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| Image Source: freedigitalphotos.net |
Our computers were originally bundled with
built-in programs that are readily available to use. These include the
security, multimedia, image editor, PC maintenance, and so forth. But those
embedded programs and features have basic functions only. There are a variety
of free and useful software now that we can download to enhance and help your
day to day life activities. Below is a short list of the most essential free
software you can't afford to miss on your Windows XP to Windows 8 and Macintosh
operating systems.
Antivirus
and Antimalware Protection
Regardless of how you use your computer on
a daily basis, keeping your computer healthy should be your first line of
defense. Although our computers have built-in firewalls, it has been a campaign
to protect our computers by running antivirus and keeping the system up to
date. No single tool can detect everything. An anti-malware program alone
cannot protect your computer from viruses and vice versa. So as a solution,
experts recommended to install one security tool (Microsoft Security Essential,
AVAST, or AVG) that can protect your computer from threats while surfing the Web,
installing applications, and opening files and attachments on your mail. Then
install anti-malware (malware bytes) to remove potentially unwanted software
and any other infections found to make sure nothing has been overlooked. But on
top of this, we should also maintain a good browsing habit and good downloading
hygiene.
Password Management
One of the reasons why accounts are easily hacked because people use
simple passwords such as their child's name, their last name, short phrases, or
sequential numbers so they can easily remember it. Many users also need to
remember different passwords for their email, bank accounts, eBay log in, and
so on. Typing them out in every account can be annoying. Aside from that,
hackers may use dictionary attacks and brute force attacks. But there are tools
that can help make the password more convenient and hacker proof. Aside from the security benefits that you can
get in using this software, it also helps you organize your account
information. Here’s some recommended software that would make your computer
more hacker proof:
1. Keepass (compatible with Windows/Mac/Linux/Mobile Free)
2. RoboForm (the basic version is free)
3. LastPass (also compatible with Windows/Mac/Linux/Mobile Free)
Tune-ups and Maintenance
PC tune up utility is a great way of improving your computer’s
performance without upgrading the hardware. This should be part of your overall
PC maintenance strategy. These utilities
have the capability of cleaning up temporary files and removing incorrect
registry entries, as well as personal information. But we need to keep in mind that by running
these programs it can make changes to system files. So before we start with any
tune programs, it is recommended to create a restore point and have a recent backup of your critical data. This is to allow the user
to revert their computer back to its original state if anything should happen.
Here are some of the tested programs that you can use and most of them have the
same features -- CCleaner, 360 Amigo, and Glary. Some options are grayed out
and you can only use them if you upgrade to the paid version, but the free
offering is still good utility in its own right.
If you haven’t optimized your computer for several years, you should see
a real improvement in speed and responsiveness after running the program.
However, it will become less noticeable if you run it regularly. But it’s still
a good idea to run them subsequently.
Multimedia
Image editor, paint program, and picture organizer:
Undeniably, Photoshop is still the best photo editing software. You
don’t need a formal training or be a professional to get a great free solution
for editing and organizing your images on your computer. Most of the programs
that are capable of doing all these cost hundreds of dollars -- but the best
part? All of the programs below are completely free. If you are looking for the
best photo editor, it depends on what you're looking for. The programs listed
below are all safe and fantastic.
1. PhotoScape - Is a photo manager and editor. This lets you create slideshows, edit photos
in batches, combine photos in one image, or split photo into a few pieces and
capture screenshots.
2. GIMP – Hailed as the best alternative to Photoshop. It's more
professional, it has brushes, and fine detailing tools. Like Photoshop, it lets
you create a logo or banner. This is useful to someone who does a lot of
graphic art.
3. Picasa – This software falls under manipulation/editing category, and
not image creation. Whether you are fixing a red eye, cropping a photo,
straightening it or something else, Picasa is for you. The best part about it is that once you’ve
edited your photos, you can upload it quickly.
4. Paint.net – It has more advanced tools, effects, and plugins compared
to Microsoft Paint. MS Paint is good for basic and quick photo editing while Paint.net
has more features and is more like Photoshop.
Audio and Video
For playing video, VLC is the best player for Windows operating system.
It's a small video player that is simple, fast, and reliable and can play most
multimedia files as well as DVD, CD, and VCD.
To record, edit and change audio, Audacity is your friend. It can also
be used for processing all types of audio, including podcast by adding effects
such as normalization, fading in and out, and trimming.
Documents and Text
For documents and text, Microsoft is the most popular program, though
costly, in the market today. There are many free alternatives to Microsoft Office
that you can quickly and easily start using today. Most of these applications
will work with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Consider this list next time, when you are looking to purchase MS
Office.
Apache and Libre Office almost have the same functions. They offer tools
for word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, database management, and
spreadsheet. Using these tools, you can still read the Microsoft format, as
well as save a file as Microsoft Word Document. The WORD and Database tools are
similar to MS office Word and Excel, but the presentation is different from
PowerPoint. Both tools can be installed on Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Google Docs – It is a web based suite developed by Google and it’s now
integrated with the Google Drive. This web-based service will allow the users
to create and edit documents online in real time. This tool also offers word
processing documents, drawings, presentation, and spreadsheet and can also read
Microsoft Office documents. It can work on all operating systems since its we-based.
NeoOffice – Has the same features with Apache and Libre Office but it's
designed to work with Mac OS only. The
software has grammar and spell checker features and can also read Microsoft
formats.
Backup solutions
Losing all your computer data can be catastrophic. If you damage your
laptop, you could potentially lose all the important documents. But worry no
more because backup solution can be our life saver. Backing up your files in
the cloud allows you to access your original files even if you lost your
laptop.
Backup solution is simply defined as storage located remotely, which you
can access it online anytime, anywhere using a laptop or mobile phones as long
as you have an Internet connection. The best thing about backup solution is its
flexibility and accessibility that allows you to share and edit your files. You
can update your files from one computer and you'll see the changes on the other
computer. Some of the notable free cloud storage/backup solutions are Mozy and
Dropbox. Both cloud storages have free and paid versions. For the free version,
it has limited capacity of 2 GB only and when you sign up for the paid one, you
can upgrade the capacity up to 125 GB.
There you have it! We have showcased some of the essential software that
you can't afford to miss on your computer. All these products have been tested
already and although they are free ones, they are efficient as the paid version.
These are software that are worth installing without spending a dime.
Written by:
Jezza
Mae M. Cruz - Supportrix Tech Engineer
