SOFTWARE SPECIAL...... 5 best free software for your new computer

5 best free software for your new computer





Equip your new Windows PC with all the essential software it needs, completely free

New PCs don't come cheap. I f you've just bought or as sembled a new ma chine, the initial delight might be replaced by nagging anxiety as you add up the cost of equipping it with all the necessary software. But don't worry ­ we've curated a list of essential software that will fulfil your every needs completely free.

ANTIVIRUS: Avira Free Antivirus

Windows 10 comes with its own secu rity software in the form of Windows Defender. It's a capable program, but not without a few limitations. As such, the most preferred option is the Avira Free Antivirus.

The antivirus achieves superb results in independent tests, is unobtrusive, makes modest use of your new PC's RAM and processor time, and c ome s w it h optional extras like a secure browser if you want them. It's the best free software for securing your new PC from the latest threats.

BACKUP: EaseUS ToDo Backup Free

Hop ef u l ly you r new PC won't fall victim to an accident or hard drive crash a ny ti me soon, but it only takes one carelessly placed cup of coffee to cause irreparable damage. Viruses and malware can also destroy your files, or render them irre trievable.

The only defence against such mis for tu ne is a good backup routine, and EaseUS Todo Backup Free is a brilliant free program that makes a potentially dreary chore incredibly straightforward. It lets you back up your entire system or a selection of your most important files, and its clever scheduling makes sure backups happen at times that won't inconvenience you.

GENERAL WEB BROWSER: Chrome

New Windows PCs come with Microsoft Edge instal led as the default browser. It's fast, integrates fully with Windows 10 (including Cortana), and is pleasant to use. But if flexibility is your main priority, then you'll want to consider an alternative.

Google Chrome supports hundreds of plug-ins and is the natural choice if you are already invested in the Google ecosystem through its web apps or an Android smartphone. If you've been using Chrome on your old PC, all your bookmarks, cached logins, extensions and browser history will be synced automatically when you log in.

SECURE WEB BROWSER: Tor Browser If security is the

If security is the name of the game, consider instal ling Tor Browser on your new PC. This is a modified version of Firefox that protects your identity and personal information by redirecting web traffic through a series of encrypted notes scattered throughout the world. This prevents your activity from being monitored and prevents information like bank details being intercepted and more.

OFFICE SUITE: WPS Office Free

If your new Windows PC comes with Microsoft Office then you're off to a flying start, but don't worry if not ­ there are lots of free alternatives. WPS Office Free is one of the best free office software. It has an interface that bears a comforting similarity to the latest versions of Office.

It includes great tools for creating and editing text documents, presentations and spreadsheets, and is compatible with all the common file formats -including Microsoft's.

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