Daily Utilized Windows Applications for Enhanced Productivity I Routinely Employ
In the world of digital media, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here's a roundup of some free, versatile applications that every tech enthusiast should have in their arsenal.
HandBrake
HandBrake, created by Eric Petit, is a media transcoding tool that stands out for its ability to convert audio/video media for playback on various devices. This powerful software can process single files or multiple files in a queue, each with individual configurations. Advanced users can integrate HandBrake's CLI interface to automate batch processes, such as backing up DVD collections to a NAS.
ScreenToGIF
ScreenToGIF is a must-have for those who need to capture screens or portions of them and render them as animated GIFs or video files. This free application offers editing features such as scaling, trimming, optimizing, watermarks, text, and special effects. It also allows for frame removal, setting the FPS, adding effects, scanning for duplicates, resizing images, and multiple encoding options for GIF output. However, it's worth noting that ScreenToGIF cannot convert MOV files, for which HandBrake is the go-to solution.
GIMP
GIMP, or GNU Image Manipulation Program, is a bitmap image editor used for a variety of tasks including image manipulation, editing, and design. It supports Photoshop file formats and RAW images. GIMP can work with multiple layers, effects, and filters to tweak compositions. Users can even write their own plugins using Python or C/C++ and call GIMP from the command line/terminal to batch edit images.
Inkscape
Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor that serves as an alternative to Adobe Illustrator. It works with Illustrator files and SVG files commonly used on the web. Inkscape is not only used for annotating images but also for creating diagrams and preparing SVG files for 3D printable objects.
Notepad
Notepad++ is a lightweight text editor that supports various programming languages and offers features like syntax highlighting and Markdown preview. While it may seem like just a note-taking tool at first glance, Notepad++ is, in fact, a development tool that coders should have.
Rufus
Rufus is a simple yet versatile application used for writing ISO/IMG files to USB sticks, customizing Windows 11 install disks, and creating bootable USB disks. Rufus has hidden features that activate according to user needs, making it an indispensable tool in any tech enthusiast's toolkit.
VLC
VLC is a media player that allows access to files stored on a NAS and plays a variety of media formats, including malformed files and streams from YouTube and BBC iPlayer. Additionally, VLC can be used for video playback, screenshotting images from video capture cards, and ripping CDs to FLAC.
These applications, available for Windows-based machines, and many also for Linux and macOS devices, are invaluable tools for digital media manipulation, design, and development. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, these free applications offer a wealth of features to help you create, edit, and share your digital content with ease.
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