Essay --

Our computers were originally bundled with built in programs that are readily available to use. These include  the security, multimedia, image editor, PC maintenance and so forth. But those embedded programs and features have basic functions only. There are a variety of free and useful softwares now that we can download to enhance and help your day to day life activities. Below is a short list of the most essential free software you can't afford to miss on your windows XP to Windows 8 operating system. Antivirus and Antimalware Protection Regardless of how you use your computer on a daily basis, keeping your computer healthy should be our first line of defense. Although our computers have built in firewalls, it has been a campaign to protect our computers by running antivirus and keeping the system up to date. No single tool can detect everything. An anti malware alone cannot protect your computer from viruses and vice versa. So as a solution, experts recommended to install one security tool (Micrsoft security essential, AVAST or AVG) that can protect your computer from threats while surfing the web, installing applications and opening files and attachments on your mail. Then install anti malware (malware bytes)to remove potentially unwanted softwares and any other infections found to make sure nothing has been overlooked. But on top of this, we should also maintain a good browsing habit and good downloading hygiene. Password management One of the reasons why accounts are easily hacked because people use simple passwords such as their kid's name, their last name, short phrases or sequential numbers so they can easily remember it. Many users also need to remember different passwords for their email, bank accounts, ebay log in a... ...oogle Docs. It is a web based suite developed by Google and its now integrated with the Google Drive. This web based service will allow the users to create and edit documents online in real time. This tool also offers word processing documents, drawings, presentation and spreadsheet and can also read Microsoft office documents. It can work on all operating system since its web based. NeoOffice has the same features with Apache and libre Office but it's designed to work with Mac OS only. The software has grammar and spell checker feature and can also read Microsoft formats. There you have it, we have showcased some of the essential software that you can't afford to miss on your computer. All these products have been tested already and although they are free ones, they are efficient as the paid version. These softwares are worth trying to without spending a dime