5 Windows Apps Everyone Should Be Using (2017)

Have you ever wanted to get more bang for your buck from your computer? Looking to keep pesky viruses out or just increase performance or productivity in your daily use? Luckily, there are millions of apps available to help customize your PC to your liking. But while this can be a blessing, it can also be a curse, as trying to hunt down the right programs can be a very daunting and exhaustive task. However, here are a five apps that I think everyone should use to help aid your daily use.

Note: None of these products are sponsored, but are personal recommendations from years of professional experience as a software engineer and IT Director.

1.) Kaspersky Internet Security (Free Trial, Then $54.99/year)

As a software developer and gamer, I absolutely hate using security software. If it isn't eating up precious resources (RAM/CPU), it's blocking stuff it shouldn't. Sometimes it even fails to stop threats altogether and my computer is ironically riddled with viruses while my security software sits there with a smile and says "everything is fine".

Back in 2009, while working at a major retail store, the employees were given complimentary copies of Kaspersky Internet Security (KIS). I thought nothing of it and planned to use the CD as a coaster. However, one of my co-workers recommended I try it, and I am really glad I did. Not only does KIS protect from network intrusions and viruses/malware, but it does so without showing any affect on performance (your mileage may vary if it's installed on an old system with low resources). 

To add to the benefits, it also features an anti-keylogger, which prevents outside programs from recording information you type. I can't say enough good things and definitely recommend giving this a go if you're looking for a great security suite that doesn't break the bank on your wallet or computer specs.

2.) Ditto Clipboard Manager (Free)

Now if you're anything like me, you're no stranger to using ctrl+C to copy text many times per day. However, what if you need to copy something, then a few minutes later you need to copy something else, while keeping the previously copied text saved? Normally, you would either need to go back and copy the original text again when you need it, or save it to a text file and come back to it later. These aren't very efficient methods though. That's where Ditto comes in.

Ditto Clipboard manager is a very simple extension of the Windows clipboard, with one minor change: You can now save multiple items to the clipboard, allowing you to paste whatever data is right at the time, saving you time and hassle. That's it! There's not much to say about this app, because there's not much to it, but it's a huge time saver on day to day work. 

3.) Sublime Text (Free with Paid Licence Option [Not Required])

Now if you aren't a developer like me, don't let the screenshot scare you. Sublime text is a fully functional text editor that you can use in place of Windows' Notepad. Some distinct advantages this editor offers make using it a far better option, such as color highlighting, tabs for multiple files, advanced search and replace and line numbers, just to name a few.

Sublime is free to use for as long as you want, though you'll want to buy a license to not only support the developers, but also get rid of the persistent reminder to buy when you save every five times.

4.) Discord (Free)

Over the years, I have used many different messenger programs to keep in contact with friends and family. Actually, to say many would be a huge understatement. I've tried practically everything from ICQ, AOL, Skype and even Facebook. Yet none of them seem to have had the quality and ease of use I'm looking for. That's where Discord comes in. 

With Discord, you can create a private server, which can host as many text and voice channels as you'd like. You can categorize the channels and users, as well as set different permissions to the usergroups of your choosing. Where Discord really shines though is through it's tried and true voice chat and its new video calling. It has the best quality I have seen in any communication program, and it has support on every platform, including mobile and directly through their website. If you're looking for an all in one communication app, Discord is where it's at.

5.) OBS Studio (Free)

When I'm not building software, I'm usually gaming. I recently took to streaming and recording my gameplay, which required doing some research in a program that would suit my needs and not cost an arm and a leg. Luckily, I found OBS Studio, and discovered it serves a lot of work purposes as well.

This program is extremely simple, yet robust. You set up a scene, and within that scene you set up the sources to record. It also captures your sound and microphone. Whether you need to capture your desktop to record a tutorial, or need a polished layout with overlays for recording/streaming your favorite game, the process of setting it up is extremely simple, with plenty of easy to learn advanced options.

Hopefully these programs help you as much as it has helped me. Know of a better program? Let me know in the comments!