free copy of Windows Vista ends at midnight (Eastern Standard Time) tonight, February 2. After the clock strikes midnight, we'll do our magical gee-whiz randomizing business, remove the duplicate entries (you didn't think that was going to work did you?), and pick not one, but THREE lucky winners. We'll contact those winners via the emails provided, gather the appropriate meatspace info, and ship out shiny black boxes of Microsoft goodness. Of course, we'd like to check back after a few weeks and see how Vista is working out for these lucky folks, but we certainly won't require it.

As you can see, you can't leave comments on this post to enter. You'll have to go to our official post and add a comment. Good luck!

Tags: contest, giveaway, vista, vista ultimate, VistaUltimate

Filed under: OS Updates, News, Windows, Microsoft

Office 2007: The Rumors are true

by Ryan Carter Jan 31st 2007

Remember when we told you that Microsoft was giving away copies of Vista and Office 2007 as part of their "Power Together" campaign? They weren't blowing smoke. I received my copy of Office 2007 yesterday in the mail. It didn't come with an actual CD, only a license key and the URL to download it, but I did get it in the end. If you had been wondering if you would ever get yours, that is if you ever got the website to work at all, and completed the 3 webcasts you had to watch, you should get it soon (if you haven't already). I just thought you should know that Microsoft did live up to what they said, which makes this geek happy. I feel like I stuck it to the man, getting their software (which is usually expensive) for free, legally, and all shiny to boot.

Oh, did I mention that if you weren't able to get the site to work or couldn't complete the offer to get Vista, we are giving away a few copies of it. Sadly, we don't have copies of Office to give away.

Tags: giveaway, ultimate, vista, windows

Filed under: OS Updates, News, Windows, Microsoft, Commercial

Win a copy of Vista Ultimate

by Victor Agreda, Jr. Jan 29th 2007

We have three hot copies of Vista, sealed and ready, and we're just itching to give them away. These aren't hot as in stolen, but hot as in fresh. While Engadget has been putting Vista through the paces (and then some), we're willing to send off these three little boxes of
newness to three lucky individuals... Of course, we'd love to hear back from you, and we're even willing to do a little interview in a couple of weeks, just to see what you've been doing with this shiny OS from Redmond.

So all you have to do to enter? Leave a comment here on Download Squad, on this post you're reading right now. Naturally, there's a lot of rule business to cover. You can read all the details (legal mumbo jumbo) after the jump, but key points include: you must be 18 or older, contest valid in 50 U.S. states only, void where prohibited, leave only one comment per household, and no, you cannot bribe us. Since we're only giving away 3 copies, we'll only pick 3 winners. The contest closes on Friday, Feb. 2, just before midnight Eastern Standard Time. We'll contact you by the email (the one you use to either confirm comments or activate your password, so make sure you check it!), and get the mailing info once we verify you aren't a robot from the Apple people.

Tags: contest, giveaway, ultimate, vista

The World's Hardest Game 2.0 - Time Waster

So, just how good at time waster games are you? Think you've got the stuff? Well, The World's Hardest Game 2.0 doesn't think you do. Yes, amazingly, it's possible to have a sequel to a game called "The World's Hardest Game". It doesn't seem logically possible, since if the first one was actually the world's hardest, how could another one come along and share the moniker? It made me doubt the name in the first place. That is, until I tried the game. The mechanics of the game are very simple. You are a small red square, ...

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giveaway posts

The great Google Wave invite giveaway!

Win one of three Halloween treat bags from Download Squad

Treat bag one - The Musical Developer

Treat bag three - the Mobile Warrior

Treat bag two - The Collector

Freezly: use Twitter to get free stuff

SquareSpace isn't giving away new iPhones, exactly

Microsoft gets drunk, gives away Technet subscriptions

Wednesday giveaway: Comodo Internet Security Pro

Download Zonealarm 2009 Pro for free on 11/18/2008

Giveaway: OpenSUSE 11.0 box set with all the trimmings!

Signup for Evernote for free - today only

Last chance to win a copy of Vista Ultimate

Office 2007: The Rumors are true

Win a copy of Vista Ultimate

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