Let it be a little late, but all the same - I congratulate all regular or random readers of the SME on the New Year and wish everything! And more, more ...
And the first note this year will be the first part of the translation of a list of 150 free programs from Microsoft ... Yes, you are not mistaken - free and from Microsoft... Miracles sometimes happen :) and even such a company focused on knocking out all the money does something “for nothing”. Although, in fairness, it should be noted that most of these programs were developed by Microsoft programmers as if "in passing" or as an experiment.
The first part of the list includes free programs and utilities for Windows XP:
Windows Live Sync(formerly Windows Live FolderShare) is a free program for keeping folders and documents in sync between two or more computers. Supports up to 20 folders, including those posted on the Internet.
Microsoft GroupBar- a utility that expands the capabilities of the taskbar. Allows you to group any windows together. With a united group of windows, it is easy to carry out common operations: quick minimization, group movement on a panel, quick deployment, etc.
Location finder- a program for a laptop showing the position of its owner on the map, guided by the nearby WiFI access points. An online service MSN Virtual Earth is used as a map.
MapCruncher- a free program through which users can combine a map of the area with a satellite image of the same area of the Earth's surface. MapCruncher supports PDF, WMF, EMF, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, GIF, and BMP formats.
- a free utility that adds an item to the context menu of folders that allows you to quickly open a command line in the current directory (cmd.exe).
Power calculator- another replacement for the standard Windows calculator. Allows you to build graphs, evaluate mathematical functions, perform various types of transformations, translate measures of length and weight from one system to another.
Scalable Fabric- an alternative window management system. When the window is placed in the center of the screen, it has its normal size. When dragged to the periphery of the screen, it decreases. Allows you to keep many open windows on your desktop.
Snip IT- an add-on that allows the Internet Explorer user to send the text selected in the browser by e-mail. Supported email clients include Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Hotmail, Yahoo Mail, Gmail, and more.
Taskbar magnifier- a utility for showing a given fragment of the screen in an enlarged form. You can open an additional menu, which will display in an enlarged view the fragments of the screen that the mouse pointer is hovering over.
Microsoft Time Zone- a program that works in the system tray and provides the user with information about the time and date in different time zones of the planet. Allows you to add your own locations and customize them as you wish. There are two versions of the program - Microsoft Time Zone requires licensed Windows XP, and Microsoft Time Zone (Standard) does not need it.
Tweak UI- a utility that provides access to system settings that are not shown in the usual user interface, including settings for the mouse, Explorer, taskbar and other elements of the system design.
USB Falsh Drive Manager- utility for transferring data to flash drives. It will help you transfer the necessary data from one computer to another. The utility easily synchronizes a flash drive and a computer hard drive.
Virtual Desktop Manager- the program creates four virtual desktops, between which you can switch using hot keys or the mouse. On each of these desktops, you can place your own group of shortcuts and files, and select an individual picture as a background screen saver.
Webcam Timershot- a program for working with a webcam. Webcam Timershot takes webcam snapshots at specified intervals and saves them at a specified location. You can save pictures on your computer hard drive or on a network drive. It is possible to set the size of the saved image.
Windows Live Writer- a free program designed to work with blogs implemented on popular engines. The utility contains a WYSIWYG editor, has the ability to publish graphics and maps. Windows Live Writer currently supports Windows Live Spaces, WordPress, Blogger, LiveJournal, and TypePad.
XML Notepad 2007- a program that provides a simple intuitive user interface for navigating and editing documents in XML format.
XML Paper Specification Essentials Pack- a package of tools containing the components required to view, create and index XPS documents. Includes XPS Viewer EP for reading XPS documents and Microsoft XPS Document Writer for creating XPS documents.
ZoomIt- a small utility that allows you to enlarge and examine in detail the selected area of the screen. For example, you can enlarge a part of a diagram on a computer screen (it does not matter in which program this diagram is open), while making explanatory inscriptions on the enlarged object.
The Microsoft Office software package has long gained popularity among users of all levels who use office documents in their work. It is not surprising, because each program included in the standard set not only has unique capabilities inherent only to it. Applications of this type are compatible with each other and with other alternative software products.
What is MS Office
It is known from history that initially the Microsoft Office package was developed taking into account the then trends for working with text documents, tabular data, presentations, databases and e-mail. Later, some additional utilities began to be included in it.
Microsoft Office itself is a collection of applications for processing documents of almost any type. Many users who use standard functions of this or that application included in the list of Microsoft Office programs often underestimate its capabilities. The fact is that almost every program is capable of working not only with standard, so to speak, template documents. It is quite simple to insert graphics and sound into any document and in any program.
The only thing I would like to note is that the list of Microsoft Office programs is not included in the list of free software and is quite expensive. However, this does not stop our users. To activate this software package, you can use, for example, Mini KMS-Activator, which works with almost all versions of "Office".
In some cases, you can use unofficial releases of the "operating system" installation distribution kit such as "Windows XP Zver DVD", in which Microsoft Office is already "jailbroken" or activated.
When using an unofficial package, sometimes difficulties arise due to the lack of a complete set of capabilities in each of the programs. It is clear that such a software product is suitable for an ordinary user. But for people or businesses who are serious about the business, the best option would be to purchase the official release.
List of Microsoft Office programs included in the standard set
So, let's try to consider the standard set of any office suite offered by Microsoft.
Typically, the list of Microsoft Office programs includes several standard applications. They are found in any package and can meet the needs of the user in any situation.
Microsoft Office 2007: Applications and Programs
It is natural for Microsoft Office 2007 programs to include different applications that were not included in earlier versions of the package. In addition, it is worth paying attention to the fact that not only the functionality of the applications themselves included in the list of Microsoft Office programs is being changed (or supplemented). The graphical shell of each software product is also subject to the update. However, the standard set itself remains unchanged.
So, for example, it includes several basic applications. These are MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point, MS Access and MS Outlook. These are, so to speak, the basic office programs of Microsoft Office. They are also the most necessary.
Microsoft Office 2010 and higher
Additional utilities may be present in new releases of Microsoft Office. True, very often users use them. For example, programs like MS Publisher, MS InfoPath Designer, MS SharePoint Workspace and MS NoteOne look very interesting. These utilities are capable of a lot and can compete with many professional software products on the modern IT market.
As it is already clear, these applications became available starting from the version of Microsoft Office 2010. While MS Publisher was present in some releases before, the rest of the programs appeared only starting from 2010.
Now a few words about the main components included in the list of Microsoft Office programs.
MS Word
Working with text and graphics is, perhaps, the most widespread and demanded. For this, the Microsoft Office Word application was created. The program has tremendous capabilities not only in terms of text processing. Many do not even realize that here you can even write mathematical formulas of any level of complexity, insert graphic objects in the form of single files or slide shows, supplement all this with audio, or even create web pages using the program as a quick and effective tool based on templates.
MS Excel
Working with tabular data is tricky. But MS Excel copes with this quite simply. Initially, the application was created in order to perform mathematical, algebraic and geometric calculations. Over time, the functions of the program have greatly expanded. So, for example, it became possible to build graphs or create charts or histograms, even in a three-dimensional version. Apart from all the features of the application, it is worth noting that it is one of the most powerful tools in its field of application.
MS Power Point
Microsoft Office PowerPoint was designed specifically for creating presentations that use graphics and sound. It is clear that such processes are resource-intensive, but the application itself has many templates and standard solutions in order not to load the system. If you figure it out, absolutely everything can be inserted into the presentation. Want a photo? You are welcome! Want sound? To your health! Do you want a link to an Internet resource? No problem! In general, you can even create interactive tutorials.
MS Access
This application is simply not familiar to many ordinary users, because they practically never work with (DB). But for knowledgeable people, this application is just a godsend, because it allows you not only to create or edit such data, but also has close integration with numerous development tools and supports many language applets, including the same Visual Basic, Java, working with SQL databases and etc. Well, there are enough funds for data processing.
MS Publisher
This application is a universal tool for fast publishing. It is primarily focused not even on checking the text part, but on creating, say, your own, so to speak, brand symbols, conducting marketing research customized to the personal needs of a company or a businessman. Naturally, this is not all that this program is capable of, although it belongs to the entry-level applications.
MS Outlook
Finally, Outlook. This is a program designed to work with e-mail. Compared to the standard Outlook Express utility, this application looks much preferable because it has more functions and capabilities. Unfortunately, Outlook Express is installed in the system as a client by default (when installing the Windows OS itself). And not many would think to change it. But in vain! MS Outlook has much more possibilities. But here it’s worth evaluating for yourself what this program is capable of. After the initial test, I think many people will simply forget about Outlook Express, considering it almost a child's play.
Analog programs without payment
All this is good. But, as mentioned above, Microsoft Office is a paid package. What do free programs offer us?
Here it is worth paying attention to alternative software developments. Once upon a time, the Lotus office suite (in particular, Lotus Symphony) was very popular. Now it is practically not found anywhere, nevertheless it has not lost its relevance.
You can also use completely free software products such as Google Docs, Zoho SoftMaker Free Office, Kingsoft Office, etc. The main difference from Microsoft's product is that all these packages are not only free, but also open source. ... So any developer can optimize them for their own needs.
True, it is worth noting here that all these "Offices" are clearly lagging behind what was created by Microsoft. Even despite the declared gratuitousness and strong distribution in the world, they did not receive. The only competitor is Google. Moreover, the office programs of this IT giant are mainly used only on mobile devices, and then on the Android platform. However, each user is free to choose what to use in work and what will be most convenient for him.
On the other hand, if you figure it out, an ordinary user can use free programs - alternatives to the Microsoft Office suite. However, as practice shows, very few people manage to "surpass" the Microsoft corporation. Even the first competitor cannot cope with this. It is clear after all that not one person is involved in the development of office applications of any type, but the brightest minds of our time. So it turns out that Microsoft Office stands head (if not two) higher than its competitors.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that any user, even if he does not thoroughly know all the capabilities of the Microsoft Office software product, can simply "dig" in the menu of any of the above programs and find something new for himself. As a last resort, you can use the built-in help system or read about the main features and functions on the Internet. Fortunately, this is not a problem now.
Every modern user cannot imagine a full-fledged work with a PC without the use of text editors, e-mail and other mundane things. Microsoft Office is a unique office suite that brings together the most essential programs. Using it, you will not need any additional applications for full-fledged communication via e-mail, working with text, etc. An extensive arsenal of tools and functions, as well as the ability to download Microsoft Office for free, have made this product one of the most popular among different users. The developers have created several versions of this software product, differing in the set of components, so that the complex can be used both at home and in the largest corporations.
Microsoft Office components
- Excel is an indispensable tool for working with spreadsheets. With this program you can create and edit spreadsheets, carry out complex calculations and structure large amounts of information of various types. The program works well with other products included in Office
- Word is a text editor with a wide range of tools and options that allows you to create text documents of all kinds, structures and types.
- PowerPoint is a simple application for creating striking multimedia slides and professional-grade presentations.
- Publisher is an Office component for typesetting printing that allows you to develop both the simplest materials and full-fledged brochures and banners.
- Visio is a diagramming and drawing environment with a set of tools that can satisfy the needs of both the professional, experienced user and the novice.
- InfoPath is a tool for working with XML, with which you can automate the system for collecting and processing information by creating your own data entry forms.
- Outlook is an email client that combines functions for working with emails, planning a daily routine, a browser, etc.
- OneNote is your virtual notebook where you can leave and store any kind of notes, from your own thoughts to your work schedule for the day, etc.
- Access is a system for creating, maintaining and editing databases.
In order to choose the edition of Microsoft Office that is optimal for your needs and download it to your device, read the detailed characteristics of each of them and check that the technical capabilities of your PC match the system requirements of the selected version.
The Microsoft Security division performs information protection and information security tasks for businesses, PC users, IT professionals and software developers. Monthly security updates
List of programs
Windows 10Microsoft operating system for personal computers is part of the Windows NT family of operating systems
Windows Security
Windows Security - Windows Defender 10 Security Center. Antivirus, Firewall, SmartScreen Web Protection, Parental Controls, and Tools to Manage Computer Performance
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is the standard system web browser for Windows 10. The browser is distinguished by high speed, good performance based on benchmarks, and compatibility with all modern web standards.
Windows Defender Browser Protection
Windows Defender Browser Protection - Microsoft's anti-malware and phishing extension with support for Google Chrome and Chromium-based browsers
Microsoft Security Essentials
Free antivirus to protect your computer from viruses, internet worms, trojans, spyware and other malware
Windows 10 Insider Preview
Windows 10 preview builds for members of the Windows Insider program. How to become a Windows Insider and test new features
Windows 8.1
An operating system of the Windows NT family, based on Windows 8, with a number of graphical interface improvements that make it easy to use on stationary computers and laptops
Windows 7
Popular operating system Microsoft Windows for personal computers. Service Pack 1 includes security, performance and stability improvements
Microsoft Office Insider
New preview version of Microsoft Office 2016. Includes all new versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint optimized for Retina displays
Microsoft Software Repair Tool
Microsoft tool to fix critical Windows 10 Anniversary Update issues. Helps restore damaged system components and files, perform system recovery and update
Windows 10 Media Creation Tool
Microsoft's official Media Creation Tool lets you update your PC to the latest version of Windows 10, perform a clean install, download a Windows 10 ISO, and create installation media
Refresh Windows Tool
Microsoft's official tool, a program for a clean install of Windows 10. An additional way to reset your PC
Windows Defender Offline
Microsoft's tool will help you create an anti-virus boot disk or USB device to restore Windows system, detect and remove rootkits and other similar malware
Microsoft Safety Scanner
Free antivirus scanner on demand. Detects and removes viruses, spyware and other malware from your computer
Windows 10 Enterprise 1809 / LTSC 2019)
Windows 10 Enterprise is a special edition of Windows 10 designed for large enterprises and midsize organizations. LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) version is a specialized version with long-term support
Microsoft Teams
Business manager for communication and joint solution of corporate problems. Supports audio, video, and web conferencing, desktop sharing, file sending, and chat messaging
Microsoft OneDrive
The Microsoft OneDrive app (formerly SkyDrive) gives you convenient, simple control over the SkyDrive online service on your computer (PC or Mac), which lets you save and sync your files online. 7 GB online storage available for free
Microsoft OneDrive for Andoid
The Microsoft OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive) Android app lets you manage your online SkyDrive from your mobile device: smartphone or tablet. Access files and save photos and videos right from your phone
Microsoft Malware Prevention
A tool for preventing malware infection on your computer. A small utility scans your computer and makes recommendations for changing the security settings of Windows
Microsoft Fix it Portable
Microsoft's portable Fix it tool automatically fixes various Windows operating system problems and problems with programs, network connection, hardware, computer performance and other common cases
Microsoft System Center 2012 Endpoint Protection
Provides universal protection against malware endpoints: business computers, laptops and server operating systems
Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool scans computers for and removes some common malware such as Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom
Microsoft .NET Framework
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2 is an in-place, highly compatible update to the .NET Framework 4, 4.5, 4.5.1, 4.5.2, 4.6, 4.6.1, 4.6.2, 4.7, and 4.7.1
Microsoft Windows Defender
Windows Defender detects and removes known spyware and other unwanted software from your computer for a safer Internet experience
Microsoft Security Releases ISO Image
This DVD5 ISO image contains the Windows security updates available on Windows Update
Internet Explorer 11 for Windows 7
The final version of Microsoft's next generation web browser for Windows 7 and 2008 R2. Fast and secure web browser that meets modern Internet standards and includes a wide range of functions
Microsoft Silverlight
Software platform, alternative to Adobe Flash Player. They are a browser plug-in that allows you to run Internet applications containing animation, vector graphics, audio and video clips
