Windows 10: The ten essential free software – Clubic

You finally managed to install Windows 10. You will (re) discover your operating system and it has undeniably improved … except for software offered by default. While some of them have not moved from Windows 7, we offer you free and effective alternatives.

It’s nice Windows 10, it’s true. Cortana makes jokes Start menu (back now that everyone has learned to do without) through the center of notifications or virtual desktops, the new system by Microsoft sells dreams. . And it works, really

But looking more closely, there are still some surprises; or rather non-surprises. How can a system so modern it still offer only Windows Media Player as a media player, a graphical editor like Paint or a remote desktop connection if inefficient?

From this observation, we decided to make a selection of alternative software to basics which Windows 10 inherited his “ancestors”. What improve your experience in a truly modern system but deserved, perhaps, to see his sharpened tools

. Windows Media Player vs VLC

Video, audio, images, the Windows Media Player is supposed to do anything even if, in practice, that’s the music he is doing the least harm. One would have hoped that the new Microsoft operating system comes with the replacement of the media player that has had its day but unfortunately the publisher has an impasse.

Or. Since it’s been a long time that we should face the despair generated by the Windows Media Player Version 12 (which still dates from 2013!), The remedy is the same: the excellent VLC. Simple for noob but plenty of possibilities for experts, effective, free and free, the software is a hit, and it’s not for nothing. Finally, for those who would like, VLC is also available as Windows app.

Seriously The interface of the well-rounded Windows Media Player throws in a system flat design right?

Paint vs Paint.NET

Other ancestral component of Windows, Paint he’s really still place on this system? Neither talent for drawing or for photo editing, it is seen relegated to playing children or image format converter (since that, it does well).

At his side, Paint.NET has the look of a professional tool and, although this qualification does not suit him, he does more than Paint and better. If his specialty is not the creation (no vector or brush dedicated to painting), this software is gifted hand for retouching. With specific tools, Paint.NET does more than help; he manages layers, blend modes, offers a number of effects, a history of changes, etc. In short, another free must try again

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Left Paint, Paint.NET right.

Viewer vs XnView MP

continue in the area of ​​the image and the image with Windows viewer . Appearing with Windows Vista, this one is not without interest; it at least has the merit of allowing the visualization of a lot of image formats and print them … or open them in other applications. What does not the viewer, the app Universal Pictures does, it is true, but let’s face as the management of collections with it is an ordeal.

So we decided to cut the pear in two with XnView MP . The tool is amazing simplicity, and offers many features including access and manipulation are within reach of everyone. Lightweight and customizable, XnView MP is a MUST. It is understood that other programs could be cited here: RawTherapee for enthusiasts or Picasa for sharers. But if you want a program that focuses on the essentials, XnView MP is for you.

Left the Windows viewer, the right management component of XnView MP

screenshot tool vs PrtScr

Frankly, the Screen capture tool Windows is not so bad. It has even been “upgraded” to Windows 10 with the addition of a capture timer unfortunately only adjustable from 1 to 5 seconds in steps of one second (therefore no interest). His only interest versus PrtScr is to capture a window, an undeniable lack for breakfast free software

Besides that, it’s so convenient. called by a simple “Impr.écr” (or PrtScr), it offers the ability to capture the entire screen, free forms or rectangles, with or without timer (5 or 30 s) and then, with one click, recording (“under” on the desktop or clipboard), edit, share, or print. Once tried, you can not do without you PrtScr .

In addition, PrtScr, floated your capture in the screen until you choose what you want to do (capture right top right)

Note vs Notepad ++

A little more touchy for the less used “general public”, the Note is the timeless basic tool that helps out; sometimes note a phone number in a hurry, sometimes a few IP addresses, sometimes to type 2 or 3 lines of code.

If you need more, switching to Notepad ++ will be beneficial : tab management, a lot of scripting or programming languages, autocomplete, syntax highlighting, search and complex replacements. The list is long, the software is top, no need to hesitate.

The left Notepad, Notepad ++ to right

Windows Defender vs Avast! Free Antivirus 2015

Grievances against Windows Defender ? No, this is a very good basic security software is configurable little, but enough that does not take risks, or not too.

Simply, it is clear that Avast ! Free Antivirus 2015 has become the standard meter free security software; I must say that the publisher put the package in this version 2015. The software has indeed risen to the level of certain paying suites (the pub more). Safety side: real-time antivirus protection, antispyware and anti-rootkit, Cloud and analysis of the home network. Utilities side: Update detection tool, cleaning and browser protection, browser decluttering, spare, taking Remote Control, etc. Note finally an analysis SmartScan feature all-in-one, convenient for less experienced users.

The Windows Defender VS minimalist the exhaustive Avast! Antivirus 2015

decompression tool vs 7-zip

<- short description -> On Windows, unzip the .ZIP is easy; for RAR, which is the way the most used of net format, or the .7z … it gets complicated. And do not even talk no compression; .ZIP Only.

Yes, it is necessary, even indispensable, to have another archiving software on his computer that proposed by Windows. And although WinRAR is always the most downloaded, if it is done, it is the free and 7-Zip to be adopted. We invite you also to visit our article about 7-zip to convince you.

Left Windows tool , right from the very modern 7-zip interface

Remote Desktop vs AnyDesk

What about the Windows Remote Desktop? This system is reliable, secure and offers relatively few options needed for a good connection and proper form. Ah, yes, I forgot, if you are not bundle is an ordeal

And this is the main interest of AnyDesk . Easy to install and connect, it is especially more fluid than any other remote connection system. Of course you can receive sound, synchronize the clipboard, making screenshots, etc. ; nothing is missing. To install an emergency.

Left Remote Desktop (RDP) of Windows, right Anydesk <. /> p>

Windows Virtual Office vs Dexpot

Certainly it is not a component dated as just happened with Windows 10, but it s ‘However, this is a disappointment. The virtual desktops Windows were expected to turn by Users from Linux (or used other solutions). Result: almost any configuration, easy management even simplistic, a wallpaper for any office, no keyboard shortcuts …

Dexpot turns out to be just the opposite. If it remains easy to use, and available in French, he is configurable excessively. It allows up to 20 different offices, to multiply access (taskbar shortcuts, hotkeys), play on appearances … It allows everything, even displaying a beautiful 3D cube at office change. A wonder to try it
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This is not a story that revolves cube but I must admit that Dexpot (and Dexcube), right, throws

Windows Media Center vs Kodi

As amazing as it may seem, while XBMC already exists, but some users are bent upon to use Windows Media Center . Easier to configure, the fact remains that the opportunities offered by the Microsoft signed software were also much lower.

To replace it, nothing better than the very good Kodi . While XBMC has changed its name, it has also matured: simpler, more stable, more and more configurable, the software makes prowess in all areas, thanks in particular to an excellent management libraries: music, movies, series and picture, everything goes.

The late Windows Media Center on the left and the excellent Kodi right