Top Essential Free Windows Tools
Do you like using free windows tools? Do you have what you need on your PC? As I was looking through the Internet the other day, I came across this YouTube video by TechGumbo. He has done the research on some really essential free windows tools. Check them out!
10 Free Windows Tools
I love using windows tools that make my life easier and more productive. Below is a list summarizing the apps or software that are considered to be among the best.
1. Vivaldi Browser
The very first free program we are going to talk about is the Vivaldi Browser. The absolute best thing I like about Vivaldi is that they do not track you all over the Internet. In contrast, Google Chrome keeps a very close eye on you with their tracking mechanisms.
Because you are not tracked, you can get a built-in ad blocker — right in your browser. Plus, Vivaldi has secure sync with end-to-end encryption, among other features.
2. LibreOffice
Second on our list of free windows tools is LibreOffice. According to their About Us / Who are we page, “LibreOffice is community-driven and developed software, and is a project of the not-for-profit organization, The Document Foundation. LibreOffice is free and open source software, originally based on OpenOffice.org (commonly known as OpenOffice), and is the most actively developed OpenOffice.org successor project.”
Briefly, let us look at some of the features of LibreOffice.
LiebreOffice is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Since LibreOffice does not have an alternative to Outlook. Here is a good option for you called Thunderbird. Again, Thunderbird is available for all 3 of the major platforms.
3. ShareX
Next on our list of free Windows Tools is ShareX. What is ShareX? It is a screen capture, file sharing and productivity tool. Just like the above two free programs, ShareX is a free and open source program. It’s versatility allows you to capture or record any area of your screen and then share it just by using one key. Other capabilities are uploading images, text or other types of files to multiple destinations.
4. OBS Studio
Following ShareX is OBS Studio. What can you use OBS Studio for? This free windows tool (also compatible with MacOS or Linux) keeps within the boundaries of being free and open source. You can use it for video recording and live streaming.
5. VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is known as the Swiss Army Knife of media players. Recognized by TechGumbo as being the best for playing audio or video files on your computer. VLC is a free and open source cross-platform multimedia player and framework that plays most multimedia files as well as DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols.
Additionally, the following attributes are bound to be liked by anyone that uses it.
• Plays everything – Files, Discs, Webcams, Devices and Streams.
• Plays most codecs with no codec packs needed – MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.264, MKV, WebM, WMV, MP3…
• Runs on all platforms – Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, Unix, iOS, Android …
• Completely Free – no spyware, no ads and no user tracking.
6. BitDefender
There is a wide variety of antivirus software that you could use to protect your Windows PC. One of the leading software companies is Bitdefender.
Second only to Microsoft Defender, Bitdefender is rated as being the best free antivirus alternative for Windows by CNET. This rating is for the free edition. On the plus sign are the following reasons they were chosen.
• Unbeatable threat detection to stop sophisticated malware
• Innovative technologies to protect against zero-day attacks
• Multi-layer ransomware protection to keep your files safe
• Secure VPN for complete online privacy, 200 MB/day/device IMPROVED
• Advanced parental controls to keep your kids safe online
• Minimal impact on your system performance
For extra protection against malware, Malwarebytes is highly recommended. What more can you say when a company states, “Malwarebytes is at home in the home, on-the-go, and in the corporate conference room. Made for individuals, public organizations, private entities, and everything in between.
This is what we live for, and we’re relentlessly committed to bringing effective, intuitive, and inclusive solutions to the people, families, and businesses of all kinds.”
The good news is that Malwarebytes has a free 14-day trial. After the 14 days expire, your Malwarebytes will revert to a limited but still free version. The free version after the 14 days if you decide not to upgrade will only disinfect but not protect your computer from an attack.
So, what is next in line after number 6 above? Let’s look at a free password manager.
7. Bitwarden
Especially in light of the recent COMB data breach that made you aware of, a good password manager is essential. In this case, we suggest Bitwarden. Here are some reasons why.
Now let’s cover the last three free windows tools that you are wise to look into. Next is GIMP.
8. GIMP
GIMP is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed program for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. GIMP is distributed under terms of General Public License v3 and later. In a nutshell, this means:
• You are free to use GIMP, for any purpose
• You are free to distribute GIMP
• You can study how GIMP works and change it
• You can distribute changed versions of GIMP
• You can create new images.
• Similar to Adobe Photoshop, be creative and work with layers. It also includes advance filters and effects, you can adjust the colors, do transformations and conduct a host of other things.
Before we close out, let’s look at an alternative to Adobe Illustrator called Inkscape.
9. Inkscape
Since you have stayed with us in this long article, I am going to make a bold statement that you are most likely interested in drawing or designing. Rather than detailing all of Inkscapes features, I will do a high-level summary.
If you are already familiar with Illustrator, the terms I am using will be familiar to you. Otherwise, you can check their website to get more detailed information.
• You can create,
• Manipulate your creations,
• Of interest is your ability to fill and stroke,
• Take advantage of text support,
• And a host of other features.
Of course, Inkscape is available for Windows, MacOS and Linux.
Finishing out with number 10 on our list is free video editing.
10. DaVinci Resolve
In conclusion, we are going to conclude with our recommendation of using DaVinci Resolve. According to Wikipedia, “DaVinci Resolve (originally known as da Vinci Resolve) is a color correction and non-linear video editing (NLE) application for macOS, Windows, and Linux, originally developed by da Vinci Systems, and now developed by Blackmagic Design following its acquisition in 2009.
Overall Conclusion on Free Windows Tools
As you have seen from the above list, you do not have to pay for windows tools that are safe to use. Megabite does our best to provide you with recently updated information so that you can make informed decisions as to what is best for you. Enjoy!
#freeprogram #freewindowstools
Categorised in: Apps
This post was written by Megabite
