Miscellaneous Utilities (MISCUT): Windows OS
“What should I load on my new Windows computer?” asked a friend, knowing I would have an opinion. I started to make a list, then realized, I could do one better. In this blog entry, find my list of preferred
- Windows tools,
- Browser extensions, and
- iOS smartphone apps.
Feel free to post @mguhlin@zirk.us if you have some suggestions of your own.
A Bit of Nostalgia
When I look at this list, I’m taken back in time to my Apple //e days, when I had a few 5 and a quarter floppy disks loaded with some of my favorite tools. I took to calling those miscellaneous utilities “MISCUT” for short. The name stuck, and I grew up with 3.5 inch disks, and USB drives named MISCUT. I even had different numbers assigned to MISCUT media, denoting their function.
At 13 years of age, I had come up with a simple way to organize the world around me. Funny that at 55+ years of age, I’m still relying on that system.
Windows Programs
Tool
Description
File archiver with high compression ratio
Download videos and convert to variety of formats
Free, open-source audio editor and recorder
Graphic design and visual content creation platform
Free version of a professional file manager
Free, open-source video converter
Writing analyzer app for improving writing clarity
Fast and compact image viewer and editor
Image and screenshot capture and annotation tool
Simple tool for splitting videos quickly and easily
VPN service for secure browsing on multiple platforms
Free, open-source screencasting and streaming software
Free, open-source office suite for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
Free, open-source video editor for Windows, Mac, and Linux
ParanoiaWorks Secure Space Encryptor
File and text encryption tool with steganography feature
Free PDF editor, organizer, and annotator
Powerful tool for editing and modifying PDF files
Free, open-source video editor for Windows, Mac, and Linux
Private messaging app with end-to-end encryption
Free, open-source PDF viewer
Open-source, customizable web browser
Web Browser Extensions
Tool
Description
Make password management easy
View, Upload, Edit Comma-Separated Values (CSV) files in the browser
Get colorful scrollbars that are wider and bigger than usual scroll bars on your browser
Take screenshots of any webpage, including ones you have to scroll down and output in any format, like PDF, PNG, whatever
Lightshot Screenshot and Annotation tool
Screenshots and annotations
Copy any webpage as markdown
Manage your tab clutter
Block unwanted tracking attempts in your email
Get rid of clutter when viewing a webpage, simplifying look
Stop email tracking
Download video from websites
Sync up your bookmarks and extensions across browsers easily
iOS Smartphone Apps
Tool
Description
Add Hollywood FX to iPhone and iPad movies that you shoot.
Secure file encryption app for iOS.
Listen to audiobooks while commuting, exercising, relaxing at home, or anywhere else you go.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) app for securing your accounts.
Create personalized emojis and use them in various messaging apps.
Free-to-use online graphic design tool for creating social media posts, presentations, posters, videos, logos, and more.
Free all-in-one video editing app for creating stunning videos.
AI-powered chatbot that helps with writing, learning, brainstorming, and more.
Free, open-source tool for programming your radio, supporting a large number of manufacturers and models.
AI-based assistant for brainstorming ideas, getting quick answers, and analyzing scenes and images.
Stream new releases, timeless classics, and past seasons of your favorite TV shows.
Privacy-focused web browser that helps you search and browse more privately.
Free, ad-free book reader supporting various formats like fb2, epub, pdf, doc, and more.
Companion app for Micro.blog to track books you are reading or want to read.
Social networking app to connect with friends and family.
Powerful file manager app that can access files on local storage, computers, NAS, and cloud storages.
Social magazine app that curates content on thousands of topics from world-renowned publishers and the community.
Create Hollywood sci-fi and action movie special effects for mobile videos.
Create videos, images, and GIFs by combining visual elements such as photos, videos, text, drawings, animations, and the live camera.
Stream TV shows and movies, including award-winning classics, blockbuster movies, and exclusive Originals.
Social networking app for sharing photos and videos.
Open-source note-taking app with support for multimedia notes and end-to-end encryption.
App for reading millions of books, magazines, newspapers, comics, and manga.
Social networking app for Mastodon, helping you find friends and people to follow based on your interests.
AI-based chatbot for quick and accurate answers to a wide range of questions.
Social networking app for microblogging.
Hearing test app that provides understandable results in just 5 minutes.
VPN service for secure browsing on multiple platforms, protecting your privacy online.
Stream movies, TV shows, and documentaries.
Free and open-source RSS reader for Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
Stream hit movies, exclusive originals, live sports, and more.
Stream new movies, hit TV shows, Originals, live sports, news, and more.
AI-powered answer engine that provides accurate, trusted, and real-time answers to any question.
Professional file encryption app for iOS.
Professional text encryption app for iOS.
Stream movies, TV shows, and sports, including Amazon Originals.
Feature-rich video camera app for iPhone and iPad.
Secure cloud storage service that allows you to access your files anywhere.
End-to-end encrypted email service that is private by default.
Simple tool for rotating and flipping videos.
Encrypted note-taking app
Add comic book-inspired visual effects to your videos.
Social networking app for sharing text updates and joining public conversations.
Short-form video platform for creating and sharing videos.
Free, full-featured audio recording app for Android with high-quality recordings.
Party game app for playing remotely or in person.
GPS navigation app that provides real-time traffic updates and route guidance.
Micro.blog Specific Apps
Tool
Description
Companion app for Micro.blog to track books you are reading or want to read.
Social networking app for microblogging.
Hearing test app that provides understandable results in just 5 minutes.
Encrypted note-taking app
Party game app for playing remotely or in person.
What would you add to these lists?