Essential Free Software for a New PC or MAC
Everyone knows the really obvious
stuff that you install when you get a new computer: Adobe Reader, Office,
Firefox, Chrome and so on. But there’s lots of other lessknown software that
will enhance your experience, that too for free
WINDOWS
Dexpot | Dexpot.de
Dexpot is a free (for private use) virtual desktop software. Rather than build up clutter on one desktop, you can use multiple desktops — categorise them as you wish — for work, play, gaming, internet and so on. Each desktop can have a different wallpaper, different icons and even different running applications. You can switch between desktops with the mouse or keyboard shortcuts.
Rainmeter | Rainmeter.net
Windows offers limited desktop customisation — that’s why Rainmeter is the choice of tinkerers everywhere. It replaces the entire desktop with a ‘skin’ — you can add widgets, notes, launch applications or just have a unique look to your machine. What’s more, you can download and use thousands of skins from the community, all for free.
KeePass | Keepass.info
KeePass is the trusted name in secure password storage and retrieval. You can use it to store as many passwords as you like, all secured with a single, master password. Once locked, the password database is encrypted with secure algorithms (almost impossible to crack) and it stays secure because it is on your machine, not transmitted over the internet.
Recuva | Piriform.com
Accidental deletion is a pain and more likely to occur if you’re not used to a new computer. Recuva from Piriform is a tool that quickly recovers deleted files from camera memory cards, USB drives, the computer’s recycle bin or even an MP3 player. It may not always be able to recover 100% of the files, but it’s better than a total loss.
Rocketdock
Rocketdock.com
If you’ve ever wanted a smoothly animated dock like the kind that Mac OSX has, look no further. RocketDock is a completely customisable (unlike OSX) dock that you can use to launch programs. You can minimise programs to it, keep it on any edge of the screen and even keep it in addition to the usual taskbar.
Revo Uninstaller
Revouninstaller.com
Standard removal of programs leaves some files behind. Over time, this can lead to slowdowns. Once installed, Revo Uninstaller automatically scans for ‘leftovers’ after a conventional removal and tells you if there are any issues.
7-Zip
7-zip.org
f you frequently deal with zipped archives (and not just the .ZIP kind), then you need something a little more powerful than the usual WinZip that everyone uses. For starters, 7-zip is open-source and completely free, it can handle packing/unpacking of every format out there, it integrates neatly with the system (appears in right click) and also has its own highcompression format called 7z.
MAC
Android File Transfer
android.com/filetransfer
Unlike Windows, MAC does not detect an Android smartphone/tablet as a mass storage device for data transfer. If you have a Mac and Android device, this is a must-have. It automatically pops up when you connect a device and lets you access the internal as well as microSD card with support for drag and drop.
OnyX
titanium.free.fr/download.php
OnyX helps keep your Mac running smooth by offering a set of advanced maintenance and cleaning tools. You can set the service you want in the automation section and OnyX will perform the maintenance automatically. It even lets you access less-known inbuilt OS X tools such as screen sharing and network diagnostics.
XtraFinder
trankynam.com/xtrafinder
This one adds some much needed extra to a MAC’s default finder windows. You can get ‘cut’ functionality, folder tabs, dual windows, dual panels along with functions like copy path, show hidden items, refresh, new file, Copy to and Move to. It also lets you add a second sidebar to the finder window if required.
The Unarchiver
Available on Mac App Store
OS X does have a built-in program, but it only works with a few formats and offers basic functionality. Unarchiver supports a lot more formats plus offers useful extras. For instance, it can be set to delete the archive after extraction, open a finder window after extraction and even set a default location for files.
F.lux
http://justgetflux.com
If you spend most of the day working on your MAC, F.lux should be top of your list. It reduces eye fatigue by automatically adjusts hue and saturation of your display according to the time of the day. You can tell it what kind of ambient light you have or adjust colour temperature manually. Graphic designer/visual artists may not like it though.
Alfred
alfredapp.com
Alfred is a productivity assistant that lets you launch apps and files, perform calculations, search the web or your computer, all using customizable Hotkeys on your keyboard. It learns which apps and files you access regularly and prioritises search results accordingly. If you have multiple MAC’s, Alfred can sync settings via Dropbox.
Menumeters
ragingmenace.com
This free system-monitoring tool displays your system’s statistics in the menu bar. It shows CPU, memory, disk and network usage in real time as graphs – more details about a function can be seen by clicking on the menu bar icon. It automatically detects hard drive connected via USB or FireWire and displays relevant data in the menu bar too.
MULTI PLATFORM
Dexpot | Dexpot.de
Dexpot is a free (for private use) virtual desktop software. Rather than build up clutter on one desktop, you can use multiple desktops — categorise them as you wish — for work, play, gaming, internet and so on. Each desktop can have a different wallpaper, different icons and even different running applications. You can switch between desktops with the mouse or keyboard shortcuts.
Rainmeter | Rainmeter.net
Windows offers limited desktop customisation — that’s why Rainmeter is the choice of tinkerers everywhere. It replaces the entire desktop with a ‘skin’ — you can add widgets, notes, launch applications or just have a unique look to your machine. What’s more, you can download and use thousands of skins from the community, all for free.
KeePass | Keepass.info
KeePass is the trusted name in secure password storage and retrieval. You can use it to store as many passwords as you like, all secured with a single, master password. Once locked, the password database is encrypted with secure algorithms (almost impossible to crack) and it stays secure because it is on your machine, not transmitted over the internet.
Recuva | Piriform.com
Accidental deletion is a pain and more likely to occur if you’re not used to a new computer. Recuva from Piriform is a tool that quickly recovers deleted files from camera memory cards, USB drives, the computer’s recycle bin or even an MP3 player. It may not always be able to recover 100% of the files, but it’s better than a total loss.
Rocketdock
Rocketdock.com
If you’ve ever wanted a smoothly animated dock like the kind that Mac OSX has, look no further. RocketDock is a completely customisable (unlike OSX) dock that you can use to launch programs. You can minimise programs to it, keep it on any edge of the screen and even keep it in addition to the usual taskbar.
Revo Uninstaller
Revouninstaller.com
Standard removal of programs leaves some files behind. Over time, this can lead to slowdowns. Once installed, Revo Uninstaller automatically scans for ‘leftovers’ after a conventional removal and tells you if there are any issues.
7-Zip
7-zip.org
f you frequently deal with zipped archives (and not just the .ZIP kind), then you need something a little more powerful than the usual WinZip that everyone uses. For starters, 7-zip is open-source and completely free, it can handle packing/unpacking of every format out there, it integrates neatly with the system (appears in right click) and also has its own highcompression format called 7z.
MAC
Android File Transfer
android.com/filetransfer
Unlike Windows, MAC does not detect an Android smartphone/tablet as a mass storage device for data transfer. If you have a Mac and Android device, this is a must-have. It automatically pops up when you connect a device and lets you access the internal as well as microSD card with support for drag and drop.
OnyX
titanium.free.fr/download.php
OnyX helps keep your Mac running smooth by offering a set of advanced maintenance and cleaning tools. You can set the service you want in the automation section and OnyX will perform the maintenance automatically. It even lets you access less-known inbuilt OS X tools such as screen sharing and network diagnostics.
XtraFinder
trankynam.com/xtrafinder
This one adds some much needed extra to a MAC’s default finder windows. You can get ‘cut’ functionality, folder tabs, dual windows, dual panels along with functions like copy path, show hidden items, refresh, new file, Copy to and Move to. It also lets you add a second sidebar to the finder window if required.
The Unarchiver
Available on Mac App Store
OS X does have a built-in program, but it only works with a few formats and offers basic functionality. Unarchiver supports a lot more formats plus offers useful extras. For instance, it can be set to delete the archive after extraction, open a finder window after extraction and even set a default location for files.
F.lux
http://justgetflux.com
If you spend most of the day working on your MAC, F.lux should be top of your list. It reduces eye fatigue by automatically adjusts hue and saturation of your display according to the time of the day. You can tell it what kind of ambient light you have or adjust colour temperature manually. Graphic designer/visual artists may not like it though.
Alfred
alfredapp.com
Alfred is a productivity assistant that lets you launch apps and files, perform calculations, search the web or your computer, all using customizable Hotkeys on your keyboard. It learns which apps and files you access regularly and prioritises search results accordingly. If you have multiple MAC’s, Alfred can sync settings via Dropbox.
Menumeters
ragingmenace.com
This free system-monitoring tool displays your system’s statistics in the menu bar. It shows CPU, memory, disk and network usage in real time as graphs – more details about a function can be seen by clicking on the menu bar icon. It automatically detects hard drive connected via USB or FireWire and displays relevant data in the menu bar too.
MULTI PLATFORM
TrueCrypt truecrypt.org
TrueCrypt is open-source, secure encryption software for Windows, Mac & Linux. It can encrypt an entire drive partition or external storage device like a USB flash drive or hard drive. The best part is that encryption happens in real time, so you don’t have to wait.
Remo Software remosoftware.com
Remo offers a suite of useful multi-platform programs: Recover (file recovery for PC, Mac & Android), system optimisation tools (defrag, registry repair), secure file erase/delete and notably a Privacy Cleaner that helps clear junk, cleans browser history/ cookies and recovers free space.
TrueCrypt is open-source, secure encryption software for Windows, Mac & Linux. It can encrypt an entire drive partition or external storage device like a USB flash drive or hard drive. The best part is that encryption happens in real time, so you don’t have to wait.
Remo Software remosoftware.com
Remo offers a suite of useful multi-platform programs: Recover (file recovery for PC, Mac & Android), system optimisation tools (defrag, registry repair), secure file erase/delete and notably a Privacy Cleaner that helps clear junk, cleans browser history/ cookies and recovers free space.
Hitesh Raj Bhagat & Karan Bajaj ET140205
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