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- If Windows is an OS of your choice, consider these open-source apps.
- Any task is only tons of open-source apps.
- All these are free to install and use on Windows.
I have been using open-source software for a very long time. In fact, the last time i Was not Use open-source software, Bill Clinton was the US president.
From open-source software desktop to phone, almost every operating system on the market is available, and I often think the open-source apps are better than their ownership counterparts. If you are a Windows user, you do not need to stay off in closed-source software, as there are many options you can choose from.
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Let me introduce you to some of my favorite.
1. Libraofis
Libreofffice has returned since my Go-Two office suit when it was a twinkle in the staroffice’s eyes, and I have not looked back since then. Libreoffice includes all the equipment that you use in an office suit and even includes a database component (similar to MS Access). And with an adaptable user interface, you can work with a modern UI or one that misses the days of your.
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Libreoffice is locally installed, so you do not have to worry about the third-party cloud service to reach your information. You can set a Libreoffice to automatically save in MS Office Default formats, so collaboration with those using Microsoft tools is a no-brine.
Libra office It is free to download and install for Windows.
2. Flow launcher
Flow launcher There is a quick file search and app launcher for Windows. With the flow launcher, you use a customized hot key to launch the tool and then find what you are seeing. You can open the app, search for files and browse the Internet with your default search engine. Flow launcher includes themes, animations and sounds, and even allows you to build your own adaptation. There are also community-made plugins to increase the feature set.
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Flow launcher is free to download and install.
3. Duplicate
Duplicate There is a zero-trust backup solution that can return from Windows (or any OS) at any destination required for you. You can return to dropbox, box, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud and Amazon web services, or you can return to other machines on your LAN for more privacy. The duplicity allows for scheduling and remote management, and has a direct installation. Your backups are fully encrypted, and you can easily monitor them for real -time insight through a well -designed dashboard.
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The duplicity is free for personal use.
4. NextCloud
If you are tired of using the cloud-based offerings of Google or Microsoft (especially for fear that they are using your data to train LLM), then there is always NextCloud, which is open-source, locally moves equal to cloud prasad. NextCloud includes everything you need for file storage, sharing, cooperation, communication, and more. There is also an app store where you can install plugins to expand the feature set.
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You can install and use NextCloud on Windows for free and even install NextCloud Desktop Client For even more easy use.
5. Franz
If you use many messaging apps and services, you may want to consider FranzBecause it brings all those messaging apps into a user friendly GUI. Franz allows you to add to WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, Slack, Telegram, Google Calendar, Discord, LinkedIn, Trailo, Office 365 Outlook, Google Keep, and more, so you do not need to switch back and forth between apps. You can add as many accounts as you want and can easily switch between them without leaving Franz UI.
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Franz is free to install and use.
6. Prudent
Prudent (Aka Yazb Reborn) Custom makes it possible to create the top bar (similar to MACOS), which can display all the accessory system information, such as battery status, internet speed, weather, and more – all can display with a clean, minimal, elegant style.
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YAZB also gives you a quick access to shutdown/restart control, customized theme/icon/layout, and allows you to add as much auxiliary widget as required.
7. File converter
If you ever need to easily change or compress a file in Windows, File converter Your back is Using a right-click reference menu entry (within the file manager), you can convert audio, video, images and documents from one format to another. In the case of documents, you can convert almost any format into PDF. You can also compress files in the same way.
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The only warning is that, to change the MS office files, you have to set up an MS office. You can customize the application order within the reference menu and even add or remove the preset.
The file converter is free to install and use on Windows.
8. Bitwardon
If you do not use a password manager, you should start immediately. If you need a password manager, you should put a bitterdon at the top of your list. Not only is the Bitwardon Open-SOS, but it is one of the best password managers in the market.
With each feature you will need (including a web browser extension), Bitwardon can help to help you protect by simplifying the process of using unique passwords. This open-source password manager includes a password generator (which can pass both passwords and pass phrases), send bitwardon (to send files safely), and more.
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Bitwardon can be installed and used for free on windows. You can also consider buying a license, as it gives you more support facilities, which can be useful with a large family or organization.
9. Autohotki
Autohotki A automation scripting language for Windows is that you allow you to define hotkee for mouse and keyboard, remap keys or buttons, and more. With Autohotkyy, you can automate about any desktop function.
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Essentially, this app makes it easier to work with hotkeys and macros, while helps you work more efficiently. There is a learning state for autohotki, but once you learn it, you will be happy that you took time to do so.
Autohotkey can be installed and used for free on Windows.
10. Alaama
If you want to use AI, but do not like the idea of a third party using your query or data to train your LLM, consider the Open-Sound Olama, which is easy to use and even a well-designed GUI to interact and add models.
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With Olama, you can work with a big Selection of modelFrom small to very big. However, one thing to note is that the larger the model, the more system resources will be required. You will also be given the best service using Olama on a Windows machine with a dedicated GPU.
Olama can be installed and used for free on windows.

