This browser's claim to fame is how customizable it is. The problem is that while it disables many services that rely on Google, it doesn't always replace them with something else, so you should only use it if you know what you're getting into. But, if you like Chrome the way it is except for Google's tracking methods, Ungoogled Chromium may be an interesting choice for you. The open-source Firefox is a solid browser with better privacy options.

From a security standpoint however, those same extensions can pose a risk, that and the fact that Google records everything you do in the browser is not great for your privacy either. Chrome is great for Android users, too, as you can natively sync across devices.Ĭhrome is a tad bland out of the box, though it supports extensions for a myriad of different things. Meanwhile, macOS offers Safari, a very solid browser by most standards, especially if you live in Apple's ecosystem and perhaps the reason a sizable share of Mac users (~40%) don't look beyond it.Īnd yet the default choice for most remains Google Chrome, if only for its integration with other Google services. Windows offers Edge out of the box, a browser that's built upon the Chromium project and actually includes several features that Chrome doesn't, especially for Windows users, such as adding sites to the Start menu.

Privacy Seekers: Download Firefox or Ungoogled Chromium.

Most People: Download Chrome, or give Edge or Safari a chance.

Depending on the browser or the network you use, relying on web services can also cause privacy concerns.įrom security utilities to productivity tools, and many suggestions for the areas in between, here are top app recommendations with a special emphasis in great free software you can download right away. Even if you just want to write emails when an internet connection isn't available, you may want to be able to read the messages that you are writing replies to. Many of these apps are also available as web services, but app versions have the advantage of offline access.ĭownloading movies or music to local storage can be useful when you are expecting hours with no connection. We've compiled a list of essential programs to get you started. You just bought a new laptop, built a new desktop PC, or are simply clean installing on a new solid state drive, good for you! Gotta love the taste of a fresh new machine, but now you have to get back to productivity Zen by recovering your files and installing programs.

2017 microsoft office suite logo png