Introduction
Over the last few years, we’ve examined several free programs and made recommendations that we thought would be useful in everyday life. Following the publication of our “super-sized useful websites” film, many of you recommended we do the same with software. We’ll highlight over 50 free software solutions that are the most helpful in this compilation, arranged alphabetically. Many of these programs are compatible with Linux, Mac, and Windows.
Audacity
One popular free and open-source audio editor and recorder is Audacity. Many experts, including podcast producers, utilize it, and even beginners can learn how to use it quickly. It has multi-track mixing with sample rates up to 192 kHz and 32 bits per sample, along with conventional recording and editing functions. Plugins are applied to improve the functionality. Despite its archaic UI, it is a capable tool. You can always find the primary audio editing tools at the top of the screen.
Windows Defender
Microsoft Defender’s built-in virus and threat prevention should be adequate for Windows users who avoid high-risk internet behaviors. But if you need more sophisticated protection software, Bitdefender Antivirus Free, available for both Windows and macOS, is the finest free option. It efficiently defends your computer against malware and viruses, utilizes minimal system resources, and offers real-time threat protection.
Bitwarden
With the recent security breaches that have compromised credentials, having a password manager is crucial. Bitwarden is a dependable, free alternative for personal use that helps you keep your passwords and critical information secure. Since it is open source and your passwords are entirely encrypted and kept on Bitwarden’s servers, nobody on the team can access or read your information. Its cloud-syncing feature lets you access your passwords from almost any device at anytime. Unlike other competitors that limit free subscriptions to a single device type, Bitwarden offers limitless passwords on any device for free.
BleachBit
BleachBit is the most influential open-source cleaner for freeing up disc space and optimizing your system. This program will save you time and trouble. Its features will make your computer work more smoothly while protecting your privacy. Cookies, logs, temporary files, cache, and internet history are all cleared. Moreover, it cleans hundreds of programs, such as VLC Media Player, Skype, Firefox, Google Chrome, and many more.
Brave Browser
The Brave web browser is built on Chromium and is free and open source, comes next. It’s an excellent option for people who value privacy. Brave automatically disables website trackers and advertising-related tracking scripts using various filters, including those from the uBlock Origin project. Additionally, the browser has an integrated Tor functionality that helps keep websites from knowing your IP address, enabling you to browse with the extra security of the Tor network. When you open a new tab in Brave, a dashboard appears in the upper left corner, displaying statistics about your surfing behavior and a list of frequently visited websites. Users who participate in the rewards program or are interested in cryptocurrencies may find the cards on the right fascinating. To personalize this dashboard, click the “Customise” button in the bottom right corner. Go to the “Settings” menu and choose “Shields” in the left pane to access further settings. You may change the settings to prevent cookies, trackers, scripts, and advertisements. You can also choose whether to turn on or off Google login buttons on third-party websites and embedded Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn postings.
CPU-Z
For Windows users, CPU-Z is an excellent application for learning about your computer’s hardware. Among other essential parts, this system profile and monitoring tool finds the CPU, GPU, motherboard chipset, RAM, and more. When you open the software, you’ll see tabs for CPU, motherboard, RAM, SPD (Serial Presence Detection), and graphics. The “Bench” page allows you to benchmark your CPU or do a stress test, which might provide helpful information when contemplating hardware improvements. CPU-Z is available in classic and custom versions, with the classic version being the best fit for most users.
Darktable
Darktable is an open-source, free photographic workflow tool and RAW developer for photographers. With this application, users can develop and improve RAW photographs without causing any damage to the original image. Darktable also allows you to save your digital negatives in a database and use various metadata elements to keep your collection organized.
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is widely viewed as one of the most incredible free video editors available, offering a wide range of expert features. Despite the challenging learning curve, mastering this software is worthwhile. DaVinci Resolve provides multi-track timeline editing, different trimming tools, and many exciting effects and transitions to help your productions stand out. It also includes Fusion Effects for producing film-quality visual effects and motion graphics, giving it an all-around tool for aspiring video editors.
Domain Name Speed Benchmark
The Domain Name connection Benchmark is a vital tool for anyone wanting to improve their internet connection. Developed by renowned security researcher and software engineer Steve Gibson, well-known for his enduring podcast “Security Now,” this application examines multiple DNS servers to choose the most suitable one for your network.
Everything
When searching for files and folders in Windows, the default experience can be frustrating. Everything is an open-source program that significantly improves this procedure, making it an essential tool for Windows users. A list of all the files and folders on your computer is displayed when you run it, and it is lightweight and straightforward to use. A list of all the files and folders on your computer is displayed when you run it, and it is lightweight and straightforward to use. The search results are filtered in real-time as you type in the box to help you find what you seek. Its speed and efficiency make it a necessary part of every Windows operating system.
Firefox
Firefox, one of the most used web browsers, was created by the Mozilla Foundation. This open-source browser includes a profusion of add-ons and extensions to improve the browsing experience. Its outstanding bookmark manager lets users sync data between desktop and mobile devices. Other browsers that use the Firefox source code variations are the privacy-focused Tor Browser and Waterfox.
Photo Sketcher
Photo Sketcher is a fun and creative program for turning photos into artwork. With over 200 different styles, you can do everything from basic pencil sketches to colorful oil paintings. You must import your image, click the paint symbol at the top, choose your preferred painting style from the drop-down menu, and click “Draw.” The complexity of your selection will determine how long it takes to process. Photo Sketcher is available for Windows, with an experimental version available for MacOS and Linux users via Wine.
Glary Utilities
Glary Utilities is a widely recommended utility software, particularly for Windows users. It offers comprehensive tools to clean your system and improve PC performance. Upon launching Glary Utilities, you’ll find three tabs: Overview, One-Click Maintenance, and Advanced Tools. The Overview tab displays your boot time, while One-Click Maintenance allows you to scan for issues, including running a registry cleaner and fixing shortcuts. The Advanced Tools tab features more cleanup, repair, optimization, and privacy options. While Glary Utilities offers a Pro version with additional features, the free version is enough for most users.
Google Earth Pro
Google Earth Pro is a practical virtual globe application. Once, it was premium software, but now it is free. Similar to Google Maps, it offers advanced features for exploration. You’ll start zooming out upon launching, with controls on the right for navigation. You can zoom in and out using the page up and down keys or your mouse scroll wheel. The program allows for searches by address, business name, or coordinates. For instance, searching for the Magic Kingdom at Disney World will fly you to that location, where you can explore using arrow keys or drag your mouse. Google Earth Pro also features a layers area for adjusting the level of detail displayed, offering a rich exploration experience.
Greenshot
Greenshot is a powerful free and open-source screenshot program that allows users to capture entire screens, open windows, or specific regions of their displays. It offers customizable keyboard shortcuts, such as using the Control key with Print Screen for a full-screen capture or the ALT key for capturing a selected window. Hold the Print Screen key for regional captures, drag the desired area, and release. After taking a screenshot, users can save it directly, edit it in the Greenshot Image Editor, or upload it to services like Imgur. The editor provides tools for marking up images and supports various formats, including JPEG and PNG.
HandBrake
HandBrake is an open-source, free transcoder particularly notable for converting video formats. It is particularly good at converting big video files into smaller forms, ripping DVDs and Blu-rays, and converting uncommon video kinds into more frequently recognized formats. Users can drag and drop files into HandBrake, and it will automatically recognize the video resolution. An MKV file to MP4 conversion, for example, is simple. Before saving the file and starting the conversion process, users can configure video codec preferences, ensure consistent frame rates, and choose audio codecs.
HW Info
HW Info offers comprehensive information and real-time system monitoring for anyone needing in-depth hardware investigation. Users can see an overview of the main elements in a separate window and exit it if not in use. Any component can be selected to reveal further information, making it a valuable tool for Windows users. HW Info offers standard installation and portable versions to accommodate different user requirements.
ImageGlass
ImageGlass is a quick and easy substitute for Microsoft’s built-in Photos program if you’re sick of it. This free and open-source image viewer supports PNG, JPEG, SVG, and many other image formats. ImageGlass has a user-friendly interface with the required tools at the top and loads images rapidly. The viewer is a good option for Windows users because users may install theme packs to alter their appearance.
Inkscape
Inkscape offers a full suite of tools for producing scalable vector images, making it a great free substitute for Adobe Illustrator. This vector graphics editor allows users to create icons, pictures, and logos effortlessly while providing editing possibilities. Although the user interface is straightforward, newcomers may benefit from watching tutorials to help them overcome the early learning curve.
Kdenlive
Kdenlive is a non-linear, user-friendly video editor that makes editing more accessible for new and seasoned users. Kdenlive supports multiple audio and video formats, which also provide a range of effects and transitions to improve the quality of projects. It is built on the same structure as Shotcut, another popular video editor, making it a comfortable choice for people who have used both. The quick start tutorial in the software is helpful for beginners.
Kodi
Kodi is a flexible media player that lets you stream media straight from your PC or compatible smart devices. With its vast add-on library, Kodi lets users personalize their media experience by incorporating audio, video, and other streaming features. Although first-time users may be intimidated by Kodi’s appearance, tutorials are available online to guide them through the setup process and optimize their experience.
Krita
Krita is a raster graphics editor with an emphasis on sketching and painting. It has several tools for managing layers, helping with drawings, and supporting PSD files. Users can add more brushes and textures to expand their creative toolset and customize Krita’s simple user interface. Documentation such as tutorials and manuals are easily accessible to assist users in becoming familiar with the product.
LibreOffice
LibreOffice is a powerful tool suite that provides a free alternative to Microsoft Office. It features vital apps such as Writer for word editing and Calc for spreadsheets, equivalent to Microsoft counterparts. Impress is used for presentations, Draw for vector graphics, and Math for altering mathematical formulas. Because of its substantial advancements, LibreOffice is now a dependable option for users seeking a free office solution.
Linux Distros
Those looking for an alternative to Windows or macOS can find a variety of Linux distributions (distros) for free. Linux has many benefits, including no upfront expenses, no forced upgrades, and a lower chance of viruses. Beginners can start with user-friendly distributions such as Linux Mint, Ubuntu, Zorin OS, or Elementary OS. Although many distributions accept donations to fund their development, users can usually download them for free, guaranteeing that everyone can access computing possibilities.
LMMS
LMMS (Linux MultiMedia Studio) is a free, open-source digital audio workstation developed primarily for musicians. Users can produce beats, melodies, synthesized sounds, and mix recordings with its assortment of instrument and effect plugins. The user interface is simple, with separate project administration and music editing sections. For individuals interested in learning more about its features, LMMS provides rich documentation and video lessons.
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is vital for anyone looking to strengthen their system’s security. It offers a 14-day free trial of its premium version, including real-time protection, and is compatible with Mac and Windows. Following the trial period, it switches back to a free version that doesn’t run in the background but still has an on-demand scanner to find possible dangers other antivirus programs could miss.
Media Player Classic Black Edition
Media Player Classic Black Edition is an excellent choice for Windows users looking for a tiny media player. This version of Media Player Classic has received frequent updates are designed to use minimal system resources. It’s beneficial for folks with problems using VLC or the built-in Windows Media Player, as it has a simple interface with controls at the bottom.
Mix
Mix is a DJ audio mixing application that offers various mixing features for live presentations and recordings. It works flawlessly with your iTunes library and is compatible with most popular audio file types. Mix offers capabilities commonly seen in high-end DJ software, such as time stretching, beat looping, and crossfader control. Although the software’s interface could initially seem overwhelming, it has a support area with a wiki, user manual, and community forums for help.
Nomacs
Nomacs is an advanced image viewer with unique features that set it apart from other photo viewers. It supports nearly all standard image formats, including RAW, and enables users to resize and crop photographs without additional editing tools. Features of the viewer include slideshows and simple keyboard arrow keys browsing across pictures. Editing options are available through the toolbar, offering immediate modifications and additional editing ability.
Olive Video Editor
Olive is a promising new non-linear video editor that aspires to be a full-featured alternative to professional software like Vegas Pro and Premiere. Olive is still in early development and frequently updates with new features. Even if it could still have some issues, it is among the most significant open-source video editing programs available for consumers looking for an affordable option.
OnlyOffice
One of the best free and open-source office suites is OnlyOffice, which has dramatically evolved and is now a serious competitor to LibreOffice. With excellent compatibility for Word and Excel files, it offers substitutes for Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Its PowerPoint counterpart, though, still requires improvement. The suite’s recognizable ribbon interface makes the switch easier for users of Microsoft Office.
OpenShot
OpenShot is an easy-to-use video editing program that has been used for a while and keeps improving. An extensive range of pictures, audio, and video setups are supported, along with numerous layers. It’s simple to add transitions, animations, and audio adjustments with OpenShot’s user-friendly interface. Users can easily use transitions and drag and drop files onto the timeline to create a professional result. A user guide is also available for new users to navigate the software.
Plex
Plex is invaluable for streaming media from your computer to devices like Roku, gaming consoles, or smartphones. Its setup is straightforward, with numerous online tutorials available. Once installed, media files organized in designated folders appear in an attractive interface that categorizes content into movies, TV shows, and music. Users can edit data tags, update general information, and even change cover art for their media library.
Pop Player
Pop Player is a multimedia player akin to VLC and KM Player, developed by the same team behind KM Player. It supports various audio and video formats, optimizing media for seamless playback. Upon launch, users will find a minimalistic interface with typical playback options along the bottom. The settings icon on the far right opens a control panel for adjusting audio, video, subtitles, and playback settings.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN stands out as a reliable free VPN service that doesn’t impose data caps, allowing users to access unlimited bandwidth. Developed by the same team behind the popular encrypted email service ProtonMail, it strongly focuses on security. The VPN is available for the three major operating systems, along with mobile apps for iOS and Android. While I can’t show the interface for security reasons, it’s known for its straightforward setup and performance.
Cubitt Torrent
Cubitt Torrent is the only BitTorrent client I recommend. It’s free, open-source, and lightweight, without the ads that often plague alternatives like uTorrent. At the same time, torrents may have a negative reputation. The user interface is familiar, displaying uploads and downloads in a primary window. Users can adjust speeds through the Tools menu to manage bandwidth effectively.
Read the Uninstaller Free
Read the Uninstaller Free is a straightforward tool designed to remove unnecessary programs from your computer. It not only uninstalls programs but also eliminates leftover junk that may remain after a program’s uninstaller. To use it, select the program you want to remove and click uninstall. It will create a system restore point before proceeding. After the uninstallation, the tool scans for residual files, folders, and registry items.
Rufus
Rufus is a free and open-source efficacy that makes USB drives from ISO files bootable. It’s beneficial for system recovery, data recovery, or working on computers without an operating system. Rufus stands out for its speed and reliability, supporting various ISO formats for Windows and several Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora. Download Rufus, run it as an administrator, select your ISO, and configure the partition scheme before starting the process.
Scribus
Scribus is a free and open-source platform publishing program that allows users to generate professional-looking documents, newsletters, brochures, and posters. It serves as an excellent alternative to expensive software like Adobe InDesign. While it has a steep learning curve, many online tutorials help users get started.
7-Zip
7-Zip is a powerful file archiver that enables users to compress files into archives more effectively than built-in tools on operating systems. It supports multiple file setups and offers a higher compression ratio, saving disk space and reducing the size of email attachments. To use 7-Zip, right-click the folder you want to compress, select 7-Zip, and choose your preferred file format.
ShareX
ShareX is a robust screenshot utility that outshines the Snipping Tool in Windows. It provides a variety of capture methods, including full-screen, active window, scrolling capture, and region selection. After taking a screenshot, users can upload directly to various services such as Google Photos and Dropbox. ShareX also includes tools like a color picker, image editor, and video converter, enhancing its functionality.
Shortcut
Shotcut is an accessible video editor regularly updated since its initial release. It includes features often reserved for paid software, such as support for 4K resolutions and multiple tracks on a single timeline. New users may find its interface different from what they’re accustomed to, mainly when adding tracks, which requires navigating through menus.
SMPlayer
SMPlayer is an excellent alternative for those seeking a media player outside VLC. It works with most common file formats and codecs, offering a user-friendly experience with minimal bloat. Key features include playback speed control, subtitle support, and customizable skins. One of its standout features is the auto bookmark, which remembers where you left off in a media file, allowing you to resume playback seamlessly.
Stellarium
Stellarium is a free and open-source planetarium software program with fewer system resources than its competitors. While it may not be the most straightforward software to navigate, a comprehensive user guide is available to help users understand its functionalities.
Sublime Text
If you’re familiar with Brackets, Sublime Text is another powerful text editor for coding and is a significant upgrade from Notepad++. Key features include simultaneous editing across multiple selected areas, visual themes, and customizable critical bindings for hotkeys. The dark background provides good contrast for the Text, and a minimap on the right helps users easily navigate large files. Sublime Text also auto-saves your work, which is beneficial in a computer crash or power loss. One downside is that it occasionally prompts you to purchase a license for $70, but you can continue using it for free without losing your work.
Sumatra PDF
Sumatra PDF is a lightweight, open-source document viewer that supports various formats, including PDF, ePub, and CHM. Its minimalistic design enhances speed, making it an excellent alternative to Adobe Reader. Files open quickly, and for PDFs with bookmarks, navigating to different sections is straightforward, which is particularly useful when accessing manuals for new appliances or vehicles.
Thunderbird
Thunderbird is a free and open-source email client developed by Mozilla, designed to manage multiple email accounts in one place. It outperforms many paid competitors, making it a solid alternative to Microsoft Outlook. Highly secure, Thunderbird allows users to easily connect email accounts from various services. It features tabbed email access, convenient search tools, and quick filters. Customization options include extensions and themes to enhance functionality and appearance.
Tor Browser
The Tor Browser prioritizes privacy and security, surpassing what many standard browsers offer. Using multiple Tor relays encrypts web traffic within the Tor network, helping to maintain user anonymity. The trade-off for this enhanced privacy is slower browsing speeds. The Tor Browser blocks third-party trackers and removes sensitive data like cookies and browsing history. It also allows access to the dark web, a collection of sites not indexed by mainstream search engines. When launching the Tor Browser, users can connect automatically in future sessions for ease of use.
VeraCrypt
VeraCrypt is a robust encryption tool that secures sensitive data, making it unreadable without the correct key. Users can encrypt an entire disk or specific partitions containing sensitive files. For those interested in setting up VeraCrypt, a tutorial link is available for guidance.
VirtualBox
VirtualBox is a free and open-source program that enables users to install and run various operating systems in a guest virtual machine. It’s an excellent way to test different OS environments and is compatible with all significant operating systems. Users installing VirtualBox on older machines may need to enable virtualization in their BIOS. Many find the setup process confusing, but beginner guides can assist.
Visual Studio Code
Microsoft offers Visual Studio Code, a free code editor for personal and business use. It is based on open-source principles and facilitates intelligent code completion, restructuring, and debugging. Users can alter keyboard shortcuts, add extensions, and switch themes with the highly configurable editor. A preview window for easy navigation through big codebases is part of its clean layout. The extensions tab makes it simple to add extensions.
Vivaldi
Vivaldi is a browser focused on productivity that incorporates several privacy features. It is built on Chromium and includes ad-blocking and tracking protection while supporting Chrome extensions. A built-in screenshot tool simplifies capturing content, and the web panel sidebar allows quick access to favorite sites. The tab tiling feature lets users view two websites side by side, which is helpful for those using a single monitor. The start page offers a speed dial for quick access to bookmarks, history, notes, and calendars.
VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player has been a standard since its creation, and it supports almost all music and video file formats. It is accessible on popular platforms, such as iOS and Android apps. Even though some users think its UI is clumsy compared to other players, once you get used to its structure, it stays functional and free of ads and malware.
Waterfox
Waterfox diverges from the trend of Chromium-based browsers by utilizing Firefox’s code. Unlike Firefox, it does not collect telemetry data beyond basic operating system and browser version information for updates. Users have access to an extensive diversity of Firefox add-ons and themes. Waterfox features a familiar interface with a search bar, a quick dial for speed access to favorite sites, and the useful Firefox screenshot tool for capturing web content.
XnView MP
XnView MP is not just a standard image viewer; it supports over 500 file formats and offers extensive photo management features. Its batch-processing tools help organize images, while the built-in photo editor allows for resizing, cropping, and adjusting contrast and brightness. Users can apply effects and filters to enhance images easily.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these free applications provide valuable features in several areas, from email management and privacy protection to coding and document viewing. We advise downloading the software from the developer’s website to reduce any security risks associated with third-party websites.
I appreciate your viewing! Please give these posts a thumbs up and tell others if you find it useful. Please leave a comment if you know of any free software that would be helpful to others. For more free software and tech-related stuff, remember to check Brettintech!
