Six free programs useful for any PC user

The free downloadable software is an increasingly strong movement that allows the average PC user to improve performance and security of your computer without spending money.

There are antivirus to protect computers, photo editors to manipulate images with basic functions, spreadsheets and word processors that, while not as sophisticated as payments software, offer decent performance for users who only need the basics.

In addition, there are thousands of websites that offer legal downloads and free programs. But beware, many of these offers can be dangerous, stay away from dubious pages and be guided by the prestige of the software manufacturer you want to download.

To help you learn some programs that will no doubt be very useful, then we summarize five types of basic software for PC and mention any brands that stand among the most popular Internet.

1. Antivirus

Basic to any computer, especially if you have Windows operating system, is the antivirus. Normally, new PCs come with antivirus software installed, but when the license expires, do not worry. You can protect your computer from viruses without paying a dime. Only you must install the correct software usage habits and adopt "healthy for your computer."

Among the most popular free antivirus is AVG, a simple but effective program whose website offers a free version. For other antivirus recommended by experts familiar with our top five free antivirus. For tips to avoid infection, read our tutorial to protect your PC.

2. Document Management

If you need to write documents, manage spreadsheets and presentations from time to time and not paying for Microsoft Office license, you have several options.

One is to use the beta version of Microsoft Office 2010. After the release of Windows 7, Microsoft released temporarily for free download the trial version of Office 2010. It is a unfinished version of the programs included in this suite, aimed primarily at developers who report the errors, but can be useful in these times of economic crisis.

Alternatively, Open Office, an organization that developed a suite of programs similar to Microsoft Office, but simpler. Unless you need the more advanced features of Microsoft programs, OpenOffice.org will surely be helpful.

Google rival Microsoft, also has a kind of Office online. Google Docs is an online service that lets you create and share documents for free and "in the cloud", ie that everything is stored on Google servers, not your computer. The functions are much more basic than Office, but no less desirable.

3. Internet Navigation

Many internet users are unaware that there is more than a web browser. Internet Explorer, Microsoft certainly dominates the browser market. If you are using an earlier version of Internet Explorer 8, including version 6, it is important that you download and install the latest version, which is safer and more reliable than previous ones. It is indeed a good browser but not alone.

Firefox, Mozilla, an open source browser that has been improved over the years by the contribution of thousands of volunteer developers. If what you are looking for is speed, Google Chrome is noted for being lightweight and fast browser. However, there are still sites that do not work very well in this browser.

Other browsers are free to include Opera and Safari. The latter is the browser that comes installed on all Apple computers. If you have a Mac and want to explore other browsers, you can install Firefox for Mac or Camino, a Mozilla-based browser made specifically for Mac Google Chrome is a beta version for Mac that is not finished yet but it works.

4. Photo Editing

If you like the photos digitally manipulated to make surrealist creations, or simply want to improve focus and remove red eye from photos of your birthday, you can do for free.

Programs such as Gimp and Paint.net is free photo editors that, while not as sophisticated as Photoshop, Adobe, have useful features for non-professional user.

5. Playing multimedia

Finally, entertainment is one of the main uses of computers. breeding programs that are installed by default can not always reproduce the multitude of video and audio formats that exist. If you are looking for a versatile multimedia player, easy to use and free VLC Media Player is what you seek. One of the most popular free software recommended by Internet and specialized websites.

6. Communications

Instant messaging programs are a great tool to keep in touch with friends, family and coworkers. Perhaps the most popular Windows Live Messenger, who recently completed a decade since its inception and provides more customization options than ever.

Other instant messaging programs like Google Talk and Yahoo Messenger offer similar features, but if what you want is to make internet calls or conversations in real-time video, Skype is more suited to their needs. It is free and includes low rates for international calling.

There are also advanced email program like Thunderbird, Mozilla, or Windows Live Mail, Microsoft, which allow you to synchronize multiple e-mail accounts in one program.

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