APC’s best free Windows apps
Your PC is a powerful tool, but without software, it’s virtually useless (virtually, because it’d make an impressively ornate door stop).
While the likes of Microsoft have long specialised in big-budget, high price applications, there are plenty of small things that these ubiquitous software suites don’t allow. Want an auto-booting USB stick? Want a fullyfeatured audio editing suite? Want an easier way to assess your system specifications? Well, you don’t need to pay for these luxuries.
On this month’s disc, you’ll find over 35 free software products ranging from security (BitDefender), entertainment (VLC), home office (LibreOffice) and, um... mouse tracker amplification (WizMouse). While it’s unlikely every user will use every piece of software herein, it’s sure to be a useful resource for when you want something done that your existing software collection is incapable of. These are all pieces of software that members of APC’s own team have used and can personally recommend.
Now, we’ve got one last quick bit of advice before you start installing these programs en-masse — start by setting up Unchecky from the cleanup and maintenance section. It’s a great little tool that’s able to mostly prevent the installation of any ‘potentially unwanted programs’ — aka PUPs — that free apps often come bundled with. If you’re constantly trying out free software, it’s the best way of avoiding things like browser toolbars or just junk apps that you didn’t ask for.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
A DVD-ROM reader or burner. The APC disc is designed for use with up-to-date browsers (for example, Edge, Chrome, Firefox). The interface included on the APC disc requires a JavaScript-enabled browser. An internet connection may be required for online registration of software before use. The software packages on the APC disc have different system requirements. Software is included on the disc for Windows 7, 8 and 10.
BEFORE INSTALLING
Check the disc using a virus scanner complete with the latest antivirus data updates. The disc was checked before burning, but new viruses are being discovered all the time. Back up any important system and data files. It is not recommended that the software contained on these discs be installed on production machines. If you have any questions regarding the use of the APC disc, click the ‘Help’ button at the top of the screen.
USING THE DISC
Insert the disc into a CD/DVD-ROM reader or burner and your web browser should automatically load the interface. If not, launch your web browser and load the default.html file from the root directory of the disc.
HELP
If you have any problems with the APC disc, please visit www.apcmag.com/disc APC provides no technical support for this disc or any software provided on it.