Five Free Applications for your (new) Laptop
Posted under: Christmas is here and, even with the current economic downturn, we will be seeing lots and lots of new computers coming to the hands of happy new owners on Christmas Day.
Thinking of those getting a new Windows based machine I have compiled a list of free applications that will help you protect your computer, make it a universal media center, a proper workstation as well as some not so well known free goodies that might be of interest to you (either you have a new computer or not). With this set of applications you will be able to enjoy a wide set of media formats, put to use the webcam and microphone that comes with your new laptop as well as do some work… in January 2010.
1. Avast Anti-Virus
Avast is a light and fast anti-virus application that allows you to keep your system safe. After you install it on your machine it will be able to monitor Internet Mail, Instant Messaging programms, any network you might be connected to as well as your web browsing. The virus database is updated almost daily and all you need to do is to register. From my experience the given e-mail address, when you register, is only used to confirm your registration, i.e., I haven’t received any mail that can be considered spam. [Official Site]
2. Open Office
Open Office is the open source movement’s answer to Microsoft Office but without the price tag. Programmers, translators and UI designers from all over the world have perfected this work tool that you can use on your day to day and that is totally compatible with the Microsoft Office Suite, meaning you can read and save documents in Microsoft Office format.[Official Site]
3. GOM Media Player
GOM is probably one of the most complete media players that you can find these days. In a world of non-standards for video formats this is the player to have on your computer to play all of those videos. [Official Site]
4. Any Video Converter
Webcams are a standard in today’s laptops and you will probably want to use yours a lot. The trouble with most webcam softwares is that they only record in one video format and you have no control over it. With the All in One Video Converter (Free Version) you will be able to save your videos in the most common formats including those that you can send to directly to mobile phones. [Official Site]
5. Audacity Audio Editor
The “cherry on the top” of this list is a full featured audio editor that will allow you to record, edit and export audio files to the most common formats so you can share them with the world. It allows for you to add multiple audio tracks and also includes some really neat sound processing tools like the much loved “hiss” and “noise” reduction that will work wonders on your voice recordings. [Official Site]
Did you find this list useful? Do you know of any other applications that are free and that you recommend? Let me know in the comments!
Picture Credits: nouQraz under a CC License