10 FREE PROGRAMS That Should Be On EVERY PC! 2024

[@koczisek]

What I think you missed is Notepad++ for Windows. There's no point in recommending a raw text editor for Linux - it's like a blasphemy, but on Windows, this Notepad++ marvel is absolutely unrivaled.

[@MinstrelKrampf]

I agree that Notepad ++ is a great editor. In Linux, you sort of don't need what Notepad ++ has -- UNLESS YOU ARE A PROGRAMMER. Most Linux Text editing is done to configuration files. So you don't need to be able to edit a gigantic file. Notepad ++ is great for editing large programs, and it has all the features you want in such an editor, and when I've needed it, it was great. I haven't installed it on my computer only because I haven't needed it for years. The second an opportunity comes up where i'll be editing code again, thought, I'm putting it on.

[@thereallyrealplayer]

Back when I used only Windows, Notepad ++ was a rather good but very basic file editor. Soon after, I started using Sublime text, for their built in file organization and mutliple application ability, so that I could run it many times on one screen. Unfortunately, it requires you to pay, for using it, now, so I use VScode, on all my computers, at the moment. Outside of programming, for people that just need a text editor, like for nornal documents, libreoffice is very good.

[@ancientclown]

Blender & Gimp have been the first programs i install on any new computer or laptop for decades...just for fun. I highly recommend them to anyone with a creative flair or curiosity. While Blender can seem daunting at first glance that is only because it is a powerhouse that can do just about anything you can imagine across different mediums from game/3D design to animation/film and anything between with a massive community that provide tutorials on KZbin so you can jump in and learn at your own speed.

[@ancientclown]

@hoovysimulator2518 I also agree with your feelings about YT and face the same far too often.

[@ancientclown]

@hoovysimulator2518For music i recommend a free program called MuseScore.

[@jamesslick4790]

VLC is the FIRST thing I install on all my machines. Libre Office and Thunderbird are the NEXT things!

[@bambazam3983]

Excellent video Brett! No fluff, no BS, just the info people need. Well done.

[@acidbreath]

Try Handbrake too. Terrific program for video compression! And it's free and open source too!

[@BRANFED]

i use and love handbrake. i used to use it alot more but these days its only occasionally. still, my goto video conversion program and has been for many years

[@tempeleng]

I've been using avidemux for years for minor edits and reencode stuff. Never had the need to find any alternatives.

[@marcovonkeman9449]

@@BRANFED ..and for those who are not afraid of using a command prompt: ffmpeg. It's kind of Handbrake, but without the GUI (or should I say: Handbrake is ffmpeg, with a GUI).

[@TheRedPolyhedral]

Interesting recommendations, as always. I have Vivaldi as my browser of choice, on my Windows laptop, iPad and iPhone. Sync works really well across devices and operating systems.

[@sovietcomrade-b5g]

Interesting indeed, I use Vivaldi as my power user browser.

[@larryblack9168]

Thanks for the latest. At the end you said to mention any free editors that we like that you haven't mentioned I'm a huge fan of a free program called Lossless Cut. As the name implies, you can edit stuff out of a video and keep the remainder separate or merge them or both. Unlike other editors, it only takes a few seconds because it doesn't recode. That also means the size stays the same. If you want to record a TV show or a movie from Tubi or Freevee, etc. and cut out the ads, it has no peer.

[@tonybarfridge4369]

doesn't work, nothing to execute

[@larryblack9168]

Mighty short comment. No idea what you mean. I've been using it successfully for about a year.

[@tonybarfridge4369]

@@larryblack9168 there's nothing executable in it

[@ModelLights]

' and cut out the ads, it has no peer.' For a long time I've said VirtualDub needs exactly that, mark/space editing, so you can mark all the ads and cut them at once instead of having to manually do each one separately. That plus the direct stream copy would then do what you're describing in VDub..

[@room2738]

thanks :) .. downloading :)

[@technoWZ5598]

Free & open source software rocks 2023!

[@bioLarzen]

Great recommendation for those who really rarely look for free replacements for usually paid software - otherwise these are basically the best known and most widely used free alternatives. Sure, most of them are popular and much used for a reason.

[@sgwtier]

Thank you. This clip mostely confirm my choices, although I still like Firefox in the knowledge that there are better Browsers. Also, it's questionable to use an additional antivirus program instead of the build-in of Windows. Anyhow... What I miss is: * Audacity for audio editing * Scribus for Desktop Publishing * Visual Studio Code for Developing * Power Shell Core for Scripting * 7Zip for compressing * Calibre for working with eBooks * Notepad++ for Editing * FileZilla for FTP * Putty for Remote Shells Perhaps next time?

[@HR-wd6cw]

Especially "free" AV programs. I tend to think for the most part, most "Free" anti-virus programs aren't as good as their paid counterparts, which is true and pretty obvious, and is an area personally I wouldn't try to skimp on. Skimping on a media player (like VLC) or a browser may be one thing, but when it comes to security, I think you're still better either using the one built into Windows ,which is actaully pretty good, or getting a paid program of some sort (that's not AVG, Symanteic/Norton or McAfee of course). BitDefender and ESET are two good paid options though (ESET if configured to monitor aggressively) can become a headache as too many false positives but it's very effective.

[@TraderRobin]

This is a very well done video, but I was hoping for a photo viewer that can replace the garbage viewer that came with Windows 10 (64 bit). I loved the one I had in Windows 7. Any suggestions?

[@PJRayment]

An application that I think all computers should have is Irfanview, although perhaps why it wasn't included is that it's Windows only.

[@ballybunion9]

Well done, Brett, as usual.

[@machawley]

Great work, Brett! Thank you! With Macrium Reflect going away next year, we need a good drive/partition backup option.

[@mr.hitchens]

I've been using *Duplicati* with excellent results! Works on Linux. Mac and Windows. Open source and free! Encrypted backups and lots of options without getting silly. 100% recommended and no I'm not s shill. Just a happy user. Hope this helps. ✌️😁

[@Gundesalf]

I prefer Krita over Gimp, but I cannot possibly trash Gimp. Maybe I just got used to my brushes and add-ons collections. Some also love Krita for its animation and video-editing capabilities. I haven't tried those, though.

[@robsaberrations4924]

You're definitely not alone in your love for Krita!

[@TraderRobin]

Yeah, I hate that Gimp takes so long to open when you click on it!

[@WolfQuantum]

I used to use Open Office. For the last few years though I have been using Libre Office and it is THE office suite on any computer I have. Windows or Linux. Very happy with it.

[@asahinayanase3364]

You are not a humble servant but our master!

[@kdhavle]

I love Libre Office, mainly for its database. It is lightweight, and just right for my needs as a freelancer. I use it to create my invoices and other reports.

[@AdventureSMBW]

I just found you. You are the only youtuber Ive ever checked out that knows what programs actually are best. Thanks for your awesomness.

[@fredchacha3355]

Thank you very much, your videos are precise and insightful

[@jackfroste]

Will definitely check out your Virtual Box series Brett. Ever since Mudahar confirmed that he runs all his windows in a virtual machine on Linux, I was thinking: That's probably a VERY good idea.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I am using several of these programs based on your previous recommendations. MANY THANKS.

[@erie910]

Thunderbird doesn't connect to an Exchange server. Evolution does for email, but not the calendar.

[@mutantplants1]

When talking about VLC, I think you could have mentioned the extensive controls, especially the video and synchronization controls which make this such a great player.

[@roberttranceedm]

My reccommendation changes: - Firefox - OnlyOffice - Kaspersky Free (21.15 currently) - Transmission

[@markpeters6430]

What is Transmission?

[@roberttranceedm]

@@markpeters6430 It's an application for torrent downloading.

[@jeremymorrison3494]

Hi, Excellent video, thank you. subbed immediately. Quick question. What do you think of potplayer? any good?

[@bharath2508]

😮 This channel is ultimate guide for any pc user

[@kevindavidjones]

Been using it for years. CLCL is a clip board manager. So basic but so handy (windows only)

[@RogbodgeVideo]

I already have VLC, Libre Office, Inkscape and Blender!

[@douglasmcneil8413]

I have Apachi Open Office. And it works well for my needs.

[@Demy1970]

That’s what I use

[@Reverend11dMEOW]

One should install at least four, even five complete malware/antivirus/system files protection suites, Always Mcafee plus Norton first leaving Defender enabled,, then let those 3 duke it out deciding what the others should be. This is great when one desires their system to begin smoking.

[@SuperAtheist]

I prefer PotPlayer. VLC is my backup.

[@lukaskucerik3751]

Thanks for a tip i will try it 👍 never heard of potpayer unfortunately 😐

[@RKMI_ID]

Ayy i've used it since i've going to college, perhaps (i think it's 2015, but i don't know for sure when i first use potplayer) My Back-up player would be KMP or VLC, but since i have bad experience back then, i rarely use VLC

[@DeBO821]

I love potplayer, it's been my go to for 10 years

[@trongduc8659]

PotPlayer is one of the few multimedia players that has WASAPI audio exclusive output support (meaning no other sounds can cutting through the video's audio stream that currently playing) which I really love

[@kimchiman1000]

I had a look around at your video titles and thought I'd sub. But when I went to do that just now, it turns out I'm already subbed. Glad I did!

[@gus473]

9:05 😅 Can't disagree with that! Great video and recommendations! 😎✌️

[@sapelesteve]

As usual, terrific program recommendations from Brett! Yet another video that I have to share with friends & family! Thanks Brett! 👍👍

[@vk3tgx]

Thanks, I recently had a user ask me what software to use, I'll pass this on to him. (I wasn't going to suggest my choices, as i consider them unsuitable for his level)

[@z8669zzz]

Thanks for the information!

[@jamesslick4790]

GREAT LIST! (To be fair, I'm biased as I have most of these!)

[@UNICORNSF3ProgameplayProRACER]

Amazing video👍

[@jbluther]

Great video, as usual, Brett. Can you do a review of the Proton suite of products? You've recommended their VPN in the past, but now they have other webapps including cloud storage and a password manager. I would be interested in your thoughts on their offerings.

[@dangox3370]

I recommend irfanview as a default image viewer. Gimp is great for in depth image editing but irfanview is much more light weight suitable for general use and some simple edits like rotation. Its cool how you can scroll through all your images in a folder with the mouse wheel.

[@gregashmore5657]

Love your stuff! I have most of it, but you know learning curve for changeovers :)

[@leonidassavvides]

Vmware Player or Vmware Fusion for personal use only, free Windows Linux and macOS I am paid a Vmware user, but before I used personal Vmware Fusion free

[@ikeeptime]

I agree VLC is a gem. Used it for years.

[@GiluOne]

I'm using Media Player Classic since .... forever. Comes with k-lite. Plays everything. Starts fast, has bookmarks (favorites). And I think it should also be on this list ;-)

[@Reversion1970]

Great rundown of free software, agree pretty much the best in each class.

[@intentionally-blank]

Really great vid! Thanks *subscribed*

[@franciscohorna5542]

my friend runs davinci resolve on windows with 12 gb ddr4 ram and page file.sys turned off no pagefile so far no lags!!!!! he edit 4k and 1080p videos

[@dreamleaf6784]

I had ms365 for free from my university but i swapped computer and lost my product code. Decided just to use LibreOffice and i learned a few things. If i get a job after college ill donate to these foss companys that make the software i use. Rather then pay some mega corp

[@flashking107]

i would reccomend mpv over vlc. cause its way lighter than vlc and also can play more formats

[@kyleethekelt]

Does it handle FLAC fileswell? VLC does not, even now; especially 24-bit.

[@VanOutloud]

TY! Your video was very informative.

[@paullebon323]

Wow! This was a useful list... with none of the crap on most lists, like Discord.

[@Rusty_Gold85]

Older Mac books pre 2011 can run better with Linux OS . Edge is bloatware . I've used Softmaker Free Office that is alright it just has controls in other parts of the menu ribbon you need to work out at times . Antivirus is handy if you are shihty at computing . The Viruses are due to what you do and click on. If using OBS studios for streaming turn off auto updates and move download times to another period.

[@johnbmw550i]

Just great INFO many thanks.

[@jeremiahlyleseditor437]

I'm looking for a duplicate file search tool that maintains the folder structure of the duplicate files

[@RixtronixLAB]

Cool info, thanks for sharing, well done :)

[@gs1987100]

Thank you for such a informative video...

[@MichaelAmen316]

Do you have any freeware suggestions for AI software?

[@grat2010]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@btbb3726]

Thanks!

[@StarLabs3D]

Good information

[@SevenThunderful]

You missed Zim Wiki, which is a better replacement for evernote or onenote.

[@MichaelToub]

Great Video!!

[@darrinlong8038]

cant believe thunderbird is still around

[@alanmott-smith9358]

Thanks again Brett

[@zended]

Brett, do a review or at least mention download manager if you ever made another "must have free open source sofrware" like [Free Download Manager] and [Motrix Download Manager]

[@nigelberry9210]

VLC also makes a good video capture from desktop

[@redahaskourihachlout9302]

And a good frame capture ( from the video itself)

[@henrycarlson7514]

Interesting , Thank You

[@williamruy9350]

Thanks x 1,000,000

[@dumdebadaba]

What about browsers like Opera and Tor?

[@Moon-yg9nx]

good video I use most of these

[@firstclaw1]

I'm sometimes struggling with shortcut, although I kinda like it and got used to do some simple editing. I want to try DaVinci now.

[@EricBalthasarRealtor]

Vivaldi is now available on iOS i just downloaded it

[@pigpen1958]

i prefer Pot player over VLC

[@KNIGHTJUMPS]

Thank you.

[@jaibhimadevi5805]

Just curious- is Inkscape no longer (seemingly) cursed? I stayed away for a long time, after development seemed to languish while GIMP and similar progressed to mostly bug-free and feature-complete.

[@kensmith5694]

Audacity is good for working with audio files.

[@leadlearner6391]

thank you :-)

[@KevinPan-tl6vn]

Great programs

[@daywalker3735]

So cool VLC is still badass

[@Hedgerow-Media-UK]

I had Devinci Resolve. But I had to delete it as it wouldn't start up because it gave me a message saying "I must update my graphics card." I'm now on VSDC

[@SoundSurrealStudio]

Sorry but what is VSDC

[@stuartwaldrip9280]

Vivaldi is nothing short of fantastic. Dump chrome. Dump edge.

[@falling_banana]

mx player, wps office?

[@j.k6580]

love libre office

[@polopsu1975]

Hey Brett love your stuff.......is there a adobedidgital to pdf converter out there that is free to use

[@dreamleaf6784]

I use green shot on windows. I like it. Anyone know a good linux one? I use linux mint

[@ReapWithRick]

I noticed the option to use their VPN when installing Bitdender Antivirus Free - I already have Ivacy - I assume a paid VPN is better than the free VPN offered. Am I correct?

[@redahaskourihachlout9302]

You can use open source vpn. That use some tor features

[@aydenmoore617]

i have brave because it has a built in adblocker

[@DwightStebner]

any reccomendations for a free program to replace Adobe Illustrator? besides GIMP

[@Mamika_AFK]

Krita, Medibang, or Inkscape for vector graphics

[@BlackMaleLion]

I am wondering if you have any recommendations for free software that allows you to take screenshots with a press of a button and the software saves it to a folder on your PC.

[@EIRE55]

Yes, Brett mentioned ShareX at 4:41, which I'm going to look into as well. Up until now, I've always used Windows "Snipping Tool", and then just save it in Windows "Paint". Quick and easy.

[@KUOLEMA_]

Yeah just hit 'PrintScreen' key on your keyboard , then open Paint and Paste it.there u can crop the image among other useful things.

[@computerworks5462]

Screenshooter

[@computerworks5462]

Screenshooter

[@KUOLEMA_]

Windows 11 : Press Windows logo key+Shift+S. Saves directly to your PC's Hard Disk Drive. Or just press the Print-Screen button but then you'll take a screenshot of the WHOLE page.

[@sylvesterkwashira9874]

amazing thanks

[@ivanupton6586]

how does bitwarden compare to 1password and would a transition from 1password to bitwarden be fairly easy?

[@jawsisra]

What good FREE Image viewer do you think is the best?

[@gimcrack555]

My top dog has been; Xnview MP

[@jameseddinsiicf1450]

I'm using ImageGlass

[@naveen.a6272]

How to invoke the flameshot with the shortcut key in windows 11?

[@EIRE55]

How do you set the key for Flameshot? Go to Keyboard settings and click 'Save a screenshot to Pictures' under 'Screenshots' section. Enter 'Flameshot' in 'Name' field , 'flameshot gui' in 'Command' field, and click 'Set Shortcut' button and press 'PrtScr' button in the keyboard and close the dialog box 5. That's it.

[@dianaalyssa8726]

TY

[@madthumbs1564]

VLC is buggy, bloated and caused Linux to crash for some of us. The bloated extra features require a guide to use and are better left to other programs like avidemux. -So why no mention of MPV?

[@johnmurphy6460]

Google meet should be on the list.

[@lugosinandor]

I prefer OBS Studio.

[@elijahsambian]

Humble guy indeed! Miss some of your jokes in your videos though. Why have you cut down your highest quality to 720p?

[@BrettInTech]

We actually produce and upload our videos in 4K resolution. KZbin will sometimes reduce the resolution based on a user's internet connection at that moment. It happens to me sometimes watching YT... To fix this, go to Settings, Quality, then select the resolution.

[@nelsonr.9450]

I have tried VLC MP, but some older videos the frame of the image goes way off the rails.. 😅 Maybe is some setting that I missed? Help... 🙌

[@BOSS_1417]

Pot player or vlc?

[@dustandashes419]

Potplayer is only available for the Windows platform.

[@dungeondeezdragons]

I get stutter sometimes on videos using shotcut if i accelerate a part of the video.