Twelve Free Programs Every Windows User Should Have and Why
Membership in the computer age can be very expensive. First you have to buy a computer, then software, then software licenses, then internet access, then media like CD-roms and USB drives to store data, etc. The process can be very tedious, intimidating and expensive. However, there are many pieces of software out there that work just as well as their retail counterparts and are, in fact, free. Having been a techie and consumer with limited resources for a while, I’ve come across several great free programs that I think belong on any Windows PC. What follows is a list of the best ones, as well as descriptions of what they do and why you’d find them useful. They are not listed in any particular order. Please note that while I use and can recommend all of these programs, I assume no responsibility for their use, any damages resulting from their use, or their availability. Please also note that due to the limits of active links placed by this site, I am unable to link to the obtainment location of these programs. However, you can easily find them on Google.
1. AVG Products:
Well, I am including here some programs from the same company, but they are all good and, in many cases, free. AVG antivirus is one of the free ones, as well as one of the best utilities of its kind. If you have a business, you can still get it, you will only have to pay for the business version. It is kept up to date very regularly by Grissoft, the developer, and I have had as much luck, if not better, than some of the big name software packages like Norton and Mcafee. Another very good product in this line is their spyware removal program. It seems to remove more malware (programs that are in that gray area between legitimate and real spyware) and during the trial period it provides an active scan, which means it will protect you whenever it is running in the background. Even after the trial runs out, you can still update it and run analytics.
two. Spybot Search and Destroy
Another good spyware removal utility. This one is completely free, although it is supported by a donation if you wish. Spybot is very easy to use, regularly updated and practically a simple and functional tool. Combined with AVG or Lavasoft’s Adaware program, you’ll get most, if not all, spyware off your computer in a timely manner.
3. MozillaFirefox
In the beginning there was Netscape and Internet Explorer… and federal antitrust lawsuits. Now, we have Mozilla Firefox, which is a feature-rich browser and a personal preference over Internet Explorer, which in the past has been plagued with security holes and fallen victim to countless pop-ups. Firefox is very successful at blocking them (although Internet Explorer has gotten a lot better lately) and also appears to be a bit faster and more stable. If you’re having problems with Internet Explorer or just looking for an alternative, this is a real winner. You can also check out their other free software, such as Thunderbird, an alternative to Microsoft Outlook.
Four. Belarc Free Advisor
Have you ever installed a video card, sound card, or even a program and really had no idea what it was? Just run this utility and you’ll get a nicely organized list of everything on your computer: every piece of software, every piece of hardware, every driver version you’re currently using. It goes even further and also gives you product identification codes for the programs you have installed (the ones you installed legitimately, of course). So if you’re not really sure what you have on your PC or have lost the Product ID for a piece of software you actually own, this tool can be invaluable.
5. open Office
Everyone these days needs an office pack. Whether you need to write a document on a word processor, put together a presentation to deliver on an LCD projector, or create a personal finance spreadsheet, it’s just a requirement for general PC use. There is the obvious choice of Microsoft Office or Word Perfect and both are very good options, but they also cost a decent amount of money. There is a free alternative in OpenOffice and it’s good. It is quite similar to Microsoft Office in its appearance and can even open files created in that package. Plus, with the support of Sun Microsystems and a dedicated group of developers, you know it will continue to evolve and be around for a long time.
6. Gimp
It’s not a very nice name but it’s a very good program. This is a graphics editor much like Adobe Photoshop. You can create and manipulate images in many different formats and file types and convert them to your liking. For a free program, it’s incredibly comprehensive, though I’d warn you to save quite often as it’s failed me before. But for the cost, you can’t complain.
7. Knoppix Live CD
This one may sound counterintuitive because it’s actually a Linux operating system, but it can be a lifesaver. This is a complete operating system that runs on a CD. Let’s say Windows crashes but you really need an important document right away. Just load the CD and as long as you have some kind of removable media, like a USB drive, you can access your file and save it. You can also browse the Internet, use Open Office, send and receive email, and even chat on popular messaging services like AIM and Yahoo.
8. macaronic tongue
Speaking of messengers. This was formally known as GAIM, but after a legal dispute with AOL, the developers changed it to Pidgeon. This is a multi-client messenger, which means that in one window you can simultaneously connect to your Yahoo, AIM, MSN, ICQ, etc. You can keep them organized, keep records of every conversation, transfer files, and basically do anything else you can with a single messenger, all in one convenient place.
9. GooglePicasa
A very good program from Google that allows you to organize all your digital photos. It will scan your drive for them, so be careful if there are any you don’t want your grandkids to see. Beyond that, you can easily tweak, categorize, and even password-protect albums in case the aforementioned issue occurs.
10 safe experience
I would not suggest using anything other than the automatic setup of this program if you are not a fairly experienced Windows user. However, it gives you much more control over Windows XP by allowing you to make it more secure and faster. Just don’t change anything if you’re not sure what it is, and don’t try it yet on Windows Vista.
eleven VLC
One last essential for any Windows PC is a good media player. You can download anything these days, from music to movies, and VLC is your one-stop source for playing them all. A small media player that will play everything from mp3 to divx and dvd in good quality and using very little system resources.
12 Microsoft Power Toys
For the final choice, I had to opt for a Microsoft product and this one is free. Well, technically products, since this is a list of applications developed by Microsoft after the release of Windows. Programs include tweakui that gives you even more control over Windows, several different programs for creating slideshows of your images, tools for matching the colors you see on your monitor to those coming out of your printer, and even a tool to enhance the clarity of the text in case you have trouble reading this.
There you have it, twelve programs that will increase the productivity, speed, and efficiency of your Windows PC without costing you a dime. Just remember that I am in no way associated with these programs nor do I offer any endorsement of their use. I do not take any responsibility for any damages caused by their use, as they are entirely the property and responsibility of their developers. This article was written solely as advice for those who are looking for good free programs. If you like this article, please visit me on my website for more tips and a chance to respond with any suggestions or questions you may have.