20 Must Have Freeware Programs for Any Windows Laptop

Windows is quite versatile and able to be adapted to several configurations. There are many powerful freeware programs out there that offer many options. Here are 20 of them, in no particular order.

[box_light]Miscellaneous[/box_light]

– Screenshot Captor: Offers more features than other versions, even allow you to include the cursor in the capture (or not). Windows 95/98, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8

– PhotoScape – image editor: Simple and straightforward, this is a great basic photo editor. Windows NT, 98/ME, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7

– 7-Zip: Archives files and folders for easier transferring and organizing. Windows NT, 2000, XP, 2003 ,Vista, 7, 8

– CCleaner: Removes unnecessary files and cleans up the registry enabling faster computing. Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8

– Treesize Free: This one tells you the size of  each folder and thereby helping you manage your disk space better. Windows XP, Vista, 7

– Secure Wipe: Normal deletion doesn’t prevent recovery, but this securely deletes files. Windows XP, Vista, 7

– Pandora Recovery: This program enables you to recover accidentally deleted files. Windows 2000, XP, 2003 ,Vista, 7

[box_light]Video and Audio[/box_light]

– VideoPad: This video editor is easy to use and can handle pretty much any beginning project, with 35 transitions and 20 effects. Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 ‘

– VLC Media Player: Much less resource demanding than the Windows built-in player, VLC has many features that other programs do not have. Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8

– ImgBurn: Burn and create CDs, DVDs, even Blu-ray discs. Windows 95/98/ME, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7, 8

– Any Video Converter: AVC does just what it says. It will convert any video format to another, to include mobile platforms. Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8

[box_light]Internet[/box_light]

– Chrome: Google’s web browser is hands down the best on the market. Fast, free, and packed with features and add-ons. Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8

– LogMeIn: Allows remote access to your home or work computer without being in front of it. Windows 95/98/ME, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7, 8

– Free Download Manager: Decent user interface and supports all major browsers. Windows 95/98/ME, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7

[box_light]Privacy/Security[/box_light]

– Avast! Antivirus: Avast has many features and a high detection rate that rival paid services. Windows 2000 Professional, XP SP 2 or higher, Vista, 7 and 8

– CyberGhost VPN: This virtual private network anonymizes your internet traffic preventing your online browsing from being recorded. The free service offers 1GB per month, which should be enough for normal browsing. Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8

– MalwareBytes: This program detects and removes all manner of spyware, adware, scamware, and can find threats that antivirus scanners miss. Windows XP, 2003, Vista, 7, 8

– Sophos Encryption: Sophos imbeds itself in the file system, allowing you to access the program when right-clicking on a file or folder. Encrypt a single file or folder or several at a time. Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7

[box_light]Word Processing/Office Programs[/box_light]

– OpenOffice: Much like Microsoft Office, this will allow you to open, edit, and create any MS Office file. Windows 2003, XP, Vista, 7, 8

– GnuCash: GnuCash allows you to budget with ease, eliminating complicated tools suited for accountants. Windows XP, Vista, 7

– PDF-XChange Viewer: Print PDFs, fill and save forms, and it loads a heck of a lot faster than Adobe’s version. Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8

Please feel free to recommend more… will add to this list.