Tech & Auto
Free Windows Apps Everyone Should Have
By CASSIDY WARD
Audacity
If you want to try your hands at mixing audio, Audacity is a free, open-source software package for recording and manipulating audio files.
The app can record multiple tracks simultaneously while allowing for customization and effects like fading in and out, normalizing audio, and more.
Zoom
Zoom is one of the most used video conferencing solutions, allowing users worldwide to have online meetings with real-time audio and video.
In addition to remote communication, Zoom allows users to easily share materials by sharing their computer screens with an audience.
Google Earth Pro
GPS has been used for various apps, such as Google Maps. However, the company went further with Google Earth, giving users a bird's-eye view of the entire planet.
Google offered a business-oriented Pro version with some additional features as a subscription option. That version became the standard, which everyone has access to for free.
Plex
Plex is a free media server that works as a streaming platform for your personal media collection, allowing you to access your computer or server's media from other devices.
While most features are free to use, and you can get a useful experience without spending money, there is a subscription service.
GIMP
For those who don't have the budget for Photoshop, GIMP is a suitable free alternative that will let you digitally manipulate images with what are essentially the same tools.
If you're new to image manipulation, you can make easy adjustments using built-in options like corrective mode and the channel mixer.