There are countless free tools available online, but they often come bundled with annoying spyware. The following programs do not contain spyware and do not require users to pay after a trial period.
It is important to note that most free programs come with adware. However, unlike spyware, adware is harmless, and the advertising revenue helps support the software development costs.
The 30 programs are divided into 5 categories based on functionality: Windows tools, communication tools, Internet tools, creative software, and office programs.
Windows Tools
1. Eraser: 2.6 MB
When a user deletes a file on their computer, it doesn’t actually disappear. The system simply receives a command to “forget” the location of the data file, which can still be retrieved if someone searches for it. Eraser can completely remove files by overwriting data on the hard drive. However, caution is advised when using this program, as once a file is lost, it cannot be recovered.
2. TweakUI: 148 KB
The Windows user interface (UI) consists of the Desktop, file management programs, and an overview of the system. TweakUI allows users to easily modify their Desktop and display settings to make Windows more visually appealing. It also fixes issues with displaying inappropriate icons.
3. IR Assistant: 2.3 MB
Automate simple tasks with IR Assistant, a tool that allows you to create macros. A macro is a program that includes keystrokes and a command language of the application, capable of automatically handling repetitive and tedious tasks like saving and backing up a file to a floppy disk. If you frequently perform a group of combined actions, create a macro, and it will help you manage them with a single keystroke.
4. RegCleaner: 553 KB
The Registry is a part of Windows that tracks most system-related settings. Some programs may leave traces in the Registry after being uninstalled, but RegCleaner can completely delete them. Use this program cautiously and activate the Registry backup feature before making any changes.
5. Fresh Diagnose: 1.3 MB
A lot of information may be running simultaneously, causing your computer to operate unstably. This diagnostic tool accurately indicates what the PC is doing. It analyzes the system and operations, measuring speed and performance in various directories.
6. Unknown Devices: 400 KB
Device Manager, part of the System Properties control panel, informs users about which devices are connected to the computer. However, sometimes the PC cannot identify a device, causing Windows errors. In such cases, the Unknown Devices tool can check and identify what that device is.
7. WinRAR: 1.1 MB
Most files stored on computers are in Zip format, which Windows automatically manages, but there are still other notable tools. Among them is WinRAR, which works with RAR format but can also handle zip files and some less common formats. It operates faster, simpler, and more efficiently than the built-in software in Windows.
Communication Tools
8. Skype: 2.2 MB – 6.3 MB
Internet calling will become a significant business in the coming years, as it reduces costs for users communicating with friends and family from afar. Skype is currently one of the earliest and most popular VoIP programs in the world. Skype users can communicate with each other for free. The rates for calls to landlines, mobile phones, and international calls are also relatively affordable.
9. RSSOwl: 4.7 MB
RSS is a program that helps websites update themselves and quickly notify interested users. Install the RSSOwl tool and select your favorite websites that contain the RSS Feed or XML icon on the page, then follow the instructions. New information can be easily accessed from this program whenever the website changes its data.
10. Trillian: 2.3 MB
Instant messaging services have become popular among Internet users, but everyone chooses their own specific program, such as MSN, Yahoo, or AOL. To resolve compatibility issues, Trillian allows communication with all friends through a single system. It works with AOL, MSN, Yahoo Messenger, ICQ, and IRC.
Internet Tools
11. Spybot Search and Destroy: 4.8 MB
Spybot is one of the “killers” of spyware. It scans the entire system for spyware, adware, and other dangerous programs. Despite being free, users are regularly updated via the Internet. In addition to fixing errors, the utility also prevents spyware from infiltrating certain components of Windows, effectively working alongside other security tools.
12. Avast: 6.2 MB
Although it is a commercial program, Avast still allows users to download a free version of its antivirus software, though it does not operate as robustly as the commercial version. The tool includes a real-time scanning device for all open files, an on-demand scan to check disks, and an email scanner to monitor incoming and outgoing messages.
13. FileZilla: 4.4 MB
When transferring files over the Internet, using the FTP protocol helps the download process be faster over the web. A dedicated FTP program like FileZilla will efficiently assist this process. It also makes it easy for those who have their own websites to upload files to the server via FTP.
14. CWShredder: 493 KB
One of the most common spyware programs is CoolWebSearch and its variants. CWShredder is considered the “antidote” for this type of software. Users simply need to download it, run it on the infected computer, and it will quickly eradicate the dangerous program. The tool also has the ability to eliminate some unrelated issues with CoolWebSearch.
15. Kerio Personal Firewall: 5.8 MB
This firewall is also a commercial tool with a 30-day trial version, but it is still free for individual users. It blocks Internet and network traffic according to preset configurations. Only one firewall should be used on a computer. Therefore, if you want to run Kerio, it is best to uninstall the Microsoft Firewall in the Control Panel.
16. Download Accelerator Plus: 1.7 MB
Generally, installing Accelerator Plus does not increase browsing speed but can significantly improve the file downloading process. This application automatically splits the file to be downloaded, allowing users to save a considerable amount of connection time.
17. Microsoft Antispyware: 6.2 MB
Although this is a trial version of the antispyware software from the Windows manufacturer, it remains a powerful and user-friendly tool. Users can choose real-time protection mode to detect and prevent the installation of dangerous programs. Notably, the program will be automatically updated regularly.
18. Net Transport: 1.7 MB
This download manager allows for more than one connection to the server to download files faster than usual. Users can also right-click to download all files on a webpage or only download the selected file.
Creative Tools
19. Paint.Net: 4.7 MB
An upgraded version of the familiar Paint program in Windows features some powerful capabilities commonly found in paid photo editing software. In addition to basic photo editing tools, the version also supports layers and various other visual effects. Users can Undo multiple commands at once. This program operates on the .Net platform.
20. Audacity: 2.7 MB
Audacity is one of the few tools that allows you to delve deep into audio files with various formats and perform numerous complex changes and edits. The editing features of Audacity include cutting, pasting, copying, adding, or removing silence, as well as simple mixing functions. Additionally, the program offers several effects and sound filtering capabilities.
21. Cheetah Audio Converter: 9.1 MB
This program allows for easy conversion between four audio file formats: MP3, WAV, WMA, and Ogg. Cheetah includes quality editing tools and file size reduction capabilities. However, compressing audio files means that the user is sacrificing quality. Once a file has been compressed, Cheetah does not allow you to revert it back to its original size and quality.
22. Winamp: 4.9 MB
Winamp is currently one of the best programs for playing MP3, WMA, AAC files, and video files on servers that support those formats. It is fast, user-friendly, and packed with superior features, becoming even more powerful thanks to compatible plugins.
23. Picasa: 3.1 MB
Picasa is Google’s photo editing software. This program offers many features for transferring files from digital cameras to computers, organizing, and editing those files on the hard drive. The software also allows for basic image file processing and adding text to images.
24. Media Player Classic: 1.2 MB
Unlike Windows Media Player, which can be slow, less feature-rich, and produces harsh sounds, Media Player Classic delivers smoother audio. While the program does not support complex tones and flutes, does not display a playlist of currently playing tracks, or has CD burning features, it is compatible with most file formats, including those for Real Media.
Office Tools
25. PDF Redirect: 5.9 MB
When sending documents to others via email or through the web, users often struggle to choose the appropriate format. By converting to PDF, documents cannot be easily altered and retain their original formatting on the recipient’s computer. PDF Redirect quickly creates PDF files from any printable document on a PC.
26. OpenOffice: 80 MB
Microsoft Office is a comprehensive office application suite, but it is quite expensive, making open-source a great alternative. OpenOffice even includes some features that are stronger than Microsoft’s offering, such as mail merge and advanced formulas in spreadsheets. While not as polished as Microsoft Office, it effectively supports user needs. OpenOffice 2.0, with a size of 78 MB, has recently been officially released, allowing PDF document creation from any compatible format.
27. Calculator Plus: 476 KB
Although the calculator in Windows is relatively easy to use, it can be improved by adding unit conversion capabilities. Microsoft’s upgraded version, Calculator Plus, allows conversions for area, temperature, volume, and other units. The utility also includes standard calculator operations.
28. PagePlus SE: 20.5 MB
This software is ideal for those needing to create complex documents that Word cannot handle. While it doesn’t have the advanced functions of professional layout programs, it helps in creating flyers, newsletters, and even simple magazines and books. Users will need to register via phone or Internet upon installation.
29. Pegasus Mail: 4.5 MB
This versatile email program can eliminate the need for Outlook or Outlook Express. The service takes up minimal space on the computer, making it suitable for older systems or those with lower configurations. Pegasus Mail allows access to all popular mail protocols from ISPs. Users should check with their Internet service provider if they’re unsure about using a new mail program.
30. Post-it Software Notes: 1.9 MB
This useful software, akin to sticky notes and reminders made by 3M, is completely free. Notes or reminders can include images, links, or even sound alerts and will always remain on top of other windows regardless of what program is currently running on the computer.
T.N. (according to VNUNet)
