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The 33 Essential Free Utilities for Every New PC. The Windows ecosystem is filled with more programs than we will ever need. But while you know to install essential programs like Firefox and Steam onto every new PC, there are plenty of core utilities you should install before downloading any application software. We pick out the 33 most useful utilities that enhance the Windows operating system. These aren't apps used for productivity (like word processing or web browsing) or entertainment (like video playback or gaming). Instead, they strengthen the backbone of Windows by optimizing hardware and system software. From single-purpose diagnostic tools to user-interface replacements, these programs provide general support to overhaul the gestalt of the Windows experience.

Think you have every utility to bend Windows to your wishes? Cobian Backup After recommending SyncBack SE in our last app roundup, our readers turned us onto Cobian, an independently-developed backup utility that is as elegant as it is powerful. Executor / Launchy CCleaner. Boot and run Linux from a USB flash memory stick. Utorrent. BitTorrent. Skype. JetAudio. iTunes. VLC Media Player. VLC Supports Most Video Formats in HD & Blue Ray Plays most video formats/codecs with no codec packs downloaded.

MP3, MKV, WebM, MPEG-2, DivX, H.264, and WMV. Cross Platform Formats: Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, Unix. Free and Spyware Tested Safe. Windows Media Player with Comprehensive Format Support VLC Media Player is considered one of the world's best players since it can play almost any audio and video format. This media player most outstanding feature is that it brings its own codecs pack which makes it compatible with all media files you may come across. Its interface is very simple and intuitive with easy handling but advanced features such as client-streaming service that lets you send a video signal over the Internet. VLC Media Player also offers the possibility to add/change subtitles and to handle multiple audio tracks. Chrome. Firefox. CCleaner.

Avast Antivirus.