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Freeware Replacements for Common Commercial Apps


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#166 Modem_operandi

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Posted 28 March 2018 - 06:46 PM

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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#167 Condobloke

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Posted 28 March 2018 - 08:50 PM

I have just now found THIS

 

FreeNote.....for FireFox (add on )

 

Multitab notes for firefox

 

 

 

However.....it ticks all the boxes..Simple yet effective

 

t has an icon in the toolbar to open it...i can leave it open or close it at will
capable of multiple notes
i can change font and font size with a click...also color of background and of font etc
i can copy and paste stuff in there from my pc or from a web page.
The list goes on
I have been looking for something like this for YEARS
It is SIMPLE...and it WORKS


Condobloke ...Outback Australian  fed up with Windows antics...??....LINUX IS THE ANSWER....I USE LINUX MINT 21.2  EXCLUSIVELY.

“A man travels the world in search of what he needs and returns home to find it."

It has been said that time heals all wounds. I don't agree. The wounds remain. Time - the mind, protecting its sanity - covers them with some scar tissue and the pain lessens, but it is never gone. Rose Kennedy

 GcnI1aH.jpg

 

 


#168 Pilate

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Posted 16 December 2019 - 02:00 PM

AkelPad - straightforward text editor with full Unicode support.

Compatibility: Windows All

 

 


OS: Windows XP with all updates; Office Suite: LibreOffice

FW: Online Armor Free; AV: Avira Free, Dr.Web Cureit

AS: Malwarebytes Free

 Browser: Firefox with NoScript, AdBlockPlus, CookieMonster, BetterPrivacy, HTTPS Everywhere, Privacy Badger

Backup Software: ERUNT, Cobian Backup


#169 Pilate

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Posted 01 April 2020 - 10:23 AM

Privatefirewall has been removed from the developer's website. However, you can download the program from MajorGeeks via this link.


Edited by Pilate, 01 April 2020 - 10:25 AM.

OS: Windows XP with all updates; Office Suite: LibreOffice

FW: Online Armor Free; AV: Avira Free, Dr.Web Cureit

AS: Malwarebytes Free

 Browser: Firefox with NoScript, AdBlockPlus, CookieMonster, BetterPrivacy, HTTPS Everywhere, Privacy Badger

Backup Software: ERUNT, Cobian Backup


#170 henrik9

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Posted 31 October 2020 - 09:35 AM

Hi! I am new here, but hope my contribution to this topic is quite valuable :)
ImBatch - free batch image processing tool for Windows. 50+ processing tasks available, you can combine them and run in one go. As for me, awesome tool. The UI is a bit for geeks, too much settings, but finally very powerfull.

Actually, it is free for non-commercial usage, but ... it is free :)



#171 NoahBrandon

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Posted 29 December 2021 - 10:49 AM

Microsoft Security Essentials is an increasingly recommended free antivirus app (requires validated copy of Windows). I dont know if its good enough to cover all antivirus needs (just installed it on my laptop after my NOD32 subscription expired).

If we compare this with avast antivirus, what do you think ?

#172 Shplad

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Posted 18 February 2023 - 05:13 PM

Security Essentials was replaced many years ago by Windows Defender. Defender is more than good enough for most home users.


- Use this to collect and post information about your PC hardware, software and configuration (Whether or not you have crashing).

 

Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Posting Instructions - Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 & Vista

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/576314/blue-screen-of-death-bsod-posting-instructions-windows-10-81-8-7-vista/

 

 





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