Not sure which ones?
Well, let us help.
We’ve compiled a list of essential programs to get you started.
Downloading movies or music to local storage can be useful when you are expecting hours with no connection.
And yet the default choice for most remainsGoogle Chrome, if only for its integration with other Google services.
The open-sourceFirefoxis a solid web client with better privacy options.
Many power users also swear byVivaldi.
This online window’s claim to fame is how customizable it is.
Add a Password Manager
It’s a fact that a ton of people still use terrible passwords.
There’s also the problem of forgetting which passwords go with which websites.
A password manager is an essential add-on.
For $10 a year, you get additional features, such as encrypted sharing of files.
Accounts for couples and for families/organizations are also available.
If for any reason you don’t like Bitwarden, thenKeePassis a good free alternative.
If you are willing to pay for a password manager,1PasswordandDashlaneare great options with useful extra features.
Cloud Storage & Backup
Cloud storage and backup are a must-have in your toolbox.
For Windows users, we often recommend usingGoogle Photos, which includes similar features.
Major alternatives to Dropbox and iCloud include MicrosoftOneDrive, which is integrated into Windows andGoogle One.
Luckily, competition for cloud backup is fierce and prices have come down a little.
Recommended cloud backup providers includeBackblaze,IDrive,CarboniteandSOS Online Backup.
Malwarebytesis the first tool you should consider.
A veteran specializing in preventing malware and rootkits attacks, it’s great and free for personal use.
Office Productivity, Development
For simple note-taking there’sOneNote, which Microsoft offers as a free cross-platform app.
If you have a Mac, you may preferNotability.
But,freealternatives abound here as well.
Other free options includeLibreOffice some of our writers swear by it, while others hate it.
The open-source office suite offers all the basics and then some.
Same goes forWPS Office Free.
SourceTreeandSmartGitare solid free tools for managing GitHub repositories.
Our favorite SFTP clients for Windows and Mac areWinSCPandForklift, respectively.
There are severalPDF editorsthat offer free versions that include functionality that Acrobat Reader doesn’t.
It’s also cross-platform.
For up to 2 accounts,eM Clientis free and highly customizable.
The most ubiquitous personal messaging platforms areWhatsAppandMessenger(a.k.a.
“Facebook Messenger”) and both offer native desktop applications.
End-to-end encryption is only available for 1-on-1 calls.
Another alternative isCisco Webex, which lets you invite anyone to meetings with a link.
Gaming
For gaming we have to recommendSteamfirst and foremost.
Valve’s killer gaming platform does an awesome job at being a one-stop shop for most PC gaming.
It’s a great hub and gaming communication platform, also known for its sales.
you’ve got the option to get those withOrigin,Ubisoft ConnectandGOG Galaxy, respectively.
If you are new to the world of gaming and are looking for something familiar, tryBrutal Chess.
With Apple devices, you’ll have access to Apple TV+, too.
Unless you’re invested in Apple’s ecosystem, music streaming is synonymous withSpotify.
For watching your favorite movies from before the streaming era, there’sVLC Player.
If you just want to press play and go, VLC has that going for it.
Another worthwhile mention isPotPlayer, which supports commercial Blu-ray disks by default.
Another MPC fork, calledMPC-BEmoves away from this philosophy in favor of additional features.
To be fair, the Windows 11 media player works well and supports a variety of formats, too.
On Macs we also like to useMPVandMovist, although the latter is not free.
HWMonitorshows real-time information about your PSU voltage, the temperature of all your hardware and fan speed.
If you want a similar app that’s able to create a more visual output, tryHWinfo64.
For Macs, there are a few good alternatives as well:Disk DrillandGrandPerspectiveare both free.
The free version ofOne Commanderincludes more features, such as color-tagging and mass-renaming of files.
For a powerful and encompassing image viewing exclusively, seeIrfanView.
If you don’t like Windows handling your zipping, download7-Zip.
On Macs, the best solution for compression isThe Unarchiver.
For basic video editing,Wondershare FilmoraorShotcutwill suffice.
If you want more options, tryDaVinci Resolve.
Both offer free versions.
If you just want to convert old videos into modern formats, thenHandbrakeis the app you need.
There are dozens of different choices but our current top choices areClipClipfor Windows andFlycutfor macOS.
Teamvieweris the default choice for cross-platform remote control and desktop sharing.
Remote Mouseturns your phone or tablet into a touch remote control for your PC.
It can simulate a mouse, keyboard input, and more.
It’s cross-platform and free.
If you prefer to use something else,Wise Disk Cleaneris a good alternative.
Other Stuff
For a geo-geek,Google Earthis always cool to have loaded and ready.
Advanced users may preferDeluge, which has many customization options.
TheiMazing HEIC Converterwill let you save the photos from your iPhone asJPEG or PNG.
If you want to quickly create bootable USB drives, tryRufus.
If you see the need for a VPN, two good free choices for occasional use includeWindscribeandTunnelBear.
For a more robust and speedy connection, you’ll have to pay.
Frequent e-book readers considerCalibreto be a must-have for managing their library and converting files to other formats.
TL;DR: The Full List
Not Needed Anymore?
Is this list missing something?
Tell us about your own app suggestions and recommendations.
