MISCUT - Software Tools
“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
Feel free to post @mguhlin@zirk.us if you have some suggestions of your own.
List reviewed September 29, 2026. App availability and paid features can change.
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.
Browser-Based Tools
Open these tools in your browser without installing a desktop app. My DrawSplat tools put everyday document and media tasks within easy reach.
| Tool | What you can do |
|---|---|
| PDFSplat | Merge, split, organize, and annotate PDF documents in your browser. |
| VideoSplat | Edit, anonymize, optimize, and export video locally. |
| MediaSplat | Split, trim, and join video or audio locally. |
| QRSplat Studio | Create, customize, and save QR codes. |
| Markdown Studio | Write, preview, and export Markdown pages. |
| Hemingway Editor | Review your writing for readability and clarity. |
Explore more at DrawSplat or browse my Free Media Content and Tools directory.
Windows Programs
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| 7-Zip | File archiver with high compression ratio |
| ATube Catcher | Download videos and convert to variety of formats |
| Audacity | Free, open-source audio editor and recorder |
| CHIRP | Free, open-source tool for programming your radio, supporting a large number of manufacturers and models. |
| Free Commander | Free version of a professional file manager |
| HandBrake | Free, open-source video converter |
| IrfanView | Fast and compact image viewer and editor |
| LibreOffice | Free, open-source office suite with Writer, Calc, Impress, and more. |
| Lightshot | Image and screenshot capture and annotation tool |
| OBS Studio | Free, open-source screencasting and streaming software |
| OnlyOffice | Free, open-source office suite for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations |
| OpenShot Video Editor | Free, open-source video editor for Windows, Mac, and Linux |
| ParanoiaWorks Secure Space Encryptor | File and text encryption tool with steganography feature |
| PDFSam Visual | Organize and modify PDFs; includes free tools and paid premium features. |
| Shotcut Video Editor | Free, open-source video editor for Windows, Mac, and Linux |
| Signal | Private messaging app with end-to-end encryption |
| Sumatra PDF | Free, open-source PDF viewer |
| Vivaldi | Customizable browser with tab management, notes, and built-in productivity tools. |
| Windscribe VPN | VPN service for secure browsing on multiple platforms, protecting your privacy online. |
Web Browser Extensions
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Bitwarden Password Manager | Make password management easy |
| CSV Editor | View, Upload, Edit Comma-Separated Values (CSV) files in the browser |
| Custom Scrollbars | Get colorful scrollbars that are wider and bigger than usual scroll bars on your browser |
| Fireshot | 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 | Capture and annotate screenshots in your browser. |
| Copy selection as Markdown | Copy any webpage as markdown |
| OneTab | Manage your tab clutter |
| PixelBlock | Block unwanted tracking attempts in your email |
| Reader View | Get rid of clutter when viewing a webpage, simplifying look |
| Video Download Helper | Download video from websites |
iOS Smartphone Apps
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Audible | Listen to audiobooks while commuting, exercising, relaxing at home, or anywhere else you go. |
| Authy | Two-factor authentication (2FA) app for securing your accounts. |
| Bitmoji | Create personalized emojis and use them in various messaging apps. |
| CapCut | Free all-in-one video editing app for creating stunning videos. |
| ChatGPT | AI-powered chatbot that helps with writing, learning, brainstorming, and more. |
| Claude | AI-based assistant for brainstorming ideas, getting quick answers, and analyzing scenes and images. |
| Disney+ | Stream new releases, timeless classics, and past seasons of your favorite TV shows. |
| DuckDuckGo Browser | Privacy-focused web browser that helps you search and browse more privately. |
| eBoox | Free, ad-free book reader supporting various formats like fb2, epub, pdf, doc, and more. |
| Social networking app to connect with friends and family. | |
| FE File Explorer | 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. | |
| FxGuru | Create Hollywood sci-fi and action movie special effects for mobile videos. |
| Green Screen by Do Ink | Create videos, images, and GIFs by combining visual elements such as photos, videos, text, drawings, animations, and the live camera. |
| Hulu | Stream TV shows and movies, including award-winning classics, blockbuster movies, and exclusive Originals. |
| Social networking app for sharing photos and videos. | |
| Joplin Notes | Open-source note-taking app with support for multimedia notes and end-to-end encryption. |
| Kindle | App for reading millions of books, magazines, newspapers, comics, and manga. |
| Meta AI | AI assistant for questions, writing, and brainstorming. |
| Micro.blog | Social networking app for microblogging. |
| Mimi | Hearing test app that provides understandable results in just 5 minutes. |
| Netflix | Stream movies, TV shows, and documentaries. |
| NetNewsWire | Free and open-source RSS reader for Mac, iPhone, and iPad. |
| Paramount+ | Stream hit movies, exclusive originals, live sports, and more. |
| Peacock | Stream new movies, hit TV shows, Originals, live sports, news, and more. |
| Perplexity | Search and explore topics with an AI assistant that links to sources. |
| Paranoia File Encryption PRO (P.F.E.) | Paid file encryption app for iOS. |
| Paranoia Text Encryption PRO (P.T.E.) | Paid text encryption app for iOS. |
| Prime Video | Stream movies, TV shows, and sports, including Amazon Originals. |
| ProMovie Recorder | Feature-rich video camera app for iPhone and iPad. |
| Proton Drive | Secure cloud storage service that allows you to access your files anywhere. |
| Proton Mail | End-to-end encrypted email service that is private by default. |
| Strata for Micro.blog | Encrypted note-taking app |
| Super Power FX | Add comic book-inspired visual effects to your videos. |
| Threads | Social networking app for sharing text updates and joining public conversations. |
| TikTok | Short-form video platform for creating and sharing videos. |
| Wavelength | Party game app for playing remotely or in person. |
| Waze | GPS navigation app that provides real-time traffic updates and route guidance. |
| Windscribe VPN | VPN service for secure browsing on multiple platforms, protecting your privacy online. |