Tag: Free
These tools & technologies are either entirely free or have some sort of free tier.
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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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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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Java
Java is a versatile, object-oriented programming language running on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It powers everything from Android apps to enterprise servers, prized for its “write once, run anywhere” philosophy. Rich libraries, strong community support, and platform independence keep Java relevant across industries.
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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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GNU Octave
GNU Octave is an open-source programming language tailored for numerical computations. It offers a command-line interface and extensive math libraries similar to MATLAB. Researchers and scientists often use Octave for prototyping algorithms, data analysis, and visualizing results without expensive software licenses.
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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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HTMX
HTMX is a lightweight JavaScript library that allows HTML-based access to modern web features like AJAX, WebSockets, and server-sent events. Rather than requiring full-page reloads, HTMX fetches partial content and updates sections dynamically. This approach simplifies development while keeping front-end code largely in HTML.
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Chromium
Chromium is the open-source web browser project that underpins Google Chrome and other browsers like Microsoft Edge. Developers can inspect and modify its code, benefiting from Blink rendering and V8 JavaScript engines. Chromium’s regular updates make it a foundation for modern web standards and experimentation.
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SQL
SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standardized language for managing relational databases. Developers use it to insert, query, update, and delete data in systems like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Microsoft SQL Server. Its table-based structure and declarative syntax facilitate clear, efficient data manipulation and analysis.
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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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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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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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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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Android
Android is Google’s open-source operating system for smartphones and tablets, built on a modified Linux kernel. It supports a large ecosystem of apps through Google Play, powering devices from budget models to flagship phones. Custom ROMs, extensive developer tools, and wide hardware support define Android’s…
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Jitsi
Jitsi is a free, open-source video conferencing solution supporting end-to-end encryption and browser-based meetings. It doesn’t require accounts or downloads, and users can quickly spin up secure rooms. With self-hosting options and integrations for Slack and other tools, Jitsi appeals to privacy-conscious organizations and communities.
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Python
Python is a high-level, interpreted language renowned for its readability and extensive standard library. Widely used in data science, web development, and automation, it boasts frameworks like Django and Flask, plus data tools such as NumPy and Pandas. Python’s simplicity and strong community fuel its…
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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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C++
C++ is a high-performance programming language that extends C with object-oriented and generic features. It’s commonly used in game engines, system software, and real-time simulation. Developers value its low-level memory control and versatility, while new standards frequently introduce modernized syntax and libraries.
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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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Javascript
JavaScript is a high-level, interpreted language used primarily for web development. It powers client-side interactivity in browsers via frameworks like React, Vue, or Angular, and also runs on servers using Node.js. Its asynchronous capabilities and extensive ecosystem make JavaScript central to modern app development.
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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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HTML
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is the foundational language for structuring web content. It defines page elements—like headings, paragraphs, links, images—and works in tandem with CSS and JavaScript. Browsers read HTML documents to render web pages, forming the backbone of the internet.
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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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CSS
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is the language used to define the presentation and layout of web pages. It separates content structure (HTML) from design, controlling elements like color, typography, and layout. Advancements like Flexbox and Grid have made CSS essential for responsive, user-friendly interfaces.
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LogSeq
LogSeq is an open-source knowledge management and note-taking tool, focused on bidirectional links and graph-based navigation. It supports Markdown and Org-mode, enabling hierarchical outlining and real-time collaboration. Users appreciate its local-first approach, allowing offline storage and encryption for personal data security.
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PHP
PHP is a server-side scripting language that has powered web applications and content management systems for decades, most notably WordPress. Its easy integration with HTML and widespread hosting support make PHP a go-to for building dynamic websites and APIs, despite growing competition from newer languages.
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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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Dart
Dart is an object-oriented language developed by Google, often associated with Flutter for cross-platform app development. It compiles ahead-of-time (AOT) to native code on mobile, and can also run in a just-in-time (JIT) mode for web. Dart’s flexible syntax and concurrency model streamline UI creation.
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KDE Non-Linear Video Editor (KDENLIVE)
KDENLIVE is an open-source video editing software for Linux, part of the KDE ecosystem. It supports multi-track editing, effects, transitions, and color correction. Thanks to its flexible interface and community-driven development, KDENLIVE suits users seeking a free, robust editing solution on Linux (and other platforms…
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Markdown
Markdown is a lightweight markup language for formatting text using simple symbols (like # for headings). It converts easily to HTML, making it popular for GitHub readmes, technical documentation, and note-taking. Its plain-text approach ensures compatibility and readability across various tools.
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HandBrake
HandBrake is a free, open-source video transcoder for converting video files into different formats and codecs. It includes presets for popular devices, enabling optimized outputs for phones, tablets, and streaming boxes. Advanced users can tweak bitrate, resolution, and filters for fine-grained control.
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Kubernetes
Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration system originally developed by Google. It automates deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications, becoming the backbone of modern cloud-native infrastructure.
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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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ONLYOFFICE
ONLYOFFICE is a collaborative office suite that supports real-time editing of documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Often self-hosted, it includes advanced formatting tools and integrates with various platforms like Nextcloud.
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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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Wagtail
Wagtail is a Django-based content management system (CMS) known for its clean editorial interface and flexible page models. It’s used by organizations looking for a modern, developer-friendly alternative to traditional CMS solutions.
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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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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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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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GitLab
GitLab is an all-in-one DevOps platform offering source code management, CI/CD pipelines, and project collaboration tools. It provides an integrated environment for repositories, issue tracking, and container registries.
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Drupal
Drupal is a powerful, open-source CMS renowned for its scalability and flexibility. It uses a modular architecture and advanced taxonomy system to handle complex sites, from government portals to large enterprise websites. Developers appreciate its robust API and active community that continually refines core features.
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archive-Proton Pass
Proton Pass is an encrypted password manager from Proton, the makers of Proton Mail. It applies zero-access encryption for storing credentials, making them unreadable to anyone except the account owner.
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Joomla
Joomla is a free, open-source content management system (CMS) used to build websites and online apps. It includes a robust extension ecosystem, multi-language support, and user access controls. Ideal for small to medium sites, Joomla balances customizability with user-friendly administration tools.
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Google Earth
Google Earth uses satellite imagery and 3D terrain data to let users virtually explore the globe. It offers Street View, historical imagery, and interactive layers for points of interest. Researchers and travelers alike use it to visualize geographic data, plan trips, or observe remote locations.
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Moodle
Moodle is an open-source learning management system (LMS) widely used in schools, universities, and workplaces. It supports online courses, quizzes, and gradebooks, offering customizable themes and plugins. Educators value Moodle for its flexibility, collaborative features, and frequent updates.
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MuseScore
MuseScore is a free, open-source music notation software for composing, arranging, and sharing scores. Users can create sheet music for various instruments, apply playback with realistic sound samples, and export in formats like PDF and MIDI. Its active community offers an extensive library of user-generated…
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Nextcloud
An open-source platform for hosting and managing your own secure cloud storage. It lets you sync files, calendars, and contacts across devices, much like commercial cloud solutions, but with total control over data location and permissions. Extensions are available for real-time document editing, collaborative workspaces,…
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LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a professional networking site for building work connections, posting resumes, and job hunting. It features industry news, job listings, skill endorsements, and corporate profiles, making it central to modern recruitment and career growth.
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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.