1. GIMP instead of Photoshop
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux.
If you are a professional designer, photographer or an artist, you have to buy Photoshop. But if you're a fan or just learning to draw, it is worth paying attention to something simpler. For example, in the GIMP.
GIMP can almost everything is the same as that of Photoshop, and even opens PSD-files (though it does not always correctly). And if you include in it mode one window or use a fork GIMPShop, GIMP will be even more convenient. Learn it is easier than it seems, and for home use program enough for the eyes.
alternatives: GIMP in features very similar to Photoshop and some may seem overloaded. In this case, you can try Paint.net or web-based tool Pixlr. Mac users have more Pixelmator - it is not free, but the license for $ 30, still cheaper than a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.
Download GIMP →
2. LibreOffice instead of Microsoft Office
operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux.
LibreOffice - a great free alternative to Microsoft Office office suite. It contains the text editor, tools for creating spreadsheets, presentations, database and graphics databases. LibreOffice working with formats from Microsoft files. However, it is not necessary to talk about the ideal compatibility: documents with complex structure, created in Word and opened in LibreOffice Writer, sometimes flies layout. Still, it's a great tool, which has already become quite suitable for everyday use.
alternatives: LibreOffice have enough alternatives. there is OpenOffice (Whose fork is, in fact, it is the LibreOffice), WPS Office (Chinese office suite filled with annoying ads, but it is better support for Microsoft file formats), and finally, online google Docs and zoho Docs.
Download LibreOffice →
3. Lightworks instead of Adobe Premiere Pro
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux.
So whether you need an expensive professional Premiere Pro, to edit family videos? Lightworks cope not worse. This is a very powerful tool, which functions will be enough for home use.
The main drawback of Lightworks - quite confusing interface, at least for beginners. But over time, it is quite possible to understand and even get used.
alternatives: In fact, quite a lot of free video editors. You can even try DaVinci Resolve or see this one list programs for the very simple movie.
Download Lightworks →
4. Avast instead of paid antivirus
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux (server).
In fact, the question whether the necessary anti-virus on your home PC with Windows 10, a rather controversial. After all, Windows Defender built quite cope with their responsibilities for the protection of the system.
But if you do not trust the native solution from Microsoft and want to install something more functional, not necessarily spend money on paid programs. Avast Free Antivirus is not inferior to expensive anti-virus packages from Kaspersky and Dr. Web. To protect home computers it will be enough. The program has a protection screen in real-time antivirus scanner, heuristic analyzer, as well as additional tools to protect the network, passwords and browser.
alternatives: Layfhaker already chose the best free antivirus. Avira, AVG, Comodo - there are many. To decide which one to install, please visit our topom.
Download Avast →
5. Darktable instead of Lightroom
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux.
Adobe Lightroom - the best choice for professional photographers. This tool allows you to organize a collection of hundreds of thousands of images, choose the best and get rid of marriage. But Darktable little inferior to him and besides absolutely free.
Darktable focused on processing and cataloging images, and perfectly supports the RAW format. It is compatible with a large number of camera models, has the functions of group work with images and has a bunch of filters and masks.
alternatives: simple alternative Darktable can serve FastStone Image Viewer - Advanced image viewer. He is able to remove photos of defects and opens up many different file formats.
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6. SimpleNote instead Evernote
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux.
Yes, Evernote is officially free, but Basic tariff plan that allows you to load no more than 60 MB per month and only install the application on two devices - this is just ridiculous. Fortunately, Evernote enough to truly free alternatives.
You can try SimpleNote - simple notes manager that supports markup Markdown. Client incredible is light. He is able to run even on low-powered Ultrabooks. At the same time SimpleNote has everything you need for a set of notes: tags, search for text, Markdown's support and restore previous versions of a document.
alternatives: those who believe that SimpleNote too simple and uninteresting, it is necessary to look at this list. The best of the presented alternatives to it - OneNote, which, in contrast to the other applications of the Microsoft Office package is completely free and is already built into Windows 10. Another option: You can refuse any service at all and store their records text files markup Markdown.
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7. Blender instead of Maya
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux.
Maya professional 3D-editors are not cheap, and if you make the first steps into the world of three-dimensional graphics to suit your needs Blender. Despite the fact that it is completely free, the Blender allows you to create models and animations are not worse than Maya and 3ds Max. The program supports morphing, editing, lighting, shaders, animations, and more.
alternatives:SketchUp - is another three-dimensional graphics editor, whose free version is enough for home use.
Download Blender →
8. KeePass instead LastPass
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Managers LastPass and 1Password password has unpleasant feature. They are free for use on desktop computers, but versions for Android and iOS to pay. KeePass is completely free, and it has a bunch of customers for a variety of platforms for which will not have to pay a dime. In addition to the main application for Windows, there are port macOSand KeePassX for Linux, and Keepass2Android for devices with Android, and MiniKeePass for iOS.
alternatives: Layfhaker gathered a list. Choose.
Download KeePass →
9. PeaZip instead WinRar
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux.
Judging by the fact that the WinRar continues to be updated, it someone else buys. It is unclear, however, why, because there is such a great alternative as PeaZip. This is a handy free archiver that supports all, even the most exotic types of files.
alternatives: Good old, well-known 7-zip, Although it has a bit old interface, on the part of the functionality is not inferior to PeaZip.
Download PeaZip →
10. Audacity instead of Adobe Audition
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux.
Audacity - it's cool free audio editor with open source, which can cut and edit audio tracks, add effects, and change the sound as you wish. In order to cut the music, create your mix or process the audio track to the family videos - the most it.
alternatives: Free for non-commercial use WavePadWho knows how to practically the same thing as Audacity.
Download Audacity →
see also
- Do without Adobe: how to save on operating instruments →
- 10 free alternatives to expensive iOS-applications →
- 6 Free Microsoft Office Alternatives →
- 10 best free alternatives to expensive applications for MacOS →