Free, Really, Honestly, Free
Yes, there is a software free lunch. Freeware is just just that: free.
Some non-profits I worked with would rather spend money helping people than buying special-purpose, seldom used software.
I tell them there is a LOT of free software available that works well. And this is not just for those willing to settle for less.
Like you, I am willing to spend serious money for essential products I use for audio editing and web page editing.
While my wife used professional book layout app with critical pre-press setup features for publishing projects, I do not have those demands. I do not need to subscribe to a full office suite to open the occasional spreadsheet that comes my way.
And so I have collected a lot of software that works for me and hasn't cost a dime.
But what is "freeware?"
It is not “shareware” where you are expected to pay if you like it. It is not “nagware” with annoying messages popping up while you are using it. In most cases, there are no in-app purchases.
Freeware is often provided by programmers showing off what they can do or companies trying to make a point. The origins of at least one 100% free office suite started years ago when a major dot-com company owner made it and gave it away simply to stick to Microsoft.
Where do you find freeware?
Do searches for "100% freeware. "Free download" is not the same!
Try to get freeware from the author’s site or places specifically recommended by the author. You should not have to register or give any information before you can download freeware.
Some suspect sites package the original free app with other “offers” you may not notice when installing, especially if you click on the express or typical install.
Always use the custom install and carefully look at yes/no options. You should not have to fill out forms or surveys or bypass endless pages of offers to get to the file download area. Those sites are not your friend.
Here are some of my favorite freeware picks.
Photo Editing
Here is a link to several free PC image editors that I use.
Writing
If you needed more of a Microsoft Office type experience, try LibreOffice at
Want to go "distraction free?"
FocusWriter is a free software created by Graeme Gott that offers a simple and distraction-free writing environment.
Portable Apps
LibreOffice and many of my favorites are also available in a collection of free software that can be used without any fixed installation. This type of software is called "portable."
These are hundreds of free apps now “portabled” and can put them on a thumb drive. The premier site for this is
Please note these folks do all this work at their own expense.
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