Discover the best free and open-source software available, often surpassing their commercial counterparts. Explore our top picks in ten essential categories.
1. Antivirus and Malware Protection
Many PC users overlook the availability of free antivirus programs, which often perform just as well as or even better than their commercial counterparts.
- Antivirus software: Avast! or AVG
- Malware and spyware protection: Malwarebytes
2. Cloud Backup Solutions
Traditional backup methods are vulnerable to theft, damage, or loss. Protect your data with these online backup services.
3. Web Browsers
Move beyond the default browser on your Windows computer and try these faster, more feature-rich, and secure alternatives.
- Internet browsers: Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome
4. File Compression Utilities
Easily manage compressed files with this free utility.
- File compression software: 7-Zip
5. Disc Ripping and Creation Tools
Create audio or data CDs/DVDs, rip audio, or work with .ISO files using these free recommendations.
- CD/DVD burning software: CDBurnerXP
6. Email Solutions
Embrace free email services or clients for improved communication.
- Email client: Mozilla Thunderbird
- Online email service: Gmail
7. FTP, SFTP, and SSH Utilities
Upload or download files to/from a server with these top-rated free programs.
8. Image Editing, Painting, and Organizing Tools
Edit, create, and manage images without the hefty price tag of commercial software.
- Image editor: GIMP
- Paint program: Paint.net
- Picture organizer: Google Photos
9. Multimedia Software
Enhance your audio and video experience with these top free multimedia applications.
10. Office Suite and Text Editing
Replace expensive office suites with powerful free alternatives.
- Office suite: OpenOffice
- Notepad and source code editor: Notepad++
libre office is free too
No winscp for sftp??
TED Notepad is a good replacement for Wordpad. Found recently. It’s a quick start-up like Windows Notepad, uses little resources, and yet unlike Notepad, it doesn’t write infinitely from left to right until you start a new line.
Notepad>Format>wordwrap = problem solved.
Mozy isn’t free :/
I love to read all your posts.They are worth to read and are very interesting.We gain much knowledge and the contents help us to remain up-to-date.I am the regular reader of this site.
Keep doing.
warming words in this cold winter .. thanks for the feedback.. 🙂
As a ftp/ssh client I would recommend MobaXterm: https://mobaxterm.mobatek.net/
>VLC for media player
I’d recommend MPC-HC. It works better with different file types, and videos are just going to look nicer with the higher quality playback. There are also customization options for advanced users, like using shaders (LumaSharpen, etc.) and plug-ins (madVR for video renderer, ReClock for superior audio rendering).
wut? and blender? that top sucks
I’am great fan of this!! but i believe quickheal gives far more better protection than AVG and Avast
Nice post how I am not sure gmail is open source or and application
Is there a good open source program to download web audio?
Game and more
thanks for your valueable efforts..is there any free accounting or inventory software ..
pranking people on video chat : Manycam <—-its not free but the best one must have
Brackets is a good text editor for windows by Adobe. It is absolutely free.
Media Player Classic is best player for laptops as compared to VLC. When increase volume in VLC media player, full volume effects the speaker, in result speakers of sensitive laptops become damaged.