Thanks for this awesome list!
I have used all the tools below for many years:
Two very valuable tools missing from the list:
Category: Office Applications
Program: Libre Office:
This is an office suite comparable to Microsoft office. It supports open document formats and all the MS doc formats. The dev's split off from Open Office, and Libre Office took the lead in development, updates, and support. It is actually supposed to be the more superior alternative compared to Open Office, but for some reason doesn't seem to be as well known...probably due to the split and the name. This is an invaluable free tool for replacing MS Office Suite. For anyone currently using Open Office, I would suggest switching to Libre Office based on what I read in Wikipedia and other online sources about dev support (you can compare for yourself). I have been using this for years as a total replacement to MS Office, and it's great, with active developers and frequent updates. There is a page for donations. Please support it.
Category: Utilities (although I use this as a very valuable Office Application)
Program: OneNote (by Microsoft):
OneNote IMO is far superior to its rival, Evernote; it has more functionality, sections and pages, macros, etc. I tried both programs, and chose OneNote hands down. It was easier to use, more intuitive, user friendly, more feature rich, and just overall more flexible, versatile, and functional, and also doesn't come with monthly limits. The funny thing is that the Evernote Email Clipper is automatically included in MS Outlook, instead of MS's own OneNote clipper. However, this really isn't a problem (and there is a OneNote clipper utility for both your taskbar and as a browser extension). You can use OneNote resident on your device, or online, and it syncs across devices. I could not live without my OneNote; it is my go-to Personal Information Manager. You can compare it with Evernote on Wikipedia here.
Here are some more useful tools...
Category: Utilities
Program: Snipping Tool:
This is a small, free utility that I believe is part of Windows yet many may not know about it. It's a very simple screen clipping utility with 4 clipping options. I keep it docked on my task bar and use it nearly daily for clips that I want to save to a folder (rather than using the OneNote Clipper to clip to OneNote).
Category: Utilities
Program: Skitch:
This is another small, free utility that was acquired by Evernote. It's a simple tool that allows you to open an image and add graphic and text markups. It is a very quick and basic alternative to having to use Paint that is faster and simpler to use for quick markups, and more lightweight. I use it often to mark up maps, photos, and screenshots before sending them out for reference. I just noticed that Skitch for Windows, Android, and iOS is no longer supported; that is probably why I have not been able to download the latest (now old) update, but I still use it. It is still available and supported for Mac.
Category: Graphics Design & Editing
Program: Pixlr (family of products):
This is a family of simple and fun free photo editing software. It includes Autodesk Pixlr, Pixlr Online, Pixlr Express, and Pixlr-O-Matic Vintage Effects. These are not complicated pro tools, but for the layperson who wants a fun library of photo filters, borders, stickers, etc. It's quick and easy to use with a diverse and fairly extensive set of choices...kind of like the Instagram filters, but on mega steroids with many more options, features, and choices. It also includes special effects, overlays, text fields as well as all the usual basic photo adjustments.
I hope someone finds these programs and utilities as useful as I have! (Sorry for not providing links to the downloads -- a quick online search should get you there.)
Edited by Modem_operandi, 28 March 2018 - 09:30 PM.
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