Over the past couple of decades, there have been hundreds of pieces of software for Windows that have changed the game forever. Some of these applications were trailblazers when they were first released and are still at the top of their game today.
Whether you want to play a few classic games, edit photos or videos, or simply protect your system, here are some of the best pieces of software for Windows since the brilliant Windows 95.
Steam
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Speaking of classic games, the best place to find and play them is Steam. This app is jam-packed with new and vintage titles that you can download and play whenever you want.
Steam has been the go-to store and launcher for PC gaming for a few years now, and considering the number of titles you can find, it will continue to be the best app for years to come.
Skype
There are few applications that have revolutionized communication in the same way Skype has. Simply put, it enables you to message and video call other Skype users across the world.
One of the best features of Skype is that it is also available on iOS and Android, enabling you to communicate away from your PC as long as you have an internet connection.
VLC
There’s arguably no better video player than VLC, even though it’s been around for several years now. The free software lets you play videos of almost any type without having to convert them.
VLC doesn’t just play video either, as it can play most types of audio, streams, CDs, and webcams. It’s lightweight, too, barely taking up any space, and is available across multiple types of devices.
LastPass
LastPass is a simple yet highly effective tool that is perfect for those who have multiple accounts or need to remember a lot of passwords. The process is straightforward: when you log into an account, LastPass will ask you to save your username and password.
This means the next time you try to log in, you click the LastPass icon, and your details will be filled in automatically. You can lock LastPass, too, ensuring no one can use your passwords if your device is stolen.
Avast
Cyber security and virus protection is an essential part of owning a PC. Viruses can be downloaded at any time without you knowing, and an antivirus will stop the virus from destroying your computer or allowing someone to steal your data.
Avast is a free antivirus program that offers most of the tools you need to protect your computer and data. While it doesn’t have everything, it’s more than capable of protecting home systems or personal computers.
Spotify
If you love music, then look no further than Spotify, which has revolutionized how we listen to and consume music, and which has also opened the door for thousands of aspiring artists to get their music out into the world.
You can create or listen to hundreds of thousands of playlists, listen to full albums, follow your favorite artists, and enjoy a plethora of podcasts all on one platform. Spotify has everything to fulfill your music needs.
GIMP
Image editing can be an expensive business if you want to do it right, but GIMP has become the go-to for those who want tons of features without the price tag. It’s a free open-source platform that offers image editing and manipulation.
GIMP has been one of the best free image editing platforms since it was released in 1998, and with dozens of features and options available, it still offers more than most users would ever need.
Acronis Backup
Backing up your computer is a must, especially when a crash or data breach can happen at any time. While it isn’t free, Acronis is one of the best backup systems on the market and allows you to store all the data on your PC in no time.
Any Video Converter
Any Video Converter is an old but simple and effective tool that does exactly what it says on the can. It lets you easily and quickly convert any video type into any other video type. It may not be pretty, but it is efficient, and, most importantly, free.