As a computer repair technician, I get asked a lot of questions. Quite a few of them concern software I recommend. Since I am frugal, I will usually suggest free programs. So here are my four (4) favorite free programs I always suggest.

Free graphic programs

When it comes to graphics, everyone knows about Photoshop. And you have probably heard the phrase 'photoshopped' before. Photoshop has become the leading image editor.

But what if you cannot afford Photoshop? Well, there are other alternatives for image editing. And it just so happens that they are free, too.

Paint.NET

Paint.NET started as a free replacement for the Paint program that comes with Windows. But it has grown to be a top-line graphics editor that rivals Photoshop in terms of useful features.

Paint.NET has an intuitive interface and supports layers, special effects, and hundreds of plugins. It runs only on the Windows platform and requires the latest version of the .NET framework.

Click here for more information on Paint.NET

GIMP

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is another alternative image editor for Photoshop. It has a complete set of editing tools, including layers, channels, and over 100 plugins.

GIMP is part of the GNU Project, which is open-source, so you are encouraged to participate in its development. GIMP will run on Windows, OS X, and GNU/Linux operating systems.

Click here for more information on GIMP

Free productivity programs

OpenOffice

When it comes to productivity software, there is one question I regularly get, "Is there an alternative to Microsoft Office?". I always respond with, "Yes, Apache OpenOffice. And it is free.".

Apache OpenOffice is another open-source project comparable to and compatible with Microsoft Office. With OpenOffice, you can open, edit, and save all Microsoft Office file formats.

It has Writer, a word processor equivalent to Microsoft Word; Calc, a spreadsheet program comparable to Microsoft Excel; and Impress, a multi-media slide-show presentation program equivalent to Microsoft PowerPoint.

It also includes Draw, a graphic program equivalent to Microsoft Paint, and Base, a database program comparable to Microsoft Access. Versions of OpenOffice are available for Windows, OS 10, and Linux operating systems.

Click here for more information on OpenOffice

Free anti-spam program

MailWasher Free

E-mail is the most popular way for hackers to attack your computer right now. All they have to do is get you to open a bogus email in a web browser or e-mail client.

But with MailWasher Free, you can check your mail securely. MailWasher Free downloads nothing but the text of your e-mail. By default, it will not download attachments or display HTML-formatted mail. It will render HTML e-mail only after you get a security warning.

You cannot use MailWasher Free as an e-mail client since it does not have an e-mail editor. It is just for deleting unwanted mail on your mail server—that way, the unsolicited mail never makes its way into your browser or mail program.

Now, MailWasher Free is supported by ads inside the program itself. If you have more than one e-mail address or want to avoid the advertisements, you may want to consider purchasing MailWasher Pro.

Click here for more information on MailWasher free

Have you ever wanted to edit or manipulate images but couldn't afford the hefty price tag of professional image editing software? Look no further than GIMP - the free, open-source image manipulation program that offers robust features and tools comparable to its expensive counterparts. In this article, we'll explore the capabilities of GIMP and how it can serve as a cost-effective solution for your image editing needs.

The GIMP user interface

GIMP, which stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program, has gained popularity for its extensive range of features and its availability across different operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. With support for various file formats and the ability to handle tasks such as photo retouching, image composition, and image authoring, GIMP has become a viable alternative to commercial image editing software.

A logo created with a script in GIMP

You can do simple tasks like rotating and cropping photos and creating graphics from scratch. You can even convert the format of files and save compressed versions with ZIP or GZ extensions. Some of the features I like are the effect filters and layers/channels. The predefined scripts for buttons, logos, patterns, and web page themes that are available to download are pretty cool.

One of the standout features of GIMP is its customizable interface, which allows users to tailor the toolset and layout to their specific workflow. This flexibility caters to novice users who prefer a simplified interface and advanced users who require more intricate tools for complex editing tasks. Here is a list of some features inside of GIMP:

• Updated user interface
• HiDPI support
• GEGL image processing library
• Improved color management
• CIE and CIE LCH color spaces
• Improved selection tools
• Interface themes

In addition to its suitability for everyday users, GIMP also supports advanced image manipulation techniques, such as layer masks, filters, and customizable brushes, making it a versatile tool for professional graphic designers and digital artists. This wide array of features puts GIMP on par with its commercial competitors, offering a compelling option for those seeking professional-grade image editing capabilities without the high cost.

Furthermore, GIMP is supported by a dedicated community of developers and contributors who continuously improve the software and provide extensive documentation and tutorials. This collaborative ecosystem fosters a supportive environment for users to learn and enhance their skills in image manipulation and graphic design, thus expanding the reach of GIMP as a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced users.

In conclusion, GIMP offers a compelling alternative to commercial image editing software, providing a comprehensive set of tools and features suitable for a wide range of users, from amateurs to professionals. Embracing GIMP as a go-to image editing program not only saves on costs but also opens up a world of creative possibilities for digital content creation.

For more information on GIMP, follow the links below:

GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program

GIMP - Introduction