7-Zip

7-Zip is a free, open-source file archiver that opens almost everything and compresses tighter than most paid rivals. A plain interface is the only real cost.

Rufus

Rufus is the bootable USB tool most technicians reach for first: a free, open source Windows utility that turns a spare stick into working install media in minutes.

VLC Media Player

VLC media player opens nearly any video or audio file for free, on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS, without hunting down a separate codec pack.

Sumatra PDF

Sumatra PDF is a free, no-frills PDF reader that opens files on Windows almost instantly, without Adobe’s bloat. See who it actually fits.

LibreOffice

LibreOffice is a completely free, open source Office & Productivity suite covering six apps, though heavily formatted Word and Excel files don’t always translate perfectly.

Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox is a free, open-source web browser that runs on its own independent engine, built around strong privacy defaults and deep customization.