Tag: Closed source
Not everything has to be open! These tools keep their code under lock and key, focusing on delivering polished, proprietary solutions.
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Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office is a productivity suite featuring Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other tools. Available via a traditional license or a subscription (Microsoft 365), it’s standard in many workplaces for document creation, data analysis, and presentations. Cloud collaboration, templates, and advanced data features underscore its wide…
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Google Drive
Google Drive is a cloud storage platform with built-in Office-like apps for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. It offers real-time collaboration, version history, and offline access. The tight integration with Gmail and Android devices helps users manage and share files effortlessly across the Google ecosystem.
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Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud storage and syncing service integrated into Windows and Microsoft 365. It allows seamless file backup, real-time collaboration in Office apps, and cross-device syncing. Personal Vault adds an extra layer of security for sensitive documents, underscoring Microsoft’s emphasis on data protection.
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Dropbox
Dropbox is a cloud storage service known for its folder syncing model across devices. Users can share files with links or collaborative folders, and version history allows easy recovery. While it faces competition from larger ecosystems, Dropbox’s intuitive interface and integrations remain popular among individuals…
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Google Meet
Google Meet is a video conferencing platform integrated with Google Workspace (formerly G Suite). It allows scheduled or instant meetings directly from Google Calendar and Gmail. With screen sharing, live captions, and meeting recordings, Google Meet offers streamlined collaboration for teams and educators.
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Zoom
Zoom is a popular video conferencing service that soared in adoption due to its ease of use and reliability. It supports virtual backgrounds, breakout rooms, and large-scale webinars, making it suitable for everything from casual meetups to enterprise events. Security features include waiting rooms and…
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Kaspersky
Kaspersky is a cybersecurity provider offering antivirus, internet security suites, and endpoint protection solutions. Despite geopolitical scrutiny due to its Russian origins, it remains widely recognized for high malware detection rates. Its software incorporates real-time scanning, secure VPN, and password management features.
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Google Authenticator
Google Authenticator is a two-factor authentication (2FA) app generating time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs). It requires scanning a QR code to link accounts, storing secrets on the device. While simple and lightweight, the lack of cloud backup leads some users to explore alternatives with more advanced…
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Windows Defender
Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender) is Microsoft’s built-in antivirus and anti-malware solution for Windows 10 and 11. It offers real-time protection, firewall controls, and regular updates at no additional cost. Tightly integrated into the OS, Defender helps maintain security without the need for third-party software.
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Google Voice
Google Voice is a telephony service providing call forwarding, voicemail, and messaging under a single virtual number. Users can route calls from multiple devices, receive transcribed voicemails, and integrate with other Google services. It’s popular for small businesses and individuals who want flexible phone management…
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Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is anti-malware software that scans and removes threats like viruses, ransomware, and spyware. Available in free and premium versions, it uses heuristic analysis and real-time protection to detect emerging exploits. Often used alongside traditional antivirus tools, Malwarebytes focuses on broader, behavior-based security measures.
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DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editing and color grading software from Blackmagic Design. It integrates editing, visual effects (Fusion), color correction, and audio post (Fairlight) into one suite. Its free version provides robust capabilities for independent creators, while the paid Studio edition adds advanced…
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Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is the default Windows browser, now built on Chromium for improved compatibility. It integrates with Microsoft services like OneDrive and Bing, adding features like vertical tabs, Collections, and a built-in PDF reader. Edge focuses on performance, security, and tight Windows integration.
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Opera
Opera is a multi-platform web browser known for data-saving modes, a built-in VPN, and integrated messaging apps. It uses the Blink rendering engine, offering speed and security features like free ad blocking. Opera GX, a gamer-oriented variant, includes resource limiters for CPU, RAM, and network…
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Safari
Safari is Apple’s default web browser on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. Engineered for speed and energy efficiency, it heavily emphasizes user privacy with features like Intelligent Tracking Prevention. Deep integration with Apple’s ecosystem allows seamless syncing of bookmarks, reading lists, and passwords across devices.
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CCleaner
CCleaner is a system optimization tool for Windows and macOS. It cleans temporary files, browser caches, and registry entries to free up space and potentially improve performance. Additional features include startup management and disk wiping for enhanced user control over system resources.
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Clipchamp
Clipchamp is a web-based video editing platform purchased by Microsoft, focused on accessibility and quick production. It offers templates, stock media, and straightforward editing tools. With real-time previews and multi-track editing, it caters to casual creators and professionals seeking lightweight workflows.
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Windows 11
Windows 11 is Microsoft’s latest OS, redesigned with a centered taskbar, rounded corners, and enhanced multi-tasking. It supports Android apps via the Amazon Appstore and emphasizes snappier UI animations and widgets. Backward compatibility ensures many Windows 10 apps and drivers function without issues.
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Windows 10
Windows 10 is Microsoft’s widely adopted desktop operating system, introduced in 2015. It features the Start Menu, virtual desktops, and frequent updates for security and functionality. Despite being succeeded by Windows 11, Windows 10 remains prevalent in personal and enterprise environments due to its stability…
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Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that combines chat, video meetings, file storage, and app integrations. It’s tightly integrated with Microsoft 365, allowing real-time co-authoring in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Teams’ channels and tabs structure help organize workspaces for projects, departments, or entire organizations.
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MATLAB
MATLAB is a proprietary numeric computing environment widely used in engineering, science, and academic research. It provides a high-level language, interactive environment, and specialized toolboxes for signal processing, machine learning, and more. Its robust ecosystem makes it a mainstay for mathematical modeling and simulation.
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Skype
Skype is Microsoft’s VoIP service that supports voice calls, video calls, and instant messaging worldwide. It started as a peer-to-peer network but now integrates with Microsoft accounts and services. Skype for Business (now merged into Microsoft Teams) brought additional enterprise features like conference calls and…
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Tableau
Tableau is a business intelligence platform specializing in interactive data visualizations and dashboards. It supports data from diverse sources—spreadsheets, databases, cloud apps—and offers robust analytics features. Enterprises use Tableau for self-service analytics, enabling data-driven decisions through real-time reports and insights.
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Google Messages
Google Messages is an SMS and RCS (Rich Communication Services) app for Android devices. It supports high-quality media sharing, group chats, and read receipts when using RCS. With end-to-end encryption for one-on-one RCS chats, it aims to modernize traditional texting by providing a richer, more…
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Netflix
Netflix is a global leader in subscription streaming, renowned for original series like “Stranger Things” and “The Crown.” Its expansive catalog includes TV shows, documentaries, and feature films across multiple genres. Adaptive streaming, personalization algorithms, and a user-friendly interface cement its dominance in the streaming…
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WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a cross-platform messaging and voice/video calling app owned by Meta. It uses end-to-end encryption for chats, ensuring private communication. Group messaging, media sharing, and desktop sync have contributed to its global popularity, particularly in regions where SMS is costly.
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Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat is the industry-standard software for creating, editing, and managing PDF documents. It offers form filling, e-signatures, and redaction, making it integral to professional document workflows. Advanced features include OCR for scanned documents, security permissions, and collaborative reviewing.
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Bluebeam Revu
Bluebeam Revu is a PDF editing and collaboration tool widely used in architecture, engineering, and construction. It supports advanced markup, 2D/3D takeoffs, and real-time project collaboration via Bluebeam Studio. Its focus on AEC workflows sets it apart from general-purpose PDF viewers.
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Obsidian
Obsidian is a local-first, Markdown-based note-taking app featuring a vault structure for interconnected text files. Users create backlinks to form a knowledge graph, enabling wiki-like navigation across notes. Plugins, themes, and community add-ons extend its capabilities, appealing to researchers and creative professionals.
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Canva
Canva is a user-friendly graphic design platform offering drag-and-drop templates for social media, marketing materials, and presentations. Its library includes stock photos, icons, and fonts, enabling anyone—regardless of design experience—to create professional visuals. Paid tiers unlock advanced branding tools and collaboration features.
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Google Chrome
Google Chrome is a fast, widely used web browser leveraging the Chromium project. Its hallmark is deep integration with Google services and cloud syncing across devices. Chrome’s vast extension library, regular updates, and developer-friendly tools have solidified its market dominance.
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X (Twitter)
X, formerly known as Twitter, is a microblogging platform where users share short posts (“tweets”) and multimedia. It serves as a live feed for news, trending topics, and user interactions via follows, likes, and reposts.
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Hulu
Hulu is a U.S.-based streaming service that provides on-demand access to TV shows, movies, and original series. Its next-day availability of many network TV episodes differentiates it from competitors. Hulu also offers live TV bundles, combining linear channels with its extensive on-demand library.
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Reddit
Reddit is a social platform organized into communities (subreddits) that discuss a wide range of topics. Users post links, text, or images, and upvote or downvote content, shaping the visibility of discussions in real time.
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Tubi
Tubi is a free, ad-supported streaming service with a library of movies and TV shows spanning multiple genres. Owned by FOX, it requires no subscription and is available across major platforms. Its catalog rotates regularly, giving viewers a cost-free alternative to premium streamers.
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iOS
iOS is Apple’s mobile operating system powering iPhone and iPad. Known for its integrated ecosystem, tight security, and polished user experience, iOS features the App Store for downloading vetted applications.
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Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is Amazon’s streaming service offering movies, TV series, and original productions like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Included with Prime membership or as a standalone subscription, it features downloadable content, 4K streaming, and add-on channels like HBO and Starz.
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Cloudflare
Cloudflare provides content delivery network (CDN) services, DDoS protection, and security for websites. It accelerates content delivery by caching assets at edge locations worldwide and offers DNS services with built-in performance optimizations.
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Curiosity Stream
Curiosity Stream is a subscription-based streaming platform specializing in documentary content. It covers science, history, technology, and nature programming, featuring original series and licensed documentaries. With affordable pricing and a global focus, it caters to viewers interested in lifelong learning.
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Hostinger
Hostinger is a budget-friendly web hosting provider offering shared hosting, VPS, and cloud solutions. Its platform includes a custom control panel, free SSL certificates, and competitive plans for beginners and small businesses.
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YouTube
YouTube is the world’s largest video-sharing platform, hosting diverse content from music videos and tutorials to live streams and short-form “Shorts.” Its recommendation algorithm surfaces related videos, while creators monetize through ads and sponsorships. Google account holders can upload, comment, and build personal playlists.
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Digital Ocean
Digital Ocean is a cloud infrastructure provider known for its simple virtual private servers, called Droplets. It caters to developers and startups with straightforward pricing, a friendly UI, and robust documentation.
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Microsoft Authenticator
Microsoft Authenticator is a multi-factor authentication (MFA) app supporting time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs) and push notifications. It securely stores credentials for Microsoft services and third-party accounts, helping users defend against unauthorized logins with minimal friction.
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Visual Basic
Visual Basic is an event-driven programming language developed by Microsoft. Known for its ease of use, it’s commonly utilized for Windows application development and rapid prototyping with a drag-and-drop interface.
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Gmail
Gmail is Google’s popular email service providing ample free storage and advanced spam protection. It offers powerful search, conversation threading, and integration with Google Workspace apps like Calendar and Drive. Customizable filters, labels, and AI-driven features like Smart Compose streamline email management.
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Outlook
Outlook is Microsoft’s email and calendar platform, available as a desktop client or web-based service. It features integrated scheduling, contact management, and advanced organizational tools like rules and categories. Outlook’s seamless pairing with Microsoft Office makes it a mainstay for many businesses.
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Yahoo Mail
Yahoo Mail is a free email service offering large inbox storage, built-in spam filters, and customizable themes. It integrates with Yahoo Calendar, contacts, and news, providing a unified portal for personal communication. Paid tiers remove ads and add extra features like disposable email addresses.
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iCloud Mail
iCloud Mail is Apple’s email service, integrated across the company’s ecosystem. It syncs messages and folders on macOS, iOS, and web, using your Apple ID credentials. With built-in spam filtering and 5 GB of free storage, it’s a straightforward option for Apple device owners.
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Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS is Amazon’s comprehensive cloud computing platform, providing on-demand services like compute (EC2), storage (S3), and databases (RDS). It supports large-scale operations through a global data center network, powering a vast ecosystem of enterprise and startup applications.
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Google Cloud
Google Cloud is a public cloud platform featuring compute, storage, big data, AI, and other services. It leverages Google’s reliable network infrastructure, offering tools like Kubernetes Engine, BigQuery, and Cloud Functions for scalable application development.